The People of God

How wonderful it is to be with the People of God. Today's meetings at beautiful Star Lake Camp were just a stamp of approval upon God's People. I really do love working with God's People. I am surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses to the ministry of God. It's not everyday that people say that they get to go to work and just enjoy being with their fellow workers -- BUT I DO! Thank you to all those who make ministry so awesome and enjoyable.

Been Prayin'

There have been lots of things recently that needed lots of prayer! It's kids -- it's jobs -- it's family -- it's TSA work here in NJ -- it's personnel -- it's OKAY . . . just about everything.

But that's what it is about, isn't it ? Dependence upon God melts that independent ego thing that Satan tries to trick us with every -- every single day! I've been doing some research for some talks (or sermons) for our trip to Australia and Papua New Guinea, and I've made some significant discoveries. Imago Dei is the theme and that has sent me lots of places in to find truths related to being made in the image of God. We were made to Glorify God. We were made to reflect his grace. We were made to pass along his love. We were made to speak the truth and we were made to "be like Jesus." Huh -- that leaves no place for ego . . . or power . . . or a big head!

We are vessels -- and I really like being a vessel that God can use.

What a summer!

I can hardly believe that I haven't written for months -- I'm really not a very good blogger. But the summer has taught me a couple of lessons to share with anyone who reads this --!

When the Bible says that the Lord provides . . . it's not Biblical history -- it's today and tomorrow and forever! Actual fact! well . .. for those who believe. I've had a couple of "trials & troubles" and actually prayer is the only place to go, and even when I have the slightest doubt that God will answer (I have some pretty petty and weird requests) -- He totally opens a door that I never thought of! Go figure. I know that I'm almost old and have been in ministry for tons of years . . . but God still amazes me! And I trust He always will!

How easy to remember!

When you've been missing someone -- times goes by -- you still miss that someone (or plural) but you can't even imagine how much until they return! I'm estatic to hear her voice on the phone. We can meet for lunch. We can go to the mall. And this is two days in a row. I can't stopped being amazed! I can't stop the feeling of joy to know that we'll talk tomorrow. Now . . . when my friends are far away -- we do talk -- but not every day, but now "see you tomorrow." Or . . . "I'll call in the morning." Wow -- did I miss my friends. God keeps us busy -- and that makes the time at least "march" by -- not fly all the time, but now I'm even fearful of the good-bye. I can't get over how happy I am -- but I can anticipate the sadness already. Whew -- enough! I'm praising God for the minutes -- the hours -- the days we have together.

The Fast Paced Cyber

So today I drove 2 hrs 30 min to hear a presentation about websites and internet fundraising! Both are extremely important. But 31 years ago when I became an officer in TSA -- who knew? Photos were important then. Text and written forms were important. Newspapers, magazines and newsletters -- even letters (who remembers letters ?) So . . . what now ? Actually now is already gone and we're anticipating tomorrow this very moment. No . . I'm not crazy but always feeling like I want to catch up -- like I want to at least be on the top of the wave. But I'm always just swimmin' out TO the wave! Yikes.

I want to make a difference -- I want internet evangelism -- I want virtual prayer rooms -- I want to educate the internet donors and their children -- who will even use something else to be philanthropic! I shutter at the thoughts. But I WANT to be there.

Booth and Jesus were both there -- they were so cutting edge . . . .that HIS blood covered the sins of the world. There's a new twist to "cutting edge" -- and that was before cyber! Go Jesus!

The Little Things

When thinking about God's faithfulness . . . I am so ever amazed at the concentrated effort God uses to help us in "the little things." Since He holds the stars in place, controls the tides of the oceans of the world and creates every newborn baby on the planet . . . why should He be concerned with my everyday, little (though they seem BIG to me) problems. And . . . maybe that's it. Because they are BIG to me . . . His love is that concerned. Don't you just love it when you talk yourself into the solution.

Recently I had a difficult situation . . . and while trying to handle it on my own-- I had come up with dead ends! While trying to find a solution . . . a totally different solution was presented. I had been praying lots and just again realized that God's faithfulness even in the little things is creative, timely and realiable. How utterly amazing that He should care for me! So glad that He does.

It's Possible!

So . . . it's possible . . Jersey for Jesus, that is! Our youth councils this past weekend was extreme -- extremely awesome. How can you loose when Jesus shows up! Many, many opportunities to praise Him -- and many, many opportunities to state an intent to follow Him -- and many, many chances to make commitments to do life HIS way!! So with 440 there -- we're on our way for Jersey for Jesus! Our corps officers are the BEST! Really . . . the BEST! With delegations of 30+ -- the corps officers prayed with each one individually! Basic pastoring 101!

