[fuzz] Speaking of millions...

Got some news recently: my home church is supporting me. No, not with millions, but I've never had a church behind me and I'm telling you, something has broken in the heavenlies. Ever since I found out, provision has been coming from everywhere. A group I worked for recently already paid me but called to say the Lord had told them to increase the amount. Two friends who had originally said they could not support me both recently sent checks. Another called to tell me of the possibility of some part-time data entry work I could do from home. That would be mid-summer if it works out, but I have new web work lined up until then! Plus, I've been selling items online, including on two sites that are new to me (which I'll tell you about later). If that wasn't enough, today (May 2) I found $11 on the ground in a parking lot.

But it hasn't been just money -- people are introducing me to other people, telling their churches about me, and giving words of encouragement from the Lord. I've always believed this is the Biblical model, being sent out by a body of believers, but never knew what simple power awaited me in it. My friends, His Word is true -- He is THE Way. Thanks for your prayers, and for being the answer to those prayers!

[fuzz] Better is one day with You...

This is my new favorite song, "Million Miles" by Cece Winans. Well, it was before I got the CD and played it non-stop. I'm almost over it now. But it's so good and I want you to hear it. Found this live version where she may have been a bit nervous --just forgive that, as well as the couch people at the end.

[fuzz: post] for prayer

So much to pray about with storms here, a local 15-year-old dying in a car crash and her mom now in a coma, the quake in China and the cyclone in Myanmar. At least three of my school friends have family in Myanmar, and I just learned this morning about another who may have been working there at the time of the storm. I'm enjoying hearing from old friends on Facebook, but not all the news has been good. Heard of another friend who died in Africa in a car accident and now his wife had to leave their ministry there and return to their home country. Again, much to pray.....

[fuzz: post] storms

Made it through the storms here. Still looks like the Four Horsemen came through -- power lines piled like spaghetti, huge trees exploded like shrapnel -- we've had it before, but not quite the same. We were two days without power and so many roads were closed. Mom had a tarp she wanted to get to a friend of hers who had roof damage but was told she couldn't get to the house! I have pictures. Will try to get uploaded sometime soon. You can see one on my Facebook page under Profile Pictures.

[fuzz: post] sowing

What a story this is -- saw a friend of mine yesterday who was the first to join my financial support team. He has consistently been giving $40/month. This week he received a surprise gift of $4000. (The hundred-fold return was not lost on him.) He is new to this kind of giving, though he's always been a natural giver. Now he says God has told him where to tithe from the $4000, and he is going to keep at it! This is why the Lord keeps some of us out of the paycheck loop -- so the whole Body can be encouraged by stories like THAT. What a giving and powerful God we serve!

[fuzz:post] facebook

Last month I joined Facebook. If you're a member you can keep up with me there (and I you). It was a bit overwhelming at first, like walking around a fractal. But I've gotten used to it and I'm enjoying finding old friends.

[fuzz: post] oot & aboot

Where have I been? Oh yeah -- seeing all of you! My mind boggles at the moves you've made, the marriages, the kids turned teens -- with some of you, I have missed a LOT! But it has been great to reconnect. You've encouraged me so much.

Thanks for your continued prayers as I keep visiting others. Pray for new ministry partners. Thanks.

[fuzz] the fight of my life

"Can I get up now?"
"Be still and know I am God."

That's a line from a new song by Kirk Franklin and Toby Mac called "I Am God". The whole CD speaks to where I am right now, and not just because the name of it is The Fight of My Life. True, I am fundraising, and yes, it's sometimes uphill, but what I feel is I'm coming out of the fight of my life. So every song on this one registers with me 'cause I've been there. It's gone.

My favorite on this CD is called "Still (in Control)":

I hurt when you hurt, I cry when you cry
Even the deep ones sometimes wonder
"Why am I going through?
I'm waiting but still no You."

He's still in control
He's sovereign and He knows
Just how it feels to be afraid
Have folk you love walk away
Be still and know
He's still in control

Same theme, but more of a worshipful feel than the Toby song. Kirk addresses not just personal submission, but corporate as well. In "The Last Jesus", we're:

Too busy
Forgive me
I've got problems of my own
It's easier to say
Your help is on the way
When I was you help all along...

Am I just too selfish to see
The love they need
You put it inside of me?

When the church understands how to meet needs right in front of us, needs everywhere start getting met. I'm not sure how that works, but it is the nature of sowing.

Here's the video of his current release, "Declaration (This is It)". Note who he's fighting...
[he was fighting himaself -- sorry, video no longer available]

[fuzz: post] an experiment

Got my first chance to try this out Sunday, as I had some huge returns to make for my mom: three bags of pillows and window treatments -- in the mall, upstairs. Usually my mindset is "get in, get out". Yesterday it was "breathe in, breathe out" -- a subtle but life-changing difference. I anticipated waiting, but not with dread. It was more like waiting on the Lord than waiting in a line. I was looking for people to have a conversation with rather than looking for the exit. It was a peaceful "duh" of an outing -- why haven't I tried this before?

