Beaucoup Blessings

LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5,6

I have often said that I would count my blessings but I can't count that high!! How blessed I feel this Thanksgiving as I spend another precious year with my family. This past year allowed me to meet my goal of watching my baby graduate from high school. God has given me an amazing husband, three wonderful children, marvelous parents and siblings, great in-laws, superb extended family, numerous friends and acquaintances. Life is good.

Life has its challenges. I am at a treatment crossroad again in my cancer journey but even there blessings are abundant. My heart overflows with gratitude for the people who have stood by me, lifting me in prayer and offering their love and support. My doctors are amazing.

Cancer is not a road that anyone chooses but I have found it to be a sometimes bumpy but scenic journey filled with fellow warriors who have added a tremendous richness to my life. Even those who have lost the battle have left their amazing imprint on my heart. I am thankful for moments - lessons shared - lasting legacies.

As you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, I hope and pray that you will be able to see the richness of relationships, the power of love and most of all the promise of eternity to those who are willing to accept God's beautiful offer.

Brooklyn Tabernacle Trip - The Prayer Meeting

It has been a few months since our trip to Brooklyn. It has been a busy summer with no time to blog. Since the whole purpose of our trip was to attend the Tuesday night prayer meeting, I need to go back in time and tell you about this experience which truly was the pinnacle of the trip.

We arrived back at the Brooklyn Tabernacle an hour early. This very fact excited me. People actually have to get there early to get a seat!! This church seats over 3000 people! My experience with most churches is that if you are able to get 20 or 30 people to a prayer meeting you are doing good. What is going on here that other churches have yet to discover? Even at an hour early it was beginning to fill. An usher helped us find some seats where all 10 of us could sit together.

The wait was part of the journey. We sat and watched as people walked down the main aisle of the sanctuary to be prayed for by one of the approximately 8 intercessors who were waiting. What a wonderful idea! As I watched the faces of the intercessors and those prayed for, I realized that God was already at work among the people.

Worshipful music was playing and a screen upfront displayed a request that people not talk amongst themselves but instead prepare their hearts for prayer. True to human nature not all complied. This didn't bother me but instead reminded me of the times I have been in situations where silence is requested. It seldom happens. Still the atmosphere was one of anticipation. There was some excitement in the air.

I felt a desire to go forward for prayer prior to the service but I felt locked in. The lady in the aisle seat had a child with her (the only child I saw there) and a huge bag on the floor. My exit was also blocked by a large support pillar that was very close to her seat. I sighed inwardly and told myself that I was with two pastors and 7 other intercessors. They could pray for me just as easily.

About 10 minutes before the prayer meeting was to start, I looked over and she and the child were gone momentarily. "Thank you, God," I though to myself. "This is my sign to go for it!" I proceeded out of my seat and joined others who were lined up for prayer. When my turn came the usher, who was directing the people desiring prayer, directed me to a man to my left. I told the man that I was a prayer leader in my church and told him why we had come to Brooklyn, to experience this prayer meeting. I asked him to pray that God would teach me something and would guide me as a prayer leader.

The man, whose name is Gene, surprised me by expressing his humility and honor at having the opportunity to pray for me. He expressed his deep admiration for prayer leaders. I tried to explain that our prayer group was small but he said that didn't matter. He asked me if I had met the lady who is in charge of the prayer band there. I told him I hadn't and he told me that after we prayed that he wanted her to meet me.

"Before you pray for me," I said. "Can I pray for you?" He began to pour out the tough time that his family was experiencing with a family member who was fighting cancer. I knew right then why God had moved the lady so I could exit my seat. I hadn't intended to tell him that I have cancer but I knew that I needed to share.

I told him how God was working in my life. Things looked pretty grim at the beginning but God has done amazing things. I didn't go into detail but told him how God has provided for us every step of the way and continues to show His face throughout this cancer journey. As I prayed for Gene's family and especially this family member with cancer, the words just seemed to flow from my mouth and I could tell that they touched Gene deeply. If our trip was only for that moment it would have been worth it. Gene prayed for me as well. Powerful prayer. Then he introduced me to the leader of the Prayer Band. We finished up just in time for the grand event. The prayer meeting was about to begin.

Pastor Jim Cymbala explained to those gathered that tonight was not going to be business as usual for the prayer meeting. There were hundreds of flags from all over the world that were placed on the steps of the stage area. He explained that on Sunday he asked church members to bring the flag of their home country and that we were going to pray around the world.

