K thoughts

Confession

2009-03-21T01:35:00.002-07:00

I really love Jesus.
I don't have it all figured out yet.
I don't have all the answers.
I am still learning.
And I really love Jesus.

Life worthy of the Gospel

2009-03-17T15:11:00.002-07:00

So we are doing RAW right now (ready and willing) a social justice conference for youth that we run every year out of the War College and last night I was completely challenged by what was taught.
The guest speaker isn't a Salvation Army guy, but lives in a Christian Community in the DTES alongside us.
Two phrases that stuck out to me and jolted my system were:
"If you have more than you need you have what belongs to someone else".
We try to adhere to the "simplicity" lifestyle, but it always grips me when you think of the reality that people are actually starving to death, dying from curable diseases and it IS correlational to how we are living in the West.
The other (perhaps more controversial)was:
"When they come for the poor, if they don't have to step over your bloody broken body, a curse on you and your religion"...
I think that one sent our whole leadership team into tears.
Are we doing all we can to protect and defend those that are being abused, starved, discriminated against, violated, stolen from...fill in the blanks.
This IS uncomfortable. If reading all that Jesus wrote and instructed ISN'T making you uncomfortable, you are probably reading Him wrong.
It's a high calling. No doubt.
I humbly confess that I am horrible at this.
I like things. I like being with people that smell nice.
I like living in a nice, neat, comfortable world.
But that's not the life worthy of the gospel. As much as that may suck to hear for me or anyone.
Let the name of the Lord be praised.

Lord, we need your mercy, grace and strength.
Help us, please.

I love 614 Vancouver

2009-01-26T14:43:00.002-08:00

So...I don't know if anyone will even be checking this blog, since I haven't written in it for ages, but I just wanted to say that -
"I love 614 Vancouver!"

I am so blessed to be living in a community where there is such great community, so much fruit, great leaders, inspiring teaching, people who love the LORD and love their neighbours as themselves.

Last week three people got saved, there's like a dozen people being trained to be soldiers, we had an enrollment this week, new people are coming and being such an encouragement, cells are doing great, and we've survived ups and downs and it has made us stronger.

How good and pleasant it is when we dwell together in UNITY!

I really believe that this year at 614 we will see a lot of fruit from our labour, and obviously thanks to the GRACE of God. Trust me, we've all been humbled enough to know it's only by his grace!
Much love to my brothers and sisters, and to my esteemed leaders.

Grace and love,

Kirsten

2008-02-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

I'm just really sad today.
Being honest...

Life Update

2008-02-08T02:34:00.000-08:00

So I think facebook killed my blog, but for those who aren't facebookers, I will write an update!
Life is good (more or less). God is good - and that remains, when all else fails, He remains strong. Never-changing. Hallelujah.
I moved into a new place at the beginning of January and live with two wonderful young ladies who are a blessing to my life. We're in a co-op housing unit in the Downtown Eastside, and it's really working out well for us. Community is great.
I got a new job working in a female shelter, Belkin House, for the Salvation Army. I haven't been working for too long, but I love it. The women bring joy into my life, and I am learning so much about resources and other aids. It also gives me lots of time to pray, which is a huge gift.
God is good and is speaking. He's been teaching me to truly bless others and pray good things for their lives, regardless of what they think of me. It's about His Kingdom, not mine. Ha! How silly. It's so easy to bless and love those who love you back. Don't get me wrong, it's still wonderful and rich, but it's just a lot harder to bless those who don't reciprocate the love. You feel me?
The LORD is restoring my zeal for His word, which has been a long time coming, so Praise God for that. I also feel like God has been showing me a lot of my selfishness, and pride, BUT He has also been encouraging me with hope. Rather than getting down and feeling horrible, I see where God is taking me FROM and bringing me TO. I'm trying to stay humble, laying at His feet. "My Deliverer is coming, my Deliverer is standing by". So Glory to Him. His love endureth forever. Amen.

Awake, and sing

2007-12-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

The LORD is gracious and compassionate.
Hallelujah.
It is good to be alive and well - happy, saved and free. Amen.
Just got back from two weeks in New Jersey, New York City and Harlem.
I was in a car accident today, but other than that I am healthy and extremely happy to see Rochelle and John as they are fresh from Zimbabwe here with us for the holidays.
...
I've noticed that Paul often starts his letters with a greeting and blessing of peace and grace to people. I stopped and thought about that. Many people in many walks of life are going through a spectrum of circumstances, but a true, deep blessing of peace and grace would be rich for anyone.
What if we greeted each other with grace and peace? What if we prayed that, blessed that, LIVED that out with each person we came in contact with.
We are so grace deprived!
In our community we always say "grace" when we leave each other, but often times it can lose its meaning.
We can become subject to trying to live without the need for grace. Ha! As if...
The LORD is gracious and compassionate.
We are ALL in need of the LORD. Bless me, Father, for trying to prove to you, to myself, to the world that if I try really hard, I won't need your grace.
I need it. I need your mercy, your love that is endless, your compassion, your strength.
I need you. The more I know you, the more I know that I need you. And I feel bad asking for more, yet I know, as you look at your children, it is with great joy that you pour it over us.
Cure me, cure us, rid us from this "Messiah Complex" that can bring death, haughtiness and decay.
Fill us with love, mercy, grace, and your peace. Let that emanate from us. Let it pour out, reach out to the lost, the broken, the lonely.
I run into your arms and lean fully. I find my solace there.

2007-12-11T22:41:00.001-08:00

My laptop and desktop computer died - thus the desert in the blogs...

I've been going through a hard time lately. Thought things would get better, but still working on them. Hey, that's life.

Your prayers would be deeply appreciated.

Much grace,
Kirsten

Blog for Joel

2007-11-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

Joel (big bro) used to work at Starbucks and in his blogs would always write out the drinks that he had each day. I really loved reading them, because it was really funny, as well as it's a detail of someones life that is hardly ever written about. So Joel, this is for you.
These are the most common drinks that I PERSONALLY would order

1)Grande, Sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, easy-water, extra foamy, earl grey tea misto
2) Triple tall half full americano with two pumps white mocha and an inch of non-fat foam, topped off with whole milk (that's my basic one)
3) Iced, triple grande, 4 pump sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, easy ice, caramel machiatto.
4) Grande soy no water tazo chai latte
5) Double tall non fat, not whip, exta foamy mocha
6) Quad tall, with room americano (that's the easiest one)

Do you still jive on Starbuck-Speak?

Morning has broken

2007-10-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Things are good for me. For the first time in a while I can say that.
Worship at Kneedrill was so rich and sweet.
Holy Spirit was moving, loving, teaching, guiding, sharing, breaking - it was all very beautiful.
Like the dawn breaking through the night, the LORD has revealed Himself, yet again, and restored hope. As in Isaiah, He was given me garments of praise for a spirit of heaviness. So I rejoice. I am encouraged. The LORD has put a new song in my mouth - a song of praise and thanksgiving. Glory to God.

Dan White: age 25

2007-10-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Dan is one of my closest most dearest friends. He never fails to inspire me and spur me on to be a greater person. Dan is steadfast in his devotion and growing deep roots as his branches stretch out far.
His love is huge.
He is one of the few that I can honestly say "his life is a prayer".
Dan finds meaning is almost EVERYTHING. It's quite funny.
I was on the phone with him and he mentioned in passing that on his screen saver he has a picture of clay jars to remind him that he is just an earthly vessel. I don't know why but it made me laugh...for a very long time. Bless his soul.
DAN - all the best. May His grace abound in your life.
Much love (felios).
Kir xox

2007-10-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

I love my mom.

Going PRO

2007-10-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!
For the last few weeks I've had some of my photos mounted up in the Starbucks location where I work, and I sold one today!
Wooohoo!!
Feels great and totally made my day.

:o)

Yokes

2007-10-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I know... I haven't written in ages. There is a LOT to write about.
But one thing at a time.
Yokes
I was talking to my good friend Olivia Munn the other day as Jesus was talking to me. I usually figure things out while I am talking to others. I like it and it's great when they do to.
So yokes.
It seems to be that the majority of people in churches (or entire churches) are viewed as either "burnt out" or "asleep". I have been trying to think of examples to prove me wrong, and I am sure that some do exist, but I am at a loss, which, at the moment, sort of confirms this notion.
I was wondering why that is. Why we, as a human race, do such a poor job at balance.
I think that there are many reasons, and it is complex and multi-faceted, but one thing that I think is definately affecting us is our yoke.
The infamous scripture that we always quote when consoling over-worked, tired, burn-out Christians, is the "take my yoke upon you...my yoke is easy and my burden is light" etc. But are we? Really? Do we do that? Do we know what that looks like?
I personally believe (miss teen USA North Carolina? just kidding), but I personally believe that we often wear these yokes that aren't Jesus'. Sometimes we put them on as our "ideal self", or sometimes they are what we think that people expect of us, or sometimes they are so rooted in self-pleasing. But, if we are walking with Jesus' yoke, and walking in full obedience, then would we really get so tired? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, could we really be "asleep at the wheel"?
Just throwing it out there.
Is God's voice the loudest voice in your life?
Think about it.
Weigh it. Pray it.

PS - I had a great Thanksgiving with the fam in Toronto. Surprise visit. Love it.

The BOURNE Ultimatum

2007-09-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

AWESOME
Go see it.

Abolish Slavery

2007-09-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

Let's stop Human Trafficking.
Please watch this.

After watching it, I suggest you pray through Psalm 140 on their behalf.
Be challenged by it. I know I am.

Let Everything that has breath - Praise the LORD!

2007-09-05T15:55:00.001-07:00

I've been in the War Room everyday, and now that we have internet, I am able to find worship songs, prayers, bible commentaries, and many other helpful tools if the Spirit so leads.
This is a long that ALWAYS, without fail, stirs me up to praise the LORD. It also makes me really really miss singing in a gospel choir. But I'm fine with that :)
Enjoy, and praise the LORD.

Steve Court - if you are reading, I know you'll enjoy this tune, mate.
I started a gospel choir in the DTES...it didn't sound exactly like this one.

From the War Room

2007-09-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

As I am seeking direction for my life I have dedicated to be in the War Room (24/7 Prayer room for intercession) every day. The LORD is speaking. I am trying not to just wait on him for direction, but my hope is that as I draw nearer to Him and the more I am with Him I will just know His heart. Anyway...here's some stuff that came out today.

