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So I am pondering this concept, and forcing it to sink deep into my heart, mind, and spirit.  We have dual citizenship.  If we let it, it can have a powerful effect, and diminish so many fears in our lives.  Recognizing that we are currently in a temporary dwelling has the potential to make our daily tensions in this world dissolve.  Ephesians  2:6 says, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”  We have residency, a home, not only here on this sandy soil, but beyond heaven’s celestial gates as well. (Selah)

As I ponder this, I found this article by a Jew in Israel, Slovie Jungreis-Wolf.  The Hebrew culture has an incredible way of living, breathing, and appreciating this journey of life.  For them, it is not about the destination, but about the journey.  I find this a beautiful way to view our days here on earth and would encourage you to take a moment (a deep breath) and learn from their culture. The following are some exerts from the article “A Sukkah of Peace”…

 

 

“Bearing this faith we are now ready to enter the sukkah, dwelling under God’s protection. The Torah tells us that for one week we are to leave our permanent homes and live in a temporary residence. We eat in the sukkah, we talk in the sukkah, we read in the sukkah, and some people even sleep in the sukkah. As comfortable as we may feel inside its walls, we never really forget that this sukkah-dwelling is only temporary. Now we get it! Our world here is only a temporary residence.

Nothing lasts forever. We are simply visitors, just passing through.

 

 

Material security is left behind as we contemplate our spiritual security. The sukkah replaces our homes and we are struck with the thought that ‘all this’ is transient.

And all those things that we thought were so important? Those things we craved and thought we just can’t live without? The giant flat screen TV, the leather sofa for our den, the must-have sweater and shoes? Guess what? They are not important anymore.

Sitting in the sukkah under the stars, we realize that possessions and stuff do not bring peace. That life in this world is transient and we will never find serenity in that which is fleeting. We can understand that it’s living with purpose that will bring us a sense of lasting peace.

According to Jewish law, our sukkah must have at least three walls. It is as if God is wrapping his arm around you, welcoming you with His embrace. Come, step out of your home and all the anxiety that lies within. Never stop believing. Never give up hope. You are here for a reason. Think about your legacy, the purpose of your moments here on earth.

As we enter the sukkah, we offer a most beautiful prayer: “May it be your will, my God and God of my forefather’s, that You cause Your Presence to reside amongst us; that You spread over us the sukkah of Your peace…'”

 

 

Yes and amen to that prayer, Lord.  May your kingdom come and your will be done in Israel and the nations.  It is your presence that we desire.  It’s worth outweighs anything this world has to offer!

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Acts 16:25

I am currently reading through Acts.  Even though this isn’t the 1st time I’ve read the book, I find myself continually stunned at the apostles.

As I was reading in chapter 16 about Paul and Silas getting thrown in jail, I thought to myself here comes the part where they praise  God for persecution.  Sure enough I got to verse 25 were they belted out lyrics of love in the midst of jail cell.  It goes on to say that an earthquake hit, and the jail walls came down.  Is this some coincidence or could it be that the praise of their lips literally shook the earth?!

I let you draw your own conclusions.

Can we today 2,000 years later praise God through the storms, trials, and even persecutions of life?  We serve the same God as our brothers Paul and Silas did.  He is still worthy of a praise that shakes this world no matter what it throws our way.  He is greater still.   God has ^“ placed all things under his feet” according to Ephesians 1:22.

As we begin a new week, I encourage you my friends to approach the things that come your way with praise on your lips and victory in your heart.  For Christ who dwells within us has overcome the world!

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

I hope that this article only wets your appetite for the truth of God’s word.  If that is the case, read the rest of Acts 16, and discover the fruit of Paul and Silas’ night in jail.  Another suggestion, a word study on the word overcome.

Blessings!

On my way home from a retreat earlier today, I felt less than refreshed.  I found myself frustrated by my recent slip ups.  Normally I count myself as a fairly responsible, but within the last week I…

washed my cell phone  (perhaps this could be responsible just not practical?)

jumped of a rope swing emerging from the water with a crooked swollen ring finger

and over drafted my checking account not once but twice (a $70 fee)

So, as I sat in the back a friends car zooming past beautiful mountains and rivers, I felt a bit discouraged.   What is my problem?    I’ll be really honest and tell you that this is one of those it’d be nice to have a husband moments, and I thought for a minute about how nice it would be to have someone taking care of me.

Lord grant me favor in each of these costly situations I prayed.  I have recently been asking God to show me Himself and His love in a greater way.

Jesus really does care take I.

Once I got back to Redding, I took my stubborn self to the doctor nearly a week after the initial injury.  I surrendered my fears of the  medical bill, only to find that they didn’t even charge me a co-pay.  My finger isn’t broken,  no x-rays, or painful pulling.  It is just a torn ligament.  Come to find out the doctor likes YWAM, and was interested in what I do.  And I was in and out of the clinic within an hour without even making an appointment.

Jesus really does care take II.

I called the bank and they removed the overdraft charges from my account.  He is my husband and He does cover the bills.