If that weren't enough, the Lord gave me one nice clerk who helped with the bags and took me straight to the counter which I might not have found otherwise. She inspired me to add some action to my prayer. For the rest of the season, I am going to find something nice in every business I visit, and email them about it. I know they could use the encouragement and it will uplift me as well.

Will you join me?
I'd love to share your results.

[fuzz] This Christmas...

He raises a wrinkled hand
Through the dust and the flies
Wrapped in rags like we are
And with barely open eyes
He takes my finger
And He won’t let go
And He won’t let go
from “Adoration” by the Newsboys

It is that time of year. I try to focus on songs like this one, or on images like the one on the front page. I block out anything in the Santa-Jingle-Carpenters genre and turn my head from angry parking ninjas (lest I quickly become one).

Most Decembers I sigh a lot. I close my eyes, breathe in and pray slow prayers. I think I could make it if it weren't for the bad music. And the ninjas.

But it's here, and there's always a choice: elmo stampedes or Isaiah 58. Frankly, my budget's never allowed me to participate in the actual Run with the Bullies. But it's the spirit of the Run I have to avoid. I sigh just thinking about it. I don't want to be the wide-eyed nut case completely distraught at the lack of customer service in WallyWorld. Yet I go there and feign surprise that they seem to have actually built their business on this very feature.

Here is my grown-up Christmas prayer:

Allow me to see the person, not just their nametag. Make me peaceful and alert to the needs of others. Guide me to Galatians, and keep me fresh with the Spirit's Fruit. Bless me with opportunities to give up my space, let another go first, and listen to someone's frustrations. And remind me I wrote this. Amen.

[fuzz: post] Thanksgiving

Had a quiet Thanksgiving at Dad and Lynne's. We watched her Packers win that yawner with the Lions. As you can see, I spent today getting the site decked out for Christmas. Thanks for stopping by.

Please continue to pray for me as I visit and share with new ministry partners.

[fuzz: post] books & readers

Okay, so I guess I'm updating about once a month. All I can handle for now. Hope to redecorate the site for Christmas, but not yet. That book club I mentioned is going to have to wait, too. Looks like I will be starting one at work rather than at church -- someone at work asked me to start one, and on Blue Like Jazz, no less! That was the original title I had wanted to start with -- how 'bout that for God (re)directing your path?

I'm now in full support-raising mode and it's keeping me far away from the keyboard (amen!). The Lord is bringing people across my path I haven't seen in forever. So it has been fun. Still, keep praying this will be done soon. I'd love to be there before the end of the year. Thanks.

[fuzz: post] decade

Went to my 10 year college reunion today (ooooo, sounds so young! And yet...) So there may be a few new visitors here. Welcome. I really need to update here more often.

For instance, I went to the office this week and got everything I needed to hit the road. Can't wait to see all of you. I really enjoyed the friends I saw today (and meeting new ones!). Looking forward to more of that soon.

[fuzz: post] art contest

Just heard that one of my favorite watercolors by my sister-in-law Jill won 2nd runner up in an art contest. It should've gotten the grand prize. She's amazing. See this one in more detail on her blog.

I've been telling more people that the website is up. You've all been very kind.

[fuzz: post] Sunday nights

Went to morning service yesterday at Grace, and went to Crossroads evening service for the last time, for awhile anyway. My friend Mary Kay and I are starting a book club in the evenings at Grace, so I won't be anywhere else at night. Had to go sit with my Crossroads friends one last time.

[fuzz: post] buzz

The site's been live but I haven't had a chance to tell anyone yet, what with the recent bombardment of contractors at the house. If no one sees your website, do trees still fall in the forest?

[fuzz: post] storms

Spending the weekend trying to get this site live between thunderstorms. For the storms, I have books and plenty of house projects; Mom and I are in organizing mode.

[fuzz] While you're at it...

Cue Willie Nelson.
Or somebody else who sings that song (please).
I'm hitting the road to see all of you,
so would you join me in praying for my car situation? Many thanks.

[fuzz] Cue Etta James...

At last. The dark season I've been in looks to be over. The Lord had a plan in it, but bless Him, it's gone. Your prayers brought me out! And I thank God for all of you.

Now is a time of writing and vision sharing and future, future, future. I get to see each of you in person and brag on what the Lord has done. Some specifics can't appear online (per agreement with my new people group) but I'll see you soon and tell all. Thanks again for your prayers, love, and encouragement.