(pictures coming soon.)
Larry and Betty came down to Indiana to celebrate Elisha and Larry's birthdays! They got a hotel room and Brad, Elisha, and I stayed with them! It was nice to be with them and see Elisha have so much fun. She's so full of life. I enjoyed the big queen bed and so did Brad. It was quite a blessing to have breakfast prepared for you to eat in the morning! I made Elisha a birthday cake and we went to Mr. Gatti's to celebrate! It was a small intimate party with Brad, his parents, myself, the birthday girl, Nancy, Chris, & our dear friend Calli. Elisha dug her fingers into the cake before she could blow the candle out. LOL After eating and opening a few gifts we went back into Gatti Land and played some neat games. My favorite of course is; Skeet Ball. Elisha loves the basketball games and she liked sitting on Daddy's lap to play an arcade game of car racing.
The next day, Monday, we all got up and headed back to Nancy's house and decided to take a walk. It was an absolute perfect sunshiny day! Elisha played in the park as we talked plans of Elisha and I going up to Michigan to visit for a few weeks. Now here we are and I'm so glad we're here. Elisha is really enjoying her grandparents, and of course missing her daddy, and so am I... that is my husband.
Brad and I had a date night and saw To Save A Life. It's about this young white teenager who had a best friend growing up who was black and saved his life. They were playing "trick or treat" in the middle of July (as most boys do) and the one boy wasn't paying attention as his young black friend pushed him out of harms way from a vehicle. The young black man was injured to the point of being crippled. He cheered his friend on as he played in all kinds of sports. Later in Freshmen year of High School the young white teen was a basketball star and gained a lot of attention and decided to ditch his friend who saved his life for popularity and a girlfriend. The story goes on and one day the young black teen commits suicide. The young white teen's life, a senior then, is changed forever... and at that you'll have to see the movie for yourself to find out what happens and how many lives are changed.
Official movie website: http://tosavealifemovie.com/index.php
I will tell you during the movie I was weeping and being broken. I was being broken because the L-rd was showing me faces of people I knew as a single woman and married to Brad that had been touched and were changed b/c we chose Jesus instead of ourselves and it saved a life (lives). That's what it is all about. You can't have true revival until you take G-d to the people. I believe that the body of Christ is outside of four walls and that she will become united and more powerful to touch others when she reaches out to the hurting world around her. To the dirty, needy, poor, and most wretched, to the loners, the cutters, the ones left aside who feel so alone. G-d wants to use you and me, my family and yours through prayers and intercession, through the works of love and faith to change lives. If we don't love the convict, if we don't love the kid messed up on drugs or alcohol, the lonely girl who cuts herself, the girl who clings to any boy, the guy who walks alone crooked and mocked at who will?
Once I hugged a homeless woman and it was the greatest hug I have ever received and given. I wanted to keep holding her and pouring love in her that she beamed with it. Being on the streets and being empowered by the Holy Spirit in love and the authority of Christ in me is my greatest desire. I wait upon the L-rd as He is doing a mighty work in me and my family to bring us to the most humble place that we can be used in the highest places. Those places are where my future brothers and sisters await. Those places are where we'll see many receive their L-rd and King, be healed, delivered, set free, made whole. Right now that place is Bedford, Indiana. The youth in that town are being so affected by the Love of Christ we're seeing them so transformed they are looking more and more like love and living in it. Many of them have seen the movie and are being moved by the Holy Spirit to do more and to be there "brothers keeper" to love their neighbors as they love themselves.
The greatest lesson Brad and I are learning is: to know nothing except Christ Crucified. A crucified life. I know I've received the revelation of Jesus Christ and who He is but Brad and I are receiving the deeper knowledge of bearing our cross and the true joy that comes out of loving and serving others and denying self and diving into the Glory of our King.
“Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him." (Matt. 28)
We love all of you and thank you all for your prayers over us and for us. We pray our lives will bless you because of Christ in us the Hope of Glory.
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimonya]">[a] of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of humanb]">[b] wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." (1Corinth. 2:1-5)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Exodus Cry
(At the end I have official websites and a link to the Nefarious Video)
WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Human trafficking is the industry that generates commerce by transporting actual people. While this practice does have legal expressions, mostly it is a term used by advocacy groups to describe the nefarious practice of abduction and bondage that goes hand in hand with Modern-day Slavery. There are tens of billions of dollars generated each year by the illegal transport and sale of human beings, making it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. And since this industry thrives by exploiting impoverished people, and is exacerbated by the growing appetite worldwide for human slaves under a variety of names, this problem is fundamentally understood as an economic problem.
Stop here: Question: what's on your mind about rescuing human trafficking victims?
