Created By Him – For His Glory

Playing and practice

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:48:00 +0000

I just finished listening to the FBCLR message online from last week. It slightly disturbs me that I am now a good 30 minutes away from the church that totally revived my walk with the Lord and challenged me in so many ways, and then sent me to foreign soil to serve with World Gospel Outreach for three years. Not to say that I can't just get in the car and visit, because I can, I will. It's hard to let go of something so meaningful in one's life, especially when the only reason is distance.

Mark spoke on Daniel 6 last week at FBCLR. The book of Daniel and Daniel's life are powerful. I've always looked up to Daniel's integrity and conviction as a follower and believer in the Lord. Mark made a simple statement that should hit home with all Christians, myself included. Mark played football, so appropriately, his analogy related to sports (and maybe I'll use this one in class with my football players to get them to study some.) Mark said:

"You play like you practice."

That's so true. Take some time and think about anything for which you have practiced. Usually there is some larger competition and you practice and practice so that you can perform your very best.

How are we practicing with the Lord? Do we take intentional time each day, maybe just 15 minutes, or possibly up to several hours, to meet with Him? How many times a day do we stop and pray for the person/people in our direct path? How often do we repent and tell God that we're wrong and sorry for doing that or acting like this? Do we ask Him to reveal Himself to us thru His word? How will He meet us in His word if we are not in His Word, daily?

How are we going to play our best for the Lord if we don't set aside time to practice and listen to the coach?

broken bones

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:51:00 +0000

Ok, I have about 8 minutes to write this blog. Then I must continue with my morning so that I can make it to school/work on time.

Yesterday at chapel, the speaker spoke from Psalm 51. This verse, and the illustration that he used, really have made a profound impact on me:

"Let me hear joy and gladness

Let the bones that you have broken rejoice" vs. 8

The speaker told us that this is probably David (author of Psalm 51) relating to his days of shepherding when he spoke of the broken legs. When a sheep would stray too far, the shepherd would have to break it's legs, carry it back to the flock, secure the leg and let it heal. This was in hopes that the sheep would learn not to stray far and to allow it to suffer a bit from the broken leg and inconvenience of hobbling around.

I got to thinking today: has the Lord "broken any of my legs"? I think I would know, and yes, I think He has broken my legs before. Did I learn, maybe a little, and am I still learning, yes!

The more important part, I think, is being able to see the shepherd chasing after us with that threat in his eyes of "I'm about to break your legs, if you don't return to me!" I'm certain the Lord is chasing after me in part of my life and screaming this from behind "Shelly, turn around and come back before I have to break your legs and teach you a lesson the hard way!"

Ahhh!! Lord don't break my legs. That would be too painful and the recovery might take too long! Lord help me to hear you calling me back. Help me to turn around and see you right there, and then take me back into your arms and teach me without needing to break my legs.

There. Done. That's a 7 minute blog. Now time to move on with the day, listening for His voice and turning around before I get my legs broken.

request of a different sort

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:50:00 +0000

I'm radical. I like the truth and exposing it, in love of course. I like Derek Webb and I'm looking forward to his new album. He is not afraid to tell it how it is, nor am I. This is what I see in the church today. Open your mind and your heart and hear me out.

In the realm of church and fellowship with one another, we often talk about prayer request and many times sickness and surgery are the first to be offered up. By sickness we're talking about physical and by surgery I'm also referring to physical. I have a thought: what about the sickness and surgeries that aren't physical? What about the spiritual sicknesses that often plague our churches and the surgeries that you and I are put through, if we are honest, probably most daily: are we in tune to the surgery that the Lord is trying to preform?

Have we considered:

pride?

jealousy?

hate?

anger?

drunkenness?

homosexuality?

lust?

adultery?

bitterness?

doubt?

fear?

selfishness?

depression?

The list goes on and on. I'm certain you could add a few of your own, as could I if I sat here all night. When we are talking about our Spirit, aren't these all sicknesses? Why do we, as a church, tend to ignore the majority of the issues and sicknesses that Satan uses to capture us and make us sick in the Spirit? As the church, we are called to love one another, to confess to each other and to encourage and lift up one another so that we all grow closer to the Lord.

What would happen, how would the church leaders respond to a prayer request card filled out as so:

Prayer Request/Sickness: selfishness

Surgery: taking away of self

time of surgery: immediate and lifelong

Hospital: my heart

What would you do, if you were a church leader and you came across this one? What if your best friend mailed this to you and asked you to pray? How would we respond?

As a church, we are called to do these things: confess and pray for each other, and in my opinion this includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual sickness.

thank you, Wal-Mart lady

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:29:00 +0000

After being gone for three years, one begins to wonder what it will feel like to return. I must say, my return has been much easier than expected. That is a different blog entirely.

When thinking over the past two months, and of all the words that have been spoken to me, there are two words that just bring such a smile and a warm feeling to my soul: Welcome Home! I would have never thought these words would mean more.

