The Impact of an Influencer...

Influence. Just this past week I found myself in Seaside, Oregon surrounded by pastors in the Oregon Network as we talked about what it means to be an influence. According to the dictionary, to influence is –noun: the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others: He used family influence to get the contract. —Related forms: in·flu·ence·a·ble (adj); in·flu·enc·er (n) When I think of the word "influence" the word "impact" also comes to mind with it often. I think in so many ways--they go hand-in-hand. Those that we influence, most times--we make an impact into their lives. That is the life breathing, giving, out-flowing of discipleship that can happen naturally in the context of genuine relationships.

Today in church, I had the opportunity to share a little more of my story, how God has lead me to where I am, and how God has enabled me and impassioned me to be able to share HIS story. It was beautiful! I love being able to encourage people and share with them how God has had me share and encourage them to share with people around them.

I have been impacted and influenced this week by the thought of how God has placed His most precious story in clay vessels, who in, and of themselves, are ordinary--but because of the story inside of them, they are stunning. That...that is the type of clay vessel that can influence and make an impact on others. It is a clay vessel that is willing to live up to and stand up to the precious story of God's love given through His son which impacts generations. I cannot wait to see how those I invest in, influence, and hopefully impact for God will then turn and become life long influencers making purposeful disciples and impacting every life they touch. That is what I aspire to--Lord do it!

Compelled by love from a God who loved me first!

I just talked with one of my girls tonight who is in Eden--we shared laughs and stories and talked about how we are excited to see one another again! I am going back for her and for others like her that I met, I am compelled by love because I have a Great big God who loved me first! I am still expecting big things from God and am grateful to Him that He left the 99 to get me the 1, and I am excited that I can partner with Him (just as others partner with me) that I too can go for the 1, for the 7--the girls that became my friends as we shared our lives together. Sharing sorrows and joys, we studied God's word together and prayed together--I am compelled to go because He first came compelled by love for me!

His Word never comes back void

I just heard through a friend that one of the people I met in Eden (who fell beautifully in love with Jesus) just said that she prayed with another in Jesus' name and that the seeds are still growing even if we are not there to water them, others are taking our place, I am so excited!

A year without internet

Now-a-days people muse and wonder, "what would it be like," they say to themselves, "what would it be like, to live in a land without internet...?" I no longer have to muse and wonder about this, but I have something that the musers and wonderers don't have; I have an answer to the question. Welcome to Eden! Where the internet is scarce and where living in a land without internet is...well, it's different.

This past year living in Eden has been good, challenging, and exciting. There have been too many adventures to retell, too many changed lives to count, and too many glimpses of God to go back to a 'regular' life. God was in Eden. There He brought people to Himself and showed them His love. In Eden lives were changed, they had a new outlook, a new glimmer, and they became new creations desiring and pursuing the things that the Father desires and that the Father pursues. In Eden, God moved people--including myself.

I apologize that my time in Eden was not documented well in this blog. I am in the United States now before heading back to Belgium (and beyond!) and all I can say is that living in a land without internet is...difficult to keep in contact with people, it's a change from the pace of life and from the amenities I'm used to (i.e. daily internet usage), it's...different. Sorry, more updates from this time on...

A new path through the snow: spring

Something new has been happening in Eden; the snow has melted, the birds are singing, and the sunshine (70 degree weather) has come out!! Not only were the birds and the flowers and sunshine out in the open air but the snow has receded in most all places and green grass is starting to appear. After a long winter, spring has come. What shall we do about it? Have a picnic and celebrate!! :)

Christmas in Eden...

Never before have I seen so many outdoor Christmas trees decorated and displayed. With a light dusting of know on the ground, it makes living here in Eden like walking through a Winter Wonderland. Except I never would have expected that it would be here where I find the Christmas trees and little images of Santa Claus. As one friend and mentor put it, it is strange to see that here Christmas is celebrated without meaning or even foreknowledge of its true meaning.

Soon we will be sharing the story to students in hopes that they might come to understand, believe, and claim the story for their very own, pray for us in this! Christmas, Christ's miraculous birth that brings life to...everyone who accepts him.

Surgery

6am: My brother Kevin and I got to the hospital to visit with Mom a few minutes before they took her out. She shared with us after we prayed around her bedside that Ps 52:8-9 were the verses that were really standing out to her. "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints."

6:30am: Preparation for the surgery

9am: Get a call that surgery has just started

10am: Get a call that the tumor is "VERY benign!!" NO CANCER!! :)

During this no-news waiting-time, it was hard to wait, but there was a group, waiting, praying, itching to hear news...

2pm: Surgery done, Mom survived and is in recovery!!! :)

6pm: Mom has moved to ICU from recovery.

7pm: I finally get to see her and say that I love her!

God brought her through--thank you all for praying! God is able!