Do you think the church is ready to undertake (invest: time, money, resources, strength, reputation) the actual restoration process of these women and children (mind, body, soul , spirit)?
What is important to grasp is that while some countries are better known as destinations, and others are merely transit countries, nearly every country in the earth participates in Human Trafficking as an abduction point as well as a destination, including the United States and other similarly developed countries. Immigrant labor, adoption, and even legalized prostitution many times create a ruse of legal activity that can hide illegal trafficking. While most countries have developed anti-trafficking laws, poor law enforcement and corrupt police forces offer few obstacles to traffickers. Once abducted, victims find themselves forced into a lifestyle of prostitution, child soldiers, forced labor, or some other form of slavery that is impossible to escape. "All things are possible with G*d."
WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Human trafficking is the industry that generates commerce by transporting actual people. While this practice does have legal expressions, mostly it is a term used by advocacy groups to describe the nefarious practice of abduction and bondage that goes hand in hand with Modern-day Slavery. There are tens of billions of dollars generated each year by the illegal transport and sale of human beings, making it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. And since this industry thrives by exploiting impoverished people, and is exacerbated by the growing appetite worldwide for human slaves under a variety of names, this problem is fundamentally understood as an economic problem.
Stop here: Question: what's on your mind about rescuing human trafficking victims?
Do you think the church is ready to undertake (invest: time, money, resources, strength, reputation) the actual restoration process of these women and children (mind, body, soul , spirit)?
Let me put it this way: Hypothetical Situation(Headlines of the news today (just imagine) 28 year old woman and her 2 year old daughter go missing! Authorities say they've found them to be sold into slavery, otherwise known as Human Trafficking. It is said that they've been sold into the global sex-slave trade. Family and friends are putting together every effort to find them and free them from this crime.)
I believe out of your love and care us you'd do everything possible to rescue us and get out. Intercession and prayer is the most simplest way to begin the rescue mission of 'millions' of women and children sold into this slavery. Your love and compassion for G*d's people will bring each of us pull together resources of every kind to rescue these impoverished women and children out of their bondage.
Begin to pray with me that G*d will bring justice to these victims. Tear down the strongholds, principalities, and dark/evil powers over their countries. Open the doors for rescue missions to go into action. For people around the world to openeir hearts and homes to restore and reintergrate them into hope and love. To bring their oppressors into the light of true righteous justice.
What is important to grasp is that while some countries are better known as destinations, and others are merely transit countries, nearly every country in the earth participates in Human Trafficking as an abduction point as well as a destination, including the United States and other similarly developed countries. Immigrant labor, adoption, and even legalized prostitution many times create a ruse of legal activity that can hide illegal trafficking. While most countries have developed anti-trafficking laws, poor law enforcement and corrupt police forces offer few obstacles to traffickers. Once abducted, victims find themselves forced into a lifestyle of prostitution, child soldiers, forced labor, or some other form of slavery that is impossible to escape. "All things are possible with G*d."
Purity Covenant
The purity covenant is a personal commitment to wholehearted sexual purity. One of the great battles facing our generation is the battle for sexual purity. The Internet has made indescribable acts of immorality openly accessible to people of all ages, gender, and walks of life. Seductive images daily invade our homes and private lives through all forms of media. Satan is waging a war of sexual seduction against this generation. His assault has even breached the ranks of the church: polls taken reveal that more than half of pastors struggle with pornography on a daily basis. To combat this assault we must first contend for our own personal freedom. Sexual sin not only defiles our own spirit, but it directly fuels an industry that enslaves women and children. Every time we engage in licentious sexual activity we come into agreement with Satan and give him legal access into our lives. In addition, our participation releases demonic energy into the realm of the spirit, which is already so widespread the nations are drowning in a torrential sea of lust. As more people rise up and demand that their sexual fantasies be fulfilled, greater and greater numbers of women and children are enslaved. The startling reality is that there are now over 20 million people worldwide in bondage as sex slaves, which is a greater number than the combined populations of the 6 largest cities in the United States. Many of these slaves are the very women and children featured in pornographic movies, magazines, and websites. When Jesus addressed the churches in the book of Revelation He directly confronted the issue of sexual immorality. His indictment against the church of Thyatira is that they “tolerated” sexual compromise. Through the Purity Covenant we are calling this generation of believers to wholeheartedly renounce their toleration of sexual immorality and commit to a fierce allegiance to Jesus through purity and holiness in their personal lives. Human Trafficking is a massive human rights issue facing this generation, but we are powerless to fight it unless we first win the battle raging in our own hearts. If we will turn to the Lord in our weakness He will meet us with tenderness and give us power to resist the seduction of the enemy. The Purity Covenant is a set of 3 simple commitments:
1) Purity
I commit to guard my eyes, ears, and speech from defiling images or conversations.
