January is marching on and God is filling my life with blessings every day!
First, I have to share my test results from my Dr appointment last week. I still have a ways to go, but, God is answering prayers in what has changed so far. Thank you for praying!! I've been watching my cholesterol for a long time. Now that my liver is cranky, I've really changed to a specific nutrition and natural focus. In just 2 months (between mid-Oct and mid-Dec blood tests) my overall cholesterol has dropped 41 points (yes I said 41) to a normal level! What a miracle! My outrageous triglycerides have dropped almost in half and working their way to normal. My good cholesterol is almost normal, my off the charts bad cholesterol dropped to normal. One of the two liver enzyme tests is normal now and the other is very close to normal. Can you believe it! All this great change in just 2 months!! I think I should be on a Quaker Oats commercial! Yes, I eat oats for breakfast every morning (with orange juice and a handful of raw nuts). Only God could take what I'm trying to do with my health and make such huge improvements. Thank you all soooo much for praying for me!! And keep sending me recipes and tips for healthy, organic eating.
God has blessed my time each day by bringing people into my life; some I've just met, some I haven't spoken with for a while. So many relationships to invest time in. It's been awesome.
I've met a new friend, Brenna, who just moved here last week to study art for a semester. It will be fun to explore NYC together and introduce her to the people at Parable. She will really fit in with that group well.
There is a wonderful family named the Allums, who were visiting NYC while their oldest son was having some tests done at Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital. Parable was introduced to them through the father of one of our members. We put together a nice welcome bag full of goodies to be in their hotel room when they arrived. A home cooked meal was delivered to them at their hotel Sunday evening. Today I was blessed to spend the day with them at the hospital, to play with the siblings while James Christopher went through his bone marrow biopsy. I learned even more how challenged I am at video games while playing with John Thomas. I got to spend time chatting with Mom and Dad at lunch. I was very happy to play 'Sorry' with Caroline (and a little 6 year old girl hooked up to a chemo IV) while Mom and Dad talked to the doctor. Then they invited me to join the family for a traditional trip to Dylan's Candy Store and then dinner (and famous frozen hot chocolate) at Serendipity. It was a really good day. I will be staying in touch with the family and Parable will continue to minister to them as they come to NYC for further testing and the much prayed for transplant surgery. The pediatric ward at that hospital is awesome. I was given information about applying to volunteer in the family waiting room, and some of us from Parable will be checking into that opportunity. Also, Parable is promoting getting tested to become bone marrow donors (the test is very easy). I'll share more later about James Christopher, and how God is using his illness and the story of the family to save lives and save souls.
I'm really enjoying being a New Yorker lately. Even in the cold and sometimes wet and freezing weather. Living and working here is not easy, but it's so amazing. God is so big. His love is so deep. His harvest is huge.
Thank you for prayers, love and support of all kinds. I'm going to be working on more visual communication in the near future. I want you to see and feel what I do in this ministry. We're all a part of it together.
Blessings!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
January 4, 2009
It's January already! I was not able to get computer access to update my blog for awhile, so I'll catch up on things now.
The Living Nativity went really well. It was so cooooold! Big sloppy wet snowflakes fell and the temp was low. It was uncomfortable, but very beautiful! The hot chocolate was a big hit, as was the Christmas caroling. Tom and Judy from North Carolina were in for the week and they helped all evening by making and giving out the hot chocolate and talking with people who stopped by. Barika and Jane from Parable stopped by to help awhile, too. Some Firemen stopped in and then got called away on a run. They came back after the run for more hot chocolate and conversation. It was fun to hang out with them. Lots of people stopped to find out who we were and why we were doing this. It's such a great way to share the free gift of Jesus with people at this special time. We were frozen and cold, but even got to make a mini snowman with a little girl who visited. Due to only having some twigs for decoration, it looked more like a snow alien, but we liked it anyway! God warmed our hearts and blessed many that night.
We had some up and down weather that last week before Christmas. Plans B and C and D and... were put into place for the volunteer teams, but everyone had a good time reaching out to the people of New York. Besides free giftwrapping on the streets, volunteers also helped serve meals at a couple of soup kitchens, helped with a party at Woodstock Sr Center, helped clean up the space, visited with some special 'homebound' people, prayer walked, visited Police and Fire Stations, and just shared some love with New Yorkers on the streets.
