Church Camp Adventures 2011

I've been home from camp for seven days, and I don't think I'm quite back into a routine. Of course, summer changes my routine anyway.

One thing that's been wonderful this week is the weather. Nothing but sun and pleasant temps. Wish we could've had two weeks at camp just like this, but for whatever reason God didn't see fit to give it to us. We still had a good time, in spite of the rain and several days of cool temps.

So let's talk about camp a little. I woke up with a stuffy nose the first day we were heading out. I have frequently been sniffly in the mornings but not stuffy. Thinking the congestion would just clear up as the day wore on, I didn't worry much about it. I popped a Claritin and went on with my day. Only it didn't just go away. It made me miserable. And I was staying in a cabin among a lot of trees and grass and growing things that... you know... create pollen.

I woke up in the middle of that first night with my sinuses miserably congested and couldn't breathe. That warranted a trip up to Walmart first thing Wednesday morning before the kids even were up. Thank goodness that the state park is only about 25 minutes from the Walmart. I grabbed a couple packages of sinus meds and some throat drops and headed back to camp. Let's just say I sneezed a lot and used up almost an entire box of Kleenex all by myself over the next five days.

I just want you to know that although I never would've anticipated having an allergy issue during camp, God's grace carried me through it. It's not what I would've chosen for myself, but I managed and still had fun in spite of the discomfort.

So what do you want to hear about next? The volleyball games, the snake, or the nicknames the kids gave me?

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Sin

Last night I taught the lesson at Olympians club, and it was about the shame of sin and its consequences. We need to deal with sin right away, or it will pile up and get way out of hand if we don't repent. It will hurt us, and it will hurt other people.

I was sharing with my group of girls during discipleship time about how I have struggled with sinful thoughts in the last month that God has been dealing with me about, and that I believe I finally surrendered to Him this morning and repented. One of the girls gasped and said, I can't picture you ever sinning. Well, I wish that were the case, but unfortunately I was born with a sin nature along with the rest of mankind. I assured her I do sin. A lot.

On the one hand, I am thankful that my students don't seem to see glaring sin when they watch me. I desire to live as an example for them. Oh, but I know my heart, and it's full of wickedness. The Lord keeps showing me just how wicked. I think if they were to follow me around for just one day, it wouldn't take very long for them to see my ugly.

You see, I'm selfish. I gossip and slander. I love to put myself first. I snap at people. I'm lazy. I love to judge and point out other people's sin. Shall I keep going? I'm a pretty pitiful and hopeless mess, yeah? You too?

Aren't we thankful for Jesus, though? His perfect life, His perfect deeds are now mine. When I took Him as my Savior, He became my substitute both in life and death. He took my sin, and He gave me His righteousness.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.... - Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  - 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

We should let that truth sink in for a bit and praise Him for His wonderful grace.

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The Pondering of a Teacher

God surprises me sometimes.

Last Sunday I only had one student in my Sunday school class. That's not unusual, seeing as I have a class of four regular attendees. It's somewhat of a disappointment when the other students who are absent miss the lesson because the curriculum always builds on the previous weeks.

Well, you just won't believe what happened. Tonight the Bible lesson in Olympians club came from the same Bible passage that our Sunday school lesson came from. In order to fully grasp what that means, you have to take into account that our Olympians curriculum and our Sunday school curriculum are exclusive of each other.

During the lesson I sat there thinking about how God must really want my students to hear this lesson and learn these truths for Him to arrange it to work out this way.

Or maybe it's simply about me, and God wanting me to see Him in it and to ponder His sovereignty.

Either way I look at it... it's way cool.

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A Day at the Office (repost)

While I'm away at camp, please enjoy these selected posts a second time around.

Originally posted on October 13, 2008

(I apologize to whoever installed the restroom signs.  It just tickled me to see them there, is all.)

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I'm not sure you are aware of this, but I enjoy making videos.  Of myself.  And looking back at the one I did for my blog mission statement... OH MY WORD - it was awful!  I'm not linking to it, just so you won't go look at it.  It didn't show any of my personality at all.  And my hair?  Awful!

Okay, so feeling truly inspired by other bloggers who recently did their own little videos for Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee, I just HAD to do my own.  Because, like I said, I LOVE doing videos.

This probably won't be the last you see of me...

