PHOTO UPDATE #2

John playing with Joshua Rushings team at the Solemn Assembly, New Year's Eve 2006

PHOTO UPDATE: onething 2006

ONE THING DAY THREE

Yesterday we auditioned over 25 potential new students for the Fall 2007 semester at Forerunner Music Academy (FMA). It was so exciting to see all these young people with a passion to use their musical giftings wholeheartedly for Jesus. I talked to so may young people yesterday at the FMA booth, some of them still in high school, looking forward to the possibility of coming to IHOP, attending FMA or FSM. God is doing something big with the hungry hearts of this generation.

I found the overflow room last night. The main auditorium is pretty intense! The speakers alone might be bigger than my house! I think I may have found my place, the overflow room is much quieter and is close to CEC (Children's Equipping Center), so I can slip in and out to see how the kids are doing.

Nick and John are both playing with Carol Hall's worship team in the CEC Services for the conference. I absolutely love seeing the passion in these young ones as they worship the Lord, pray for each other, and share the word.

Today is the start of another full day. Praying for grace and strength to walk through this day and to seize every opportunity to lavish love on this young people.

I Can't Feel My Feet

Ok, so just across the street there's really awesome worship taking place with 15,000 young adults: and shortly Allen Hood, one of my favorite IHOP speakers will be speaking, but I can no longer feel my feet. So I'm praying that God either meets me here alone in my hotel room or gives me a second wind after I soak my aching feet in the tub!

Hotel Ammenities

This morning John realized that I forgot to pack his electric shaver, as well as his razor and shaving cream. He uses both. So he had to resort to using my razor and the hotel conditioner to shave with. He picked up the tiny bottle of conditioner and read it "Hmmmm, lavender and chamomile, hope my face doesn't fall asleep."

Well, I thought it was funny!

ONE THING 2006

Tomorrow begins my first KC ONE THING! We've been gearing up and preparing for a month. 15,000 young adults have begun streaming into Kansas City because they have a hunger and a longing for more of Him.
My tiny little piece, no my crumb in the pie plate of ONE THING, involves organizing and setting up the informational booth for FMA (Forerunner Music Academy). What I began contemplating yesterday as John and we're rushing around doing our "little part", was that there are hundreds of us all out there with "one little part" or "one big part", whatever the case maybe; and when all the parts fit together, this huge thing happens, and 15,000 young adults stand side by side declaring the goodness of God and crying out to know Him more.
So as I push my little crumb around and bump up against the next person pushing their crumb, or their sliver, or their honking huge piece of pie around; I pray grace and strength for each of us!

Tonight we had the honor of having dinner with two of our supporters, Kevin and Eva Finn from Cape Coral, Florida. We met Kevin and Eva over three years ago, at a conference near Philadephia. It was one of those connects that we real and meaningful, and felt important. Over the past three years, we've chatted on the phone, and exchanged occassional emails. But tonight was the first face to face connect since we originally met them, and we were so blessed to listen to the story of their journey and to enjoy the look of "hunger" in their eyes. They represent the precious hearts that come here to Kansas City year after year to receive fresh revelation and to pour out extravagant devotion to the Father. Tonight I ask, God, would you meet them all in their place of hunger, and would you honor them for coming by revealing Yourself to them!

Christmas

Christmas Tip for New Parents

I've thought about writing a book on parenting. I've even begun an outline and an introduction to the book, and have lots of brainstorming done of the idea of it. Although my book would focused on the spiritual care and nurture of children in light of the day in which we live, today I thought of something that ought not to be overlooked in giving advice to young parents.
HERE IT IS: Think Very Long and Hard before Buying or Making Christmas Stockings for your Child!!!!! Although the idea of having a stocking large enough to stuff your baby in on their first Christmas for a sweet photo may be nice, please, please, please keep in mind that you must FILL that stocking year after year with "stuff".
The beloved Christmas stockings that I made for my children are enormous! Why I didn't think that through when I made them, I'll never know. Now I've learned a few tricks on how to fill them without taking out a small loan, but none the less, I think they might have been just as sweet about half the size. I'm sure my kids would not agree, you be the judge!