(Now, if we want to get really theological about it, this is not really my home and my home is neither here or there in Honduras, but we will keep it light tonight.)

A number of people have "welcomed me home" through their words, actions and by other ways that no one girl could have ever asked for.

Just tonight at wal-mart, I was making small talk with the cashier, and she brought so much joy to my night. It's amazing what God will do through each and every person that you encounter. I started out a conversation with her:

"So how did you get stuck with the Friday night shift?"

She responds: "Oh, I've worked the night shift for years. Those college kids like to have friday nights off. I work so they can go to their parties, b/c they really like going to their parties."

How selfless is that? She continued to share w/ me that it made no difference really to her. She said she will just get off work at 9pm and go home to watch Bonanza. She just brightened my night.

Then we got to talking about the bagging system there at Wal-Mart. See, I'm one of those people that brings her own bags. So, I had my own bags, but it was so difficult for her to load them b/c they did not fit nicely onto her lazy susan type plastic bag device. I felt bad.

We were talking about how there needs to be a better system since so many people are brining their own bags these days. She then began telling me this story about how she heard that Wal-mart was thinking about going "bagless" just like they did during the Olympics in China? who knew?

So, get ready, we could have a plastic bagless Wal-mart, which I think would be fabulous!

Oh, so then I was telling her how that in Honduras at one of the stores they stopped using the plastic bags (it was a Sam's club type store). So, she quickly learned that I lived there for a few years. That's where the conversation ended.

As I was leaving, I said "have a good night" and she returned the gesture adding "and Welcome back!"

ahhh, the wal-mart lady welcomed me back! what a great country in which we live. Now, don't get me wrong, there are a lot of things we don't do right, but there are a lot of things that we do right!

Thank you, Wal-Mart lady, for working on Friday nights so college kids can party and so that I could hear you welcome me back to the States.

He can not, He will not

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:45:00 +0000

This morning I was doing some reading and studying. Leave is to Beth Moore to make the Lord's word come alive in my heart. What a servant and true woman of the Lord, seeking Him alone and taking others with her on this journey.

In the Esther bible study of Beth Moore, she points out something that should be very obvious to any Christian, but not me. haha! Sometimes I need the obvious to be pointed out.

How many times do we see, in the Old Testament, that Satan tries to destroy God's people? Many times, probably more than I know or could even find in Scripture. This morning, I was reading about Haman and Mordecai and how there was a plot to destroy them. Mordecai's gallows were being made. The following statement brought a renewed sense of confidence to me:

"If the Jews has been annihilated, the promised SAvior could not have come from its bloodline" (Beth MOore, Esther study)

At first my belief in God's sovereignty said "nope, that's not true, the Lord would have found another way. The truth is, this is the "other way." God was constantly able and choose to save His people so that His son could come thru this bloodline. Satan thought he found a foothold but God is bigger than footholds.

Then Beth points out this Scripture:

".... if we are faithless,

he remains faithful, for he can not deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2:13)

He can not deny Himself. How powerful. What a promise! We can cling to that. We can cling to the fact that the Lord not only will not but he can not deny Himself. That would contrary to His nature!

Take confidence in this. Take confidence in Him, and all that He is. We can take confidence in His promises but first take confidence in Him, Him alone!

post-captivity

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

"I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— ²I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. ³For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. ⁴For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. ⁵We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete." II Corinthians 10:1-6

If you know Jesus, chances are you have come across this exhortation by Paul, the great exhortist (or maybe it's exhorter, yes, exhorter).

Take note of how Paul so purposefully presents the reality of how we battle each day with our flesh and this world! He reminds us of the power that we (as Christians and friends of Jesus) hold to destroy those strongholds. We destroy them, with whatever of our armor (Eph. 6) we see fit best for the fight.

He makes a special point to remind us that our THOUGHTS can be some of our more sensitive places. He exhorts us to "take captive every thought." Sure, we've all heard that, known it and probably we've take captive a few thoughts. But, um, then what? What do you do post-captivity? I never took the the time or care to finish the scripture, which so very clearly tells us what to do with that thought.

take every thought captive to obey Christ -- to obey Christ.

If you are convicted by the Spirit to have the NEED to take captive a thought, chances are that you know what to do to obey Christ. The trick: walking into that obedience! Yup, that's where we fail. We are able to take a thought and capture it and not let it go, but how often do we follow that captivity with obedience?

summer time reading

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:45:00 +0000

There are many reasons to love the summers. But let me tell you, at least, this summertime book worm found a cozy and inexpensive spot today to make some quality purchases that will last a lifetime. The Public Libraries of Central Arkansas filled the basement of the Main Library with all kinds of old books, classics and some, well, not so classics. I could have spend hours down there, looking and searching every shelf. I did, sorta.

I walked away with 10 books and I paid, guess, take a guess, I'll give you three:

1. $17

2. $11

3. $5

Did anyone guess $5! I was beside myself.

