Answer the Calling

Update

2008-04-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well where to begin? I should really blog more regularly so I don't feel like there is heaps to tell.

So for those of you who don't know I leaving Australia again over christmas. I'm going to Nepal through teen missions for just over a month to help build an orphange, which means I've been working hard and alot to try to afford it but I know it'll happen. Also my sister is pregnant again. She is due pretty soon actually, the 24th of June (which is my mum's birthday) I'm still single and determined to stay single till at least the end of the year. I need to work on God and I before bringing a third person into the relationship. I got a new tattoo, it's on my wrist and it says 'yhwh' which means God. I wanted something that I would always see that would remind me of God always and with the stuff I've been going through in the last few months I thought it would be a constant reminder that no matter what God is always there, good times and bad. I've moved house again (my 4th move since coming back from the states in september) I'm now living with two amazing women that go to my church. We all like to be a bit random and get along really well. I don't know what else to fill you all in on but the next time I write (which will be soon) I'll write something that's not just an update

Time has pasted

2008-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

Now I know that I haven't blogger in what seems like for ever and I'm sure no one even reads this any more but I still feel like I need to be writing this. Since coming back to Australia I haven't been me. I drifted away from church and chose a guy instead. I did somethings that I'm not proud of but the other day I decided to chose God instead of ignoring and turning my back on him. I've quit my job so I can work more convenient hours so I can be more involved with my church. I've chosen not to use any drug of any sort anymore and I have even broken up with my boyfriend so I can get back on the right track, God's track. I'm hurting at the moment because of all this so I would appreciate any prayer.

I pray that the next time I blog, I will be stronger and have words of encouragement and life.

Blessings

Graduation

2007-08-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

So on Friday night I had my graduation from "The War College- Revolution Session 2006/07"

To be completely honest I didn't think I would make it and I'll also admit that on a couple of occasions I almost didn't but it is better to be in the Lord's will (even when it gets crazy at times) than to be in your own will and out of touch with God's divine perfect plan.

On Thursday I gave my final presentation where I spent an hour summing up the year and through this year I have been impressed with the maturity and growth of both Leo and myself. We know scripture better, we are able to hear the words of God himself, we even know how to relate to each other now. We have learned a lot but although that has been an astonishing thing it has not been the high light of me year nor would it come close to my purpose of being in Charlotte , North Carolina for an entire year.

What I comes down to is the people. The Lord has commanded us in Matthew 25:35-40

'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Those who are usually forgotten I have feed, clothed, given water, visited them while they are sick and taken people to there court dates in support. But this is not to glorify me but to glorify God who gave me these things in the first place to share with others.

So I encourage you and challenge you to do the same. Share what you have even if it is little. Sponsor a child even through the Salvation army because what is $20 an month really. In the past I've spent more than that on junk food for a friend and I to have in one night and what's one night of eating things that we couldn't be eating anyway as apposed to give a child food, water, shelter and education for a month. Bless others up with what you have been blessed with.

Much love and grace
Jesse

Back in Charlotte

2007-08-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

So, I arrived back in Charlotte on Sunday to everyones surprise because I didn't tell the kids I when I was coming home. I missed them soooooo much. I love my kids. Some have moved out of my hood though before I got to say goodbye which is really heart breaking for me but they left me letters and I cried so much when I read them last night. There was a letter in particular from Donta (who was the first kid that I had a strong friendship with here) saying 'Thank you for believing in me. I wish you could be my mom.' I lost broke down over that one especially since he has now been taken away from his mom.

I was very blessed to have everyone remember me. I was prepared to have my little Dede forget me because she is 2 but she's my girl. She remembered me and was if I had never been away. She was playing the same games with me and played with my hair to go to sleep. My hair amuses her because it 's a totally different texture than anyone else's around here (being one of the one white people). It was so cool that no one has forgotten me. I feel so loved.

Facing reality

2007-08-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

So I had the absolute pleasure of getting the morning and afternoon off yesterday and the morning off today. For the entire time I was just thinking and praying and listening to God because he has revealed some stuff to me that has thrown some of my plans out of whack, which is cool though because I would rather live in God's amazing perfect plan as appose to my own in which I would have to do it in my own strength (which isn't that much) and fail as to who God wants me to be.

I was doing an essay on Tuesday about Commissioner Emma Booth-Tucker in which I had to read her articles in 'the officer' (a Salvation Army magazine) from the years 1893-1895 and write on her views on international mission, which I will admit hit me really hard. I had this plan of going to university, getting a degree, settling down, have a home and a family, you know all that normal stuff which I believe would be an incredible life but God has something else in store for me which I have known for a while now but never wanted to admit it because I didn't want somethings to change.

In January 1893 Commissioner Emma Booth-Tucker wrote:
"Yes, this is our field. Wherever on earth there is a soul, there, in measure must beat the heart of The Salvation Army''
So that's where I'll be. I'm going to become a solider. Not just one who is doing it because they feel it is their next step as a Salvationist but because God has been calling me to it for a long time now but I didn't want it to be something that was taken lightly. I am already a solider of God, I now just going to make it better know and wherever the Lord leads me that's were I'm going to be from here on out (Don't stress Mum I'm still coming back to Australia in 4 weeks) Love you all and be prepared

Blessings

Galatians 1:10 'Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.'

About time

2007-07-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

It is now getting towards the end of my summer placement which I've been traveling all over Georgia for. To give a quick run down of what went down where I'm going to give an outline.

We arrived mid afternoon on Friday and were put to work about 2 hours after being together. Commissioning was happening in Atlanta and we were helping with the teen venue. I was blessed to run some activities that open up kids minds spiritually. That was for our first weekend together. Sunday evening we went down to camp Grandview (salvation army summer camp grounds in GA) to do our orientation. We worked on mimes, songs, puppet training, spiritual development, everything really. Training was for 1 week.

Week 1 of placement was Albany where we were mainly focused on children's ministry. Our first day of VBS (vacation bible school) we had a grand total of 12 children. After doing out reach we extended our numbers to over 40. I did another sermon here and although we faced a lot of challenges this was definitely the place that we will all remember because it was all totally done in Gods strength.

Week 2 of placement was Marietta where we were more of the helpers this time not the organisers. Week 3 was split with Cartersville and Rome where we did ministry with the elderly in nursing homes. Week 4 was Toccoa which was another challenge but all in all it went pretty well. We then had 2 days of debriefing.