Jesus really does care take III.

Somewhere along the way, I remembered a charge on the phone bill for insurance.  Aha!  I should pursue this one a bit further.  Once again, I prayed Lord grant me favor as I walked into the AT&T store.  They took me straight to a phone and dialed some number for me.  The guy on the other line is mailing me a replacement phone asap.  Did I mention it is a better phone than the one I have, because they don’t make mine anymore?

It turns out I am a kept girl.  There is One who truly cares about me, and the details of my crazy days.

A couple things I am learning…

1. favor– ask God for it.

2. testify– when God does something good, talk about it.

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.

I will keep you”

Isaiah 42:6

read the rest of Isaiah 42, it’s awesome!

My ministry school began on Tuesday.  There are around 700 students attending this school.  It is both exciting and overwhelming to sit in a room with this many believers who are longing to make room for the move of God.  The mission of this church and school is revival, to see His kingdom come here on earth.  After spending much time in the prayer room last year praying for revival in our nation, I see this time as a gift and a tool to prepare me for reaping in the harvest of countless prayers.

As far as longer term vision, I am looking to take the training I have received in this area and many others and disciple long term missionaries to be sent out to the hard places.  My desire is to see young people with intimacy, fire,  and integrity bring the light of Christ into the dark places.

I believe that all ministry should come  out of the secret place of prayer and intimacy.  From that place, we have received the equipping (anointing) and the heart for that  which what we are called.  This anointing is to be like a fire in our bones that we cannot hold back.  With that fire we are to be His hands and feet in this world, serving, touching, reaching, just as Christ did. I also feel it is so important that we walk in the holiness and purity the Bible clearly calls us to, and desire to challenge young people in this area.

I feel this church/school is equipping me for the longer term vision the Lord is giving me.  Only time will tell how all this pans out, but this is what He has placed upon this heart.

Thought, questions, comments?

Feel free to email me!

My road trip  began on Wednesday with a stop in Dallas to see my brothers and sisters and give each niece a nephew one (well maybe more than one) last squeeze.  I was blessed to see some sweet new and old friends along the way in El Paso and Palm Springs.  And after 30 hours in my car, I have safely arrived at my new home in Redding, CA.  It is beautiful, and so good to be with my good friends Holly and Mel, who along with 3 other girls will be my roommates.

I am so grateful for the peace and joy I feel during this time of transition.

The house is great and the backyard is WONDERFUL.  It is nice and cool today.  Come on Fall!!

Just to recap.

I will be here for nine months serving as well as plugging into a School of Ministry.  I have not left YWAM Tyler.  I am just learning and gleaning from an incredible church, and hopefully taking back what I learn at the end of this season.  I am so blessed to be released and even encouraged by my leadership into this incredible opportunity.

Prayer Requests

continued grace, peace, and joy for the transition

favor with relationships and connections I make here

the Lord’s guidance in how to best serve Him in this place

finances for the move/tuition costs

*the joy of the Lord as my strength

*that He makes all things new

*my nieces and nephews who continually teach me and make me smile

*my brother who is exceptionally kind and easy to talk to

*my other brother who is ridiculously generous to me and a bit overprotective

*my sister in law who goes to david crowder concerts with me and so much more…

*my sister who is and always has been my best friend

*my brother in law’s servant heart and ability to make me laugh, mostly at myself

*my dad’s humility and desire to serve the Lord and everyone else

*my mom’s hunger for the truth and to see people’s lives touched by the Lord

*this summer and the opportunities it has brought

*the future and the good things on the horizon

*incredible friendships/relationships, I am baffled by the goodness of God in this area

*the Holy Spirit that continues to fill my sometimes empty and weary soul

*the Father who lavishes me with good gifts

*Jesus who has all things underneath His feet, comforting since most things are above my head

*plus more (yes, Sarah, you can sing this too…)

Yesterday, my niece and nephews came for a visit.  My 5 year old nieces are undoubtedly my biggest fans.  So when I went to wash my car I invited Emma to come with me.  She gratefully obliged.  In the process, I learned from her joyful little heart.  I let her do most things.  Her favorite was spraying the water.  As we washed the car, I listened to her.  I listened to her conversation (she is a great conversationalist).  What really stood out to me was there was constant cheer coming from her in a variety of sounds including humming, giggling, and singing to herself.  When I went to clean the inside, I gave her a towel to dry the outside.  It wasn’t long until I looked over to find her once again at my side, wiping down the inside.  The most important part to her wasn’t the task at hand, but being with her Aunt Anna.  I couldn’t help but think what is the attitude of my heart when my heavenly Father invites me to do things with him.  What is my objective in the things He calls me to?  May it always be simply abiding with him.

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face,” -Proverbs 15:13

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5

For more lessons from Em, see the storytime with anna.

There was a very cautious man

Who never laughed or played;

He never risked, he never tried,

He never sang or prayed.

And when he one day passes a way

His insurance was denied;

For since he never really lived

They claim he never died.

–Author Unknown

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” -Jesus Christ (John 10:10)