Mentoring means putting your heart where your mouth is!

susan and krystal - an unlikely couple. One is 18 and just finishing high school, struggling with a family that doesn't know how to be a family yet, living outside the home. Susan is older, wiser, and been around the mountain quite a few times. She is also sports her ever-present oxygen tank - fondly referred to her as her "jet pack." She is a soldier at the corps and a champion for children and animals!

Krystal calls Susan, sometimes in the middle of the night - when she feels like hurting herself, when she doesn't feel God's love, when she just needs to hear a friendly voice. Krystal told me the other day the first time Susan told her that she loved her, she started crying.

Do we realize how much of an impact that we can have on one person? Just be showing some interest?

We want to pray for both of these women - they are both facing big changes in their life. They are both right where God wants them - in his arms of love.

League of Mercy - the way you (don't) remember it (if you still have your memory, that is)

Nothing is impossible with God.

Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel, told what would happen to her, she believed him and as an afterthought (right . . .), was told about Elizabeth bearing a child in her old age. The angel adds, almost casually, "for NOTHING is impossible with God."

a few verses later, she meets up with Elizabeth who confirms that Mary has indeed been blessed by God and says something very enlightening - Mary was blessed because she believed that God would do what he said he would do.

It's not that she believed God would do something impossible but that he would do what he said, even when that seems impossible.

We prayed for Maribel, who is in Mexico with her two children - forbidden to come home to her husband, Ryan. God has promised to reunite that family - somehow. Maybe Ryan needs to go there. . . . Nothing is impossible with God.

We lift up Damien, Kim, Susan, Diana, Lacey, and so many others. God promises to bring blessings and restoration to those who are exhibiting obedient faith.

Nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Western Bible Conference

So our corps took 10 people to WBC and the trip there and back was an experience in itself. Two sets of girls twins, one year apart in age - all vying for attention. Cody, the only boy - still learning how to manage his emotions and energy. Two moms - looking for a vacation but having to deal with kids. Two "aunties" who were struggling with their own aches and pains and yet putting up with ours. And then there is Captain Don - who should be nominated for sainthood. It was he who read the Bible with the kids each day - we made it through mark, for the most part. He drove. He stopped patiently for bathroom breaks. He even pulled over a couple times , , , ,THAT was scary!

But we made it - the food was fabulous, we jumped in the ocean, we were fed by the Word, we were inspired by Commissioner Israel Gaither, we reunited with old friends, made some new ones, the kids swam most every day, and we had the best view in the camp!

We even found kosher marshmallows at Trader Joes so we enjoyed Roasting marshmallows at our friends house.

I would even go so far as to say it was lifechanging.

Thank you!

Come Away, My Beloved - by Frances Roberts

So this has become my new devotional - started because Emily was getting married and Shavuot (Pentecost) reminds us of our marriage covenant with God,

Here's what last night said - so very powerful that I was thinking about it again this morning, so simple that I don't know why it grabbed me. . .

"Only as you WALK will the waters of adversity be parted before you. Overburdened as the world is with trouble and sickness, I need those who have proved My sufficiency in everyday, personal experience to lead the suffering to the fountains of life. I need those who have found Me as burden-bearer to help bring deliverance to the oppressed.

Never begrudge time given to chronic complainers, but recognize in each encounter the opportunity to speak a word that may lead to their liberation. No case is too hard for Me. Never be taken by surprise when I use you to change a pattern. Do not judge a man by what he appears to be, but see him as what he can be if he gives himself unreservedly to Me."

wow. Matthew 9:29 - "According to your faith, let it be to you."

Maggie

Here's to maggie. . . who traded in her sorrows and pain this morning

Hope it's everything you dreamed of! You are loved.

We will meet in the golden city.

Love, all of us.