Missions for Him: 2011

Thursday, December 29, 2011

growing in understanding

As the year comes to a close, I wanted to summarize what He has been teaching me and revealing to me.
I am amazed when I see that people I do not know read my blog, it is humbling. thank you for taking time out of your day, your life, to read my thoughts.

My last post was in Oct. At that time, I had been given an offer by someone to send the money for the TEFL online course. That did not happen, and that is OK, because I want to follow the Lord. I have made a few calls/emails with the Missions dept at the church I am now attending in ID. For some reason, the person leading that dept. either does not understand what I am trying to communicate, or is simply not interested in letting me know the steps required to have the church as a body, support the mission trip to Guatemala by prayer and/or finances. I get no where when contacting him. So, I take this as a 'closed door' for now.
In the meantime, the Lord has given me a job to pay my bills (and I am so thankful for this) plus I have continued to volunteer at the church in various capacities. I am very blessed by this and by the people I meet. I continue to attend weekly bible studies and have been asked to 'apprentice' as a ladies bible study leader. The Lord has been showing me that He can use me here, and that there is a great need right here. That I have moved many times in my life, never allowing my 'roots' to grow very deep, but now is the time to settle into a home that is mine and allow the roots of my faith to grow in one place.

As I mentioned in my previous blog(s), the Lord has been prodding me to 'go deeper' in my faith. To 'study' His word, not merely just read it. To 'eat' His word as my daily spiritual food. That my spirit (& yours) needs to be fed, just as our human bodies require physical food to remain healthy & strong, so our Spirit requires 'spiritual food' to remain healthy & strong.
Although I have 'realized' that I have a spirit that lives in this body, I never really 'got it' that I AM a SPIRITUAL BEING, living in a flesh body, (the house for my spirit). I use to think of "being a flesh body with a spirit in me". Do you see the difference?? It is HUGE.
With the new understanding, of being a spirit living in a physical body, in a physical world, gives EVERYTHING a totally new perspective. The REAL world is SPIRIT just as God is Spirit, the physical world we live in will pass away, but His word will not, He will not, nor will our spirits. We will either live WITH God, or AWAY from God for eternity. It is each persons choice where they spend their eternity. The Lord God has given each of us a free will to choose life with Him or eternal suffering.
What is amazing to me is that the deception and blindness from the evil one. He leads people into darkness, and they do not even realize it.
God is love. He does not 'love' but IS love. He can not sin. The 10 commandments are not rules to obey so He will love us, but rather they are His attributes, they describe who He is & who He is not. We are to be like Him, He does not sin, therefore, we are not to sin. But as Humans, in a flesh body, being born of Adam/Eve, we are born into sin behaviors. That is why God sent Jesus to die on the cross for each of us. Jesus took my sin, ALL of it, upon Himself, He took my punishment. God is Holy, He cannot be around sin, so Jesus BECAME sin, and gave me His righteous robe that I may enter the kingdom of God and be in His presence when I leave this physical world. In order to exchange my sin, for Jesus' righteousness, 'all I had to do' was ACCEPT JESUS as the Son of the living God. (my God is not man made, nor is he a dead man, or a plant/tree etc, God MADE the trees/etc) Jesus came to earth from Heaven with the purpose of saving those that would accept Him, becoming their punishment, He died a painful brutal death, FOR ME, so I would not have to go through it myself. (I could not have) He died, then rose from the dead, just as the Prophets foretold in the Old Testament, After appearing to the disciples & others, He then went to Heaven and sits at the right hand of God. waiting for the 'day & time' appointed by God to return to this earth, and gather His followers.
The kingdom of God has a great army that will one day appear and ALL will see Him & the His army.

Until that great & terrible day comes, I will serve the Lord God, I will seek Him and His will for my life.
It is exciting to participate as He works through me.

I pray each of you has a blessed and prosperous new year.

In Him;
Kim

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Discipline

I thank the Lord that He convicts me, that He gives me the desire to seek Him completely.
Praise God He does not 'settle' for less than what is BEST for each of us.

