June 20, 2008
Sisterfreaks
- Rebekah Tauber: God’s Odd Gift
In Genesis 24, when we first meet Rebekah; we find her at a well. The servant of Abraham and Issac was given clear instructions, that if he asked if a maiden would fill his jar of water, and she also added she would let the camels drink until they thirsted no more; she was the one the Lord wanted for Issac.
Genesis 24:61-66
61 Then Rebekah and her maids got ready and mounted their camels and went back with the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left.
62 Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate, [h] and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel 65 and asked the servant, "Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?"
"He is my master," the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.
66 Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. 67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.
This last sentence of the verse 66; describes such a picture of Rebekah; I mean we can look at it two ways. Issac was “ comforted”; its either that he had another woman around to watch out for him, and care for him; but I get the deeper sense that Rebekah somehow healed Issac of grieving his mother in a supernatural way that could only come from God.
Rebekah Tauber is similar to our Rebekah in the Old Testament.
She was 17yrs old. The last six months of her life were very difficult for someone of her age.
In her early highschool years, she was so in love with life, and everything was going fabulous for her.
Until she found a spot on her neck.
Doctors didn’t seem to believe it was something she should be concerned about, so she tried to go about her normal life again; however, something told her that she needed to get a second opinion.
Rebekah went back to the doctor; a biopsy was taken. She was diagnosed within a few days with a rare soft-tissue cancer called, “ rhabdomyosaroma.”
The only thing she could think of beyond anything was, “ As soon as I heard it was cancer, all I could think was losing my hair.”
350 patients under the age of 21yrs old are diagnosed each year with this particular cancer.
This particular cancer with proper treatment would let a person live longer than with most cancers.
Rebekah did have to lose her hair, but she also adds with the treatment,
“ Knowing the schedule and what will happen when, is kind of comforting.”
She always would bring all she could to the hospital to make it feel like Home Sweet Home, a favorite pillow, a cozy blanket, a faded San Diego Padres t-shirt and flannel PJ’s.
She was seventeen, and didn’t go out and giggle with her friends, she spent most of her time with her parents in a hospital room.
She did have friends; a 4 yrs old, who was going through chemo, who would race his little plastic car in Rebekah’s room.
She found her own way of happiness, although it was so different from the outside world, and she was 20 pounds lighter than she was a week ago.
Rebekah knows that its hard to see her illness as a gift from God, because of how much she has gone through, but she did through time in being there see what most people fail to….themselves, and what needs to improve in who we are.
“ I’ve learned so much from cancer, I always used to depend on other people before. I went to church every Sunday, but the walk I had, was not the walk I wanted. I depended on my friends first before God. But not anymore. My friends are great, and they care about me, but they couldn’t really understand what is was like to be sick. And I realized they couldn’t make me happy anymore. In normal situations, maybe they could help, but with this, God is the only one who really knows and understands. He is the one who helps me.”
Rebekah, in a strange way, was given a gift of knowledge.
She understands that her illness is something not everyone could understand, but she knows for herself that she has become closer to God through it, and to her own family.
At a time when most teenagers break away from family, and do their own thing, Rebekah appreciated the time she had with them at her side.
Her older brother, whom she didn’t get along well with when she was well, almost took off school completely for a year to spend time with her.
“ Mom said it best, We are more used to being on the giving end, than the receiving end. But I get so much love and encouragement from other people, It’s amazing, to see people reach out and really care. I am so blessed.”
Rebekah’s church gave her a pager, so people could page her with their zipcodes, to let her know they were praying for her.
And her dad had a special number he would send.
She was sent emails and letters, and this is one she wrote:
“ I just thought I would share something small I’ve learned with everything I’m going through. I’ve realized that you honestly CANNOT live without talking to God everyday of your life. My friends and the people by my side may help, but they can’t heal my hurt inside. But as soon as I talk to God or read the Bible, its as if I’m a totally her person! When I talk to God I have so much joy and go from feeling empty to feeling completely filled—and even thankful for everything I am going through.”
When she tells people about her cancer she always adds, “ God doesn’t make mistakes, Everything is the way it should be.”
Rebekah believes she would never have known the things she does now about herself or her life without having the cancer.
This story is amazing to me, because in horrible pain and agony is where the deeper things of God can be found.
We see that all through the bible, but we always want God to show things to us without actually having gone through something.
I can write you now and tell you that I understand Rebekah’s story; and maybe you could too. We all have gone through things in life, but looking back…we know somehow the value of it to who we are, and who God needs us to become.
Friends and Family are great, like she said; but without God their mouths would never speak.
It’s always God at the center, we just sometimes forget.
I think back to the story of Rebekah in Genesis 24, and just like Rebekah comforted Issac in his time of pain and agony after losing Sarah; this Rebekah in her pain and agony, comforted others.
Only God!
Reflection:
1. Can you think of a time in your life when you didn’t understand somekind event or situation that was happening? And did you go to God for help?
2. Do you know anyone who was like Rebekah’s story, someone out of their own pain, helped others?
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Day 5- Irene Gut-" The Rescuer"
Hello dear friends, I apologize for not getting this out soon enough, but life has just been very crazy with school, and new responsibilities; so let's just call this one...
a Thursday Sister Freak Study:)
With that said.
Serving God, with your whole heart is never easy, but it is possible.
Its about us taking ourselves and dying at the alter; spiritually speaking.
I don't know about you, but getting into the lives of these women we've been studying, it has really brought conviction to my own soul.
Am I serving Him with all my heart?
Irene Gut is a woman that has had that answered by the life she has led, and the legacy that is yet before her.
Like us, Irene had her own insecurities; there was so many things she wanted to do and be, but never felt she was good enough.
She was a bit of a " Tom boy" climbing trees and riding horses.
However, boys were not her interest; visions and dreams to be a hero...was.
She was a girl living in the 1930's, so those dreams would be almost out of reach.
Irene did learn that she could serve in her neighborhood; that God would use her even there.
