Kathy's Next Steps

Moved with Compassion?

2012-02-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's Valentines Day. I remember what it was like being a single mom with three little ones on Valentines day :( It was NOT a very happy time in my life, and all the attention to flowers and romance only made it painfully worse! So today I paid a visit to a young single mom whom I met through my church. Single mom's are notorious for not lavishing themselves with luxuries, they 're too busy struggling to afford basics, like gasoline, toilet paper and diapers! So a surprise delivery of decadent treats seemed in order!

She has two little ones and a third one on the way! Her life is uncertain and she is fearful for their future because her husband left her during this latest pregnancy. It would be easy to say-WHAT A HORRIBLE THING, leaving a wife and three darling children! How can any man do such a terrible thing? But there is more to the story. This strong young man has been serving his country in a war zone. If that wasn't stressful enough, recently he suffered a horrible tragedy- his leg was blown off. Suddenly we see WHY his whole world may be crumbling. The trauma, the shock and unbelievable pain, his future, his ability to provide for his family, and his identity as a man, were all blown to pieces at that moment. Of course he's confused and not thinking clearly.... and then suddenly, we are filled with compassion for him.

I must always be on guard NOT to make quick judgements about people, not even quietly, in the private recesses of my own thinking! We really have no idea what people have been through. God please help me remember this lesson. I long to be "moved by compassion" as JESUS was..... instead of being moved to cynicism and criticism.

The LORD appeared to him from afar saying I loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you to myself with lovingkindness. Jeremiah 31:3

Victoria Secret Model- Kylie Bissutti following her heart!

2012-02-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

It's almost Valentines Day and I'm sure our local Victoria Secret boutiques are "well endowed" with plenty of tantalizing merchandise! With so much negative attention given to the use of sensual and seductive imaging to sell products these days, I found Kylie's story refreshing. This stunning young woman courageously stepped away from a high profile, high paying job as a Victoria Secret "super model". Watch the video to see why Kylie made a decision to follow her heart!

Water still flooding Thailand

2011-11-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

2011-10-29T04:47:00.000-07:00

We in the USA are hearing very little about the terrible flooding in Thailand. This is the most serious crisis in more than 50 years. Much more damage than when Tsunami hit! The aftermath of these floods I fear will be even worse than the flood itself! Sanitation and contamination problems, airborne diseases, infections plus economic and emotional trauma. Please pray for the people in the Kingdom of Thailand. They truly need divine intervention!

Pray for Thailand

2011-10-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

URGENT PRAYER- Flood waters from northern Thailand, combined with ocean tides are expected to bring heavy flooding to Bangkok with in days. Potential flood waters could be the worse the country has experienced in 50 years.

Thai government leaders are at their “wits end” and are seeking help from the “goddess of water” as they consider ways to avoid this impending disaster! The Kingdom of Thailand is a Buddhist nation, less than 2% evangelized and also a "non-crisis" oriented culture. Spend a lot of time or energy focusing strategies, excessive planning or PREVENTATIVE MEASURES when faced with potential crisis situations, IS NOT part of their culture/worldview.

The Thai people usually deal with problems when they arrive...one day at a time. This might seem very odd to us as westerners, but REMEMBER most of the 2/3 world functions in this same non-crisis mode. Their political, economical and religious systems have tempered these cultural views, making them much more tolerant of ambiguity, especially as it concerns their future.

PLEASE PRAY- Local community of Christians will be mobilized to extend physical, emotional and spiritual help to their neighbor

PLEASE PRAY- God’s mercy on this Kingdom. May the kindness of God, His supernatural intervention and assistance in times of crisis, cause their hearts to humbly turn towards Him.

PLEASE PRAY- Kingdom of Thailand, government officials will seek help and wisdom for their people from the One True God!

Human Trafficking Happens HERE!

2011-10-05T12:19:00.001-07:00

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. Victims are young children, teenagers, men and women.

After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today.

If you suspect someone has been trafficked, call the:
Department of Health and Human Services

Toll-free, 24 hour
NATIONAL HOTLINE:
+1-888-3737-888
+1-888-428-7581

Stabbed at the Food Court!