He has been teaching me be disciplined. That I can choose discipline, I do not have to be moved like a wave, back and forth and where ever the wind blows. Discipline myself, the Lord gives me a sound mind. The Lord lives inside me, He wants me to live a life from the inside out. Not from the outside... the flesh.
Lately I have felt 'torn' between wanting my own little home here in the states, and serving from 'home' in the states. But the longing for serving the orphans does not go away. Finally this morning, I prayed (again) about the course in 'teaching English as a Second Language' to the kids in Guatemala, or where ever the Lord sends me. I admitted to God, I don't have the money, and I didn't believe He wanted me to charge it and be in debt to serve Him.
Within two hours of this prayer, a friend, (a man I have had conversation with on the phone and through email and facebook, but have not met in person) offered to send the money needed for the course. PRAISE GOD!!!! Isn't God just amazingly Awesome... thank you God for providing this course. This clarifies so much for me. I've had other little things come my way, such as a gift 'a mothers promises' from my own daughter who tearfully gave it to me since I am going to be as a mother to so many other children. The Lord has blessed me with young woman that I love, and admire, as my daughter. I thank Him also for her salvation, friendship and yes, even correction at times.. as steel sharpens steel so a believer helps (encourages) another.

I sought the council of a dear brother in the Lord who is mature and wise in the Lord. He suggested I continue along the path that the Lord has given me a desire for. To be busy about His work, be steadfast, and PRAY continually. (thank you Dennis)

The Lord says to seek Him diligently and we will find Him.
Deu 4:29 NKJV - "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find [Him] if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Jer 29:13 NKJV - And you will seek Me and find [Me], when you search for Me with all your heart
The discipline I desire, require and need is to put the Lord FIRST daily. Not to give him the left over time in my life, the left over thoughts, or only when I need Him. But, rather, to seek Him first.
Mat 6:33 NKJV - "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
To DIG DEEPER into His word. His word truly is LIVING.. just as He is living.. .He is the Word.
To not just read His word (the bible) but to actually study it. yeah I know the word 'study' just has a negative effect doesn't it? So, I think it is fair to say, to digest each part that is being read, each word, in context of the time, how does it apply TO ME, to MY LIFE?? What am I having a difficult time understanding??
the website www.blueletterbible.com has some terrific commentaries that you can read or it will actually read to you! Isnt that cool??? I think so. Anyway, when I need MORE information, I go to that website, and go to the commentaries and find the area I need explained more. It is an easy way to dig deeper for yourself.

The Lord has been dealing with me 'to finish' the work that was started within me. The work I my self have started, to complete tasks....
imagine getting in the boat on one side of the lake... you are crossing over to the other side.... you do not just ... boom... pow... arrive at the other side. No, you must cross the lake, cross the middle, and everything in between the opposite shores. The crossing is the learning part, the becoming disciplined part, the hanging in there part, the 'your almost there' part.... until you ACHIEVE the destination of the other side. So don't become discouraged. stay the course, reach the other side. I have often in my life started projects, various things, even to loose weight, to exercise, to walk, what ever, promises to myself. Guess what??? I often have not completed the task, or achieved the goal I set for myself.
When it is up to me, watch out!! BUT, when it is up to God, it is possible. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD, according to His will. So that kind of goes with, watching the words we speak. (James 3) oh yes, we are accountable for ALL the words that come out of our mouths, the words we speak, they come from within us. So this also must be disciplined. in Proverbs.......even a fool appears wise until he speaks....
Pro 17:28 NKJV - Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; [When] he shuts his lips, [he is considered] perceptive.
Pro 17:28 ESV - Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
I will order the Teaching English as a Foreign Language next month, and begin the course online. I will share more info as I learn more about the program and as I progress through it.
Praise be to the one true living God.
For even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..
For the Lord is my comforter, my shield, my protection, my provider, He is my EVERYTHING. I praise His name for lifting out of the miry clay and making me a usable vessel to glorify His name.