The last few weeks of December were very busy. Having the teams here was a blessing to me, as they always encourage me and refill my heart. Scott Rourk came up from GA to pick up all the 411 stuff (furniture, computers, supplies, materials, just about everything) and take it all back to liquidate. There was also a show going on through Dec 20th in the space, so we had to have everything cleaned up and set up for the show each night. Crazy! Parable did get to share some things with the church upstairs from the space. Pastor Ed said they were just praying about finding some of the things we were offering. He shared how God was working through Parable to bless their ministry, too. (I'm planning on helping their church start a mission program in the next few months.)
As of Dec 31, Parable Church is no longer burdened with the responsibility of the space. It is a very refreshing and uplifting feeling. We're thankful for all the opportunities for outreach that the space provided. And we will continue with the relationships that were established through that outreach. Now we are spending more time meeting with people all over the place. It's so fun (and sometimes tiring!) and a breath of fresh air for us in the ministry. I'm thankful to be able to spend the rest of my time here just concentrating on people. How exciting!!
Pastor Mike got the chance to spend 10 days in Egypt with 2 close friends. After all he has went through in 2008 it was a very welcome retreat for him. People who were out of the city for the holidays are returning and it will be good to have everyone back together soon.
God is providing opportunities for me to meet and share with people in unexpected ways. I'm enjoying that. It will be a busy and rewarding time in the next few months.
I really was blessed by all the cards and letters sent to me for Christmas. I especially love the pictures that everyone sent. Thank you!!! I received some 'Christmas cash' and spent a little on a video camera (love those Christmas sales!) and am saving the rest of the cash for groceries (my second love). Thank you for those blessings, too! Now I can send video back to my home church. (Just got to figure out how it works! ha)
My computer died and I relied deeply on the blessing of the BlackBerry phone (a MS church provided for me) to keep up with emails. I was so thankful for that! A wonderful group of people from a NC church sent me a refurbished laptop, so I can now get on the internet like normal people again. I am so thankful for these special gifts. Join me in saying a prayer of thanksgiving...
For those of you wondering... NO I did NOT go to Times Square on New Year's Eve. Are you crazy??? Standing around for HOURS with no food or drink or bathrooms in the single digit temps with below zero windchill? Not for me! I was cozy at home having a chat with my Lord. :)
I pray that everyone had a wonderful time of celebrating Jesus' birthday. New Years is a good time for reflection and expectation. God is working in my life and He has so many plans and blessings and challenges in store for me. Please join me in praying for clear direction and discernment of His plans.
I'll try to get more pics of NYC in winter and post them here on the blog. I just need to get the right software put on this computer and get organized. I promise to be better at correspondence in 2009!!
Blessings to you all!!
The Living Nativity went really well. It was so cooooold! Big sloppy wet snowflakes fell and the temp was low. It was uncomfortable, but very beautiful! The hot chocolate was a big hit, as was the Christmas caroling. Tom and Judy from North Carolina were in for the week and they helped all evening by making and giving out the hot chocolate and talking with people who stopped by. Barika and Jane from Parable stopped by to help awhile, too. Some Firemen stopped in and then got called away on a run. They came back after the run for more hot chocolate and conversation. It was fun to hang out with them. Lots of people stopped to find out who we were and why we were doing this. It's such a great way to share the free gift of Jesus with people at this special time. We were frozen and cold, but even got to make a mini snowman with a little girl who visited. Due to only having some twigs for decoration, it looked more like a snow alien, but we liked it anyway! God warmed our hearts and blessed many that night.
We had some up and down weather that last week before Christmas. Plans B and C and D and... were put into place for the volunteer teams, but everyone had a good time reaching out to the people of New York. Besides free giftwrapping on the streets, volunteers also helped serve meals at a couple of soup kitchens, helped with a party at Woodstock Sr Center, helped clean up the space, visited with some special 'homebound' people, prayer walked, visited Police and Fire Stations, and just shared some love with New Yorkers on the streets.
