Starting Early=Tons of blessings

After a slow start, our home began to hum with people enjoying the Friday night feast for our Life Group.  Typical, we enjoyed each other and laughed way into the night. I was eager to get to bed as I had my first lock-in chaperon since Word Of Life events in Africa.  3:30 came really early.  We had the second shift of adults.

I was thankful to see the kids playing safely and listening to the lives of the other adult workers.  However, at the end when parents are picking up their zombie like youth, I was able to share about my Savior to a parent!  I love it when you can tell that many things fell into place for that conversation to happen.  May God continue to work in her heart and bring joy and freedom that only Jesus can do.

AT THE TOP!

After a few hours of very interrupted nap-time, James and I headed out for our mountain.  We didn't know who would join us.  But, with the 43 degree weather with clear skies and no wind, it was going to be dreamy.  Yes, it is a mountain, but with the 20 other people we met on the hike (only 2 people we came across that one person in our group didn't know)-I LOVE SMALL TOWNS. Second, it should of been an advertising campaign for Kahtoolas.  Only two people (including kids) were not wearing them.

The hike was so perfect, I was in my T-SHIRT and sunglasses.  Great friends made the hike even better.  I love enjoying the outdoors with others.  (even Annie ran up as far and as fast as she could in 20 minutes) She got a late start.

Another God appointment happened near the top.  We ran into  Bill Pagaran from Carry the Cure.  He asked James if there was anyone in Lazy Mt. Bible Church who would go on the mission journey for the epic journey to "Carry the Cure" of hope to the villages.  The person needs to love the Lord, prayer, and willing to help the set up/take down for the intense schedule.  They do a suicide prevention program in the local school, then in the evening present a concert and testimony by Bill (a native) to the village which brings the Good News!  I was raising my hand!  Pick me!!

So, if you could, please pray with us as I seek His Face to see if this is what the Lord wants me to partner with during the Iditarod to reach the villages with His Good News. 

Thanks for praying.  I guess starting your day at 3:30 am make it a long day full of BLESSINGS! 

Good Probing Questions for spiritual reflection.

One of the thought provoking chapels that I heard during my time as a graduate student at Moody Graduate School, I took notes.  My Bible is too worn and the cover fell off, so I decided to put in on the web so that I will always have it. (unless the web dies).  I have no idea who spoke to give acknowledgment to.

I would take these questions and ask myself periodically to do a litmus test on my heart.

1.  Am I content in the who I am becoming?  Every day we get closer to who we are going to be.  Is my lie a standstill or is it progressing?  What is my personal vision statement apart from achievement?
2.  Do I have a quiet center to my life?
Like when jesus commended Mary when Martha was busy doing good stuff. Do I allow God to speak to me in the stillness of life?
3.  Can I point to current areas that God is transforming in my life?  Am I at a standstill since conversion or do I see God changing areas in my life today.  If I continue to stall it just leads to spiritual death.
4.  Am I maintaining freshness in my walk with God?  Water that flows is fresh.  Am I more like a lagoon or a river?  I must keep what I am receiving and letting it flow out to others.
5.  Am I functioning in my unique ministry?  What is my passion?  Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to invigorate and empower my ministry?
6.  Am I growing in my awe as a worshipper of God?  Is worship just a ritual or does God give you goose bumps?  When God is glorified I am most satisfied by John Piper.
7.  Is my spiritual diet a healthy one for me?  Am I getting what I need in my spiritual diet?
8.  Am I more genuineness in my love for others?  Do not see people as problems people but in an opportunity to show them God's love.
9.  What influence effect I have to  others?  Neutral/negative/salt or change agent.  Does my life challenge people?
10.  Do I have joy?  The kingdom of God has three characteristics:  righteousness, peace, and Joy.  Is it there?

Co-op Anyone?

For those interested in having a group activity for your homeschool, here at Lazy Mt. Bible Church we have a teacher/parent share classes.  CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 10,  2014

In January we are offering a few options for your family.

9:00-10:00:  Tapestry of Grace history review Co-Op for 1-5 graders with plenty of hands on activities to make learning come alive.  *must be using Tapestry of Grace (free) or pay for a small co-op fee.  We are currently on TOG year 4, unit 2 week

9:00-10:00 Tapestry of Grace history review Co-Op for 6-12 graders a more interactive discussion to bridge learning from reading to practical application via a Christian Worldview.  *must be using Tapestry of Grace (free)

10:00-11:00 Logic class for Middle school to High school.   You must purchase "The Fallacy Detective".  

10:00-11:00 Land Animals Apologia.  Elementary class with labs and projects.  They rotate the teachers, not a drop off class.  The workbook is highly recommended.

11:00-12:00  Art Classes using Atelier Art.  Must be willing to help clean up after the class. But most of the instruction is a dvd.  

Level 3 (for younger kids)  

Level 6 (for older kids)

In March, we will be adding a drama class after a short lunch.  They will learn how to project, enunciate, etc. The class will preform a short play for their final.  

