Hi!
Tonight as I looked outside of our front door I heard a voice of change as the secadias were singing their familiar song. Six weeks until fall. As I listened to them I realized that when God places a new change on our heart it is like he is singing to us telling us just a little more time until I come to get you for your eternal home.
Well change is coming to our household. The following is our prayer letter that we sent out to our prayer and financial supporters this week.
Dear Family and Friends,
This past year has been a whirl wind for our family. With Hannah graduating, getting her to college, moving Jon’s mom to Iowa, taking on additional duties with Village Missions as an Assistant District Representative and continuing to pastor the flock here in Red Cloud, we have been busy. Through it all we have seen the Lord’s hand as he has directed us each step of the way. When we set out on this journey of faith fourteen years ago we would have never imagined that we would serve four VM fields, (Wood Lake, NE, Pierceville, KS, Mingo, KS and for the past seven years we have served here at the Congregational Bible Church in Red Cloud.) These years have been a journey of faith as we have leaned and relied on the Lord for his direction, provision, guidance and wisdom.
This past year we have sensed the Lord was doing a new work in our lives. In May we were invited to teach at the Village Missions Candidate School and while we were there we were asked if we would consider leaving Red Cloud and becoming the District Representatives for the Mountain Central district which includes overseeing 25 missionaries and the churches they serve in the states of NE, WY, SD, MT, CO and KS. After much prayer we have accepted this new position and will begin our new duties on August 1st
One might ask is this a promotion, no it is not, because in Village Missions everyone is equal in position, we just have different duties. Our duties will require a lot of traveling, listening, encouraging and being a servant to the dear missionaries who serve on the fields. We will also be the liaison between the local church and Village Missions, and we will be representing Village Missions at Bible Colleges in our areas, recruiting others who may consider serving with Village Missions.
We ask for your prayers as we enter this new time of ministry. We will be relocating to Chadron, NE sometime the end of August. We have chosen this location so we can still be close to Hannah while she attends school at Frontier School of the Bible in LaGrange, WY. We haven’t had to look for housing for the past 14 years so this was another journey of faith as we waited for the Lord. He has provided a lovely home for us to rent from Christian people. We will begin our travels shortly after getting moved and settled. Our new address is 300 Chapin Street Chadron, NE69337 and our phone number is 402-746-8166. Our emails are pastorjonvm@gmail.com and debhansenvm@gmail.com
You may ask if we still have to continue to raise support, and the answer is yes. We still have to raise the same level of support as we have done the past fourteen years. The mission will be giving us a housing allowance to help us to rent or buy a home. We are so thankful for the faithful supporters the Lord has provided these past 14 years. If you have never supported us and would consider joining our team, we would love to talk to you about how you can be part of sharing the gospel of Christ here in rural North America. As you know there are a lot of unseen expenses with relocating. If you would like to send a one-time gift to help with these expenses that would be appreciated too.
As with all decisions, there are difficult things too. For us it is saying goodbye to the people of the Congregational Bible Church and the community of Red Cloud. We have grown to love them and they are part of us. The great thing is we don’t have to say goodbye completely as Red Cloud will be one of the fields that we will oversee. Red Cloud has become home to us. This is the place that Hannah grew up. It was here that we enlarged our family with the additions of Esther, DeeDy and Steven. We were also able to take care of Jon’s parents before his dad’s death and his mom’s move to Iowa. The church accepted them as family and loved them too. We know this parting will be hard, but we also know the Lord is going to watch over both our family and the church family here, as this change takes place. Village Missions is planning to have an associate missionary (one who has retired from full time service who does interim work) to come for up to six months before placing a new missionary family. This will help everyone during this transition time.
Pray for us as we close up many loose ends and say our goodbyes.
As for our kids, Hannah leaves on August 18th for her second year of college. She has been working at Quizno’s in Hastings, NE this summer and helping us sort and pack. We have so enjoyed having her home. Pray for her as she leaves here in August as she will be saying goodbye to the home, church and friends she has made these past seven years. After getting Hannah settled at Frontier we will come back to Red Cloud and finish the final preparations for our move.
Esther was able to go home to Korea this summer to see her family. She will return the end of August to begin her third year of college.
DeeDy and Dietrich are continuing their education in Leipzig Germany. They live in a small apartment and are enjoying their first year of marriage.
