January 7, 2009

Surprise! Another post from me in the same week! I told you I was going to be better about correspondence this year! So far, so good, huh?

This week is already busy with conversations and visits with people. I have the same excitement that I felt when I first moved to NYC almost 2 years ago. I'm so blessed to be here representing Jesus and being allowed to build relationships with so many different types of people. This city is so special and kind of hard to describe. So many people, personalities, cultures, ethnic backgrounds, religions, circumstances... Life here can be hard, both physically and emotionally. You treasure every blessing and try to overcome every challenge. My prayer is to learn from every experience and relationship. And to find a way to share God every time He offers an opportunity.

My 'word' from God for 2009 is JOY. I will strive to find Joy in every situation and experience. I feel God will really challenge me this year. And through the good, the bad and the ugly, I will look for and share the Joy that can only come from Him and that He can make a part of everything.

As for my health, I'm working very hard on living a 'liver healthy' life. I'm feeling better, but still sometimes 'hit a wall' some days and need to take time for healing rest. I still have discomfort in my side most days and am just learning to function in spite of it. One thing I love about living here in the city is that healthy, organic food is available. I'm learning lots about nutrition and trying new things and new foods and recipes. I have a Magic Bullet (personal blender) that I use for juice, smoothies, guacamole (my favorite) and other things. I'm loving it. It's personal sized and it's very easy to wash up in my tiny sink. Just right for me! I still have lots to learn about what my body needs to get and remain healthy. It's a lot of work and takes a lot of time, but I have a renewed desire to take care of this gift from God and to make it what it should be. Please keep me in your prayers for this daily, on-going process. And share any tips and recipes you might have!

I'm excited to talk with my regular doctor (Dr Bioh) tomorrow about my latest blood tests and my new lifestyle.

My new healthy lifestyle includes time management. I have always neglected personal time to take care of myself (physically, emotionally, spiritually) like I should. I make sure that I include time for Bible study, spiritual growth reading, communication with loved ones, etc.every day. Since I love to explore the city, I can combine exercise and 'me time' together when the weather is good. I'm enjoying a women's Bible study with some gals from Parable and I'm reading some really good books on how to deepen my walk with God.

I want to be an effective tool for God to use and that means being healthy and strong and ready for whatever He brings my way. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Speaking of support (the financial kind), God has provided for me in some miraculous ways. Between the missionary funds from my home church FBCR and the personal support that individuals send for me, I still have a sizable deficit each month. (I stopped getting a salary from the411 in early 2008) God has used different people and different circumstances each month to make ends meet. With meeting the $3000 deductible on my medical insurance, and paying self-employment taxes on my support, I have some moments of just squeaking by. This has been a wonderful bonding opportunity with those living here in NYC. Money is so tight for everyone. A lot of people I meet don't have permanent fulltime jobs. It's a scary way to live, but it makes the faith I have in God to provide for me through His people that much more noticeable to those I talk with. I've even had people tell me that they know that I understand their situation, and that they want to know where my hope and faith comes from. What an opening to share Jesus! Anyway, I can't put into words how much I appreciate all the money that many of you have sacrificed to help me here with this ministry in New York City. I pray that God blesses your lives in abundant ways. Thank you for sharing on my behalf.

I will be sharing more stories (and hopefully more pictures) about life and ministry here. I want to you get to know the people who are making such impressions on my life. I want you to love them and pray for them, too.

Please keep the cards, pictures and emails coming. I love hearing from you!

Have a blessed day.