LORD,
Hear my cry
I wait for You
I long for you
For You

Still my heart
Let me sit and gaze

Let all fears melt like wax
In your presence
At Your feet

Just one touch
Just one look
Just one word
…and I am undone

Oh, that I would feel
And see
And listen

Abba, Father
Rabbi - teacher
El Shaddai – The God who is sufficient for the needs of His people
Jehovah Tsidkenu – the LORD who is my righteousness
Jehovah Sabaoth – the LORD of all the hosts of heaven

I love you, I love you,
I love you
I love you, I love you
I am utterly love sick

"Awake, my soul, and sing
Of him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity."

Tony Campolo

2007-08-31T09:47:00.001-07:00

Check this out.
This is from the show the HOUR. Not a Christian show by any means, but this interview is really interesting.

My Faculty Address ...(some words did get out)

2007-08-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Today I gave a faculty address to this year's session of the War College.
I think I got two words out before bursting into tears.
"The LORD loves you with an Everlasting Love".
I was a wreck. I just kept telling them how deep the LORD loves them.
Oh man... thanks to all of you who put up with that!
I was just trying to share the Father's heart. I'm a feeler, not a speaker!
My other two points were
2)To sift through everything and really take in what the LORD had to say this year. Have eyes to see and ears to hear Him. And...
3)Live by Micah 6:7 - Work for justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
Lots of tears. Revolution Session - know that you are loved by God and by me too :)

With all of this debriefing going on it really points out something that I've said many times, and it is something I try my best to live by - whenever you get a chance, talk GOOD about someone behind their back. It really builds up community and the body of Christ.
Weigh it up. Pray it up.

OOB and then some

2007-08-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

So much has happened!
Okay, I was doing some pier ministry at Old Orchard Beach in Maine - really really good times there.
The LORD was faithful.
We did "Spiritual Readings" on the beach, and there was such a diversity of people coming in. Some Christians needing some reinforcement prayers, some people who thought we were psychics.
So for those out there who don't know what the heck I am talking about, Spiritual Readings is something we do, people come in and we say something like "We are students of the LORD, and we believe that Jesus knows everything about everyone, so we are practicing to hear the voice of God and we believe He wants to speak to you, so can we practice on you?" then we'd listen and share a word, or vision, or scripture that God gave to us. Basically listening prayer.
Dude, God was so powerful and so specific. I know I teach this at the War College, but I was honestly so surprised at just how specific the visions we had were. People were like - you just told me to the tee what I did this morning, or you've confirmed things that I've been waiting years for.
Anyway - I was so excited about more pumped up about doing prophetic evangelism to come home and find out that my extreme prophetic class (ExPRO) has been cancelled from War College this year :( So bummed...
I've been in a period where I am trying to figure out what's important in my life.
Doug Burr taught a class once and said that you will be energized when you are working in your giftings. I am trying to sift through what the Holy Spirit has been showing and teaching me these last two years. I am pressing on and looking toward the goal. Hallelujah.
There's more to come...
Much love,

Restful Summer?

2007-07-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

I think I need a holiday. Will I get one? Probably not. But that's okay.
I remember saying that this summer was to relax and have fun... It's been intense.

Work is good - busy, and hot, but good. I am trying to save up, so I've been working some extra hours.
One of my friend's might have died. We don't know if it's her. Kind of freaking me out a bit. I've known people to have died before, but this just feels different.
I don't know how to pray.
I wasn't super close to this person, but it gives me a glimpse (a very small glimpse) into what it would be like to have someone you love be taken away. And worse - someone that you love, who does not know the LORD. I've never been angry at God before, but today was the first day that I could understand the inclination. Just a glimpse, of course. I am in no way trying to say "I know what it feels like"...I hope you hear my heart.
Anyway...
I am praying for Zimbabwe. Praying for Annie. Praying for the salvation of my friends at work. Praying that I trust in the LORD. Loving Him. Trying to do all I can to love what He loves.
Thanks for you grace with me.

My life

2007-06-30T23:38:00.000-07:00

Things have been good. Trying to relax a bit this weekend. Which is always nice. Today I tackled my email. I had 136 unread emails - I went through them all.
I went to Bard on the Beach - which is Shakespeare in the park - but on the beach :)
Good times.
On the spiritual side of things - The LORD continues to teach me and show me His Kingdom. Hallelujah.
I find myself wanting more humility and faith.
I've been having some very strange dreams lately, which have been teaching me the fear of the LORD.
Lots on the go...
No real witty ending to this. Just a quick update :)
Grace

Flight Of The Conchords - The Humans Are Dead

2007-06-21T15:22:00.001-07:00

This is the funniest thing I've seen in a while.
hahaha

Praise in the Pain

2007-06-11T21:43:00.001-07:00

Wow. I feel like I am just on the brink, the border, of a deep revelation from the LORD. I had the privilege of hearing Rev. Alex Gee from Fountain of Life church, speak this Sunday here in Montreal. I can't shake the message that He spoke forth.
Something that he spoke about was the power of testimony. Often times in our lives God delievers us from things that we've been through and He heals the wounds but we are left with the scars. Just as Jesus did, He showed others His scars (Thomas etc.) as a word of testimony as to what the Spirit of GOD has done.
Often we want to completely forget the past - and granted, a lot of it we can and should move on from, but let us not loose our testimony! Let us glory in the LORD and in His power.
My confession - I am a broken person. But I am not alone! And I don't think anyone can really praise the LORD like broken people can. I want to be real and share my life with my family - the Body of Christ. I want to testify to what the LORD is doing in my life. Even when it hurts, even when I have NO idea when the silver lining is going to show, I WILL rise up and give praise to the ALMIGHTY, not because He WILL rescue me eventually, but because He is GOD and He is worthy of praise. Hallelujah. I will testify to the character of GOD. I will praise Him in ALL circumstances.
Glory to YHWH, my Redeemer and Friend.

Hello from Montreal

2007-06-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well I am here in Montreal for my friend, Achlai Ernest's wedding this weekend. Really looking forward to that.
Oh man, it's so weird being back here. It's been over two years now since returning. Small things that I forgot about and didn't realize I missed them until I returned:
The buildings - the are gorgeous! I forgot how much I love the architecture here.
Pountine - okay, totally forgot about that. Awesome! Had some tonight. Ooo la la
The art scene - incredible. I love all the art shops, and the buskers, all the museums, the photographers. Oh man...that's going to be SO HARD TO LEAVE.
Multiculturalism is DEFINATELY number one on the list. Honestly, in Vancouver I think I have one black friend and his name is Chain Man. I miss my peeps :( Just the exposure to different cultures here too.
I was helping set up the wedding today and this lady only spoke Creole and there was another person who only spoke english, so I had to translate. It was quite amusing. I really miss speaking in french with people too. Every time someone bumped into me and said "Pardon", (french for "excuse me") I smiled. I miss that.
Ahhhh. Nestalgia.
Anyway - It's great being here. I think it's my first time to NOT do anything since... I can't even remember!
Had a good time with the LORD today. In prayer, in worship and in the WORD. Read and prayed up Amos 1-4. Heavy stuff. Woah.
Much love, and will try really hard to write more frequently. Grace!

From the Desert

2007-05-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

"Who is this coming up from the desert like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense" (Song of Songs 3:6)
"Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover." (Song of Songs 8:5)

From a desert place, the LORD will reveal Himself. And then, after time, will lead us out of the desert, once we can lean on Him.

Sorry I've been so lame

2007-05-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

So I sort of haven't been blogging lately. Sorry about that.
My life has been going through some definite transition. But it's all good.
All the War College students are on their summer placements now. We've got a couple of them close by, but I'm going to miss the big chunk of them.
On Saturday Stephen Bell and myself drove Matt Armstrong and Holly Warren to Seattle for their placements. Good times. Holly hopped on a flight to go to Alabama. I actually don't know if she made it or not, but I assume the best.
Had lots of fun seeing the West (Joe that is). We all went to see Shrek 3 - Do NOT waste your money going to it. Not so funny at all.
The border was PACKED. sick.
After waiting three hours we finally pull up to the window and get the drill of questions, including "what are you bringing back from the states", to which I replied, trying to keep a straight face: "Three dozen Krispee Kreme Doughnuts". The guy smiled and let me through.
Things are good at work. Lots of people are talking about Jesus. Score!
Hung out with this one guy yesterday who wants to get saved. I dig that.
God has been working in my life. I want to be more like Jesus. I broke down and cried again last night. I hate everything in me that does not reflect Christ. It sickens me. LORD, lead me by your grace to a place where I know that it's no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me.

Solitude

2007-05-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

I know that the LORD wants to usher me into a deeper place with Him.
I've discovered recently (I guess I was in denial?) that I find the discipline of solitude very difficult.
Unless it's completely silent and there's no computer, t.v., then I can sit for hours and read my bible and pray. But I am really distracted. Not even by things that interrupt me, but I just suddenly need to check something, or call someone or join a conversation etc.
I am an extrovert so I get my energy from others. I really want to be with Jesus. It's like I have ADD when I try to be still and listen to Him.
When I pray the bible I am fine, because I am moving and stirring my spirit, but I still need that quiet time where I sit with the LORD and hear what He has to say.
If anyone has any suggestions, or wants to pray, that would be sweet. I think that there may be something deeper. Why I always keep myself so busy and am just generally restless. I do get quiet times, but I always feel, always desire more and I want to give more.
Yahweh is in control. He is all powerful. I trust Him. LORD I delight in you and I long to be with you. Shower me in your grace and draw me close, that I may stand and sing your praises and declare your kingdom as long as I have breath.