Steven is living in Chicago and working for Moody Food Service. It is our prayer that someday he may become a Village Missionary. He has a special girl in his life Grace Esther Huesby and we are enjoying watching from afar as they seek God’s direction in their lives.
In a few short weeks we will celebrate our 21st anniversary as we set out on this new journey before us.
Please be praying for the following: A quick adjustment to our new responsibilities, the new Village Missionary and family that will serve Red Cloud, and that we will be warmly accepted by both the missionaries and churches that we have been entrusted to oversee.
Once again we want to thank you for your generous prayer and financial support of this ministry. We would not have been able to serve these past fourteen years if you hadn’t played such an important part through your gifts and prayers. As we travel to the fields that we serve, we hope we can stop to see many of you along the way.
Blessings,
Deb
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Summer 2010
Hi! Loved Ones,
I can't believe it has been over month since I wrote anything. Alot has been going on and it seems like the days are just running into one another. My quiet uneventful summer has taken on a different direction.
The Lord has been teaching me alot about letting him direct my steps. Psalms 37:23 tells me that "The steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way.
Learning to trust Him more and more for the everyday things in life has been challenging to me. It has been easy for me to trust Him in the big things but it has been more difficult for me to trust him in the daily stuff.
Several years ago I bought a little plaque at a quilt shop in Estes Park. It says the following: Good Morning. This is God. I will be handling alll your Problems and Worries today. I Won't need your help. Now have a Great Day! I Love you So Much. Love your Heavenly Father ~ God
I have this little plaque on my night stand. This summer I have been reading this saying over each morning and then praying and putting each day and all the details in His hands. It is so good to know as I relinquish the control over to Jesus that I don't have worry or be stressed out about all that will and won't happen in my day. All I have to do is be obedient and walk in his way~
I am so thankful that my Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!
Praying as you trust the Lord for the day to day stuff!
Blessings!
I can't believe it has been over month since I wrote anything. Alot has been going on and it seems like the days are just running into one another. My quiet uneventful summer has taken on a different direction.
The Lord has been teaching me alot about letting him direct my steps. Psalms 37:23 tells me that "The steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way.
Learning to trust Him more and more for the everyday things in life has been challenging to me. It has been easy for me to trust Him in the big things but it has been more difficult for me to trust him in the daily stuff.
Several years ago I bought a little plaque at a quilt shop in Estes Park. It says the following: Good Morning. This is God. I will be handling alll your Problems and Worries today. I Won't need your help. Now have a Great Day! I Love you So Much. Love your Heavenly Father ~ God
I have this little plaque on my night stand. This summer I have been reading this saying over each morning and then praying and putting each day and all the details in His hands. It is so good to know as I relinquish the control over to Jesus that I don't have worry or be stressed out about all that will and won't happen in my day. All I have to do is be obedient and walk in his way~
I am so thankful that my Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!
Praying as you trust the Lord for the day to day stuff!
Blessings!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Travels
Hi! Loved Ones,
Well after a month of travels I am back home.
What a month it has been.
My month started out by traveling out to Frontier School of the Bible to ride home with Hannah. After a trip through Colorado and several mishaps along the way after I arrived, I was finally able to enjoy meeting several of Hannah's friends parents, going to graduation and traveling back home on Saturday with Hannah in her old trust worthy car! I made great memories during this short time and look forward to the next couple of years that Hannah has at FSB.
We then turned around in less than 24 hours and began our trip to Iowa to see Jon's mom. She is doing well at age 84 and has been leading a Stonecroft Bible Study at her assisted living. While visiting her we had the chance to lead a afternoon hymn sing for the people living there. They so appreciated us giving of our time and we enjoyed getting to know them better. At the end of the week we headed for Missouri to attend a family dinner in honor of my nephew Michael's High School Graduation. We left Hannah there to celebrate with my family and drove to Kansas City to Jon's brother Dave's place to spend the night so we could catch our flight to Portland on Sunday morning.
Our trip to Oregon went smooth. We made all of our connections and were picked up at the airport and driven to Dallas, OR. We had dinner with some of our friends and then went back to the apartment we were staying in to prepare for VM candidate school.
