Jersey for Jesus

Greed

2008-10-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

So the nation (made up of people like you and me) are screaming -- Economic Crisis!! And in my heart of hearts - all I can see is GREED! What's up with that? From Corporate Greed -- to personal Greed -- to Wall Street Greed!

My trip to Papua New Guinea made my life very different. People sleeping on 4 in foam mattrresses and eating sweet potatoes for breakfast -- made this economic crisis fall into place for me -- GREED -- living with things we don't need -- can live without -- and should!

Materialism in my country has escalated -- spun out of control! And it's tunneled to GREED!

Yikes -- can we get out of this ???? Back to the Bible and back to God and back to less STUFF!

Socialization instead of Thoughts

2008-09-29T18:18:00.001-07:00

So . . . I've been extremely -- did I say EXTREMELY negligent with my thoughts lately. I'm so very caught up in the social networking of Facebook that I've hardly had time to really write down some thoughts.

And I've been thinking a lot lately. The book, The Shack, has taken me new places with God -- wow! and I attended a Quacker Worship Service last Sunday and found another place with God.

I've discovered that I need variety. I need different. I need things that will rattle my brain and jar my thoughts.

and now it's time to write. Oh . . .I'll check in with my friends daily -- but I will do my best to write down my life a little more in the contemplative way.

Let's go . .. Jersey for Jesus!

God's Creation

2008-02-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

God's creation encompasses millions of categories. I had opportunity this past weekend to encounter two of His creations in a very special way. Firstly, I am always happy when it's snowing! Imagine that! Some of my closest friends just can't understand that. So . . . skiing is just something I love. And when I'm skiing -- I'm simply enthralled with the view from the top of the mountain. And while I wasn't in New England or the Rockies -- the Poconos would just have to do. And I still was amazed at the beauty in God's Creation of the landscape. And -- there was plenty of snow falling from the sky -- enough to get soaking wet!

But secondly . . . God's Creation of mankind in community was my experience this past weekend. And -- how great . . . these both were together!

There's a special community among Christians! And when one corps can pull community off -- it's a special day. And God is to be praised. (The coordinators should be thanked, of course - ) But God gets all the glory!

Interaction between friends and associates in a relazed setting, enjoying the snow and the thrill of the hill (it was the poconos!) was wonderful.

Jersey for Jesus -- in community -- I just love it!

Been a long time !

2008-02-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like a ping pong ball. I run from this project to the next project and it's rare that I remember to do my devotions and the laundry (though I do them both regularly) and so my poor blog -- that no one reads -- lays dormant for months.

what's a girl to do ? So I'm now promising to blog once a week. Let's see if I can do this. It's alot easier than exercising -- though I like exercising my mind much more than my body.

Thanks in advance to my friends who will encourage -- there are a couple out there, and I'll do my best to be interesting.

And Jersey for Jesus -- is an actual fact! We're doing our best to represent the King right where we live -- and it's so great! Pray for us.

The People of God

2007-10-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

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'

2007-10-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-09T16:27:00.001-07:00

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!

2007-06-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-04-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-03-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-20T16:33:00.000-08:00

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.

A wealth of witness

2006-12-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day -- a party for all the NJ Retired Officers. It was a room filled with witness -- a host of witnesses! and what a wealth of witness. I am grateful to be associated with such gracious and generous people. they are truly a blessing to Gus and me. And each one prays for us each day. How blessed we are! And today is also tomorrow and a very special day for our best friend. Happy BD -- JMK. We still miss you.

Lost in Space

2006-02-15T18:43:00.000-08:00

Seems that I've been lost in space for awhile. In loosing my password (one of my many pet pieves -- the password game) I couldn't publish or post. What a dilemma. So . . . .I'm back !!

Workmates are Family

2005-08-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day it was for a picnic! And it was our work picnic -- THQ, that is. It's always great to see the families of the people we work with -- and the employees always like to see us in private clothes -- seems a like a treat -- and it is for us!! But our workmates are really like family. We know the joys and the sorrows. We ask about personal concerns and are genuinely interested in all the pieces of their lives. Life is truly about relationships. It's not about power or position. It's not about the money we make (though it helps). It's not about the "toys" we have. My father-in-law -- now heavenly -- used to tell us that in our beloved Salvation Army -- all that really matters is your family!! When all is said and done . . . it's your family who'll still be there. Wonder if our workmates will still be family then ? God has gives us a wonderful life!