But Satan loves to attack -- so flood waters tried to drown the Spirit -- but not to be done. Many step up even this moment to help the flood victims in New Jersey. And the SFOT cadets are on their way to help, too. Hallelujah -- what an Army!

So much fullness

And when you replace food with prayer . . . mighty things happen. I am a believer. I've never really been a "faster" -- but with a greater understanding (thanks - Janet) I really do believe that prayer can and should replace anything and everything! Hallelujah!

Praying with many . . . singing with the same . . . and believing together, God is glorified. We were with differing generations, differing cultures and differing genders -- but all united -- all understanding each other's expressions. God is glorified. Fullness for all. Full of His glory -- full of forgiveness -- full of praise -- and full of His Spirit.

Now the coffee helped . . . whenever I felt hungry . . . coffee it was -- and then lots of prayer again. And an deeper understanding of God's plan for this fast.

What a very beautiful -- day of fullness. And God is glorified.

Just returned from a great conference. I was amazed at just how inspired I could get. I was ultimately spell-bound by Lee Strobel -- TSA needs a touch of his evangelism enthusiasm. And I think I could make that happen -- if I just didn't have about a million other things to accomplish in the next week. Whew. Moving on . . .vacation followed and I was once again inspired by the corps officer at the Clearwater Corps. I know about Elijah and the altar competition -- but just how many altars are we willing to sacrifice? Refreshment for the soul and the mind were mine -- and I got to go to the beach, too. God is Good!

Jersey Shore

Tomorrow we will travel to the shore -- as they say in Jersey. Of course . . . not to go to the beach, but to go to church -- TSA! It's a wonderful anticipation to know that we will meet with other officers (retired now) and corps folks at Ocean County Corps to worship during this Lenten Season. Tomorrow is about Purity. Lots of thougts. Lots of memories. Lots of pondering. I like the pondering best. But what I will know is that folks will be praying even now for our time together tomorrow in worship. How uplifting. Many years of ministry -- many years -- of praying -- and many years of faithfulness. how blessed!

What a healthy place

It's a joy to know that TSA has committed Christians who are willing to dedicate their lives to extending the Kingdom of God -- and work for TSA in doing so. They will sell their land, house and car -- to sacrifice for the Kingdom. Gus and I went to training with basically nothing -- giving the last dollar for the room key. But here I'm talking about folks who are willing to sell lots -- investment monies that will take "back seat" to their commitments. I am impressed and thankful to God.

What a Wonderful World - NJ

Yes, I said New Jersey. We've just finished a south Jersey tour and I am ever amazed at the diversity of this state. Last week I went skiing in New Jersey (Mountain Creek) and then I went to Newark Ironbound for a visit to a dance studio and this weekend I went to the end of the state. The wind was bitter -- but the view was exhilerating! It was the beach -- my favorite. It was a lighthouse I hadn't seen before and it was beautiful victorian homes -- all refurbished to be Bed and Breakfasts! And then I go to Camp Tecumseh and on the way see fields of horses, beautiful horses. And another different . . . Kearny -- a cultural generational experience-- unique and "small town." And with all of this . . . I know God loves NJ and wants NJ to know Himself. That's where I come in. Jersey for Jesus -- doing my part and loving it!

A visit to the south

A visit to the south of Jersey, that is. What a privilege to minister to officers who are working hard and caring dearly for their corps folks. I've never been to the tip of NJ -- can't wait to see the ocean from that place. And we will be able to sit and talk with the officers who serve in the southlands of NJ. We have a very good Army there. It is a little different in each place -- Atlantic City, Bridgeton and Vineland. Each is very unique, and each is thriving in its own way. We pray for each serving there and therefore . . . "what a privlege to carry, everything (and everyone) to God in prayer."

Torn

I've been torn in my thoughts. I'm wondering exactly how I feel. The fence is so uncomfortable and it's really not my style. I'm not even sure enough to write. I just must think on these things!

Just wondering

Been wondering about my thoughts. Are they mine or are they not. Does anyone really care anyway. I've changed blogs from Berryinteresting to Jersey for Jesus -- and because I've been deliquent in writing -- and not networked to any "groups," no one reads. So is it important to anyone -- and the answer is Yes -- I'm at least contemplating my thoughts. And perhaps Jersey for Jesus will cross someone's mind -- or more importantly -- their heart.