The candidate school went well. I so enjoyed going back through it again. It was a great refresher course after 14 years in ministry. The candidate couples were great. Such sweet spirits amongst them. We also enjoyed working along side of the VM staff as we presented the work of VM to theses dear people. The interviews were done on Friday evening and that was the close of the school. During the week, Jon enjoyed connecting with his former missions instructor who serves as a visitation pastor at a local church and also a retired VM who is a Grace School of the Bible graduate.
Saturday we drove up the Pacific coast highway to Cannon Beach. My grandmother use to attend a Bible Conference every year there, so it was fun to see where those were held. We also ate some fresh seafood and spent time gazing at the ocean and walking on the beach. What a refreshing day after a busy week. Sunday we attended church and then met some dear friends who we hadn't seen in 10 years. It felt like it was just yesterday as we picked up where we left off and enjoyed an afternoon of visiting.
Monday we flew home and Tuesday drove to Red Cloud. Now we are back in the saddle again and trying to adjust to the time zone changes all over!
As I was thinking about all that I have done this past month, I found myself thinking over and over about the peace only Jesus can give us. At every situation He proved himself faithful. Resting in His peace has given me confidence that He has everything under control. So as I enter this next few weeks and the busy schedule it will entail, I know I can turn to Jesus and seek His peace in every situation. What refreshment that brings to my weary soul.
Blessings,
Deb
Well after a month of travels I am back home.
What a month it has been.
My month started out by traveling out to Frontier School of the Bible to ride home with Hannah. After a trip through Colorado and several mishaps along the way after I arrived, I was finally able to enjoy meeting several of Hannah's friends parents, going to graduation and traveling back home on Saturday with Hannah in her old trust worthy car! I made great memories during this short time and look forward to the next couple of years that Hannah has at FSB.
We then turned around in less than 24 hours and began our trip to Iowa to see Jon's mom. She is doing well at age 84 and has been leading a Stonecroft Bible Study at her assisted living. While visiting her we had the chance to lead a afternoon hymn sing for the people living there. They so appreciated us giving of our time and we enjoyed getting to know them better. At the end of the week we headed for Missouri to attend a family dinner in honor of my nephew Michael's High School Graduation. We left Hannah there to celebrate with my family and drove to Kansas City to Jon's brother Dave's place to spend the night so we could catch our flight to Portland on Sunday morning.
Our trip to Oregon went smooth. We made all of our connections and were picked up at the airport and driven to Dallas, OR. We had dinner with some of our friends and then went back to the apartment we were staying in to prepare for VM candidate school.
The candidate school went well. I so enjoyed going back through it again. It was a great refresher course after 14 years in ministry. The candidate couples were great. Such sweet spirits amongst them. We also enjoyed working along side of the VM staff as we presented the work of VM to theses dear people. The interviews were done on Friday evening and that was the close of the school. During the week, Jon enjoyed connecting with his former missions instructor who serves as a visitation pastor at a local church and also a retired VM who is a Grace School of the Bible graduate.
Saturday we drove up the Pacific coast highway to Cannon Beach. My grandmother use to attend a Bible Conference every year there, so it was fun to see where those were held. We also ate some fresh seafood and spent time gazing at the ocean and walking on the beach. What a refreshing day after a busy week. Sunday we attended church and then met some dear friends who we hadn't seen in 10 years. It felt like it was just yesterday as we picked up where we left off and enjoyed an afternoon of visiting.
Monday we flew home and Tuesday drove to Red Cloud. Now we are back in the saddle again and trying to adjust to the time zone changes all over!
As I was thinking about all that I have done this past month, I found myself thinking over and over about the peace only Jesus can give us. At every situation He proved himself faithful. Resting in His peace has given me confidence that He has everything under control. So as I enter this next few weeks and the busy schedule it will entail, I know I can turn to Jesus and seek His peace in every situation. What refreshment that brings to my weary soul.
Blessings,
Deb
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A School Year Gone By!
Hi!
I am sitting here at my desk looking at the date on the calendar. May 2nd! Where has this school year gone.
9 months ago we had just graduated Hannah from our Home School and now this week I am making the trek out to LaGrange to drive home with her. WOW I am speechless!
Many people have asked me over and over how I have adjusted to our empty nest. As I have thought back about this last nine months I am thankful how the Lord has been working in my life, and though I miss the kids the Lord has entrusted me to, I know they are His first. They were entrusted to me some for 18 years and some for a short time.
I would have never thought last May as we were getting ready for Steven to arrive that in a few short months the Lord would change some of the direction of our lives.