Passwords

2005-08-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

I've just about had it with passwords. Who knew ten years ago that you would need at least 200 passwords just to get up in the morning. Paying bills, blogging, shopping, doing research, etc., etc., etc. So we need lists of passwords -- because . . . as everyone knows -- people have already chosen our passwords. Does it seems like I'm going in circles ?? And then . . . at work -- we must change our passwords periodically!! And . .. the combination of numbers and letters must be exact! Yikes -- can I do anything without a password ? I can pray. God needs no passwords from us -- He knows the very number of hairs on our head. So happy -- I'm just done with a scattered identity. God loves me as He made me. Yahoo!

My identity

2005-06-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

There are days when my identity is lost. I am lost in my uniform . . . I am lost in my job . . . I am lost in my own thoughts. Today I took some time to myself. And while reading some blogs . . .I was drawn to one by Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Texas. His blog was about taking time to yourself. Imagine! Now . . . I'm extra cautious about this -- lest some mis-use it and run away from work -- but today . . . I had some fun with friends and found myself again.

Whew!

2005-06-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's difficult to explain how I'm feeling! After planing, and planning, and preparation and preparation and committee meeting and more committee meetings -- it's all over! -- the family enrichment conference in Hershey, I mean. It was totally worth all the prep and planning, but now I'm feeling a bit "wind out of my sails." How to get over that ?? I guess talking about it makes it better -- but then no one ever reads my blogs .. . so most times I'm talking to myself -- which isn't a bad thing . . . but I love input (others, that is) and that element is missing. God certainly blessed the event, and I loved just a couple things especially. I loved watching an officer dance with his 8 year old daughter on the floor of the Giant Arena during Salvadore's concert. And I loved the Llama in the parade -- he was very cool. And the finale . .. on Saturday morning -- with NYSB, dancers and vocal!! Yahoo -- and confetti streamers, too -- this is praising for me. Hallelujah !

Off Again

2005-05-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today half of our family left the country. It is another opportunity for the New York Staff Band to do ministry in other lands -- this time . . . Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Sure wish I could be with them. It is a proud moment to hear our band in another land. Nothing like it! It is a great fellowship among the band itself and trips create memories that are shared and shared and shared again -- even into alumni. Please pray for them. It is hard to sleep in a different bed every night. It is hard thinking of things to say to complete strangers. And it is hard to live with each other for this kind of extensive, pressurized and exhaustive time. I miss them already and they're not even there yet. God bless and use them. We love them.

Tons of Fun

2005-05-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

While I am swimming in work . . . running to catch up . . . and jumping with joy -- I'm REALLY exhausted. But it is tons of fun. My work is overwhelming right now, but it is for the Master. I ever must keep that in mind. I am working to inspire. I am working to invigorate . . . and I'm working to witness. Jesus will reign in all things. I pray for strength and for fortitude. I pray for inspiration and creative new ideas and I pray for all who may benefit from a gathering in His Name. It's something like the feeding of 5,000 in Bible days . . . with a BBQ in mind.

As the Deer . . .

2005-04-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

I am not a television fan. I'd rather explore or research the internet . . . or today because it was so nice I took our family dog to a park for a walk. Dogs are permitted in the park -- but not on the walking path, so we had to find our fun elsewhere. But God always provides. As we entered the park at about dusk . . . you guessed it . . . there were several deer grazing on the edge of the woods. Gentle and serene. Now usually our little terrier (like Toto--only her name is Rigby) is ready to "take-on " the world or any larger or smaller creature in her pathway. She thinks she's fierce. But there was no barking . . . there was no sense of "let me at them." She was calm and gentle . . . as the picture she was seeing -- the deer on the edge of the trees. Funny how God connects creatures -- human and not.

A GREAT Miracle

2005-04-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Wow . . .is God great or what ?? Today . . .God's handiwork was shown to us all -- in the pictures of our new friend Jake. He's actually our GREAT nephew . . .since God placed us in a bigger family. Miracles of salvation. Miracles of love and miracles of new life are all so evident to us in the birth of Jake. Praise the Lord for every part of him . . . his hair . . . his grown-up size and -- never to forget . . .the dimple in the chin. This is a fine touch of the Master's hand.