So here I am

2007-05-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,
Sorry for not being on the ball with blogs lately.
So I am finished with school now - finally!
So for the most part I'll be going from 90 hour weeks to 60 hour weeks. Although this week I am at work for 33 hours, so I am a bit tired.
Oh yeah, I turned 25 last week. That's cool.
It was a good day. The night before I was co-leading worship at Cariboo Hill with Dan White. Good times. After that a bunch of us went to Denny's for my midnight birthday free meal :)
Next morning we had a late lunch and a coffee. I had a gig in the afternoon and then Dan and Tara made me supper. It was good. Then Darren and Ian took me out for Starbucks and we met up with Aaron White, Becs, Stephen Bell, Dallas and Karyn Baker.
It was a lovely day. Thanks to everyone who made it so.
I am really trying to relax and not do to much. Surprisingly (or not) I find that hard to do.
I go to bed around the same time as everyone else, except that I am awake about 3-4 hours before everyone...so my days are just a bit long.
Please continue to pray for me. I want to really love life, love Jesus, and be an example of his Joy and Hope, not someone who is going from one tired schedule to another.
I am enjoying life...just still wrestling with some things.
I will post some pics soon.
LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Thanks to all of those who actually read this regularly. Even though I don't know who you all are, I still appreciate it. Grace,

More like Jesus

2007-04-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

I want to be more like Jesus.
I am feeling some major Spirit chaffing right now. I was praying this afternoon in my bed, because I was napping (I have a cold), anyway, I was praying about being more like Christ, and I began to weep. Am I exuding Christ at work? To my housemates? Wherever I go, can people see Christ in me?
I started to think about how people may see me, what they hear from me. I am convicted. I am on the threshing floor.
I desperately want to be more like Jesus.
I see today where I am lacking.
Lord, in your grace, transform me.

I am alive and well

2007-04-08T00:40:00.000-07:00

Just in case you thought that I dropped off the face of the planet - I am alive and well. Busy as anything, but alive.
I just finished all of my classes and now I am into the official exam period of school. Fun stuff.
It will all be over April 21st. How I am looking forward to that day!

We celebrated Passover this Thursday at Kneedrill. It was good times...up until Aaron White remembered that I don't do very well with things being thrown at my face. You see, I have heightened reflexes when people throw things at my face, so once this was found out - it was taken advantage of. There was some bread that represented sin. We were suppose to throw it out, but no, everyone threw their sin at my face. Typical.

Tonight was a good night. I was able to relax a bit. Me and some of the boys watched U.F.C. at a pub close by. Watching Ultimate Fighting Championship always paves the way to good chats about who can take on who in our corps :) We've got some good matches.
Feel free to share your thoughts.

Nothing too deep... maybe some pictures soon?
Grace,

Photos

2007-03-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my squad. This week we went to crab park, which is right closeby to where we live. My squad consists of Matt Elcome, Matt Armstrong, Stephanie Lines, Cristina and myself. Oh, and the bald guy is Jeremy. He's not in our squad, but he likes us. Also, a photo of my enrollment that took place two weeks ago. Good times.

Rough day

2007-03-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

It was a rough day today...
Someone in my neighborhood was killed today in front of two little children. This was right by where we do Re:Cre8 - our local coffee shop run by 614 Vancouver. The whole block was quarantined by the police. When I went after work everything was cleaned up, but something else had happend and a woman was being taken to the hospital. I was starting to get overwhelmed so I walked home and on the way saw two crippled people fighting each other with their canes and crutches.
I was trying to sing. Trying to pray. Trying to see some hope.
Some days are just more rough than others.

Please continue to keep the DTES in your prayers.

Grace,

Nightlights

2007-03-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

Last week on Nightlights we went out to pray with the women in the streets.
We met two women who really stood out.
Dedra and Kyla.
One of which was a middle aged woman who is married and has a young son who was out at a birthday party - explaining why she was free to turn tricks so early in the night.
The other woman was extremely high and clinging desperately to her crack pipe. She has lived in the DTES for twelve years. Think about that. Twelve long years. By the grace of God they were both open to conversation and prayer. This actually suprised me, and I'll tell you why.
It simply amazes me that after so much abuse, so much crap that gets thrown around, so much drugs, so much of EVERYTHING that they still have parts of their hearts that aren't jaded. Both of these women were kind and gentle and open. This astounds me. I was encouraged and moved.
This stirred up my faith and I continue to pray for them.
LORD, send your grace, and your unfailling love. Pour it out. May we be like the tools that spread it around, starting with us.

Videos

2007-02-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

So I am figuring out how to post videos and such and have been sifting through my files when I came across some videos that I made for my good friend, Dan on his birthday this year. He was in London, England at the time. This one made me laugh...I guess I was trying to be creative? Haha. If at least one other person laughs at this it will be worth it.

WAY LATE (Christmas photos)

2007-02-25T23:21:00.000-08:00

Sorry these are exceptionally late, but I hope you still enjoy some shots from my wonderful Christmas holiday...
So there are pictures of mom, dad, Joel, Josh, Jenn, Dan, Riley (the little kitty..."You're a little kitty!") and Matt Rawlins.
Rich times.
Oh, and as per usual, you can click on the photo to make it larger.
ENJOY!

And p.s. I absolutely love the last shot with Josh wearing my sunglasses. Yunnie.

p.p.s. "But the qvestion is ver is Yahveh?" (another inside, I know...)

Good Post

2007-02-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

I encourage you all to check out the Community in Mission blog. Anthony and Andrea are stellar soldiers in the fight and have some really decent things to share. I particularly like the Feb. 17 post and if anyone sees Steve Court, recommend that he read it (that's a bit of an inside, I know).
Grace.

Oh, and Anthony and Andrea - bless you greatly! The LORD is using you well and you are always an encouragement and an inspiration.

A week of Highs

2007-02-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

This week has been fantastic!
Let me do some re-capping...
Thursday night at kneedrill I was leading worship and the Holy Spirit blew us all away. Wow. There was so much energy. All I've got to say is that I played until my fingers bled...literally! Praise the LORD!
Friday night at ExPRO I got this big donation from Starbucks (since it was right after Valentine's Day) or cupcakes, so we did a bit of a "taste and see that the LORD is good" prophetic act thing. We gave out cupcakes and prayed for people and gave the words from the LORD. Lots of good testimonies from that night.
Then this weekend I was a part of a brigade that went to Langley to lead a service there. I went mainly with people from the Revolution session (Jeremy, Matt A., Dawn, Holly, Stephanie, Xander and myself). Everyone did really well. So proud of them - articulate, moving, and humble.
Then Squad (accountability) on Monday was fantastic. Great time of prayer and building each other up.
All in all - what a blessed week. Hallelujah.
On more of a comical note - on Tuesday night around 9pm I was going to make some dinner so I put to pieces of bread in the toaster, pressed down and after, probably less that 2 seconds, a mouse jumped right out of the toaster and ran away. Gave me a bit of a shout, but I guess I was toasting his tail. Funny now, not so much IN the moment.
Glory to GOD.
Tomorrow (Thursday) is my midterm. Would really appreciate all your prayers. Thanks so much,
Grace,

Rest for the weary

2007-02-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

I had a beautiful encounter with a woman I met on the streets during Nightlights this week (our ministry to prostituted people in the downtown eastside). My friend Olivia and I were able to convince her to not "work" for about an hour and come hang out with us, get some soup, just relax. Her name is Nancy, and at first she wasn't very welcoming to us but I felt the LORD nudging me nonetheless to go and talk to her. So I sat down next to her and we just started to talk. It was very interesting because I was actually able to see things through her perspective while sitting with her. The cars rolling up, people ignoring her when she speaks to them, old "clients" and stories she had to share. She eventually opened up to us and I am always shocked and broken to hear new stories from these women.
God bless and protect Nancy.

This week the LORD has really been bringing things up in my life. Aaron alluded to some of that in the comments from my last blog. God's been showing me that I am not alone, and that I need to really as in not just pay it lip service, but really embrace the heart of the YAHWEH for "the last, the lost, the least" as the Sally Ann always says.
It's really easy to make excuses, at least for me it is. But the LORD knows all and sees all. Kind of scary, but also comforting at the same time. He sees a heck of a lot of pain, but also holds the keys to freedom, gives an abundance of hope and grace, and best of all He doesn't show partiality. It is offered to all.

"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink - even if you have no money!" - Isaiah 55:1,
"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let each one who hears them say, "Come." Let the thirsty ones come - anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge." - Revelation 22:17
"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."" - Matthew 11:28-30
The invitation is open.
Let's join together and tell those in despair that there is hope. Those that are blind that they can see. Those who are hurt that we know the Healer. Those who are lost that we know the way back home. Let's join, please. We are part of a family and our brothers and sisters are lost and need to come home. Will you go?

I am just one person

2007-02-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Today I had a bit of a rough day. One of those necessary days, but also a hard day.

Today I had a conversation with someone that was very sobering. We were talking about some major issues in our world – child labour, sex slavery, world hunger, abortion etc. and I started to weep when thinking about how all of this is going on in the world, how most people do know about it and refuse to do anything. I lump myself in that group. I have definitely partnered with apathy before. I was just repenting and it made me weep more.

Even if there were big signs of children in sweatshops posted up in front of Nike, people would just ignore it and walk in. We know that those sad commercials with belly-swollen babies in third world countries are quickly turned off and back to a much easier channel to cope with. These big signs at ProLIFE demonstrations are jarring and hard to look at but people disassociate what they are there for, they dismiss it.

When talking to my friend I realized that it’s much harder, in this generation, to “preach to the masses”. I don’t even mean anything Christian, per se. Environmentalists, Human rights activisits, whoever. What would it take for the mainstream to listen to a “radical” voice? There are these really comfortable labels that are put on people with ideas that threaten this numbing normalcy.

I was weeping because I realized that most of what I do is probably labeled “mercy” as oppose to “justice”. Don't get me wrong, mercy is good...it's great. It's a fantastic thing that there are volunteers at rape relief, and that there are people rescuing children from being sold into slavery. That's all amazing. But who's going to stop people from raping others? How is the demand ever going to be lowered in the sex trade? If we offer post-abortion counselling, yet do nothing to prevent the genocide....

Ahhh... so much. I just weep. So much hurting in this world. So much. And I guess I realized that there's not much that I can do as an individual. What will it take to seriously get people to wake up and make a difference? To be a revolution? I am just one person. I believe that God is good. I believe that God is calling His children to rise up. I don't really have a wrapping statement to finish this off. I still feel a bit unresolved, but am okay with that for now.

Children of Men

2007-02-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to see "Children of Men" with my friend from the war college, Ian.
This film is powerful. It brought up a lot within me and I was stirred as I watched. There was this scene where there was war all around - shootings, violence etc. Suddenly a baby crying and everyone stops. All guns, on both sides, are put down, everyone stares in amazement. No sound. Just the baby crying.
I started crying a bit (of course) as it made me think of two things. 1) Christ in flesh appearing - Christ incarnate. To a world that needed a Saviour, He came as a helpless and defenseless babe. Pure, precious, innocent.
2) That often we, as humans, try to end war with reconciliation, and methods of peace etc., which are all good and well, but it reminded me of the power of purity, innocence and hope. I've heard it preached before that to be life amidst a place of death is powerful in itself. I believe this. I wouldn't be here in the Downtown Eastside if I didn't. Christ in us is the hope and glory.