These are a few things that I have learned and enjoyed.
1. Jon taking on the Assistant District Representative work has given us another focus. We love serving our church here in Red Cloud as they are our family, but we also love the missionaries the Lord entrusted us with as they are family too. A month hasn't gone by where we haven't been on the road, or on the phone visiting with these dear servants of God. What a joy to rejoice in seeing people come to know our Lord and to pray with those with hurting people within their own families and church. Jon and I don't know what the future holds but we will look back at this time of our lives with very fond memories.
2. The Esther Women's Bible Study was such a blessing and growing time for me. The concept that I learned is that the Lord already has my destiny set out before me. I can hinder his work by wanting my way or I can jump on board and go for the ride of my life. What a ride it has been and I anticipate it will be as I was chosen to live for such a time as this.
3. Quilting has become a passion of mine. I have loved taking some classes and making a few items that I have given away. As always the Lord has provided a creative outlet for me and I have some friends and family who enjoy this pass time too.
4. Life just isn't what I think it should be at times, but God is still faithful. I have been growing through this in a real lived out way this past nine months. Relationships that I would like to be restored are still at loose ends. People I would like to see saved, still don't know my Jesus, People with illnesses and injuries that I am praying for healing still aren't healed... My list could go on and on, but through it all I can see the Lords faithfulness. He has challenged me greatly that He is enough period and that even though I would like things to be different, he has a plan and loves me and those that I love.
5. Being an Empty Nester isn't all that bad! I love "my kids", but I have loved getting to know my dear hubby in our middle years better. Jon is truly a servant and he has showed me his love so much through serving me. After years of serving others, he saw this need in my life and has jumped in to help out wherever I need help! I have loved our time of quietness, after many years of a loud and hectic house and schedule. I just love being with him!
So as I drive out to pick up Hannah for this summer I am thankful what the Lord has put in my life. I am so looking forward to getting to know my daughter as a friend this summer. And I am thankful that my Lord is faithful. He will never change!
Blessings,
Deb
I am sitting here at my desk looking at the date on the calendar. May 2nd! Where has this school year gone.
9 months ago we had just graduated Hannah from our Home School and now this week I am making the trek out to LaGrange to drive home with her. WOW I am speechless!
Many people have asked me over and over how I have adjusted to our empty nest. As I have thought back about this last nine months I am thankful how the Lord has been working in my life, and though I miss the kids the Lord has entrusted me to, I know they are His first. They were entrusted to me some for 18 years and some for a short time.
I would have never thought last May as we were getting ready for Steven to arrive that in a few short months the Lord would change some of the direction of our lives.
These are a few things that I have learned and enjoyed.
1. Jon taking on the Assistant District Representative work has given us another focus. We love serving our church here in Red Cloud as they are our family, but we also love the missionaries the Lord entrusted us with as they are family too. A month hasn't gone by where we haven't been on the road, or on the phone visiting with these dear servants of God. What a joy to rejoice in seeing people come to know our Lord and to pray with those with hurting people within their own families and church. Jon and I don't know what the future holds but we will look back at this time of our lives with very fond memories.
2. The Esther Women's Bible Study was such a blessing and growing time for me. The concept that I learned is that the Lord already has my destiny set out before me. I can hinder his work by wanting my way or I can jump on board and go for the ride of my life. What a ride it has been and I anticipate it will be as I was chosen to live for such a time as this.
3. Quilting has become a passion of mine. I have loved taking some classes and making a few items that I have given away. As always the Lord has provided a creative outlet for me and I have some friends and family who enjoy this pass time too.
4. Life just isn't what I think it should be at times, but God is still faithful. I have been growing through this in a real lived out way this past nine months. Relationships that I would like to be restored are still at loose ends. People I would like to see saved, still don't know my Jesus, People with illnesses and injuries that I am praying for healing still aren't healed... My list could go on and on, but through it all I can see the Lords faithfulness. He has challenged me greatly that He is enough period and that even though I would like things to be different, he has a plan and loves me and those that I love.
5. Being an Empty Nester isn't all that bad! I love "my kids", but I have loved getting to know my dear hubby in our middle years better. Jon is truly a servant and he has showed me his love so much through serving me. After years of serving others, he saw this need in my life and has jumped in to help out wherever I need help! I have loved our time of quietness, after many years of a loud and hectic house and schedule. I just love being with him!
