At the Feet of Jesus

I must write and tell you what the Lord has done. This past month has been a month of ministry to and from the Lord. I am humbled in His Sight and in His Presence. 

A few weeks ago my aunt invited me to an intercessory prayer meeting. It takes place on Monday nights. It is a group of believers who gather from different churches to come together in the name of the Lord. The Lord is ministered to through songs, praises and prayers. It is a beautiful move of the Holy Spirit as folks come together to pray for one another. We pray for the local and state governments, the nation and for Israel. As the Spirit moves upon a person's heart other prayers are offered. I have always loved prayer and deep sea diving in regards to the things of the Lord.

As I have attended the Lord has been working within me, healing so many place in my spirit and in my heart. It has been humbling as the Lord pours out the fragrance of His love upon me.

Last night at the meeting, as I was praying, I began to think about the feet of Jesus. Three women from the bible came to mind that were found at the feet of Jesus. They were the adulteress who was to be stoned, the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears, and Mary, the sister to Martha.

All three women were found at His feet for different reasons. The adulteress, at His feet, found forgiveness. The woman who washed His feet with her tears and dried His feet with her hair offered unashamed worship. Mary broke tradition and offered seeming neglect of her duties so that she may not neglect her Lord.

Each woman had a different story but all were found at the same place...at the feet of Jesus. Forgiveness, worship with complete abandon, unbroken attention to His words. Wow. As those images and thoughts filled my mind I found myself longing to only be found at the feet of Jesus. The understanding of what that meant deepened for me greatly that night.

We really cannot let anything or anyone keep us from the feet of Jesus. I don't want to break fellowship with my Lord. His work, His message, His love, His mission...all are too important to be anywhere else.

I was broken and hurting from many years of many things that even I cannot give reference to. The memories of most have faded but somewhere along the way, the daggers of hurt and wounds inflicted remained. Jesus has been loving me through that this past month. I can truly say with sincerity that I do not want any of my yesterdays to hinder my tomorrows and my right nows. I lay it all down at the feet of Jesus.

I have returned refreshed and renewed. My burdens are being lifted as His love fills me. His call upon my life has been renewed by His grace and precious favor. I love you all. I look forward to sharing more with you about what the Lord is doing in my life.

How much of the Lord do you want? I pray that you, too, be found at the feet of Jesus.  

Returning to Our First Love and Becoming the Church Again

Revelation 2:4-5 (Jesus speaking)

"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent."

These words were written to the Church of Ephesus during John’s vision. When I read them a few nights ago during my devotion time the words seemed to resonate with me. I know that my love for the church, at least organized church, has grown very cold. I can remember when I was very zealous for the Lord and a time when I trusted the church body enough to bring others with me. That trust has been broken so many times by various organized institutions that now I am just tired. I am tired of trying to know how to fit in, how to integrate, how to converse, how to bond…simply tired. Should gathering together to learn about and worship the Creator and our Savior be so hard?

I love the Lord and I truly love His people, lost or saved. What I struggle to love is the gathering ritual that rarely ever extends beyond the doors of the church once you leave. I ponder the question almost daily as to why it has become this way. Maybe it is because church used to be an extension of connections and bonds already made or easily forged in years gone by. You weren’t trying to bond in only an hour or two once a week. Communities were smaller, with most folks growing up together in one place their whole life, attending the same church.

Now we have transplants, people who move into the area who no longer share a lifetime’s knowledge of their neighbors. They don’t have the memories, the same stories or the same friends. I have been a transplant several times over. I have seen the goodness in so many that I have gathered with over the years. I saw the evidence of Christ in their life and heard it in their words. I acknowledge that most of what I am writing about could be deemed as an innocent oversight by those who have long been settled in one place.

This is not about blame but about my trying to understand church today. I certainly don’t want interaction that is brought on by a sense of duty or obligation. What I seek is perhaps a thing of the past. When I sit and ponder it I feel mournful. My spirit mourns for the zeal and the innocent love I once had. I yearn for depth in my interactions. I like deep talks about the things of God and other philosophical things. I like to listen to other people’s stories and learn about their life.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

This scripture is often given in regards to the power of numbers in faith and prayer. A threefold cord is not three strands of rope dangling separately from one another. Those strands are woven together and that is what makes the cord stronger and able to withstand more.

Likewise, three people with no real connection may offer slightly better resistance to an enemy, but three people whose lives are woven together in interaction, shared faith and shared lives are going to be stronger than those with no connections. Those people woven together are going to be more acquainted with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They will know best how to defend one another against the enemy and they will care more about each other and take their task of praying for one another more seriously because they know each other and have developed that bond.

Slow down. Take time to have your life intertwined with others, so that you may draw strength from a strongly braided cord of fellowship and love. Don't allow your disappointments with others to keep you from your first love of Jesus. We can become the Church once again. We can break the ritual of gathering and, instead, fellowship one with another. Let us gather around our tables, call, write and pray for one another. Live on purpose. Fellowship on purpose.

When we gather at church, that should be an extension of what already exists the rest of the week. It is through that we may truly worship the Father in spirit and in truth. No longer will our minds be distracted and our hearts be drawn away from our First Love.

I want to return to my first love and am seeking the Lord daily. I am letting go of the hurt and disappointment so that my eyes may be on Jesus and my spiritual ears attentive to what His Spirit would say. I don’t want my focus to be on all this, but I must acknowledge it in order to move forward from it. I pray that you may move forward from it as well.

Does Anyone See Me?

Does anyone see me? I cannot look you in the eye because I live in the darkness of the shadows on the ground. My eyes cannot lift from their downward stare. Does anyone hear me? I cannot listen to you because the voices that rage inside me deafen me to your whisper. They tell me I am worthless, stupid and no good. I am cold and cannot feel the warmth of your embrace. The walls that are built around me are made of steel. You cannot get in and I cannot get out. I am trapped and I am lonely. I feel nothing, yet I hate. I hate you. I hate myself. I rage at you in anger and answer you in silence. You don't want to know me. What do you know about my pain? I am ugly. I have done many wrong things. I have hurt others and I have hurt myself. I am without hope.

I want to die. 

I'm going to kill myself. 

I have a gun.

As I put it to my temple hot tears stream down my face. A flood of mixed emotion overwhelms me. Loneliness, anger, hurt, fear and sadness all wash over me. Memories rush in of my miserable life, the people that have betrayed me, people I have hurt, those who forgot about me or never saw me at all, everyone who confirmed in me that I was no good. I won't even leave a note. Why bother? No one will even know I'm gone. I never mattered anyway. I close my eyes and begin to squeeze the trigger.