Injustice for all!

2005-04-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

I'm ever amazed as the injustice that lurks around every corner, stop light and roadside. Just because you have a nice car . . . are under 30 years old and are a male -- you are ready to write the check. Why does injustice leave its trail of blood on the side of the road? Why are some people targeted for bad things? Why do some people get all the praise . . . and do little work ? Why do some folks just naturally fall on their feet -- never a fall -- and others . . . .whoa . . enough of this.

God's Hand

2005-04-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm praying for a friend and their family. It's a difficulty to understand why bad things happen to good people. What is in God's plan ? How can we find out ? How long will it take to know ? Sickness is overwhelming and medical procedures are difficult for us to undertand. But I do believe that God will be in it all. Perhaps there is more to learn. Just when God reveals Himself in someone -- and sickness comes -- then God is revealed even clearer in the stronghold on faith. Please pray for Fred. There is no cure . . . but hope is in God and the revelation of His plan.

How Lovely is the Day

2005-04-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am energized by the warmth of the sun. I am hopeful of many things just at the sight of green grass . . . and I am earth-bound when I'm planting flowers. Today is one of those days. My personality is a bit "high". Can't help it. And it's hard to understand why others who are a bit more mellow than I am -- (that's half of the population) -- aren't right up there with me. My husband doesn't quite understand -- and my kids have developed a survival technique. They can't hear me. But God hears me and sends along people who make me smile. People who are like me and want heaven to be a continual musical . . . dancing and singing in the streets. God always sends people my way. Perhaps YOU are one of them.

Who Are We ?

2005-04-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

I am ever intrigued by what makes people the way they are -- or respond the way they do. Basically I have always thought firstly of the childhood environment and influences. But people have bad stuff happen as children are never apparently affected by it. Other people have great things happen to them and find themselves in emotional turmoil and distress. In the words of my old friend, Bug -- what's up Doc ? What gives ? What makes the difference ? Who decides the outcome ?? I am ever amazed at God's design in our freewill. And it is God who rescues us if we let Him. If we can ever get out of our own way - and follows His . . . whew, a novel idea!! And a book would do, too! It's already out there. It's the Bible.

A Very Bad Day

2005-04-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a bust!! It was really bad -- all around me. There was sadness. There was pain. There was whinning. There was complaining. Yikes. But today the air was different. The sun was shining. Lots of work got done. People were happier. (and the Yankees won!) God worked in my life, and I felt his protecting Hand. But why is satan's voice so VERY LOUD ?!? Why is God's still small voice, masked by the sadness. Masked by misunderstanding. Hidden by human frailty and weakness. I want God's voice to be loud, clear and ringing in my ears. I guess I control the volume, really . . . .and if I'm paying attention I can turn the knob.

The Open Net

2005-03-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

In reading a recent blog from a dear friend . . . I began thinking about an open net -- rather than the internet! This whole idea has opened up our lives . . . our bank accounts . . .our accessibility . . .and our vulnerability! I really can remember Pre Net . . .and I really never want to go back there . . .but is there a vulnerability that has just rocketed with the internet ?? His blog was about evangelism and and using it as an "open net" rather like the fishing nets of many, many days gone by. The "open net" idea is rather scary to me -- makes me think of the circus and a chance of falling. I rather like to remember the Scriptures of the fishing net -- !

A Painful Passion

2005-03-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

Love isn't always joyful. There is painful passion. I've not seen Mel Gibson's Passion of Christ movie as yet. I may be the only one who hasn't, and I do intend to do so, but in thinking today about Christ's painful passion, I am reminded that the intense depth of His love is so uncomprehensible to the human emotion. But I do know that even we limited humans are hurt by love at times. I find it very intriguing that some of my friends and family who I love -- are in pain by human love. Thank you Jesus . . . for love divine. Love divine .. .. all love excelling!!

A First Time for Everything

2005-03-22T17:09:00.000-08:00

What a very interesting way to "read my mind." Since being out of school for a couple of years now . . . and completing my MA in an on-line degree program from Seton Hall, I've missed "postings." Here's a new way to expand my horizons. Please be patient with this new blogger . . . I'll try to explore and create . . . and even be interesting at times. Thanks to my friend . . . the Chiefspeak . . for passing on "the blog."