So after the movie, we were walking back into our neighborhood and we see this guy outside of the Shaldon hotel, on the worst trip that I've seen since Cheryl (Denise will remember this well!). We stopped to talk to him and were quickly escorted away by another man. Fair enough, he was trying to protect us. He left, we prayed for him and then went back to our struggling buddy. He was doing a crazy crack dance. I started to talk to him and found out that his name is Robert. He wasn't the best at holding down a conversation, so in between Ian and I would pray, or speak in tongues, or just recognize the LORD's presence there in that moment. About 45 min. passed before we left. Despite the fact that whenever we said the name of Jesus, even under our breath, that he growled, did not stop us. We stood there peacefully, calmly praying and trying to embody this peace that he desperately was seeking.
After leaving him I saw a prostituted person about a half a block from my place making a deal with this man.
I came home and wept.
Christ in us is the HOPE and GLORY. Let us grasp this life in a dying age, let us hold on to Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace, amongst the chaos around us, and be 'Jesus with skin on' as someone once said. Amen.

The language of Loooooooooove

2007-02-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

So much to write about that I don't know where to begin...
So instead I will share with you the results of a test I just did

Complete set of results

Quality Time:		10
Physical Touch:		7
Words of Affirmation:		6
Acts of Service:		4
Receiving Gifts:		3

This has actually changed over the last year and a bit. Or maybe I've just had a deeper revelation of the person that God's made me to be. If you want you cantake the quiz too.
It's important to know how to love others and how to communicate to others how you receive love as well.
(This all reminds me of my dear friend, Achlai, and the time we were all in Tim Horton's by McGill laughing about this stuff. )

I actually think that these tests are misleading as well. I mean, they all pressume intentional acts of love. If I knew that someone was doing something to intentionally show me that they loved me, then that in itself would seriously blow me away.
Whether that be hanging out with me or doing my dishes.
A lot of it is motives, right?
Someone could hang out with you out of some sort of moral obligation, or make your bed so that they can feel better about themselves. This is all very Kantian, but needless to say that if we all loved each other intentionally I think we'd be able to really see things more clearly. To 'love your neighbour as yourself' - with a pure heart and pure motives.
Again, I agree that within these five there are preferences, but the root of all of this is probably the assurance that the person is truly expressing these things out of love.
Yeah?

The Balance

2007-01-21T22:41:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to the evening service at Cariboo Hill Corps and heard a strong word from the LORD.
Michael Collins was talking about evangelism and our responsibility here on earth. The passage was the end of John 15 and the beginning of 16. The world will hate us etc. So some things surfaced, like fear of man etc. And fortunately the way that Collins preaches is interactive, so I actually put my hand up and asked a question.
"What do you do when you're not afraid of talking about Jesus, per se, but more afraid that you will mess it up and then turn that person off from Jesus?"
To make a long story short - I need to trust that Jesus is LORD and trust the Sovereignty of Yahweh. He is much bigger than any mistakes that I make. If I try to witness to someone, and because I am not perfect mess it up or whatever, that it won't be my fault if they go to hell. Does that make sense?
I was at the mercy seat weeping for the lost, and my prayer is that I would find that balance. I walk around my neighbourhood, or SFU or wherever and I know that people are on their way to either heaven or hell and shame on me if I don't do anything about it. BUT I am also not Saviour and I need to rest in His Sovereignty.
I think it was back at Camp Allegheny I was talking to either Tim or Jamie Miller about finding the balance in my life and they said something that really stuck with me. I am paraphrasing but in essence: "It's not about finding the balance and staying there, it's about the wrestle. God made it that way so that we are in constant need of communication with him. We're in relationship with Him and we'll always have to wrestle with the LORD in finding truth."
I pray that I would always "wrestle" with evangelism - that I would always check my heart and motives, the desire to do all that I can do to win the world for Jesus one person at a time, and also in recognizing that it's not by anything other than the POWER of God that will do that.

Wage war with love, because love never fails

2007-01-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

Rejoice in the LORD always! Again, I say REJOICE!

Today was pretty jam packed. I was at work from 5:30am-2pm, then went to school and got home around 6:30pm (we got out early) and as I stepped off of the bus I ran into a good friend of mine who I met last year who lives in the same hotel where I lived last year. Up until the time that I saw him, all I wanted to do was to go home and veg out. Maybe even go to bed, but when I saw him, the Holy Spirit gave me a second wind.
This member of the community was at a cell for a very brief time and left. He was dealing with some stuff. Long story short I got to pray with him. And the LORD was glorified.
I asked him if he wanted to go to cell, and he said no. Then I asked him to ask Jesus what He thought. After some prayer and discussion we both ended up going to this cell. It was amazing. The fellowship was good, the WORD was about Faith (Praise the LORD) and not to mention that the food was yummy and I have been pretty much hungry for a week.
I know that this blog doesn't do it much justice, but I am rejoicing over the victory for this person tonight. The enemy wanted to isolate him and brought him shame for walking out of cell and wanted to make him believe that he doesn't deserve friends etc. but YHWH broke through and there was great VICTORY for the Kingdom of Heaven that my friend was welcomed back, and truly was a blessing to everyone else.
Hallelujah!
Our GOD reigns.
I want to celebrate how heaven celebrates. It says that whenever a sinner repents there are great celebrations in heaven. What else does heaven celebrate? What do I celebrate? I want to be heavenly minded. I rejoice, and LORD help me to rejoice like heaven rejoices, how You rejoice, over even just ONE night in this persons life, when You had the victory and showed your love and Your love won.
Praise be to God.

Do you have an interpretation?

2007-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a vivid dream, and I think it was from the LORD, but not quite sure if there's a deeper interpretation. So I thought I would throw it out there to see if anyone had any thoughts.
I was at a corps (church) in Ontario. I think it was Agincourt but I am not positive. I was sitting on the right side with my mom and my two brothers. We were worshipping the LORD and suddenly I saw Beth Pearo, a past corps officer of mine, turn around and wave at us. For some reason she wasn't in her uniform and she was standing alone. I looked ahead and I saw her kids in the front row and they were starting to get into worship. The band was playing but there was also some other music. I think it was piano and tambourines - a bit of a gospel feel. Anyway, the Spirit of the LORD started to fall and there was this excitiment, like electricity in the air and people were getting stirred up. Suddenly more people were coming in and I wanted to go and dance and sing at the front but I was cautious because it was a faily traditional corps. The rows were filling up and the preacher - who I think was Captain Bowls, an officer I knew from Ottawa who now lives in Germany - was speaking and encouraging people to let go of legalism, even things like staying in your seat. He said that there were new people coming in and we have to be ready and offer them our seats. Basically along the lines of being flexible. This lady in a wheelchair came up to my side. I was sitting on the edge of the row, and she was looking for a seat. So I told her that she could have mine.
I helped her out of her wheelchair and into the pew and then I started for the front to be with the Pearo kids.
While this was happening, my grandmother was at the front and was filled with the Holy Spirit. She took the microphone and started singing along. I don't remember the song, but I think it was an old Army hymn, or something but it had some gospel gusto to it.
I was really shocked by this because I think it had been a while since my grandma had sung in church, but I know how much she loves the Army, and of course, how much she loves the LORD. It was a great encouragement to my heart.
As I was worshipping the LORD and moving to the front, and as the pews were being filled...I woke up.

It was a rich dream, and even if nobody has any deeper interpretation, I was blessed by it. But I often make the mistake of assuming that it has no deeper revelation. There's a Capstone song that sings about us wanting to be the "dreamers of Your dreams". Let us dream!
So if you have anything to add or an interpretation, I am up for it.
Praise the LORD. Glory to the God.
Kirsten

My life

2007-01-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the lack of posts. I've been trying to figure out my life a bit and what it's going to look like this semester.
So here's the latest...
I started school this week at SFU. I am taking two courses, that will hopefully complete my degree at McGill, leaving me with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psyc and a minor in Philosophy. My classes aren't too thrilling - Metaphysics and Epistimology, and Stats. Woohoo.
I am still working the same hours at Starbucks, and as far as 614 goes, the only thing that has changed is that I don't teach School of Justice, but that was only like once a month...so my schedule doesn't look that much different. Just busier.

I am praying for peace and guidance in my life.
I really don't know what next year holds for me, so I take that I should really dedicate myself to prayer and listening to the LORD. So I have made some changes. Even though I am working the same amount of hours at Starbucks, I have changed when that's happening. I want to have most mornings free to do my rations and pray the bible etc. To give God my best time - which is mornings, for me - to get my days started with Him.
I do look forward to it.
Please pray for me. I know many of you do, and I appreciate it. Being back in Toronto was great for reading my bible and praying, but since being back it's a struggle to remain passionate. I recognize a lot of that is a spiritual battle. Different strongholds over this neighbourhood etc. but I want to persevere.
"The one thing I ask of the LORD - the one thing I seek the most is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me." - Psalm 27:4-6a

I will trust in the LORD. Hallelujah.

Amazed

2007-01-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

I've been reading through Isaiah again, partly because it's my favourite book, and partly because I want to dig deeper in the word (more than just my "assigned" readings.
It's sooo good.
Something that really struck me today was this passage:
"And my blessings are for Gentiles, too, when they commit themselves to the LORD. Do not let them think that I consider them second-class citizens."
- Isaiah 56:3 (NLT)
This was written WAY before Jesus ever came. This is huge. Huge.
Fast forwarding to Peter's whole revelation and teaching from the LORD about accepting Gentiles, and eating unclean food, to Paul's appointment to preach good news to and save the Gentiles, which was radical stuff then. But this was written way before all of that.
Crazy.
I wonder how the Jews reacted when they read that. That God would bless the Gentiles. It must have sounded absolutely bonkers to them.
The grace of the LORD is abounding.
Hallelujah, that it extends to me. I am humbled.
Praise God.