She wanted to do more and so became apart of the American Red Cross; where she learned how to take care of various medical wounds, and problems.
Her father was proud of her, and told her she was great at what she was doing.
Irene told him that she wanted to become a nun. Obviously he was surprised by this.
However, He knew she was passionate about it, so he told her to first go to nursing school; and said if she still felt she wanted to be a nun, to make that decision after school.
In 1938, she began nursing school; she was only sixteen.
Away from friends and family, she clung to reading her books.
Throughout Poland, there was rumors that Hitler wanted to take over.
Irene's parents were afraid for her, and begged her to come home.
She didn't listen to them.
She knew she had a purpose being where she was, in this time of history.
Irene knew that the country had deep suffering, but she was proud of where she came from.
She told this to her parents,
" If Hitler tries to come here, we will fight him and chase him all the way back to Berlin."
Over the summer, Irene returned home, and found the Polish speaking in German.
She saw stores displaying signs to not buy from Jews.
Never in her life had she witnessed such racial issues. She had Jewish friends, and couldn't understand why they were no longer accepted.
She lived on the border of Germany, but Hitlers influence was stronger by the day.
When she returned back to school, war had broken out, and she spent all of her time caring to the wounded.
There was never enough food, bedding, or medicine.
She was so busy, she didn't even have time to know if her family was okay.
The streets were full of riots, burning homes, and wounded soldiers on the ground.
This was the horror that Irene had to deal with, and she was not even 19yrs old.
One morning she was chosen to go on a mission, and while she was walking four Russian soldiers chased her, and raped her.
She became a Soviet Prisoner, and learned to speak Russian.
She cried out to God each night.
She was alone and defeated.
Two years later, her prayers to go home, were finally answered.
When she saw her father this is what he said to her,
" God has spared your life, and He has a plan for you."
The war had to end soon.
Irene was sent to do other work and when the Germans discovererd her fluency, they had to placed in a hotel to work.
She was treated fairly there.
However, most of the time she heard conversations about the " Jewish problem"
She witness a Jew being brutally tortured from outside her window.
Her boss saw her, and told her not to be a " Jew-lover."
She was given a group of Jews to help her work, they grew to trust her.
Hitler's regime was about to extinguish all Jews.
Irene knew she had to do something, and act quick.
She found a vent in her bosses room, and she hid them there, until it was safe enough to move to a forest foxhole.
The town celebrated being " Jew-free", but Irene knew the truth.
She ended up saving 15 Jews from death.
Never expected to be a hero, but knew God wanted this of her.
He protected her, and so she knew she had to protect them.
She was thankful that in her free will, she did the right thing.
1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Reflections:
1. Have you ever been called to be hero, when you least expected it?
2. Pray with God about Him helping you strengthen your heart to serve without condition.
3. What are you doing to stand in the gap for others?
a Thursday Sister Freak Study:)
With that said.
Serving God, with your whole heart is never easy, but it is possible.
Its about us taking ourselves and dying at the alter; spiritually speaking.
I don't know about you, but getting into the lives of these women we've been studying, it has really brought conviction to my own soul.
Am I serving Him with all my heart?
Irene Gut is a woman that has had that answered by the life she has led, and the legacy that is yet before her.
Like us, Irene had her own insecurities; there was so many things she wanted to do and be, but never felt she was good enough.
She was a bit of a " Tom boy" climbing trees and riding horses.
However, boys were not her interest; visions and dreams to be a hero...was.
She was a girl living in the 1930's, so those dreams would be almost out of reach.
Irene did learn that she could serve in her neighborhood; that God would use her even there.
She wanted to do more and so became apart of the American Red Cross; where she learned how to take care of various medical wounds, and problems.
Her father was proud of her, and told her she was great at what she was doing.
Irene told him that she wanted to become a nun. Obviously he was surprised by this.
However, He knew she was passionate about it, so he told her to first go to nursing school; and said if she still felt she wanted to be a nun, to make that decision after school.
In 1938, she began nursing school; she was only sixteen.
Away from friends and family, she clung to reading her books.
Throughout Poland, there was rumors that Hitler wanted to take over.
Irene's parents were afraid for her, and begged her to come home.
She didn't listen to them.
She knew she had a purpose being where she was, in this time of history.
Irene knew that the country had deep suffering, but she was proud of where she came from.
She told this to her parents,
" If Hitler tries to come here, we will fight him and chase him all the way back to Berlin."
Over the summer, Irene returned home, and found the Polish speaking in German.
She saw stores displaying signs to not buy from Jews.
Never in her life had she witnessed such racial issues. She had Jewish friends, and couldn't understand why they were no longer accepted.
She lived on the border of Germany, but Hitlers influence was stronger by the day.
When she returned back to school, war had broken out, and she spent all of her time caring to the wounded.
There was never enough food, bedding, or medicine.
She was so busy, she didn't even have time to know if her family was okay.
The streets were full of riots, burning homes, and wounded soldiers on the ground.
This was the horror that Irene had to deal with, and she was not even 19yrs old.
One morning she was chosen to go on a mission, and while she was walking four Russian soldiers chased her, and raped her.
She became a Soviet Prisoner, and learned to speak Russian.
She cried out to God each night.
She was alone and defeated.
Two years later, her prayers to go home, were finally answered.
When she saw her father this is what he said to her,
" God has spared your life, and He has a plan for you."
The war had to end soon.
Irene was sent to do other work and when the Germans discovererd her fluency, they had to placed in a hotel to work.
She was treated fairly there.
However, most of the time she heard conversations about the " Jewish problem"
She witness a Jew being brutally tortured from outside her window.
Her boss saw her, and told her not to be a " Jew-lover."
She was given a group of Jews to help her work, they grew to trust her.
Hitler's regime was about to extinguish all Jews.
Irene knew she had to do something, and act quick.
She found a vent in her bosses room, and she hid them there, until it was safe enough to move to a forest foxhole.