Pe 3:18 ESV - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.Kim

Monday, October 10, 2011

realizing truth

It is morning, again, during the night I awoke, unable to sleep, and again, He revealed things to me that I have been praying about, to reveal what is hindering me in my walk with Him. Psa 63:6 NKJV - When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the [night] watches.The Lord is so good and faithful. During this time of awake, I realized, that not only was the Lord telling me not to physically return to my previous location, (As those in the wilderness wanted to return to Egypt after He had delivered them out of there), but that I also could not return to past BEHAVIORS and ways of thinking!! That this also would cause me to wonder in the 'mental' wilderness.. And honestly, what a person thinks, is the direction they will go. What a person thinks becomes their (personal) reality. What a person thinks, is what a person speaks, AND they BELIEVE what they are saying whether it is indeed a truth or not.
Our minds are powerful, and the Lord tells me in His Word,
2Ti 1:7 NKJV - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind
We have the ability to CHOOSE not to think negative thoughts, bad thoughts, mean thoughts, but rather positive loving thoughts.
Phl 4:8 NKJV - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
Don't have stinkin thinkin!

The fruit of the Spirit is not negative thinking which leads to bad behavior.
Gal 5:19 NKJV - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
Gal 5:20 NKJV - idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 NKJV - envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told [you] in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
HEAVY! How many of us fit into those catagories??? Praise God, Jesus delivers each of us from it!

Gal 5:22 NKJV - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 NKJV - gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Eph 5:9 NKJV - (for the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
Without realizing what my behaviors were, I was ever so slowly sliding backwards in my thinking. The devil is sneaky, he is not bold to confront, but rather goes around seeing whom he can deceive..
1Pe 5:8 NKJV - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
If we 'think' about something that is not pure, it opens the gate ever so slightly, just enough for the devil to get his fat toe in so the gate will not shut, then if the thoughts continue, the toe becomes a foot, and then a knee, a leg, see, the devil will entice, (in our thoughts) and if we give into the enticement, (act on the thoughts...they give birth to sin).
Jam 1:15 NKJV - Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
(the thief is the devil) Jesus did not come to condemn people but rather to give life eternal with the Father.
Jhn 10:10 NKJV - "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly.
1Jo 5:12 NKJV - He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life
Jhn 3:17 NKJV - "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
(the person that believes in Jesus)
Jhn 3:18 NKJV - "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Jhn 3:19 NKJV - "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Jhn 3:20 NKJV - "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
Jhn 3:21 NKJV - "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."
Jesus said:Luk 11:23 NKJV - "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
Luk 9:50 YLT - and Jesus said unto him, `Forbid not, for he who is not against us, is for us.'
So, there is no in between with Jesus. I am either WITH Him or Against Him. It is my choice. Salvation through Him, or not. He gives the gift of life eternal with Him, if I reject the free gift of life with Him, then I will have eternal life WITHOUT Him...

that He is faithful to keep His promises now just as He did in times past.
I do not want to return to the bondage's that held me previously, I want to walk in the Freedom of His truth, of His Word, the Word of LIFE.

Eph 1:2 NKJV - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
in Him;
Kim

Sunday, October 9, 2011

another lesson in trust

A psalm to the Lord:
Psa 143:8 NKJV - Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Lately I've been feeling 'empty' and I just could not put my finger on 'why'. I have been reading, praying, attending church, but still just 'felt' out of sorts. More emotional, tears would flow and I really wasn't aware of the reason(s) why. I have prayed, inquired and waited. I have been waking up every night unable to return to sleep. Sometimes I would get up and read my bible, other times, get out of bed and pray, still sometimes I would just toss and turn.. and then over sleep in the morning and feel tired most of the day. 'What is going on?' FINALLY last night I prayed for God to reveal to me what is hindering me.

This morning at church, I had an epiphany! As if I was standing in a dark room and suddenly the light turned on! PRAISE GOD.
Let me share:

As I have previously mentioned, I know that the Lord lead me here, to Post Falls, ID. He has blessed me in small ways, and big ways. I have a home to live in, food, clothing, a warm bed, a wonderful church with new friends in Christ. A bible study, I am healthy, the migraines are not as frequent. I am blessed.
BUT, I'm not working yet, and even though I had not admitted it or realized it, I have been worried about my bills being paid, about having money to pay them. Jobs are much harder to obtain these days, and yes, I am almost 50 years old, and that in itself is playing havoc with me. I begin to think of the life I lived (looking backwards) and feeling a sense of loss, of regret that I didn't do other things in my life, that I made mistakes I wish I could change, realizing that I am 'older' and lets admit it, less attractive due to aging, and weight gain. (a thickening of the body) Yes, I would say I have been in a funk and yet, didn't realize it. This is the first time I am 'admitting' it to myself, and others.
I have felt whiny! Not to people, but to God. I have wept, I have felt lonely. Wondering, will I have a husband?? What am I going to do? do I go to Guatemala and live and serve the children there? Oh God, how 'I want' a home of my own. Then the thoughts, 'well you aren't very skilled to earn enough money to buy a home' (yes, I know its satan, but I allowed the negative thoughts in).