The Prophetic Sleep

2007-01-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

On New Year's eve, as I was settling into bed at around 2am after having a really good prayer time I had a revelation.
Praise the LORD that He speaks at all times and each day is full of opportunity for Him to breathe inspiration into us - His Beloved bride.
When I go to sleep I can choose to see it as a prophetic act in itself.
When I rest at night - let it represent that I am resting in the promises that YHWH has for me. I am choosing to be at peace with the plans of my future, knowing that God is in control. He is a good God that has good plans for His children.
As I breathe deep in my slumber, I rest in knowing that the GOD that I serve never sleeps nor slumbers.
As I breathe heavier in my sleep, may I breathe in YHWH and breathe out all that is of me. May I let go more each night of who I am and allow GOD to fill me with His Presence.

Hallelujah.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Well said

2006-12-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

"Don't believe me unless I carry out my Father's work."
- John 10:37 (NLT)

Well said. The proof is in the pudding.

One fear down

2006-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

I have arrived here in London, Ontario, visitting Josh, Jenn, Dan and the rest of the 614 London crew.
It's been a great time so far.
My one concern (concern sounds too strong, but anyway) was that I used to have a real fear of cats, and Josh and Jenn have two cats.
I've never had any pets, so I am quite awkward around them. Usually this is amusing for others to observe.
The first night I was just surprised a lot, bcause I am not used to a moving object to come by my feet or run across the room etc. I am used to seeing mice, from my apartment, but cats are significantly bigger.
I had a breakthrough. The first night my face got scratched by the cats twice, but last night, the little kitten, Riley, came and laid on my neck. Normally this would have made me extremely nervous, but this time I scratched it behind the ears (something that Josh told me works well). The cat was purring, but I have NO idea that purring is like a whole body extravaganza. It's like its whole body was vibrating. Very weird. I guess that's common knowledge to everyone, but I have never really been close in proximity to a cat without crying or being petrified.
We started playing together and he ended up sleeping next to me.
One fear of my life - GONE! Praise the LORD. Ha.
It is funny, I admit. The kitty is pretty cute.
Other things in London are going well. Kneedrill last night was good.
I also met this couple who are very into the 24/7 prayer movement. Powerful couple. Powerful ministry. Talk more later,
Peace

Waiting on the LORD

2006-12-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

Praise be to GOD most high. Hallelujah.
I was in the War Room today (24/7 prayer room that's been praying non-stop for 3 1/2 years) and all I wanted was a quiet peaceful time with the LORD. I have been seeking peace to calm the chaos, and things were not going that way. People kept coming in, music was loud all over the place (the room is in a slum hotel) basically I was getting frustrated, and in the midst of this frustration, the LORD spoke. PRAISE JESUS!!!!
All I wanted to do was to wait on the LORD, so I looked up what the Hebrew meaning for "waiting on the LORD" and found such things as - to eagerly expect, to wait patiently for, to hope in, to trust etc. So despite me not being able to control everything around me, I could still control my posture towards the LORD. I long for the LORD. I eagerly anticipate Him.
I started singing "I will wait for you, Jesus, I will wait for you" over and over and over again.
There was peace. Shalom.
It was beautiful, even though a group of seven people came in while I was singing, there WAS peace. Thank you, YHWH for you provision. Amen.

Gifts

2006-12-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

I noticed the other day that there seems to be a double standard with some of the gifts from the Spirit.
For example - particularly with the gift of healing. When someone says "I healed so and so from this disease" or whatever, people are quick to say "You mean, JESUS healed them THROUGH you", mater of factly. Which is absolutely true that Jesus healed them through you, but we aren't always like that.
This is the same with salvation. "I saved three people last night." "You mean JESUS saved them through you". Again, this is true, however what about all the other gifts?
When people say "I taught someone about generous giving" we don't jump in and say "You mean JESUS taught someone about generous giving THROUGH you".
Or "You mean JESUS was hospitible THROUGH you". And this is all true. It is Christ that is in me that leads to anything that is good, because my flesh would not put others first.
My question is more to do with this difference between how we see gifts.
Any insight?

The blog that didn't get blogged

2006-11-29T16:36:00.000-08:00

Supposedly I never blogged on this and I actually haven't checked to see if it was actually blogged or not.
So either a fresh story, or a re-visitation to an old one.

This summer I bought a movie that several people told me that I would really like to see.
I was watching it alone and felt very convicted about it. A lot of sketchy stuff. I turned it off and left it at that.
The next day my curiosity was getting the best of me and I wanted to watch it again.
I went to get it to put it back in the DVD player and one of the biggest surprises of my life - it was back in its original wrapping with the seals and everything on. All the stickers - everything back as if never opened. Even if I tried to carefully wrap it up again it would be impossible to do.
I stood there baffled.
In awe.
I guess God didn't want me watching it after all.
I opened it and destroyed the DVD to be sure not to be tempted to watch it again.
Praise the LORD.

Tears are a flowing...

2006-11-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

Last year at the War College I got a nickname - the weeping prophet (yes, I know I share it with Jeremiah).
This week I think I have fulfilled my name yet again.
I was walking home from work on Thursday afternoon and I was praying for revelation of the JOY of my salvation.
I started to sing a song to myself "Thank you Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you Lord, for making me whole..."
As I was singing it God gave me a vision of how He had rescued me from Hell. It was graphic, and I burst into tears in the middle of the street. Alone.
I came home and I couldn't stop crying. I shared with some of my housemates about the JOY of my salvation and the deep sorrow for those who are on their way to hell. I kept crying. Crying. Crying for their souls.
I cried all the way through Kneedrill. I wept and wailed.
On Friday night we went out for ExPRO and my partner and I went and talked to this woman, Renee. I told her that she was beautiful and that she was created in God's image. I asked her if I could pray with her and she said "yes". In the middle of the prayer I heard God say something to me. "Renee, Jesus wants to give you a hug. Can I give you one for Him?" She just opened her arms wide and kissed me as I embraced her. I felt like Jesus was hugging her through me and it made me weep, yet again.
On Friday night - the all night of prayer for 614 Vancouver. On one of the hours we went prayer walking and I went to me old hotel - the Balmoral - with two others. We overheard a woman being slapped and pushed into walls and we were praying. She came out (it was 4:30am) and we got to talk to her.
I went back to where we all were gathered and wept some more.

Tears for the JOY that comes with Hope and Salvation. Tears for the souls of those bound for hell. And tears for the Christian brothers and sisters - that we would not be really good at praying the prayers, but we would live out the prayers.

test

2006-11-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is a test

Woah!

2006-11-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

So I think that I finally figured out a plan for my rations (devotions).
I wake up really early 4:30am, so I didn't really want to wake up at 3:30am to do my rations then, and for some reason I just couldn't nail down an ideal time, because coming home to a house with 15 people coming and going - there's never really any peace and quiet time.
Today I just stayed at work and extra hour (which isn't ideal, but nothing has been). Anyway, it was beautiful and the LORD definately gave me peace and a great blessing.
I was given a new revelation - Praise God!
Many people say that our only OFFENSIVE weapon (as oppose to DEFENSIVE) is the sword - the inspired word of God. But, in 2 Corinthians 6:7 it says that we have righteousness as our weapon, both to ATTACK and to defend ourselves.

Anyway - I don't know if that struck anyone else like it struck me, but I was really excited reading that in Starbucks this morning.

I ask that the LORD would speak to His church and that we would have ears to listen! Let us be excited that our Maker longs to speak to us and share things with us when we call upon Him. (Jeremiah 33:3) Praise God!

Heaven on Earth

2006-11-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

I was leading worship and Kneedrill last night, and it was so powerful.
At one point we kept singing the line "And I'll stand in awe of You", over and over and over again, and then someone started reading/praying "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD, God Almighty, who was and is and is to come" back to back until the song finally faded away.
You can't really translate in to blog-speak the intensity of it - but I honestly felt like I was in heaven.
We were worshipping the LORD and really looking back into His face. It was glorious. Hallelujah.
I love those moments when you get a taste of heaven on earth.
PRAISE BE TO YAHWEH!

Also two million residents of Greater Vancouver have been advised to boil their cloudy water after heavy rainfall created mudslides in the region's reservoirs, the widest water warning in Canadian history. Intense. There was this massive storm, and Starbucks (and obviously all other coffee shops) are not allowed serving anything with water, so basically all the drinks that we make. There were some other crazy things going on too - buildings being blown over, trees falling into houses. Nothing too drastic at all happend to me, except I had an interesting time walking to work with my umbrella. I was being blown all over the place. Actually, in hindsight it was pretty funny.

ExPRO

2006-11-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

Last night we had ExPRO (Extreme Prophetic) and it was such a great time.
It's this class that I teach - although it's not really a class, but anyway.
We started off in prayer and humbling our hearts before Yahweh, then we did the five fold blessing on someone we didn't know (Father, Friends and Family, Future, Finance, Physical).
Tonight when we hit the streets asking GOD what He wants to say to the Downtown Eastside. We got some pretty cool stuff. (These will be put into posters to plaster everywhere).
Just a few of the revelations that were heard:

"I see your tears"

"Come home"

"Naomi won't love you. I will" (this one's my fav)
The Naomi project is a government run program that gives free heroine to people in the streets. There have been approximately 70 people that have died from this program, and in many many cases people addictions skyrocket. It's basically from the Devil.

Please pray for ExPRO as we go out each week - that the LORD will have His way and that people will get saved in the DTES! Hallelujah.

The Word of the DAY

2006-11-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

The Word of the day is: REJOICE
This morning I really felt that burning in my Spirit, and the LORD gave me an abundance of Joy (this is all pre-coffee, so you know it's good).
The LORD wants us to see that His JOY is in all things. Amidst suffering, grief, pain, exhaustion, his JOY is in all things, and in ALL things we can REJOICE in the LORD.
Hallelujah.
Take heed to this word. Don't let the Devil steal your JOY. Choose the higher path.
The world will think we're crazy when they see our joy when we're in suffering.
I am sure that the birth of gospel music probably was totally unexpected. People are suffering, under oppression, in the midst of persecution, and yet they choose to sing praises?
The LORD is good. We choose to see that the LORD is good.
Rejoice in the LORD always, and again I say REJOICE!!!

(The 'word of the day' kind of reminds me of Sesame Street. The Word of the Day is 'Rejoice', brought to you by the numbers 6, 1, and 4. heehee)

Ghetto Superstar Part II

2006-11-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

So as a follow up to the first Ghetto Superstar, I must share this story with you.
I got home from Nightlights (ministry to Prostituted People in the Downtown Eastside) and go to the appartments (where I live).
To my surprise I see Stephen Bell standing there with a butcher knife, and Jeremy strain with a big shoe in his hand. It didn't take me too long to clue into what was going on. They were trying to trap and kill a mouse in the kitchen.
This is my ghetto life.
They cornered the mouse into this area on our kitchen counter top. It was currently under the microwave. Stephen kept stabbing under the microwave to scare the mouse into coming out, which of course he would be encountered by the big shoe in Jeremy's hand.
It took a few tries, but eventually they got him and the mouse went splat. Oh man... my life always has adventure.