A Day at the Office: Edition #1 from Liz on Vimeo.

 

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Is That Bengay I Smell?

Tonight is our last night before summer vacation for Word of Life Olympians club at church.  I get to teach the lesson, so I'm going to be giving the kids a challenge to continue on with their daily devotions.  Just because they won't be turning in their books every week, doesn't mean their relationship with Jesus ends for the summer. 

I'm planning a really fun attention-grabber right at the start of the lesson.  Let's just say I'll be acting a little silly -- in public -- which is out of my comfort zone.  But I'm excited about the lesson I'm preparing, so I actually want to be silly with the intention that the kids will remember the visual through the summer months.

In other news...

I've been trying to kick up the fitness intensity in my life over the last week and a half.  Part of that involves The Biggest Loser game for Wii.  I've only used it a few times, but I like the workout I get from it.  I honestly didn't believe I would do well with push-ups, but I did them... and lived to tell about it.

I ran into trouble Monday, though.  I accidentally opted out of the warm-up and went directly into the workout.  (It really was an accident.)  Big no-no!  Now my left calf hurts like the dickens when I walk.  (Is it old-fashioned to use the term "dickens"?  If so, I will never use it again.)  I believe the sore muscle is due to the lack of a warm-up.  Won't do that again.

Hey, but the positive side to it is that it only hurts when I walk on it.  It doesn't hurt when I'm just sitting.

I walked laps yesterday, hoping it would help work that muscle out.  Not happenin'.  But I'm going to attempt walking again today.

So that's what's new in my little corner of the world.  Hope you have a lovely Wednesday.

Oh, and if you smell Bengay.  That's just me.  Sorry.

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A Story of Overwhelming Grace

Some of you have been asking about my key-note address at the luncheon last Saturday, and I thank those who were praying for me.  I thought I'd take a few minutes and let you know how it went.

The entire experience, from the time I accepted the speaking opportunity until this Sunday after church, was completely overwhelming.  When I was able to step back and finally process all of it, I saw God in it from start to finish.

You have to understand what has been going on in my life behind the scenes for months.  I'm going through a very difficult trial that is a total roller coaster ride of emotions.  In the midst of this, I was working to write notes on being grateful in all circumstances, especially in times of trial.  Talk about being put to the test.

One day I shared with a friend that it felt as if I had nothing to give.  I was feeling so spiritually and emotionally weak.  And then I followed up with the statement, "but I guess that's how it should be."  If I was strong and capable in the whole thing, then I wouldn't need God and it certainly wouldn't be His key-note address.  Little did I realize that I was about to experience God's grace like never before.

On Saturday I felt excited and positive, but as the morning wore on, the feeling turned to apprehension and nerves.  Lunch seemed to drag on.  I just wanted to start speaking.  The anticipation was almost more than I could bear. 

I kept thinking about all the people who said they were praying for me.  I knew I had some cheerleaders out there, and they were pulling for me.  I'm not sure anyone knew it, but I was near tears by the time the ladies were eating dessert.  I can honestly say that's the first time I didn't give a HOOT about cupcakes.  {giggling}

When it was just about time to return to the sanctuary for the speaking portion, one of the deacons who was there as part of the program asked if he could pray with me.  I was surprised but so grateful that someone was sensing the need.

I was introduced.  I walked to the podium.  I got my notes, Bible and materials situated, and then I began to talk.  And just like that, all the nerves melted away, and I spoke freely and boldly.

That in itself was enough for me.  For more than four weeks I had kept wondering how I was actually going to do this while bearing the heavy weight of my trial, but He poured His grace out on me and helped me every step of the way. 

Oh, but there's more.

One by one, ladies came to me and told me how God had used the things I said to convict them.  One lady said it had completed some thoughts for her that she had been just discussing earlier in the morning.  She added that, "God really knows what He's doing."  Other ladies said they really needed to hear what I had to say.

It was all God.  I know it was all Him because I truly felt like I had nothing to give as I compiled my notes.  I couldn't imagine what He would do with the words that I had written down.

I was overwhelmed, and all I could do was bow at His feet.  Thank You, Lord, for abundant grace.

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It's The Big Day

Good Saturday to you!

I'll be getting up this morning and going to First Place as usual.  I'm not prepared very well for today.  I don't have my scripture verse memorized. 

