(This is our first time out without Bobby)
Graham Jones will be ministering at Edge of the Jordan (Paul & Suzanne Bowman) in Haverill on Monday Evening, Feb. 4, at 7 pm! David and Judy Harris and Mimi Caban will be leading worship You can contact Paul or Suzanne for directions at 978-702-4310 or email them at Bedge777@aol.com . Their large dark brown house and "Barn" are located on Rte 125, going South off Exit 51A of Rte 495. It is just after "19th" St. on the right.
ALSO, Graham will be ministering in an open meeting at Jonathan & Cindy Gale's home on Tuesday, Feb. 5th, 7pm, 511 Main St., W. Townshend, MA (tel. 978-223-2229.)
www.gjmi.org From his ministry base in Saint Etienne France, Graham Jones from England ministers in many different countries every year. The goal of GJMI is revival and seeing the presence and power of God released back into the church. The Lord uses Graham particularly in the area of physical healing and Graham has seen thousands of people healed from all manner of sickness through simple faith in GodÂ’s promises and the manifest presence of God. Graham has ministered face to face to thousands of people. Again & again seeing God confirm his Word with signs & wonders such as cripples walking, the blind seeing and multitudes coming to Christ. Graham recently held a healing service in the United Nations in New York City resulting in many giving their lives to Jesus and people healed in the UN building. Graham is involved in church planting and oversees churches in Europe, India and North America. GJMI works through relationships with local churches, seeking both to reach the world and equip the church with teaching seminars where believers are practically taught to move in the gifts of the Spirit and believe God to heal people. GJMI works to see local churches moving in revival and the freedom of the Holy Spirit. Graham is married to L who is French and they have a baby daughter named Noa who is one year old. L also teaches and preaches. Graham & his wife L are currently planting a new church in St Etienne in the South of France. They have a vision to plant churches throughout France and to release other ministries into the fullness of God's calling for their lives.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
If the Holocaust (Shoah) never happened, then...
why did the UN General Assembly adopt Resolution 60/7 on November 1, 2005? This resolution established January 27th as the "International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust"? In 2006 the UN Secertary General said, in part:
There can be no reversing the unique tragedy of the Holocaust. It must be remembered, with shame and horror, for as long as human memory continues. Only by remembering can we pay fitting tribute to the victims. Millions...were murdered in the most barbarous ways imaginable. We must never forget those men, women and children, or their agony...Holocaust denial is the work of bigots. We must reject their false claims, whenever, wherever, and by whomever they are made.
Yes. Yes. Yes. I hope the UN remembers their own words. Pass this on.
There can be no reversing the unique tragedy of the Holocaust. It must be remembered, with shame and horror, for as long as human memory continues. Only by remembering can we pay fitting tribute to the victims. Millions...were murdered in the most barbarous ways imaginable. We must never forget those men, women and children, or their agony...Holocaust denial is the work of bigots. We must reject their false claims, whenever, wherever, and by whomever they are made.
Yes. Yes. Yes. I hope the UN remembers their own words. Pass this on.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Michael update :)
I was in the living room painting pictures of God & angels & Daddy & Griffin (from Moravian Falls, NC) & Hadassah with Hadassah & I could hear Michael in his room. Couldn't tell if he was laughing or crying. So I went to investigate.
This is what I found: Michael listening to a Graham Cooke CD (...you MIGHT be a Pharisee if....) from Summer of 2006 in VT AND watching "Home Alone" at the same time & laughing hysterically rolling around on his bed! What a wonderful thing. Thanks to those who are praying specifically for him. We love you. We are not "Home Alone" after all.
This is what I found: Michael listening to a Graham Cooke CD (...you MIGHT be a Pharisee if....) from Summer of 2006 in VT AND watching "Home Alone" at the same time & laughing hysterically rolling around on his bed! What a wonderful thing. Thanks to those who are praying specifically for him. We love you. We are not "Home Alone" after all.
Wine Cellar update Enfield CT
Hello everybody,
I am writing to inform you that we are going to seek out a building and begin having meetings every week. We will not be able to meet at the house any more. There are many reasons for this, but the most important one is that we need to make room for a harvest. We will call this place "Freedom House." You may have received an intro email about this a while ago. We took a sabbatical after Bobby went to be with Jesus and got mentally and spiritually rested and refueled. Circumstances are very hard, but it is time to release the sound of heaven in new dimensions, to realize our destiny in Christ, and to advance the Kingdom.
Now is the time! This fresh beginning is a leap into the next level of ministry. We have a vision to prepare for the habitation of Jesus, to advance the Kingdom in Enfield, and to tap the glory fountain for the region. There's a great deal of people that need the Lord in this town and I want them! This town was visited by the Lord through the ministry of Jonathan Edwards, a mere man with a big thirst. We all have a big thirst as well and together we can tap that well and stir up a gusher.
Since we have not had a meeting for a while, I am asking all of you for feedback on this. Meetings will either be Saturday nights or Sunday (either mornings or afternoons); it depends on the availability of the building we rent. The building will be in Enfield. We will also plan to have once a month conference events with guest speakers from all over the world as we have done in the past. I am a strong believer in having anointed men and women come and give us fresh bread to keep the well open and flowing. We don't want to become stagnant and isolated from the rest of the body, which is why these meetings are also intended for the regional body to attend. We love you all deeply and have cherished memories of how God poured out His spirit upon us at the Wine Cellar. He has called us to restart our engines and He is ready to pour out even more at Freedom House!