Not just any ole books, I choose some classics: Screwtape Letters by. C.S. Lewis, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, a Spanish Grammar book, and some book with Protestant Reformation writings. How fun! Maybe I'm a dork, but it's fabulous!

Thanks to the Libraries of Arkansas, my personal library is now 10 books larger. One day I want to have a huge room with all my books and one of those cool ladders like you see in the movies! :)

Now,

books shelves: my inheritance ??

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:11:00 +0000

There is a bit of a rumble in my stomach as I sit here tonight to write what I'm about to write. I should go fill it with something, esp so all of you think that I DO eat enough b/c I do! I love to eat but I also enjoy exercising. I ran tonight and the air was so damp, so humid that when I walked in the doors of the house, water was literally running down my arms and dripping off of my face.

To Deborah, miss, I'm sad that you don't appreciate my most recent blogs. I'm a sporadic blogger and a coffee snob (I've had such bland coffee these past few days.). Miss, maybe you will enjoy this one.

I am up in MO with my mom and we are visiting her parents and my only set of living grandparents. There is purpose in this trip, but that is not what I want to write about.

Tonight, we were just sitting around after eating (and running for me) and talking. This side of my family loooooves to just sit around and talk, and that is great and all, but something within me doesn't seem to have things to contribute to conversations about visiting the doctor or how it's impossible to keep up three different homes (this is what my grandparents are struggling to make happen.)

In the mix of conversations about everything medical and everything non-medical, my grandfather, more affectionately known as Papa or Pop, decided to open the bank of stories about my great granddad, whom I never had the privilege of knowing. I could go on and on recounting the stories that he shared with me, but I won't. There was just one simple thing that continues to amaze me about my Papa.

My Papa loves life! He truly does. His joy is evident and what is more evident is that his joy comes from something that is not of this world. My Papa has created, lived and left a great legacy of faith for me. As I am in the upstairs room of their farm house, perched on one of two beds in this room that probably hasn't seen life in months, I am starting directly into a bookshelf that makes it's home between two windows and takes up half of the wall. It's full of all kinds of books, a wide variety. I have yet to ask, but I would really like to be found in this will to inherit these books. I love books, and I love to read, so how perfect would these books be. Let me list some of the titles and authors, just so you can get a feel for the treasure that I am sharing a room with tonight:

The Joyful Christian by C.S. Lewis

The Best Loved Poems of the American People

The American Presidents by Whitney

How to Win Friends and Influence People by. Dale Carnegie

Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy by J Barton Payne

Knowing God by. J.L. Packer

The Bible Code by. Michael Drosnin

The Western Bible Commentary

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Poetry of Robert Frost

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

The Holy Bible

Wow, I could go on and on. I have made my way to the feet of this mighty bookshelf as I gaze up to read the titles. I am mentally in awe of this. I could discover something new each time I'm here. I usually do.

Back to this idea of a legacy that my Papa has created. How could a man with this much knowledge, wisdom and experience in life NOT leave a legacy. I began building my personal library several years ago. I hope to add some of these books to it and leave such a legacy that my Papa is leaving. Don't get me wrong, just because you have awesome books on your bookshelf does not guarantee a legacy will be left, but it certainly can't hurt and by all means, it probably does contribute to the person and man of the Lord that he has become.

Thanks Pop!

Music as Remedy for most Common Aliments

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:39:00 +0000

I have always enjoyed the sweet sounds of music, and all genres at that. From as early as I can remember, when I was old enough to know music and truly appreciate music, I was always listening to music. I was the first in line to buy a new CD, the first in my family to own a Walkman or Discman or iPod, thought the latter was gifted to me. I can remember on family trips or youth group events I would always take my music with me. I was "that" kid w/ the music. I might have been the only one with my ears plugged up, but it was ok for me. Music was/is my release, my outlet and my way to enjoy just living.

Who else enjoys music so much? I hope you can find a way to embrace the gift of music that the world has been given. There are different types of music in my music library: pop, classic rock, soft rock, rap, regga-tone, worship, folk, alternative, chill, and yes, a touch of country, but the era to be most treasured would have to the any sound that came out of the 80's! Anyone agree?

Why music? I'm not sure, there is just something about it that does my soul good. No matter the condition of my "ser" (my being) I can usually find a music to match the mood in which I find myself.

