Be still

 Sometimes God speaks to us in ways we can or understand. Sometimes it's a still small voice, sometimes a preacher, sometimes a tragedy. Ten days ago on April 7, we were having the first night of our Spiritual Warfare Conference at Harvest Baptist in Fort Dodge, IA. Bro. Johnny Pope was preaching on prayer.

Usually, my phone is deep in my purse, so I don't get distracted if someone messages me. For some reason it was sticking up to where when the light came on it got my attention. I saw that it was my sister Jacqueline. I had told my family I would be in conference, so I thought she just forgot. Two second later my sister Julie called. I knew something must be wrong. I quickly texted our family chat to ask if there was something wrong, and my sister said, Yes call me.

I called Julie, and she told me our mom had had a heart attack. After a few minutes of conversation, I realized the invitation was starting I hung up the phone, and quickly went down front to ask the church to pray.  I was soon surrounded by several women and girls all praying for my mom and me. It was a timely message that was preached that night.

I was able to talk to my mom late that night. The doctors told her had she been  even a few minutes later in going to the hospital, she would most likely not be here. Her right aorta was 99-100% blocked. They were able to do a stint through a heart cath. The outward squeeze of the heart is functioning at 48% and total heart function right now is 60%. The heart can heal, but it will take a lot of time.On top of this problem, my parents received one of the most hurtful messages they have ever received. It was sad to see someone be so hateful at a time when my mom could have died and was close to death. 

Throughout the week of the conference, God kept sending me messages about waiting, being quiet, and being still. On one night, Bro. Doug Fisher was preaching. He spoke about being quiet and waiting on God. After the service, I wanted to meet his wife..I spoke to her, and then Bro. Fisher began talking to me. After about five minutes, he asked if I wanted to sit down. He then talked to me for probably 30 minutes. For him to do that after preaching and having a long day (he has had a stroke and numerous seizures over the last several years) was an honor to me. He spoke to me about being still and waiting on God. He pointed out character traits that I had never really named in myself, but were how I try to live my life. All of this came at a time when I needed confirmation that I was doing what God wants me to do right now. 

After the conference was over, I then traveled to my sister's two hours south, and attended a ladies conference. The lessons I heard there were also about being still and waiting on God. I also received a necklace that said Be still and know that I am God.

I planned a trip to stay two weeks with my parents to help my dad finish cleaning out the house they were living in, and to give my mom some time to rest.  God provided me with the funds to come along with a young lady who will be able to sit with my mom while my dad and I are away for the day. On top of those funds, God allowed other funds to be given to me to help with any needs I might have while I'm away.

In order to leave for the two weeks, I needed to make sure that the college students had meals since the lady who usually cared for the meals has been extremely sick. I also needed to arrange my English class, and get in all my client visits for my foster care job. I spent four days cooking, visiting clients, working on lesson plans ... Most of those days were very late nights. I have been tired, and at times a bit overwhelmed in my thoughts when trying to get everything organized. Over the last two days, I have an anxious feeling, even to the point of my heart racing a bit. I believe it is simply Satan trying to get me discouraged and off kilter because there was no reason for me to be anxious anymore since all my ducks were in a row. The only other time I have had that kind of anxious feeling was during covid when I would have to go shopping.... because I did not want to deal with people who were trying to force us to wear masks.

Prayers for me, my mom, my dad, and several situations which I cannot deal with right now are greatly appreciated.

On another good note, I met a young lady who may be interested in short term missions. I shared two missionaries with needs with her, and I hope to hear back that she may be able to help them as I am not sure that I will be able to do so at the times they need.

A few days ago, I spoke with one of my foster care clients who had been in jail. I led him to Christ while he was in jail, and now he is wanting to move to the Fort Dodge are to be involved in our addictions ministry, the church, and an accountability Bible Study the pastor has.

Please pray that not only this young man but also another one my clients can get housing in the Fort Dodge area.

I am still working towards  traveling full time. Please pray God gives me wisdom on how to raise the funds to do this.

April Showers Bring May Flowers.

 I was actually hoping that March snowstorms and then 75 degree weather meant spring was finally here. As I write this, we have a had a very cold, windy, wintry mix day. I am looking forward to when the warmth comes to stay. 

So many thing have kept my attention the last few weeks. A big win is watching Kaden as he learns about God. Due to some events at home, he is in a temporary living situation. He first had moved to his girlfriend's house. Her mom also lives there. After being there a day or two, he texted and said he wanted to get his own place so he could move in with his girlfriend. I quickly asked if I could call him. We talked, and I told him what God says about living with someone who isn't your wife and where it could lead. After a few minutes of talking about other things, Kaden said, "It kinda makes me mad." I asked what made him mad, and he said, "That God said it so I can't do it." He was referring back to living with his girlfriend. I wish more Christians could think this way. It would remove a lot of sin. Please pray as I still need to explain more about baptism before Kaden will decide to be baptized.

My other clients have been keeping me busy as well. Some are doing well; others are struggling. They are a diverse group of people. Please pray for two girls who lean towards LGBTQ. I am trying to find resources that are very soft touch introductions to  reaching these people with the Gospel. Both have had a lot of trauma and bad experiences with religious groups.

I have recently been hired to substitute teacher at a community college. I will be teaching English language learners. I have my first training day on April 14. Please pray that I can maintain this new opportunity along with all my other outreaches. 

I also started a group call SMILE with young ladies age 20-40 at my church. Please pray that I can really get this off the ground and find new ways to reach out into the community. I am still involved in my craft group, and I am praying for more ladies to join. Please pray for Marjorie. She will be 100 I think this month, and she is not saved.

 Please pray as our Spiritual Warfare Conference is next week. God is trying to do a work, and Satan has been fighting hard with our church members, staff, and students. Pray that God can break through the barriers that many have already set up in their hearts towards what is being preached in preparation for the conference.

 My mom has been working with a new surgeon who is trying to help my moms hip muscle to heal without surgery. Please pray that the sound wave and water therapies will help, and please for pain relief for my mom. 

I am still working to pay off my truck, and I am praying for more supporting churches or an online job which will allow me to work while traveling. God has been good by providing me with ,multiple ways of earning money right now, but I want to travel full time overseas, and that is not feasible with a small steady income to put in the bank for expenses when I am home.

Please pray for the unspoken situation which has continued for four years. recently I saw a picture of someone involved, and I am very worried for them spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Pray that God can get a hold of the hearts involved and do a work of reviving.