2) Accountability
I commit to find an accountability partner who agrees with the purity covenant. I will confess to this individual each time I cross a boundary of sexual compromise in any area including: what I look at, say, and listen to.
3) Software
I commit to download software onto my computer that prohibits sexually explicit images from appearing including all pornographic websites. Exodus Cry recommends X3watch and SafeEyes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhQTgqZL6_M
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Happy 2010!
Just a little update.
Brad got the job at Pizza Hut as Shift Manager and he started training last night 1/19. Please pray for him as he heads into new territory of work. He sounds pretty excited to be working and learning some new things (like how to make Pizza Hut pizzas YUM-YUM)!
Leslie is currently staying home with Elisha and new baby on the way. Please pray for us as we are getting into the 2 year old stage where Elisha wants to do more and mommy wants energy to be there with her! Woo Hoo!
We've been living with our gracious friend Nancy who is in charge of the Bible Study/Ministry. Brad built our room in the front of her house and has helped do other handyman things around the house. We have enjoyed staying with her and her family. Her daughter Andrea comes home today from Afghanastan! Her husband lives there right now to teach there for 2 years (I think). It'll be good to have her here but very hard for her as her husband is so far away. Please pray for them.
I have a few pictures below for you to enjoy.
I seem to have forgotten that some of you haven't received the good news yet! Brad and I are expecting a baby due July 4, 2010! Elisha knows there's a baby in mommy's tummy! It's so cute she'll point to her own tummy and say 'baby' and keep talking about it! :-)PTL!
I have a seperate blog just for the ministry being created and will send your way soon!
G-d is good all the time!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Coming To A Close
Jasmine Carter - Our precious friend.
Bible Study in Bedford
Brad and Steve May in Bedford
Just the cutest best buddies ever!
Saturday was the last day of our moving sale... praise the Lord! A lot of sweat, lifting, shifting, and moving went on this past week! Every morning and evening was a lot of work but well worth it. The Lord truly blessed this moving sale. We asked Him that if we were not supposed to be doing this that He would not allow anything to be sold. Well almost everything was sold and the rest of everything we feel we are going to keep or give away. So praise the Lord there was success!
I'm sure as you're reading this you may be asking why we have sold a lot our possessions. That answer is very simple: We prayed to Jesus and asked Him what we needed to be doing to get ready for our move to Bedford, IN. He said that we needed to sell, give away, and pack our possessions. We prayed about which possessions we were to keep or do otherwise with them.
A prized possession: Love
For me personally I became closer with good friends of ours: Jessica Morris and Jasmine Carter. It was so wonderful to see Jessica's son, Samuel and Elisha play together. They have been each others sidekicks. It will be a bitter sweet goodbye to my spiritual family here at the apartments but I know God has bigger things for all of us in store. My heart rejoices that I have had this kind of fellowship in the midst our transition.
Elisha and Samuel sliding!
Samuel
Elisha in the tunnel!
Most of this time during our "moving sale" I've learned a lot about humility and surrendering my worldly desires to the Lord. I didn't think I was worldly until I realized how much I didn't want to sell some of the things I knew we were supposed to. Amazingly I found so much freedom as I packed things up for the sale or to give away.
Let me explain: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. " 1 John 2:15-17
---If I love the world or the things in the world... the love of my heavenly Father is not in me. The bible also says that if we are friend of the world we are an enemy of God. Jesus prayed: "O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name and will declare it that the love with which You loved Me may be in them and I in them." John 17:25-26
I also think about the rich ruler Jesus loved and spoke to. The rich ruler said he had obeyed all the commandments and has followed the law all his life. Jesus loved him and told him there is one thing more you must do: go and sell all your possessions and give your money away to the poor. And come follow me. The rich ruler was very sad because he had so much great wealth.
The latest update is that we will be moving to Bedford, Indiana sometime this weekend. Praise the Lord! (PTL) Here is what has happened in the past week:
-Brad and Steve May (a very good friend of ours) went to check out a van about 70 miles south on hwy 71 (we live right off the hwy). There was an ad on craigslist for the van and when they got there to meet the man they found him to be a spirit filled pastor! (This kind of thing is becoming a regular occurrence.) Brad and Steve spent a few hours with pastor Carl Covey and his son-in-law Andy (who was selling the van). Brad said the whole time God was just reconfirming to him that everything he was doing and about to do was in God's perfect will. AMEN!