Call Ella if you have any questions 907-707-3505

Complaining or Rejoicing

Okay, as I have mentioned before, I love having a plan.  It was getting to the end of the year, and I finished my daily reading plan.  I don't know where I skipped a week, but I couldn't find anything I hadn't read.  So, the past week or so, I have been rereading sections, but I wanted to do something to prepare my heart for Christmas.


One day, I was struck by the hunger and the waiting that we need to have for the second coming as much as the old testament saints had for the first coming of Jesus. 

However, today I found The Songs Of Christmas Reading Plan through YouVersion.  I skipped ahead because it is a 15 day plan, and it is like three days until Christmas.  I loved it.  It had scripture and a short devotional.  It started out how reluctant kids are when assigning chores (I could easily and quickly relate).  Then, it dove into how as adults we don't change.  When getting a new assignment, we don't rejoice, but often bicker or complain.  How different it was for Mary.  She rejoiced in the honor of being chosen and humbly acknowledge her Lord God.  WOW!  

Today, I want to accept the things God has given me that might be hard or that I am not ready for but instead of complaining.  I will rejoice in my Savior!

The song that spurred was "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant.  I quickly youtubed it and enjoyed the song.  

Production Weekend

We made it! As I look back over the past week, I can see so many answered prayers.  It was a definite exciting week seeing God work through many details to put the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" together.  During a huge crowd on opening night, I was able to pray with some of my lead actors because of nerves taking over.  God calmed them down.  No one RUSHED or MUSHED or MUMBLED there words.  Even a dear old friend (who is hard of hearing), heard the play.

Thank you for praying.  If you were to look back into the sound/light area, you would of seen me JUMPING UP AND DOWN.  They nailed there lines, timing, and energy.  I knew they had it in them, but most rehersal were at about 50% level.  I guess they saved all of that enthusiam to opening night.  They all did wonderful.

We only have two more shows, and it is already a bit sad to see this outreach come to an end.  I loved having my family involved. I loved seeing so many talented and gifted people in our church join together to make it a huge success.  Thankfully, many new faces entered our doors and got to see how Jesus changes things!

The next morning began with another full day of productions.  We went to Anchorage for Sonja's Studio of Dance winter show.  Hannah and Bronwyn took Musical Theater by our very on talented Anna O'Laughlin.  Hannah also danced in a high energy ballet.  I have added a video for the grandparents.  In the spring show, the musical theater class will have microphones as it is "Singing & Dancing".  I can't wait to hear them loud and clear.

We ended the weekend with a marvelous sermon on waiting on the Lord and in His timing.  Thank you for the reminded that we Pray and Wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ Return!

Merry Christmas Everyone. Now, I need to take care of sicky husband.

Beyond Blessed

As I have written in the past, the day I heard James Embree preach on Easter, was the day of our first date. No, we didn't plan it that way. But, as the day enveloped, it was our first date.

On Sunday, I got to hear my favorite preacher.  You might like famous ones,  or dead ones like Luther, but I know this man.  He lives what he believes.  When he speaks, it is trustworthy.  I don't know if they will get the audio uploaded on the website.  But if you would like to read James' sermon on Ruth.  The Faith of a Foreign Woman.

Yes, he did tell a few jokes.  But that is acceptable.  In Africa, almost everyone of his jokes went flat.  I laughed, but no one else.  Yesterday, people got them.

However, the lessons of complete surrender to the Lord-forsaking everything like Ruth, standing with Integrity like Boaz, and renewed hope/life in Naomi makes this a hallmark channel redemption story.

Thankful for a godly husband that is what he preaches.

Answer to prayers..Again

This is my first play to direct, unless you count the backyard plays in Suburban Country Estates off of Whirlpool Drive in Wasilla.  So, this is a combined effort using the talents and gifts of other directors to add value and direction to this play.  Thankfully Lori Zulliger and my previous director Wendy Golter joined in the pool of giving some helpful advice by watching a rehearsal.  Lori even helped out with auditions.  Yesterday, I was able to ask Larry Bottjen who "happened to sit in front of me at church" to come and watch a rehearsal.  He is the one who directed the Wizard of Oz with many children to come to watch a rehearsal.  He said YES!  I am a giddy school girl.  Thank you Lord for being good to me.  

I am a huge fan of the Valley Performing Arts but wanted something on this side of the valley for actors/actresses to have something to work together for.  The Lord placed on my heart to create a quality community play with a good message.  

After perusing many scripts, the elders of our church agreed that this play based on the book by Barbara Robinson was it.  Thankfully, we have talented carpenters, set designers, choir director, seamstress, audio/visual staff to make this a whole church effort.  With the 45 person cast, this may be the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever".

After much hard work by Ken Allen, the play with the added angel choir WORKED.  It was amazing.  Not perfect, but it sounded good and the timing was getting ironed out.  I am thrilled with the opportunity to see God work through these amazing people from Lazy Mountain Bible Church.