First of all, Jason sent me this wonderful picture of Christopher. He found his Jeep in the basement of Bryan and Cherie's house (my in laws) and was apparently thrilled...and just like daddy he had lots of work to do to it since it hadnt had an oil change....and such for a while....isnt he the most adorable sight in the world! I love you Christopher....I cry because I miss you so much...but your heart is so pure and your spirit is so wonderful! I love you baby.

Another great story that Jason shared with me was that Christopher has been asking Grandparents to pray for him,me and daddy. Jason said, "it is so wonderful becuase he really has an understanding of GOD....Lord how you have blessed me with this little life.....every smile, every tear, every memory, every moment with him I see you. Lord also thank you for the wonderful time I was able to spend with him before my departure....it was so amazing watching him grow and learn and make wonderful friends...he loves Matthias and Isaac, our dear friends' kids, he just lights up around them...so thank you for providing for him...even though he does not have his own siblings at this time...thank you for giving him friends (Kacey, Ethan and Ezra too of course) to bless him and to give him companionship!!!!!!! Also my mom's girls too...they are a blessing to him and to me...more like sisters than aunts...hehe!

So I was praying and asking God to give me a verse or verses for this journey I am on..........

Isaiah 61 :

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME (AMEN), because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound......61:1



Lord God I thank you that you call each of us to be your reflection, your hands, your feet...i know I fall short everyday....but I give you my life ...to touch and reach others physically and spiritually.....I do not have to go to the Philippines to do so.....you have given me opportunities in my neighborhood...in my community...as JABEZ prayed Lord continue to expand my territory...and help me to seek you so much that I may never doubt the work set before me...and send me more brothers and sisters in Christ to share in this journey....Thank you for those your have sent into my life especially most recently...I see the ministry you are calling me into through them....and it is so good to be lifted up by your children....

Lord a prayer that I have is that you may make me a minister of the GOSPEL...I really want ot be in ministry.....(i know those of you who are devote Christians will say...you already..are but)....I have been in the presence of someone very inspiring recently.....he is a pastor and he just went through something very dificult..the death of one of his confirmation students...a precious beauty....and he was so completely present with her family and her.....and I just yearned to be there too. I wanted to be apart of that type of ministry....giving of myself endlessly....pouring out into the lives of others emotionally and just being with those who need me....Lord I desire this so much...please open a door so I may walk through this....may I enter into a ministry like this or be a part of someone elses minsitry.....holding them up in prayer and support and love and comfort. This has really been on my heart recently...my spirit aches for this type of experience and calling....thank you Lord for the example of his life you have given me to see....really see what it takes....(and also Lord please fill him, pastor Derik, up!)

As Isaiah continues......

to give them a beautiful headress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and garment of praise instead of faint spirit.................61:3b

Again Lord may I be an instrument of healing and restoration on this journey in the Philippines, and in Clear Lake Ia my current home, and whereever you send me next.....LORD make me a vessel...a vessel that you have perfectly carved for your perfect will for the redemption and restoration of all those I encounter.....I want to bring out the beauty in those that feel they have none, I want to bring joy to those who are grieving loss in any form in their lives, and I want to help the faint....stand and walk beside....and even carry them on my back if they need that......Lord and I do not take any credit for this if you allow me to follow this calling......because only in You may I direct them in the way of life, health, peace, renewal, restoration, healing........................

And another word from Isaiah that I ask for my own life................

"that they (I) may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified....." 61:3c



Lord as I am writing this I am feeling your Spirit and it excites me thank you LORD for coming to me...for putting your hand on me....let your words spill out as I type...Lord thank you thank you thank you...fill me Lord.....llena me Senor con su Espiritu.....llena me...da me tu voz...da me tu Espiritu....dame mas Senor.....I want to overflow with you....dame me poder....Dios todo que yo hizo es para ud....y todo en ti....Te Amo...y te doy mi vida...usame....Padre Te amo....