-We went to Pastor Covey's church this past Sunday by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The day before Brad and Cody Morris were praying about the possible purchase of the van. Cody said... "Do you have the money to purchase it?" Brad replied, "No not right now." Then Brad prayed, "Lord if it's your will please bring in the finances today to purchase the van tomorrow." A few hours later a friend of Brad's came by to purchase something and that gave us the money to purchase the van! This man had a broken spirit and God totally broke in and healed him on the spot! PTL We went to Sweetwater Church (P. Covey's) on Sunday and God totally blessed us with this sweet humble people! The love they had for us made us want to stay. It was hard leaving such a loving people. Sweetwater's Link http://sweetwaternews.webs.com/
-During the moving sale a lady (Sue) came by after church and saw my old wedding decorations. She said she decorates her church so I thought wow the decorations will be such a blessing for them! So Brad got to talking to her and found out she is spirit filled Christian who loves Jesus. She gave Brad a card and told him that a man who leads the ministry she's apart of could possibly have a van for him to look at. So Brad makes the call to a man in Belton who runs an auto/used cars lot. At first it was all business but then the man said: "Even if you do or don't purchase a van from me, I feel led to tell you the Lord wants me to pray for you and any who are going with you to bless you and anoint you on your way out!" :-)
Last Friday Brad, Elisha, myself, Jasmine, Jessica, Cody, and Samuel Morris all went to Don Ware's auto shop. The moment I stepped out into the parking lot the fear of the Lord fell on me. When we walked in it got stronger. We sat down in a little office where the presence of the Lord was even stronger you could cut it with a butter knife. I began to weep at His presence. Don came in and began to encourage and strengthen us with scripture and testimony to his life and the 2,000 plus lives that have been healed, delivered, and saved in his office over the past 12 years. He prayed over us and each one of us, just like the apostles in the book of acts, received an refilling of the Holy Spirit. We've not been the same since. Don does travelling ministry and has agreed to come to Bedford when we're more settled! :-)
-There have been breakthroughs after breakthroughs in our hearts, minds, and spirits, as well as our relationship and unity as a part of the body of Christ... every single night! The Lord has shown us His goodness and mercy and we are ever thankful that He has asked us to be a part of something very special in Bedford.
So What's In Bedford, Indiana anyways?
Glad you asked. About a year or so ago Brad was on a road trip ministry with a bunch of men of God. They stopped in Bedford, In and met Nancy who runs a ministry to kids from her home. She and a few other adults run bible studies at the park pavilion to all any kids who want to come and here the Gospel. Most of the kids don't have the greatest home life, drugs, alcohol, and trouble with the law are a common thing for most of them. There are some who are very hungry and some who are interested but not to a place to commit to listening and asking questions about Jesus, yet. There is also bold and blatant witchcraft like I've never seen before. Literally the enemy is recruiting... but it won't last very long! AMEN! When Brad has gone to Bedford before he has led worship, taught, ministered, prayed for, and baptized some of the kids. The last time he was there it was Elisha's and my first time. I was floored. There is such an attraction by all the kids who hang out at the park of God's presence. There were about 80 kids in the beginning and about half stayed to hear the message. One of the sweetest teenage boys asked me, "Are you guys moving here yet?" I told him that we weren't right yet and were praying out when we were supposed to come. He had this look of disappointment that broke my heart.
The Lord has called us to disciple the ones who've made a decision for Christ and are struggling to keep their full commitment for the temptations of the world lure them. They are very excited. Nancy has been so faithful in her obedience to the Lord and is very excited as well about us coming as the Lord has big things for this little town. AMEN!
We will continue to update you with everything that happens as much as we can.
The Lord bless you and keep you!
Isaiah 54 (The Lord is expanding the tents! Hallelujah!)
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE BY E-MAIL AT THE BOTTOM SO YOU CAN GET AUTOMATIC UPDATES! :-)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
It's A Wonderful Life...
It is a beautiful and wonderful life we live.
It's up to us to purpose in our hearts to see it in that light. Not because of all the things we possess or the money we have. It's not the nice places we live, it's not the jobs or schools we go to. You know what it is that makes it so wonderful, Jesus, you, me, our family, and friends, the ones we'll come to love and know. The memories that you make with the people around you.
Yes life is messy, painful, and full of suffering at times and for some it seems all the time. Just know that there is beauty in the midst of it all. After all the God of Genesis, the creator of everything, the whole entire universe, including us... loves us. He's in love with us, and we should be in love with Him too. If you are in love with Him, I encourage you to "count your blessings" and ponder upon the wonderful things God has given you, and then inquire in His temple of His love for you. If you are not in love with the God of Genesis, the one who is Creator of all, Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, The Great I Am, Jesus our Savior... I encourage you to open your heart and ask these three simple questions:
1. Jesus please will you show Your love to me, show me what it looks like, feels like...?
2. Jesus will you please open up my heart to understand, to have the wisdom, revelation, and Knowledge of who you are?
3. Jesus I don't love you like you love me, will you teach me how to love you deeply?
And everyday just say: I will love you when I lose and when I win. I will love you through it all. Jesus I love you.