Butcher knife + Big shoe and 2 guys desiring to retreat into the 'hunter gatherer' mentality = Priceless.

God is Good - Kneedrill

2006-10-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

At kneedrill this week we had the most wonderful time of worship to YAHWEH.
Wow.
It was crazy, knock your socks off worship.
I had been praying and worshipping in my room for about 45 minutes before, just rearing up to go.
When we got there, HOLY SPIRIT just let loose.
I honestly did a full on workout during worship. Busting out some moves that I've never seen before.
There was so much Freedom. It was beautiful.
Some words were shared. One which actually came from Toronto that morning - that God doesn't just have a reservoir for us (that is stagnant and still) but a full RIVER that is flowing and constantly fulfilling and satisfying.
Also some words about us being a Warrior Bride.
It was powerful.
Someone got healed of Scolioses (sp???) through worship and prayer. The Power of the LORD is strong.
We were praying for more than just the Oil of the LORD but the FIRE as well. Sanctification. Purification.

Send the FIRE today! Let the Redeemed of the LORD say so.

Ghetto Superstar

2006-10-23T11:01:00.001-07:00

So I'm still living in the Downtown Eastside and parts of my life are still as ghetto as ever.
Within the last 10 hours two VERY ghetto things have occured, which hopefully will at least bring a smile to your face.
Last night as I was in the midst of some lovely dream I was awoken by something. (Rochelle, you are going to love this!) There was a mouse on my head! I sleep on my side, so it was just on my hair above my ears. So gross. Eeks. I didn't know what to do to scare it away. I moved quickly and it scampered down my bed and then in my mind what seemed to make the most sense was to punch the wall. Who knows if it was scared. I, on the other hand, was just super grossed out.
Incident no.2: So I started work at 5:30am this morning. All was going well until one of our regulars comes in. He's a homeless guy that tries to get money on the streets, but is always respectable when he comes in, so of course we serve him. Today he told me that he had decided to pay all in pennies (there was a big line-up behind him). I tried to regain all my patience, but then, to my dismay, he pulls out his "bag" of pennies. All of the 200 pennies were in a condom. No joke. So gross. I had to count it. It was definately interesting.

So I am a ghetto superstar. Woohoo.
Peace.

General update

2006-10-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

So to keep you guys on the cutting edge, here's a quick update on my life this year so far...
Starbucks - 30h/week. It's good. Being trained up as a supervisor. Wake up at 4:30am, but I do like my job.
School of Justice - I love teaching this class. It's going very well. This session has a lot of great ideas.
ExPRO - Good stuff going on. Again, a lot of passion in the guys here. Everyone is eager to hear from the LORD!
Battlecry - This is an area of active social justice that I head up. Most of the time it's us doing ProLIFE demonstrations, but we also do some Human Traffiking info stuff and prayer vigils. It's going really well.
NightLIGHTS - REALLY REALLY GOOD! I love co-heading this ministry to the prostituted people down here. Powerful stuff.
Gospel Choir - Generally it's going well. We've had a lot of people drop it, and some new folk, but I love the music and the Holy Spirit is all up in it. Hallelujah.
Leading Worship - God has really been teaching me a lot. I've been leading every week and Kneedrill and God's been pushing me and growing me. It's a beautiful thing.
Homestead - I lead a group there once a month. It's going really well. Took some new folk out there this week. Good times :)
War Room: I do 3 hours a week. This is always good. Sometimes hard when I am really sleepy, but the LORD has been talking to me a lot about Holiness in my shifts. Gold.
I also teach piano! Going splendid. Oh, and I am getting some photo gigs which I am happy about.
Please pray for good and restful sleep. To find time for cooking and stuff like that. Ummm, and my rations. To really be fruitful, sweet, and very refreshing. God has really been putting JOY into my Spirit and I am always singing and praying and praising the LORD, for He is GOOD!! Thanks to all of those who keep me in their prayers. I really do appreciate it. Wow, what a blessing.

Family Patterns

2006-10-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today I caught up on most of my blog reading and it seems that there is a common pattern occuring in my family these days.
Joel (older bro) had his bike stolen from him. He LOVED his bike. Been with her for 4.5 years. Biked across Canada etc.
Dad lost all of his hardrive. All gone - files, music, photos, everything.
Josh (younger bro) has his health 'taken away'. He's really sick and finding it hard to breathe.
Rochelle (older sis) is a missonary in Zimbabwe - her husband is gone on a conference or retreat or something.
And myself - This weekend I accidentally deleted 2,000 of my photos from my memory stick. 2000!!
I was sooo mad at myself.
Anyway - all this to say that I think it's interesting to see how we deal with loss. I know that these things are all relatively minor (although, Josh, I am really praying for FULL HEALING!), but there's this really popular worship song that has a line "You give and take away (but) my heart will CHOOSE to say "Blessed be Your Name".
I can't speak on behalf of the rest of my family, but for me in my "loss" (yes, in the grander scheme of this is quite minor) I see how God is highlighting how we hold on to things.
It reminded me of the story of Jonah - in the last chapter when God gives Jonah a tree to rest under and then God took it away and Jonah got mad at God.
I want to live my life full of JOY and THANKFULNESS, recognizing that ALL good things come from God, but I don't have ownership, I simply have to be a good steward of the things he lends me, while they are in my posession.
Weigh it up, pray it up.
Peace.

Funny moment

2006-10-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today I was teaching Joshua White a piano lesson - our first piano lesson, and he was getting frustrated (which is understandable) because all of the sudden this person comes in to give you structure and teach you scales and it's not all that amusing.
The best part was, in the middle of our lesson, Joshua puts one hand on his head and shakes it a bit, saying:
"I think....I think we're just going to have to re-schedule."
Joshua is 6.
Priceless.

Word about SIN

2006-10-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

I was finishing off Ezra and starting of Nehemiah today and the LORD was downloading some revelation that I would like to share.
I am not an expert or a theologian, but here's the word from the LORD that I received.
Ezra and Nehemiah were men that really repented for their sins and this sin of their land. They didn't just say a little prayer - they threw themselves on the ground, they wept, they screamed, the mourned, they fasted. They did not take it lightly. Now, I don't think that they really were more sinful than we are, but I think that they just GOT IT. They recognized sin for sin and what it does to you. They knew that it was the thing that came and seperated them from the only true good thing in their life - Yahweh.
I've been praying for holiness a lot lately, and it's rising up more and more in me - a hate for sin. Not so that I can be pious and look down at others (not at all!) but that I can see how just a small portion of sin, a little bit of yeast if you'd like, can severely pollute you.
I want the refiner's fire to be hot. If I am not being convicted by the fire of the Holy Spirit, and I am not seriously pursuing a life of purity and a heart full of the love of Christ, then I won't really feel any strong inclination to do anything more than say a simple prayer (obviously it strikes to the heart - not just what I "do").
If I was in some serious refiner's heat I would weep and wail and grieve and mourn.
So is my water cooling off? Oh, LORD, please let this not be a case.
I pray for you to TURN UP THE HEAT under your bride, your church, your body, that we would know the conviction and be purified. LORD. Purify us like gold purified seven times over. Please, Jesus!!! Please.

Community lunch

2006-10-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today I had the day off from work. I enjoyed a bit of a sleep in, good chat with a friend in a far away place and then around lunch time came a ring on the phone. Supposedly the rEVOLution session was unable to attain lunch at their regular location (there are 16 of them). They were wondering what to do...
So, I invited them all over for lunch. I also live with about 15 other people and sort of forgot to ask their permission first, but thankfully everything worked out. Spaghetti all around!
It was a blessing. I love being a part of this community - it really is like a big family.
If my brother was in town I'd invite him over for dinner, and I'd do the same for any of these guys.
Today I am thankful for where I live and the people that God has placed in my life. Praise Jesus.

PS I am also starting to do the LIFE JOURNAL. It's getting popularized here so I jumped on the train to be a part of the corporate blessing ;) The LIFE JOURNAL is a plan to read the bible through a year and comes with a journal to encourage...journaling. heehee

Sleep, or the lack thereof

2006-10-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

I am in the midst of discovering the secret to planning out your week when you get up at 4:30am every morning and still be fully functioning...
I've been getting a bit delusional, but supposedly I am funnier that way.
614 Vancouver had an all night of prayer from 10pm on Friday night until 6am Saturday morning. We were praying and interceding mainly for Human Traffiking. Powerful stuff. I wasn't sure that I'd make it through the whole night, but God gave me strength. Hallelujah.
I found it very challenging to continue to pray God's heart back to Him.

War College year II is going really well. There's a million things that I want to do, but must find the Grace of Jesus so that I won't burn out.

Much to write about, but have to go.
Oh, and tonight I start the gospel choir up again. Very exciting.
Grace,

Where's your Sword?

2006-09-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

For people who know me well, know that I have a huge passion for Reconciliation. So when there is division in the church, or family or whatever, it really hurts my heart a lot.
There's been stuff going on around 614 and beyond and it leaves me in tears. I have been interceeding a lot this week - allowing my heart to break for what breaks the LORD's heart - and asking the LORD for more revelation and wisdom.
This is what YAHWEH was revealing to me:
By the power of the HOLY SPIRIT we are able to really engage in some intense spiritual warfare. We are able to fight harder, longer, we are able to learn in precision and discearnment - sharpening our swords, stamina, strength etc. He allows us to have that to fight against the Kingdom of Darkness, but if we do not put our swords back in their sheaths at the end of it, we can seriously do damage. Especially to those who have been blessed in spiritual warfare - who have more bite, more power etc. If you walk around YOUR camp with your sword out you can easily slash people or cut them down.
The more we grow in the LORD the more we must remain humble, to guard our tongues, to uplift the body, to fight the good fight and love one another.
I've been praying that my sword would be sharper and that I would be able to cut through lies from the enemy, and have discernments (Hebrews 4:12), but with that I also have to recognize the responsibility.