Surprise Gift

I just received an amazing gift tonight. It didn't come in a box, or even in a fancy gift bag. It wasn't donning a bow. I can't even hold it in my hand, but it is residing sweetly in my heart.
Tonight I got to hear my husband's voice in the prayer room. Now I know that may be an odd gift, but it is priceless to me, and I am quite sure I will remember Christmas Eve. 2006 for many years, for that reason alone.
Many of you reading know my husband as an electric guitar player, and that is what he has been here at IHOP since we landed here this summer. He will in fact be teaching electric guitar at FMA this coming semester. All that said, I know my husband as a worship leader, a songwriter, and a psalmist in the house of the Lord. My favorite times with him have been the hours we have spend singing before the Lord in a tiny church in Pennsylvania. I know the songs his heart has offered up, they are the songs of our journey with God.
So tonight I am grateful that I was given the gift of his voice in the prayer room. I know God stopped to listen. I am certain that there is a spot in God's heart that only John's voice can reach.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Tonight we are in the prayer room. It is Christmas Eve. I look around me at those who are also here, and I can't help wonder about their stories. Why are you here anyway? Very few do I truly "know", some are total strangers, yet we are all here. There's a beautiful sense of peace here, and I am wrtiting quickly before the tears begin. "Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him".
A woman I do not know just finished praying for those who are alone tonight, the widow, the orphan, the homeless. We are indeed required to "weep with those who weep". I was reminded tonight of one little one who has been rescued from being alone tonight. Tonight she is surrounded by a family who adores her, surrounded by those who have chosen her and called her their own. The spirit of adoption has embraced her, her life redeemed. "Sleep in Heavenly Peace", my friend Zoe.

Traditions

Tonight we had Christmas with our friends, the Bohlender's. They graciously allowed me to bring "Potato Corn Chowder", a Christmas Eve tradition for our family. Albeit a day early, it seemed right to make it and share this tradition. ("Chowder" for those of you wondering, is the term used to describe a milk based soup.... This comment will only be funny to some, others of you will wonder why I just chose to state the obvious, wonder on!)
In trying to think of a fun "Christmasy" thing to do with the kiddos, I pulled out of my memory bank of childhood memories, the fond memory of making homemade pretzels around my Aunt Alice's kitchen table with my cousins. Pulling out "Aunt Roma's Pretzel Recipe", we set to work and the results were splendid. Photos to come soon!
I also gave John an early Christmas gift tonight. "Trivial Pursuit 80's Edition". If you've followed our blogs, you will understand the significance. We paired up gals against the guys. The game started out slowly, with none of us knowing any answers. I started to wonder if we really did live through the 80's. As the game turned Randy and John seemed to be hand delivered all the EASY questions, leaving them the winners of the night. I, unlike my husband do not retain names of bands, lyrics to songs, name of actors and the list of movies they are famous for... for some reason, trivia just doesn't hang out in this brain. I think I spend most of the 80's with my nose in a book.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. We will attend morning church service, come home for lunch and a brief rest, and then will spend the remainder of our Christmas Eve. this year in the Prayer Room. I cannot think of a better place! We'll end the evening back at home with our own family traditions: the Christmas Eve gift, some quiet family time, putting the kids to bet, and John and I wrapping a few last minute gifts, and stuffing the stockings. We'll set all the gifts under the tree and get to bed, most likely much too late!

This is a year of enjoying the family traditions of the past and adding a few new ones! I love the newness of this particular Christmas.

A Tree House

I love the thought of it! The sentiment of being nicely tucked away in a place so safe and so "members only", that you feel nothing but safe. Reminds me of an A.A. Milne poem from my childhood:

Solitude

I have a house where I go
When there's too many people,
I have a house where I go
Where no one can be;
I have a house where I go,
Where nobody ever says "No";
Where no one says anything- so
There is no one but me.

-from Now We Are Six

The only place better than "Solitude", is that lovely place where you are safe with friends, safe with those who know you and still love you. Thank you friends, you know who you are!