The town celebrated being " Jew-free", but Irene knew the truth.
She ended up saving 15 Jews from death.
Never expected to be a hero, but knew God wanted this of her.
He protected her, and so she knew she had to protect them.
She was thankful that in her free will, she did the right thing.
1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Reflections:
1. Have you ever been called to be hero, when you least expected it?
2. Pray with God about Him helping you strengthen your heart to serve without condition.
3. What are you doing to stand in the gap for others?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Day 4- Tara- " Girl on the run"
I remember walking into my church one Sunday morning, about 10yrs ago.
I wasn’t a Christian, but I was eager to learn what it was all about.
Looking up at the screen while the Praise team was on stage, I read through the words;
And I noticed that there was something that said, “ Psalm…”
I had no idea what it really meant.
So I asked.
“It is a verse from the bible, the music comes from that.”
Never having opened a bible except Genesis occasionally; I never knew anything MORE could be read in there; I never knew a song could be created from those words.
I would imagine that is how twelve year old, Tara felt the first time she walked into a church.
Except she had recognized the verses as they were sung; and like me, she thought it was amazing to know it was all about MORE than reading the verses in the bible.
It actually was apart of everyday life.
The difference with Tara though, is that she didn’t have the freedom to express her thoughts on being a Christian;
She was a Muslim.
In her family no other religion existed, except Islam.
Tara was drawn to the bible though, she read each story with such respect and such reverence daily.
She knew in her heart she wasn’t Muslim.
For two years Tara attended a school to learn more about Christianity, in secret.
When she graduated, she was given a bible with her name on it.
She knew what could happen if someone found her with it.
How Tara came to attend church for the first time, was by meeting a young Christian in a school courtyard, and he invited her to come.
While she stood in church, experiencing so many wonderful things; she noticed the Pastor asked if anyone wanted to come forward who needed to be prayed for.
It surprised her that knowing Jesus gave people freedom to just go to him, without condition.
She watched a young crippled girl go up to be prayed for, and as people prayed saw the girl begin to move; and HEALED!
That same young girl walked over to Tara and spoke, “ Emmanuel”
Tara didn’t really know what it meant, or how she was supposed to respond.
She was determined to find out more about this faith they all kept talking about.
She read the bible cover to cover looking for answers.
Tara decided to attend another church service, and started to ask questions to the Pastor.
She began to trust them, and feeling comfortable standing in the same room.
The Pastor ended up not being someone that could be trusted; he was uncomfortable that she had asked him so many questions, and told her father that she had been coming to him.
Her father of course was extremely enraged; he favored Tara, and felt completely betrayed.
He sent her to her room shouting all kinds of words.
Later, he went to her room feeling guilty, and when he opened the door he found her crying on the floor reading the bible.
He brought physical harm to her, and left many bruises.
He had never treated her that way before.
Days later her family decided they would arrange for Tara to be married.
When they approached her this was the answer she gave them,
“ No Daddy, I don’t want to marry. I’m to young. Who is he? What is his religion?”
At that moment, her family knew she had converted into Christianity because she accepted that there were other religions.
Her father and brother began to throw all sorts of things at her that was in her room, books, dolls, glass, furniture…
She was left there bleeding.
Her father shouted at her,
“ Either you marry this Muslim man, or you die here alone, If you are a Christian there is no place here for you in this city!”
For a few days, she came in and out of conscious. A decision had to be made.
One morning, early, she got her stuff together, some money and her passport and she snuck out of her bedroom window.
She was heartbroken. But chose to learn more about Jesus.
Her life running, began at that moment.
Psalm 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh, [a]
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
I believed the word prepared her to leave, I believe that she had to have had some verse going through her heart, whispering through every tear.
I believe without knowing she began to know what “ Emmanuel” really meant.
“ God with us.”
I don’t know about you, but I had to have a stopping point in the middle of this reading; I really visualized her pain, and definitely couldn’t ever imagine going through what she endured.
And knowing, it wasn’t going to end.
We all can relate to her story in some way though, we all have been rejected by this world, for what we believe. Haven’t we?
Tara went and was able to stay with her uncle; he answered her questions about what
“ Emmaunel” meant, and she stayed with him until she heard her father learned of where she was.
He was going to try to kill her.
Arrangements were made that allowed her to live with the Pastor’s family.
However, there she wasn’t allowed to come out of her room.
She spent her time alone praying, and reading the bible, and crying out to God.
Acts20:22-24
22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Tara eventually was allowed to come out of her room, when the family thought it was safe.
She was hired as the church secretary, and because the Pastor knew her history, he let her begin converting other Muslims to Christianity.
She began to understand how her story would help others, strengthen them.
One day, her joy of that ministry ended there, when her cousin found her.
She ran from him, and he shouted back,
“Wait, I want to talk to you.”
She didn’t look back.
She phoned her adopted family, and told them she had to run again.
She was once again, on the run.
A church member who was jealous of her, called the Pakistan Intelligence.
Once again, she was on her knees crying out to God to save her from death.
After more than ten years, Tara is still running.
She now has a Christian husband.
Her family still searches for her, but she is always on guard.
Tara is a girl who is running the race for God, truly by God alone.
Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Reflections:
1. I know it is hard after reading Tara's story to really begin to even imagine what she went through, but I do think it is important to TRY, because we have to be thankful that we can express our faith, nowdays it is just becoming to hard to believe what we want without ridicule or rejection.
So what I am asking you to do, is think on how you would prepare yourself, or your family, if something like this happened to you?
2. Reflect on your own story in finding Jesus, and the chains that once kept you from really living.
I wasn’t a Christian, but I was eager to learn what it was all about.
Looking up at the screen while the Praise team was on stage, I read through the words;
And I noticed that there was something that said, “ Psalm…”
I had no idea what it really meant.
So I asked.
“It is a verse from the bible, the music comes from that.”
Never having opened a bible except Genesis occasionally; I never knew anything MORE could be read in there; I never knew a song could be created from those words.