Then Shelbie (1 of my team members and 1 of the most amazing people in the world) and I went to Atlanta for 10 days to do apartment ministries in a Latino community. Now I'm still in Atlanta but am no longer with a team. This week I'm helping out all over the place with ministries that Lakewood corps is involved in. Next week I help out with Lakewood's VBS and then I'm back to Charlotte to graduate. I'm so excited, it's only a little more than a month till I go home to Australia. 5 weeks today till I fly out, 5 weeks on Thursday till I arrive home.

Miss you all and I'll write again really soon

PS Congratulations to Karyn & Jon and Joel & Lycey on their weddings
Mwah

Training

2007-06-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

So the team has been together for a whole week now and we are getting along so well (a little to well at times that we can get distracted from our work). We are leaving for Albany on Sunday and will tell you all how it goes once I get on the feild

Atlanta

2007-06-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

This once again is just going to be quick because I have like 2 minutes before we go to church.

Well I arrived in Atlanta Georgia on Friday and have been working with my team (called the E-team) at the teen venue at commissioning and we have pulled together as a team so quickly and so well. My team consists of Eman (team leader), Jason, Shelbie, Erica and myself. We are an awesome team and we get along so well already. God totally had his hand on this when the team members were getting decided on.

Today we go out to camp and we are staying there till Friday (I think) to do our orientation and team building.

Gotta go. I love you all
Blessing

Info.

2007-06-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

This blog is just to inform everyone of what's been happening and what is about to happen.

A lot of warfare (spiritual attacks) have been happening lately but some are best not mentioned. Last Saturday we had a break in at the community house (for more info go to Rob and Heathers blog- 614 Charlotte) which was frustrating but God prevailed in the end so it was all good. We had one of our air conditioners stolen the Wednesday before that and other stuff has happened.

Leo left for his summer placement last Thursday and I miss him already (he is definitely the comedian among us.)

Matt from Vancouver war college came here 2 weeks ago and I leave today for my summer placement. I'm not sure how much internet access I'll have (if any) so I'll be communicating through blogger mainly.

*Special note*
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Holly sorry it's late and that I didn't get to call, it's been really busy here. Love you.

What's real

2007-05-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

How can one feel that they are so alone while there are so many around them,
Never getting away from it all sucks the life from me.
Suffocation, lack of air.

So many words are said but all I here is silence,
Entangled by the ways of the world, empty as can be.
Suffocation, lack of air. Dehydration, lack of water.

Bound by the chains of media of what will make me full,
Immersed by commercialism, what will set me free.
Suffocation, lack of air. Dehydration, lack of water. Hunger, lack of food.

How can I be concerned and consumed by the ways of the world while people go hungry, die of because they have no water or have drunk water that is carrying a disease, while people are being smothered by things they can not change.

We all need a reality check

All around me- flyleaf

2007-05-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

"All Around Me"

My hands are searching for you
My arms are outstretched towards you
I feel you on my fingertips
My tongue dances behind my lips for you

This fire rising through my being
Burning I'm not used to seeing you

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

My hands float up above me
And you whisper you love me
And I begin to fade
Into our secret place
The music makes me sway
The angels singing say we are alone with you
I am alone and they are too with you

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air
I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

And so I cry
The light is white
And I see you
I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

Take my handI give it to you
Now you owe me
All I amYou said you would never leave me
I believe you
I believe

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healed

Rest

2007-05-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little lost to be honest. This week I'm preparing myself for my summer placement, which is only like 4 weeks away. I'm meant to be spending as much time as possible resting and just enjoying some quite time. So last night I had the opportunity after cell group to do that but when I sat down to chill I wasn't able to sit still. It's been so long since I've really had the chance to bludge, I'm not sure if I even know how to now. I'm used to having people around me all the time that instead of staying by myself I went out and hung out with some of the kids here.

I would really love some prayer about this. Just that I can rest and be revitalized. It's not that I'm not tired, I just feel like there is some much to do while I'm still here so how can I sit still. Please pray for a release from over doing myself because I know it's better to rest and have a lot of energy than to be constantly running on almost empty.

Joy

2007-05-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today was so awesome and it was for no particular reason either. We had 2 wonderful classes. We were learning more on leadership and about Esther and I love studying women in the bible, so for classes I was set on happy. I know that the evening was like any other evening around here but I was just extremely giggly and enjoyed just seeing the kids smile. It's so like something has just lifted in this place. Then tonight Rob, Heather, Leo and I just hung out, then picked up Travis from work.

Joy is just consuming me today and I can't help it but that's all cool because I love it. Please Lord, keep bringing the joy.

James 1:12

2007-05-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

Blessed is the man (or woman) who perseveres under trial, because he (or she) has stood the test, he (or she) will recieve the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.

Dedicated to Acacia

2007-04-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I was very upse in saying my farewells to Acacia who has been with us since October. Over the last 6 months (although she was away for music sometimes) I enjoyed every last minute of our time together. Cace is one of those awesome people who will tell you the truth but does it in a way that is not condemning. She is a mentor and a true friend. We would hang out with each other and play cards watch cheesy romance movies and fight warfare along side each other. She would never admit how amazing she is but you can tell by the impact she has had on me and the rest of the community here.

Last Thursday we threw her a 'surprise' party to let her know how much we appreciate her and love her. We got to bless her up with some gifts to remind her of us and we also got to pray with her. It was just beautiful to see the love between Cace and our community here. Cace is a real blessing and our friendship will last.

I love you my sister.

The Lord's protection

2007-04-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up really early by choice (I'm scared too don't worry) because I wanted to sort some things out before classes started. I was starting to walk over to the community house and the Lord showed me how much protection he is given me.

I don't think I should say what happened specifically but lets just say that it could have ended badly for me and some other people who live near me but thankful God had convinced me to get up (I had contemplated going back to sleep) and I was able to pray for God's covering and protection during the situation. I also got to walk some of the kids to school to make sure they got there ok.

I thank you God that you have sent your angels to protect us and are using us here in mighty ways. Praise the Lord

A good surprise

2007-04-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Last night I was very blessed to have a phone call from a very special someone from back home. Narelle called me and in all honesty, I cried. It was so awesome to hear a friendly voice that could tell me of somethings happening back home that totally put my mind at rest. I'm so blessed to have a friend like Relle. She is a might warrior bride who is fully lead by Holy Spirit and is an amazing inspiration to all female Christians.

Love you muchly Relle!!!!!

HYPOCRISY!!!

2007-04-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

The dictionary defines a hypocrite as:
'a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.'