When Bible study is over I'll be coming home for just a little more than an hour and then heading back to church for the luncheon.  Last night I was feeling better about the content of my notes when I had a chance to go over them again.  It's just a matter of whether it's too much or too little to say.

You know what I've discovered?  The topic of gratitude is something you could talk about all day.  There is so much scripture dealing with thankfulness.  I really hadn't noticed how much, until I was consciously looking for it.  I think we glance right over that character trait because we see it as unimportant, but that is so far from the truth.

I'm looking forward to being on the other side of this event, to be able to process everything.  The road to this day has been a months-long journey.  I am ready to close this chapter and move on to the next.

I'll be back soon to let you know how it goes.

  

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Preparing To Speak

One week from today (Saturday) I will be speaking on the topic of gratitude at a ladies luncheon at my church.  I've known for more than a month that I would be doing it, and all sorts of thoughts have run through my head in anticipation of the event.  My feelings have run the gamut.

Fear. Inadequacy. Confidence. Uncertainty. Worry. Humility.

I've been jotting things down for weeks that I might include in my notes.  The other night I started making the basic outline and then began to fill it in with points and scriptures.  I was surprised at how quickly the thoughts came, but I guess I shouldn't be, since I've been focused on the topic and gratitude scriptures since January when I read Nancy Leigh DeMoss' book.

I'm still in process of studying and writing, so if you think of me this week, would you pray for me?  I've had experience teaching ladies Bible studies and children's lessons, but this still seems different.  It will definitely be the largest group I've ever spoken to. 

Have a good weekend,

  

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How I Spend Sundays

Good Sunday morning to you.  Tell me, where did the past week go?  It was a challenging week for me, both emotionally and physically, but ironically, it seemed to fly by.

I'll be at church today.  I'm currently teaching both the primaries and juniors Sunday school, since we lost the primaries' teacher a few weeks ago.  Until someone steps in as the new teacher, I'll be teaching a combined class.  As if 4th-6th graders weren't challenging enough, now I'm adding 1st-3rd graders into the mix.  {Please give me patience, Lord.}

I always take a Sunday afternoon nap.  Does anyone else do that?  It started back when I was a kid, and I just never quit taking Sunday naps.  Sundays are a long day for me anyway with early choir practice, Sunday School, morning service, an afternoon choir practice, and evening service.  You can see why a girl might need her Sunday nap, can't you?

Well, whatever you're doing today, I hope that you have spent time with the Lord and His people.

Have a wonderful Lord's day.

*Photo courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com

Sunday Highlights

My Sundays are very full days with the various things I'm involved in at church.  I thought maybe I'd share some of the highlights of the day, in no particular order.

The cookies I made for the carry-in dinner were a hit!  People were asking for the recipe, which thrilled me because I'm not typically the go-to-gal when it comes to a to-die-for treat.  Want to try them?  Click here for the recipe.

While we were waiting in the food line, one of my students pointed at me and said, You are the best Sunday school teacher!  That is so sweet to hear.  I'm thankful that God gives me favor with some of them.

Dad preached a very good sermon about the joy of the Lord being our strength.  Joy is a source or cause of delight, and we find that in Jesus.  That's why even in tribulations we can experience joy.  There is joy in knowing God is with us, in reading His Word, in serving others, and in doing the Father's will.  I love that these truths dovetail with my study on gratitude.  I think joy and gratitude go hand in hand.

Dr. John MacArthur spoke in our evening service.  Okay, that's not exactly the whole story.  Dr. MacArthur was on DVD, and I wasn't even in the service to see him.  I had toddler duty.  But I'm sure it blessed everyone who was in the service.

January Recap - Bible, Books & Baking

It's been an interesting start to the new year.  We're almost finished with January, and I've already experienced some exciting things.  Makes me wonder what the rest of 2010 will be like.

One of the privileges I've had this month is to teach the lessons in our Word of Life Bible club every week for the whole of January.  Although I'm a Sunday school teacher, this was a larger group of kids, which included adults.  It was quite daunting at first.  Now that I've come through the other side of the challenge, I am pleased to discover that I enjoyed it.  It was a lot of work but worth it.