When I feel joy I enjoy embracing music from Passion. When I feel sorrow I find myself embracing certain songs from Amy Stroup. When I feel rebellious I embrace Everclear, haha, one my favorite's from jr. high/high school. When I want to just be with Jesus in a "non-be with Jesus way", Dave Barnes. When I feel reflective I find my way to Joe Purdy or Leigh Nash. When I feel chill, like just existing they way I am, or in a complete place of being over taken by the Spirit I find my way to Shane and Shane. They have a way of honestly speaking to the existence of my knowledge about the truths of scripture. When I want some lyrics to ponder over, I find my way to Coldplay, U2, or Jack Johnson. When I feel a need to get in touch with my roots, Johnny Cash. When I just want to have fun, I find myself going back to the 80's to Madonna or Bon Jovi. When I want complete randomness, Tom FM :). When I need some truth back in my life (which is more often than not) you will find Derek Webb coming from my speakers. When I feel socially apt, Billy Joel or Elton John are always fun. I've always thought pondered on the historical significance of that one night that The Piano Man represents. (I once won tickets, in the 5th grade, to go see Billy Joel and Elton John play together at the Pyramid in Memphis. I was too young to exactly appreciate what I was experiencing.) What other emotions with which are we most regularly acquainted? Oh, when I want to dance alone in my room, you might hear Nelly coming from underneath the door, yes I said: Nelly and he is in my music library. If I'm dancing with others, then those well established and distinguished dance songs will get the job done. Partner dancing is the best. There is just something about enjoying music and the movement of the body with someone else, while facing them and embracing those moments of physical touch for 4 lovely minutes, and even more minutes if you're fortunate to get more than one dance from him.

So, whatever your aliment (positive or negative) try music as a remedy. Reach deep into your pockets and fill your iTunes with a variety of songs from which you can create a variety of self-prescribed treatments for whatever your "ser" is feeling in the moment.

the internet lives!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Urg, I get so frustrated with myself when I realize how long it has been since I last wrote a blog. My excuse this time is that for the last months that I was in Honduras, I was on super conservative internet usage mode, which means, no blogging. But now that I am Stateside again, get ready for this: maybe I'll blog regularly. (I journal daily, what if I just journalized (cool word) everything here? Then you would know how I talked to our Lord, you would feel my deepest inner thoughts and I would be super vulnerable.)

That last blog was good though and those thoughts on Hebrews still resound with me today.

Life has taken it's fair share of twists and turns over the past several months, and I have landed back in the United States of America, permanently. This was a planned thing, when back in January I notified WGO that I would be moving back to the States. I do have a job and plan to move into a duplex here within the month or so.

If there is one thing that I have come to terms with, it's this: my ministry is not over. If anything, my life-time of ministry is simply getting started, and what a better place to jump start Shelly's life-time ministry than in a foreign country? I feel so blessed to have lived in Honduras for the past three years of my life, and as I transition back into Arkansas, I totally look forward to what the Lord has for this next chapter of my ministry.

God is in the middle of revealing some cool things to be about Elijah. I've been so intrigued with his life and the power of prayer in his life. Stay tuned for more about him and what the Lord is teaching me (and maybe you) through Elijah.

not the normal guy

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:10:00 +0000

This past Sunday, Pastor Darren and his family were gone on vacation, which means that someone different was speaking. You know how it is, the normal Pastor is gone and somebody else fills us.

God used one of his people to speak volumes into my life, as well as others, I know. We all discussed how Trevor did such a great job and how he really has a gift of speaking, in a way that hit home with several of us. Maybe it was just the topic, but I left there just thinking and I am still thinking about what was said.

I'm tried right about now, as my everyday work is getting the best of me, but I just have to share with you what I've seen tonight, just as I go back and reread my notes and study the Scriptures a bit more on this message from Hebrews 12. You know me, I could go on and on, but just a few simple points:

I am a runner, right, so I am familiar with the idea of hitting the road and what it takes to make a good run happen. One thing that you don't want is extra stuff! Trevor is also a runner and he made this point: a runner does not, by any means, take extra stuff on the run that might slow him down.

Hebrews 12:1 says this:

" Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... "

so my question for myself is: What is my sin that clings and slows me down? I must discover it and get rid of it!

And, before I fall asleep here at the computer, one more thought from verse 7:

"It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?"

Since I am a child of God, I am being disciplined. I must look at my strengths and my weaknesses (more so the latter) and discover how God is trying to show me and direct me in discipline.

so the question is: what is the discipline that God has be under? and am I willingly and hopefully embracing it.

These are just some, for me, very life-changing thoughts: 1. what sin is weighing me down in my run? and what type of discipline am I under right now?

His will taking root in our lives

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:22:00 +0000

I've been hanging out in the Proverbs over these past few days. Wow, how I've forgotten the riches that are in Proverbs.

Where ( typed that word and then went to do something else and forgot what I was going to write, so moving on )

oh, I remember, I was going to say "where do I start?" I've only made it through the first four chapters of the Proverbs, and I've read the Proverbs before but never before have they impacted me the way it has this time.

I guess I'll choose one thing and go with it:

Proverbs 3:6 --

"Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take" (that's the NLT)

"In all your ways acknowledge Him

And He will make your paths straight" (that's NASB)

(disclaimer: I like to study these two versions side by side. I find that the NLT can speak to my heart and the NASB can speak to my mind and intellect.)

This morning, God revealed to me that when we find Him and acknowledge Him in all that we do, He will help us succeed. He wants His name to be glorified and when our motive for doing what we do is to glorify Him, why wouldn't He be on our side and help us do what we want, as it lines up with His will. The tough part is discerning if/how/when it is His will and if/when/how and it our own will with our own selfish motives.