The last few weeks of December were very busy. Having the teams here was a blessing to me, as they always encourage me and refill my heart. Scott Rourk came up from GA to pick up all the 411 stuff (furniture, computers, supplies, materials, just about everything) and take it all back to liquidate. There was also a show going on through Dec 20th in the space, so we had to have everything cleaned up and set up for the show each night. Crazy! Parable did get to share some things with the church upstairs from the space. Pastor Ed said they were just praying about finding some of the things we were offering. He shared how God was working through Parable to bless their ministry, too. (I'm planning on helping their church start a mission program in the next few months.)
As of Dec 31, Parable Church is no longer burdened with the responsibility of the space. It is a very refreshing and uplifting feeling. We're thankful for all the opportunities for outreach that the space provided. And we will continue with the relationships that were established through that outreach. Now we are spending more time meeting with people all over the place. It's so fun (and sometimes tiring!) and a breath of fresh air for us in the ministry. I'm thankful to be able to spend the rest of my time here just concentrating on people. How exciting!!
Pastor Mike got the chance to spend 10 days in Egypt with 2 close friends. After all he has went through in 2008 it was a very welcome retreat for him. People who were out of the city for the holidays are returning and it will be good to have everyone back together soon.
God is providing opportunities for me to meet and share with people in unexpected ways. I'm enjoying that. It will be a busy and rewarding time in the next few months.
I really was blessed by all the cards and letters sent to me for Christmas. I especially love the pictures that everyone sent. Thank you!!! I received some 'Christmas cash' and spent a little on a video camera (love those Christmas sales!) and am saving the rest of the cash for groceries (my second love). Thank you for those blessings, too! Now I can send video back to my home church. (Just got to figure out how it works! ha)
My computer died and I relied deeply on the blessing of the BlackBerry phone (a MS church provided for me) to keep up with emails. I was so thankful for that! A wonderful group of people from a NC church sent me a refurbished laptop, so I can now get on the internet like normal people again. I am so thankful for these special gifts. Join me in saying a prayer of thanksgiving...
For those of you wondering... NO I did NOT go to Times Square on New Year's Eve. Are you crazy??? Standing around for HOURS with no food or drink or bathrooms in the single digit temps with below zero windchill? Not for me! I was cozy at home having a chat with my Lord. :)
I pray that everyone had a wonderful time of celebrating Jesus' birthday. New Years is a good time for reflection and expectation. God is working in my life and He has so many plans and blessings and challenges in store for me. Please join me in praying for clear direction and discernment of His plans.
I'll try to get more pics of NYC in winter and post them here on the blog. I just need to get the right software put on this computer and get organized. I promise to be better at correspondence in 2009!!
Blessings to you all!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
December 16, 2008
It's the day of the Living Nativity on the street. We (Parable) help a few other churches and a Christian dance company with a simple 'live' portrayal of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable for Jesus' birth. People carol and we help hand out hot chocolate to by-passers. Last year it was really cold and windy, but we persevered. Today, we have rain/sleet to deal with. As the day progresses, we are praying for clearing weather or just plain snow flurries. It's a fun way to be involved in sharing Jesus in the street at Christmas time. So opposite of the glitz and glitter of Rockefeller Center and Macy's and Saks' windows, but just as beautiful in its simplicity and honest message. May many people be touched and encouraged to seek Jesus this season.
We have 2 teams in this week to do some gift wrapping on the street and to also serve at a few soup kitchens and senior centers in Midtown. These are returning groups and they are such an encouragement to me. I pray we are all blessed as we celebrate Jesus with all we encounter this week. Pray for dry weather!!
Parable Church will be moving out of the Space by the end of December (just a few weeks). It is just so costly to rent this big of a space, especially when those that we cater to have no money to put on their shows. With Broadway shows closing, smaller shows canceling plans, and the economy getting steadily worse through winter, we decided we need to cut our overhead. This will be a very busy few weeks of packing up, liquidating, etc.The411 will be back to take their equipment and supplies. Parable will wrap up here by 12/31.
Even though we are down-sizing and are a little sad about leaving the place that has been an inviting place of ministry, we are very excited about having the time and resources to concentrate solely on the church body and the people who are seeking God (whether they know that or not) and to work on the simple task of building a body of believers and seekers. It is refreshing to be unencumbered by the responsibilities of the space. We will instead meet someplace for worship and fellowship, meet for ministry and service opportunities at various places, and the staff will work from our homes for a while. Although this may not sound 'stable' for some parts of the country, it is very natural for NYC. We are excited about our future.