(editorial note: thoughts in this post are a reflection on a post by RBOHLENDER.BLOGSPOT.COM ("A Night on the Town)

Adoption Update

In the swirl of life, there's this huge anticipation of the baby to come. I realized once again today how odd it is to be expecting a baby and not know the due date! We appreciate the prayers and support of our family and friends so very much, even those of you out there praying who we've never met!
Here's the update: Our homestudy paper work should all be turned in by the end of next week. It's alot of work folks! God continues weekly to provide financially. We have paid out $2500 already to the adoption consultant. And our current savings after that payment is now $4,600. ($1000 of that will cover our homestudy costs).
God is so amazing!
We're planning fundraising Gala in February and really expect to see God provide, we know his heart is for us!

Thanks for praying!

GIVING

I know for some people giving gifts is just a drudgery, something they have to do, and finding the perfect gift is a chore. I however, love giving. Perhaps it's just a personality thing, but I love finding gifts for the people I love. I love showing my appreciation for them through the words of a gift. Whether it's a funny gift that says, "I love your sense of humor, thanks for making me laugh". Or a sentimental gift that says "I know about your heart". Or just a needed gift that says, "I care about the things that you need in this life"..... I LOVE GIVING!

I was thinking this morning that if Christ is instilling His nature in us day after day, making us more like Him as we seek hard after Him, then He must really enjoy giving! Beyond the incomparible gift of His own life, daily He gives to us. Over and over again HE IS THE GIVER! Today I choose to reflect on what He has given to me this year. I'm reminded of the lyrics:"You give and take away, you give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be your name." Today, regardless of the giving or the taking away that this past year represents in my life, I choose to see it all as a GIFT. A gift that has drawn me closer and pulled me deeper into the embrace of my Father, and has taught me more about the nature of Christ than any other year in my life.

here's the scoop on the photos

The wonderful people shown in the photos of our trip to Pennsylvania are:
My parents, Terry and Carol Mickey
My sister Tara, her husband Jeremy, and their awesome son JUSTIN (age 5)
My brother Joe, his wife Megan, and their beautiful and quite chunky son, SILAS (age 4 months)
The precious lady in the photo with my kids is a dear family friend, CINDY FITZGERALD. She and her husband run a wonderful B&B called Crossroads Bed and Breakfast in Mansfield, PA.

HOPE THAT HELPS!!!

I've always wanted to be a Professional Shopper

My brother called the other day while I was at my mom and dad's and asked to talk to my dad. I of course, said "Why don't you want to talk to me?" He said, "I need advice on buying a new chainsaw." I said, "Well what do you need to know, don't you think I can help?" He of course said, "No, let me talk to dad". Not settling for having my advice totally dissed, I said "well, what color is it", he said, "Red". I said, "That's a good color, you should get it".
Now even though I was not invited on the shopping trip to get the chain saw, please notice that my advice was well taken! Isn't it a beauty! Red is a great color for a chainsaw!

My Very Own Sheep Dog

Wanted you all to see the hair I commented on in a previous blog! It has since been trimmed, mind you just trimmed!
You have to admit, it really is quite endearing! Makes ya just want to pet him and scratch behind his ears doesn't it!

Photo Journal: Trip to Pennsylvania

I Know I've Said it Before

But I really love coffee, I really, really do!
I'm going to bring home a bag of Night and Day Coffee Cafe beans and have myself a party!

John has now resorted to a grande coffee with a shot of espresso, commonly, or not so commonly known as a "red eye".
I'm not sure what that says about him, but he seems to be quite happy after consumption, (or should that be imbibing)?

Anyway, the coffee is good, the day is sunny. Tonight we're having dinner at my brothers house, so there will be more time to cuddle my dumplin' baby nephew Silas! Pictures soon coming!