At that exact moment something happened. In my darkness I heard someone call my name. It was faint but distinct. I then heard four words repeated over and over. At first they were spoken softly but increased in volume with each turn spoken. "I want to live. I want to live. I want to live. I want to live. I want to live." Louder and louder until those very words were being screamed over and over. I realized it was I who was screaming as tears once again assaulted me. I wept bitterly and longingly. I wept with shame and remorse. I wept for the lost innocence of the child I once was. I wept for my misspent youth. I wept for the loneliness that consumed me and for alienating everyone and everything that I ever cared for. I heaved great gulping sobs as my misery was poured out. As the tears poured I heard my name spoken again by the same distinct voice. I felt a wave of peace overpower me and it seemed like a healing balm was being poured over me. This balm touched every piece of my bruised, broken, torn heart and crushed spirit. Slowly my sobs subsided and I sat basking in this flow of peace, warmth.....and love. I had never felt this kind of love before. It was all consuming and seemed to know me through and through and loved me anyway.

A third time I heard my name spoken. This time I looked upward. He said His name was Jesus and told me that He loved me. He shared with me God's word and how He died on a cross so long ago in order to make a way for me to have a relationship with God the Father. He explained that if I would believe in Him I would be saved. I would be restored to God and have a place in heaven. I was in awe.

Once again tears filled my eyes, but this time it was for the joy, peace and love that I had just been given so freely. I knelt down and I accepted this gift offered to me by Jesus. I asked Him to come into my heart and to live and reign in my life. I asked Him to forgive me for all the wrong I had done, for all the hate I had shown, toward myself and toward others. He answered my prayer. That night I was saved twice. Jesus saved me from myself and then saved me from the curse of sin. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so much.

Because I Cannot Go with You

Sometimes words are not enough to comfort the soul of someone you love. Sometimes the only one who can really hear what you are trying to say is Jesus. Despite the valiant efforts of ones who love you so much, despite wanting to offer you comfort that will ease your pain, despite all this sometimes you are alone. Not alone as in lonely but rather a necessary aloneness...an aloneness that alienates you from everyone while drawing you closer to Jesus. At the very core of your being where the most tender part of your heart resides and is also most fragile and pained, it is necessary to go there. However, you cannot go there with anyone on this earth. You can only make this journey with Jesus. Just as you reach the core of your deepest pain, fear and regret Jesus may stop and wait for you. Perhaps it is needed for you to go some of the journey completely alone, pick up your heart and feel it. Hold it in your hands, feel the tremors and embrace its sobs. Look at it, note the tears in its delicate flesh, and caress the bruises of wounds inflicted. Do not despise what you see. Rather, weep for the callous part where anger has tried to reside and weep for it may have felt forgotten. Does it feel cold? It is weak and seems to be barely beating. Jesus beckons you, "Bring your heart to Me.” Carry it to Him. Do not hope He can heal it, believe that He can. Then once you believe do not settle for believing He can heal it, know that He can. Become so persuaded in Him that it is not a matter of if or when but it simply is. Jesus is. Jesus really loves you. Jesus really loves you. Jesus really loves you. Do you love yourself? Hold out your arms, open your hands and let Jesus have your heart. Trust Him.


Isaiah 53:4-6 
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted.5 But was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Matthew 11:28-30 (Jesus speaking)

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Call out Jesus. Give Him your heart that you may be made new. Allow Him to minister to your deepest hurts, sorrow, hardness and pain. 

Romans 10:8-13

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Press in and Press on with Jesus

The story in Mark 5:21-42 truly speaks of two people who pressed in and pressed on. 

21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 

22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 

23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.”

24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jesus met Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, an important man by title. Jairus' daughter is sick to the point of death and he implores Jesus to heal her. Jesus went with him and a large crowd followed them and pressed in all around Him.

Now enters  an unnamed woman, without title or possibly any standing in the community. She had a health issue that had plagued her for twelve years. She was broke and still not well. However, when she heard Jesus was in town she sought him out. She did not call out to him. She did not approach him. She had heard enough about him that an introduction was not necessary. Words were not necessary. 

She was part of that crowd that thronged Him on His way to Jairus' house. Despite being part of the crowd she was different from the others. She was on a mission. She knew that if she could just get close enough to touch the hem of His garment she would be made well. So, with determination and possibly her last bit of strength, she pressed in and pressed in and pressed in. She kept pressing in until she touched Him. Perhaps it was just a fingerip that grazed the hem of His garment. Whatever the touch, it was enough that Jesus stopped and asked, "Who touched My clothes?" 

His disciples, despite seeing all His wondrous works and sitting under His teachings daily, were puzzled. They answer Him, "You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”  But Jesus knew that faith had drawn power from Him. Ignoring His disciples' question, He looked and saw the woman. She fell at His feet trembling and told Him her story, the truth of why she touched Him. With love and compassion He answered her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

Alas! The need that Jairus had  was distracted by the woman who touched Jesus. Now his daughter was dead. Take notice of the next thing Jesus did. He thinned the crowd down to Peter, James and John and continued to the house of the ruler. Jesus was not interested in  being a showman. His only concern was to meet the need. He only took those with whom He had a relationship with. Next, Jesus makes an incredible statement. 

39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” 

He then thins another crowd and puts the naysayers out. It is important to surround yourself only with people of faith. Dismiss the naysayers in your life, especially when you are asking the Lord to meet a need you may have. If you allow God, He will remove the scorners and mockers from your life.

40A And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.

Jesus only kept the father, mother, Peter, James and John with Him. The parents represented the ones with the need. Jairus sought Jesus for his need, therefore it is safe to say that he believed in Jesus and what He could do. Peter, James and John were part of His inner circle.

  41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.

In this story, it is not stated that Jairus objected to Jesus meeting the needs of the unnamed woman. He was not shown as anxious, impatient, jealous nor demanding, despite his status versus the status of the woman. Fear was never a factor, and when the chance for fear came, Jesus immediately dealt with it in Jairus. He told Jairus, "Do not be afraid." Don't believe the report of man when you are walking with the Son of God. Once again, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, especially when trusting Him to minister to our needs. 

This story in Mark is so beautiful. It shows that Jesus is no respecter of persons, male or female, status or none. He ministered to both. Jesus was not moved by the reports of the servants that spoke of death. He was not deterred nor anxious.

If we allow ourselves to be ruled by what we see or hear and by delays or setbacks, then we are not allowing Jesus complete control. We are not truly trusting in Him to the point of death. 

Are you part of the crowd following after Jesus or are you like the woman...in the crowd, but not of the crowd...pressing in. Does your faith allow you to reach Jesus and to hear Him say, "Your faith has made you well."?

Jairus could have told Jesus to go back upon hearing that his daughter was dead. He could have blamed the unnamed woman for robbing him of the chance to have his daughter healed.  He chose to believe. What do you choose?

When it seems your needs are being delayed or that the Master is distracted, remember His words to Jairus, "Do not be afraid; only believe." 

When you press in like the woman and press on like Jairus, it is then you will hear the Master speak and see Him work. 