I know I say this a lot, but I'm so blessed to work with Parable Church. It is so refreshing and energizing and encouraging to spend time with sincere, dedicated believers and to share myself with seekers who just want to have a relationship with someone they feel they can trust to share Jesus. God grows me so much through every encounter and acquaintance. My walk with God has grown, deepened, been filled with more intensity and awareness. It's like seeing a black and white drawing grow into a beautiful colorful masterpiece. The colors and textures become more detailed. Music becomes more rich through different instruments and tones and harmonies. It's wonderful to experience. All this comes about not just from the 'good times' but from those 'difficult and emotionally hard times', too. I'm thankful for them all. This time of serving in NYC will always be a huge mile stone in my life and in my walk with God.
Well, I'd better get back to work. So much to do this week.
I do wish you beautiful moments to share with our Lord this week as we prepare to celebrate His coming and as you look forward to being with family and friends. Share the Light of Jesus with everyone!
Blessings!!!
We have 2 teams in this week to do some gift wrapping on the street and to also serve at a few soup kitchens and senior centers in Midtown. These are returning groups and they are such an encouragement to me. I pray we are all blessed as we celebrate Jesus with all we encounter this week. Pray for dry weather!!
Parable Church will be moving out of the Space by the end of December (just a few weeks). It is just so costly to rent this big of a space, especially when those that we cater to have no money to put on their shows. With Broadway shows closing, smaller shows canceling plans, and the economy getting steadily worse through winter, we decided we need to cut our overhead. This will be a very busy few weeks of packing up, liquidating, etc.The411 will be back to take their equipment and supplies. Parable will wrap up here by 12/31.
Even though we are down-sizing and are a little sad about leaving the place that has been an inviting place of ministry, we are very excited about having the time and resources to concentrate solely on the church body and the people who are seeking God (whether they know that or not) and to work on the simple task of building a body of believers and seekers. It is refreshing to be unencumbered by the responsibilities of the space. We will instead meet someplace for worship and fellowship, meet for ministry and service opportunities at various places, and the staff will work from our homes for a while. Although this may not sound 'stable' for some parts of the country, it is very natural for NYC. We are excited about our future.
I know I say this a lot, but I'm so blessed to work with Parable Church. It is so refreshing and energizing and encouraging to spend time with sincere, dedicated believers and to share myself with seekers who just want to have a relationship with someone they feel they can trust to share Jesus. God grows me so much through every encounter and acquaintance. My walk with God has grown, deepened, been filled with more intensity and awareness. It's like seeing a black and white drawing grow into a beautiful colorful masterpiece. The colors and textures become more detailed. Music becomes more rich through different instruments and tones and harmonies. It's wonderful to experience. All this comes about not just from the 'good times' but from those 'difficult and emotionally hard times', too. I'm thankful for them all. This time of serving in NYC will always be a huge mile stone in my life and in my walk with God.
Well, I'd better get back to work. So much to do this week.
I do wish you beautiful moments to share with our Lord this week as we prepare to celebrate His coming and as you look forward to being with family and friends. Share the Light of Jesus with everyone!
Blessings!!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
December 8, 2008
Well, another month has went by so quickly!! It's the Christmas season and even though NYC is decorated as usual, you can really feel a sense of worry about the economy. People are out shopping, but buying little. And a lot of people are waiting till closer to Christmas to see if prices will go down further. It makes the giftwrapping teams a little anxious. But people are even more aware of our Free Giftwrapping services in Herald Square.
Speaking of the giftwrapping project, we have a team here from Branden Florida in this week. And, boy, is it cold!!!!! I hope the weather will hold out from precipitation while we're working. It's fun to be out on the streets among the many people.
I'm feeling much better. It will be a long road to getting my liver happy and healthy, but I'm being pretty disciplined while here. Now, being in Indiana with family over Thanksgiving was another story. While I didn't really eat anything considered 'bad' to normal people, I did eat too much 'normal' food and made myself sick. I'm getting over that and working on the 'Vickie rules' for food. Thank you for everyone praying for me to be disciplined. If you know me well at all, you know I'm not disciplined in much of anything!!! Please keep praying for me.