God has been talking to me a lot about hypocrites lately and it's really scary how we can read about in the word of God but kinda skip over it because they think they know it already and I'll admit I've been guilty of doing it to.

I'm not going to try to fix people or tell them what to do if I still struggle with it to unless we are working on it together and are holding each other accountable.

But I think this scripture really sums it up.

Matthew 7:2-4 says
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

I don't want to be a hypocrite and I'm choosing to become aware of it. Will you?

Dates

2007-04-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Now as you all know as part of being at the war college here I'm not allowed to date for a year. Well last night I went on a date!!!!

Now that I've grabbed your attention I want to share about my lovely little date with DD. She's 2 years old and I'm her best friend. She won't talk to anyone else or even talk to me if other people are around but when she is with me one on one I can't get her to shut up (but I never want her to be silent anyway. She has such a cute voice.)

So last night around 7 I went over to DD's house and ask if I could take her home for dinner. We had pizza, ice cream and many chocolate eggs. I thought that she would not sleep last night because she was so hyper from all the sugar. But she fell asleep in my arms half way through a conversation. It was so cute. I carried her home and but her to bed.

But what I wanted to tell you about is the tears that came out of me when I was just talking to her because I realised that in 4 weeks I'll be going off to summer placement then after that I'll be around here for only 2 weeks, so really I have 6 weeks left with this little princess of mine. I was hugging her and she looked up at me and did her little smile giggle thing that first softened me and I just started crying. I prayed over her and spoke words of life into her which no one has probably ever done to her before. I know that she won't remember me by this time next year or even that moment but I always will and I'll always be praying for her and my heart and my eyes will always be crying for her.

I love my little DD.

Rahab's a whore?

2007-04-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

When ever I hear of anyone talk about Rahab they generally say "Rahab the prostitute" but why can't they just call her Rahab. It's not like it's such a common name that you have to differentiate between the immense amounts of Rahab's that are over taking the Bible.

Ok but to be fair I can sort of understand why people always remember her as a prostitute when she is introduced to us in Joshua 2:1
Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.

But lets remember for the good that she did. She realised that the God of Joshua was 'The Only True God' she helped the two spies from Shittim by hiding them before the King of Jericho. She went against her culture and home for God so in my books she's a hero. She then later hooks up with Salmon and they have Boaz who later leads to Jesus. (Matthew 1) So I say get off her back, cut her some slack. We all have pasts that are considered to be messy in the eyes of others and the whole 'those who have committed no sin can cast the first stone' and 'before you try to remove the twig from someones eye, remove the log from your own'

Rahab should be remembered for more than just being a little whore but for what she did after being saved.

Oil

2007-04-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found out that I am truly a part of the community here by a simple act of kindness by one of the families that lives to doors down from us. Let's start at the beginning.

Yesterday was LC's birthday and we make the kids birthday cakes here so they know that they are loved and that we're glad that they are alive (and that we remembered is a big thing for them too.) So I was going to bake his cake only to realize that we were out of oil. So I was going to walk down to the food loin (a store that's about 2 miles each way) and it was drizzling rain so I wasn't exactly looking forward to my walk until Kevin started to ride his bike next to me asking where I was going and if he could come. Of course I said yes because I love to have company on those kinds of walks.

Then he was asking what I needed to get. I told him some oil for LC's cake and he said he had some at this house that we could have so I wouldn't have to walk in the rain. So he brought over the oil and helped me bake a birthday cake for LC (although I think he only wanted to help bake so he could have the extra batter in the mixing bowl.)

I just felt so loved by him giving me oil. It sounds weird I know but it's the little things like that that make a huge difference to me.

Girls have power

2007-04-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a lot about women in the Bible and I'm even writing a book about it now. I know that there are a lot of books out there already but this one is going to have a study guide and have it written in an easy to read way to youth can understand it better.

So I wanted to give kind a back ground as to some of what I've been meditating on and what God's been telling me about these women. And I'll write about one a week for the next four weeks.

In the genealogy of Jesus found in Chapter 1 of Matthew there are 16 verses that give names of descendants from Abraham through to Jesus Christ, and if you haven't noticed most of the names recorded are all males with the exception of 4. Those are Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba (Uriah's wife). All of which have had people claim their unrighteousness but what I see is they way God used these women (no matter what their circumstances may have been) to be women that are warriors, ezers (which is Hebrew for strong helper) and how women were and are significant in the eyes of God.

So Tamar. Poor old Tamar who is only remembered as dressing herself as a prostitute so that she may trick Judah into sleeping with her. But I'm about to defend her case. You can find Tamar's story in Genesis 38 if you want more than what I'm giving.

Tamar was first married to Er (who is the first born child of Judah) and this was no happy marriage. She would not have chosen her partner because of old Jewish customs where the Fathers decided on who you married to benefit the family. Also in verse 7 it says " But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the Lord's sight;" He was so wicked that "the Lord put him to death".

So now Tamar is a widow and without child. I know that this sounds really wrong in our society today put in the old Jewish culture it was normal and expected for Er's brother (Onan) to take her as a wife and lie with her so she may have a baby to carry on Er's name. Onan how ever "knew the offspring would not be his" which would mean that his inheritance would be cut drastically from 2/3 of his Fathers land to 1/4. So he made it seem like he was fulfilling his duty as Er's brother but was actually spilling himself on the ground. This would have been horrific for Tamar. She was just trying to produce a son for for dead husband and so Onan would just get his jollies but not fulfill the laws.

Then God comes along and strikes him down to for his wickedness. Judah sends Tamar back to her Father and tells her that he will summon her back when his last son Shelah has become a man to fulfill his duty.

Judah's wife dies and then intends not to give his last son to Tamar who is just doing what she is supposed to. On his way to shear his sheep at Timnah, Tamar took off her widow's clothes, and but on a veil so that she would not be recognised by Judah. They end up sleep together and he gives this prostitute his staff and his seal and cord (which symbolises his authority and his family line.)

Judah finds out that Tamar is pregnant by means of prostitution and orders her to be killed by fire. She walks out with a staff and a cord and seal. She says "I am pregnant by the man who owns these."

Judah's reaction is with the words "She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn't give her to my son Shelah."

Tamar later gives birth to twins Perez and Zerah and Perez carries on the line that leads to Jesus Christ.

Judah realised that he did the dirty on Tamar and even says that"she is more righteous than I" She was doing what God had told her culture to do and this woman faith carried on the blood line. Praise God that she was an ezer.

Why?