Child Rape...Two Words We Like to Keep in the Dark

It is so easy to read the words of a story about something that happened somewhere else, to someone else, in some other town or country...anywhere but here. We digest the news desensitized to the real impact of what is going on all around us. We see the news portrayed in our favorite crime shows, giving us a fictional account of a very real issue. There are so many issues that plague humanity; poverty, lack of clean water, lack of medical needs, degradation of women and children, child soldiers, forced labor and human trafficking, just to name a few.

Child Rape. It's so much easier to call it human trafficking. Both often mean the same, but human trafficking almost sounds glossy compared to child rape. With the word trafficking we can keep our minds from being too specific, but what image is conjured in your mind by the phrase child rape?

Tonight as I sit here I contemplate this world around me. I stumbled upon a story about a doctor in Ghana who performed illegal abortions. While his patients lay on the table he proceeeds to rape them, one by one. That story takes me to the dark thoughts in my mind. It takes me to the imagined images of children who are being raped daily, multiple times a day. They are sold into the lifestyle of having to be someone's perverse pleasure. Don't misunderstand. I DO NOT want to think about what I know to be true as one of the darkest plagues to cover this earth. But, let me ask you, does my not thinking about it cause it to stop for even one child?

It may not be that my thinking about it can save one...or can it? If all I do is think, then, no, I have accomplished nothing. However, if I apply action to what I see, imagine, learn about and know....then we begin to see results. I do not have any formal training to combat child rape. I may not be trained in search and rescue, but I can pray. I can be informed. I can donate money to those who are trained. I can become trained. I can make people uncomfortable by pointing out that children are being raped everyday and every night. I can shine light into the darkness by talking about it, writing about it.

While we sleep, they are working. They are terrorized and terrified. They have no voice, no one to champion their cause. They are soundbytes in the media, a casual occurrence that happens anywhere but here.

They are disposable, like so many other toys and gadgets have become. Once they become damaged beyond use they are replaced. Does it bother you that as you are reading this a child is being raped? Does it make you angry? Sad? Frustrated? Does it cause you to FEEL anything??

Yes, it makes me feel all that and more. May I never stop feeling and may I start DOING more. You can start by praying. If you don't pray, then give some money to those who need support to continue to rescue and rehabilitate these children. Even if you do pray, give money if you can. If you don't pray and cannot give, then TALK about it. WRITE about it. TWEET IT. FACEBOOK IT. Keep dragging it into the LIGHT. Make PHONE CALLS to legislators to encourage them to require laws regarding human trafficking, child rape and forced labor. Host an event in your community that expounds on these issues. Help to educate others.

Exodus Cry is holding an Abolition Summit in August in Missouri. Why not go and get educated? Meet some of the people doing the hard yards. If not Exodus Cry then pick an event somewhere. Watch some documentaries on the issues. They are not always easy to watch, but they are necessary in order to understand.

You can click this link for other links related to the issue. It also includes information on the abolition summit.
Human Trafficking and Human Rights Resources

The point is.....DO SOMETHING. FEEL SOMETHING. Lives depend on what you choose to do. Your voice and your action MATTER.

Human Trafficking and Human Rights Resources

Although I am not yet on the frontlines of helping to fight the epidemic against humanity known as human trafficking, I do care deeply. I seek to become more educated, aware and pro-active in how my life can affect the lives of those who do not have a voice nor a choice. The following is a small list of organizations that are fighting tirelessly to help bring freedom to the oppressed. Please add your organization in the comments and any other resources you have to help those of us that wish to join the fight.

If you have any information related to trainings or conferences that are coming, PLEASE  add a link to those events.

**UPDATE** I have begun adding organizations that contribute to humanitarian issues, in addition to human trafficking.

I.C.E.

Three Avocados

LOVE 146

The Polaris Project

ECPAT USA

Hookers for Jesus

Rescue and Restore

International Justice Mission

Not For Sale

END IT Movement

Fair Trade USA

Free the Slaves

The A21 Campaign

Exodus Cry

Exodus Cry 2014 Abolition Summit

Nefarious Documentary

Spiritual Tumbleweeds

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
You look like a monkey,
And smell like one too.

Do you remember learning that little rhyme as children? I recently said it to my daughter, who is seven. She was not amused and got her feelings hurt. Never mind that she does not look like a monkey nor does she smell like one. Even the truth of knowing that did not seem to help her feel better. Of course, after a few minutes she went off to play and it all seemed to be forgotten. I wonder if it was forgotten and, if not, does the thought of it still make her sad.

Now, imagine if you could converse with a monkey and you said this poem to it. The monkey gets hurt and goes home to his father. Then imagine this is the exchange later between that monkey and it's father:

Monkey: Dad! My friend just made a poem about me. They said I looked like a money and smell like one too.
Dad: Well, are you a monkey?
Monkey: Yes.
Dad: Do you smell like a monkey?
Monkey: Yes
Dad: Then what is the problem? You have always been a monkey. You were created to be a monkey. It only stands to reason that you would also smell like a monkey.
Monkey: Oh! Okay. Thanks, Dad!


This morning I have been talking to the Lord, trying to clear the clutter from my mind. Some tears were shed as I cried out to the Lord in repentance for being who He created me to be. You may wonder what do I mean? Sometimes our best friends can have the best intentions. Sometimes we do the same. We offer advice and perspective that sometimes has labels attached to it. Sometimes these labels attach themselves to us. That was the case for me.

A few weeks ago one of my friends observed that I was like a tumbleweed. It was noted that tumbleweeds grow no roots. The meaning of that was in reference to my hesitation to be seated in one church and become a rooted member of that church. In a different conversation the observation was made that few Christians have 'staying power' in the church today. I have pondered these statements off and on for the past few weeks. I have even looked up what others had to say about spiritual tumbleweeds. Unfortunately, the information I found was very lacking in postive meaning.

In regards to staying power I would say that I view that phrase differently. For me, staying power is in relation to our relationship with Jesus. Through every circumstance, good or bad, do we stay in our faith, committed to Him and His word? Do we stay in faith in our prayers that have yet to be answered? Do we stay in faith believing against an unbelieving world? Does staying power relate to staying in a church simply for the sake of staying?

As far as being a spiritual tumbleweed, I have pondered that often. Is everyone made to be seated in one church and one church only? Are we to minister only to those within immediate arms reach? For me, I say no. I have not blown in and out of churches willy nilly. One of my favorite churches, when in my early twenties, split. Many times we have moved. Geography has played a role. I have children that I would like to raise in church, but not just any church. I want to be seated where the Lord says to sit, and if the Lord says to go, then I want to be obedient to that as well.

Here are a few descriptions about tumbleweeds listed by another blogger. All his words are in italics and quotation marks. I will post a link to his blog at the end.

-"When growing, a tumbleweed is firmly planted in the soil. But at the end of its growth season, it breaks loose, never to be planted again." His point with this one is that, "tumbleweed believers have not allowed their ROOTS to sink deep into the doctrines of truth."