So as I drive out to pick up Hannah for this summer I am thankful what the Lord has put in my life. I am so looking forward to getting to know my daughter as a friend this summer. And I am thankful that my Lord is faithful. He will never change!
Blessings,
Deb
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Learning to Surrender
Hi!
I haven't been on here in a couple of weeks. These past few weeks have been some of the busiest weeks in recent times but also very enjoyable times too!
Two weeks ago we held our annual Palm Sunday Cantata. I have to admit that my heart really wasn't in to being part of this again, but knowing I need to support my pastor hubby who loves working and presenting the gospel in this manner was my reason to get on board.
The Risen Christ with music by Keith and Kristyn Getty really ministered to my heart over the weeks that followed. This year for the first time we had the smallest group of choir members we have ever had. This year we had the fewest number of kids involved in drama, but this year we had a group of people who committed themselves to the practices it involved, we had a group of ministers who went out on faith and spent the money needed to have the drama on video, this year the Red Cloud Opera House offered their building with great sound and a giant screen to this effort free of charge. Who could have done all this but the Lord!
The day of the cantata arrived. The chairs in the opera house were full! I was full of nerves because for the first time in my life except in our local church, I was singing a solo all by myself in public. Something this gal had never felt comfortable or confidant about doing. You know what, The Lord showed up that day. The music ministered to the people, I didn't trip over all the cords in the dark that would have caused me to sail into the grand piano! My voice didn't wobble like my knees were doing and I am so thankful that the Lord challenged me to surrender to Him and be a part of this group that ministered the gospel to our community that day.
The theme of my life for these past few years has seemed to be Surrender.
Surrender to what the Lord wants to do within me, surrender all my hopes and dreams for His, Surrender to His will and not my own.
Today in church, my pastor hubby preached one of the best sermons that I have heard him preach from James chapter two on surrender. He spoke of Abraham and how he had learned to surrender so many times throughout his life. He spoke on how Rahab who was known as a harlot and she surrender her life to God and how in Matt chapter 2 she is mentioned in the lineage of Christ. As I read not only in James chapter 2 but also about both of them in Hebrews chapter 11 I began to see just what the Lord has been doing in me these past few years.
I have learned to surrender my life more and more to His will.
I have learned to surrender my plans for His.
I have learned to surrender my "kids" to Him.
These are just a few areas that I have seen His working in my life. No it doesn't mean that I haven't struggled as He has been teaching me this thing called surrender. No at times I have followed Him kicking and screaming, because I thought my will and my plans were the better idea. I have shed numerous tears over surrendering people to Him because they are not mine, they are His. But little by little He has been showing me what it means to surrender more easily than I have in the past.
A passage in scripture which has really spoken to me as of late is 1 Peter 1:3-9 where it says
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain and inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."
You see this process of surrender is just another part of the sanctification process in my life.
Having this eternal view in my mind has given me such comfort and peace as I continue on this journey of faith that I surrendered to Christ by asking Him to be my Savior and Lord and declaring myself as a sinner in need of a Savior as a 7 year old girl in a small rural church in Kansas almost 40 years ago! I still have a ways to go because the Lord hasn't called me to my eternal home yet, but which each passing step my hearts desire is to be more and more willing to surrender easily to His will, His ways and His plan.
Are you willing to be surrender to Christ?
Have you put your faith in Christ alone for your salvation, if you haven't you can do that today. '
I would love to pray with you and get you started on your journey of faith.
If you have surrendered to Christ, are you following after Him, are you in love with your savior and are you desiring to say no to yourself and surrender to His ways.
These hard questions but ones that will matter for eternity I believer.
Know that I will be praying for each of you as the Lord brings you to my mind.
Blessings,
Deb
I haven't been on here in a couple of weeks. These past few weeks have been some of the busiest weeks in recent times but also very enjoyable times too!
Two weeks ago we held our annual Palm Sunday Cantata. I have to admit that my heart really wasn't in to being part of this again, but knowing I need to support my pastor hubby who loves working and presenting the gospel in this manner was my reason to get on board.
