Thursday, June 30, 2011

A quote of the day, that has made my heart sing

"Some twenty years ago a friend gave me a book entitled TRUE PEACE. It had a old medieval message and this one primary thought - that God was waiting in the depths of my being to speak to me if I would only be still enough to hear His voice.
I assumed this would not be a difficult thing to do, so I tried to be still. No sooner had I begun to do so than complete pandemonium seemed to break loose. Suddenly I heard a thousand voice and sound from without and within, until I could hear nothing except these incredible noises. Some were my own words, my own questions, and even my own prayers, while others were temptations of the Enemy, and the voices of the world's turmoil.
In every direction I turned, I was pushed, pulled, and confronted with indescribable unrest and overwhelming noises. I seemed compelled to listen to some of them and to respond in some way. But God said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Then my mind was filled with worries over my responsibilities and plans for tomorrow, and God said again, 'Be still.'
This 'gentle whisper' became for me the voice of prayer, wisdom, and service. No longer did I need to work so hard to think, pray or trust, because the Holy Spirit's 'gentle whisper' was His answer to all my questions, and His life and strength for my soul and body. His voice became the essence of all knowledge, prayer and blessings, for it was the living God Himself as my life and my all.
this is precisely how our spirit drinks in the life of our risen Lord. And then we are enabled to face life's conflicts and responsibilities, like a flower that has absorbed the cool and refreshing drops of dew through the darkness of the night. Yet just as dew never falls on a stormy night, the dew of His grace never covers a restless soul. - A. B. Simpson" Streams in the Desert L.B. Cowman edited by James Reimann

Maybe some of us today need to be still and stop listening to the voices of the world like I have been challenged over the last few years. Maybe the Lord is impressing on the heart to really hear Him while refocusing. Or could it be that there are other vises that really are nothing more than lies that need to be released in order to be in the arms of true peace. All I know is that there have been many things taking place in my own life, that over the course of the last couple of years, I have been jotting the lessons down that have been stretching my own life. SO here you have since I began journeying on this electric wave called blogging my own stretching life lessons, what has come my way.

Have a Blessed day living in the moment of being still and hearing His still small voice. It can be very difficult but remember Abba, Father God will always be with you through the power of Jesus Christ and the guiding of the Holy Spirit even when it is misunderstood by the world at times but continue to Love and persevere.

Jeremiah 33:3

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Accurate Story Behind the Star Spangled Banner

awake

The tenderly soft rays send a kiss; "awake" softly echos in her head. It's time. Now it is time. Give freely what has been given to you. Be different. Remain true to me. Awake I desire to be with you. It's time to spend time together.

She meanders and saunters with eyes so drowsy it makes her enjoy the moment as the dreams become fuzzy. She silently awakes with the kiss of a soft ray of sunshine trying to peek it's way onto her slumber. The one eyes slits barely open to try and figure out where she momentarily is. Oh yeah, Home where it is safe, comfortable and a refuge. Even in the midst of upheaval.

The echo of the entry portal shows incredible acoustics for the voice and pitter patter of a vibrant two years energy bottled up over the dark hours that whisk by so quickly before the moment of unquestionable silence turns into an adventure of melodious orchestra unwritten.

The head rests. Reminisces at what used to be, now is and what may lay ahead and come into a focus. Ever changing, ever lived, ever anticipated with JOY! Another day is yet unwritten and the past soon left behind what gives today as a "PRESENT" to live in the presence or NOW.

She takes a deep sigh an knows she will forever continue to persevere to remain loving those around her; near and far. For T - I - M - E is limited and today she will capture her breath to live in a time that may just very well may be her last. Sigh, smile, regroup: Lessons learned, moments to grow from, and now it is time to give. GIVE LOVE at all cost regardless of the reception. Why? Because HE FIRST LOVED her when she really didn't deserve it but HE gave and keeps giving her love to pass on to others. Therefore, the example for her is to follow knowing the breath called life is very limited and soon she will be gone. Not everyone will receive, but keep giving He has revealed and told her. Keep Loving! Keep Loving!

It's a new day. Have a time to be BLESSED and enjoy what is TODAY.