In the life a of a tumbleweed it has reached the end of its growth season when it breaks loose. Often in churches, when a believer has reached a certain spiritual maturity the Lord often calls him or her out from whence they were grown. They are broken off to be sent to a new destination.

-"Tumbleweed believers spread their unwanted seeds at RANDOM. One of the reasons farmers hate tumbleweeds is because each tumbleweed has about 250,000 seeds. Imagine that. As a tumbleweed blows across the land, it scatters a quarter of a million seeds that potentially become tumbleweeds. And their seeds can grow in a wide range of temperatures. So all year long, farmers have to put up with this nuisance."

He likens the farmer to the church. I liken the farmer to the world. We, as tumbleweeds, are spreading seeds of the gospel of Christ. The world hates us and sees these seeds as a nuisance. They seem random, except when you liken the wind to the Holy Spirit being what determines the course of the tumbleweed and its seeds.

-"Tumbleweed believers blown by the wind are helpless to decide their own ROUTE. Tumbleweed believers can’t decide their own route. They’re in and out. This way, then that way."

The blogger references tumbleweed believers as those that are double-minded, tossed to and fro on the waves of an ocean.
Again, I liken the wind to the Holy Spirit. When we are completely at rest in the will of God, does it matter to where we are blown?

-"Tumbleweed believers begin to ROAM when confronted by a little pressure. Over the years I have seen people who refuse to deal with their sin. In fact, a lot of pastors are afraid to talk about sin from their pulpits. Why? Because people will pack up their marbles and leave. So pastors won’t talk about sin. My friend, pastors need to speak about backsliding and the devastating consequences of sin. Because these things will destroy you. But those who don’t want to hear the truth will get offended. And off they go like a tumbleweed."

I wholeheartedly agree with the author when he says pastors need to not be afraid to speak the truth. I do not agree that refusal to deal with your sin makes you a tumbleweed. He already stated that tumbleweeds reach the end of their growth season before they break away and become tumbleweeds. A believer unwilling to deal with his sin is not mature or nearly finished growing. Hence, he cannot be a tumbleweed, but rather, a child still requiring milk rather than the meat of God's word.

It has been a blessing to me to have fellowshipped in different churches throughout the years. I have been to Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Non-denominational, Pentecostal, Assemblies of God and Apostolic churches. The ones I have enjoyed the most are the ones where the Spirit of God is allowed to be present. That is not ruled by a denomination but by a willingness of the congregation to let the Lord lead and to follow His lead. Those are the moments when souls get saved, lives get changed, bodies get healed and brokenness is restored. Ahh, the sweet Presence of the Lord.

So, am I a spiritual tumbleweed? Yes, yes I am. I have never wanted to stay in one location forever simply because there were so many places the Lord could take me. If I root myself in one spot, then how would I be able to quickly be obedient to the Lord's call? I am not saying that I can never be a pemanent part of a church body, but really that is not what tops my list. I am happy to become a member when the Lord tells me I must. I am not opposed to growing roots, but again, unless the Lord plants me then it would only be in an effort to appease man. I admire those whom the Lord has called to one place and one place only. That works for them because they were created that way.

So, like the little monkey, I will be content to follow the advice of my Father. I will be content to be who He created me to be.

The world may hate me
for the seeds I sow
and the church
may not understand
the wind with which I blow
Nevertheless, I must go
Where my Father sends me.

To the North, South,
East and West,
I trust my Lord
that He knows best.
In His Presence
I find rest
Forever,
His tumbleweed.


Link to blog mentioned: Tumbleweed Believers by Steve Hill

Do You Belong to the First Church of the Zax?

Do you remember the Dr. Seuss story , 'The Zax'? This is how it reads:




(pictures from: Dr. Seuss Wiki)
(story from: Sanctuary and Serenity)

The Zax – Dr. Seuss

The day before today,
One day, making tracks
In the prairie of Prax,
Came a North-Going Zax
And a South-Going Zax.
And it happened that both of them came to a place
Where they bumped. There they stood.
Foot to foot. Face to face.


“Look here, now!” the North-Going Zax said, “I say!
You are blocking my path. You are right in my way.
I’m a North-Going Zax and I always go north.
Get out of my way, now, and let me go forth!”
“Who’s in whose way?” snapped the South-Going Zax.
“I always go south, making south-going tracks.
So you’re in MY way! And I ask you to move
And let me go south in my south-going groove.”
Then the North-Going Zax puffed his chest up with pride.
“I never,” he said, “take a step to one side.
And I’ll prove to you that I won’t change my ways
If I have to keep standing here fifty-nine days!”
“And I’ll prove to YOU,” yelled the South-Going Zax,
“That I can stand here in the prairie of Prax
For fifty-nine years! For I live by a rule
That I learned as a boy back in South-Going School.
Never budge! That’s my rule. Never budge in the least!
Not an inch to the west! Not an inch to the east!
I’ll stay here, not budging! I can and I will
If it makes you and me and the whole world stand still!”