I would imagine that is how twelve year old, Tara felt the first time she walked into a church.
Except she had recognized the verses as they were sung; and like me, she thought it was amazing to know it was all about MORE than reading the verses in the bible.
It actually was apart of everyday life.
The difference with Tara though, is that she didn’t have the freedom to express her thoughts on being a Christian;
She was a Muslim.
In her family no other religion existed, except Islam.
Tara was drawn to the bible though, she read each story with such respect and such reverence daily.
She knew in her heart she wasn’t Muslim.
For two years Tara attended a school to learn more about Christianity, in secret.
When she graduated, she was given a bible with her name on it.
She knew what could happen if someone found her with it.
How Tara came to attend church for the first time, was by meeting a young Christian in a school courtyard, and he invited her to come.
While she stood in church, experiencing so many wonderful things; she noticed the Pastor asked if anyone wanted to come forward who needed to be prayed for.
It surprised her that knowing Jesus gave people freedom to just go to him, without condition.
She watched a young crippled girl go up to be prayed for, and as people prayed saw the girl begin to move; and HEALED!
That same young girl walked over to Tara and spoke, “ Emmanuel”
Tara didn’t really know what it meant, or how she was supposed to respond.
She was determined to find out more about this faith they all kept talking about.
She read the bible cover to cover looking for answers.
Tara decided to attend another church service, and started to ask questions to the Pastor.
She began to trust them, and feeling comfortable standing in the same room.
The Pastor ended up not being someone that could be trusted; he was uncomfortable that she had asked him so many questions, and told her father that she had been coming to him.
Her father of course was extremely enraged; he favored Tara, and felt completely betrayed.
He sent her to her room shouting all kinds of words.
Later, he went to her room feeling guilty, and when he opened the door he found her crying on the floor reading the bible.
He brought physical harm to her, and left many bruises.
He had never treated her that way before.
Days later her family decided they would arrange for Tara to be married.
When they approached her this was the answer she gave them,
“ No Daddy, I don’t want to marry. I’m to young. Who is he? What is his religion?”
At that moment, her family knew she had converted into Christianity because she accepted that there were other religions.
Her father and brother began to throw all sorts of things at her that was in her room, books, dolls, glass, furniture…
She was left there bleeding.
Her father shouted at her,
“ Either you marry this Muslim man, or you die here alone, If you are a Christian there is no place here for you in this city!”
For a few days, she came in and out of conscious. A decision had to be made.
One morning, early, she got her stuff together, some money and her passport and she snuck out of her bedroom window.
She was heartbroken. But chose to learn more about Jesus.
Her life running, began at that moment.
Psalm 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh, [a]
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
I believed the word prepared her to leave, I believe that she had to have had some verse going through her heart, whispering through every tear.
I believe without knowing she began to know what “ Emmanuel” really meant.
“ God with us.”
I don’t know about you, but I had to have a stopping point in the middle of this reading; I really visualized her pain, and definitely couldn’t ever imagine going through what she endured.
And knowing, it wasn’t going to end.
We all can relate to her story in some way though, we all have been rejected by this world, for what we believe. Haven’t we?
Tara went and was able to stay with her uncle; he answered her questions about what
“ Emmaunel” meant, and she stayed with him until she heard her father learned of where she was.
He was going to try to kill her.
Arrangements were made that allowed her to live with the Pastor’s family.
However, there she wasn’t allowed to come out of her room.
She spent her time alone praying, and reading the bible, and crying out to God.
Acts20:22-24
22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Tara eventually was allowed to come out of her room, when the family thought it was safe.
She was hired as the church secretary, and because the Pastor knew her history, he let her begin converting other Muslims to Christianity.
She began to understand how her story would help others, strengthen them.
One day, her joy of that ministry ended there, when her cousin found her.
She ran from him, and he shouted back,
“Wait, I want to talk to you.”
She didn’t look back.
She phoned her adopted family, and told them she had to run again.
She was once again, on the run.
A church member who was jealous of her, called the Pakistan Intelligence.
Once again, she was on her knees crying out to God to save her from death.
After more than ten years, Tara is still running.
She now has a Christian husband.
Her family still searches for her, but she is always on guard.
Tara is a girl who is running the race for God, truly by God alone.
Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Reflections:
1. I know it is hard after reading Tara's story to really begin to even imagine what she went through, but I do think it is important to TRY, because we have to be thankful that we can express our faith, nowdays it is just becoming to hard to believe what we want without ridicule or rejection.
So what I am asking you to do, is think on how you would prepare yourself, or your family, if something like this happened to you?
2. Reflect on your own story in finding Jesus, and the chains that once kept you from really living.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Day 3- Crystal Woodman " Get out Alive"
At some point in our lives we have, " close calls", when we know or don't know until later; that the decisions we made, or something we did affected the entire outcome of a situation, or life.
Crystal got to experience this; in a major way.
As you read her story, think of your own life; have you lived it in the way that brings glory to God, or do you think you could change somethings.
And if you were placed in her situation, would you have made it out alive?
Think about it.
When Crystal got to school one morning, she thought it would be any typical day.
She had a big test to study for, that seemed to slip her mind over the weekend, and planned on getting together with some friends in the library instead of taking an off campus lunch.
The Biology test was the only thing on her mind. So far.
As a child, Crystal was pretty involved and church and the youth group, but as she got older, her heart slipped away from God, and fell into the party scene.
Peer-pressure took its toll.
She realized she had a growing void in her life and returned back to the church, but still struggled with her, " double life".
She sat there at the table with her friend Seth and Sara, and they giggled and joked playing with her new camera, as the librarian watched from the otherside of the room.
Pictures of Prom from the weekend before, and so many memories...
They always had such a blast together.
Suddenly, something from outside the door of the library got their attention.
Strange sounds, and footsteps.
At first they thought it was just some kids walking the halls instead of going to class.
But then they also heard screams, and yelling.