2007-04-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a little discouraged really. There are to boys in the hood that I have put so much effort into (especially in the last month and a half) and the past couple of days they have been off. Not with me but with the other leaders and I know that they are usually so much better than that and they have been trying to fight some other kids in the neighbourhood. It's probably because there is stuff going on at home but I just wish that the other people around here could see the side that they show me but they are to scared to open themselves up to to many people.

It's weird how I can put on an act of being overly to nice in front of others but they try to be rough in front of others but we all do it as a defense mechanism. That's probably why they can be themselves with me because we do the same thing

Transforming heart

2007-04-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know from previous blogs that I have befriended some human trafficked women and I had been really scared for one in particular since I had not seen her since I heard about one of the other girls getting murdered. I'm really really really close to this girl and having her disappear for a few weeks is worrying but yesterday she showed up. She came up to me hugged me and we both started crying. She had been arrested for 3 weeks for selling herself.

It was so awesome to see her again. She told me that she is trying to get her life back together now because God has told her to. She is trying to get clean and she is now using only $20 worth of crack as apposed to $500-$600 worth. She has called her Mum (has spoken to her in 2 years) and is going to move back to her home to take care of her children when she is fully clean.

God is so amazing. I never forced the gospel on her or anything and God used gentleness, friendship and love guide her to him. Praise God

Simplicity

2007-03-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

How can simplicity not really be that simple. With it being caught up in legalism and religious well over done views, how can one really know if they are doing what God wants them to be doing as a way of life. I get that living simply you are not to love money and possessions etc, which I already knew because you can't love both money and God but then there is the other extreme where you over do it (asceticism) and become so anal that you don't enjoy the blessings that God wants to bestow upon you and then you can also get caught up in the whole pride things where you want everyone to know what your doing and thinking that you are better than other s because you are doing it to a bigger extreme and then simplicity doesn't just apply to objects but also to words, eating, what you do with your time and so on...... It can get so confusing and can tear your brain in two.

But I've come to understand that I can live a simplistic life and receive God's blessings as long as I don't put it before God and that I don't hoard it either and letting my yes and no mean just that (yes or no) and not be be all like "look at me" for it either.

Blessings

New family

2007-03-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

Now don't get me wrong I love the family I have already and I'm not trying to replace them but I now have a new extended family in this community and I kinda already did but it's now different after youth councils.

We got to take 11 of our kids to youth councils (thanks to God) and all of them had either rededicated their lives to Jesus or did so for the first time. Many, many, many tears were wept and I'll admit that alot were from me to. Although we only got back yesterday things just even feel alot better in the community. We all now have a new respect for each other and a fresh love for one another.

Any way one of the boys that didn't come was trying to work me (pay me out, make fun of me etc.) but this time one of the boys who came with us go this trip stood up for me and was even going to start fighting him (which is how they have learned to show love and defend honour around here) which in a messed up way is really sweet, but I just kept telling him that he was better than that and to remember what he had promised to God over the weekend.

He then backed off after I said it a couple of times and then just sat with me on the stairs and started to cry. "That's not right the way he treats you. You guys do so much for us and you don't deserve it. He shouldn't be trying you"

I was so blessed at the fact that he had even had this reaction for me because that like never happens around here. I gave him a hug then D (the boy that was trying to start me) was looking over at Keith (the boy that was defending me) and Keith was not ashamed at the fact that he was crying for me. He starting saying to D "You're lucky I have Jesus now or your be broken now."

D was all like "why are you crying. I didn't even hit you"
"You shouldn't be doing that to Jesse...." and he said pretty much the same stuff he said to me be to D.

I now feel like our community is becoming moe of a family now. The kids are coming over more with in the past 2 days just to say hey and to talk about their problems and just chill in a safe place.

Things are looking up.

Highs and Lows

2007-03-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

This week I was very blessed to have Lyn (Lisa's Mum) spend a week here to see what I'm doing with this ministry. I enjoyed having her around (not just because the kids were more polite around her) and I know that she enjoyed seeing what I do and the relationships that are being formed between the kids and I. So that would be my high.

My low would be that one of the prostituted people that I had just started doing ministry with was murdered last night. I don't even want to type out what happened, nothing was mentioned in the media but read the 614 Charlotte blog or Leo's blog.

Bless you all.

614 WILL REMEMBER.

2007-03-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

So as you can see Lisa and I got to see each other for our reading week holiday. Last Tuesday I got to fly (while poohing my pants because I don't like to fly) to Denver then Seattle and then drive from there to Vancouver, Canada were one of my bestest friends in the whole world (Lisa Stewart AKA Stewy). It was awesome but I'm sad that later this morning at around 7am I leave. (it's currently midnight).

I loved to spend time with Lyce and I got to meet the entire Revolution Session which is extremely cool because this has been the first time session mates have been in two different countries and the fact that we all got to meet each other is such a blessing. I love them all and we all have an instant connection and all by the grace of God. I loved just seeing what they do here, making new and everlasting friends, seeing old ones and just chilling out with no stress for a while. We also got to have our first group photo which is actually alot more exciting than you would think. (Don't worry Mum, I didn't find a guy here either. No need to stress and I'm also a long way off dating again.)

I also got to mend an old friendship that really needed to be restored. I'm blessed that God had humble me (even through all my pride) to approach the untouchable issue to seek forgiveness and to also forgive so that I could fully hand over the hurt to Jesus who is the only one with the healing balm that perminently heals us and makes us a new. I also got to pray for them and the love of his life which was a huge step because of all that ha happenedbut I feel released and God has lifted my burden and lightened my yolk. Praise Jesus.

I just chucked up a few photos of Lisa and I so you can all see what we look like now (I know I've put on some weight but I'm keeping it on for warmth) but what ever. And now you know that I am still crazy as crap. I gotta go (lisa needs her
computer.)

Blessings and Love

Princess Slumber Party

2007-02-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

Friday morning (3:30 am)
Bang, bang, bang, bang!!!. Someone was at the door. I was the only one to wake from the noise. I walk down stairs and open my door in my PJ's an my hair all over the show. B (not her real name again) is standing at the other side of the door.
"Jesse, can I stay here tonight" said with a sound of desperation "I need to get away from there."
"Of course you can" I replied as I let her in the house.
"I sorry I had nowhere else to go" with tears welling up in her eyes
"That's OK. You know that you are always welcome here"

I then got her something to eat and drink and set up a bed for her on my couch. After a while I went back upstairs and stayed up the rest of the night praying for her.