Well…
Of course the world didn’t stand still. The world grew.
In a couple of years, the new highway came through
And they built it right over those two stubborn Zax
And left them there, standing un-budged in their tracks.

~~~~~~~

As I thought about this childhood story, I could not help but relate it to the church and Christians today. Sometimes this is how we approach God, unwilling to budge, determined to stay the course that WE planned, even if the whole world has to stand still. Of course, the world keeps on spinning, progress keeps on progressing and we keep on standing in one place, unwilling to move. As for God? Well, He is God and His direction, even though it may be the opposite of ours, is always worth the side-step or the complete one-eighty.

Oftentimes, this is how Christians approach each other. Eventually, along their spiritual journey they BUMP into another going the opposite direction, both unwavering and unwilling to side-step so that the journey may continue.

There we stand,
face-to-face,
nose-to-nose,
scowl upon scowl,
toes upon toes,
each wishing the other to move
or to even disappear,
neither giving an inch,
perhaps out of fear?

Ahh, but when we stop and look around,
and see that the world passed us by,
perhaps it is then,
we can let out a sigh,
and look to the East,
and look to the West,
discovering that yielding is
perhaps for the best.

With a humble heart
and contrite state of mind,
We take a deep breath
as we step out of our line.

With surprise we both notice,
that the earth did not end,
and even greater than that,
we made a new friend.

Though we may set our mind on one direction, never let us falter to follow after God's direction. When we choose God's way, we will never cease to be amazed and His provision is always more than enough.

Genesis 13:14-17 reads:

And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”

Abandon the life of a Zax and put on the life of Christ. Follow God so that your territory may be enlarged. Many blessings to you all.

Spiritual Odor- How Well Do You Smell?

I love the way Jesus used stories to illustrate His points and get His message across. I also love the imagery Paul used in 2 Corinthians when he spoke about our spiritual scent. He wrote:

2 Corinthians 2:14-17
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

God diffuses the fragrance of his knowledge in every place (v. 14)
We are to God the fragrance of Christ (v.15)
To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. (v.16)

I love this passage. I love knowing that my life, my relationship to God through Jesus Christ, has a spiritual odor. That is awesome! If we are true to the word of God, serving Him with sincerity of heart, with love and humility then we are guaranteed to smell. To some we will smell like DEATH. Our lives, though pointing to the Cross, will repel some because of their refusal to acknowledge God and His Son. Their rebellion and pride prohibit them from truly sensing the sweet smell of salvation that is made available to them through faith in Jesus. Their intellect, though a gift from God, operates often as a curse as they demand that faith in the Creator and His Son become logical, factually undisputed, proven with what man can see and understand with human reasoning. They refuse to yield, their intellect becoming a false god that they choose to serve.

Others smell death because of the bitterness in their hearts that they refuse to relinquish. Like a badge of honor, they wear their pain, their injustice, their grief and their offences. They live in fear and are so vigilant to not become a victim once more that they cannot or will not trust Jesus. Their healing and restoration seem too far out of reach. Though they may occasionally smell a hint of life giving aroma, they cling to their pain and their fear.

Then, there are those that our lives touch and our spiritual odor becomes a sweet smelling fragrance. Like moths to a flame, they are drawn to the light of Christ that is in us. Unlike moths, as they draw closer to His light they are transformed. When they reach out and begin to say yes to Jesus a trade begins. He gives them beauty for their ashes, healing for their pain, forgiveness for their sins, liberty and freedom for their bondage. He gives them courage and love...so much love. He clothes them in righteousness and becomes their Mediator with the Father. Though our salvation was bought with His blood and sacrifice, we are made sons and daughters to God the Father. We become joint heirs to the kingdom.

Romans 8:14-17 reads:
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

How beautiful that we become adopted into the Kingdom. How sad that some only smell death and reject all that the Father offers through Jesus.

So, the question is, "Do you smell?". Does your walk with Christ have any odor at all? If not, why not? Even in the natural realm we have a smell. It is not always pleasing and that is where we become thankful for deodorant. However, the bible does not speak of spiritual deodorant. It stands to reason that since we do not have spiritual deodorant, then we cannot always have a pleasant odor. If it seems we do, then are we somehow dishonoring God? Are we denying Christ in our lives if everyone is well-pleased with our scent?

Finally, if we are not leading some to death and others to life with our aroma, then what place has Jesus taken in our lives? If we confess Him with our lips, yet deny Him by our lives, then that may be the only way that we are without a scent. Choose Jesus. Choose to live and walk in the fullness of His power and grace. Do not deny Him. Let His light shine bright through you. Do not be concerned with how you smell. Be concerned if you don't. Do not be a people pleaser, for your good aroma may become a false scent that may lead more to hell and destruction than if you walked in obedience to the Lord without compromise.

Out from the Shadows...Called to Action!

I have renamed the blog. It was formerly, 'Hidden in the Shadows'. That name was given four years ago when I created the blog. I never posted anything until April of this year. I used to struggle with feeling invisible within the churches I attended. That is where the blog got it's name from. I no longer have that struggle and feel the blog, even it's name, should be current and relevant.

No longer do I feel hidden. I feel called out to action. That is why I can finally be honest and share my thoughts and observations and whatever else comes along. At the end of 2011 I felt the Lord impressed upon my spirit that 2012 would be a year of Grace. It was. He showed me much grace and taught me to really start to pay attention to my journey, rather than just passively live each day. Likewise, in 2013 I knew that was the year of Discipline. I lacked personal discipline and have for most of my life. At the end of 2013 I wondered what, if any, word the Lord would give for this new year. He did not disappoint. The word He gave me was ACTION!

I was so excited! I have had so many hopes and desires that were in my mind but not being lived out. I really took that word and began to run with it. Even if the action was pursuing the new Godly films that came out this year, I did it. I booked a ticket to an Abolition Summit that is scheduled in August. It is already paid for. My husband and I attended Acquire the Fire this year. I have been several times but it had been at least ten years since my last event. This was my husband's first event. We sponsored a child through Compassion International. All these things are ACTION! I love it!

We have been attending our current church for about six months. I have wanted to leave many times, but we love the people we have come to know. Also, the Lord seems to be requiring me to stay there for now. This is ACTION. I trust the Lord. I have no doubt I am being taught many things by obeying Him. I have begun writing about what I see and how I feel. Normally, I would write it in a personal journal and/or discuss it with a couple of close friends. However, the Lord has prompted me to share it publicly, despite the fact that not everyone can or will agree with every word written. That is ACTION.

I feel, in a small way, like a revolutionary. That is no credit to me. I believe that when we truly obey what the Lord would have us to do, we are going to be perceived many different ways. I am not responsible for how someone responds to my obedience. I am only to be obedient in love and with humility. I truly desire that my life be Salt and Light to those with whom it comes in contact with. Much love to you all.

Don't Stop Being Bold

I went to church tonight. The essence of the message was to not be afraid to be recognized as a Christian, to stand up for what is right. Don't blend in with our surroundings and deny that we know Jesus. As I sat there, taking notes, I was heavy in my heart and in my spirit. I was feeling like that during the morning service. I could feel the tears within me, as well as the few that made it to the surface and rolled quietly down my cheeks.

In recent weeks, I have been bold in sharing my observations with those who were interested enough to read about them, and I shared them in conversations with a few close friends. While I was not trying to rally support for a cause, I was interested to know how others felt and what they thought about the information that was presented. To be honest, what started out feeling like fresh, new fellowship has started to feel like a polite shunning. I sit in church and observe the interaction around me. From the beginning it has been a struggle to remain at church. However, I keep returning...mostly because I feel it is in obedience to the Lord. At first, I thought He was simply trying to teach me how to function within an organized church body, especially since I have never fully integrated into any church body in the past.

