Blog 48 - A Season of Going Forward - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Our spring snow has finally arrived here in Colorado. As we are hunkered down in our home for the next few days expecting 2 ft. of snow, God is faithful to allow me time to write again on my blog. ⛄

At the beginning of this new year 2021, God laid a scripture on my heart for such as time as this. It was 1 Corinthians 15:58 which says, “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for your labor is not in vain.” He was emphasizing to me the need to be abounding in the work of the Lord, more than ever before. 

This year in particular I had a real sense of getting out to minister for His name’s sake. Whether it was proclaiming the gospel, or just encouragement, to GO and DO and He will meet me there.That word ‘abounding’ means ‘to overflow’ giving 100% to what He’s called you to do. 💗

Soon after receiving that scripture, in came a flurry of activity. We went to Arizona for a special time of ministering to the churches in Northern Arizona and in the Phoenix area, stretching us as we went, but God was faithful to meet us and bless our endeavours with fruit for the Kingdom.  

Then while we were there, my oldest sister Judy, who had been suffering with dementia, was put into Hospice in Oregon. As I was praying for her, the Lord prompted me to go to Oregon and stay with her for 3 days to allow me to have one on one time with her. Though at times she was heavily sedated, God allowed me to have sweet fellowship and prayer with her when she would wake up.

Last autumn I was asked to go on a one week dental mission trip to Honduras. Now this was really out of my element and I found myself at times wondering, “Lord did I hear you rightly?” But through prayer, and a tugging on my missionary heart strings, and Scripture confirmation, I soon said yes. 

Being that I had no experience, I was anxiously waiting on how God was going to work through me.  1 Corinthians 3:4 soon became my confirmation, though I certainly was not qualified to do anything on my own ability.  My qualifications would have to come from God and He would be glorified. 

So off I went, and wow what a great trip! Not only did I learn dental techniques such as filling teeth, descaling and fluoride treating, I even got to assist in pulling a tooth! 

As I prayed numerous times with the Honduran people for their souls and salvations, my heart was full as I saw them leave with happy mouths and happy hearts that were touched by Jesus. He used our hands to certainly glorify His name as Psalm 90:17 became my daily prayer - “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Establish the work of our hands for us, yes establish the work of our hands.”

While being in Honduras, my sister died, so immediately upon arriving home, Bob and I left for Portland to be with my family. Bob officiated the memorial service outside in the rain (it’s Oregon!). I was blessed to be able to minister to my extended family while we were there. 

Truly God is faithful as we are open to be used in His grace and for His glory. As He has allowed me now a few days of remembering, reflecting and resting, I know this is only the beginning for me in the work He wants to do. May we always be assured He is never through with us til He takes us home. May this be your prayer this year, “Lord use me for your glory as I am yielded and still.”

In His love

Jeanne 

Blog 47 The summer of uncertainty - Psalm 23:2

Summertime has finally come to this beautiful state of Colorado. The snow seems to have taken a long time to melt and now I have really enjoyed the summer of beauty this state has to offer. 

A couple of our grandchildren from Phoenix came and enjoyed a few days with us. We went hiking 🥾 and just had a great time telling stories and playing the Claycamp favorite game - croquet. What a blessing indeed as we got to see the cousins reunite once again!

Although the virus has caused us to stay home more, the beauty has come to me in many shapes and forms living here in the prairie lands. With the intense sun to the cool thunderous evenings, the flowers which come in many shapes and sizes, along with the many birds which seemed to congregate in my trees—I am enjoying it all.

There are specifically two favorite robins that seem to come by daily to refresh themselves In my birdbath. Not having a worry at all but only having their focus on being refreshed and renewed in the waters. Through watching them, I am reminded of Psalm 23:2 which states, “He lets me rest in green meadows, He leads me besides peaceful streams, He renews my strength.” (NLT) Though the world we live in today is anything but peaceful, God reminded me as I keep my focus on Him, I too can bathe in his beauty continually, finding rest and peace to my soul, basking in the water of His word, all the more finding renewed strength to carry on each and everyday.