The Risen Christ with music by Keith and Kristyn Getty really ministered to my heart over the weeks that followed. This year for the first time we had the smallest group of choir members we have ever had. This year we had the fewest number of kids involved in drama, but this year we had a group of people who committed themselves to the practices it involved, we had a group of ministers who went out on faith and spent the money needed to have the drama on video, this year the Red Cloud Opera House offered their building with great sound and a giant screen to this effort free of charge. Who could have done all this but the Lord!
The day of the cantata arrived. The chairs in the opera house were full! I was full of nerves because for the first time in my life except in our local church, I was singing a solo all by myself in public. Something this gal had never felt comfortable or confidant about doing. You know what, The Lord showed up that day. The music ministered to the people, I didn't trip over all the cords in the dark that would have caused me to sail into the grand piano! My voice didn't wobble like my knees were doing and I am so thankful that the Lord challenged me to surrender to Him and be a part of this group that ministered the gospel to our community that day.
The theme of my life for these past few years has seemed to be Surrender.
Surrender to what the Lord wants to do within me, surrender all my hopes and dreams for His, Surrender to His will and not my own.
Today in church, my pastor hubby preached one of the best sermons that I have heard him preach from James chapter two on surrender. He spoke of Abraham and how he had learned to surrender so many times throughout his life. He spoke on how Rahab who was known as a harlot and she surrender her life to God and how in Matt chapter 2 she is mentioned in the lineage of Christ. As I read not only in James chapter 2 but also about both of them in Hebrews chapter 11 I began to see just what the Lord has been doing in me these past few years.
I have learned to surrender my life more and more to His will.
I have learned to surrender my plans for His.
I have learned to surrender my "kids" to Him.
These are just a few areas that I have seen His working in my life. No it doesn't mean that I haven't struggled as He has been teaching me this thing called surrender. No at times I have followed Him kicking and screaming, because I thought my will and my plans were the better idea. I have shed numerous tears over surrendering people to Him because they are not mine, they are His. But little by little He has been showing me what it means to surrender more easily than I have in the past.
A passage in scripture which has really spoken to me as of late is 1 Peter 1:3-9 where it says
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain and inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."
You see this process of surrender is just another part of the sanctification process in my life.
Having this eternal view in my mind has given me such comfort and peace as I continue on this journey of faith that I surrendered to Christ by asking Him to be my Savior and Lord and declaring myself as a sinner in need of a Savior as a 7 year old girl in a small rural church in Kansas almost 40 years ago! I still have a ways to go because the Lord hasn't called me to my eternal home yet, but which each passing step my hearts desire is to be more and more willing to surrender easily to His will, His ways and His plan.
Are you willing to be surrender to Christ?
Have you put your faith in Christ alone for your salvation, if you haven't you can do that today. '
I would love to pray with you and get you started on your journey of faith.
If you have surrendered to Christ, are you following after Him, are you in love with your savior and are you desiring to say no to yourself and surrender to His ways.
These hard questions but ones that will matter for eternity I believer.
Know that I will be praying for each of you as the Lord brings you to my mind.
Blessings,
Deb
Friday, March 19, 2010
Coming to a End
Hi!
Last night our ladies Bible Study on Esther came to an end. This study has been one of those life changing studies for me. I needed this study for such a time as this to refocus me on God's purpose for my life. This week as I prepared for this last study I found myself crying. First when I finished the book and secondly when I watch the last DVD. For one like me who doesn't cry easily I knew this had touched my heart and life changing way.
You see it really doesn't matter what we think our life should be. They only one who matters is Christ! He already before the world even existed had a plan drawn up for my life. It doesn't matter what men try to do, it only matters what God is doing. Christ holds my destiny.
I can come to Christ, obediently following his plan or I can try to run, kicking and screaming the other direction, but it the end He will have his way with me. Do I want his way with the blessings it brings or the consequences that my sin brings.
One thing that Beth Moore said really got me to thinking. In a world where we are focused on beauty and self and wanting to defy the process of aging to feel like we have accomplished anything in our lives, the Lord Jesus plan is just the opposite for those who love him. His plan is that we get more beautiful in His time. That inner beauty that can come only through Jesus Christ and what he did for us on that cross. When we enter into his presence these old worn out bodies will be exchange for a glorious body that will never have the affect of sin in it or on it. Can you imagine!! It is my goal to become more beautiful inside so that Jesus will shine on my outside.
The other statement that hit me so profoundly was "God is never more near when we don't see His imprint," So when I go through the trials of life which I don't understand, I can know that God is with me! He will bring me to an understanding of theses trails when I get to heaven, if he doesn't reveal them to me here on earth.