Say it even when you don't feel like saying it, even if the enemy is coming up against you with false accusations, lies, and seeds of doubt... say those words anyways and put your mind and heart on the things above, the things of Christ and His Kingdom.
John 21:20, The apostle John got the revelation that he is God's beloved one. He understood it and wrote it down at the end of his life in the last book he wrote, the Gospel of John.
Do you know that you are a beloved of God and that you too can lean upon the chest of God the Father and ask... please tell me your secrets... I want to know you.
I love you all and may my love grow more and more like Jesus' love in the way He loves you, may I love you the same way too.
Enjoy the pictures.
Por mi Tia Beth: Muchos Gracias y Besos, con carino, Elisha
Had to get Brad in the picture to get her to hold still for one second. :)
In her pool for the first time this summer!
Hello.
I'll Praise The Lord and Splash!
Cheesy! Mommy!
It's up to us to purpose in our hearts to see it in that light. Not because of all the things we possess or the money we have. It's not the nice places we live, it's not the jobs or schools we go to. You know what it is that makes it so wonderful, Jesus, you, me, our family, and friends, the ones we'll come to love and know. The memories that you make with the people around you.
Yes life is messy, painful, and full of suffering at times and for some it seems all the time. Just know that there is beauty in the midst of it all. After all the God of Genesis, the creator of everything, the whole entire universe, including us... loves us. He's in love with us, and we should be in love with Him too. If you are in love with Him, I encourage you to "count your blessings" and ponder upon the wonderful things God has given you, and then inquire in His temple of His love for you. If you are not in love with the God of Genesis, the one who is Creator of all, Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, The Great I Am, Jesus our Savior... I encourage you to open your heart and ask these three simple questions:
1. Jesus please will you show Your love to me, show me what it looks like, feels like...?
2. Jesus will you please open up my heart to understand, to have the wisdom, revelation, and Knowledge of who you are?
3. Jesus I don't love you like you love me, will you teach me how to love you deeply?
And everyday just say: I will love you when I lose and when I win. I will love you through it all. Jesus I love you.
Say it even when you don't feel like saying it, even if the enemy is coming up against you with false accusations, lies, and seeds of doubt... say those words anyways and put your mind and heart on the things above, the things of Christ and His Kingdom.
John 21:20, The apostle John got the revelation that he is God's beloved one. He understood it and wrote it down at the end of his life in the last book he wrote, the Gospel of John.
Do you know that you are a beloved of God and that you too can lean upon the chest of God the Father and ask... please tell me your secrets... I want to know you.
I love you all and may my love grow more and more like Jesus' love in the way He loves you, may I love you the same way too.
Enjoy the pictures.
Por mi Tia Beth: Muchos Gracias y Besos, con carino, Elisha
Had to get Brad in the picture to get her to hold still for one second. :)
In her pool for the first time this summer!
Hello.
I'll Praise The Lord and Splash!
Cheesy! Mommy!Friday, June 19, 2009
It's All About Love
Hello Everyone!Have you ever come to a point in your life where you look around and say: "Huh? Am I doing what I thought I was purposed for? I mean I thought I was... but am I really?" More and more as we look around our world we see that there's more we are purposed for than what we are doing right now. It's very exciting and at the same time very eye opening into our hearts and what is really there.
As of late I wanted to update you all that we are doing much better since we have gone through some rough patches financially. During the process I had a relative come and stay with us. It did not go well at all. I thought it would, it just didn't happen. There was a young 20-something we had just befriended who had come up to K.C. with friends. She was without a car, a job, and a place to live in a few short weeks. Without going into to much detail, during her time of need my relative was staying with us and our friend was not liking what she was seeing and did not want to be around us very much. It was hard. We wanted to help her but heard the Lord say: "Wait on me and do not make a move." So we prayed, and some very open-hearted people on the property said she could stay with them, which made me happy. Now that time has come and gone. Our friend still lives with the people on the property and my relative has gone with out hearing voice, with out seeing hide or tail. It has been heart breaking to have first not been able to work things out with the person and then to see them leave, and never hear from them again. My hope is one day we will.
Now in the summer there's a little less stress in our household now that the winds of change are blowing through. Brad has a lot of work coming in from someone he's worked with previously, which is totally the Lord. Nothing became of any other job he applied for. He's been working so hard there and then comes home and has to work a little on the property too. It's not easy but the grace of the Lord has made it bearable and He's given us peace. We'd like to throw a picnic here at the rental property for all the tenants but we are not sure when we're supposed to do so. Could you all be praying for us: about the picnic-when it's supposed to happen, and for us to create new friendships and reach deeper to the hearts of those living here. Many of the tenants struggle here and I know by the Holy Spirit that it is a stronghold of poverty over this place. The Lord has shown me we must continue to bind up the stronghold and bring it down for breakthrough is on the way.