Corrie Ten Boom has been quoted as saying, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds the future”. God is certainly in control and He is calling us to seek Him diligently, trusting Him, and knowing that “greater is He that is in you than he that that is in the World”-1 John 4:4

Through this loooong and chaotic time we are living in right now, may we remember to rest in Jesus, to reflect on His goodness in our lives, to renew our commitment to Him daily, and to rejoice always. “And now dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.” 1 John 2:28 (NLT)

In His Love,

Jeanne❤️🥰🐾

Blog 46 - A Season of Uncertainty...But a Time of Having an Eternal Perspective - Ps 27:13-14

Dear friends,

As I look out my windows this morning, a sense of peace and calmness floods my soul. With this virus, the world has literally stopped from their day in and day out processes of their lives. As Christians we know that God is in absolute control, and our hope is in Him. I have no idea what the future holds, but I do know Who holds the future. 

For the next couple of weeks both Bob and I have put ourselves on lockdown from most human contact. We are sort of confined to our home. With our age, and our underlying health issues, we felt we needed to do this. I thank God we have internet that we still can connect with our loved ones and with the church.

David writes in 1 Samuel 30:7 “but David strengthened himself in the Lord.” As there was much turbulence in the land at that time, David was in a kind of isolation, no support and no encouraging word. Times were tough, but David knew God was there, and he therefore turned to His Lord for that moment by moment encouragement he needed to be sustained. For us, praise God, we have internet, the church family that can call on us and the online church services to help us. But we must not forsake those one-on-one times of encouragement from the Lord to sustain us completely. In this intimate encouragement God promises us joy, contentment and even through a word given to us daily reminding us He is there. These are things the world certainly cannot offer.

The word tells us many promises of His love and protection for us. My favorite has been in Psalm 57:1. This was a prayer of safety from the enemy, and may it be ours too. It says, “Be merciful to me O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my place of safety until this disasters passes.” Friends, under His wings lies our comfort, security, protection, peace and rest from all harm that we so need. 

Love this photo of the mama bird taking care of her young, so our Lord desires us to be right there under His wings. May we come, rest and see our Gods love, not loosing heart, as we wait in hope day by day for this disaster to pass. Remember, it’s only a season, let’s use this time wisely to draw close to Him and taste and see the Lord is good. For He truly wants to show His glory in this land, using us as a vessel for His glory.

In his love,

Jeanne❤️🥰🐾

Blog 45- A Season of Remembering...But Yet Reaching Forward

As the year 2019 comes to a close, I can’t help but stop and reflect that this year has been one of gratefulness through the many changes we have gone through. 

Our time in England of almost 7 years was coming to an end. Although a chapter was ending with our time overseas, a new chapter was opening up as we now would be moving back to the states. As I was packing, I was reminded of that scripture found in Psalm 111:6 "He has shown His people the power of His works, giving them the lands of other nations." Truly God did a powerful work through that time, seeing people draw closer to Christ, new churches being planted and dear friends we met along the way. It brought such comfort and joy to my soul as we served.

After moving back to the States (Aurora, Colorado) in late September. getting settled in a new routine with the transition being somewhat harder than I thought, the Lord has been faithful each and everyday to encourage me. This Scripture keeps coming to my mind...

[2Ti 1:12 NLT]  ... for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

With His words echoing in my heart, “be still and know that I am God,” that is what I’ve done --to rest and come away. God has allowed me to take a “holy pause” for a few months, in which I am so thankful.

A holy pause for me was the opportunity to step out for a time from the madness, the demands, and the hecticness of life, and come into His presence to rest. It was the decision to shut myself away from the endless noise and commotion and quietly engage my heart with His.  It was the chance to trade His stillness for my rushing, His peace for my panic, and His joy for my irritability, in which I had all three. 

At first this was so hard for me as I am a 'doer' and love to serve, but it was so needful. To take that time for Him to fill me, giving me a renewed hope once again for what He wants to do in the future in and through my life.