I spent Thanksgiving with my family for the second time in 18 years. It was restful, but way too quiet! My sis lives in the middle of 15 acres. It was beautiful and restful. I had technology withdrawals sometimes, though. Sporadic dial-up internet, no cable (akkk!), limited service on my cell phone, my blackberry phone went caput on the first day there and Verizon had to express me another one... But on the upside - deer in the yard one morning. (there's usually more, but it was still hunting season, so they were hiding deep in the woods). I also got to cook in a REAL kitchen! woohoo! I loved helping with Thanksgiving dinner (we actually had 2) and other meals. We baked cookies and shipped 10 boxes of goodies to soldiers in Afghanistan. Visited Walmart frequently, went with my sister to church twice, wedding planned/shopped with my niece, saw a movie with my sis, babysat my 2 year old great-nephew, played with his 4 year old brother. Saw some family and took a lot of naps. I couldn't believe how quickly 2 weeks went by.
You know how weird things are always happening to me, and how God uses unusual ways to get my attention. Well, one day I was at a Christian bookstore treating myself to a new compact Bible for my bag. While kneeling down looking through my choices on the bottom shelf, a regular size (softbound-thank you) Bible fell off a higher shelf and hit me right on the head! I still haven't figured out what God was telling me with that, except that maybe to remember that even though I wasn't around a lot of Christian friends and influence at the time, that HE was still around and able to help me 'feel' His presence!
I received a copy of the Christmas CD recorded by my home church, FBC Rogers. It is so awesome! Their concert was last night and my heart was there, even if my ears and the rest of my body wasn't. I love my home church and all the people there, especially those that share their talents and gifts for His glory!
We're chugging along here at Parable Church. We're stronger everyday as a body of Believers. It's a privilege to walk this path with people I never would have met if not for God's hand. Please keep Parable in your prayers as we go through the tough times of living in NYC. Shows are closing, people are losing jobs all over the place. Even small shifts in the economy can be major challenges here where everything costs so very much. People are looking for hope and reasons to feel joyful. It's the perfect time to share the one source of true joy with them. Pray we stay faithful and ready to speak and share.
I'll try to write more before Christmas. Until then, I pray you are all having a wonderfully reflective holiday season. Advent is such a wonderful time and I am striving to make it more of a focus for my December.
Blessings!
Speaking of the giftwrapping project, we have a team here from Branden Florida in this week. And, boy, is it cold!!!!! I hope the weather will hold out from precipitation while we're working. It's fun to be out on the streets among the many people.
I'm feeling much better. It will be a long road to getting my liver happy and healthy, but I'm being pretty disciplined while here. Now, being in Indiana with family over Thanksgiving was another story. While I didn't really eat anything considered 'bad' to normal people, I did eat too much 'normal' food and made myself sick. I'm getting over that and working on the 'Vickie rules' for food. Thank you for everyone praying for me to be disciplined. If you know me well at all, you know I'm not disciplined in much of anything!!! Please keep praying for me.
I spent Thanksgiving with my family for the second time in 18 years. It was restful, but way too quiet! My sis lives in the middle of 15 acres. It was beautiful and restful. I had technology withdrawals sometimes, though. Sporadic dial-up internet, no cable (akkk!), limited service on my cell phone, my blackberry phone went caput on the first day there and Verizon had to express me another one... But on the upside - deer in the yard one morning. (there's usually more, but it was still hunting season, so they were hiding deep in the woods). I also got to cook in a REAL kitchen! woohoo! I loved helping with Thanksgiving dinner (we actually had 2) and other meals. We baked cookies and shipped 10 boxes of goodies to soldiers in Afghanistan. Visited Walmart frequently, went with my sister to church twice, wedding planned/shopped with my niece, saw a movie with my sis, babysat my 2 year old great-nephew, played with his 4 year old brother. Saw some family and took a lot of naps. I couldn't believe how quickly 2 weeks went by.
You know how weird things are always happening to me, and how God uses unusual ways to get my attention. Well, one day I was at a Christian bookstore treating myself to a new compact Bible for my bag. While kneeling down looking through my choices on the bottom shelf, a regular size (softbound-thank you) Bible fell off a higher shelf and hit me right on the head! I still haven't figured out what God was telling me with that, except that maybe to remember that even though I wasn't around a lot of Christian friends and influence at the time, that HE was still around and able to help me 'feel' His presence!