It seems the longer I stay, the more distanced from others I feel. It is strange, because I sometimes feel like a new friendship is growing or forming...but yet a distance remains. I find myself hesitating to share my apprehensions, yet feeling it necessary to continue the dialogue I have begun. At times it is a bit like having a one-sided conversation. In my mind, I imagine there are some who wish I would just be quiet, while there may be others who are intrigued enough to read, and still others who maybe can relate and have similar feelings. What most of them have in common is their silence.

Let me just be honest tonight. I feel very alone in the church. I have initiated conversations that are really not over, and I have gotten zero feedback past the virtual realm, unless I have asked for it. It was recommended that a private discussion should have been my first action, yet no follow up conversations have made their way to me. I yearn for true fellowship and would love to make it past Sunday morning pleasantries but I don't know how. I am truly socially awkward when it comes to small talk. However, if you were to engage me in a discussion or conversation that held any depth, then we could talk all day long.

I feel like no one wants to get to know me or they are afraid to. I feel different from most. I can understand that different can be scary or intimidating, but you might be surprised if you tried to get to know me. As I type this I feel like I may come across sounding pathetic and needy. That is far from my desire. Really, I just want to be honest and I wish others were more honest. I think that is the distance I feel between myself and others. It is their reluctance to be honest, to disagree...or even to agree. I don't understand the need to hide and sweep things under the rug within the church body. How can anything be effectively handled in the dark?

I didn't want to write anymore about the church. I do not want to sound bitter or disparaging because I truly am not. I am sad and sometimes hurt. At times I feel rejected and very alone. Tonight, as I listened to the message being presented, I heard these words spoken to my spirit, "Don't Stop Being Bold." I silently sighed within myself. This meant I had to share more of what I see and how it makes me feel. I had to continue being honest and opening myself up for whatever it may bring. I used to joke with a friend that I figured by the time I asked to be a member of the church, the church would be trying to get rid of me.

While I have no plan to become a member I can't help but wonder if the latter part of that joke isn't true to some degree. I am left to wonder because I do not get any communication that could confirm or deny these thoughts and feelings. Why is the church silent? If we cannot communicate with each other, then why do we gather? How can we be transparent in the world, showing love, if we cannot do that with one another? Do we really show love to each other? Do we communicate? Are we following the leading of the Holy Spirit or the dictates of man?

"Don't stop being bold." That is what the Holy Spirit said to me. So, I write and I share. I daresay you will know far more about me...my thoughts, ideas and observations...than I will ever know about you. That is how I, in this moment, am being bold. It would be simpler to leave or at least remain quiet. That is the problem. Too many are quiet. Church leaders call out for unity in the body. Really? We can't even talk about what separates us but we are expected to unite? We cannot talk about what hurts us but we are to unite in Christian love? How is that done exactly?

The phrase, "I'll pray for you", is not a fix-all phrase. What exactly will you be praying for? Will you be praying for me to be silent? Will you be praying that I bring this behind closed doors rather than being bold? We cannot pray each other's hurts away if we are not willing to hear one another. How can we bear one another's burden's if we don't know what the burdens are?

"Don't stop being bold." It is what I needed to hear because I was drowning in the silence. I think it is easier to survive in the world as a Christian, or to live in an area where persecution is real and deadly, than it is to try and be a Christian in the church today. The persecuted saints understand the message of the cross and understand the risks and sacrifices needed to further the gospel. They are hungry for God and desperate to tell those around them who Jesus is. They bear one another's burdens. They pray with one another. They are often dislocated from their homeland, beaten, mocked, imprisoned and killed, yet they persist. They often have nothing but, yet, are more rich in faith and action than we can ever hope to be.

As for surviving in the world...if we are true to our convictions, walk in love and show Christ by our lives, the world is often kinder than the local church who clings to their traditions as their one, true god. I do realize that there are many in the church hungry for the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow across their parched spirits. They long for God to stir up a new thing and to raise up a standard within them. I know those people exists. I am speaking to the ones who dare to defy the Lord by their obstinate refusal to be led and moved by the Holy Spirit. They cling to things fashioned by the hands and minds of men, rather than the things of God. They complicate what He has made simple. They pick and choose, keep and discard, as though stacking their spiritual deck with people deemed desirable and fitting for service.

It is wrong and the church body will eventually pay the price for its silence. Choosing to do nothing, to say nothing, is still choosing. Deuteronomy 30:15-20 states:

15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

Spiritual Hobo

Mark 2:1-12 (emphasis vv. 1-4)
2 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has 2power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Jesus is so amazingly awesome. The paralytic and his friends knew that. They were so convinced that they were determined to get in one way or another. I look around at the church today and just sigh. They just don't get it. Why not?! Oh, you can read many other blogs and articles written by people more educated than myself. Some have statistics to show the same thing. Church attendance is declining rapidly. Zeal for God's house is all but a memory. Personally, that really bothers me.

In my own sphere of interaction I have tried to rally the cry to action and it mostly falls on deaf ears and unwilling hearts. Oh, I have found one or two who share the same concerns and observe the same behaviors. I believe in and like to pursue the impossible. I know and am SO convinced that NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE with God. Why is that so hard to believe? People in the church may claim to know it but their actions (or lack of actions) deny that truth. It saddens me greatly. My husband and I have two young children who I hope to raise in the church, but is it safe to raise them in the church? How long before their convictions become watered down and impotent?

I find it easier to teach them to overcome the world through love and faith in Jesus than it is to have to UN-teach them what the church shows by example. I understand that we, as Christians, confuse the world with our watered down faith, lack of love, judgment and Do-As-I-Say-But-Not-As-I-Do lives that we live. I am NOT against the church. I would love to fellowship with other believers, loving and exhorting one another in the faith...but I do not want to play church. I do not believe that church should only minister inwardly to those who choose to attend. Cause-and-effect dictate that if we are truly a Christian who spends time with the Lord, in His presence and in His word, then we should be supernaturally transformed by His love and naturally becoming salt and Light to this world around us.

What that means is that our flesh should die daily simply by being in the Lord's word and presence. Crucifying our flesh should not be an act of our will but, rather, a natural result of time spent with the Lord.

I attend church that is filled with lovely people. I know many would pray for me if I have a need. I am not ranting against this church. My observations are from viewing many churches and people who profess Christ and that is where it ends. Perhaps it is a mixture of the word being choked out by the cares of this world, apathy, fear, or simply not knowing what to do or even fear of being ostracized for daring to try and do something, especially when that something has been given to them by the Lord.

I want fellowship, but I cannot integrate into a body that will not yield or pursue anything more than what they have been doing for decades. Again, it saddens me. I recently left Facebook because it was time. I felt liberated and free and alone. However, I do not mind being alone. It is necessary and I know beyond doubt that it is in obedience to the Lord. I no longer feel I have to prove anything. I don't have to 'rally the troops' to pursue anything. I know that if help is needed, then the Lord will choose from where that help comes.