Also, something I hadn't shared with you at the start of the year was that I set some reading goals for 2010.  I knew I wanted to read more books than I had last year, but I wasn't sure what was attainable.  I thought 15 non-fiction books and 30 fiction books were a possibility.  Then I decided to keep a record of the number of pages I read and also a list of the books I complete with the date.  I got excited when I realized yesterday that I've already completed 4 books this month, and I'm in the middle of a novel right now that I think I can finish by the weekend.

Here's what I've read so far:

• Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake (novel)
• The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner  (novel)
• Choosing Gratitude: The Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Choosing Forgiveness: The Journey to Freedom by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

I found both of Nancy's books to be very convicting and spiritually challenging, especially in working through the personal application portions she includes.  I recommend both books!

Another new thing I'm starting is scripture memorization.  Judy had recommended working on this because of a radio broadcast she had heard talking about the importance of this spiritual discipline being incorporated into our lives.  I went and listened to the whole series on ReviveOurHearts.com (week of Jan. 4-8) and felt compelled to start working on it.  I plan to memorize Second Peter 1 and various other scriptures that are either part of Bible studies I participate in or scriptures that jump out at me during  my studies.

In addition to these things, I discovered after Christmas that I have a new enjoyment in baking {with all natural ingredients, of course}.  Not cooking, baking.  I told Rich that I would bake him a different batch of cookies every week for the fun of it, and he really liked that new year's goal.  I haven't quite kept up with the "one batch a week" goal, but I have baked a few cookies as well as a couple loaves of super delicious banana bread.  {Honestly, the best I've ever had.}  Baking has slowed down here in the last week, only because it's hard for me to watch my waistline expand with all those goodies in the house.  We'll have to see what we can do about that.

So I'd say January has kicked off 2010 for me in a very good way.  I'm looking forward to good things coming ahead. 

See you tomorrow for the Chat Pack.

Sunday Thankfulness

I just realized that it's the end of the day, and I need to write something if I want to keep my NaBloPoMo commitment. I mean, how could I make it through the entire month, only to miss it on the second to last day of the month? No way! I'm going to finish this thing.

I would like to do a thankfulness bullet list for tonight, seeing as I can probably list several items...

• I'm thankful that my Sunday school class was well behaved today. Truly a blessing!
• I'm thankful for the grace of God that enables me to do hard things.
• I'm thankful that God shows how present and active He is in our lives when the pastor uses several verses in his sermon that I had already been thinking about through the day, and he uses texts that were covered in my Sunday school lesson with my kids.
• I'm thankful that we don't have to remain the same; we can become different in Christ.

I hope everyone had a good and restful weekend. I sure did. It's back to work and routine tomorrow, though. Starbucks sure sounds in order for Monday. See you tomorrow...the last day of NaBloPoMo. Woot!

I'm Officially Old

It was bound to happen one day, and somehow I had a feeling it was coming soon. Today is the day I am officially old. "Why?" you ask.

It's been a long day, and a weird one at that. Neither Rich nor I are feeling up to par. As we sat on the couch enjoying an episode of Property Virgins on HGTV, I told him a funny story about something that happened in Sunday school yesterday. It made him think of our friend who works in our Word of Life Club, and suddenly he asked, "Did we have a meeting tonight?!?"

My mouth dropped open and I looked at him with wide eyes. "I think we did!" He handed me the phone, and I called our head coach to check into this. Yep, there was a meeting alright, and we missed it.

I cannot believe that I actually FORGOT ALL ABOUT A MEETING! I don't forget appointments or meetings or events. I mean, there have been times I've forgotten early in the day and then remembered later that I had somewhere I needed to be, but I've never completely and utterly forgotten I needed to be somewhere.

So what I'm wondering now is, will this just be the norm from now on? I feel as if I've crossed into unknown territory here. What is the next thing I'll forget? I'm already thinking about a doctor's appointment I have for Thursday morning. Am I going to forget that too?

This all has been a bit disconcerting. I think I need to lie down.

Pray Believing

Ever since I was first asked to teach the Junior Sunday School class, I've been praying over it. I prayed about the decision, and then once the decision was made I began praying for the kids. I've been praying for the ability to teach them and for the Lord to use me to impact their lives.

Ready and girded with prayer as I could be, I walked into class the first day and was met with challenges from the first minute. At first I thought...

What am I doing here, Lord? This isn't the way I thought it would be.

My next thought was...