Please give me your thoughts on this and let us know if you are ready to worship with us again, as this is a big step, and without each of you it is not a step we can take. Also, let me know your preferential day so that I can try to arrange it; however, please stay open to whatever day it happens to be because of the limiting parameters surrounding the rental.
God bless you guys, we love you deeply,
David and Judy
Micah 2:12
I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men
Micah 2:13
The breaker is come up
before them:
they have broken up,
and have passed
through the gate,
and are gone out by it:
and their king shall
pass before them,
and the LORD on the
head of them.
Behold, the Lord's eye
is upon those
who fear Him
who revere
and worship Him
with awe!
Let's pull together and call forth
that which is not as if it were.
I am writing to inform you that we are going to seek out a building and begin having meetings every week. We will not be able to meet at the house any more. There are many reasons for this, but the most important one is that we need to make room for a harvest. We will call this place "Freedom House." You may have received an intro email about this a while ago. We took a sabbatical after Bobby went to be with Jesus and got mentally and spiritually rested and refueled. Circumstances are very hard, but it is time to release the sound of heaven in new dimensions, to realize our destiny in Christ, and to advance the Kingdom.
Now is the time! This fresh beginning is a leap into the next level of ministry. We have a vision to prepare for the habitation of Jesus, to advance the Kingdom in Enfield, and to tap the glory fountain for the region. There's a great deal of people that need the Lord in this town and I want them! This town was visited by the Lord through the ministry of Jonathan Edwards, a mere man with a big thirst. We all have a big thirst as well and together we can tap that well and stir up a gusher.
Since we have not had a meeting for a while, I am asking all of you for feedback on this. Meetings will either be Saturday nights or Sunday (either mornings or afternoons); it depends on the availability of the building we rent. The building will be in Enfield. We will also plan to have once a month conference events with guest speakers from all over the world as we have done in the past. I am a strong believer in having anointed men and women come and give us fresh bread to keep the well open and flowing. We don't want to become stagnant and isolated from the rest of the body, which is why these meetings are also intended for the regional body to attend. We love you all deeply and have cherished memories of how God poured out His spirit upon us at the Wine Cellar. He has called us to restart our engines and He is ready to pour out even more at Freedom House!
Please give me your thoughts on this and let us know if you are ready to worship with us again, as this is a big step, and without each of you it is not a step we can take. Also, let me know your preferential day so that I can try to arrange it; however, please stay open to whatever day it happens to be because of the limiting parameters surrounding the rental.
God bless you guys, we love you deeply,
David and Judy
Micah 2:12
I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men
Micah 2:13
The breaker is come up
before them:
they have broken up,
and have passed
through the gate,
and are gone out by it:
and their king shall
pass before them,
and the LORD on the
head of them.
Behold, the Lord's eye
is upon those
who fear Him
who revere
and worship Him
with awe!
Let's pull together and call forth
that which is not as if it were.
IRIS Ministries/Mozambique flooding update
Please read. Not just for prayer but because it will open our eyes to what is happening n the world. The house of cards is collapsing. For those who believe, this is good. Come come come. Get into the Ark of His Kingdom :) Mimi
Iris Ministries, Inc.
Pemba, Mozambique
22 January 2008
Once again Mozambique has been hit by severe flooding. Few countries in our modern world have been hit by disaster so often and devastatingly. Already one of the poorest countries of the world, it struggles without the mechanisms of modern countries that can deal to a great extent with regional weather fluctuations, food shortages and medical emergencies. Its transportation infrastructure barely exists. There is hardly any safety net for the poor. Much of the world suffers from "compassion fatigue," and well-known relief agencies in Mozambique struggle with funding and distribution challenges. Christians hardly know what to do with still more pleas for financial help. We are all tempted to run and hide, and try to find some protection from all the assaults on our peace in this world. Forces of evil seem to get away with so much.
But we are not helpless, and even in our weakness we find strength. We have a source of never-ending goodness and energy. This source is not impersonal and remote, unlikely and sporadic. No, this source is a personal and perfect Savior, the only person who can make sense of our lives in this world. He makes Himself available to all who call upon Him. And to those "who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life" (Rom. 2:7).
Rather than seeing discouragement on all sides, we preach power and total salvation in every circumstance. Every disaster leads us to lean on our Savior all the more, and to depend on Him alone. Our joy is to be able to encourage believers everywhere even while facing the most overwhelming damage done by the enemy. In such situations, we cannot afford to be doubtful and down, depressed and immobile. No, in every circumstance we are called to be "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37). If we look into His eyes, there will always be enough, because He died!
As I write, Heidi is returning to Mozambique after an Asian speaking tour, and with me she is seeking the Lord about our response to the flooding. We have seen the churches of Mozambique explode in number and fervency after previous major floods, and we look forward earnestly to what Jesus will do now. I am in the States, and will be there as soon as possible, accessing flood regions with my plane as Jesus leads.