So~ with ALL that being said:
As I watch Joyce Meyer M-F she talks about 'self talk', the battlefield of the mind, negative thinking is stinking thinking.. LOL.. love that one.
As I read daily, I am reminded of my words that I speak. How powerful they are to me, and to others. That the Lord 'spoke' into existence the earth and all that is in it. I've been learning to zip my lip, to turn to God in prayer for others. He can guide them, they do not need me telling them what and how to do things. haha, unless of course I am asked, then I will share. But really, my lesson is to take it to the Lord.
I thought I was taking all my thoughts and feelings to the Lord in prayer, maybe I wasn't really laying it all down at His feet, allowing Him to deal with my issues. I know I wasn't all the time, because I again thought,
"I'll just return to NC, to my home, to my friends, to my home church" (last time I decided that, the Lord immediately showed me through scripture it was not His will for me to return to NC and if I did, I would not be under His covering). Hemm, wonder what I thought had changed, nothing, except my rebellious heart.

Again, I have been have a private pity party, feeling lost, lonely, and worried about my bills. Feeling 'homeless' since I am staying at a friends home right now, (I have to remind myself that Jesus did not own His own home, but traveled as He preached the gospel. He is my example on being humble)
Anyway~ I was in the midst of pity party this week, feeling depressed. (why? when I am SAVED from eternal torture away from Gods presence) How I let this world get to me.
So~ this morning in Church, the Pastor was talking about the faith of Abram, God told Abram in Genesis 12:1 "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." (Abram was 75 years old at this time, imagine moving away from everyone and everything you knew, and people thought you were CRAZY for doing it)
Verse 4, "So Abram went, as the Lord had told him." He went, not knowing where the Lord would lead him.
OK< so now lets go to Moses.
He led the people out of Egypt. It was a 11 day journey to the promised land.
Deu 1:2 KJV - ([There are] eleven days' [journey] from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea.)
But as we know, it took them 40 years to get there. Because they complained, EVEN though they had their daily needs met, water, food from heaven, warmth, their clothes never wore out, they had all there needs met. Yet, they complained, 'we would have been better if we stayed in Egypt, in bondage.
So, without realizing it, I had the mentality of the Jews wondering in the desert! not being thankful for their deliverance and provision! How can God use me if I am unthankful, if I am not trusting Him to lead me according to His good and perfect will.

I praise our Father in Heaven that He does know ALL things and provides for my needs; Romans 8:27-32
Rom 8:27 NKJV - Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit [is], because He makes intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.
Rom 8:28 NKJV - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.
Rom 8:29 NKJV - For whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30 NKJV - Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Rom 8:31 NKJV - What then shall we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us?
Rom 8:32 NKJV - He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
The key is: ACCORDING TO HIS GOOD AND PERFECT WILL... not mine or yours.. His will.

Lord I pray in the sweet name of Jesus, that I would be pliable clay in your hands, to do with as you desire. Give me a willing heart to follow you. Thank you for the many, many blessings in my life and that of my family. AMEN

Grace to you and peace be mulitiplied;

Kim

Monday, October 3, 2011

A time of study

It is already the beginning of Oct. The past 12 months have flown by so quickly. If you would have asked me a year ago where I would be living, I doubt I would have replied: "Idaho". But the Lord plans our steps, it is up to each of us to seek Him, daily, and follow Him. Not looking to each other for direction, only looking to the Lord.

Each of us has an individual life, our own path. We should not be competing with each other, but be singled minded toward the Lord. Focused on Him and Him alone. Then, as others come into or cross our paths, our lives are blessed, enhanced and able to love and serve others.

I love the follow verses from the book of John. Jesus is telling Peter not to worry about what 'the other person' is doing, but follow Him.
Jhn 21:20 NKJV - Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?"
Jhn 21:21 NKJV - Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what [about] this man?"Jhn 21:22 NKJV - Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what [is that] to you? You follow Me."
At church, we are doing a 50 day study on Seven Spiritual Disciplines.
the following prayer is the basis of the seven spiritual disciplines.