Crystal and her friends stared at each other in fear. Something was wrong.
Just then a teacher ran into the library,
" There are boys outside with guns and bombs. They're shooting students!"
At first through their fear they tried to find humor. No not here. It has to be a prank.
Just firecrackers.
Something dumb like that.
People don't get shot here.
The school they attended was Columbine High School, in Littleton, Colorado.
I had a chance to visit there a few years ago.
The supermarkets had their doors wide open, and kids were happily playing in the streets.
How could something like that have happened here, I asked myself a thousand times, as I walked through the hallways.
Crystal and her friends realized how real it was, when a student came into the library falling to the ground clutching his bleeding shoulder.
The sounds were very close. There was no time to escape.
Crystal, Sara, and Seth dived under the table, the only place in the room that they could hide.
Seth pulled Crystal into his chest,
" Start praying, I don't know what's happening, only God can get us through."
Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold entered the library; and began randomly shooting students.
Crystal couldn't see anything, because her head was buried deep in Seth's shirt.
She kept praying, through every scream, gun shot, and explosion of the bombs around her.
The voices became closer.
She just thought to herself, " Its my time to die."
She heard a gunshot a few feet away. A boy was shot because he wore glasses.
Crystal prayed harder than she ever prayed in her life,
" Okay God, if you're real, get me out of here alive, I will give You my life forever. I'll quit partying. I will do anything. Just get me out of here. I didn't understand then. I do now. It all makes sense to me now."
A library flew underneath the table and hit her arm. Her table was next.
Something inside of her spoke clear and bold,
" God's going to get you out. You have a story to tell. God's going to get you out."
Just then, as Crystal sat there digging her nails into Seth. The shooters spoke aloud that they had run out of ammunition; and had to go back into the hallway to reload.
As soon as they left the room, all teh surviving students jumped up and ran to the fire escape.
She knew it was time to move. She opened her eyes to see the horror for the first time.
" It was the first time I had seen the room, Everything had been shot up- the computers, the windows the books- little fires had been started from the pipe bombs. I saw the bodies of my classmates on the floor...and I knew they were dead."
Once they got out of the room, they ran to the cop car, and hid behind it.
The police officers brought them further as soon as it was safe enough to do so.
" Everything I had known for sixteen years- my innocence, my security, my safety--was stripped away from me. I didn't know what I had just seen. I hadn't processed it all."
It would be hours before they would know who was alive and who wasn't.
Crystal walked around with Craig Scott as he looked for his sister Rachel. He hadn't heard from her, and her car was still outside the school.
They would later find out she was the first person to be murdered in the school.
She had died professing her faith in Jesus. They asked her if she believed in God, and her answer was clear, " You know that I do."
Another student by the name of Cassie Bernall, who had just become a Christian, was shot in another part of the library.
Crystal would never forget the promise she made to God that day.
She became a member unofficially for Columbine students. She spoke out, challenging students to live for God no matter what could happen.
A living testimony to the verse, " My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness." 1 Corinthians 12:9.
Crystal is now married, and continues to share her story to help others be encouraged from something meant to be nothing but a tragedy.
She knew, that God had saved her life.
There is always something stronger in this life than the chaos in the world.
We just have to stop, and believe in HIM!
John 5:24
" I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life, and will not be condemned; He has crossed over from death to life."
Reflections:
1. Do you wake up each morning with the thought that, " this will be just another typical day", and just go through it. Or do you wake up making sure you live every moment like it was your last?
2. Do you know anyone whose life has changed because of somekind of tragedy.
What has changed?
3. http://www.rachelschallenge.com/- read her story, and then make a personal choice to follow the legacy that we are all called for, whether we know it or not.
Crystal got to experience this; in a major way.
As you read her story, think of your own life; have you lived it in the way that brings glory to God, or do you think you could change somethings.
And if you were placed in her situation, would you have made it out alive?
Think about it.
When Crystal got to school one morning, she thought it would be any typical day.
She had a big test to study for, that seemed to slip her mind over the weekend, and planned on getting together with some friends in the library instead of taking an off campus lunch.
The Biology test was the only thing on her mind. So far.
As a child, Crystal was pretty involved and church and the youth group, but as she got older, her heart slipped away from God, and fell into the party scene.
Peer-pressure took its toll.
She realized she had a growing void in her life and returned back to the church, but still struggled with her, " double life".
She sat there at the table with her friend Seth and Sara, and they giggled and joked playing with her new camera, as the librarian watched from the otherside of the room.
Pictures of Prom from the weekend before, and so many memories...
They always had such a blast together.
Suddenly, something from outside the door of the library got their attention.
Strange sounds, and footsteps.
At first they thought it was just some kids walking the halls instead of going to class.
But then they also heard screams, and yelling.
Crystal and her friends stared at each other in fear. Something was wrong.
Just then a teacher ran into the library,
" There are boys outside with guns and bombs. They're shooting students!"
At first through their fear they tried to find humor. No not here. It has to be a prank.
Just firecrackers.
Something dumb like that.
People don't get shot here.
The school they attended was Columbine High School, in Littleton, Colorado.
I had a chance to visit there a few years ago.
The supermarkets had their doors wide open, and kids were happily playing in the streets.
How could something like that have happened here, I asked myself a thousand times, as I walked through the hallways.
Crystal and her friends realized how real it was, when a student came into the library falling to the ground clutching his bleeding shoulder.
The sounds were very close. There was no time to escape.
Crystal, Sara, and Seth dived under the table, the only place in the room that they could hide.
Seth pulled Crystal into his chest,
" Start praying, I don't know what's happening, only God can get us through."
Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold entered the library; and began randomly shooting students.
Crystal couldn't see anything, because her head was buried deep in Seth's shirt.
She kept praying, through every scream, gun shot, and explosion of the bombs around her.
The voices became closer.
She just thought to herself, " Its my time to die."
She heard a gunshot a few feet away. A boy was shot because he wore glasses.