She sleep solid all through the day until 4pm (champion effort I must say) and then left my house around 4:30 after having lunch and a chat. She was telling me that that night her flatmate tried to rape her and that is why she needed to stay at my house.
"I knew that I would be safe here. Thanks for letting me stay, it really meant a lot to me."

After she had left I was thinking, God totally brought us together the other day for a drink so that she could know that she has a safe place here in this house and that's because it is the house of the Lord too. It's a safe place.
I'm blessed that God is showing himself through us to other people so they know that he will protect and that she has a friend in us like we do with God, that no matter what time of the day it is, or how unsafe it maybe, or how scared, shaken and afraid we may be we can find a safe place in the arms of God.

So that's my blog on God's princess's having a sleepover in his safe embrace

Date with a prostitute

2007-02-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

Last night I was thoroughly cleaning the house because we have guests coming on Friday and also when we get back from Canada and I here a knock on my back window. It was a woman who I'll call B (not sure if she wants her name on my blog). She is a new woman in the neighbourhood and she kinda stands out since she's one of the only white ladies that live in this area. She just moved here less than a month ago and I've only spoken to her like 5 times and have always told her that if she ever wants to pop around and have a coffee or anything she is more than welcome to and last night I was very blessed to have her take me up on that offer.

So I invited her in and we had a drink and just got to chat for a bit. It turns out she got married when she was 16 to the love of her life and was married for 12 years then she lost her husband 3 years ago to cancer and chose to cover her pain with crack and now to keep up her drug addiction she is selling her body.

It was so God leading the conversation because B hardly knows me and was willing to lay all her stuff out so I could know the real her (which she told me she tries to hide from most people). So that was my date with a prostitute who I love.

Marlo

2007-02-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

So there is this little boy in our community named Marlo and he is seriously one of the cutest kids I've ever meet. He is 4 and is a pretty tiny kid for his age but what he lacks in height and the such he makes up for in personality and brains, like this kid can seriously have a full on conversation with you and you can completely forget that he is so young. He now lives with other family members so we only get to see him every now and then for a weekend at a time.

Last week he graced us with his warm smile and vibrant presence and even came to my Saturday kids cell group (church run out of our houses) and when he saw that I was running the cell group for his age group he started to do what he calls the Jesse dance. It's really cute and it's not the first time he has done this dance when he realises that I'm around and it even has words. It goes "Jesse's here, Oh yeah, Jesse's here, Oh yeah" and keeps go till I go and give him a hug so his arms will stop moving.

But on Saturday he managed to make me cry in front of him and the other little kids. I was in the kitchen of the community house heating up lunch for the kids and Marlo runs up to me and grabs my leg. He then looks up at me with a big smile on his face and says to me "Your my best friend. I missed you" and I just lost it. This 4 year old who doesn't get to see me that much anymore considers me to be his best friend and would even boldly tell me in front of others and it's not like I did anything to deserve his love, He just loves me I hug him and talk to him like he matters, because I don't just brush him to the side which is something every person should get but some just don't get any attention and don't feel special at all.

Please don't brush anyone to the side because they could end up being the biggest blessing to you like little Marlo is to me and just remember that you should be treating everyone like they are Jesus and every now and then you'll totally see Jesus in the eyes of another like I got to last Saturday.

Packages

2007-02-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

This week was sooooo cool. On Saturday I recieved a package from my sister Sarah and inside was photos of my neice and a book that my uncle published. It's really cool and it just made me feel a little special to get something in the mail (I don't get much while here) and then today I recieved a package from my good friend Matt which had a kids cook book in it (he knows how shocking I am at cooking and that I was scared to come here because I'd have to cook for myself) along with a really sweet letter that totally lifted my spirits. It's cool how the little things like just getting mail can make someone feel special, so it got me thinking "How many people aren't feeling very special right now and all it would take is a note to let them know that you are thinking of them." It's sad to think that some won't be feeling special today and especially on valentines day.

Two more in Heaven

2007-02-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight Heather and I were running our boys cell group as we do every Monday night (although it has resently shrunk due to some kids moving away). We played neighbourhood bingo, where we get a list of things to find and we have to mark it off once we see it and the first one to finish win a prize and the two boys in our cell won although they cheated (not at all bitter LOL jokes) then we had dinner together and the boys just started to open up on bad dreams that one had been having and how the other thinks things he doesn't want to think although he says something different because he thinks it's what people want to hear. So they ask God through pray to take these things from them and to have God take over and then asked Heather and I to pray for them. It was so awesome especially since it was so unexpected and they were the ones to bring it up. So because God told Heather and I to have dinner every Monday night and build a lasting freindship with these two boys, we will now be seeing them in Heaven which blows me away. That God will even us me as a vessel so more will see his amazing glory. Praise the Lord

One thought?

2007-02-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

So lately I've been mediating on what I actually think about and I've come to the conclusion that I really think about jack! What I spend most of my time thinking about is really not even worth thinking about but because I've entertained these thoughts they have extended into other avenues and stay on my mind continually. Well today I'm saying no more. Every time I think about it you'll hear me giving it to God no matter how random the time or place is so be warned.

God has commanded us to love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and the one that needs the most work for me is my mind so please pray about on my behalf so I can be more of God and less of me

So much has happened

2007-02-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

Well we have now got the internet up and running again at the community house which is such a blessing. Something else exciting that happened was that on Thursday morning it snowed (which is the first snow that I've seen in roughly 10 years) but I think that that day was like the warmest day that we had had in a long time. I have been sick though for the past couple of days with a cold and a bad headache. I got to speak to my Mum and sister the other day and my family is doing good, I miss them heaps and I also got to speak to my amazing friend Kerrie which was really cool. I've now been here for 5 months and it'll be 7 months tomorrow till I return back to the land of Oz. I'm feeling a little home sick today.