Jeremiah 33:3 ;-)

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Bright Futures - Help Teachers and Students




Can you imagine?
God is so Good ALL the time even in the midst of tragedy; in the fact that people can come together and exercise their Faith by being doers in a mighty way. I have a new idea and vision.

I would ask that you would join me in prayer and that DREAM comes to fruition! Will you join me?

Saturday, June 25, 2011

13 years old!

Thirteen years of age and I have already done so much that will stick with me forever! I was a family group leader at camp this last week and I completely loved it! Getting to see 6th and 5th graders be so happy about nailing a memory verse. Or getting all of their devotion done before the bell rang.
On Monday night my dad came up to me and asked me if I would do camp fire! Totally freaking out after the words "sure" came out of my mouth!!! But he and God gave me the strength to get through it. After camp fire on Wednesday I can remember being very dizzy and not recalling everything that I said a few seconds before! But the support that I got made me feel like I did an amazing job!
Then during free rec on Wednesday Dallys came up to me and asked if I would baptiz her on Thursday. Of course I wouldn't say no. But, again I became nervous. Thankfully God gave me the strength to get through that even though I may have kinda dropped her:)
I truly believe that God wanted me to do all those things! It wasn't even my week of camp and he was sure enough laying things on my heart. God works in many powerful and different ways, so I have learned over the past couple weeks!
Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength!

~Faith Chara

Agreeing with Art

Ahhh to enjoy the moments of being with the family is the Best times of memories!
I will cherish them forever.
Never regret them and for that I will sing Praises to the King!
I Love my Family very very very much.
Thank you Lord for the family our family holds dear
in times of the scheme of it all;
I still agree with Art Williams,
"Life is but a flicker"
and it is,therefore I will cherish the flicker; really called the flame of my heart strings.

Friday, June 24, 2011

making a smile

The girls are growing so fast. They continue to make me smile during their walk. I miss the one's who are away at camp and the time with the talks, laughs and being quiet with home is so out of the ordinary.

Ten sweet hands and feet. Pitter patter quickly on. It is with joy that we are blessed beyond Measure. All to keep teaching me through the wonderful personalities of how awesome our God is to be so intentional with his design of creating us in His image yet the way we are unique created individually like no other individual. Their mannerisms and other DNA show amazing similarities to the connection of family. It brings a smile to my face. The other parts of them to be their own which makes them them: PRESH!!!

I miss the laughter lately but it will soon be here with tight and warm hugs! I love them so very much awaiting a sweet, sweet reunion.

Love - ya princesses!



Thursday, June 23, 2011

But a flicker

"Daggum, Life is but a flicker" A. Williams

That is so true. As time slips by it is realized how amazing it is that there is some incredible stretching moments in life that give appreciation. If it wasn't for the ominous moments as well as the reality check, that my heart is thankful daily for the lessons that keep being eye awaking. There is so much to be grateful for. It is with deep gratitude that freedom has bestowed upon me to make the best of every opportunity; when it is sweet and when it is bitter. I will praise and worship the only One there is to worship.

"It is never as difficult as it seems." A Williams

Again I agree. Growing up through life there has been many great moments, rough moments, and what seemed unbearable times, however recently it is showing me there is still such much left to give and keep giving through the perseverance and the climb.

Today is a new day. A fresh start. A New beginning. This is the day to live with him and move forward with appreciation for every lesson that life has to offer. So it's time to keep growing and giving like He gives to me daily. No matter what, I will press on and forward to walk in and cling to the one who never leaves me. Thank You Abba!

Jeremiah 33:3 has been getting me through so much over the past few years. So for that I will continue to cling and grow.

While I know that you are reading this; know that I am seriously praying for YOU TO BE BLESSED! Truly - I am because I DO CARE, STILL.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

What is a thought?

The casted vision to see when no one else sees
focus that becomes blurred
joys of the moment in the storm(s)
ability to strive when it is lonely
the blow that takes the breath completely out of you
release of walking when left lying abandoned

assumptions un-calculated
still an abounding love when crushed
love precedes, presence, and proceed
pick up the momentum
move forward

The thought of today's proverb:
"
questionable
quiet
quick release

resolve
restitution
remedy
peace indescribable
heavenly guiding
be still
persevere

The thought of today's Proverb:
"The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord;
he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
A fortune made by a lying tongue is fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.
The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
The wicked man craves evil;His neighbor gets no mercy from him.
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.
The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
A gift in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.
He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright.
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
He guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. The proud and arrogant man -"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride.
The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. All day long he cares for more, but the righteous give without sparing.
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable - how much more so when brought with evil intent!
A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to home will be destroyed forever.
A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord." 21:1-31


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Day of Rejoicing!