So, taking that, a few chapters later I found this:

Proverbs 4:23 --

"Guard your heart above all else,

for it determines the course of your life." (NLT)

"Watch over your heart with all diligence,

For from it flow the springs of life" (NASB)

From what I've discovered, we will spend the most time doing things that we love; we will do things that our hearts are drawn to doing. If we aren't careful in guarding our hearts with all diligence -- meaning, our hearts will be revealed in the things that we spend our most time doing -- and keeping our hearts focused on what God loves and His purpose/will and glory, then it's very likely that our hearts will become distracted and drawn to things of this world; things that don't bring glory to our Lord and essentially, things that aren't good for our being.

That was a lot of babbling. That last sentence was a long one, with lots of part, kind of like Paul when he goes on and on in some of his Epistles. Oh well.

So, as we move forward, or as I move forward, my goal is to keep my heart focused on the things of Christ, things that He approves of, things that glorify Him. As I do this, the promise found in Proverbs 3:6 will prayerfully take root in my life: that God will make my paths straight, or give me success, as I seek His will, find it and live it out.

Now, this is will not be easy.

He named the Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:35:00 +0000

This morning was so refreshing for me. God has been revealing Himself to me in such clear and obvious ways. It's comforting to be in love with the creator of the universe and to desire more and more of Him each today.

Today I was reading Psalm 147. I've probably read this Psalm a dozen times, but this time, something new just stood out to me. It's nothing revolutionary but it gave me a renewed sense of peace in my soul and a new recognition for the grace of our Savior:

"He counts the number of the stars

He gives names to all of them" vs. 4

continuing further:

"The Lord favors those who fear Him,

Those who wait for HIs lovingkindness." v. 11

Our God not only created the number of stars, he knows where each one is placed and He even named them. Amazing! Simply astonishing!

As I've pondered on this thought many times, it just hits me in a new way today: This same God made us, He knows our every detail, even better than we do.

If you had a friend that could do something as amazing as know every name of the people, let's say: in your hometown, wouldn't you be enamored with the idea of that? Amazed at his capability of something so hard to understand HOW that could work. None the less, enamored with the person himself?

Look at what God did, with the stars, the universe, ALL of the people of the world and probably so much more that we don't know of right now; but to be revealed to us in eternity. This same God is our best friend, when we allow it.

vs. 11: God favors those who fear him.

Those who wait for His lovingkindness

The point: who could not fear a God that knows the name of every star, every person, every tree, every mouse, every coffee plant, every cloud and every other living thing that He created? Not a fear in a sense of "Oh, I'm scared of you" but a fear of honor and love and desire to know the person even more.

I want to know Jesus more! I want to love Him more each day. I want others to love Him with me and fear Him with me, fearing in such a way that we recognize that He holds us in His hands, he is protecting us, and guarding every part of all that we are!

I'm going outside.

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:24:00 +0000

I like to sleep in. I like to get up early and be with my Jesus.
I like the cold. I don't like to be cold.
I like the sun. I don't like to sweat, unless I'm exercising.
I like to stay up late. I like to crawl in bed early with a good book.

I like to sing. I don't like to sing in front of people.

I like a hot shower. I don't like cold showers.

I like food. I don't not like food.

I like friends.

I like 80's music.

I like to run. I like day off from running.

I like to figure out the answer to a problem. I don't like problems.

I liked high school.

I liked being 17. I didn't like being 15.

I like thought out photography. I don't appreciate poor photography.

I like art. I don't like to discuss the definition of art, but I do it.

I like order. I like disorder just as equally.

I like to be included. I don't like to leave others out.

I like my family.

I like the beach. I don't like the salt water.

I like straight hair. I don't like to straighten my hair.

I like curly hair.

I like clean bed sheets. I don't like to make the bed.

I like Coke. I don't like the empty calories in it.

I like Coke Zero.

I like jeans that fit. I don't like shopping for jeans.

I like my jeans with holes. I don't know how the holes got there.

I like movies. I don't like paying for the expense of a movie in the States.

I like going to movies in a third world country.

I like patience. I don't like being patient.

I like the banjo. I don't play the banjo.

I like getting fancy and dressed up. I don't do it often enough.

I like reading. I don't know why I hated it so much in high school.

I like traveling. I don't like the ridiculously insane rules at airport security.

I like being a teacher. I don't have the qualification to be a teacher.

I like dancing. I don't do this often enough either.

I like using my cell phone. I don't like checking the voicemail, so I usually don't.

I like people. I don't like to be alone for long periods of time.

I like my life. I don't own this life.

I like to learn. I don't see education ending in the classroom.

I like doing this. I don't feel the sun on my face in this room though.

I'm going outside.

January 2009 Updates and Big News!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:01:00 +0000

The Time Has Come

Since I moved here in July of 2006, I knew God would bring this season to an end when the time was right. Each year, as it came time to renew or terminate my commitment with WGO, I fervently prayed and asked the Lord for wisdom and discernment. Each year, He provided an answer.