Recently I have been praying that the Lord would show me the whys of my life. It seems like that is all I have had to focus on is "Why Lord?" The Lord knew that this study would change my outlook on the Whys, to help me focus on Him and not my circumstances. Now I can say not why, but how do you want me to use this circumstance in my life to help me and others focus on Him.
So when life gets overwhelming and it will, when trail come and they will, when questions come and they will, let's focus on Jesus, who already has everything worked out for his good and ours.
I think this may be what Paul meant when he wrote he has learned to be content in all circumstances.
Blessings,
Deb
Last night our ladies Bible Study on Esther came to an end. This study has been one of those life changing studies for me. I needed this study for such a time as this to refocus me on God's purpose for my life. This week as I prepared for this last study I found myself crying. First when I finished the book and secondly when I watch the last DVD. For one like me who doesn't cry easily I knew this had touched my heart and life changing way.
You see it really doesn't matter what we think our life should be. They only one who matters is Christ! He already before the world even existed had a plan drawn up for my life. It doesn't matter what men try to do, it only matters what God is doing. Christ holds my destiny.
I can come to Christ, obediently following his plan or I can try to run, kicking and screaming the other direction, but it the end He will have his way with me. Do I want his way with the blessings it brings or the consequences that my sin brings.
One thing that Beth Moore said really got me to thinking. In a world where we are focused on beauty and self and wanting to defy the process of aging to feel like we have accomplished anything in our lives, the Lord Jesus plan is just the opposite for those who love him. His plan is that we get more beautiful in His time. That inner beauty that can come only through Jesus Christ and what he did for us on that cross. When we enter into his presence these old worn out bodies will be exchange for a glorious body that will never have the affect of sin in it or on it. Can you imagine!! It is my goal to become more beautiful inside so that Jesus will shine on my outside.
The other statement that hit me so profoundly was "God is never more near when we don't see His imprint," So when I go through the trials of life which I don't understand, I can know that God is with me! He will bring me to an understanding of theses trails when I get to heaven, if he doesn't reveal them to me here on earth.
Recently I have been praying that the Lord would show me the whys of my life. It seems like that is all I have had to focus on is "Why Lord?" The Lord knew that this study would change my outlook on the Whys, to help me focus on Him and not my circumstances. Now I can say not why, but how do you want me to use this circumstance in my life to help me and others focus on Him.
So when life gets overwhelming and it will, when trail come and they will, when questions come and they will, let's focus on Jesus, who already has everything worked out for his good and ours.
I think this may be what Paul meant when he wrote he has learned to be content in all circumstances.
Blessings,
Deb
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Requests
Hi!
As I have been studying about prayer in my quiet time this past year, many times I have brought prayer requests before the Lord for all kinds of people who I have had involvement in their lives in one way or another. What a privilege for me to bring those requests before the Lord and pray for all kinds of people and circumstances.
As I thought about what to write in my blog this time, the Lord brought to my mind that maybe I should share some of the requests that Jon and I have in our lives at the present time.
So if you would like to bring us before the Lord in prayer we would deeply appreciate it.
1. We have been doing respite care for an 11 year old who started five fires in the matter of two months last fall and it ended with him setting fire to his families home. Because he is underage, it up to his parents to decide what kind of restitution he should do. His parents have chosen to send him to a 18 month Christian Boys ranch that will work with him not only on his behavior but on his heart spiritually also. I know how hard this decision has been for this family, but both Jon and I believe it is the right choice for "J". "J" was having a hard time getting along at home so after much prayer his parents asked if we would keep him until they leave to take him to the ranch. We said yes and are now in our second week with him living with us. Please pray for us as we teach and train and prepare "J" for his departure on March 20th and pray that "J's" heart will be open to what the Lord wants to do in him during his time away.
2. My Mom is having knee replacement surgery on March 17th. I will be traveling to KS to help in her care after she gets home from the hospital for a week. Please pray that I will have a loving heart for my mom as she copes with the pain and the therapy that comes along with knee replacement. Pray also as Jon is home alone and will have a lot on his plate as this is the week before our annual Palm Sunday Cantata that he directs. Pray for my mom's healing as she wants to be able to walk pain free by the end of May as my Dad is taking her to Ireland on a trip.