Meanwhile, our missionaries in Malawi, David and Joanna Morrison, are at work. Their location is not far from central Mozambique where the flooding is worst, and David has already visited this flood zone and written a report, which I would like to quote here at length:
"We went to Mutarara District in the province of Tete and there learned that over 116,000 refugees have fled the flood waters. Thousands are still trapped on higher ground waiting to be rescued by helicopters and boats. All resources are concentrating on this emergency rescue operation. Soldiers are assisting rescue workers as the banks of the Zambezi River continue to overflow and the threat of increased flooding is very real. For some, the idea of floods penetrating so far inland
from the Zambezi River is too obscure. However, the threat is real and in some situations people are removed by force.
"I was amazed at the vast amount of water and its destructive force. From the vantage point of a boat on the Zambezi River, it looks like an endless sea. We traveled with the Mozambique navy in a little rescue boat several kilometers inland from the Zambezi River to one of the areas of evacuation, called the Inyangona region. The reality of the cost of the flooding was evident everywhere: the tops of drowned crops and banana trees, and even the roofs of houses. It was hard to imagine how just a few weeks previously people had walked where we now traveled by boat. And now, village life has been silenced by a sea of water leaving only protruding tree tops and isolated highlands. We finally arrived at an island where desperate people patiently wait for a rescue boat. Helicopters were also flying overhead and assisting in the evacuation of people in more remote areas. There is calm and out of the misery, the people politely greeted us with a smile, gave us the nicest places to sit, and at one refugee camp I was even offered their last bananas -- I just wanted to cry.
"Our Iris Team met with the District Commissioner and was invited to join the weekly debriefing meeting involving all the government officials and NGOs helping with this crisis. Although there is great progress in the rescue operation, the process is time consuming and more boats are needed. Some of the refugee camps are now becoming too large and it may be necessary to establish even more camps. Some of the resettlement areas from last years flooding must now be relocated because they too are being affected by the flooding. Sickness and hunger are two growing concerns and the DC encouraged us all to try to mobilize food into the camps as quickly as possible. We have been appointed to participate in the relief effort and have been given freedom to assist however possible.
"On our journey we visited eight refugee camps all of which are threatened by disease and hunger. Some of the refugees have been in the camps since the beginning of January but none have received food. Many left in haste as their homes collapsed in the path of the rising water. A fortunate few had carried maize left over from last winter's harvest, but most are eating grass seed, water lily bulbs, bugs and mice. Wells are few so most drink the flood water which is resulting in dysentery. Many children have bloated stomachs and eye infections are common. This is malaria season, an added threat for the refugees who sleep without the protection of a mosquito net.
"In each camp we witnessed the arrival of new refugees. Hundreds are arriving everyday. They are quick to make a shelter out of branches and grass to provide a little protection to the family from the next rain. These tiny houses sleep families as large as eight people. We didn't take much with us, but managed to carry enough soap to give one bar to each family at three refugee camps. We also provided about 500 families with a good supply of water purification packets. A bar of soap is such a precious gift in situations such as these!
"Everywhere we went desperate people quickly gathered and listened carefully to every word that came out of our mouths -- they were in search of hope. We gave them hope -- the message of God's love. So as we preached under the shade of a tree in the refugee camps, the precious poor, those who have lost everything, wearing only dirty rags, welcomed Jesus just like they welcomed us. There is good news to report: In the midst of great suffering and loss, Jesus is moving in the hearts of Africans!
"So what are we going to do next? The only accessible road into this region of Mozambique is through Malawi. We are therefore prepared to help in any way possible. Actually we can't help but help! We believe God wants us to care for the refugees located in camps along the road from the border of Malawi.
"Malawi is also affected by the flooding. The swollen Shire River has destroyed crops and hundreds of people have been displaced. People living on Nchalo and Ngabu Islands in the Chikwawa District are evacuating - about two thirds of the islands are under water now. Across the river from Bangula is another area vulnerable to flooding. We are monitoring the situation here carefully and expect that we will need to support 1000 additional families with food from now through June. This is on top of the 1,600 families we already assist each month through our feeding program."
Already David "Mo" is loading up three trucks and leaving early Wednesday morning in a convoy to take seventeen tons of food to the flood area. Many have helped already, almost instantly, and we are pressing forward all the more to what lies ahead. Pray that corrupt Malawi officials at the border will not be able to block passage of the food.
Heidi and I, and all of us at Iris Ministries, want to thank our supporters who voluntarily have enabled us to do so much in Africa. We love the Body of Christ. We are proud of you, and look for what may be credited to your account (Phil. 4:17). Thank you for taking us to this point, and participating with us in the gospel and in the divine nature we share in Jesus. May you be richly, powerfully and lovingly blessed!
Much, much love, Rolland
CONTACT INFORMATION
U.S. office for mail, support and information:
Iris Ministries, Inc.
PO Box 493995
Redding, CA 96049-3995, USA
1-530-255-2077
info@irismin.org
Voicemail: 1-213-330-0293
Administrative web site: www.irismin.com
Additional information, itineraries, products, online donations
Iris Ministries Canada
3092 Shannon Crescent
Oakville, ON L6L 6B4
CANADA
(905) 847-7749; fax (905) 847-7931
www.irismin.ca
info@irismin.ca
Contact Janis Chevreau, Trustee
Iris Ministries (UK) Ltd
PO Box 351
Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1WQ
UNITED KINGDOM
info@irisministries.co.uk
www.irisministries.co.uk
Iris Ministries, Inc.