Father,

Give me the faith of Abraham,

The humility of Moses,

The strength of Samson,

The wisdom of Solomon,

The Spirit of Elijah,

The heart of David,

And the love of Jesus.

Amen

We spend a week on each discipline. Doing a daily devotional, (as a church doing it all at the same time) then the Pastor teaches the following Sunday about the discipline. We have studied Abraham, and Moses. Now we are on Samson. In each study I see that they were men, just a human such as me. They had fear, doubt, questions, and yet, trusted God to be exactly who He says He is. To DO exactly what He says He will do. That God KEEPS HIS PROMISES, and that the very SAME promises are ours today, just as they were to these men years ago.

I believe that this falls in line with how the Lord has been pressing me to dig deeper into His Word. To not just read it, but dig deeper, study it, ask myself the following questions as I read each chapter:

What is your favorite verse? Why?
What is your least favorite verse? Why?
Is there a verse you do not understand? (if not, inquire for more information. www.blueletterbible.com is an excellent resource)
Think of a Title for the chapter you read. Why?
Write a summary of the chapter, how it applies/affects you personally.

By doing these things, I find I retain more information & have a better understanding of what the Lord is teaching me. Also; I have discovered, that I need to write, in long hand... letter by letter on a piece of paper or index card, Gods promises TO ME and READ them DAILY out loud!! I know it sounds weird, but I was told "you believe more of what you say than anything you 'hear' other people say"

and I do believe it... or why would I bother saying anything at all if I didn't believe I was telling the truth??? haha~ So READ OUT LOUD and HEAR yourself say the Words of the Lord and be blessed.

Gal 6:18 NKJV - Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen.

Kim

Sunday, September 18, 2011

quiet days of fall

The weather is cooling off as fall arrives in Idaho. Almost time to cover the bike up, but until it snows, I'll be riding. :)
Since my last blog, I have began volunteering at the church in the Benevolence ministry and in the elderly ministry where we visit the elderly in nursing homes. This ministry is just taking off and I am excited to be in the beginning of it. So that is pretty cool since I enjoy the elderly so much.
Not much in the way of work. It is amazing to me how many BOGUS scams are out there! Just a reminder at how each of us needs to use discernment and caution when putting any personal information out there on the Internet.
I have applied to many jobs, and am in prayer that the Lord will open the doors He would have me walk through.

My mind returns to Guatemala often and particularly to a couple of the children there. I received a phone call from one of the Mayan ladies that sells her hand made items at the park. She is inquiring when I will be returning. So far there are 4 other people that desire to return to Guatemala with me next year. No dates have been set yet.
The first priority is to become employed again, keep my bills current and paid off. Then, the plans for next year can begin.

The Lord has continued to teach me about 'my words'. When I was young I did not realize how powerful they were and that different words really did make a difference... youth! haha

I have been listening to Joyce Meyers and learning about 'everyday' living in the Lord. My life has been pretty quiet and I praise God. He is keeping me in my day to day bread. It is amazing how I can not own very much and be so content in Him.

1Ti 6:8 NKJV - And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content
Hbr 13:5 NKJV - [Let your] conduct [be] without covetousness; [be] content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
I love that the Lord will NEVER leave me nor forsake me!! What a comfort that is! People may leave relationships, marriages, and loved ones, but the Lord will not leave me. AMEN

I am looking for work, and as we all know, the economy is quite slow. But, I trust in God. ALL things are under His command. He is my Lord and Savior, In Him I will trust to provide the things I need, including the money to cover my bills. As many of you know, this is harder 'to do' than to say. But, the people of old trusted God, and so shall I. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Hbr 13:8 NKJV - Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Below are some "Trust" scriptures. It is good to read aloud and HEAR the word of the Lord. :)2Sa 22:31 NKJV - [As for] God, His way [is] perfect; The word of the LORD [is] proven; He [is] a shield to all who trust in Him. (AWESOME, HE IS MY SHIELD!)
Psa 18:2 NKJV - The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psa 37:3 NKJV - Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Psa 37:5 NKJV - Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring [it] to pass.
Psa 91:2 NKJV - I will say of the LORD, "[He is] my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
Psa 115:11 NKJV - You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He [is] their help and their shield.
Psa 118:8 NKJV - [It is] better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.
People will let you down, but NOT the Lord. We (me included) may not understand the Lords ways, but His ways are way beyond my comprehension, and yours too
BUT, the good news is this: He has given us HIS Word, the Bible, so we CAN know Him.. that is awesome that He loves us enough to give us information about Himself and provide a way to live forever with Him... :) yeah, now that brings a smile to my face!

