Oh how I miss the aftermath of snow tubing days in PA...

I found this old video from '06 and I couldn't help but express my.... self. Funny thing is, a DJ approached me in the middle of a dance floor at at 1am at a wedding reception one time and said, "what BATTERY, do you run on?!?!"

Mama, at least I know you're proud ;)

A Nation and People close to God's heart

(From L to R: My cousin, Lori, and her husband Tom in their new home--Kigali, Rwanda. Me with Eric, a survivor from the Rwanda Genocide who visited Regent University last fall)

(Sorry this is all bunched up. I copied it, and for some reason it won't separate the paragraphs...)

I was getting ready to e-mail my cousins in Rwanda, Africa, when I stopped to ponder and reflect on the things God has spoken to me about this nation for the past year. I have wept, uncontrollably at times, for God’s heartache for the people who were affected by the worst genocide since the Holocaust (USA Today)--the 1994 Genocide. While I’ve shared my most intimate times with the Lord interceding and weeping for Rwanda, I don't think I have the slightest inkling as to how God is connecting me to others in the Body of Christ and the world through carrying this tremendous burden.

Rick Warren, one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" (TIME Magazine, 2005), founder and senior pastor of the fourth largest church in America--Saddleback Church, in California--is the author of the bestseller "Purpose Driven Life", a book that says the purpose drven life is one committed to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry, and fulfilling our mission on Earth. Not only was the Purpose Driven Life the first book I read as a new believer, but I read it at least three consecutive times after that and was so moved that I used it for “book studies” with unbelievers. My copy is highlighted, underlined, and filled with notes and revelations. I couldn’t get enough of it. Either could Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, who phoned Warren after reading the book stating, “I am a purpose-driven man. Come help rebuild this country.” (USA Today)

The same man who contributed to my transformation as a Christian, and Paul Kagame’s, through the Purpose Driven Life, has a vision to see Rwanda transform into a “Purpose Driven Nation” by training and raising up leaders in Rwanda. He could very well be the man I partner with in vision and join in ministry in Rwanda. And let me tell you, there is nothing I'd rather do than join Rick Warren and others whom God has similarly burdened for this people and nation. Talk about POWERFUL movements in the Kingdom of God!!!! One purpose, one vision=one transformed nation in Africa!!!! Bring it on!!!!

My cousins, Tom and Lori Wheeler, are living in Kigali, Rwanda now with their children. When I found out they moved there this summer to join Rick Warren and his ministry, I went crazy! How incredible that I have family living in the very roots of a nation I’ve been called to intercede for and hope to one day visit?! USA Today said this, and it absolutely shook me because it breaks down every presupposition people have about not doing missions because they haven’t been “called” or don’t have a necessarily esteemed “title”: “Even if he's only remembered as the man who helped bring sidewalks to Kigali, Wheeler says he feels that he's part of something big: 'God's working here,' he says, 'after so much suffering.'" I think we can learn something significant from Tom—every effort counts. Following Christ costs us everything, and sometimes, we should just go to meet the need.

As a personal reflection… it just blows my mind to see what God is doing and how He’s moving there. All those endless days and nights I spent weeping for these people were not in vain; to share in their suffering is a tremendous privilege. We are called to carry one another’s burdens, and mourn with those who mourn. But for the longest time, I felt like what I was feeling was deeper than carrying just the Rwandan's burdens. It wasn’t long before God revealed to me that I was carrying HIS heartache for His people in Rwanda. And I gotta tell ya, sharing God's pain and the Rwandan's pain is more than I ever thought I could possibly feel, but it's GOOD, and it gives me the privilege of sincerely rejoicing with them when God’s response is so remarkable! Their pain has become my pain, so their answer is my answer.

This nation is headed nowhere but up! Praise GOD! 14 years of gruesome pain is being washed away day by day. Forgiveness, Healing, Joy, and Peace are only among the few treasures the Rwandans are receiving, and it’s attributed to a God who loves them so much He’s burdened endless believers across the world to intercede for them, and has stirred them to DO something, something as “mundane” as some might say building sidewalks is. Every prayer counts, every weeping experience (that is designed to cause us to see and feel through God's eyes and heart), and every action is contributing to the Kingdom of God. Don’t underestimate your significance to God—He rescued you so that you can rescue others. Please do your part!