The prayer time was a mix of worship in song and prayer. As he called forth the people from a Hispanic nation, hundreds came forward and stood in the front of the sanctuary. He introduced a person who would lead us in prayer for the Hispanic nations. This person prayed as in a simultaneous chorus everyone just began to call out to God on behalf of the Hispanic nations. It was a time of passionate prayer with no one really paying attention to what the other was saying. What this must have been like on God's end of it is beyond imagination.

As the prayers for the Hispanic nations came to a close we went back to worshiping in song. The people were very exuberant in their singing. Imagine thousands of passionate people singing at the top of their lungs and we joined them wholeheartedly.

Pastor Cymbala continued the prayer meeting as he called down in turn the Asian nations, and African nations. The big surprise came when he called those to come down from the Caribbean nations. They just kept coming! They filled the front of the church and the aisles. Perhaps 400-500 people! The Caribbean islands are so teeny compared to these other people groups. It was amazing!

The meeting lasted about 2 hours. We were unable to pray all around the world. The other nations would be prayed for the following Tuesday. I sat there wishing I could return. I have wanted to experience the Tuesday night Prayer Meeting ever since I read Jim Cymbala's book, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire," which I highly recommend! It met my expectations and then some. I felt that God called us there that evening because our church is building a medical clinic in Burundi, Africa and our youth are deeply involved in making a difference in Honduras. These countries are very dear to us and to participate in prayer for these nations as a large body was truly special.

If you are ever in Brooklyn, New York; I would encourage you to visit the Brooklyn Tabernacle. I left with a deeper passion for prayer. God is calling my church to build its foundation and ministry on a deep bed of prayer. We aren't called to become the Brooklyn Tabernacle but there are lessons we can learn from these people who are passionate about communicating with the God of the Universe.

"Thank you, Lord, for making this dream of mine come true. Thank you for speaking to us during this trip to New York. Most of all, thank you for always being available and ready to respond to our prayers; whether it is in a meeting of thousands or to a solitary being. Teach me to pray, Lord and bring an increased passion for prayer at my church and in the lives of all Christians. Amen"

Ground Zero

Our trip to New York included a visit to Ground Zero. I was surprised to see that even after all these years the construction crew was still working at ground level. I had assumed that it would have been all cleared off with a memorial standing. Instead, it was a very busy construction site.

We were amazed that just across the street stands St. Paul's Chapel. This historic church was founded in 1776. George Washington worshiped there. They still have his pew on display, which was actually a comfortable looking arm chair. It is a miracle that this building and the courtyard cemetery were not damaged during the collapse of the twin towers. As you look at the picture, the construction fence surrounds the site of the World Trade Center and the wrought iron fence is the courtyard of the church.

The courtyard cemetery was a lovely place to enter. It contained tombstones from long ago. They were so aged and eroded by the years that on many, the engraving had vanished. It reminded me of the book of Ephesians in the Bible. Dust in the wind. On this earth we will all one day go to the grave. Hundreds of years from now we will not be remembered except on a genealogy chart. Perhaps some will go down in the history books but not many. Things of eternal consequence are what really matter in life. God and people. I am grateful for the reminder.

As we enter the building we separated as we each looked at the many displays of memorabilia from the fateful day when the towers fell and life in the United States of America was changed forever. We were reminded of the great outpouring of love from all over our nation and even other areas of the world. We were reminded of the people who died. They weren't statistics. They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. We were reminded of the strength of the human spirit as people came from all over to help and to show their love and support for the people of New York City.

Before we left to return to our hotel room for a much needed rest, we paused as a group to pray for our nation. We also stopped to look at the cross that was formed when one of the beams fell. Remember the reassurance that cross gave to the people? God was with them and He is with you. No matter what you face.

The Journey - Brooklyn Tabernacle Trip Part 2

Life has been rather busy around here lately. Rick and I celebrated our 35th anniversary on May 31st. We plan a special anniversary trip every 5 years - until this one! It is such a special milestone yet we were deep in the midst of another milestone in our lives - the graduation of our youngest son from high school. Nick graduated on June 6th and we threw a grand party for him on the 12th. It has been a whirlwind of craziness and fun and only two days later we were off to Brooklyn, New York.

The road trip was long. We got an early start but it took us all day and well into the evening to arrive at our hotel. For 14 plus hours 8 of us got to know each other better and had a great time of bonding as we made our way to New York. I was thankful for the men who took turns driving. They all were excellent drivers and all I had to do was chat with the others. It was a fun-fest for sure!