I am staying home with Elisha and enjoying it more and more. The Lord has shown me a lot of things to be doing with her to train her in His ways. He's so creative too! We have lots of flash cards and books and toys, of course! The other day we went to the public library and I loaned out about 20-30 books for her! She loves for me to read to her and sometimes she'll read on her own. She babbles a lot... I think she is saying things she hears us say all the time it just isn't very clear. She's still very friendly and makes friends wherever we go. Sometimes when Brad leaves and we go downstairs to eat breakfast and play she'll look around and hold out her hands in a questioning gesture and say: "Where's daddy?" The first time she did it I was like, whoa? Are you supposed to be asking questions... but then again I've repeated that question to her so many times... :) She's also asked, "What you doing?" It's not all very clear but the basic syllables are there and her body language lets you know what she's saying. It's pretty cool and I'm kinda nervous about homeschooling her because she's so smart. But it's God's grace and mercy that will pull me through and He will give me strength. Plus my husband is pretty smart too so I know he can help if I get stuck on something later in the future, like Math! :) Please be praying for Elisha. She woke up with a fever this morning and her eye gunked up again and her nose is running green! Her fever has come and gone all day. We've prayed for her through out the day and noticed the fever would leave a little but then it would come right back. Thank you for your prayers. (We don't want to take her to the Dr. if it can be helped.)
We are going to be vacationing with Brad's parents in July and then I will stay with them for the rest of the month as Betty will be having minor foot surgery. I'm so exited and looking forward to it. We all need a rest and rejuivination right now. The Lord has shown me that some really wonderful things are going to happen during that resting and rejuivinating period. I really believe it's because I'll be away from KC for a while and in a place where Elisha's grandparents will help keep her occupied and I can get away with Jesus for a little bit. At home it's a little more challanging. Also Brad will be home in KC during that time and I believe he's going to be able to do the same thing. It's like a wind of refreshing will blow through and deliever us from things in our hearts that don't need to be there and strengthen us in our relationship and intimacy with Christ in the secret place. (*Sigh*)
From this point you don't have to continue to read, I'm just going to share my heart and thoughts on a book I'm reading: Compelled By Love by: Heidi Baker. (Pics and video at the end.)
(Heidi and her husband Rolland Baker are missionaries in Mozambique, Africa. They have taken in 1,000's of orphans as their own.)
In the chapter I was reading: Blessed are those that mourn, I was deeply wounded by the Love shown to some little girls described. One little, tiny, girl they found had been sexually abused a lot. When they found her she was weeping and tears were streaming. Heidi asked the Lord, "How do I comfort this one?" All she could do was hold her and rock her. Heidi said in the begining that's all she would do all day. She would hold and rock and pray for one child after the other without stopping, all day long she'd comfort them. This tiny little girl would weep all the time even when she went to bed. All Heidi could do was hold her and love on her. One day they were traveling up to a village and found another little girl who's stomach was bloated from malnutrition/not eating, her eyes were bright red, she had lice and scabies. They took her to a hospital and the doctor said, "She's going to die." Heidi swept her up in her arms and held her and rocked her. She did get lice and scabies, but she didn't care, it was more worth it to love on that little girl and let her know she's loved then to let her die. She did not die, she lived. And once she was up and going and little more healthier she saw the "tiny, little girl" weeping. Beatrice took Constacia in her arms and held her and rocked her. Heidi was touched and blessed to see what Love was doing. (So was I.) One day they were having water baptisms and there was no clean water. Many people were very dirty b/c there was no clean water. They used a bin of old washing water that was green to baptize them. The people didn't care. Tiny, little, Constacia, weeping came up for her turn, Heidi asked God, "Is it okay for her to be baptized she doesn't talk Lord and has not confessed you..." Silence and then Constacia stepped into the dirty water and was asked by Heidi if she knew what the baptism was for? Heidi explained and after she came up from her old life, Constacia smiled and said: "I want to lead the children's choir." WOW!
I look up to this woman and her family. They are living out the gospel in ways I've not seen here in the US. It's not taught here. You really have to be schooled by the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus in John chapters 14-16. When we look to the God of heaven and earth who loved us so much He gave us His only begotten Son... we look at Love. My heart is to comfort those who mourn, you know; really live out the Sermon on the Mount and walk in the Spirit. Because in Galations chapter 5 verses 22-23 there's no law against the fruit of the Spirit. How can you go wrong if that's what you are living and breathing out everyday?