Pemba, Mozambique
22 January 2008
Once again Mozambique has been hit by severe flooding. Few countries in our modern world have been hit by disaster so often and devastatingly. Already one of the poorest countries of the world, it struggles without the mechanisms of modern countries that can deal to a great extent with regional weather fluctuations, food shortages and medical emergencies. Its transportation infrastructure barely exists. There is hardly any safety net for the poor. Much of the world suffers from "compassion fatigue," and well-known relief agencies in Mozambique struggle with funding and distribution challenges. Christians hardly know what to do with still more pleas for financial help. We are all tempted to run and hide, and try to find some protection from all the assaults on our peace in this world. Forces of evil seem to get away with so much.
But we are not helpless, and even in our weakness we find strength. We have a source of never-ending goodness and energy. This source is not impersonal and remote, unlikely and sporadic. No, this source is a personal and perfect Savior, the only person who can make sense of our lives in this world. He makes Himself available to all who call upon Him. And to those "who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life" (Rom. 2:7).
Rather than seeing discouragement on all sides, we preach power and total salvation in every circumstance. Every disaster leads us to lean on our Savior all the more, and to depend on Him alone. Our joy is to be able to encourage believers everywhere even while facing the most overwhelming damage done by the enemy. In such situations, we cannot afford to be doubtful and down, depressed and immobile. No, in every circumstance we are called to be "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37). If we look into His eyes, there will always be enough, because He died!
As I write, Heidi is returning to Mozambique after an Asian speaking tour, and with me she is seeking the Lord about our response to the flooding. We have seen the churches of Mozambique explode in number and fervency after previous major floods, and we look forward earnestly to what Jesus will do now. I am in the States, and will be there as soon as possible, accessing flood regions with my plane as Jesus leads.
Meanwhile, our missionaries in Malawi, David and Joanna Morrison, are at work. Their location is not far from central Mozambique where the flooding is worst, and David has already visited this flood zone and written a report, which I would like to quote here at length:
"We went to Mutarara District in the province of Tete and there learned that over 116,000 refugees have fled the flood waters. Thousands are still trapped on higher ground waiting to be rescued by helicopters and boats. All resources are concentrating on this emergency rescue operation. Soldiers are assisting rescue workers as the banks of the Zambezi River continue to overflow and the threat of increased flooding is very real. For some, the idea of floods penetrating so far inland
from the Zambezi River is too obscure. However, the threat is real and in some situations people are removed by force.
"I was amazed at the vast amount of water and its destructive force. From the vantage point of a boat on the Zambezi River, it looks like an endless sea. We traveled with the Mozambique navy in a little rescue boat several kilometers inland from the Zambezi River to one of the areas of evacuation, called the Inyangona region. The reality of the cost of the flooding was evident everywhere: the tops of drowned crops and banana trees, and even the roofs of houses. It was hard to imagine how just a few weeks previously people had walked where we now traveled by boat. And now, village life has been silenced by a sea of water leaving only protruding tree tops and isolated highlands. We finally arrived at an island where desperate people patiently wait for a rescue boat. Helicopters were also flying overhead and assisting in the evacuation of people in more remote areas. There is calm and out of the misery, the people politely greeted us with a smile, gave us the nicest places to sit, and at one refugee camp I was even offered their last bananas -- I just wanted to cry.
"Our Iris Team met with the District Commissioner and was invited to join the weekly debriefing meeting involving all the government officials and NGOs helping with this crisis. Although there is great progress in the rescue operation, the process is time consuming and more boats are needed. Some of the refugee camps are now becoming too large and it may be necessary to establish even more camps. Some of the resettlement areas from last years flooding must now be relocated because they too are being affected by the flooding. Sickness and hunger are two growing concerns and the DC encouraged us all to try to mobilize food into the camps as quickly as possible. We have been appointed to participate in the relief effort and have been given freedom to assist however possible.
"On our journey we visited eight refugee camps all of which are threatened by disease and hunger. Some of the refugees have been in the camps since the beginning of January but none have received food. Many left in haste as their homes collapsed in the path of the rising water. A fortunate few had carried maize left over from last winter's harvest, but most are eating grass seed, water lily bulbs, bugs and mice. Wells are few so most drink the flood water which is resulting in dysentery. Many children have bloated stomachs and eye infections are common. This is malaria season, an added threat for the refugees who sleep without the protection of a mosquito net.
"In each camp we witnessed the arrival of new refugees. Hundreds are arriving everyday. They are quick to make a shelter out of branches and grass to provide a little protection to the family from the next rain. These tiny houses sleep families as large as eight people. We didn't take much with us, but managed to carry enough soap to give one bar to each family at three refugee camps. We also provided about 500 families with a good supply of water purification packets. A bar of soap is such a precious gift in situations such as these!
"Everywhere we went desperate people quickly gathered and listened carefully to every word that came out of our mouths -- they were in search of hope. We gave them hope -- the message of God's love. So as we preached under the shade of a tree in the refugee camps, the precious poor, those who have lost everything, wearing only dirty rags, welcomed Jesus just like they welcomed us. There is good news to report: In the midst of great suffering and loss, Jesus is moving in the hearts of Africans!