3. Pray for Hannah. She isn't going to be able to get home this semester because of her schedule. All of us have realized this is the longest period of time that we have ever been apart as a family and we are all missing one another. Jon and I will be traveling out to Frontier after our service on Easter Sunday so we can go to her choir concert on Monday night and then leave on Tuesday to do some business for Village Missions. Pray also that the Lord would show her where she is to be this summer. She has a good job in Scottsbluff, NE but she does desire to be home. We are asking for the Lord's provision in a job for her either here in Red Cloud or Hastings.
4. Pray for our board chairman Jack who is having surgery for his colon cancer on March 26th in Omaha. Because of the extensive surgery they are preforming he will be in the hospital for about two weeks. Pray for Jack and his family as they continue to go through this trail that is set before them.
5. Pray for Jon and I as we have been asked by VM leadership to teach at the upcoming candidate school in Dallas, OR, May 17-21, 2010. Pray as we prepare that we will seek what the Lord wants us to share while covering all the material that we have been assigned. Also pray as we are organizing the mini conference to be held at Rexford, KS in July. We have about 70 people attending this conference with adults and children. It should be a fun time for everyone!
As you can see our lives are very full even with our church responsibilities added to this list.
One thing for sure, life is never boring!
I would love to pray for you if you have something you would like to share with me.
Until the next time.
Blessings,
Deb
As I have been studying about prayer in my quiet time this past year, many times I have brought prayer requests before the Lord for all kinds of people who I have had involvement in their lives in one way or another. What a privilege for me to bring those requests before the Lord and pray for all kinds of people and circumstances.
As I thought about what to write in my blog this time, the Lord brought to my mind that maybe I should share some of the requests that Jon and I have in our lives at the present time.
So if you would like to bring us before the Lord in prayer we would deeply appreciate it.
1. We have been doing respite care for an 11 year old who started five fires in the matter of two months last fall and it ended with him setting fire to his families home. Because he is underage, it up to his parents to decide what kind of restitution he should do. His parents have chosen to send him to a 18 month Christian Boys ranch that will work with him not only on his behavior but on his heart spiritually also. I know how hard this decision has been for this family, but both Jon and I believe it is the right choice for "J". "J" was having a hard time getting along at home so after much prayer his parents asked if we would keep him until they leave to take him to the ranch. We said yes and are now in our second week with him living with us. Please pray for us as we teach and train and prepare "J" for his departure on March 20th and pray that "J's" heart will be open to what the Lord wants to do in him during his time away.
2. My Mom is having knee replacement surgery on March 17th. I will be traveling to KS to help in her care after she gets home from the hospital for a week. Please pray that I will have a loving heart for my mom as she copes with the pain and the therapy that comes along with knee replacement. Pray also as Jon is home alone and will have a lot on his plate as this is the week before our annual Palm Sunday Cantata that he directs. Pray for my mom's healing as she wants to be able to walk pain free by the end of May as my Dad is taking her to Ireland on a trip.
3. Pray for Hannah. She isn't going to be able to get home this semester because of her schedule. All of us have realized this is the longest period of time that we have ever been apart as a family and we are all missing one another. Jon and I will be traveling out to Frontier after our service on Easter Sunday so we can go to her choir concert on Monday night and then leave on Tuesday to do some business for Village Missions. Pray also that the Lord would show her where she is to be this summer. She has a good job in Scottsbluff, NE but she does desire to be home. We are asking for the Lord's provision in a job for her either here in Red Cloud or Hastings.
4. Pray for our board chairman Jack who is having surgery for his colon cancer on March 26th in Omaha. Because of the extensive surgery they are preforming he will be in the hospital for about two weeks. Pray for Jack and his family as they continue to go through this trail that is set before them.
5. Pray for Jon and I as we have been asked by VM leadership to teach at the upcoming candidate school in Dallas, OR, May 17-21, 2010. Pray as we prepare that we will seek what the Lord wants us to share while covering all the material that we have been assigned. Also pray as we are organizing the mini conference to be held at Rexford, KS in July. We have about 70 people attending this conference with adults and children. It should be a fun time for everyone!
As you can see our lives are very full even with our church responsibilities added to this list.
One thing for sure, life is never boring!
I would love to pray for you if you have something you would like to share with me.
Until the next time.
Blessings,
Deb
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