"Prayer builds faith, faith builds love, love leads you to love the poor." Mother Teresa
With much love,
Brad, Leslie, & Elisha
P.S. Heidi's husband Rolland is in a rehabilitation clinic in Germany. He had become quite weak and ill. They are at this clinic doing prayer soaking, holistic supplements, nutrition and diet, trying to get him healthy and asking Abba Father for complete healing. Rolland suffered some episodes of malaria and it was very severe one time he almost died. Over time it has affected his brain and his nervous system. The doctors believe he's suffered very minor strokes. Please keep this man and his family in your prayers. :)
What a Cutie pie. With her lovie, "Puppy."
Awe. Their faces look a like when they scrunch up. :)
Mommy's girl.
(She really does like to smile for the camera.)
Daddy and Elisha going down the big slide at the free petting zoo.
(Daddy's underside got wet from the ground. :) )
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Little Update!
Howdy Everyone!
I wanted to give a little update of what's goin' on with us. Brad has passed the practical exam for the Fire Dept. of Lee's Summit, MO! He's going on to the "peer interview" where a panel of three fire fighters will take 2 hours to interveiw him. Please be praying for him to be confident and at peace before he walks in to be questioned and aquainted with men he might be working with! He's been working for a guy he worked for when he first got to K.C. and he's getting a dollar raise next week! Woo Hoo!
We co-manage some townhomes where we live and one of our tenants had been a little behind. We've been praying for all of our tenants to be blessed financially to be able to pay all their bills and their rent. Praise the L-rd this tenant was not only caught up but had some wonderful news... This person is getting baptized this Sunday! Praise you Jesus!
Today we had two Jehovah's Witness's come to our door. Polite ladies, they begin to address that Jesus was an angel and that G-d the Father is an Archangel. Bradley interrupted and said, "Well the Bible says that Angel worship is of the devil... "Luciferien worship." Their eyes got big! He said a lot of things to them that really grabbed their tongue where there couldn't be any argument. The great thing is they gave us this book that is titled, "What the Bible Really Teaches." Then they proceeded to challenge Brad to research it over and they would come back. Brad rebutled with, "Okay I'll read this but let me say this, if I find that what you are preaching is false doctrine will you be open to hearing it?" They stuttered a little and responded that they only teach what the Bible teaches. Brad rebutled the same question along with, "...if you are led by the Holy Spirit and we are of the same Spirit then you will be open to hearing what I have heard from the L-rd is a revelation of His word and yours could be false." The one lady said, "Well how do I know that when we come back that you won't just sit there and try to convince us that what you're preaching is right and what we're preaching is wrong?" Brad said, "Well what is the difference if I do that then what you're doing right now? You are trying to convince me to believe what you do of Jesus when I am strong in my Faith in Christ right now and nothing you say will convince me otherwise." No response. So they kindly settled the "conversation" with nice to speak with you and we hope to see you when we come back. I pray they do. And when they do we'll invite them in for tea and we'll be armed and ready b/c our struggle is with the spirit behind their false doctrine. Let's pray that before they return that struggle will be defeated... Colossians 2:15... the cross disarmed those powers and made them a public spectacle! AMEN. Let us believe that the Kingdom Hall down the street will become a HALL OF FAME for being set free and recieving the true revelation of Jesus and let revival break forth in Grandview, MO! Woo Hoo!
I have added a video of How To Dehydrate and Store Food from you tube. I hope you like it. I'm praying the L-rd will provide everything I need to do this. We have a lot of farmer's markets here in the spring and summer! Our friends said we could use their storage saver!
CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR VIDEO(s)!
This series is a 10 part series & it's awesome!
I have a video of Elisha at the end of this blog! Enjoy her cutie patootieness!
I'm doing great... I'm going through some very conflicting events with some friends of ours so please keep us in prayer. I won't reveal who or what is going on but please ask the L-rd to give you wisdom and understanding when praying b/c this matter might result in some very sobering ways of parting from our friends who we love very much. It's a little uncomfortable posting this but I need you guys to pray it's the ultimate weapon against our enemy!!!!!!
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
"Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15
The doctor says my body is 100% back to normal and Brad and I can start trying again for children! Woo Hoo!
OH I have a great site for someone in particular who was touched at a conference but for everyone else too, so that you may be informed.
EXODUSCRY-HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Well I will update you soon... Elisha is turning 1 year old next week on March 4th! And her birthday party is on the 8th! Don't forget Larry has a birthday on March 6th! Woo Hoo double wammie celebrations! I will update with pictures and funny stories I'm most sure of are on the way.
Elisha, Brad, and I all went to the pool today where we have a membership. It was so cool. They have a huge swirly slide to go down, a lap pool and on one side where "Little One" and I were, a beach looking kiddy pool with a minny lazy river. It was fun. But then "Munchkin" got cold so we went and took a nice shower in a private family room. Then we dried our suits in a "suit dryer"... How cool is that... praise the L-rd our work outs can be a family event.