Please help me, Lord. I know I'm supposed to be here, and you're the only One with the solution to this problem. I don't know what to do, so please show me.

So I've been praying for 3 weeks for God's wisdom on how to get through to my Juniors, to be able to connect with them as I teach, and for His leading concerning the most beneficial way to teach so as to keep their attention.

Yesterday was the third time I walked into that classroom, and as I began my lesson it became very evident to me that the Holy Spirit was there. My kids were attentive immediately. It was amazing! Oh, we still had some issues, but overall I am positive that they were listening and the changes I had made in my presentation had made a difference.

I have recently seen some big answers to prayer in the last month, and I want to encourage you to hope in God and pray earnestly to see Him work change in not only others, but in you too. I've watched God do some amazing stuff. Pray believing!

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NKJV)

No Flushing Allowed

There's a slight update to that toilet situation from yesterday. The water at church has since been turned off again. Now they have to flush all the plumbing with chlorine to clean the pipes. There's a sign on the bathroom door that says, "Do not use."

Ummm... just wondering? How's a girl supposed to hold it for four hours after 8 oz. of water, 8 oz. of milk, and now starting in on the coffee? Do I have to drive to the store down the road or what?

Guess what. I think my fluids are starting to kick in already. Help!

We Can Flush!

It's been a crazy week at the church. It started last Thursday when the janitor noticed all the water softener salt was empty. He thought there might be a leak somewhere. Oh boy, was there!

When I arrived for work Friday morning I was greeted by a sign on the front door that stated the WATER HAS BEEN SHUT OFF. And thus began the joys of trying NOT to think about how I needed to use "the facilities".

Next thing you know, men were in and out of the church... Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. In the meantime, we've had to use buckets of water to flush if we used the toilets. I did my best to hold it, so as not to use up the water we had. By Tuesday there were no more buckets. Aiy aiy aiy!

I started getting used to holding it, so much so that I realized I was holding it even when I was at home. I had to laugh at myself yesterday when I realized what I was doing.

Finally, last night they were in the final legs of the repair, turning on all the water valves in every restroom again. I was relieved when one of the men said, "The toilets are working now." Hal-le-lu-jah! Hal-le-lu-jah! (That's me singing.)

So life at the office is almost back to normal. It just feels so good to flush again.

Lots of Changes

Hi, guys. I know I'm been MIA for months. It's not that I haven't thought to spend time with my blog; I've thought of it almost every day. It's just that some new things have come into my life in the last couple months, and I've really needed to focus on them.

I had been feeling very overwhelmed at times, but that feeling is mostly gone. It started with our kids Bible club at church. We had decided to change the program we were using, and we had to be trained on how to run the new club this fall. That involved many meetings and planning.

Our Word of Life club started at the end of August, and we are now in full swing. I am working with 5th & 6th grade girls, and I already love it. My ministry involves discipling them and helping them go deeper in their relationship with Christ.

The second big change for me is that I have taken on another ministry. I started teaching Sunday School the first Sunday of September for the 4th-6th graders. I have taught before, but it's been a lot of years. It feels very new, and there are challenges in front of me.

In addition to all of that, I'm making some dietary changes. At the end of August I read an article on Kelly the Kitchen Kop's blog about which type of milk is healthiest, and I was blown away. It began a journey for me into the domain of Real Food. I have left the low-fat diet behind. No more processed foods for me! (at least to the best of my ability) My new motto is if God made it, it must be good. If man manufactured it, it's highly questionable. Anyway, making this diet move has involved much reading of books and blogs, and it's been both educational and overwhelming to take in.

So that's where I've been. I really didn't want to leave you hangin' any longer.

I'm Losing It!

Something sort of hit me yesterday, a realization of something disturbing.  Devastating, really.  It all came to a head yesterday when I was trying to remember how and when I made a purchase for the church.  It happened not only once, but twice.  I got a statement saying I had ordered ink cartridges, but I couldn't remember ever receiving the ink.  I opened the drawer, and there was the ink.  I DON'T REMEMBER PUTTING IT IN THERE.  It may have only been two weeks ago.  How can I not remember two weeks ago?

I used to remember birthdays, and who said what to whom and when.  I was the go-to-gal for information.  Suddenly, I need a go-to-gal.  Who's gonna keep track of me?