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-07-21-rwanda_N.htm

(The link to the Rwanda article with my cousins and Rick Warren)

Packed up the Africa clothes... finally

Well, we finally got the clothes for Africa organized and placed in bins. Whew! We are only a month and a half late and off schedule ;)

Anna, myself, Matt and Steve went through about 20 garbage bags of clothing yesterday that I collected to ship overseas for the people of Macha, Zambia. After spending two weeks in the villages of Macha and seeing the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the people, I couldn't help but be stirred to love in action--to do something about what I saw. While I can't be there to disciple new believers and spread the Gospel, I know God has our friend, Jon, there for many reasons, and I know that from the city of Virginia Beach I can send tangible things to help offset some needs.

We had some fun finishing this project! Some of the items we found in the bags were quite interesting, to say the least ;) Between laughing at Steve adding strange, orange clothing to his outfit and me throwing the boys clothes to Matt (which mistakingly kept landing on his head), and the "mexican soda" joke we entertained, I had to basically command myself to breathe! It was good to have a good laugh with friends while doing something productive, though. I can always count on this crew to get two jobs well done ;)

A Life Changing Encounter with Faith

After visiting my horsemanship director's church for the beginning of his Cowboy Chapel series, I found out that my good friend died. Devastation consumed me and I spent that entire night crying and remembering all our times together. She taught me so much about faith, hope and love. Who knew that a bond between a human and an animal could be so strong?

She was more than an animal I drew close to; Faith became a significant part of my life. Sixteen years of dreaming to ride horses became a reality for me at the beginning of the year. Years of longing and dreaming to know and understand this stunning, heavenly creature were often times of struggle because small towns like mine weren’t made of money, and riding lessons weren’t cheap. Yet, through the years, faith is what I exercised, and Faith is who strengthened me.

A gorgeous Palamino, Grade pony, she was golden and had an incredible variation of blonde in her mane and tail. (With a comb and a little Show Shene, she was one in a million!) Since my blonde babe was a Grade pony, she had a mix of many different ancestors and had characteristics different than that of a standard breed or purebred. She was a pony, averaging 14.2 hands in height, and boy was she a spitfire sometimes! But what female doesn’t have her moments? Besides the occasional threats she listened well, had a smooth walk and lope, and loved to receive love ;)

Among many other things, Faith taught me how to properly ride the canter; pivot; use my weight as a natural aid; and even discipline a horse. (She sometimes, like me, needed strict “I am in control and you’re not no-no’s”) I learned quickly in the canter that she didn't like it when I leaned too far back (neither does any horse); and she taught me how to use my weight, legs and hands to pivot during a show (she wouldn't do it if I didn't do it correctly). After time, she even grew such respect for me she obeyed my cue of turning her by using my weight without reins. Our relationship blossomed quickly in a short amount of time. I loved and respected her, and she loved and respected me. One thing is for certain: I never walked away from her in a day without learning something about her, horses in general, and the mighty God I serve.

While I was testing out different ways of communicating discipline to a horse, as silly as this sounds, I wanted to see if horses respond to the "pointed finger" as much as children do. Believe it or not, when Faith would threaten to bite or kick another horse or person, I would make a firm face and point my finger firmly at her and she would immediately look straight ahead and behave. Most horses respond better with an elbow or a slap along with a voice, and some others do respond to the "pointed finger", but because I had spent so much time with her, her response to the pointed finger helped me recognize she was responding more to my body language, and I began to feel extremely close with her.

We spent a lot of time together behind the scenes. After classes and lunch, or in between when no one was around, I'd spent quality time talking with and scratching her, and hugging and kissing her. I respected her so much because she taught me how to ride, the right way. And she learned to respect and trust me because I helped take care of her, and was intentional about treating her well.

This remarkable pony had no idea she inspired me to keep hoping trusting in the promises of God. Many times I came into work discouraged about a certain promise God gave me that in reality looks impossible and seeing her instantaneously would put the smile back on my face, the joy in my heart and the faith in my spirit. She truly was the encouragement to me no one else could offer, and the tangible love I needed to feel so many times from my Heavenly Father.

What a creative and caring portrait of God's faithfulness to me. How wonderful it was to ride a gorgeous and wonderful horse named Faith almost every day. Not only did I learn and grow in my knowledge of horses, but through her I learned life changing lessons about God and His unfathomable, yet tangible character and ways. She truly left an hoofprint in my heart that will never be forgotten. I drew close to Faith, and through her I drew close to my Father.

A Vision of Transformation

(1st from Left: Who knew that this little girl would one day repent, give her life to Jesus, be transformed and then preach the Gospel to her sisters?! Jesus knew, and it's only by His grace, and the power of His transformation that I'm even living, and have walked away from alcohol, drugs, sex and suicide attempts. Don't tell me He doesn't transform, and do so mightily!!!)