"So what are we going to do next? The only accessible road into this region of Mozambique is through Malawi. We are therefore prepared to help in any way possible. Actually we can't help but help! We believe God wants us to care for the refugees located in camps along the road from the border of Malawi.
"Malawi is also affected by the flooding. The swollen Shire River has destroyed crops and hundreds of people have been displaced. People living on Nchalo and Ngabu Islands in the Chikwawa District are evacuating - about two thirds of the islands are under water now. Across the river from Bangula is another area vulnerable to flooding. We are monitoring the situation here carefully and expect that we will need to support 1000 additional families with food from now through June. This is on top of the 1,600 families we already assist each month through our feeding program."
Already David "Mo" is loading up three trucks and leaving early Wednesday morning in a convoy to take seventeen tons of food to the flood area. Many have helped already, almost instantly, and we are pressing forward all the more to what lies ahead. Pray that corrupt Malawi officials at the border will not be able to block passage of the food.
Heidi and I, and all of us at Iris Ministries, want to thank our supporters who voluntarily have enabled us to do so much in Africa. We love the Body of Christ. We are proud of you, and look for what may be credited to your account (Phil. 4:17). Thank you for taking us to this point, and participating with us in the gospel and in the divine nature we share in Jesus. May you be richly, powerfully and lovingly blessed!
Much, much love, Rolland
CONTACT INFORMATION
U.S. office for mail, support and information:
Iris Ministries, Inc.
PO Box 493995
Redding, CA 96049-3995, USA
1-530-255-2077
info@irismin.org
Voicemail: 1-213-330-0293
Administrative web site: www.irismin.com
Additional information, itineraries, products, online donations
Iris Ministries Canada
3092 Shannon Crescent
Oakville, ON L6L 6B4
CANADA
(905) 847-7749; fax (905) 847-7931
www.irismin.ca
info@irismin.ca
Contact Janis Chevreau, Trustee
Iris Ministries (UK) Ltd
PO Box 351
Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1WQ
UNITED KINGDOM
info@irisministries.co.uk
www.irisministries.co.uk
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
More detail on my father...
Surgery is to repair the mitral valve & the tricuspid valve. They will know when they in there if the valves can be repaired or if they need to be replaced. Surgery is 2/20 in Pittsburgh. Dad sounded good & positive about having the surgery done sooner rather than in April. He just wants to get back to his active self again. I plan to go to PA a few days prior to the surgery & then be there as long as needed post-op.
In light of Heath Ledger's death...
We don't know for sure if it was a suicide, but from what little I've read tonight, I can tell he was hurting. Struggling with something. Not sleeping. Perhaps depressed. The meds he was taking could have made the depression worse. Some can have that side affect & people need to be followed closely if taking Ambien, Zoloft etc....in case the depression, sleeplessness worsens.
If you are feeling depressed, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reach out & let someone know. I have found 2 web sites...just his morning actually: To Write Love on Her Arms & You Are Loved...one is reaching out to those dealing with depression, suicidal thoughts & the other is simply sending a message that each of us matters AND IS LOVED. And you can always email me. I've been through drug addiction, ovarian cancer & the recent sudden death of my husband. I can pray. I can "listen". I am a great networker for getting those with a need connected to those who can meet the need. You may or not know me personally. But I know this: there is a Creator-God who does know you. Intimately. And though you may not understand the circumstances of your life right now, or why those things happened to you as a kid, God IS there. Life is a gift...even though painful. There are people who care without desiring to exploit you or your pain or your talent. Truly.
With so much chaos, heartache, death, violence & exploitation in the earth, let's start a revolution of compassion. Caring for one another just because we are human. Made in the image of God. And beautiful. Shalom.
If you are feeling depressed, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reach out & let someone know. I have found 2 web sites...just his morning actually: To Write Love on Her Arms & You Are Loved...one is reaching out to those dealing with depression, suicidal thoughts & the other is simply sending a message that each of us matters AND IS LOVED. And you can always email me. I've been through drug addiction, ovarian cancer & the recent sudden death of my husband. I can pray. I can "listen". I am a great networker for getting those with a need connected to those who can meet the need. You may or not know me personally. But I know this: there is a Creator-God who does know you. Intimately. And though you may not understand the circumstances of your life right now, or why those things happened to you as a kid, God IS there. Life is a gift...even though painful. There are people who care without desiring to exploit you or your pain or your talent. Truly.
With so much chaos, heartache, death, violence & exploitation in the earth, let's start a revolution of compassion. Caring for one another just because we are human. Made in the image of God. And beautiful. Shalom.
Update on Dad
My father is scheduled for heart surgery on 2/20/08 in Pittsburgh. I will be returning to be with him a few days prior to that time. Not sure if it's open heart or arthroscopic.