This year was different. Beginning in May of 2008, I was seeking the Lord and His face concerning what to do in June of 2009, as I knew that a decision would need to be made by the end of 2008. At the end of 2008, I felt a peace about not knowing which way I would go, but I still didn’t know what to do. I rested in that peace and continued to ask the Lord for His wisdom over the Christmas vacation.

Two Words: Be Faithful

The time had come and gone to decide and I still didn’t feel a firm answer from the Lord. The ministry asked for my decision. For the first time, maybe in all my Christian life, I felt the Lord saying: “Shelly, just make a decision. You can go either way, just choose one and be faithful.” Two key words stuck out to me: be faithful. At this point, I knew that either way: stay or go, just be faithful. Be faithful.

So, I have chosen to continue my life in the United States starting in June of 2009, which is when my current term with WGO ends. My emotions vary. I am very excited at the opportunities that have presented themselves back in the States. My heart breaks to leave this ministry, at least for a time. I do see myself continually being involved, be it through short-term trips, or financially giving and prayerfully supporting this ministry. Please continue to lift up this ministry in your prayers. Pray that God will send someone to fill my shoes. Pray for a peaceful time of transition for those here as well as for me.

Academic Success

I have watched so many of my students grow academically. I can remember one student in particular. She came to me with poor reading skills and a true lack of Phonics knowledge, therefore, impacting her reading, writing and spelling. I knew that she would be coming through my class. At the time, I had the option to move on with my current class, therefore, not having her in class. It would take a lot to bring her up to speed. I really didn’t want the extra work. It was recommended that I stay at her grade level and help bring her up to par. I did. In the course of one school year, she went from making D’s and F’s to making the A/B Honor Roll! Her academic goal this year is to make the A Honor Roll and she is well on her way! Praise God!

Three Years of Giving
God has continually confirmed me and blessed me with finances. Even over this past year, I have gained more monthly supporters than ever before. In the past, I have depended mostly on “special gifts” and the monthly gifts subsidized the financial reserve from special gifts. Each month, the ministry deposits all of my monthly support into my checking account and then, that which is given as a “special gift” is added to the monthly gifts to help me have enough to meet my approved budget each month. This year, about half of my budget is covered by monthly gifts, the other half is covered by the “base” that is built in my account.

Finishing Strong: I Need You
I need you to know that my financial reserve account is running low. Right now, there is enough to cover one month of my budget. What does this mean? This means that, without my monthly supporters, the finances will run out after February. But, it also means that with my monthly supporters giving faithfully each month, through June, and with the rest being subsidized by the reserve account, I can make it about three more months. The timetable does not match up: three months is April. I am committed through the end of June.

To make a complicated thing simple: I want to finish strong! I believe that God will provide for me to finish out the time that I’ve committed here, but I will need your help. If you give monthly, thank you so much! Please help me finish strong by giving monthly through the end. If you give special gifts, and maybe you’ve been waiting to give, I ask you, please give now. I need about double of what is currently in my reserve account. Whatever is leftover in my account, the ministry will give to me over three months after I’m gone to help with the transition and to lessen worry of immediate need for finances. Remember, you can give online at www.wgoreach.org or mail a check made out to WGO to the address in the bar on page one, designating the check to “Medlock fund.”

I know that you probably have questions about what I will do. I don’t have exact plans yet, but I’ll be glad to share with you ideas that I do have. Shoot me and e-mail: Shellymedlock@gmail.com and I’ll fill you in!

Thanks for taking this journey with me. God has made a difference through me. He has recently revealed that to me through the words of those I’ve been with over the past three years. Without you, and your belief in this ministry and mission, God would have had someone else to be His hands and feet here. Instead, the blessing is all mine, and what a joy it has been!

Be Blessed in Jesus-

Shelly

What do you think about most?

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:01:00 +0000

Just recently, I was chatting with one of the teenagers that God has so graciously placed in my life. (I learn a lot from them.) While we were talking she shared something so profound, that one of her friends said to her:

Do you love God? they asked her.

She answered yes.

Do you love (fill in your blank--thing of this world)? they asked her. (They filled in the blank for her, but for her privacy I'll withhold it.)

She didn't answer yes.

Do you think about (fill in your blank--thing of this world) more than you think about God? they asked her.

When she was sharing this story with me, and we got to this part, she just smiled. We both knew the answer. NO, of course she didn't think about God more than this other thing.

So, what's my point? That teenagers can teach us so much, if we just stop and choose to listen to them? Nah, that's not my point, although, it is a very relevant and valid point.

My point is: what DO we think about most? Do we revel and joy in constantly enjoying the presence of our Heavenly God, our Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ? Probably not.

I believe that it takes special attention and focus to really keep Christ at the forefront of our thoughts, but once we are able to do that (not that I have master experience, some weeks are better than others) anything BESIDES Him becomes so trivial and not of much importance.