I received a copy of the Christmas CD recorded by my home church, FBC Rogers. It is so awesome! Their concert was last night and my heart was there, even if my ears and the rest of my body wasn't. I love my home church and all the people there, especially those that share their talents and gifts for His glory!
We're chugging along here at Parable Church. We're stronger everyday as a body of Believers. It's a privilege to walk this path with people I never would have met if not for God's hand. Please keep Parable in your prayers as we go through the tough times of living in NYC. Shows are closing, people are losing jobs all over the place. Even small shifts in the economy can be major challenges here where everything costs so very much. People are looking for hope and reasons to feel joyful. It's the perfect time to share the one source of true joy with them. Pray we stay faithful and ready to speak and share.
I'll try to write more before Christmas. Until then, I pray you are all having a wonderfully reflective holiday season. Advent is such a wonderful time and I am striving to make it more of a focus for my December.
Blessings!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
November 6, 2008
Weeks seem to chug along and I can't believe how fast time flies by. When I see or experience things that seem interesting, I think I will remember it to add to this blog. Of course, by the time I write, I have forgotten most of the things. This will probably be a rambling post, but choose for yourself whether you want to keep reading...
One day last week I was feeling really sick, but needed to go to the Space for a staff meeting. It's not always easy to get all the staff together at the same time and with so much going on at Parable right now, missing the meeting was not an option. Getting from place to place in the city is sometimes not much fun even when you feel good. I made it in to the office and sat down. The guys decided I didn't look well and suggested I go home. Well, that didn't set well with me, since I had spent so much energy getting my nauseous self there! Mike and I stepped over to our favorite health food diner to grab something healthy and hot for my tummy. Then we had our meeting. We accomplished much in the meeting. However, since I didn't feel well, I ended up being weepy (I'm such a girl sometimes). Of course, the guys don't freak out over female tears. We are in NYC after all where people just get tough. Besides they know that I'm really not fragile. So we completed our meeting and they decided I should take some time off to get better. I agreed to continue taking it easy and concentrating on getting well.
I was getting phone calls from my sister that day letting me know that my Mom was in the hospital for what turned out to be just an overnight stay. She was calling, my phone kept dropping the calls, it was rainy and cold, I felt like crap... As I was going to meet my bus, I pulled out my little umbrella that I carry in my bag. The wind here gets strong and makes umbrellas useless some times. This was the case at that moment. I'm fighting the wind and my umbrella, which turns inside out and 2 of the spines break. So I fix it best I can and keep walking to the bus. Half of me is fairly dry from part of the umbrella that still looks like an umbrella. The other side of me is getting wet as that half of the umbrella is not only broken, but is slapping me up side the head as I'm walking. Needless to say, the umbrella got tossed into the next trashcan. But at that moment I really felt the enemy trying to do everything possible to make me miserable. It was one of those times when you just want to laugh because it is so ridiculous. No matter how wet, sick or irritated I was at that time, I decided to praise God for letting me being His no matter what was thrown my way. I think I will remember that silly umbrella beating my head when ever I have a frustrating moment and I hope it makes me laugh as it did much later. Just felt like sharing that story...
I'm now feeling well enough to begin walking to the Space again and to get out more. I really missed walking the streets of this city. I walk past hundreds of people every day that I do not know and will probably never meet. It starts feeling like people are just like the buildings - many around and you just walk past them. It makes me more appreciative of the people that I do meet and start seeing on a continuing basis. Kenneth (my guard friend at Lincoln Center) asked where I've been. He missed seeing me in the mornings. We've been teasing about going to the beach now that the weather is colder. He's from Jamaica and likes warm weather. If I walk by his post and he's not near the sidewalk, he'll yell 'hello' and I look around till I find him. The other day I walked by and another guard was at his post. I heard a 'hello' as I passed a parked car and it was Kenneth inside taking a break and eating a snack. He made sure I heard him so that he could greet me. That made me smile.
I know most of the maintenance and support staff in our building at the Space. I really appreciate the jobs they do. It's nice to learn their names and greet each other and find out where they are from and different things about them. I love hearing everyone's stories. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my story with them. The story of how God brought me to NYC.