FIRST GLANCE

I was getting ready to take my kids to see friends at their old school (A Christian School with a dress code, mind you not a uniform type dress code, but it does have a few rules). ANYWAY, we're headed out the door and I take one look at my brood and sort of freaked out. TAYLOR had on a hooded sweatshirt, not allowed! One look at ISABELLE and I sent her to brush her hair. She was sporting the IHOP trend of short shirt over blue jeans, and double layered t-shirts. I wasn't sure what everyone would think of that. And then there was NICK! Resembling a sheep dog, I actually thought about whipping out my haircutting scissors before we left the house. Oh and he had on a t-shirt with graphics, not objectionable in anyway, but not allowed nontheless! So after I had a major panic attack about the long hair on my eldest son. He comments "Come on Mom, don't you think I look good?"

Then he turns, faces the mirror, and says "Oh Nick, you look so good!"

Home for the Holidays

We made it to PA after a three day journey. We suffered through a long stretch of highway absent of any decent coffee shops. I started a "Starbuck's Exit Journal" towards the end of the trip so that we at least have hope on the way home!
We're here at our hometown coffee shop. Just enjoyed a terrific Greek Chicken Grilled Wrap at "Greens and Beans" the cafe attached to our favorite "Night and Day Coffee Cafe". We may just have to bring a big bag of coffee beans home!

The kids are at their old school visiting friends and I'm sure having a grand time.

Isabelle hit the barn last night as soon as we landed. Greating the horses, cats, and dogs with much excitement.

I got me meet my nephew Silas last night for the first face to face! He's now 3 months old and is absolutely gorgeous! Photos to come at the next blog!

We're here preparing to minister at a chapel service on Thursday morning at the kids former Christian school, and also to lead worship and preach at our home church on Sunday morning. God is faithful to speak, and we long to hear his heart for the body of Christ here in Pennsylvania.

Updates

Thanks for praying for my niece Telma! She came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and it is happy as a lark in her own comfy bed! Both surgeries went really well, and we are rejoicing in her quick recovery. The surgeon put "antibiotic beads" in her back that slowly release antibiotic right to the site. The plan at this point is for her to wear a custom made back brace for up to a year, and then to have another surgery in about 3 months to check on her back, remove the "beads", and to check a couple of areas that did not fuse well from her initial surgery two years ago.
We are praying that these two areas will heal and fuse strongly in the next 3 months so that there is no "bone grafting" necessary when they open her back again in 3 months. We believe God can heal these weak areas!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PRAYING!

On another note, we are headed to Pennsylvania tomorrow to visit family and to minister in our home church! Pray for safe travels and a great time away. Any PA folks that are interested, we will be leading worship and speaking at Living Word Fellowship, in Wellsboro, PA on Sunday morning December 17th, 10AM service!

ROOM FOR MORE

I mentioned our new house in a blog and got a few "you never told us you were buying a house" emails! So here it is! Lots of room for the new little one and for visitors! Hint Hint!!!! We hope to close January 10th.
This photo is also to document of first Kansas City snow! I took off in the subaru the day after the snow to get this photo! I keep telling people "I'm from Pennsylvania"!

No Expiration Date

I usually cringe when I read the quotes outside church buildings. Sometimes they just seem too corny, sometimes I think they're just a total turn off to the unbeliever who drives by and reads them, and I wonder what's the point! But today, outside one church I drove by on the way home from the hospital, I was apprehended by one.
The quote was simple, "Mercy has no expiration date."
Now it might just be the kind of day I was having, but it hit me hard. Not only was it good to be reminded that "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, and His mercies never come to an end", but on a more personal level, I was reminded that the mercy I extend to others should 'have no expiration date' either. I am commanded to extend mercy and forgiveness 70 times 7. Today I needed to be reminded of how much mercy has been extended to me, an endless amount; and I needed to be reminded that if I am seeking to live a "Sermon on the Mount Lifestyle", then I am commanded to extend that same level of mercy to others.

All in a Day's Play

I called my kids today to let them know I was on my way home, and asked "What have you been doing?"
This is the answer I got, "Well we're playing. Isabelle is a foofy, rich girl named 'Foofia", and Tay is the Butler, I (Nick) am their body guard."
Hey, at least they are creative! Much better than sitting mindlessly before a TV, or video game, or fighting with each other!
I love my kids, aren't they awesome.
Their cousin Sophia has just arrived and was quickly escorted to the dressing chamber to put on her attire, we'll see!
Michaela (cousin 2) arrives in moments, and I think the plans are for her to be the maid! Hope she likes that idea!!!