Crystal prayed harder than she ever prayed in her life,
" Okay God, if you're real, get me out of here alive, I will give You my life forever. I'll quit partying. I will do anything. Just get me out of here. I didn't understand then. I do now. It all makes sense to me now."
A library flew underneath the table and hit her arm. Her table was next.
Something inside of her spoke clear and bold,
" God's going to get you out. You have a story to tell. God's going to get you out."
Just then, as Crystal sat there digging her nails into Seth. The shooters spoke aloud that they had run out of ammunition; and had to go back into the hallway to reload.
As soon as they left the room, all teh surviving students jumped up and ran to the fire escape.
She knew it was time to move. She opened her eyes to see the horror for the first time.
" It was the first time I had seen the room, Everything had been shot up- the computers, the windows the books- little fires had been started from the pipe bombs. I saw the bodies of my classmates on the floor...and I knew they were dead."
Once they got out of the room, they ran to the cop car, and hid behind it.
The police officers brought them further as soon as it was safe enough to do so.
" Everything I had known for sixteen years- my innocence, my security, my safety--was stripped away from me. I didn't know what I had just seen. I hadn't processed it all."
It would be hours before they would know who was alive and who wasn't.
Crystal walked around with Craig Scott as he looked for his sister Rachel. He hadn't heard from her, and her car was still outside the school.
They would later find out she was the first person to be murdered in the school.
She had died professing her faith in Jesus. They asked her if she believed in God, and her answer was clear, " You know that I do."
Another student by the name of Cassie Bernall, who had just become a Christian, was shot in another part of the library.
Crystal would never forget the promise she made to God that day.
She became a member unofficially for Columbine students. She spoke out, challenging students to live for God no matter what could happen.
A living testimony to the verse, " My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness." 1 Corinthians 12:9.
Crystal is now married, and continues to share her story to help others be encouraged from something meant to be nothing but a tragedy.
She knew, that God had saved her life.
There is always something stronger in this life than the chaos in the world.
We just have to stop, and believe in HIM!
John 5:24
" I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life, and will not be condemned; He has crossed over from death to life."
Reflections:
1. Do you wake up each morning with the thought that, " this will be just another typical day", and just go through it. Or do you wake up making sure you live every moment like it was your last?
2. Do you know anyone whose life has changed because of somekind of tragedy.
What has changed?
3. http://www.rachelschallenge.com/- read her story, and then make a personal choice to follow the legacy that we are all called for, whether we know it or not.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Day 2- The Brave Soldier " Joan of Arc"
Day 2- The Brave Soldier: Joan Of Arc
My favorite person in history is Joan of Arc. My Aunt bought me the book that I still have, at eight years old.
I am not sure if everyone is familiar with her story, but it was definitely one that spoke volumes.
Joan was born in Lorraine, France. She led the common life- was raised to follow the example of her mother. As all women at that time were called to take care of the house and family- Nothing more.
She learned the prayers of the Saints with her mother. Attended church every Sunday as a family.
A year before Joan was a teen-ager, her life changed dramatically.
She started to hear voices.
The voices were clear at what was demanded, ” Save France from England.”
We are asked to stop for a moment, especially if we have heard the story before.
Think on this, Joan was about 12yrs old, that’s about 6th grade for most children.
She was called by God to save France...let that sink in a little.
What was asked of you at that age? Probably not even close to that demand!
Something interesting to add here; Joan’s father, had a dream all of this would happen,
He saw her in the dream dressed up for army.
How do you think he took that? Knowing it was going to come true?
He vowed in front of her brothers that he would drown her out of disgrace.
God was calling her, and her family was completely against it.
John 15:18
“ If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first.”
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Joan decided to go stay with her cousin who was about to give birth.
She started to not just hear voices, but see visions of past Christian martyrs labeled as Saints.
When she knew the time came to carry out the mission and was being questioned by her own family, this was her reply.
“ Since God commanded it, had I 100 fathers and mothers, if I were born a King’s daughter, still I would have departed.”
Imagine for a moment, besides her family, the people she knew and loved for years started to question her sanity.
Afterall, how normal was it, and is it, to hear voices?
When Joan was 17yrs old, she went to appear before Robert de Baudicourt, the lord of her local district. She asked for her own army.
He was of course skeptical, but was impressed, and believed God had sent her.
She found herself on a journey to meet with Charles, the son of Charles VI. He would be the next King.
Of course her request to fight for her country’s freedom, and get him to the crown; it little more than disturbed him.
He wasn’t respected enough to become King, and telling them that he found someone to lead his army, but also heard voices…wouldn’t be something of a plus.
He got the church involved, they questioned her, and they too were impressed with her passionate faith, and believed then also that God had sent her.
A girl that at one time used to wear dresses, and bake bread, now wearing a suit of armor.
“ The Party of the King of Heaven” was a banner given to her, and one that would help lead the way as a public declaration.
Joan was naïve, she was afraid, but through her fears, she just kept her trust that God knew what He was doing. I wonder if she woke up every day with the thought,
“ What am I doing?”
She went to war, not always taken seriously, but not to be known as just an ornament of war.
She helped save France, and Charles was crowned King.
She not only saved her France physically, but God worked through her to restore them all emotionally.
In 1430, Joan was captured. Her claims of being able to hear God were seen as demonic.
She lived 8 months in prison.
Found guilty of idolatry for hearing voices, and wearing men’s clothing.
May 30, 1431, Joan walked in chains to her death, she requested that a cross be placed where she would be burned.
She cried out “ Jesus” over and over, the fire overcame her, it was a slow and agonizing death, her spectators who once believed that she her God, now saw her as a heretic.
Joan died at the age of nineteen.
Legends soon followed. Some say they saw a dove swoop over her hair at the stake.
Others said her heart would not burn, but remained in the ashes.
No matter what the legends said, one thing was clear, one ordinary girl, was given an extraordinary calling, and stayed devoted to it until her death.
What a way to die.