I have been set free from Facebook, from needing affirmation and from needing to belong. I am okay being on the outside. It is not the place I try to be, however, I always seem to end up there naturally. To be honest, I don't fight that anymore. It no longer saddens me or makes me question what is wrong with me. I am where the Lord would have me. My obedience to Him is more important than anything the world or the church could offer. He has proven Himself beyond measure my whole life. That's why I just don't understand how the church can play dead and be content to isolate themselves from the world around them.

I feel like a spiritual hobo with my knapsack thrown over my shoulder, waiting to catch the next train that passes by.

Isaiah 6:8
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Why I Finally Left Facebook

I have recently done the unthinkable. I left Facebook. Why? How could I go through with it? For me, it has been an internal conflict for quite a while on whether to remain or to leave.

The interesting part to me is that I had recently received several friend requests from people in my church. The interaction was good and Facebook was becoming more than a place to play games. With all the new friends and interaction, why would I want to leave? I recently sent a letter to fourteen members of the church that were on my friends list. The letter addressed issues and questions I had. I had prayed about these things before being prompted by the Holy Spirit to address it in an open letter format. I was uncertain but I obeyed. What followed, for the most part, was beautiful fellowship of people giving me their sincere replies and points of view. The letter went back and forth in replies for several days. It came to a close naturally. I felt more bonded to some as a result of our exchanges. My concerns and questions were answered. While I may not agree with every view, I can appreciate them when shared from the heart.

I mention the open letter exchange because it seems to be an integral part in my decision to leave Facebook. It has been two days since I deleted my account. The date was April 22, 2014. Since then, I have pondered and reflected on that decision. What I have gained through the letter and the leaving is peace and healing. The healing I speak of is in relation to feeling I do not have to prove myself to anyone...or have anyone (like the church, for example) prove themselves to me. I have peace and calm within me, almost overwhelming me.

I also feel alone but in a necessary way. Facebook was a large distraction. It took from my family and my time overall. Some people can exercise great control in regards to their Facebook usage. That is fantastic. I, on the other hand, struggled with it. I don't want my life plastered in a virtual reality where friendships seem to exist but are seldom played out so richly in real life. I prefer the hard road of telephone calls, time spent together in a shared event or even just old-fashion emails.

That leads to my other point. Despite how wonderful the fellowship was (for me) in that open letter, it still created a secret society within the church that excluded others, though not intentionally. I could only send the letter to those with whom I had Facebook connections. I could not ask for a meeting in the church nor initiate one during service. The repercussions of those actions may not have been well received. Facebook makes friendships too convenient, almost lazy. Why send a message via Facebook when a telephone call is more succinct and leaves you to wonder less whether the message was received and also what the reply is.

I do not say any of this to offend anyone. I am expressing how Facebook makes ME feel and what I prefer to the virtual reality that it creates. Also, Facebook is demanding if a person is to truly reap any rewards from using its services. If you do not interact, engage others, post stuff, etc...then you get left behind, lost in the newsfeeds or worse, not listed at all when you do bother to post.

I hunger for genuine, authentic relationships. Facebook may add some polish to existing relationships, but it cannot be the foundation on which they are built and maintained. With all that said, it seems only natural that my time in the virtual reality of Facebook draws to a close. I have not left the planet. I haven't even left the internet. I only left Facebook.

KY House Bills- Religious Liberties- Please Support

Kentucky has two House Bills up for consideration that very few seem to know about. They are House Bills 426 and 435. They both relate to restoring religious liberties in our public schools. The following is the summary for each, taken from www.legiscan.com.

House Bill 426 Summary

Amend KRS 158.183 to permit students to voluntarily express religious viewpoints in school assignments free from discrimination and to organize prayer groups, religious clubs, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups; create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to require each board of education to adopt and implement a policy regarding voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints and to establish a limited public forum for student speakers at all school events at which a student is to publicly speak, including graduation; designate procedure for selection of student speakers; require subject of speech to be relevant to event; require district disclaimer indicating nonendorsement of the content of voluntary expressions by students.

House Bill 435 Summary

Amend KRS 158.183 to permit students to voluntarily express religious viewpoints in school assignments free from discrimination and organize prayer groups, religious clubs, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups and allow for expression of religious viewpoints through dress to the same extent as students are permitted to express viewpoints through nonreligious dress; create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to require each board of education to adopt and implement a policy regarding voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints and to establish a limited public forum for student speakers at all school events at which a student is to publicly speak, including graduation.

We need to let our support of these bills be known. Please call the Free Legislative Message Line: 1-800-372-7181 today. You can say something along the lines of: "Please support House Bills 426 and 435 to restore the religious liberties of students attending public schools...and copy my message to ALL State Representatives and ALL State Senators."

You can call Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. EST and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday. Husbands and wives are encouraged to call separately.

Ten Year Testimony- Part Two

Previously, in Part One: I told him if my previous prayer was a little bit colder (meaning more time had gone by) I would say no, but I did tell God whatever He had I would take it. Reluctantly I agreed. This friend went over and beyond his offer. He paid off my two bank notes and gave me both a credit card and a debit card for cash.

After receiving that phone call, I began the process of applying for a passport and researching airfare. I had never considered foreign travel as a reality. My friend, Leila, was not returning to Australia until August of that same year, 2004. I ended up booking my flight two weeks earlier than her scheduled return because the airfare was more affordable. My flight had to stop in New Zealand first, so that is where I decided to stay and wait for those two weeks. Again, I did not know anyone in that country.

Fast forward to August. It is time to leave and so I begin my journey of leaving home again, this time to the other side of the world. Once I arrived in New Zealand I took a taxi to the motel. I found a church through the yellow pages in the phone book. I had rang a few and ended up choosing one based on the conversations I had. Little did I know I had chosen to attend the largest church in Auckland.

I had to take a city bus from the motel to the church. That was interesting because I did not grow up using city bus transportation. I did make it to the service and afterwards went upstairs. They had a cafeteria on the upper level. As I sat there and ate my lunch I was approached by a lady. She had heard I was from the U.S. and decided to introduce herself. She told me her daughter was flying into Bowling Green, Kentucky that same weekend. It was for that reason that she approached me. Her name was Grace.

How beautiful that when I left my country to go to another where I did not know anyone, that the first thing the Lord gave me was Grace, literally and spiritually.

We spent the afternoon walking around until it was time for the night service. Afterwards, Grace made a generous offer. She offered to let me stay with her while I was in town. I declined and returned to my motel. A couple of days later we were chatting on the phone and again she offered me lodging. This time she sent her son to pick me up. Upon arrival, she gave me her room to sleep in and a key to her apartment and told me to make myself at home. She slept on the couch and worked everyday. During the evenings we would sit and share. Once again the Lord introduced me to someone with whom I had walked a similar life's journey.

Soon after I was heading to Australia, to meet up with Leila. She was a fantastic guide. She introduced me to her family and friends. We travelled the road in her little red Toyota Echo. If we saw any wildlife she would quickly whip her car off to the side of the road so I could capture the image. We chased sunsets, goanna lizards, emus, turtles and anything else that caught our eyes. It was hard to find any live kangaroos. Eventually, I started taking pictures of dead ones...roadkill roos, sheep and wild hogs.