Tu B'Shvat & William Wilberforce
Say the name of this Jewish holiday out loud & someone may think you have sneezed. God bless you! Though it is little know, it is one of my favorite holidays & would be particularly attractive to all of you eco-friendly folk. Tu B'Shvat is the "Birthday of the Trees" or the celebration of God's incredible creation. I like this day, especially right now, because it is forward thinking. Hopeful. Life-giving. It is a day for eating as many fruits as you can(at least 15! good for detoxing your system. LOL). It is a day for planting trees in honor of your children (cedar for boys & cypress for gils) and the ones who are no longer here with us(or starting seeds in pots if you live in colder climes as we do). Later the branches of your kids' trees may be used to make their wedding canopy (chuppah).
When Jews returned to Israel over 100 years ago, the land was pretty much a swamp. Then people from all over the world began to plant trees in the land via the Jewish National Fund & now there are over 165 million trees in Israel. In just 100 years. You can still plant a tree Eretz Y'srael thru this fund if you like.) This is big change that took time but has very far-reaching long-term effects.
As did the life of William Wilberforce. Yeserday was Martin Luther Kind Day so I watched a movie about a white Englishman from the late 1700s. (Amazing Grace). Why?! The work of Wilberforce & former slave Olaunah Equiano, whose autobiography sold over 50,000 copies, made change that was far-reaching & long term & like the growth of a tree, took MANY years & great perseverance to achieve: Wilberforce, almost singlehandedly, because of his deep & vibrant Christian faith, drove the movement to end all slavery in his day & age. 2007 was the 200th year anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Great Britain. It took many years through incredible obstacles but he & his supporters persisted. One man. One passion. Fueled by the breath of God. Changed the world forever.
And according to the movie, "Amazing Grace" which I highly recommend (pretty kid-friendly too), Wilberforce liked to leave his mansion & sit outside under a tree to talk to (as well as listen to) God. It's where he received much of his inspiration & rehearsed the speeches he would give before the movers & shakers of his day.
FYI: the song "Amazing Grace" is the most well-known song in the world & was written by John Newton, a slave-ship operator for 20 years, who had an encounter with God that changed his life & his politics. "Amazing Grace" was an attempt to express his sorrow & repentance of supporting the slavery of other humans beings. Newton was an inspiration & mentor for William Wilberforce.
Which brings me back to trees. A little story. An old man is planting a tree when a young boy comes along: The boy says, Why waste your time planting a tree? You won't ever get to eat it's fruit. It takes too long to grow. Plant something else like a tomato or flower that you can enjoy this year. The older man said: Well, that is a nice idea & that would be a blessing to us. But I'm planting this tree for my children & my grandchildren & my great grandchildren & all those who will come by this way in the future. I'm not thinking of myself; I'm thinking of them.
Am I thinking of those who will come after me? What kind of "seeds" am I planting? What long term effects will those seeds have? Will my legacy bring good fruit? Shade? Rest? Inspiration? Or will it wither & be gone when my season is over? I think of my husband Bobby who has left many good seeds & much good fruit behind him. A legacy of laughter, creativity, music & deep love.
Some thoughts as the sun rises here in the Northeast USA. Shalom.
Check out the work of the National Underground Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH, Invisible Children, IRIS Ministries in Israel & Mozambique.
Go set someone free & then plant a tree in their honor!
When Jews returned to Israel over 100 years ago, the land was pretty much a swamp. Then people from all over the world began to plant trees in the land via the Jewish National Fund & now there are over 165 million trees in Israel. In just 100 years. You can still plant a tree Eretz Y'srael thru this fund if you like.) This is big change that took time but has very far-reaching long-term effects.
As did the life of William Wilberforce. Yeserday was Martin Luther Kind Day so I watched a movie about a white Englishman from the late 1700s. (Amazing Grace). Why?! The work of Wilberforce & former slave Olaunah Equiano, whose autobiography sold over 50,000 copies, made change that was far-reaching & long term & like the growth of a tree, took MANY years & great perseverance to achieve: Wilberforce, almost singlehandedly, because of his deep & vibrant Christian faith, drove the movement to end all slavery in his day & age. 2007 was the 200th year anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Great Britain. It took many years through incredible obstacles but he & his supporters persisted. One man. One passion. Fueled by the breath of God. Changed the world forever.
And according to the movie, "Amazing Grace" which I highly recommend (pretty kid-friendly too), Wilberforce liked to leave his mansion & sit outside under a tree to talk to (as well as listen to) God. It's where he received much of his inspiration & rehearsed the speeches he would give before the movers & shakers of his day.
FYI: the song "Amazing Grace" is the most well-known song in the world & was written by John Newton, a slave-ship operator for 20 years, who had an encounter with God that changed his life & his politics. "Amazing Grace" was an attempt to express his sorrow & repentance of supporting the slavery of other humans beings. Newton was an inspiration & mentor for William Wilberforce.
Which brings me back to trees. A little story. An old man is planting a tree when a young boy comes along: The boy says, Why waste your time planting a tree? You won't ever get to eat it's fruit. It takes too long to grow. Plant something else like a tomato or flower that you can enjoy this year. The older man said: Well, that is a nice idea & that would be a blessing to us. But I'm planting this tree for my children & my grandchildren & my great grandchildren & all those who will come by this way in the future. I'm not thinking of myself; I'm thinking of them.