Oh LORD, please continue to teach us humility and how to not only receive your weapons of warfare, but to treat them wisely and only for Your Kingdom. Amen.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds".
2 Corinthians 10:4

Grad Photos

2006-09-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

These are very late, but I guess better late than never.

Oh yeah, and here's proof that Dan saw a bear on our trip. It was dead and stuffed...but still :)

He is Faithful

2006-09-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

I figured out where I can get a mattress so by the end of the weekend I will be able to "Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace." Glory, hallelujah!
I was/am feeling a bit like a lepor. Some people won't hug me, people carefully watch what I've touched so they can wash it afterward, it's actually really giving me a new perspective on things. Even when people first find out that I've had bed bugs for over a year, their faces can't lie. It grosses people out.
Last week I was over on the other side of the apartments and there was a bedbug in my shirt so I shook it out and everyone in the room was repulsed.
So, although bedbugs are leprocy are not exactly on the same level, I can definately get a very small glimpse into their lives.

On a completely different note...
I am now working at Starbucks (following in my brother's shoes) and mainly doing mornings. This means I have to wake up at 4:30am. So this week I reached a new level of delerium. When I get tired, supposedly (according to Olivia Munn, my roomate) I get a lot funnier. I am glad that there is an upside.
But, despite the tiredness, the LORD, Yahweh, has shown Himself strong. I lead worship at Kneedrill this week and I was sort of chuckling as I was praying because I knew that my energy was spent, meaning that whatever was going to happen HAD to come from God. And, as always, He was faithful. I was giddy. The Spirit stirred us into a beautiful time of praise and worship to YAHWEH.

In all things, ALL THINGS, I will bless the LORD and proclaim that He is faithful.
Amen.

Please pray

2006-09-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

I know this may make me sound like a bit of a woosy, but...
I am being eaten in my sleep!
Okay, sounds a bit dramatic, but it's is partly true.
I had all my stuff moved from the Balmoral hotel, where I was last year, to these communal apartments where I live with 16 other people.
I kind of sort of brought bedbugs here (they were in my stuff) and I am trying REALLY hard to de-contaminate and stop them from spreading. I got rid of my dresser, I was my sheets all the time, I even have a mattress cover, I at one point washed every single piece of clothing that I own...
Grrrrrr...
Why am I still being attacked. I got woken up three times last night by those little buggers (hahaha).
Any advice, tips, prayers that you want to throw out.
I KNOW that there are so many worse things in life than to be bitten by bedbugs every night, but hey, if I can rely on you guys for prayer and protection, I will.
Cheers,

PS - I lost my address book with all my phone numbers, so if you have called me and left a message for me to call back...really sorry.
(Sorry Nana)

The WORD of the LORD

2006-09-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

During my 2am-5am war room shift (prayer room), I was praying up some of the Psalms and the LORD gave me a revelation that spoke powerfully to me.

"Our power is based on Your favour". -Psalm 89:17b NLT

We don't "earn" special rights or get seniority or get on God's good side by doing these things for Him - it is simply that when we humble ourselves and have that posture that recognizes WHO God is and who we are that He trusts us more with His power because we get it.
When we grasp (or begin to grasp) that God is Almighty and the Saviour to all (and that we are not) He wants to empower us because our hearts are bent towards the Truth and Revelation of Christ.

Weigh it. Pray it.

The REVOLUTION

2006-09-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

The new session is in and they're willing and ready. Praise the LORD!
Last night we had our first Street Combat (where we go in pairs through the alleys and streets to meet people, pray with them, share the love of Jesus) and I had a fantastic time.
Each of the second year students were matched with one (or two) of the new students. It was their first day in the down-town Eastside, and we don't waste time!
Yahweh showed Himself strong. I bumped into so many of my friends in the streets (Laura, Bill, Susan, Maureen, Joseph) we met some new people (Isa, James). Nobody got saved last night but it was incredible to see the zeal and passion that the new students had. No fear. Amen.
Tonight they are spending the night on the streets (then they have classes in the morning - woopeee!)
I pray for MORE. That they would receive more than our session, that they would press in and adopt the heart of Christ from day one. I am so proud of them and I have only known them for such a short period of time.

In other news...
I started my job at Starbucks on Sunday. I will be working 20-25 hours/week. My responsibilities for 614 and the War College are as follows:
Teaching/leading Extreme Prophetic, School of Justice, co-leading Re:Cre8, co-leading Nightlights, helping with a squad, overseeing G.A.P. (genocide awareness project) and a gospel choir! I've got a lot on my plate, but PRAISE THE LORD for He is good.

Airport Adventures

2006-09-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I headed to the airport in anticipation of seeing Dan off (home to England for 7 weeks, then London, ON) and instead of having tears of sadness, the LORD did something totally different.
Dan just checked his baggage and we still had an hour left before he had to board. The airport was packed.
From the corner of my eye I saw a woman crying. The LORD gave me a word of knowledge 'this woman's son child is missing'. I told Dan, and so we went to ask the woman if we could help. She was crying and I asked her "Are you missing a child?", she nodded yes and then proceeded to get a picture of her son from her wallet. He's wearing a red t-shirt and has blond hair and his name is Cale.
Dan and I went one way and Darren went the other way.
We kept praying and asking the LORD to open our eyes to see where he was. About 15-20 minutes later I spotted him in a large crowd of people. "Cale! Cale!"
I swept through some people and told him that it was going to be okay, that we knew where his mom was and that he would see her very very soon. Dan ran ahead to get his mom. It was just like a movie when they were reunited.
Both Dan and I got misty eyed as we saw them embrace and cry and be so thankful for each other.
Wow. PRAISE GOD! What an amazing thing. The mother hugged us and thanked us. Supposedly nobody else would help her so she was very grateful. We said 'God bless you' with sincere hearts and then walked away with such joy in our hearts.
Reconciliation is beautiful. It gets me every time.
So instead of being sad about saying goodbye to a friend, I was celebrating how the LORD has brought a family back together. I couldn't imagine something more fearful for a mother than losing a child in a busy place where anything could happen.
PRAISE JESUS! It was so powerful.

More Pics from the trip

2006-09-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Click on photos to see them bigger

This last one is funny because I was so confused as to how I got in the water, since I was doing quite fine in my kayak. "You should ask Dan how you got in the water" someone said.

First set of photos

2006-09-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Community in the Body

2006-09-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

I just arrived "home" in Vancouver. Wow, what an amazing holiday.
It was such a rich time of fellowship. I can't even explain.
Here's what I absolutely loved about it (besides all the spectacular sights...the pics will probably come tomorrow).
Natural prayer. I cannot stress this blessing enough. We'd be driving and all of the sudden one of us would just start praying and all of us would join in or be in agreement. We prayed for many things, including each of our session mates, daily.
Another great thing was Read the Bible. This was something that we had in our schedule this year - each day we would get into groups and have each person read a chapter of the bible. We did it each day while we were gone. I loved how it wasn't the same person initiating it. Someone would say something like "who wants to read the bible?" and everyone would be in. What a blessing. I can't get over it. We were all hungry for the Bread of Life. Amen.
Many healings happend as well, things that I would have just let go in the past (sore backs, crick in the neck, headaches) we got together to pray and lay hands and praise the LORD for healing us.

This week showed me so much of what it is to have a family in Christ. I've been living it out all this year, and that's been fantastic, but it was so exciting to see that it happend organically while we were on our own. We weren't scheduled or "expected" to do any of it. We chose it. Beautiful.

Last night (our last night) we were having a little impomptu prayer meeting and we were all giving prayers of thanksgiving and I was so moved. It was the first holiday (that I can remember) where Jesus was constantly being brought into what we were doing. Hallelujah! God is so good.
This morning before leaving Vernon, we had a breakfast Shabbat (sp?)we came together to eat and break bread and give thanks to God for all that He has done. Rich.

I could not have asked for more. We did my favourite things - Kayaking, hiking, white-water raftring, exploring with phenomenal children of God in some of the most beautiful creation that I have ever seen.

To Jesus, Dan, Anthony, Andrea, and Paul - Thanks for a week that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1

I am alive and well!

2006-08-31T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I am indeed alive. Sorry I haven't written in ages but the past few weeks have been a real whirlwind of events.
I have now graduated from the War College. Praise the LORD!
The past two weeks in the downt-town Eastside have been good, stretching and such a blessing. Rich community life here. Loving it.
This week my friends - Dan, Andrea&Anthony (from Australia) and Paul (from England) ventured out to the ROCKIES. All I can say is "amazing".
WOW
I will include some photos later.
Love you all.

Jesus is LORD. God is here. Peace be upon Israel and the world.

Quote: What you do in this lifetime will echo an eternity (Gladiator)

Links

2006-08-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Just a short note to say that my links are up and running.
Sorry about that, guys.

Also - this week is a bit of an emotional one. Getting ready to leave Vernon and head back to Vancouver.
I had a bit of a surprise party on Sunday night.
Made a new friend.
Laughed...a lot.
I also cried.
I am emotional. But I thank the LORD for that gift. It's taxing to feel so much all the time, but it's how God made me and I freely accept it. Thank you, Jesus.

Help me

2006-08-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know much about blogs?
For some reason my links aren't working.
...help me...

Fleeting

2006-08-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

I am preparing to say goodbye to all of those I've come to befriend here in Vernon and it made me reflect on all the temporary things in my life.
I recognize that I am a fairly spontaneous person. I like to do things on the spur of the moment, make last minute changes - it's all very exciting.
But looking to the future I have no idea what the next five years looks like. Heck, I don't even really know what the next year alone will look like.
I guess sometimes you feel like your life is on a repeat mode.
Go somewhere, learn some things, say goodbye, move on.
Then you shuffle the cards and play again.

It's like I've left my fingerprints on the walls. Soon that's all that will remain are unkown fingerprints.

I'll clarify: I'm not feeling depressed. It's just a strange feeling of anonymity.

The War College

2006-07-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

I had to give a short testimony of what the War College has taught me, so I thought that I might include it here on my blog as well.
Obviously this is a short synopsis and there's so much more to say, but just a highlight....

This year the LORD broke my heart for His children. He lifted the veil off my eyes to see that His love and mercy run deep. The calluses of my heart were shaved away as God brought me to a new level of prayer. The Lord showed me that I have a necessary role in justice, and revealed to me what the body of Christ really looks like. I needed to learn that we all need each other. Life is not about getting your stuff together so that you can function on your own; we are created for community.
The refiner's fire is hot, but God is gracious and compassionate.