Life doesn’t stand still, but we can. God desires for us to honor Him by being engaged in the difficulty of resting and being still. The oh-so rewarding discipline of quieting our minds, bowing our hearts, and pausing before Him. It’s then that we can begin to experience the beauty of His awesome, all-sufficient presence. 

We are to look forward to all God has for us in 2020. May He come and allow you to take that “holy pause” for his glory. You will be pleasantly blessed!

Psalm 126:2-3 “Then were our mouths filled with laughter and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us. And we are glad.”

In His love,

Jeanne😊🐾♥️

Blog 44 - A Season of Thankfulness - Remembering 1 Thessalonians 1;2-5

As I sit here on this English rainy day, I can’t help but stop and reflect how God has been so good and faithful to us for the past 6 years as we lived and served in this land. Sitting among moving boxes and unexpected challenges as we bring our days here to a close, truly 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 says it all...

“2. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”

God has been truly faithful to meet our needs and to equip us to minister. As He worked in and through us to bring forth the gospel, we had the privilege to not only reach the local Brits, but the students from around the world who studied at University of Exeter. Much disciplining took place as hearts were changed for His glory, and new churches were started. 

We also remember the many tears of joy and hardship we endured, all for fact He chose us for this blessed assignment, the land we truly love - England.

Gratefulness swells within my heart as I stop and think. Although it’s a bittersweet time as we pack up to once again move across the pond, the close friends, neighbors and students will always have a special place in our 🥰 hearts.

And although this chapter of our life is coming to a close, we anticipate the next chapter of new beginnings in a new land to once again share the gospel with our words and lives whoever may come our way. 

Psalm 84:5 states, “My heart is set on pilgrimage”; and as believers we might have resting places along the way, but our real home is heaven to someday be with our Lord Jesus forever and ever. Having that missionary mindset is a must for the believer....

Til then Lord, I am yours whenever and wherever that next assignment on earth will be. All for Your Glory...

Here is an old song that comes to mind...

This world is not my home I'm just a passing throughMy treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blueThe angels beckon me from heaven's open doorAnd I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Oh lord you know I have no friend like youIf heaven's not my home then lord what will I doThe angels beckon me from heaven's open doorAnd I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Songwriters: Mary Reeves DavisThis World Is Not My Home lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Truly a pilgrim and stranger,

Jeanne🥰❤️🐾

BLOG 42 - A SEASON OF CHANGE...A SEASON OF NEW BEGINNINGS

These past few months have been almost a blur. Sorry for not being faithful in my writings by keeping you updated. But as I write this you will have a better understanding.

The end of September my husband Bob had a heart attack. Completely coming out of nowhere, it certainly was a life changer in our ministry here at Calvary Exeter.

Early morning on September 27th as he underwent surgery, I sat in the corridor of the hospital full of sadness, wonderment, and fear which fell upon me. Being all alone, my soul searched for comfort in God. 

As my heart cried out in panic and despair, I heard a still small voice saying, “Be still and know that I am God.” "I will give you the treasures of darkness” Isaiah 45:3. And that was the comfort in my affliction, Gods word, for it gave me life in that moment of my despair. In the many hours which lied ahead, His peace flooded my soul, even though I had no answers. Yet somehow I knew Bob would be ok.

As the weeks and now the months have gone by, it has been one of the hardest things we both have had to go through, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Days on end crying out, "Lord, what are we to do now? Are we to leave our missionary life in the land we love? Are you putting us on a shelf to not serve anymore here or anywhere for that matter?" 

In Psalm 71:9 I am reminded that David also felt the a similar way as he poured out his heart to the Lord in that time of unknowingness. He wrote, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails”. 

This became our prayer as we waited on the Lord. We knew it was time for Bob to give over pastoring Exeter but is this it? We loved this land and the people, yet we wanted a clear direction in the Lord's calling. And God faithfully spoke to our hearts as He daily provided the strength and healing and direction that we both needed.

Friends came from near and far to visit. But one particular day, the Lord gave us the answer we were looking for through one particular couple. As the husband was speaking, Luke 22:31-32 was mentioned in a random context. But it clearly gave us an unusual sense that this was the answer we so desperately needed. 