God bless each of you as you seek Him in your daily life. May our Lord reveal His truth to you and give you peace and understanding.

In Him;
Kim

Sunday, September 4, 2011

The Words we speak

It's been a few days now since I returned to the states from Guatemala. I must admit, I continue to think of the little children and how they are joyful even without 'material' things. They eat up the love and attention from the people that visit them.

I continue to be in prayer about returning next year to teach at a couple of orphanages. Will you also be in prayer regarding sponsoring me as a f/t missionary in Guatemala? Any amount the Lord may lay on each individuals heart, is the right amount. This is His mission to care for His orphaned children.

I want to be His servant and tool to accomplish His purpose in my life and in the life of others.

In the meantime, I am researching TESL/TEFL (teaching English as a second language/foreign language). This is an online course for 60 hours of training, materials, etc, for $220- Then I would be equipped to teach in a foreign country with a Certificate honored in the other countries.

The reason to teach the children English is to give them a better opportunity to obtain and maintain employment when they are old enough to work. I plan to include Biblical principles as I teach them, so that they may learn of our Lord Jesus also.

The Lord has been teaching me about the WORDS that come out of my mouth. WORDS that I hear. They are life or they are death to me. They encourage and build up, or they discourage and tear down. I am to be very careful of the things in which I say. Once they leave my mouth, they can never be returned!!

It seems each day I hear and/or read scripture that has to do with SPEAKING the Word of God.

Words of different meanings:

Gen 24:52 NKJV - And it came to pass, when Abraham's servant heard their words, that he worshiped the LORD, [bowing himself] to the earth.
Gen 27:34 NKJV - When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, "Bless me--me also, O my father!"
Gen 37:8 NKJV - And his brothers said to him, "Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words
Gen 39:19 NKJV - So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, "Your servant did to me after this manner," that his anger was aroused.
Gen 42:20 NKJV - "And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die." And they did so.
Exd 19:7 NKJV - So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the LORD commanded him.
Exd 19:8 NKJV - Then all the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." So Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD.

these are just a few scriptures.. but NOTICE how our words affect ourselves and others!

Read ALOUD the promises of God, You will HEAR His promises. And I have recently learned that the words we speak, we believe MORE THAN words others say!! So, SAY OUT LOUD the Lords WORDS and be blessed.

I continue to seek work. I am trusting the Lord to lead me to the job He wants me to be at until I return to Guatemala. I have been volunteering at the church I attend, so am not idle in the meantime.

Again;

Thank you for your prayers, support and sponsorship toward serving the Lord in the Mission field of Guatemala.

Jesus speaking:

Mar 16:15 NLT - And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
Mar 16:16 NLT - Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.
Mar 16:17 NLT - These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.
Mar 16:18 NLT - They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed."
Mar 16:19 NLT - When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand.
Mar 16:20 NLT - And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

2Pe 3:18 NKJV - but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him [be] the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Kim

Monday, August 22, 2011

more pics from Guatemala

the red tomato- buses used for public transportation. Over crowded, this one had no tail lights or back left panel behind tire.

a home along a main road

a baby at the market with mother while she is selling her products

eggs for sale: they are not refridgerated in Guatemala

a man with his cart loaded with product. He is pulling this cart

business's in Antigua

Community wash for clothing in Antigua

Volcano. A constant changing portriat.

checking me out while I'm taking a picture

a quiet boy that spent time with me

he would look up at me & smile after putting them all together

he would put them away, and get them out again

the kitchen of an orphanage that has 10 special needs children

the babies room, 3 beds and 2 cribs, 1 large changing table on opposite wall

the older boys room, 3 beds

the gilrs clothes and toys. this is ALL they had. 4 girls share this room

the indoor play-yard. right side (about 16 x 16 ft)

indoor play yard, Left side (about 16 x 16 ft)

the roof of play yard. open but has razor wire at top. there is no out side yard for these kids so they make the most of the space they do have. This orphanage is in the city.