Ephesians 6:12
“ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly realms. “
Reflections:
1. “ Since God commanded it, had I 100 fathers and mothers, if I were born a King’s daughter, still I would have departed.”
How would you have reacted to this whole situation with friend and family? Have you been in this kind of situation before? Explain.
2. Do you know what your calling is? And is it anything like you would have imagined? Explain why or why not.
3. If you were Joan, and you had that moment where you knew no matter what you did or said, that you would be seen as a heretic..
How would you have handled it, What things would be in your mind?
Okay guys, made it easier this week:)
My favorite person in history is Joan of Arc. My Aunt bought me the book that I still have, at eight years old.
I am not sure if everyone is familiar with her story, but it was definitely one that spoke volumes.
Joan was born in Lorraine, France. She led the common life- was raised to follow the example of her mother. As all women at that time were called to take care of the house and family- Nothing more.
She learned the prayers of the Saints with her mother. Attended church every Sunday as a family.
A year before Joan was a teen-ager, her life changed dramatically.
She started to hear voices.
The voices were clear at what was demanded, ” Save France from England.”
We are asked to stop for a moment, especially if we have heard the story before.
Think on this, Joan was about 12yrs old, that’s about 6th grade for most children.
She was called by God to save France...let that sink in a little.
What was asked of you at that age? Probably not even close to that demand!
Something interesting to add here; Joan’s father, had a dream all of this would happen,
He saw her in the dream dressed up for army.
How do you think he took that? Knowing it was going to come true?
He vowed in front of her brothers that he would drown her out of disgrace.
God was calling her, and her family was completely against it.
John 15:18
“ If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first.”
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Joan decided to go stay with her cousin who was about to give birth.
She started to not just hear voices, but see visions of past Christian martyrs labeled as Saints.
When she knew the time came to carry out the mission and was being questioned by her own family, this was her reply.
“ Since God commanded it, had I 100 fathers and mothers, if I were born a King’s daughter, still I would have departed.”
Imagine for a moment, besides her family, the people she knew and loved for years started to question her sanity.
Afterall, how normal was it, and is it, to hear voices?
When Joan was 17yrs old, she went to appear before Robert de Baudicourt, the lord of her local district. She asked for her own army.
He was of course skeptical, but was impressed, and believed God had sent her.
She found herself on a journey to meet with Charles, the son of Charles VI. He would be the next King.
Of course her request to fight for her country’s freedom, and get him to the crown; it little more than disturbed him.
He wasn’t respected enough to become King, and telling them that he found someone to lead his army, but also heard voices…wouldn’t be something of a plus.
He got the church involved, they questioned her, and they too were impressed with her passionate faith, and believed then also that God had sent her.
A girl that at one time used to wear dresses, and bake bread, now wearing a suit of armor.
“ The Party of the King of Heaven” was a banner given to her, and one that would help lead the way as a public declaration.
Joan was naïve, she was afraid, but through her fears, she just kept her trust that God knew what He was doing. I wonder if she woke up every day with the thought,
“ What am I doing?”
She went to war, not always taken seriously, but not to be known as just an ornament of war.
She helped save France, and Charles was crowned King.
She not only saved her France physically, but God worked through her to restore them all emotionally.
In 1430, Joan was captured. Her claims of being able to hear God were seen as demonic.
She lived 8 months in prison.
Found guilty of idolatry for hearing voices, and wearing men’s clothing.
May 30, 1431, Joan walked in chains to her death, she requested that a cross be placed where she would be burned.
She cried out “ Jesus” over and over, the fire overcame her, it was a slow and agonizing death, her spectators who once believed that she her God, now saw her as a heretic.
Joan died at the age of nineteen.
Legends soon followed. Some say they saw a dove swoop over her hair at the stake.
Others said her heart would not burn, but remained in the ashes.
No matter what the legends said, one thing was clear, one ordinary girl, was given an extraordinary calling, and stayed devoted to it until her death.
What a way to die.
Ephesians 6:12
“ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly realms. “
Reflections:
1. “ Since God commanded it, had I 100 fathers and mothers, if I were born a King’s daughter, still I would have departed.”
How would you have reacted to this whole situation with friend and family? Have you been in this kind of situation before? Explain.
2. Do you know what your calling is? And is it anything like you would have imagined? Explain why or why not.
3. If you were Joan, and you had that moment where you knew no matter what you did or said, that you would be seen as a heretic..
How would you have handled it, What things would be in your mind?
Okay guys, made it easier this week:)
Friday, September 14, 2007
Sister Freak Study Day 1: Karen Watson
" Sister Freaks Study" Day 1
Karen Watson, " No Regrets""
Karen Watson entered a war zone because she loved Jesus. She knew the risks.
News reports in early 2004 were riddled with American casualties in recently liberated Iraq. Car bombs blew in convoy trucks. Suicide bombers targeted civilians. Ambushes occurred weekly. "
A scripture was on Karen's heart, and she heard a voice from within," Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, " Whom shall I send, and whom will go for us?"Her answer echoed the words of Isaiah's, " Then I said, " Here I am, send me." ( Isa. 6:8)
Imagine being in a war like she was, imagine waking up each day knowing that anything could happen.
One hour she could be talking to a friend, the next hour that same friend could have lost his/her life.
One moment she could see a blue sky, the next nothing but black.
Karen found Christ as a teenager, after having years of grief from losing several relatives;her dad, grandmother, and her fiance' died in a two-year period.
The pain of that past brought her close to Jesus.
She knew early on after that she wanted to be a missionary for Christ; and would take the toughest climates.
She was accepted by IMB( International Mission Board), and was sent to Jordan for refugee relief. After they didn't show up, she was then sent to Iraq.
Everyday while she was there, some act of violence happened.
Bomb after bomb, shooting after shooting.She would call her family everyday to let them know she was okay.
One day, they didn't hear from her.
March 15, 2004, Karen lost her life while driving in a car that was overcome with automatic weapons and grenades.