Alabama

2007-01-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

Well so much has happened since I lat had the chance to blog and if you want to know get in touch because I don't want to bore people with the small details. I finished my hoildays and started back at the War college only to leave a litlle while after to come here to Alabama to Roots 07. And boy is Holy Spirit already moving we have been here for 2 days perparing the prayer room and it's coming together. I have already been shaken and starting to transform (about time that I was willing to). Warning to all, I'm not the same as when I left to come here and your going to have to get used to it because I'm not going to conform to please people any longer

Christmas

2006-12-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

So today is Christmas and although I'm in a on the other side of the world from my family I was very blessed to spend it with beautiful people here who are my family here, The Adams clan. I called my parents at midnight here (3pm in Australia) and got to talk to all of my family and to here my neice for the first time (1 1/2 months) although it was only wimpers it still made me cry. Then we all opened up presents and Rob and Heather had even left me a socking packed full of stuff. We had lunch at a chineese buffet and it was the best I had ever had in my life (so many different kinds of chicken which is my favourite food). Then we all slept for a bit (eating a lot can make you tired). Then Phil, Chris and I went to pick up Pooh Bear (a friend of mine) and we all went to see Black Christmas at the movies. Just letting you know, save your money. AVERAGE MOVIE!!!!!! Now we have just got home after dropping Pooh Bear home and I'm looking around this house and am realising how blessed I am to have friends like these guys and with a time that could have been really sad for me here was turned into an awesome day. God is so good

DD's tears

2006-12-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

There is this little girl who just moved to this neighbourhood with her Mum and Grandmother. She would have to be only about 2 years old and we call her DD. She is beautiful. All she ever does when she comes over to the community house is hug and plays with my hair (it's weird for her because is soft and is not a fro).

Travis and I were walking by her house to go to see someone and her Grandmother stopped me to ask me a few questions and DD saw me and started to hug me. Eventually I went to go because I still had business to attend to and as I walked off she started to cry and it broke my heart. I almost started to cry.

This arvo I was pondering on it and I started to think how that is like my relationship with God. He is crying out for us all to love him and we are often to busy that our daily bread can be passed as a quick 1 minute prayer. I challenge you all to really eat the word. Actually have a relationship not treating God like he is an acquaintance

I don't want my God to cry any longer

Moving

2006-12-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I moved house. I now live with the other students which share be very interesting. I love them don't get me but I'm intrigued to see how we mesh after spending so much time together. I believe that God will teach me a lot within this process especially. I feel sorry for them really because the will see me grumpy, sleepy, sad, sick and mental (all the fun sides of me)

It will be awesome. I'm can't hide the real me now. I'm going to grow through Jesus. Please pray that the real Jesse will stick to be shown at all times and that it'll be continually being more like Christ.

2006-12-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Something that has really stuck with me this week in the book I'm reading (Intercessory Prayer) is when he talks about his trips to Calcutta and he gives examples of us being a go between for those who need healing. A he tell this story of a little girl who everyone there says is crazy, so crazy in fact, that they tie her to a tree in their back yard. So Dutch feels the Spirit tell him to do what Jesus would do, so half way through his message he go over to her to pray for healing and she was healed. And that's what I want to do. Not just the healing of people (but that would be pretty sweet) but to honestly and whole heartedly do what Holy Spirit leads me to do and to not just do what I want to do. I'm here to re-present Jesus not present Jesse

Always pray

2006-12-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Last night I tried to do a good thing for a family that lives a couple of streets over who don't have power at the moment, well they do but it is done by a extension cord running from someone else's house so they can only really use that for lights. They hadn't had a hot meal for a good few weeks so I did what Jesus would do and made the family a good cooked meal with two of the children that live there helping me because they wanted to do something for their family.

So I was almost finished cooking and my power went to. One of the fuses died so the lights that are attached to a ceiling all went out. So the boys and I continued to mash the potatoes in the dark with one torch (flash light) between us and I was able to feel what it would be like for them at their house and I was over come with sadness. I was going crazy within the first few hours and this family has been doing it for way longer than that and their ages range from 4 to about 40 with 6 of them living in this house.

So last night I was thinking about the last time my power went out and that was when I was cooking for my cell group and I realized that both times that it has happened I didn't pray before hand. I was doing what God would want me to do in the situations but I need to make sure He's right in the middle of it because the demons around here want to keep these kids in the dark and not to feel good enough to have a hot meal but Jesus does and as his Re-presenter we're to do his work but we must always remember to bring the task at hand to Jesus first so He will have our back and so we can have authority over demons through Jesus to tell them to ping off.

Fast results?

2006-12-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading a book by Dutch Sheets called "Intercessory Prayer" and I really liked this statement in it. It is "We don't wait well. We're into microwaving; God, on the other hand, is usually into marinating"

I often find with myself that I am trying to make God speed things up and it's totally not my place to do that (as if I have any authority over God) It's sometimes easy to forget that God's concept of time is nothing like ours. An example would be praying to see my family come to have a relationship with Jesus. I pray about it regularly and am wait on God to make it happen and I can sometimes get frustrated because you never know what could happen tomorrow and I want to see them all in Heaven and so I'll cry out to God for him to do something now but it is all to happen in God's time not my own. Now don't get me wrong God wants you to cry out to him and He's not just sitting back in his recliner chair just sitting back watching but he knows what time is best and we just need to trust him with it all.

A new mission statement

2006-12-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

I woke up the other night to find that God wanted to talk to me and give me a new mission statement. One that is not of me but is from my Redeemer.

"Not only made for warfare but ready to fight it."

I have always been told that we are all made for the war that God wants us to fight (and we all are) but God told me that not many Christians actually fight in the war although they know that it is part of their calling and that God has equipped them to win the battle, they don't even fight in it.

He said "I want you to fight in this war with all you have not just know about it. So this is my new mission statement with the intention of living up to it as God has called me to.

My kids

2006-11-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

Today I lead the cell group for the kids under 5 at my house and although they can be noisy and want to throw fits (I proved that I could throw fits them better) I realized that in 9 months I'm going to have to leave them just as Jaime had to today (she moved back to Florida). I loves these children as if they were my own and I know I'm going to miss them incredibly but I still have 9 whole months with them that I am going to enjoy. I wish they could all come back home with me.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

So today was my first thanksgiving and I don't really understand what it's all about. Like I get that there was something about the native Americans and that but I don't get why we need to have a day set aside to be thankful. Shouldn't we be giving thanks to God all the time anyway and I'm not talking about saying grace before a meal (that can be more of a religious spirit than actually being thankful) but for everything. I'm from a country that is rather wealthy were if I can get money the government will help out till I can sort myself out. I don't have to sleep in a cardboard box, I don't have to rummage through the trash to find food. My sister's baby girl came into this world healthy although there were complications throughout the pregnancy. My parents support what I'm doing here although they don't have the same beliefs as me. I have people in this country supporting me and being a friend although I'm an alien to this place. I have a God that looks out for me ad loves me. A God who knows me by name.

there is so much stuff that God has blessed me with so why do we here only have one day put aside to be thankful?

We should be thanking God with every breath in our bodies.