Since returning to NC I have thought of the children, the country and its people often. My question is this: what can I do to enrich the lives of these precious children that have so very little, yet smile and are so loving.

Please join me in prayer as I seek His will in answering this question.

I return to Idaho early Wednesday AM. It is amazing to me that this time is already over. I think once I am settled back into a routine, I will be able to reflect and blog some more about Guatemala.

and also what the Lord has been showing me since my return to NC.

THANK YOU to the prayer warriors out there that care for me and lift me and my family before the Lord on a regular basis. Your prayers are most welcome!

May His peace remain with you all the days of your life.

In Him,

Kim

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

first day back in the USA

I arrived without incident on the trip back to the USA. I was able to manuver the Guatemalan airport alone, inspection of my bags, at two different locations, plus filling out papers on my own. ha, God is indeed good! I managed just fine even with my very limited Spanish.
I think that this past week could 'only' have been improved upon is if I had known more Spanish so I could have communicated with the local people without interpretators. I would have loved to chat with them in their language.

I am considering returning f/t to teach English as a second language to the children at one or two orphanages. Please join me in asking God if this is His will for me. I am willing to go, how could I not be? The children and their caretakers live on so very little DAILY, yet they express joy, laughter and happiness. I imagine there is sadness in them as well, yet they do not express it.

Their toys are very simple things. Things our American children would probably not do or play with, but rather sit and complain that they are bored. The society is very different in Guatemala. People that I encountered were not rude, but friendly. They drive CRAZY there, ha, total confusion. But it is the law the driver (only) has to wear a seat belt. People, (even kids) can ride in the back of trucks, often buses are overcrowded.

Weird, but I was at peace while there, I felt safe, and also felt the presence of the Lord daily, even when I was so sick with the migraine. I KNEW He had a plan.

The church service I went to was in Spanish. They had translation ear-phones, so I used them. The person translating was excellent. I felt as though I was being ministered to personally, and that no-one else was there. ha, but I was in a room filled with people of various nationalities. It was AWESOME. They sang songs in Spanish, with the words up on a screen like we have, I couldn't identify the words, but recognized the tune! They played songs we sing here in the US. yes, I was very, very blessed to have had the opportunity to be in church there last Sunday. :)

There is SO MUCH that happened. It will take more blogs ~ but in the meantime:

I do not know any details about returning to Guatemala to teach the little children. This is a time to be still, pray and wait on the Lord to speak. As you join me in prayer about returning to guatemala, please also pray that He would be working out ALL the details even now that He be glorified through me in what ever it is He has for me to do for His kingdom, where ever He wants me to live that I would be a wiling vessel for Him to use.

Psa 143:1 NKJV - A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, Give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, [And] in Your righteousness.

Pro 8:17 NKJV - I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me
Jer 29:13 NKJV - And you will seek Me and find [Me], when you search for Me with all your heart.

Psa 46:10 NKJV - Be still, and know that I [am] God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

The following scripture stands out to me: It is a vision Daniel had, and an Angel of the Lord appeared to him:

Dan 10:11 NKJV - And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.
Dan 10:12 NKJV - Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.

Because the Word of God tells me that He hears my prayers (and yours too) that it is important to make our requests made known to Him.

Phl 4:6 NKJV - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Phl 4:7 NKJV - and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Phl 4:8 NKJV - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
Phl 4:9 NKJV - The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

in Him;

Kim

Saturday, August 13, 2011

pictures from Casa Barnebe' 8-13-11

the kids playing hockey. they received these hockey sticks two weeks ago from another mission team

this little boy checking me out taking his picture

watching others

this group of kids are 3-6 yrs old.

they enjoy their pictures taken

this little girl did my hair

the little girl standing watches out for the smaller ones in her house

looking through the leaves

this boy wanted his picture taken, but was very shy

waiting to go do crafts

this little one wanted his picture taken 'with mommy'... yes, they need individual attention and love

the 0-3 yr olds learning a song and dance. they really paid attention and listened. very cute

doing crafts

showing off the crafts they made

very sweet children

a little boy took this picture of the little girl

the ORI team preparing chicken to bbq.