For more info check out The War College to find out how you can live your life to the fullest this year.

(It's not for woosies. Ha!)

Reminder

2006-07-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

It was nice to be in Vancouver yesterday. I was just there for 24 hours, but was able to see some lovely faces that I've missed.
I forgot about some of the smells of my old neighbourhood.
Outside of the bottle depot (which has the motto - together we can. haha ) always smells of red wine. Each floor of the Balmoral with a distinct smell. The alleys the the stench of urine...
Entering in the DTES (Downtown Eastside) I got a surge of emotions. Brokeness - seeing some of my friends passed out on the streets, women caught up in the sex trade etc. Feeling relief to be back home. Feeling excitement to see faces. Feeling the presence of God. Feeling a righteous anger towards oppression, abuse and the spirit of Lust. (I was passing by a porn shop which is right next to my hotel and I actually said outloud "Yuck!"). In some ways it feels like I was snapped out of a numbness again. A real wake-up call. I didn't even realize that I was being numbed. I guess that's what apathy does. It creeps. Slowly takes it's hands and covers your eyes and ears. So sneaky. Be on guard. If you heart doesn't break over brokeness, don't dismiss it. Don't agree with it and do nothing. Cry out to God. He wants us to be turned on to His heart. Let's be alert. The latter part of Isaiah it urges the church to WAKE UP. Let's be that.
You don't have to be in a place like where I live to be fully alive. It's harder in suburbia - so much harder - to remain broken hearted for the people around. But, if you are called to be there, then be there and be ALIVE and AWAKE and IN TUNE to the Spirit of the living God.

I'm all for no more excuses. I repent from any apathy that I agreed with. I acknowledge that if I am not making a difference, then I'm agreeing with apathy.
There is no part of me that wants to partner up with that. Makes me feel disgusting just thinking about it. So I repent, and turn the oppostite way. I receive the mercy and grace of Jesus and His power (and only by His power) I am choosing to make a difference.

Prayers for Israel

2006-07-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Today many of us in the 614 community are praying and fasting for Israel. I've already made a post on our session's blog (Holy session - check side panel for link), and I want to encourage everyone who reads my blog to join us in prayer.
I've posted on the other blog some Scriptures to pray through already, but if anyone has other suggestions, that would be great.
It's not just for today either. Let's rise up in prayer, Church!

As I've been praying today, I was singing at my keyboard and a song came out of it.
The verses aren't done yet - I believe they'll come as I continue to pray through the WORD, but here are the words to the chorus and bridge.
Please, join me in my prayer:

Shalom to Your people
Shalom to Your land
Shalom to the Bride that you died for
Shalom in Israel

Let faith arise
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
Yahweh!

I love the mountains, I love the rocks and rills...

2006-07-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

Today I went hiking and swimming with Kristin and Megan.
Kristen is the one with the dark hair. She's also the cutest thing in the universe. We had a lot of fun :) I LOVE the outdoors.

Down to the last drop

2006-07-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

During my time of worship this morning I was singing to the Lord and a powerful truth came out of it.
I was singing about receiving the love of Jesus - even when I don't feel like I deserve it, even when I ... you fill in the blanks. But the truth was - I don't want to waste a single drop of the blood of Jesus. If He is giving it to me, and I don't receive it, then I'm dropping it.
The blood that cost so much.
I don't want to waste a drop. So I'll receive His blood, receive His mercy, receive the grace that I don't deserve. Receive the FREEDOM!
If I am not living free, then I am not receiving His freedom.

Lord, I am truly thankful for each drop of your precious, precious blood.
Hallelujah!
Let me live to honour you. Let me live a life of gratefullness and thanksgiving.

It's all for you, it's all for you. I'm letting go, I'm letting go.
(from the worship song, "All for You")

Blast from the past

2006-07-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Holy Rollers
And me and my bros - Joel...you look like you are on something!
Good times :)

Impossibility

2006-07-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have been reading through the book of Judges in my devotions/rations lately, and there are a lot of "impossible" stories in there. Times when, without the hand of God moving, it would be completely impossible for something to happen. Gideon's army of 300, Samon, water out of a rock etc.
I was praying through the Scriptures and realized that so many of us get into a bit of a panic when big, impossible situations arise. We start to press in and pray and get all excited. I think that this is God's area of expertise. The realm of impossibility, that is, because when something definately cannot be accomplished by man alone, then God will get all the glory, not us.
I would even go as far as to say that we should constantly be making our lives impossibilities, because then God will be honoured and lifted up.
Let's shift the focus off of us, and back to the mountain mover.
Let us surrender our gifts, talents, goals, dreams, whatever, on the altar.

Not my will, but thine be done.

Might as well ask...

2006-06-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hey, does anyone have an extra laptop they want to bless me with :D

I need one for the fall...

Doesn't hurt to ask, I guess

Cheesy...or not?

2006-06-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

I was playing volleyball at the beach this Friday and the sun was setting but was directly in my eyes and I couldn't really see anything (which definately included the ball!).
Made me think of how that parallels life.
When the Light is in your eyes, it's hard to see anything else.

Maybe it's cheesy, but it got me thinking.

Billy Booth Quote

2006-06-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

"It was not my intention to create another sect... We are not a church. We are an Army- an Army of Salvation."

William Booth, 1878.

Any thoughts???

PS - I totally stole this quotation from Anthony Castles blog. Trying to remain transparent here guys...

Such anxiety

2006-06-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

So I've watched every game that England has played in the World Cup, and this morning was the first time that we didn't win. Grrrr. Sweden scored in the last few minutes. We didn't lose, but still...it would have been so sweet to win.

I watch the games with other girls, and none of us really know much about football (soccer), so I am sure the experience is quite different.
We make funny observations like - Rooney: A very sweaty guy. Crouch: Always the first to hug the guy that scored. Beckham: Good team player - never hogs the ball or anything.
Today was the first game that I could I.D. people from far away. I am really getting into it. I get so excited. I used to only watch it to support my friend, but now I am a full on fan. It's great.
Anyway - my dad is in Germany now for the World Cup. That's pretty sweet. I love and miss him.
Anyway, cheers for now.
Go England!

It's not mine anyway

2006-06-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

During my summer placement, I've had the opportunity to really recognize all of the 'lessons' that I've learnt this year.
One thing that has kept coming up these past few weeks is something that Aaron White, one of our teachers at the War College, taught us in his class. He teaches on Post Modernity, but I think this was more of a side note...nonetheless, I'll carry on.
He was talking about when his kids fight over toys or what not, and he teaches them "Well, they aren't your toys. They belong to Jesus."
I didn't really realize the impact that that lesson had on my life until now. All that I have belongs to Jesus. Someone I work with here asked me how I can be so free with my stuff - giving to people and and so on.
I responded by saying - "It's not really because I am a nice person or anything, I've just recognized that it's not really mine anyway. It all belongs to Jesus."
I keep having to remind myself of that. Whenever I get possesive of "stuff" that I own. When I start acting like a spoiled brat, not wanting to share what doesn't even belong to me anyway.
The other day I secretly smiled when I overheard someone echoing that same lesson. God is so good. Let's be good children and share well. With the people around us, as well as globally, with resources etc.

Freely we've received, now freely we must give...

Volleyball etc.

2006-06-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

I should be more disciplined in blogging! Sorry to leave you guys hanging.
Things are going well here in Vernon. I am in a volleyball league that plays every Friday night as part of our beach ministry here, and for anyone who's ever seen me doing group sports should get a kick out of that.

I had my first dinner party tonight at my place. Kayla my new roomie, her boyfriend, Kristin - cool gal I work with at the Talkin Donkey, and Conner - another friend from work. Very nice. Delish. I love having people over. My house is looking more and more homey each day, which is great.

I am feeling pretty tired all the time, but I think it's because I go to bed at a different bedtime each night. My body is probably very confused. This also has an effect on my rations (devotions) because sometimes it's really hard to be still and concentrate.

I still haven't hiked, or gone swimming in the lake. Haven't really seen too much of Vernon beside the one main street, but I am loving the community, the familiar faces and the warmth of many.

In a final exortation - Fight for intimacy with Jesus! He wants to be involved in every aspect of your life. Don't compartmentalize, butjump into what He has in store for you. Blessings of Peace and Grace.

A bit hungry

2006-06-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

One thing that I love here in Vernon is that I get to do my own shopping and cooking. I don't like doing dishes afterward, but there's always a price to pay.
My problem goes as far as this - I don't really remember how to cook that much. Particularily now that I don't eat meat (...very much).
I do some pastas with tofu in the sauce and I've got a couple of staples, but I would LOVE some good recipes.
Tasty, cheap and quick would be the best, but everything is welcome.

Come on, help a hungry girl out :P Share the love

Pics from Vernon

2006-06-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots ... A shot of the Talkin Donkey, the Prayer room, Conner and Brenna, Jill, me and the officers' kids.

Suffering

2006-06-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

Some verses have really been brewing in my mind lately:

"So then,since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourself with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning... So if you are suffering according to God's will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you."
- 1 Peter 4:1 & 19

"I am willing to endure anything it if will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."
- 2 Timothy 2:10

Bless Him. Bless the LORD! Praise Yahweh!!

PS - I am not saying that I am in the midst of great suffering or anything like that. It's more of an awakening to my attitude.

It's not me, it's You

2006-06-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

I've been praying a lot about Holiness this year, and seeking and desiring to be made holy.
This morning in my rations I was praying and it hit me. I have been praying for victory and the blessing of a pure heart and trying to ask God for ways that I can overcome etc. when I truly realized taht my goal isn't so that I eventually can handle things on my own. For example, the issue of jealousy - I've been crying out to God for vicotry, asking Him for strategy and so forth, but it's not like with all the discipline and wisdom and knowledge I'll ever become holy - it's ONLY by the blood of Jesus. You receive holiness by FAITH through GRACE. I will always need Jesus.
It's not like Jesus is my coach, teaching me skills so that I can do it on my own - I will ALWAYS need Him. It's not me, it's Him. I'll always be at a point of desperation.
The deeper that I go with Yahweh, the more and more and more I recognize how much I need Him.

JAC

2006-06-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,
The new issue of JAC - "Journal of Aggressive Christianity" is out and there are some great things in there.
Okay, so my good friend Dan and I were asked to submit a project that we did. Read it and let me know what you think.
Dan is a genius and made it look incredible. Kudos to you!