Am I thinking of those who will come after me? What kind of "seeds" am I planting? What long term effects will those seeds have? Will my legacy bring good fruit? Shade? Rest? Inspiration? Or will it wither & be gone when my season is over? I think of my husband Bobby who has left many good seeds & much good fruit behind him. A legacy of laughter, creativity, music & deep love.
Some thoughts as the sun rises here in the Northeast USA. Shalom.
Check out the work of the National Underground Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH, Invisible Children, IRIS Ministries in Israel & Mozambique.
Go set someone free & then plant a tree in their honor!
Monday, January 21, 2008
URGENT prayer for my Dad 1/21/08
I learned to day that he has Stage 4 leakage from his heart valves. He is seeing the docs in Pittsburgh today (January 21). My sister is with him. The meeting is to determine how soon & what type of heart surgery needs to be done. In light of everything happening in our family, we would like a miracle of healing. Not another sad event.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Michael needs....
prayer. He is in deep places of grief & missing Bobby these days. I won't go into detail here because it is his journey & I want to respect his privacy. But please cover him with Abba's love. We begin "The Garden" sessions later today. I pray that God meets us all there.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Death of 2 relationships
Shabbat shalom from home. I was thinking about how with the passing of my husband that another death has occurred: the death of my relationship with God. Are you freaking out? Don't. It is the end of the relationship I had with God before Bobby died. I wouldn't say that I ever had a "Pollyanna" relationship with God expecting to be tiptoeing through the tulips in BLISS all my days, though since I went from a drug-addicted atheist to a very intensely personal & real relationship with my Creator, I had certain expectations of Him. My life has not been easy...not at all. I didn't expect it to be. I've always said that being a believer is the toughest job you'll ever love (like the Marines Holly :). But in my child-like heart, I never imagined anything as painful as losing Bobby being allowed by my Abba. And here it it. Here we are, another bittersweet Shabbes, without his beautiful physical mocha presence. His work-weary smile, harmonizing with me & the kids to sing the blessings & do a "group-hug" & lay his big warm hands on his children's heads (as well as the neighbors' kids if they were there that night & whoever else was joining us for dinner.) Then we usually dug into some wonderful delicacy that he made :)
All of this has brought the death to my relationship with Yeshua, as it was, because of this completely unexpected, unanticipated event in our lives. Why? So many whys? I hold God at arm's length these days yet my spirit clings to His. But He can handle it. He will woo me again. He came to me when I was in a hungover drunken stupor many years, heart hardened, callous & unbelieving & there, in that place, He melted me. I wait for Him to do it again...for the new. For myself. For my children. For tikkun olam. For eternity. With great love.....M.
All of this has brought the death to my relationship with Yeshua, as it was, because of this completely unexpected, unanticipated event in our lives. Why? So many whys? I hold God at arm's length these days yet my spirit clings to His. But He can handle it. He will woo me again. He came to me when I was in a hungover drunken stupor many years, heart hardened, callous & unbelieving & there, in that place, He melted me. I wait for Him to do it again...for the new. For myself. For my children. For tikkun olam. For eternity. With great love.....M.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Garden Center for grieving children...
The kids & I have joined a support group, which will begin this sunday, called "The Garden." It is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that focuses on the grieving process for children & teens. We'll be going every other sunday until the end of May. The center uses creative ways to help kids (and their parents) journey through their grieving process. We had our intake interview this morning with the facilitator, Shelly Bathe Lenn. I felt hopeful about the experience. It is helpful to sit with those who are experiencing the same kind of loss. Words aren't adequate & aren't always necessary. The groups are closed in order to foster relationships, a safe place to be & confidentiality & the program runs for 15 sessions sept - may. We "just happened" to connect with them at the time they are letting new families join :) a HUGE THANK YOU to Todd Crossett (Isenberg School of Business Management at UMASS & Key Players project leader) for telling me about this group last week.
The participating families pay what they can, IF they can & no one is turned away because of inability to pay. If you would like to make a donation on behalf of our family, contact Shelly Bathe Lenn at 413 584 7086 ext 124 The operating cost for the program is about $150 per child. Both Michael & Hadassah will participate in groups with their peers. With a grateful heart, Mimi
The participating families pay what they can, IF they can & no one is turned away because of inability to pay. If you would like to make a donation on behalf of our family, contact Shelly Bathe Lenn at 413 584 7086 ext 124 The operating cost for the program is about $150 per child. Both Michael & Hadassah will participate in groups with their peers. With a grateful heart, Mimi
Thursday, January 10, 2008
How Bobby & I met.....
I'm sitting here tonight, wearing a pair of Bobby's jeans that are not as baggy on me as I would hope...feeling a myriad of feelings. Our 12th wedding anniversary would have been this sunday. I have felt the intensity of this time even before being conciously aware of the date, the time, the season.
I first want to say that my wedding was the BEST wedding I've ever attended. I hope all brides can say that :) I had more fun & felt more love, joy & presence of God than at any other gathering of that kind in my life (though the day we celebrated Bobby's life last summer was, amazingly, a close second.) The food seemed supernatural, we danced, we partied, we sang to one another & jammed with our family & best friends...in a blizzard in a country club in Greenville, PA. The maitre'd was healed of some physical ailment during the ceremony (which was also in the country club) & came to us with tears during dinner to tell us so.