Well may Jesus bless you all in everything you do and may you bless Him too in everything you do.
I just want to say how merciful and gracious our Savior is. Jesus you are wonderful thank you for your blood that covers us and makes us white as snow!
In His abiding love,
Brad, Leslie, & Elisha
I wanted to give a little update of what's goin' on with us. Brad has passed the practical exam for the Fire Dept. of Lee's Summit, MO! He's going on to the "peer interview" where a panel of three fire fighters will take 2 hours to interveiw him. Please be praying for him to be confident and at peace before he walks in to be questioned and aquainted with men he might be working with! He's been working for a guy he worked for when he first got to K.C. and he's getting a dollar raise next week! Woo Hoo!
We co-manage some townhomes where we live and one of our tenants had been a little behind. We've been praying for all of our tenants to be blessed financially to be able to pay all their bills and their rent. Praise the L-rd this tenant was not only caught up but had some wonderful news... This person is getting baptized this Sunday! Praise you Jesus!
Today we had two Jehovah's Witness's come to our door. Polite ladies, they begin to address that Jesus was an angel and that G-d the Father is an Archangel. Bradley interrupted and said, "Well the Bible says that Angel worship is of the devil... "Luciferien worship." Their eyes got big! He said a lot of things to them that really grabbed their tongue where there couldn't be any argument. The great thing is they gave us this book that is titled, "What the Bible Really Teaches." Then they proceeded to challenge Brad to research it over and they would come back. Brad rebutled with, "Okay I'll read this but let me say this, if I find that what you are preaching is false doctrine will you be open to hearing it?" They stuttered a little and responded that they only teach what the Bible teaches. Brad rebutled the same question along with, "...if you are led by the Holy Spirit and we are of the same Spirit then you will be open to hearing what I have heard from the L-rd is a revelation of His word and yours could be false." The one lady said, "Well how do I know that when we come back that you won't just sit there and try to convince us that what you're preaching is right and what we're preaching is wrong?" Brad said, "Well what is the difference if I do that then what you're doing right now? You are trying to convince me to believe what you do of Jesus when I am strong in my Faith in Christ right now and nothing you say will convince me otherwise." No response. So they kindly settled the "conversation" with nice to speak with you and we hope to see you when we come back. I pray they do. And when they do we'll invite them in for tea and we'll be armed and ready b/c our struggle is with the spirit behind their false doctrine. Let's pray that before they return that struggle will be defeated... Colossians 2:15... the cross disarmed those powers and made them a public spectacle! AMEN. Let us believe that the Kingdom Hall down the street will become a HALL OF FAME for being set free and recieving the true revelation of Jesus and let revival break forth in Grandview, MO! Woo Hoo!
I have added a video of How To Dehydrate and Store Food from you tube. I hope you like it. I'm praying the L-rd will provide everything I need to do this. We have a lot of farmer's markets here in the spring and summer! Our friends said we could use their storage saver!
CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR VIDEO(s)!
This series is a 10 part series & it's awesome!
I have a video of Elisha at the end of this blog! Enjoy her cutie patootieness!
I'm doing great... I'm going through some very conflicting events with some friends of ours so please keep us in prayer. I won't reveal who or what is going on but please ask the L-rd to give you wisdom and understanding when praying b/c this matter might result in some very sobering ways of parting from our friends who we love very much. It's a little uncomfortable posting this but I need you guys to pray it's the ultimate weapon against our enemy!!!!!!
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
"Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15
The doctor says my body is 100% back to normal and Brad and I can start trying again for children! Woo Hoo!
OH I have a great site for someone in particular who was touched at a conference but for everyone else too, so that you may be informed.
EXODUSCRY-HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Well I will update you soon... Elisha is turning 1 year old next week on March 4th! And her birthday party is on the 8th! Don't forget Larry has a birthday on March 6th! Woo Hoo double wammie celebrations! I will update with pictures and funny stories I'm most sure of are on the way.
Elisha, Brad, and I all went to the pool today where we have a membership. It was so cool. They have a huge swirly slide to go down, a lap pool and on one side where "Little One" and I were, a beach looking kiddy pool with a minny lazy river. It was fun. But then "Munchkin" got cold so we went and took a nice shower in a private family room. Then we dried our suits in a "suit dryer"... How cool is that... praise the L-rd our work outs can be a family event.
Well may Jesus bless you all in everything you do and may you bless Him too in everything you do.
I just want to say how merciful and gracious our Savior is. Jesus you are wonderful thank you for your blood that covers us and makes us white as snow!
In His abiding love,
Brad, Leslie, & Elisha
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