More photos to come I'm sure!

Fighting for My Heart

Matthew 7:3-5
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Why is that so hard...focusing on walking out the pruning of my own heart, and not the hearts of others? I was talking with a wise man some time ago, and he reminded me that the stuff I'm going through now is preparation for the age to come. Although some of the stuff we walk out may have validity and purpose in this age, much of it is for the age to come. If I can learn to walk through trial and hardship with humility and grace in this age, if I can face pain without offense, or at least quickly get that plank out of my eye when offense does rear up, then I will have authority in that area in the age to come!

I had honestly never looked at those verses in that light. If I will in this age, remove the plank in my eye, or set my heart towards living a Sermon on the Mount Lifestyle, then in the age to come I will walk in authority over all I have fought for in this age.

I'm fighting for my heart today. And today the fight seems harder than most! But I am choosing to fix my eyes on the prize.

My Little Giant

I'm sitting at the hospital tonight with my neice Telma. For those of you out their who don't know Telma, I'll fill you in before I tell you what an honor it is for me to be sitting at the side of her hospital bed. Telma was born in the Marshall Island. She was born with severe scoliosis and never received medical care for her condition. When she was 9, my brother and sister-in-law met her while they were in the Marhall's to adopt their twin daughers Teyolla and Keyolla. When they saw her need for medical care, they stepped into action; and soon after Telma was brought to the states to receive corrective surgery on her back. A team of specialist in Indianapolis donated over a quarter of a million dollars in care for Telma to receive the surgery that she needed! A rod and nine screws were put into her back, and miraculously the doctors were able to gain a 70% correction in her spine. They had anticipated only a minor correction, one that would basically prevent any further curvature. We were all blown away by God's goodness during this first surgery. Other surgeries followed after infection set in. Telma returned to the hospital three times after surgery due to infection. The past few years have been surgery free, however just before Thanksgiving a staph infection set in and Telma is now in the hospital.

Friday, Telma had back surgery to remove the rod and screws in her back, and to clean out her back from the infection. The surgery went well, however the doctors will be going back in one more time tomorrow morning to remove any lingering infecion before closing her back. She will most likely be wearing a back brace for several months due to instability in her spine. She faces another surgery a few months from now for bone grafting.

I tell you all that to tell you, I am in the presence of a giant. This tiny girl who is now 15, blows my mind. She is passionate for Jesus, and is a faithful intercessor at IHOP. She serves the Lord with gladness in every possible way! She can often be found running the power point in the prayer room. If I can't remember where Uncle John is, Telma usually knows! She can keep track of his schedule better than I can! She is an amazing friend. I watch her with her peers, as she encourages them in the Lord and I'm sure inspires them to walk a steady walk.

I am watching this young lady, now facing incredible pain, yet handling it with unbelievable grace! I feel honored just to be with her here tonight. Pray for her please as she walks through yet another surgery and the morning, and the recovery in the days to come!

Birthdays

These two precious ones just celebrated birthdays! Taylor turned 11 on December 1st, and our dear little friend Madison turns 2 today, December 2nd! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAY AND MADDIE!

We had the privilege of having Maddie (and her mommy and daddy of course) at our home for dinner the other night. Dana called spontaneously and asked if they could bring dinner to us, knowing of course that I am NOT wonder woman and really needed it!

I love watching my children play with Maddie. They adore her. Of course, what's not to adore, but they dote on her, play with her, and never tire of being with her. She in turn adores them and has mastered their names which they just love! When I watch the kids with Maddie, I can't help but think what amazing sibling they will be to our soon coming little one. I know watching them pour their hearts in their little sister is going to blow my mind!

Taylor, I'm glad you were born!
Maddie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! We love you!
Elia Jane, We can't wait to celebrate your birth, darling!