The clouds looked different in Australia. I saw my first double rainbow in Australia. One time we had a quick hailstorm which, when it was over, made the road fill with instant, steamy fog. It was so neat to see.

So, how did Matthew and I meet? I used to be on Myspace back when it was popular and before Facebook. When I knew I was going to Australia I began looking up people that I could possibly become friends with. Matthew was one of those people. We exchanged emails and he told me if I ever made it to Victoria that he would show me around. This is a good place to offer some advice:

Be careful what you offer because someone may actually think you mean it.

Once I arrived in New Zealand I called Matthew and told him I wasn't far away. Only he can fill in his thoughts regarding that, so if you are curious, then just ask him.

Leila and I travelled a few weeks together. Matthew had a vacation coming up toward the end of September or the first part of October. I was suppposed to meet him and he was going to use that time to show me around. At the time, Leila's daughter, Julie, was dating a truck driver. We were visiting her in New South Wales. Somehow we determined I would just go to Victoria ahead of time but it was twelve hours away by car. Her boyfriend had a friend (also a truckdriver) who was taking a load to Victoria. He agreed to let me ride down with him, so I did.

I never once felt my safety was ever compromised. I did not feel that in Louisiana, New Zealand, with Leila nor with this man taking me on the road. Once we arrived in Victoria one of the young workers drove me an hour from Lara to Geelong, which is the town Matthew lived in. He made sure I got checked in at the motel and then I never saw him nor my driver again. I had door to door service in the safety of the hands of the Lord.

Once settled, I called Matthew to let him know I had arrived. After work, almost every evening, he would come around and we would chat. When I wanted to go to church he took me. He was not a Christian and had no real knowledge of who God was. However, he was kind and made sure that I had transportation in a city that I did not know. We went to a different church, closer to the city the second week. That church became home for me. Every Sunday the Lord would confirm through the message things that Matthew and I had talked about throughout the week. It only took three weeks for the Lord to draw Matthew to Him. He was saved on October 19th, 2004.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Ten Year Testimony- Part One

Upon meeting someone new, one of the first questions Matthew and I can be guaranteed to be asked is, "How did you two meet?" It is not a short and sweet answer and I often offer the warning of a lengthy reply when asked. Several of you may know the story but for the rest I offer it here to read at your leisure.



I have been a Christian for a long time and have had the privilege of ministering to many teens from the mid 90s to around 2002. After that I moved out of Green County to Barren County. I managed one of the local Subway shops and enjoyed it very much. However, in early 2004 the Lord began stirring my spirit. I did not understand what He was doing. I thought I needed to find another job. The more time that passed the more I felt like a big fish in a small pond. I decided to quit my job and find another one. Interestingly, I gave up being manager to become the assistant manager at another Subway. I was only there three days and I knew without a doubt I was not suppose to be there.



I quit after three days and eventually arrived to the conclusion that I needed to learn how to live by faith. I remembered my teens and wanted to set a true example of what it meant to live by faith. With that in mind and prayer as my guide I decided to leave home and go to Louisiana. I did not know anyone in the state but I knew of a good church there. I purposed that I would sleep in my Jeep and find work somehow.



I left with less than $200 to my name and two small bank notes still needing to be paid. I had little confirmations given to me that encouraged me to take the full plunge of leaving everything and everyone behind. I loaded my Jeep with blankets, pillows, snacks and other essentials and headed out on my way. It took me ten and a half hours to reach my destination. Upon arrival I decided to rent a very cheap motel to get a shower and one good sleep.



Once I was in my room the world suddenly got bigger all around me. I arrived on a Tuesday. The next morning I immediately went out to put in applications at Subway. That evening I went to church. The church was large and had multiple classes. I chose a class but when the pastor learned I was 30 and single he directed me to the Singles Class upstairs. My immediate thought was, "Great. A meat packing plant." Nonetheless I obliged.



The first person I met that night was, Leila, a lady from Australia. She was on her own faith journey in obedience to the Holy Spirit. We instantly clicked and decided to have lunch together the next day. Over lunch we discovered that we shared a very similar walk of life and it seemed we were kindred spirits. She had mentioned during our time at church that she would love to visit Kentucky and the southern states. I simply replied that if she decided to go I could call my family and they would be happy to host her stay. As it turned out, her actual host family that she was staying with had recently given her the news that they needed her room back. She was going to have to find a motel or alternate accommodation.



Let me point out here that the urgency I had to leave home met in equal time to when Leila was being asked to leave. I did not know that but the Lord did.



Somehow, during our lunch on the Thursday we agreed to travel together, in spite of my financial lack. We left Friday morning and never looked back. We travelled seven weeks together with the last three being spent with my family in Kentucky. She financed it all. If you want a tough lesson in having to receive help, try having to have all your meals, fuel and lodging paid for my someone else for this length of time. That was tough. I was a GIVER. I seldom relied on anyone. However, during our time of travel I was offered some sage advice. "If you can't receive the little things from God, how are you going to be able to receive the big things?" It made sense but I did not like it.



While travelling, Leila would say, "Why don't you come to Australia and see what God has for you there?" I would reply, "If God makes a way then I'll go."



Once we were back in Kentucky I prayed one Saturday. My prayer went something like this: "Lord, everyone says you are trying to teach me how to receive. I don't like this lesson and I want it over, so whatever You got, I'll take it." Short, sweet and to the point. Later that night my phone rang. The person was a friend that I had a rocky friendship with. To sum it up, he told me he wanted to finance my trip to Australia. He said if I paid him back then great, and if not he would chalk it up to his stupidity. He asked for my answer.



I told him if my previous prayer was a little bit colder (meaning more time had gone by) I would say no, but I did tell God whatever He had I would take it. Reluctantly I agreed. This friend went over and beyond his offer. He paid off my two bank notes and gave me both a credit card and a debit card for cash.



So let's RECAP: On April 7th, a Tuesday, I left home. On Wednesday I met Leila. On the Thursday we had lunch and on Friday we began travelling. Seven weeks later I am funded for international travel. That is how it all began.



TO BE CONTINUED...

Untitled

Children are sold daily to the highest bidder. They are abducted, kidnapped, raped, beaten...'broken in' for their new life of servicing men for their perverse pleasure. It is an ugly, despicable topic. There really isn't a good time to talk about it. It is an epidemic that seems without hope of being conquered. It happens everywhere...not everywhere but here. No, it happens everywhere.

As educated as we need to be about drugs and alcohol we need to be educated about human trafficking. It is real and it exists simply because there is a demand for it. It is a sordid but profitable business for the trafficker. Not only do we need to be educated in order to protect our children but we also need to be educated in how to recognize a person or child who may be a victim. We need to be looking out for each other.

You may not feel that it is your place to look out for someone else...until that someone else becomes your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, or child of a friend. Do we really need to wait until it becomes personal before we educate ourselves? Most of the learning can take place from home and online. Talk to people who work in the rescue and recovery of trafficked victims. Host a speaker at your church or other organization.

Educate your children. When it is age appropriate, introduce them to documentaries, survivor stories and other information that can only help to empower them. If we keep this topic in the dark it will only grow and flourish.

Don't look away simply because you don't want to think that kind of evil can exist. It exist with or without your believing. It just becomes more powerful when we, who know to do good, do nothing.

Finally, sex trafficking is not the only form of trafficking but, to me, it is the most heinous assault against its victims.