Friday, September 28, 2007

What are you up to, Lord?

Try to hear my voice or this entry will not make much sense:


I was all ready for her. Today, I was to get my first roommate! One I had been thinking and praying about. I went out and bought a bed (which I needed anyway) and got her room ready. Thursday afternoon, I got the call. "Aleese, I am so, so sorry, but I found a place that is closer to my school. Your place would take me over an hour and I need that time for studies." Of course I said, "I am sad, but that is okay." We had talked about the possibility of her moving after a few weeks or months if she found a place, but before she even moved in?? :) Wow!

So I sit here in my office, which was to be her room typing this blog. My mind has been thinking one thought for the past 24 hours, "God, what do you have in store for me? I thought this was what you wanted. Is there someone who needs my place more than this young woman? What is up your sleeve?" I smile, because I know God has no sleeves. :)

Have you ever wondered why plans change so suddenly even after you were sure they would happen? I wonder. I pray that God will open my eyes to the things He has for me.


Weather report: Today is rainy, cool and rainy. A typical fall day in Poland. . . ugg! Reports are that is gets worse and darker sooner as winter comes. Ahh!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Memories . . .



I just found some of these picts and wanted to share them with you. They are a taste of who I am and what I miss and where I am from.

Do You Proclaim To Follow Jesus?



Over the past 6 months, we have had several young people step forward to be counting as followers of Jesus! It thrills me to see them take that step of faith and to show the world Who they are following! This last Sunday was no different.

It was a beautiful, warm September day. The sky was Colorado blue, and sun was shining in praise to its Creator. There were more visitors than church members! Many do not know Jesus but came because their classmate asked them to witness her decision. I was brought to tears a one moment when a father had the privilege of baptizing his daughter.

I was reminded of the book of Hebrews when it says that we are surrounded by a crowd of witnesses. Sunday, everyone gathered around the pool to witness this wonderful event. It got me thinking. . . are those who have gone on to heaven gathered too, watching this event and giving God the glory?

God is moving in Katowice! I pray that this movement will start to transform this generation, this city, this country and this world.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

May I Introduce part of the Poland team . . .


These are some of my teammates and friends.  (Not all are pictured here because not all could be at the conference.)   Top row  Greg, Krista, Mirek, Michał.  Second: Me, Daniel, Łukaś, Jola, Ilona.  Third: Susan and Dan.  We were all in Czech for the Josiah Venture fall conference.   (I will post more pictures later.)

These Poles have the same passion (I think even more) as we do to reach their younger generation for Christ!  Łukaś is starting up a Jr. High ministry!  The "forgottens".   Mirek and Greg are the leaders of our Polish organization, Fala.  Michał is leading our Polish 9 month intern program.  Ilona is our Executive Secretary, translator, and detail person!  Jola is Laura Hash's camp assistant, translator and I don't know  what we would do without her.  Last year, she took time out to help me with my Polish.  :)  

I wanted to let you see the Poles who are serving their fellow Poles.  They are the ones who live with passion and zeal to see their country be transformed by Jesus!  Please pray for them.  

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Let the Nations be Glad!

I think that heaven will be much like this week. I am in the Czech Republic at our Fall conference. There are 160 members form 13 countries all with one goal: How do we Glorify God in our countries and lives? It is amazing to sing and to worship in English with many accents and expressions of worship all around. Oh Lord, How sweet is Your Name!

This week we are concentrating on Leading like Jesus lead. It is incredible to be reminded that Jesus had mostly teenagers and young 20somthings as his closest friends. He spent so much time growing himself and connecting with God that the last 1 1/2 year of his life was a whirlwind of ministry and investment. I am once again reminded about the Sonlife strategy stuff and was given a renewed eagerness to apply that which have have known for a long time, but have forgotten.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Mondays Are Sometimes Just Down Days

When exhaustion sets in, the Spirit does His thing! That is what I place my hope in. I have have a few weeks of intense ministry and yesterday was told about a dear friend's father dying during a celebration vacation. Oh, to be there for my friend and his family!

The news prompted my own thoughts toward last year when I was told that my grandmother had passed away and today my missing both grams and gramps was renewed. Last year at her death, I was unable to jump on a plane and be there then too.

God did bless me last night with a peaceful dream about my precious Grams though. She told the story of visiting me in Poland and how wonderful it was! (She never got to make that trip, but I feel that it was a gift God gave me.):)

I know that I am weak today. I know that if I do not jump into my Father's arms I will be no good. To jump in my Father's arms and just let him heal this tired heart of mine! Lord, just warm me and keep me sucure in your love!

This week I go to the Czech Republic for our Josiah Venture fall conference. There will be 160 1st (nationals) and 2nd (non-nationals) culture attendees. We are focusing on "Lead the Way Jesus Lead!" I look forward to this study. I am excited to be surrounded by my brothers and sisters who all want one thing: to follow Christ more closely than last year!

My New Look

I woke up yesterday and got on to my blog. . . no template. . . hum. . . what . . . I tried to restore . . . nothing . . . tried plain old Bronco colors. . . nice. . . not what I want though . . . found COFFEE! Yes! So, below my links is a little survey of what you think about my new look. Check it out and let me know!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

The PERFECT Team building event!


Tonight our team got together to have a team meeting and then I was able to bless them with Sunday's Broncos game!  I love technology!  We all crammed in my little living room, turned on the TV and for a few hours we were together enjoying a great American pass time, pizza, coke and the BRONCOS,  winning, of course!  

What a blessing this team is to me!  Through hard times and through joys, I know I can count on each one of them to pray, encourage, challenge and love me!  Thank you, Lord for this wonderful blessing in my life!

Mom, when I call next week, don't tell me the score!  :)  

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Smash Mouth in Poland! American Football Polish style!



Yeah, you got it right! I found an American Football league IN POLAND!! What is even better is that there is a team right here in Katowice! I am going to try to get to some of the games. Whahoo! God even cares for our interests! Last year, according to the pictures I found they played full contact with NO pads or helmets. Real Smash Mouth FOOTBALL!

The Silesia Miners, complete with their Southern Flag. Can it get better than this during football season? :)

PS GO BRONCOS!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Okay, I am used to blue skies in September! It has been raining for days now and it has gotten cold and I just want to complain to you about it just a little. It is depressing and I want it to go away! Yuck!

But even though it is dreary outside, it is sunny and warm in my heart! God is good and I am so grateful for his grace and mercy in my life. I am singing a song of thankfulness even while I am not enjoying the weather. . . I guess you would call it "joy".

Just wanted to let you know what is happening!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Dobranocka dla




This is my blog for the day. I hope you enjoy it. Yes, it is in Polish. It is a lullaby from our Father to children.

Mateo is a famous worship leader her in Poland. His songs minister to my soul even when I my ears don't understand the words.

I think you will get the message even if you don't understand the words!

Monday, September 03, 2007

Are You Ready for Some Football????????

Yesterday, through the wonders of technology, I was able to introduce the wonderful sport of AMERICAN FOOTBALL to one of my Polish friends. We had chips and ice cream as we watched the Bronco vs. Cleveland pre-season game. I know . . . but better late than never. One question: What is up with the DEFENCE????? Do I have to come back a lay a bit of smack down on you boys??

P.S. I just may make a convert out of this young one. :) Go ORANGE Crush!

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Autobots, Roll OUT!

There's nothing like going and seeing the Transformers with two Jr. High guys. It FINALLY made it to POLAND!
I saw things that I NEVER thought I would see at a movie theater. :) Thanks for the memories guys! :)

Next week: Bourne Ultimatum!