She died instantly.
After she died, her pastor, Phil Neighbors opened a letter she had written him, advising him not to open it unless she died.It was a letter I am sure wasn't all that easy to open and read.
" Dear Pastor Phil, and Pastor Roger,
You should only be reading this letter in the event of my death.
When God calls there are no regrets.
I tried to share my heart with you, my heart for the nations.
I wasn't called to a place. I was called to Him.
To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory was my reward, His glory is my reward.
One of the most important things to remember right now is to preserve the work. I am writing this as if I am working,(in the mission field)
I thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Surely, your reward in heaven will be great. Thank you for investing in my life and spiritual well-being. Keep sending missionaries and keep raising fine pastors.
In regards, to any service, keep it small and simple. Yes, simple,
Just preach the gospel, If Jason Buss is available or his dad, have them sing a pretty song.
Be bold an preach the life serving, life changing, forever eternal GOSPEL.
Give glory and honor to our Father.
I once read in " Missionary Heart. "
Care more than some think is wise.
Risk more than some think is safe.
Dream more than some think is practical.
Expect more than some think is possible.
I was called not to comfort or success, but obedience.
There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him.
I love you two, and my church family,
In His care,
Karen
Karen spent her life being a dedicated follower for Jesus, she knew what it meant to step out of her comfort zone, and lead a life that was not her own.
I can't imagine what she thought when the bullet pierced her body, knowing she was being pierced, just like Jesus.
Psalm 27:3-4
Though a host encamp against me,
my heart will not fear
though a war rise against me
in spite of this, i shall be confident
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life
To behold the beauty of the Lord, and meditate in His temple.
Reflections...
Here you will have a chance to answer some questions that ask about your own heart as a servant for Jesus. The questions will change each week.
If you feel there are some too personal for the site, then answer the ones that you can.
Be Blessed:) You are doing great!
1. After reading Karen's story, do you feel like you need to change the way you serve God's people? Why or why not? How will you take those steps?
2. Share about a person you know with a true Servant heart?
3. What would your letter be if you knew you may not make it back to your loved ones? What would you say about being a Christian? How you feel you've lived your life?
4. Pray about the war zones that go on in your world daily, ask the Holy Spirit to intercede in a situation that is holding you down.
5. When was the last time you were asked out of your comfort zone?
Karen Watson, " No Regrets""
Karen Watson entered a war zone because she loved Jesus. She knew the risks.
News reports in early 2004 were riddled with American casualties in recently liberated Iraq. Car bombs blew in convoy trucks. Suicide bombers targeted civilians. Ambushes occurred weekly. "
A scripture was on Karen's heart, and she heard a voice from within," Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, " Whom shall I send, and whom will go for us?"Her answer echoed the words of Isaiah's, " Then I said, " Here I am, send me." ( Isa. 6:8)
Imagine being in a war like she was, imagine waking up each day knowing that anything could happen.
One hour she could be talking to a friend, the next hour that same friend could have lost his/her life.
One moment she could see a blue sky, the next nothing but black.
Karen found Christ as a teenager, after having years of grief from losing several relatives;her dad, grandmother, and her fiance' died in a two-year period.
The pain of that past brought her close to Jesus.
She knew early on after that she wanted to be a missionary for Christ; and would take the toughest climates.
She was accepted by IMB( International Mission Board), and was sent to Jordan for refugee relief. After they didn't show up, she was then sent to Iraq.
Everyday while she was there, some act of violence happened.
Bomb after bomb, shooting after shooting.She would call her family everyday to let them know she was okay.
One day, they didn't hear from her.
March 15, 2004, Karen lost her life while driving in a car that was overcome with automatic weapons and grenades.
She died instantly.
After she died, her pastor, Phil Neighbors opened a letter she had written him, advising him not to open it unless she died.It was a letter I am sure wasn't all that easy to open and read.
" Dear Pastor Phil, and Pastor Roger,
You should only be reading this letter in the event of my death.
When God calls there are no regrets.
I tried to share my heart with you, my heart for the nations.
I wasn't called to a place. I was called to Him.
To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory was my reward, His glory is my reward.
One of the most important things to remember right now is to preserve the work. I am writing this as if I am working,(in the mission field)
I thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Surely, your reward in heaven will be great. Thank you for investing in my life and spiritual well-being. Keep sending missionaries and keep raising fine pastors.
In regards, to any service, keep it small and simple. Yes, simple,
Just preach the gospel, If Jason Buss is available or his dad, have them sing a pretty song.
Be bold an preach the life serving, life changing, forever eternal GOSPEL.
Give glory and honor to our Father.
I once read in " Missionary Heart. "
Care more than some think is wise.
Risk more than some think is safe.
Dream more than some think is practical.
Expect more than some think is possible.
I was called not to comfort or success, but obedience.
There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him.
I love you two, and my church family,
In His care,
Karen
Karen spent her life being a dedicated follower for Jesus, she knew what it meant to step out of her comfort zone, and lead a life that was not her own.
I can't imagine what she thought when the bullet pierced her body, knowing she was being pierced, just like Jesus.
Psalm 27:3-4
Though a host encamp against me,
my heart will not fear
though a war rise against me
in spite of this, i shall be confident
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life
To behold the beauty of the Lord, and meditate in His temple.
Reflections...
Here you will have a chance to answer some questions that ask about your own heart as a servant for Jesus. The questions will change each week.
If you feel there are some too personal for the site, then answer the ones that you can.
Be Blessed:) You are doing great!
1. After reading Karen's story, do you feel like you need to change the way you serve God's people? Why or why not? How will you take those steps?
2. Share about a person you know with a true Servant heart?
3. What would your letter be if you knew you may not make it back to your loved ones? What would you say about being a Christian? How you feel you've lived your life?
4. Pray about the war zones that go on in your world daily, ask the Holy Spirit to intercede in a situation that is holding you down.
5. When was the last time you were asked out of your comfort zone?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