WOW!!!

Atlanta!!!

WOW, I met a few people that inspired me today - how to be different.
Something that really stood out to me is "we are not a victim of circumstance, we are a victim of Choice, Thank God for that.!!!!" Brian Mehmen

Thanks Coach Brain & Lynley, Tonight was great to be with you and the entire TDF! I'll never stop striving to be focused on the "Why" God Put me here and to achieve and push through the 2 %ers!


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

View to look for

A new view - love ultimately,
life is so fleeting.
The girls are sweet.
The family is dear.
The question is not about me -
it is about loving
one another, at all costs.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Psalm 113: 1-9 and I Thess. 5:15

"Praise the Lord.
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord.
Let the name of the Lord be praised,
both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the Lord is to be praised.

The Lord is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens
Who is like the Lord our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
Who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth.

He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes,
with the princes of their people.
He settles the barren woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.

PRAISE the Lord."



Today is a new day and a day to pray through His praises. A day to pray for loved ones, and a day to move forward. Today is a day to praise and to continue to LOVE my neighbor, Again a fresh new day to learn and apply deep lessons. Today's scripture is convicting as well as refreshing because He doesn't live or think like my sinful life - therefore there is hope!

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else" = todays' scripture verse

www.recover-from-grief.com/7-stages-of-grief.html




Friday, June 10, 2011

everything grows

Things lately that I've begun to appreciate in a shortened week has produced some deep growing pains; ones of the heart, ones that produce a different bloom. A blooming to desire or to develop fruit in and after the ache of those growing pains is finally going to be over soon.

You know, like the pains that hit a human being; the body has hurts from the ache deep in the joints. Aches that make one almost double over at the drop of a hat. I remember watching many athletes writhe in agony from the pains of muscles locking up from cramps so severe it brought their breath to almost stop. The mere thought of walking temporarily seemed impossible with those cramps. Or the joints hurting so much that in the midst of a deep sleep the only remedy was rubbing so hard in any particular area it makes one think that they might rub all their skin right off to the very bone attempting vigorously at getting relief from the hurt. That is what has been taking place here. Easy? - no way. Stretching? Incredibly so.

Much has taken place but this past week has been an Engettie for the soul. Time to reflect and to be "inked" with indelible lessons. A voice from the Congo. Let them come - a laughter that rumbles from children laughing. Unity in purpose - give and share the gospel. Testimonies amongst the flames. Voices revealing a hunger. Sorrow from the loss of a life for couple of friends and then shock of memories on a card gone. Practicality utilized unbenouced in through experiences in reality. Old relationships - unity. Others awed. Creativity. All of it = PRICELESS!

MLCC was a time to release bottled up things. A time to be quiet, a time to speak. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to admit with confession and a moment of truth. A moment to persevere and then to serve. WOW!

I loved the lessons that were brought on from Treysor (Congolese) Missionary/ Worship speaker. Leading by Kyle and Andrew. Worship from Tennessee with the Keith's. Late night reflections from and with brothers and sisters. But my ultimate time . . . to enjoy the moment of what is my present through the moment to serve the King of Kings - I AM!

My forever etched memory came when we left an evening early; The sweet child hugged profusely her new found friend in Jesus Christ. "I'll miss YOU! When can we meet up again?!!!" or "When can we get together at your home or ours?" or " Pleeeeeeeease . . . " However, the one that really caught my deepest attentions was after the multiple hugs good-bye, Cora replied, "Hey just watch Emily and Mrs. Klundt, I want to be with you when you leave. Please drive slow and WATCH." We proceeded to drive slow along the rock paved road to wonder what she was about to do. Then just before the gravel road began to curve towards the east; it dawned on me, she was sprinting at an incredible run ahead of us. It was like when a dog chases down a vehicle out in the country roads. Cora has sprinted to the end of the property line, just before the road becomes rather slim before turning into a one way land to MLCC. She began to wave. Emily began waving to. Then as we passed her, her radiant smile took control. She stood at the one lane area and then Alanna probably wondered what we were doing. As we slowly passed her (to delay the dust from blowing into her face, in their hair.) It was upon her. as we looked back, myself looking into the rear view mirror she stood in the middle of the road waving good-bye. I began to weep because she did her best to give the best when sending us safely on to travel home.