Does it make you a "better Christian" if you do and are able to do this? Does God love you any more? to that: a big BOLD NO! God loves you despite what you do or are, but we will probably be able to enjoy HIM if we are able to embrace this truth and discipline.

So, as you go about the rest of your day, focus on what you do focus on, and, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, do your thoughts revolve around our only reason for life: to Glorify His name and worship Him in all we do? (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Now, this leaves us something on which to ponder.

A God without Need

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:30:00 +0000

"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything."

Acts 17:24-25

As I was reading this morning, this passage hit me so strongly. Paul comes into this city and finds idols. It's not the presence of idols that stuck with me, it's what Paul's response was. Look at it: Paul tells them that he "perceives that they are very religious" but he also goes on to point out that their statues of gods are attributed to the "unknown god."

"What, therefore, you worship is unknown to you" are his exact words, well as exact as the English language is able to translate it. Thought provoking. Put yourself in their shoes and what would that make you think.

I think I would think: hey, he's right, I don't even know this god that I am worshipping. But, even more than that, I'm entirely smitten by Paul's words in verses 24-25:

I see Paul making this statement in such a way that makes me consider how the worshippers of the "unknown god" believed about their god: Maybe they thought that they owed him something.

How entirely liberating is it, knowing and believing that we don't OWE anything to our God? We can't serve him in a way to GIVE Him anything, yet He actually allows us to be involved in all that He does for our simple blessing and by His grace we get to see the fruit of His Spirit through our works. We GET to serve Him, but not in a way that makes Him a better God, but in a way that allows Him to form us more in the image of Christ.

Cool hu? I thought so.

reading books

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:41:00 +0000

I never wanted to become one of those bloggers that blogged like once a month. At one point in time in my blogging career, I was so discipline and posted blogs very regularly.

I could make all sorts of excuses, but I won't.

So, I'm reading four books right now. Crazy! In high-school and college, I didn't enjoy reading at all! I wonder why? Maybe b/c someone was asking, or rather, telling me to do it. Who wants to do what they are told? No one, but through discipline, we can learn to do what we are told or asked. Isn't more fun when you are asked to do something, rather than demanding it of you?

So, just today, I realized all the books that I am currently reading. Call me a bookworm and I'm ok with that. Not much else to do up here, on this mountain. I love to read though, I really do. If you are looking for some good books, join me in reading:

1. Of Mice and Men (it's for teaching school, but still a classic)

2. Same Kind of Different As Me (modern-day autobiography, also which I am using in school)

3. They Like Jesus but Not the Church (don't get all defensive, now - all you church goes, it's a real eye opener and in-sight to the up and coming generations (mine) thoughts about Jesus and the Church: they like Jesus and the man He is (was) but the "church" has left a bad impression on them. We've got to put this to an end.)

4. Twilight - saw the movie last night with the girls and now I'm reading the book. Note to self: always read a book first. It's just not the same having seen the movie.

Anywho, there's a blog for ya!

a pair of shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 02:26:00 +0000

The other day I was looking for a shoe. Just one. I had just returned from some time away from my home and I was unpacking and looking for my other shoe. In the middle of my unpacking, I thought to myself: "hum, maybe I lost one shoe." Then I started thinking some more: how do you loose one shoe? Have you ever lost JUST ONE shoe before? I haven't.

This is a curious matter. I've never heard of someone losing just one shoe. From my knowledge, I don't think I've lost one shoe. Then I was thinking about my socks. I loose socks all the time. How is this?

This is a curious matter that leaves on wondering.

None the less, I found my one shoe and continued on with my day.

GRADUATION!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:51:00 +0000

School is over until January, and we're all so ready for a break. Enjoy some pictures from graduation! :)

Nilsy and Oscar, the graduates

Folding the Honduran flag

North American Teachers

Oscar and Brayan

The ants go marching one by one......

(The cutest skit ever!)

We celebrated the close of this semester with our 2008 Graduation ceremony! Today, two of our Hondurans graduated from High School, a great success and honor in this country. They will go on to attend college soon. They have been properly prepared to move on in life and they both seem to be excited about the future.

Enjoy some pictures below and praise God with us as we send off Nilsy and Oscar into the real world. :)

A break down story

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:26:00 +0000

About a week and half ago, I broke down. I was totally and completely overwhelmed with everything in my life. From work, to family, to friends, to all things personal, Satan really got the best of me and I just lost it. (I thank God for a friend that was there at just the right moment and brought me exactly what I needed to recoup.) I knew that I was on my way to a break down, but I have yet to learn how to stop the process of a break down. someday.

As I have just become vulnerable with the whole world by posting this blog, I'm so much ok with that. Why? Because I'm a Christian. But don't Christians have it all together? you ask yourself. No!