(2nd from Left: This was the day after my unbelieving sister and I talked about eternity. It led to me minister the love and power of Jesus to her. After three years of praying for her, she openly received the good news. God's Spirit is drawing her to Him, and the power of God's transformation in ME is falling on her--she's recently made long awaited, healthy relationship decisions and is moving forward with her life. It's God, and the power of transformation!)

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Yesterday morning in prayer, God gave me a powerful vision and word. I was praying for a friend's healing when I got a picture of God touching someone. The minute His hand touched someone, the person literately morphed into someone else. Following a bright, white light in a downward motion from the top of his head to the soles of his feet, the person transformed. It was almost like something you see in an old, sci-fi movie; kinda like The Hulk where growth is the result, only not in the muscles, color and size of the person ;) This heavenly transformation was a GOOD, internal and external transformation ;) The old was being washed away and the new had come to replace it. A new, good, birthing had taken place and it was attributed to the love and grace of God the Father.

That's a thought we know as His children, but have we really thought of the powerful implications of God's touch? Have we remembered and recognized His glory when He transforms us from the outside in after the inside out? Let me suggest that praising Him for transforming us from the outside in is just as important as praising Him for beginning transformation in us from the inside out.

Through this vision God revealed to me that when someone is surrendered to Him, believes and is willing to receive from the Heavenly realms, true transformation occurs. But the greatest part of the beginning stages of transformation is that it's undeserved and is His gift to us so that we can enjoy abundant life Jesus died so we could have. It comes with the whole giving your life to Jesus package. What a gift from God--that we don't have to worry about fixing ourselves; He fixes us FOR us. If you can't think of anything else to praise Him for (which I find impossible to do), praise Him for His transformational touch in your life. I'll tell you one thing, it is a GLORIOUS day when transformation and awakening pass from His hand to a dirty, lost soul, and even to a passive, Christian one. The very being of a person is breathed on again with life and becomes covered with His grace by His very touch. It's a phenomenal, life-changing gift of God Almighty. Open your mouth and rejoice!

I believe God is bringing mighty transformation to the Earth. I don't believe it's limited to the unsaved, but that it is also coming to the Church. For God to take us higher, we must be transformed into His likeness--it's a necessary part of growth. Your transformational growth isn't just for you, though, it's to be used as an example of the new life we are offered through the blood of Christ. It's your responsibility to share God's power in your life with others.

When God transforms, He doesn't leave us with any blemishes; it's when we try to transform ourselves that we miss or choose to miss a spot. Leave the dirty work to God--He knows all your blemishes that need plucked out and shined. His ways and thoughts are higher than yours and He knows what's best for you. Stop resisting His work in you; let Him do what He needs to do so that you can do His will for your life and become the person He wants you to be in the last days. You're being prepared for HEAVEN, for goodness sake, embrace it!

Beyond words!!!

Who, besides Jesus, knew my day would be THIS amazing... All morning I was thinking that since I couldn't fall asleep until 4:30am this morning that my day today would be off track and unproductive. hah, WRONG!

A family that I simply adore blessed me with some money today. It caught me competely off guard! (I have no money, but the Lord continues to impress hearts to cover me financially!) I graciously thanked them and began praising God, but as soon as I got to my car I found myself in tears. The love of Jesus began to flood my car and I just couldn't stop thanking Him for loving me as He does, giving me relationships and providing for my needs. (Earlier this morning I had to go to the Chiropractor because of a minor horse incident, and because I don't have health insurance I had to pay the full price for a visit. The money I received today from that family covered that bill and left me with $2 extra!)

This afternoon my church invited me to spend a few days in North Carolina teaching, preaching, and ministering to a large group of students from Norfolk Christian. They're going for a retreat and I was asked to lead some sessions. What an amazing opportunity!

Since my heart is so incredibly stirred to preach the Gospel and to do ministry this year, I volunteered at an Elder Care home. I love, respect and adore the elderly and am thrilled to play games, spend time with them and allow Jesus to minister to them through my serving. After telling the coordinator that I work at Triple-R, she introduced me to the man who helped prepare the ground for the ranch to be built over 50 years ago! He goes there almost every day! It was such an honor to meet him and share the good news of what's happening at the ranch these days. His face lit up and He could not wipe the smile off His face while we were talking. He said he had been wondering for years how the ranch was doing. Small world, maybe; divine appointment, absolutely!