Tonight I'm thinking of the way we met: It was 1989 & we both worked for Prime Computer in Natick, MA. I worked in HR; Bobby was in CAD/CAM. We were in completely different buildings. I was very new in my relationship with Yeshua & I was friends with a great bass player named Tom Doran who also worked at Prime. I shared my experiences with God with Tom pretty freely to say the least! One day Tom said to me: Mimi, you've GOT to meet this guy over in Building 10. He's a musician and a "Jesus-Freak" just like you!
So Bobby called my extension (or I called his I can't remember...) & we met for lunch at a little restaurant called "The Villa." Bobby was married at the time so there was nothing romantic in our meeting BUT GOD had Bobby "read my mail" that day. (Many people I know had similar experiences with him). The things he said to me that day opened up a part of my heart that had been very damaged by my own bad choices & what others had done to me. Because of my past,I believed, TRULY, that I did not deserve to have a husband & children. But the day I met Bobby, who knew nothing about me, he spoke into that part of my life & God took over doing the rest.
We became friends & stayed in touch until he & his ex-wife moved to Texas. I didn't have contact with him again until May of 1994 after he had been through a divorce he did not want. BUT GOD had other plans for him...for me...which neither of us could have guessed.
He returned to CT & while there he tracked me down through one of my best friends. I was in Ohio. We talked over the phone for 6 MONTHS! and during that time, God built our friendship into a romance which led to Bobby coming to Ohio..December 1994 & asking me to marry him.
No marriage is perfect; ours certainly wasn't. But we worked hard at it & loved each other intensely, fought passionately & felt deeply about the things that mattered most to both of us: God, our children & extended family, friends, music, living with integrity, kindness & generosity. Bobby was one of the gentlest most generous men I've ever known. Sometimes I think this world was not a kind enough place to be able to keep him here...I hope this blesses someone today....with tears & great love, Mimi
I first want to say that my wedding was the BEST wedding I've ever attended. I hope all brides can say that :) I had more fun & felt more love, joy & presence of God than at any other gathering of that kind in my life (though the day we celebrated Bobby's life last summer was, amazingly, a close second.) The food seemed supernatural, we danced, we partied, we sang to one another & jammed with our family & best friends...in a blizzard in a country club in Greenville, PA. The maitre'd was healed of some physical ailment during the ceremony (which was also in the country club) & came to us with tears during dinner to tell us so.
Tonight I'm thinking of the way we met: It was 1989 & we both worked for Prime Computer in Natick, MA. I worked in HR; Bobby was in CAD/CAM. We were in completely different buildings. I was very new in my relationship with Yeshua & I was friends with a great bass player named Tom Doran who also worked at Prime. I shared my experiences with God with Tom pretty freely to say the least! One day Tom said to me: Mimi, you've GOT to meet this guy over in Building 10. He's a musician and a "Jesus-Freak" just like you!
So Bobby called my extension (or I called his I can't remember...) & we met for lunch at a little restaurant called "The Villa." Bobby was married at the time so there was nothing romantic in our meeting BUT GOD had Bobby "read my mail" that day. (Many people I know had similar experiences with him). The things he said to me that day opened up a part of my heart that had been very damaged by my own bad choices & what others had done to me. Because of my past,I believed, TRULY, that I did not deserve to have a husband & children. But the day I met Bobby, who knew nothing about me, he spoke into that part of my life & God took over doing the rest.
We became friends & stayed in touch until he & his ex-wife moved to Texas. I didn't have contact with him again until May of 1994 after he had been through a divorce he did not want. BUT GOD had other plans for him...for me...which neither of us could have guessed.
He returned to CT & while there he tracked me down through one of my best friends. I was in Ohio. We talked over the phone for 6 MONTHS! and during that time, God built our friendship into a romance which led to Bobby coming to Ohio..December 1994 & asking me to marry him.
No marriage is perfect; ours certainly wasn't. But we worked hard at it & loved each other intensely, fought passionately & felt deeply about the things that mattered most to both of us: God, our children & extended family, friends, music, living with integrity, kindness & generosity. Bobby was one of the gentlest most generous men I've ever known. Sometimes I think this world was not a kind enough place to be able to keep him here...I hope this blesses someone today....with tears & great love, Mimi
Monday, January 7, 2008
Message for 2008
When I was singing on New Years Eve in Columbia, SC with MOWpeeps: "Prepare... for what I'm about to unleash on the earth...", I saw an enormous banquet table. It was completely bare except for a perfectly white tablecloth covering it. It means a couple of things to me: the slate is not only wiped clean but it completely new, virginal, untouched . What God is about lay on the table is brand new, not yet seen, yet something completely delicious and worth every moment of waiting , suffering and persevering. (I have this thought over and over about the coming year: make no assumptions based on what we think we know or past experience but STAY OPEN.) It is untouched by human hands. HE alone will set this table before us, in the presence of our enemies no less! We can feast and revel in it. There is room for EVERYONE at this table and lastly: the table doesn't just represent what God is doing in the earth, but it also represents the human heart made new IN HIM and HE feasts there with us. Yum yum. It is a glorious thing and we are GLAAAAAAAAAAD !!!!!!!! Eph. 3:20 glory to Him because He is able to do such things. He is mighty and awesome ...wow. Love to you all from us
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