It truly was the treasure in our darkness in the direction we now needed to go. This scripture pointed to the fact as Bob returned to full health, we should then strengthen the brethren over here. Our ministry would now be full time with Poimen, going out in the U.K. and Europe ministering and helping various churches ⛪ in whatever the need may be.

So, excited and happy to see what God had in mind, we rejoice with a thrill of hope this Christmas season and for the New Year ahead.

In closing, I would like to include a quote from J. R. Miller from my daily devotion which spoke to my heart. May it encourage, strengthen and comfort you as it did for me....

"In the famous lace shops of Brussels, there are special rooms devoted to the spinning of the world’s finest lace, all with the most delicate patterns. The rooms are kept completely dark, except for the light that falls directly on the developing pattern, from one very small window. Only one person sits in each small room, where the narrow rays of light fall upon the threads he is weaving, for lace is always more beautifully and delicately woven when the weaver himself is in the dark, with only his work in the light. 

Sometimes the darkness in our lives is worse, because we cannot even see the web we are weaving or understand what we are doing. Therefore we are unable to see any beauty or any possible good arising from our experience. Yet if we are faithful to forge ahead and “if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9), someday we will know that the most exquisite work of our lives was done during those days when it was the darkest. If you seem to be living in deep darkness because God is working in strange and mysterious ways, do not be afraid. Simply go forward in faith and in love, never doubting Him. He is watching and will bring goodness and beauty from all of your pain and tears." J. R. Miller.

So, standing by my man, we march on with courage. Psalm 68:35 “the God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.”

In His Love,

Jeanne❤️🐾😊

Blog 41 - The Summertime of Beauty...from England

It’s been awhile since my last post, time seems to go by way too fast. With the students graduating, people coming and going on their holidays through our house, I now have been able to sit and rest for a few weeks til the hustle and bustle starts over again.

England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿received this past summer lots of sunshine and no rain. 😎 As a matter of fact it lasted for over a month of blazing heat. With no air conditioning, we would tend to take Emma our dog to the beach 🏖 to cool off. But we found out it was as hot there as well! But after Emma's sandy toes and salty kisses we were back home and found our hardwood floors the best solution for cooling off. Actually she quite hates the water 💦. Being grateful for a beach experience (always with ice cream), we still had fun meeting lots of holiday makers down on our beaches.

The surrounding landscape of the southwest though was another story. Instead of green and lush pastures for the sheep and cows to graze on, it looked like dry, barren land with nothing to offer. Upon seeing this I was reminded of how at times we can also become spiritually parched if we don’t drink from God's word on a daily basis. When this happens we really have little to offer to others.

But just as the rains have finally returned to England, and the land has again turned green, offering food for the flocks, so God's word truly brings life and refreshment to our souls. May we in turn bless others in this same way. “Oh taste and see the Lord is good”.

We had a sweet surprise visit from a couple of our friends from Calvary Chapel North Phoenix. Terri and Paula had been on a Scottish tour and came down to say hi. We took them on Dartmoor, went through charity stores and had a cuppa along the way. Truly this was such a blessing in those few days of fellowship.

Our church had BBQ this summer to take advantage of the heat. One was out in the country at the home of one of our leaders, and the other one was in our backyard (called a garden here). Great times of fellowship together!

We are now gearing up to welcome the University students in September. With our big outreach, “Uni-(re)Cycle” close at hand, we not only will be offering free donated items from past graduates, but also have an opportunity to preach the gospel and pass out invitation to our church to all who pass by 🤗.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. May God fill you and refresh you daily in His word and in prayer as you set out to walk in His ways.

Praise Reports:

-Continued good health

-New opportunities for Weekly Bible Studies

-Potential Ministry House purchase

Prayer requests:

-British leadership to help us in ministry

-University students to receive the gospel

-Girls' bible study/discipleship

-Evangelism opportunities

-Sunday school helpers

-Maintenance people for our church hall

In His Love, 

Jeanne😊❤️🐾