I'm feeling a little better and starting down the long road of getting healthy once and for all. No more taking health and strength for granted. No more abusing this body, which is a gift to me from God to use while on this earth. I'm going after physical, spiritual and emotional health. The whole package. And I know I can't do it without God. I'm not strong enough to be that disciplined. But this is another way that I can trust Him and honor Him and give Him the glory for what He accomplishes in my life. So please, keep me in your prayers!
Concentrating on eating healthy, organic, unprocessed foods makes me think about how much I want my relationships to be healthy, honest, trusting and uncomplicated by worldly perspectives. I want all parts of my life to be healthy and just the way that God intends it to be.
I promise to try harder to share more stories about my walk with Christ in NYC.
One day last week I was feeling really sick, but needed to go to the Space for a staff meeting. It's not always easy to get all the staff together at the same time and with so much going on at Parable right now, missing the meeting was not an option. Getting from place to place in the city is sometimes not much fun even when you feel good. I made it in to the office and sat down. The guys decided I didn't look well and suggested I go home. Well, that didn't set well with me, since I had spent so much energy getting my nauseous self there! Mike and I stepped over to our favorite health food diner to grab something healthy and hot for my tummy. Then we had our meeting. We accomplished much in the meeting. However, since I didn't feel well, I ended up being weepy (I'm such a girl sometimes). Of course, the guys don't freak out over female tears. We are in NYC after all where people just get tough. Besides they know that I'm really not fragile. So we completed our meeting and they decided I should take some time off to get better. I agreed to continue taking it easy and concentrating on getting well.
I was getting phone calls from my sister that day letting me know that my Mom was in the hospital for what turned out to be just an overnight stay. She was calling, my phone kept dropping the calls, it was rainy and cold, I felt like crap... As I was going to meet my bus, I pulled out my little umbrella that I carry in my bag. The wind here gets strong and makes umbrellas useless some times. This was the case at that moment. I'm fighting the wind and my umbrella, which turns inside out and 2 of the spines break. So I fix it best I can and keep walking to the bus. Half of me is fairly dry from part of the umbrella that still looks like an umbrella. The other side of me is getting wet as that half of the umbrella is not only broken, but is slapping me up side the head as I'm walking. Needless to say, the umbrella got tossed into the next trashcan. But at that moment I really felt the enemy trying to do everything possible to make me miserable. It was one of those times when you just want to laugh because it is so ridiculous. No matter how wet, sick or irritated I was at that time, I decided to praise God for letting me being His no matter what was thrown my way. I think I will remember that silly umbrella beating my head when ever I have a frustrating moment and I hope it makes me laugh as it did much later. Just felt like sharing that story...
I'm now feeling well enough to begin walking to the Space again and to get out more. I really missed walking the streets of this city. I walk past hundreds of people every day that I do not know and will probably never meet. It starts feeling like people are just like the buildings - many around and you just walk past them. It makes me more appreciative of the people that I do meet and start seeing on a continuing basis. Kenneth (my guard friend at Lincoln Center) asked where I've been. He missed seeing me in the mornings. We've been teasing about going to the beach now that the weather is colder. He's from Jamaica and likes warm weather. If I walk by his post and he's not near the sidewalk, he'll yell 'hello' and I look around till I find him. The other day I walked by and another guard was at his post. I heard a 'hello' as I passed a parked car and it was Kenneth inside taking a break and eating a snack. He made sure I heard him so that he could greet me. That made me smile.
I know most of the maintenance and support staff in our building at the Space. I really appreciate the jobs they do. It's nice to learn their names and greet each other and find out where they are from and different things about them. I love hearing everyone's stories. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my story with them. The story of how God brought me to NYC.
I'm feeling a little better and starting down the long road of getting healthy once and for all. No more taking health and strength for granted. No more abusing this body, which is a gift to me from God to use while on this earth. I'm going after physical, spiritual and emotional health. The whole package. And I know I can't do it without God. I'm not strong enough to be that disciplined. But this is another way that I can trust Him and honor Him and give Him the glory for what He accomplishes in my life. So please, keep me in your prayers!
Concentrating on eating healthy, organic, unprocessed foods makes me think about how much I want my relationships to be healthy, honest, trusting and uncomplicated by worldly perspectives. I want all parts of my life to be healthy and just the way that God intends it to be.
I promise to try harder to share more stories about my walk with Christ in NYC.
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