Praise and glory be to God

Martin Luther King Jr

2006-11-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

'A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.'

'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'

I love both of these quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. I'm enjoying quotes lately. It's good to know that others think the same as I.

Why?

2006-11-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

"I have but one passion - it is He, it is He alone. The world is the field and the field is the world; and henceforth that country shall be my home where I can be most used in winning souls for Christ."
Zinzindorf, Count

Tornado

2006-11-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

Well apparently there was a tornado here in Charlotte last night. All we got from it here was a lot of rain and lightening. But as usual I like to apply stuff from my surroundings to my walk with God.

I didn't know that there even a tornado (kind of a big thing to miss) but it is like what I do. There could be something really huge go on with me, some thing that I keep inside that is literally tearing me apart, but if I don't let people see it it's not so bad for those around me.

But now I'm saying I need to kill the tornado and clean up the mess it has made.

Email

2006-11-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

The ministry that is going on here can I can so easily just dwell on the things I've done wrong, but then I get an email from on of the kids here (I've showed him how to email)

'you rock to. i love you.you is like a big sister'

Then you look back on where this kid was 2 months ago and you can see how God is moving in this place. I love these kids

My Birthday

2006-11-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

Well today is my 20th birthday and I'm am very blessed. Yesterday my sister Holly had a baby girl and her name is Mya Phoebe. I also received a phone call from my church family back home in Australia but I missed it because I was on the phone but they left me a beautiful loud message singing Happy Birthday. I got to speak to my family. I also got to go out with some of my friends from here (we went out and had Indian for lunch). Acacia made me a really nice cake (from scratch). I got to have a lot of fun and today I'm really grateful for everything that I have. I have so much. God has blessed me more than I deserve (that's for sure)

God you are so awesome and I can't thank you enough for all that you have done.

I'm going to go now. I'm so overwhelmed but it all that I can't stop crying right now

I love you all

The Cost of Following Jesus

2006-11-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

Luke 9:57-62

57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will
follow you wherever you go."
58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests,
but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
59 He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied,
"Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you
go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back
and say good bye to my family."
62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks
back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

I'm have counted the cost and I wouldn't change any of it.
The cost is nothing in comparison to the riches that I have received in Christ.
It's totally worth it.

You'd think I'd take the hint

2006-11-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Okay get this. We have two new people her in Charlotte as part of 614 firecrest (Tal and Acacia) and Acacia gave me a word from God (keep in mind she doesn't know what other things God has been talking to me about). She gave me Psalm 57

1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me;
Selah
God sends his love and his faithfulness.
4 I am in the midst of lions;
I lie among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
6 They spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves.
Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

Did you catch verse 4

4 I am in the midst of lions;
I lie among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.

How awesome is that. It totally ties in with the 2 Timothy scripture I got from God the other day. I love the way that God works and the fact that he is using confirmation also so I will really get the hint

2 Timothy 4:17-18

2006-11-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

God latest scripture that God has given to me

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
2 Timothy 4:17-18

Which goes with a prophetic word that was given to me 2 months ago which is Job 29. And this particular verse from it came back to me.

"I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth."
Job 29:17

So in Job God is giving me authority to back the fangs of the devil to release his people. But how can I do that if I am in the mouth of the lion. First I need to be released before I can let God use me to release others and God is doing that now in my life. It's so awesome. God is washing me over in Holy Spirit and showing me some of my calling.

Praise be to God who is releasing the captives

Giving sight to the blind

2006-11-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today we are so awesome. I got to do practical minisrty when we got to take a girl in our community to the optometrist. Which is so awesome because this girl is like seriously almost blind. She will be getting her glasses next week sometime. She got to pick whichever frames she wanted and got every freature she could get for the lenses. Now that my friends, is justice

Praise be to God that he is bringing sight to the blind

What gets me up in the morning?

2006-10-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

Today I was talking to a new friend and now is my next door neighbour and she asked me
"What makes you get up in the morning?"
And I started to think what is making me get up in the morning? I could easily have just been a bludger but instead I am here as an alien to this country.

My answer was "I get up because of the children here, because where I am now all I want to do is grow in Christ and see them grow in Christ also. You can't help but love them and I want to see them in Heaven with me."

So I ask you this question, WHAT IS IT THAT YOU ARE REALLY WAKING UP FOR?
Would God be smiling on you right now with what you are doing with your time and resources?

Just think about it please.

Blessings

Confirmation

2006-10-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in class we started to talk about the this idea of confirmation by John Wesley (AKA the Wesleyan Quadrilateral)

It's broken into four parts

Experience / History
-----------------------------
Scripture / Holy Spirit

Which really makes sense when you think about it but I had never really thought about it before. Well I have with most on various occasions but never comparing them and processing all these aspects.

I'm really going to start trying to do this now as much as possible. I need to really grow in this area and I'm ready to. Please pray that this will stick with me because some of these points of confirmation I do struggle with.

Blessings

DROPS

2006-10-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

'The works that we do are only a drop in the ocean but if we don't do it the drop will be lost forever'

Mother Teresa

Lets not waste one drop

One smile

2006-10-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today I found helping at the community house very challenging because kids were listening and back chatting (just making it more difficult than usual). I went to Rob and Heathers to prepare for our cell group in not the best mood and I also had in mind that the kids who would be coming would be a handful and run wild (sometimes when they get together they try to out do each other) but to my surprise the kids that came to this cell group (5 boys between 6-8 years old) were really well behaved really. We had alot of fun and enjoyed laughing with each other. When Heather and I were debreifing I was praying and I just remember seeing the smiles on these kids faces and that has totally made my day feel worth while. I just pray that I'll be reminded of the kids smiling faces the next time they are challenging so that they will smile at them at all times so they know that I love them all.

Standing firm

2006-10-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

God has given me a new promise this week. It's found in Job 11:14-15 (NIV)

if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear.

Over the past few days during my quite time with God I've been handing over to him the sins that I've been holding onto. It is a hard process because they have been apart of me for so long and have sometimes even been used as a security blanket but not anymore.

Since doing this I have found that I have been able to stand up for myself more (which I've been struggling with lately) and I'm become less and less scared of what people are going to think when I voice my opinions.

It's hard I'm not going to lie but it's what God wants so I'm not going to hold out on him what he wants.

Miss Diamond

2006-10-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

There is this little girl named Diamond in our neighbourhood who just loves to hang out with us at the comunity house every afternoon. Just to see her smiling is awesome and such a blessing.