They bbq'd 300 lbs of chicken today.

the chicken ready for grill

Jim preparing the charcoal for the grills. the grills are behind him. the charcoal is homemade by the locals

older childrens playground (6 and up)

the team from PA bought these shelves for the clinic in the pharmacy. Now they can purchase medicines for the shelves.

the boxes are the 'grills' that they put the homemade charcoal in. very cool way to cook them.

friends from my home church in Asheville, NC they are now f/t missinaries in Guatemala. It is good to see them again!

another sweet little girl. These children are so loving. pray for them and for their caretakers.

I will try to write more tomorrow. Amazing how quickly this week went by. I fly to Asheville, NC on Monday morning.

God bless each of you for your prayers while I am here.

lets see where to begin,
it is challenging to post daily since my laptop is not connecting and I must borrow this one.
Our days start by getting up around 6am, showering, (3 minute showers each) breakfast, then off to the orphanage or deliveries. back to hotel by 5pm, dinner around 6:30-7pm. then daily bible study and discussion.

My arrival was late monday night, up early tuesday, doing deliveries to 4 orphanages plus being at the one the rest of the team worked at on tuesday. I had a migraine since arriving, probably due to being over tired.

I went to bed early Tuesday, up early Wednesday. Off to the orphanage. (the pictures on previous post are from that day). We we returned to hotel that evening, I went to bed, no dinner, the migraine overcame me and it was to painful to eat or stay up. The next morning, I was quite ill and discouraged due to not being able 'to go' to the orphanage and work. I prayed to God, knowing He had a purpose even though I could not see it or understand it. I cried from pain, disappointment and just not feeling well. I could hear my daughters voice in my head, "ma, dont cry, it will only make it worse" so I stopped crying and continued to pray for relief and for Him to show me what I was suppose to learn from this, I knew He had a purpose.

So, I took my medicine, slept, ate and downloaded the pics to the blog. The staff at the hotel was so sweet and really catered to me, asking if I was OK, what could they do for me, as they worked all day long. (they do not stand around and chit chat during the day, but clean and prepare for the evening meal). So, I was in the way of a lady sweeping, so I got up so she could sweep the patio where i was sitting. I saw the lady that owns the hotel. I had previously met her, so I went and began a conversation with her. After talking a few minutes, I realized it was for the purpose of meeting her and talking that the Lord had held me back from the orphanage that day. She and her husband are also Christians, serving Him. She shared their testamony with me, and also that they do speaking engagements and marriage counselling. I am not sure how our meeting will serve Him, but she told me that she also had other plans that day, but ended up coming to the hotel when she had not planned it. I believe the Lord will use this connection with her and her husband in the future. I know that i was blessed talking with her, and that my migraine left me as I sat in her precense.

I was able to enjoy Gods beauty and worship Him all day. He refreshed me and filled me with His Holy presence.

Today we went to Antigua to shop. Many beautiful items. Many local people trying to earn money by selling the crafts they make. Some I think were purchased for resale, but many were handmade by the Mayan's that are here. It was a good day of fellowshipping with a couple from PA that are on the team. upon returning to the hotel, we had dinner, had show and tell of the items purchased and then a bible study.

Tomorrow we will return to the Casa Bernabe' to spend the day with the kids. Some of the full time missionaries here will bbq chicken and we will have a picnic with all the children at the orpahange. It will be a day of food and games.

I will get more pictures tomorrow and also download the pictures from today.

Sunday we will attend a local church and prepare for departure on monday.

I thank you all for your prayers and support.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention this: with some of the monies I purchased various items for the children, like notebooks , writing paper, pencils, erasers, hair ties, socks, two new pair of little shoes, 1 for boy, 1 for girl, baby wash rags, baby towel, baby powder, and various little items of this nature. it was 3 FULL bags of items. I sent these with the food deliveries on Wednesday because they were going to a smaller orphanage that had a greater need. There is cash left over, that will go toward medicines for the different orphanages. Medicines are difficult to come by, so I thought this would be a good use of the monies that you sent with me for them.

Please be in prayer asking our Lord if I am to return for a longer mission trip and/or return for full time mission work here. There is a great need for workers, but also for the senders.

May He continue to lead, and bless each of you according to His good and perfect will;

amen,

in Him,

Kim