Guess what? Being a Christian doesn't mean the hard times will go away. In fact, it's Biblically know that they will come! James reminds us to "Consider it all joy, my brethern, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." (James 1:2-3) My faith has certainly been tested and I'm feeling the work of building endurance as I type this. We know that when we endure under the trials we will "be approved and receive the crown of life which the Lord promises to those who love Him." (James 1:12)

Guess what else? Christians are not perfect. If we were, we wouldn't need a Savior.

Really. What is the purpose of a perfect and Holy Savior if I have it all figured out? He becomes nothing if I know everything and have it all together. I don't, so it's a good thing I have a Savior who knows it all. Jesus Himself makes this very clear to us: "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick" (Matthew 9:12). I'm sick, aren't we all? I need a Savior, don't we all.

During the break down, God held me all the way. He is still holding me. He's never let me go, even when I scream and try to twist myself out of His grip, He says: "No, Shelly, no! I love you, and you aren't getting away! Never! So stop trying."

AMAZING. Simply amazing.

LOVE. Simply Love.

Salvation: God brings home one more!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:48:00 +0000

It's been over two years since I began to pray for a specific teenager in this ministry and for God to bring salvation to this teen.

Guess what? GOD DID! He did! Recently this teen accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and is now beginning a new life by living for Jesus.

I would say that over the past year or so, I have seen a gradual but drastic change in this young persons life.

When I first joined WGO, this young teenager and I had a bit of a head-on collision. I found this teen doing something that I thought was questionable, so I took it to leadership. There was confrontation and it was not pleasant. Let's just say that for about the next year, this teen didn't speak to me. So, I began to speak to God. Daily, almost, begging God to take away the evil that I was seeing in the heart and life of this teen.

Now, things are so different. One day, about a year or more ago, this teen began to come around toward me. I could tell things were still not the same in this formerly harden heart. My prayers continued.

I remember specifically praying through one of the Psalms (one of the smaller numbered Psalms) but I can't remember which one now. I was praying for Satan to be cast out and way from tempting this person into believing the lies that we believe and the temptation we fall into.

I just know that God was working in this teens life from the moment of birth: calling, pursuing and tapping on the heart. Just in God's perfect timing, this now Child of God, turned over the old way of life and now lives for the life everlasting!

PRAISE GOD! Join me in prayer and praise for the salvation of one more. We now have one more to join us in eternity, for eternity Praise our glorious God and Savior for ever and ever!

PRAISE YOUR NAME JESUS!

Jephthah: a Hebrews 11–Hero of the Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:24:00 +0000

God's word is so clear.

Our pastor here in Teguc, of Union Christian Church, has been taking us on a "Journey with God" by highlighting a different "hero" of the faith from Scripture each week.

Each week has left a particular impact on certain parts of my life, after taking a deeper look at specific, sometimes the lesser mentioned, heroes of the faith.

JEPHTHAH was the topic of conversation this week.

Check it out in Judges 11, that's where we spent most of our time today.

Once we began reading the text for today, the story struck a familiar cord with me, but I will never look at it the same again.

Hum, to make a long sermon short let me just say this:

Jephthah's word was GOLD. Those are not my words, but solid and very true words they are.

After you read the text you will be able to see that this man of God made a vow to the Lord. He promised God something: "If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering."

God give the Ammonites over to Jephthah.

Jephthah went home and his only daughter came running out of the home with tambourines to meet him after his victory. His only CHILD! This was it – her – she must sacrifice her! wow!

And he does. By Faith, he sacrificed and kept his vow to the Lord.

Did he make a rash vow? A vow and promise without thinking?

Scripture says that the "Spirit of the Lord" came upon him, he did some things and then made this vow.

He followed through, by the power and strength of Jesus Christ on his vow he made to the Lord, he sacrificed his only daughter.

Talk about integrity! Talk about a man of God! Talk about walking by faith! How exciting to get the heaven one day and meet this guy. Yes, you too, child of God, will get to meet people like this.

He made the Hebrews 11 "Heroes of the Faith." He's one of those that the writer of Hebrews mentions toward the end (11:32) among those that the writer "finds time failing him" to write about several other heroes.

Do You Drink Coffee?

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:55:00 +0000

I do! Here on the Ranch, we grow, roast and bag coffee. Below is a quick tour of how the process works. (A few pics are still missing, I'll add them later. ENJOY! Oh, and don't forget to check out the coffee website and order some: www.hondurascloudforestcoffee.com.

The coffee grows, all 22,000 plants of it, around the school where I teach.

The coffee plants are the smaller ones, under the shade trees, hence: Shade Grown Coffee.

Walking through the coffee plants.

These coffee beans are ripe for pickin' (the red ones).

Our workers picking the coffee beans.

Drying and turning the beans, in the hot sun during dry season.

Bagging the coffee. Sell. Drink. Buy more. Drink more. Share with friends.

www.hondurascloudforestcoffee.com

Design Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Shelly) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:32:00 +0000

For a larger view, click on the image. These are some of my most recent pieces of design. The first is for recruiting teachers for the 2009-2010 school year. The second is to recruit more Medical/Evangelism and Ranch Teams. Enjoy!