Any the point of me telling you about her is that she came over yesterday went back home for a little bit then came back over in tears. So she came over to me on the couch and gave me the biggest hug and just stayed wrapped up on me in this hug where she could just have someone love her. When I asked her what was the matter it turned out to be that her Mum wouldn't give her candy (no big drama) but she just stayed in my arms listening to my heart beat for like 5 minutes. It was really beautiful for two really awesome reason, 1 she new that I loved her enough to hug her for as long as she needed no matter how big or small her problem was and that she loves me enough to trust me enough to hug me.

I love our kids

Tickets

2006-10-16T19:06:00.001-07:00

Well today I rebooked my tickets back home (the one from LA to NZ to Autsralia) and I will be returning back to Australia on the 17th of September 2007. It seems so far away but I know that it will go past really fast. Lots is happening here. I'm loving every minute of it. I building awesome and last relationships with the students, the leaders and the kids in the community.

Warning to those back home in the land of Oz I'm not the same. I'm growing in Christ. I love it.

Finding rest

2006-10-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday and today I have not been feeling so good (Tummy and head aches and bringing up food.) I can't say that it has been the best time since being here but it has given me time to rest in the LORD. For those of you that know me from back in Australia you would know that I am a bit of a work freak and haven't really had a break in a long time. It's been good just to lay down in silence and actually take time to listen to what God wants to say to me, to bad I had to get sick to really figure it out.

Blessing

A song from God

2006-10-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

From Monday to Thursday this week Leo, Heather, Rob and I have been at a conference and on Tuesday God gave me a new song which I always enjoy because I love to sing a new song to the Lord (makes sense hey?) I was really excited about this song because it's about the tribe of Judah (Judah means praise) and then on Wednesday morning the speaker was talking about the tribe of Judah. I love that God is using me and music to worship him and them to have it reaffirmed by someone else was so cool.

Helping hands

2006-10-09T20:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we took the kids from our neighbourhood to one of the local Salvation Army Corps (as we do every Sunday) but it was a little different this week because it had been raining. Usually after church we take them all back home and then feed lunch outside but because of the rain we chose to make up the food at church and serve it up there in the gym. I was asked to cook the food (macaroni and cheese) which I was totally happy to do because serving is one of my spiritual gifts and I get to feed the kids (it's really a blessing and I can not understand how some people could see it as a chore).

I was cooking in the kitchen and on of our newer kids came into the kitchen and was so keenness on helping that although there really wasn't anything for him to do, I welcomed him and his heart that wanted to bless his friends by helping feed them. So he helped me by putting cold water on the pasta (which could have just sat under a tap) and putting the powdered cheese in the pot (more ended up on the floor than in the pot) but it was just such a blessing to see his smile and his willingness to help and try to express his love to those who were eating and without even telling people that he helped cook it.

I just wanted to share with you all the blessing that I experienced when I was able to see a 7 year olds heart wanting to humbly serve his peers and leaders. Helping hands brought a blessing to many. Myself as an observer and the 30 kids that he helped feed.

Beauty in the smallest things

2006-10-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday I was hanging out with this kid named Poo at the community house and he would have to be one of the most beautiful people I know and it is such a blessing that God has let him come into my life and that he trusts me with his precious children (it's pretty amazing). But with yesterday I really got to see more beauty in Poo. It was so simple but his smile just stayed in my mind all day. All that happened was he had asked me to help him make a rubber band ball (it's a piece of paper with lots of rubber bands all around it and it eventually becomes bouncy) Poo had the biggest smile on his face only because someone cared enough about him that they wanted to help him with it and not only help but enjoy spending time with him. He ended up giving me the biggest cuddle afterwards and all for a rubber band ball and that's how yesterday I found beauty (through Poo) in a rubber band ball.

Poverty

2006-10-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to look up quotes from Mother Teresa today and I found this one that really stood out to me and I thought that other people needed to here it to so I'm sharing it with you all.

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty."

Wow. What a slap in the face, hey? That's what community is really about.

What to say?

2006-10-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find that sometimes you want to say stuff but the words just don't make it out of your mouth? That would be called wisdom. Do you ever want to say something really profound and inspiring but you end up just backspacing it all? That would probably be God intervening. I think that this is one of those situations that God is wanting me to really say nothing that is of me but all of him.

So all that needs saying is

"God is so awesome"

Dragon Slayer

2006-09-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

I was looking over the letters and cards that people had given me because I was leaving (feeling a little homesick) and a very wise woman wrote something very special on a card that she had given me. It reads "A princess never slays the dragon and you wonderful Jesse are a dragon slayer". Don't get me wrong, I am a princess in the sense that I'm God's child and because he is the King I am automatically a princess but it was in reference to me wanting to be wrapped in a bubble sometimes.

A large part of me has always loved the Disney princess' because I wanted to live in a fantasy world where you only go through a few little bumps on the road but evrything works out fine in the end and they live happily ever after. But I was talking to this woman about not just being a princess that is going to sit back and let other people around me save the day and slay the dragons for me but for me to be the dragon slayer.

So with where I am now, I don't really even have the choice to have other people slay the dragon because if I was waiting for others to slay the issues/problems/demons for me' I'd be waiting a very long time. So as I arm myself with the armour of God (Ephesians 6:12-18) I will slay the dragons that surround me and the dragons that are even over the oceans. We must fight.

I pray that God would use you as a slayer and that you would be accepting to God's calling. So take up you sword and defeat those dragons in your lives and others.

May the LORD bless you more than you can contain. To the point of overflowing onto others

Made for God

2006-09-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

What was I made for?

Well that is an easy answer but sometimes we forget. The answer is for God's pleasure but we can sometimes think it is for our own pleasure. We abuse the creation of God (which is ourselves and others) with things such as drug, pre-marital sex, fighting, drinking, lying and just not using our bodies in a way that would be pleasing to God.

We have all been created for God's pleasure so what does that entale. Well that is worship and serving to future his kingdom and doing what ever it is that he calls you to. Just listen to what he's saying and I mean really listen take an hour out of your busy week at least and just wait on the Lord. He may not call you to what you had in mind but that's where his heart is at and he knows best because lets face it, he is God and he knows all. So will you answer the calling that he has put on your life to furture his kingdom, for his pleasure?

So many you be bless in receiving a word from the Lord your saviour, one that will impact you to the point of stirring you up so much that you can not keep still because you can not contain the call God has put on your life.

Bless you all.

Love you sister in Christ
Jesse Green

Save one more for Jesus