New York is an exciting place. Our hotel in Brooklyn had only been opened for two weeks. Our accommodations were excellent. In the morning we found our way to the subway and took the short trip to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. The front of the building is very unpretentious . There was no flashy sign. A person could easily pass by without knowing it was even there. All that marks the building is a metal plaque perhaps 12 inches square with Brooklyn Tabernacle on it. Enter through the doors, however and it was like entering the great theaters of old. The former "Loew’s Metropolitan Theater" was a very ornate and majestic building which had fallen into a state of disrepair. The Brooklyn Tabernacle did a wonderful job of restoring it. Because it was a church and especially one that was in the midst of church activities we refrained from taking pictures. Guess you will have to go there yourself to see it.

The morning session was supposed to be a leadership seminar but we found out on Friday that it had been changed to an Assembly of God conference to pray for the poor and suffering. The meeting was not presented by the Brooklyn Tabernacle but instead a group that had asked to come called "Convoy of Hope." Although it was not what we originally expected it was a great time of teaching and prayer. We stayed for three of the five hours. The highlight for me was the segment where they prayed for people who needed healing. I was one of many who stood at their seats and I was very pleased that it was Pastor Jim Cymbala who prayed for God's healing touch on those of us standing. It was a very memorable moment. I trust that God worked through that moment. His healing power is amazing.

Some day maybe we can return for the leadership conference but the morning session spoke to us all for the need for compassion as we pray for the poor and suffering. Lord, give us a heart for the poor and suffering. We must never forget, in our comfort, those in need.

My Dream Trip Realized

Ever since reading Pastor Jim Cymbala's book, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire," my dream has been to visit the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York and specifically to attend their Tuesday night prayer meeting. . At this church, prayer is first and foremost. God has done wonderful things in response to the intense prayer foundation. Pastor Cymbala continues to inspire and challenge people everywhere to put God first and to continually seek His face - especially when it comes to the church. Prayer is the key to everything. Without God we can do nothing of any significance.

My dream was realized this week. I was able to take a road trip with other intercessors from my church including two of our pastors. God put together the right people for the trip and has filled us with enthusiasm to bring a new level of prayer back to our church. In days to come, I will share some experiences from this trip. The trip back was full of excitement about creating a closer walk with God and going deeper in prayer. God is going to use this trip to change us and to help us to ignite our church in prayer. What a tremendous blessing!! Thank you, Lord!!

Easter Reflections

Today is the day after Easter. We had a lovely time. Services were very good. Family time was great. We had lots of lovely food.I have a lovely cup of Earl Grey tea poured. Every sip brings me to a better state of consciousness.I may even be fully awake soon.

I look outside. The sun is out. It is going to be a beautiful day. I think of my friend Mike who lost his wife to cancer on Good Friday evening. I wonder does he even see the sun? His life has changed forever. Cancer is such an awful beast. How can it continue to devour victims?

I will miss Jean. She and I walked the path of cancer together for the past three years. She was not new on the path but had a re-occurrence a few weeks before my diagnosis. As part of my prayer ministry I gave her a call and we prayed over the phone. What a shock it was to both of us to discover that I would be fighting right alongside her with my own battle.

We both ended up at the same cancer treatment center in Illinois. We were later to learn that we even shared a birthday. Both of us weren't given a very good prognosis at the start. I was given a reprieve through a change in diagnosis in which it was discovered that my tumors are slow growing. Jean's aggressive sarcoma continued to be a challenge for her. She endured some tough treatments and had many unpleasant side effects. Yet, through her doctor's good decisions and God's healing touch she was able to ward off this attack for three years. Thank you, Lord, for those three years!

Sadly, the chess game has been played. (See related post January 14 "A Game of Chess." ) The game is over. Her king has left the board. The amazing thing is that He does not lay helplessly on his side next to the chessboard waiting to be set up for another match. Not this King. King Jesus has taken my friend to His home. She lives. SHE LIVES. Because of Easter, She lives on forever in a land far better than this world can ever offer.

Easter has so much meaning this year. God loved us enough to come down in the flesh and walk with Man. He taught us many things and in His own timing, succumbed to men who would crucify Him on an implement of torture. His tormentors felt they had won when His Spirit left his body. Not so! He arose that first Easter and walked with men. He made many appearances and then ascended into heaven. He sent his Holy Spirit to live in and interact with each of us who believe.

Today I have much hope because Jean did not die. Not permanently. Death is only a transition for those who believe in Jesus Christ. I have confidence that she still lives and that gives me joy and peace. I pray you come to know my Lord too and experience all the Wonder and the Grace that He has to offer!