Don't think for a minute that I'm basing my memory issue on just a couple incidents, and I shouldn't think it to be a big deal.  It finally dawned on me that I've been struggling to remember a variety of things that people at church have asked me about for months.  I would pass them off as things that others shouldn't expect me to remember, but honestly they are things that I expect myself to remember.  I've felt a little incompetent, if truth be told.

Then...today...came the straw that broke the camel's back.

Remember my scary incident at the office when the man banged on the front doors?  Remember how jumpy I have been?  Remember how I am always going to keep the door locked and not let anyone in unless they have a key, know the password, and give the secret, sacred handshake?  Well, guess who discovered that she hadn't locked the front door this morning, only AFTER she had been there for 3 hours.  Yeah.  That would be me.  The scaredy cat.

See?  I'm losing my mind.  Someone who is afraid of intruders does not forget to lock their doors.  How could they forget, unless they were becoming senile?

Can that happen at 36?

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What's That Noise?!?

Working at a church office during such tough, economic times can be a challenge some days.  In the many years I've worked in the office, we've always had the random person come in off the street looking for a handout, but in the last year the number of people looking for help has increased significantly.

I have always kept the front door locked when I'm at the office alone, but now we have begun to keep the door locked even when there are several of us here.  I have always had to use my judgment as to whether I would open the door to someone who came to the church unannounced.  At this point, though, I have pretty much made it my personal policy not to grant anyone entrance to the building if I don't know them.

A couple months ago I had a frightening incident while I was working alone.  Some friends had planned to pick me up after work to take me to lunch and make a hospital visit.  It was nearing that time, and I decided to take my things out to my car and then wait in the building for my friends to arrive.

As I walked back to the front door I heard someone yelling from across the way.  A man on a bike was yelling, "Pastor!  Pastor!"  I recognized him as someone who had been here a few times before, asking for food and money.  I don't know why he was yelling to me.  I don't look like the pastor.  {Well, I do because he's my dad, but I'm a girl. You know what I mean.}

I went into the church, locked the door, then hunkered down in Dad's office so as not to be seen.  Just then my friend called and said they were running late, and it would be another 15-20 minutes before they arrived.  At that moment, I heard banging at the front door.  I'm not talking about loud knocking.  I mean it was a full-out *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* with a fist.  I started freaking out.

When I told my friend what was happening, he said they would get to the church as quickly as they could.  The man at the door continued to bang.  And I waited.  Then it got quiet. I started imagining all sorts of scenarios.  I thought I heard movement outside the office door, and my heart beat fast. 

Finally, through the window, I saw him ride his bike away.  Still, I didn't want to leave the office and waited until I saw my friends' car pull up out front before I came out of my hiding place.  Relief finally settled in.

For weeks after that, I would freeze at every sound I heard at the front doors.  The sound of a fist banging on the door would sound in my head, and I remembered the fear.  I kept my window blinds closed, so I could not be seen from the parking lot.  Even when people were here, I still felt unsettled.  As time passed, though, the waryness started to fade, and I relaxed once again.

Yesterday another stranger showed up while I was alone.  The blinds are closed again.  I jump at every noise. 

Ugh!  Here we go again...

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Ministry of Prayer

At our church's missions conference last week we were encouraged to adopt one of our supported missionary families.  Adopting them would involve praying for them every day, keeping in contact with them by mail or email, staying informed about what's happening in their lives, and bringing any prayer needs to the pastor that he may not be aware of.  Basically, we need to get personal with them.

I have been very remiss about praying for missionaries.  I sometimes will pray for needs that are mentioned in their letters that come through the office, but not on my own during my personal daily prayer time.

As I've done a complete overhaul on my daily prayer time and have become more systematic in my approach (which I may explain at a later time), I knew I would be able to add at least one missionary to my daily prayer list.  So I decided to get involved in this "adoption" ministry.

I chose a missionary who is a single woman ministering with church planters in Australia, as well as teaching scripture classes at a local school, among various other things.  We happen to share the same first name, which is kind of cool.  I sent her an introductory email, and she has already responded. 

I'm looking forward to getting to know her and having a part in her ministry through something as basic as prayer.  I know prayer will affect not only her, but me as well as I get to share in the joy of  God working in her and through her this year.  I'm anticipating good things ahead.

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ...that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 

Colossians 4:2-4 (NKJV)

Liz

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