May the lord Bless YOU! Be forever "INKED" upon your heart that will never diminish, from harder lessons that are permanently etched with the Lord. So blessings to you until we meet again with a Whoop and a holler.
Good night.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

New news or not

The day goes by and the wonder of God is so strong. He is stretching me in incredible ways just based off of the way he works to teach. While sitting here where our family has come for twenty one seasons to reflect on the great Creator. Oh Like it has been said before, there is much fallibility found in me. It seems the more I try to get to know him, there is still so much to learn.

My oldest princess had written me a while ago and she asked me a personal question about why it is so hard to love on those around you with whom she is trying to look to Jesus Christ. I have been trying so hard to learn and it just seems to get harder yet there is still peace in the midst of the process. Oh it isn't always the smoothest road but I referred her to where to read that has been teaching me.

With this week in Kansas it is a huge step process that stretches me to continue on when there is still much more to keep learning and working through the applications. Today's' topic: wow . . . illustration to grow through is everywhere in my life right now. For that matter the teacher, the Missionary, the Guest Speaker have all hit Grand Slams and then it is pulling me through to know there is joy in all circumstances. Love, Service, Humility and then today - eye awakening.
Thank You to those who really do know me and continue to grow with me. Only through Christ can the walk become His. I still have a long way to travel and climb as He grabs my hand. For that I am thankful and look forward to seeing him face to face and until then I'll enjoy the ministry adventure with my lover and princesses and our family even now.

Thanks MLCC for showing me yet more lessons to learn and keep the journey going.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

My perfect Day

Recently, the question was proposed to me; "What would be your PERFECT DAY?" and then it was suggested to write it down in specific details from the moment you awake to the moment your head rest back down on the pillow when it is all completed and you fall back asleep.

So Now I pose the same question to YOU? What does it involve? With who? Where? When? How? Just some food for thought.

Have a great day.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I'll say it again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (which comes with true JOY) Philippians 4:4-ff

Thursday, June 2, 2011

two

Excitement comes in the small things and today it is from the Joy of being with Emily and Hadassah while they make me giggle, smile and laugh. Everyone else is gone. The day even while she is in her rare form of her two's. They are great to experience and very stretching for me; to calm the others who have never had to endure "two". Well she is after all acting her age. It just might be that I may be a little on the lax side keeping my chin up.

She is so full of spirit and Em is a bit on the ornery with her youngest sibling. However, their expression of love for one another brings a smile not only to my face but to my heart. For that I am thankful.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Excited about TN

Oh my goodness, we are awaiting guests from TN! I can hardly wait to see them. We have always enjoyed them. K,K and R Keith are soon to be arriving and our home is eager to have them. The sounds of TN, the joy of fellowship and to see their beauty in Jesus Christ is amazing. The Lord always allows joy in the midst of everything. For that I am grateful for the hope the lay in Christ as our refuge in all circumstances. I Love Family hugely and for those that are also added to our family through ministry.

So Only a few days left and we will have you soon at our doorstep. Thank you for always being here for us and allowing us to grow with you through life and ministry over the years.

Sincerely eager.

will I? I must because i still will LOVE

A brief excerpt from Chapter 10:
"This kingdom does not come by political machinations. This kingdom does not come by military might. It doesn't come by bullets or ballets, by elections or intrigues, by democracies or demagogueries. The kingdom of God comes quietly, almost secretly. Like seed growing, like bread rising. It comes like a long walk home. It comes in whispers and quiet conversations. It comes while people are sleeping. It comes in surprising ways and by unauthorized agents. It comes through the gradual transformation of hearts and minds one life at a time. The kingdom of God comes in a million different ways as people become fascinated with Jesus Christ, find his forgiveness, and learn to extend it to others." - bz


ARK: an incredible lesson for me to still learn daily. All the more to become less of me- a broken vessel of more stretching necessary.