I left, and headed to the library to do some research for some younger girls I'm mentoring and coaching when my dad called. He asked how I was doing financially, if I'd found a job yet and if I was holding up okay. I told him the million ways God has provided for me through people bringing me food, cooking for me and taking me out, along with receiving checks from friends and family. He said he has been PRAYING for us (he believes, attends church every once in a while, but doesn't read the Bible or have a close relationship with God) for finances, and had a similar financial blessing today! After installing a dish for a family, the father slipped a $100 bill in his pocket. Dad goes, "Kel it was amazing! But you know why I think God blessed me?" I smiled and said (having a pretty good idea why--God was answering my prayer for Him to hunger the Word of God) "why, Dad?" He said, "Because I've been reading Bible stories lately. I started to read the Bible! It's changing me, I can't believe it! God is amazing; I never really realized it until now. But He really is!" I said "wow, Daddy!!! Praise God!!! You're experiencing what you were created to experience--intimacy with God! He promises to reward those who seek Him! You are being rewarded!!" He agreed, and just hearing the joy in his voice was enough to melt my heart! I knew he was finally getting to know and feeling the presence of Jesus.(When I was home for Gram's funeral God impressed this verse on me, very strongly: it's when Jesus says to the people 'Away from me, I never knew you' in response to them asking if they'll go to heaven by eating and drinking in His presence and having Him teach in their streets--Luke13:25-27-- I shared it with Dad in a conversation about how I'm concerned for my grandfather's salvation, and his face turned white. He was in absolute shock. He couldn't believe Jesus would turn you away at the gate of heaven if you didn't have a relationship with Him. I watched the Word of God touch his heart powerfully, and began praying for God to give my dad an earnest desire to seek His face, and READ HIS WORD. Every day I've been praying for him to develop an undying hunger to read it, even in the middle of the night)
So, Dad is not only believing; he is now praying, reading the Bible and attending church regularly! MY DAD, who never wanted to hear about Jesus while I was growing up and even when I was saved myself, gave His life to Jesus and is living for Him now!!! But thats not it... my mom is affirming me and encouraging me in ways I have always yearned! She wrote me a letter that said "Keep being optimistic about a job. God is good and faithful. Stay after Him, He has been good to you, honey"...my MOM, who is now watching CBN every day (I didn't encourage her to watch Christian television at all, she sought it herself), and telling me how good God is... who is inching closer and closer to salvation every day. AND, after several conversations with my sister about the Lord, how to KNOW Him, and experience His best, she has finally made the decision to leave behind an abuser of three years, is making healthy and good decisions again, is taking care of her kids, and is moving forward with her life.People.... these are my once passive parents, my "athiest" sister... my FAMILY who only a few years ago wanted NOTHING to do with God! They didn't want to hear me talk about Him! My steadfast prayers for three years have been answered!!!! It's time to rejoice even more!!!!

All of this is confirmation of sooo many passions of my heart. I thought I heard God say months ago that He wanted me to set my education aside for a year and that He had ministry prepared for me this year. Part of me wasn't sure if I heard Him right because of how I felt about not leaving college until I was finished, yet there was a deep calling to ministry I felt incredibly pressed to follow. Even though I wasn't 100% sure of what God had planned, I chose to pull out of school, pray and remain open to ministry opportunities. Obviously, with the elder care home, women's life group I'm helping to lead this year (which I KNOW is going to be extremely powerful), mentoring relationships with younger girls, ministry opportunities in other states and even overseas (I'm likely doing short term missions again this year... that's in the works!), Jesus confirmed that yet again I did hear His voice, and His plan for my life in ministry is becoming clearer every day ;)

Jesus continually leaves me in awe! Every single day. His ways are so obvious and evident. They're right in front of our face, especially through His creation! I will never stop telling the world about Him. There is no other way to live except with and for Him! Walking in the Spirit is an extraordinary gift!....I did have to chuckle and ask the Lord why He loves to leave me in awe of Him daily. You know what He said? That He loves to see the excitement on the face of a child whose heart is pure, whose faith moves mountains, and whose continuous testimony reveals His glory. I am totally that crazy, giddy girl who jumps up and down, in circles, and screams the praises of my King when He reveals Himself to the lost, orchestrates miracles and answers prayer! I'm pretty sure He enjoys and delights in it ;)

Revival is in our midst! You must never loose hope in prayer! More often than not, you are growing during your prayer time, into a mighty man or woman of FAITH. Whatever you are praying for and waiting for, KEEP praying and KEEP waiting! The prayer of a righteous man is both powerful and effective! So hit the floor and PRAY! In the meantime, be sharing God's love, His Word and the hope of Jesus Christ. It'll build your own faith while encouraging others. Get where it's quiet and where you can hear God's voice. He speaks not in the wind and chaos, but His voice often comes in a whisper. Saturate yourself in His Word, whether you like it right now or not, discipine yourself and ask God to give you a deep love and hunger for it. God's waiting to woo you in ways you've never been wooed before! Get closer!!!!

Holdin' on...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX0IzWBWW9E&feature=related