2011-09-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

San Diego is stunning, especially at night! Ocean views, perfect weather and a relaxed resort atmosphere, brings tourists to this area from all around the world. However, like many beautiful cities, sometimes LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING. Recently, God reminded me of this in a very interesting way. Let's just say it was an EYE OPENING experience!

Have you ever prayed for God to BREAK YOUR HEART for the things that break His, or asked Him to OPEN YOUR EYES to what He is doing? Those are great prayers, but such requests usually require a willingness to readjust our perspective! Seeing our comfortable, familiar surroundings through new eyes (His eyes) takes some effort and can be disturbing.

The first clue, that my evening was NOT going to be "business as usual", happened as I tried to exit our neighborhood. First, I came upon a man and woman standing RIGHT in the middle of road, ARGUING LOUDLY with each other! Wasn’t sure if they were husband-wife or boyfriend-girlfriend? Whoever they were, they seemed completely oblivious to me, to traffic, or to the fact that their car was blocking the road! In frustration, I maneuvered around them just in time to meet a sedan fully of teenagers who were hanging out the windows yelling #&*@! obscenities while making an illegal left turn, just missing me!

Effectually I made my way to the local market. By this time I was thinking, THIS IS SUCH A WEIRD NIGHT. I found out quickly it was going to get stranger as the evening progressed! After parking my car, I walked to the store entrance. Couldn't help but notice the two high school GIRLS kissing and hanging all over each other in the parking lot area. Again my thoughts were, MAYBE IT'S A FULL MOON OR SOMETHING?? Once inside the store, I observed a very drunk man in tattered clothes, trying (without much luck) to dig some change out of his pocket to buy a lottery ticket. (Does it seem odd to anybody else, that people with very little are willing to gamble away what little they do have?) By now it was about 8:30pm, I'd finished purchasing a few items and was headed home.

On the way to my car, I passed through some people who were sitting in an outdoor food court enjoying their pizza slices and ice cream cones. SUDDENLY...A GANG OF 8-9 LATINO GUYS JUMPED OUT FROM THE DARK. They violently attacked, kicked and stabbed another guy who was standing about about 30 feet from me!

WHAT'S GOING ON?? I felt like I was back in Bangkok's Red Light District, but I wasn't. This was beautiful San Diego! I was in a local strip mall with little twinkle lights hanging from palm trees. Exhausted parents with strollers full of toddlers relaxed near the fountain, a few retired men were enjoying their coffees and discussing sports!

Then it dawned on me- GOD HAD HEARD MY PRAYER. He was allowing me to SEE my familiar neighborhood through new eyes, through HIS perspective!

It was as if I could hear God saying- “You want to know what causes my heart to grieve? OPEN your eyes! Take time to really SEE those around you. Broken people, crumbling relationships, immorality, poverty and violence are all around you. Don’t be deceived by the facade of beauty and affluence.

After the initial shock and police reports, I had more time to process the “events” of that evening. It was then I realized....not one, but TWO people had been stabbed at the food court that night; an unsuspecting latino youth.... and the other person was ME. God’s “TRUTH” had sliced right through my clouded perspective!

HELP JESUS, HELP. Without You, we are lost and desperate people! Thank you for eyes to see what grieves your heart. Forgive me for the many times I’ve witnessed similar scenes (like tonight’s events) and simply ignored them, LOOKED the other way, or WORSE...I saw them, and did nothing! Forgive me for the times I’ve complained about the moral and spiritual decline that surrounds me, but did nothing more. Forgive me for the times I became aggravated, shocked or disgusted, but did nothing more.

Oh God, compel me to action, to intercession, to LOVE. Push me beyond my own complacency and apathy. Help me to be a BOLD defender of the weak. When it comes to caring for broken people, help to be a RADICAL LOVER, COMPASSIONATE, A DANGEROUS THREAT TO THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS AND INJUSTICE. PLEASE HELP ME TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS

Soaking in Truth

2011-07-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Everyday we have opportunity to learn valuable lessons from the simplest situations. Today I was reminded of an important "life lesson" from a sponge!

We use sponges instead of paint brushes in our Art4Healing classes. Although all our sponges had been thoroughly used and ready for the trash, I noticed they had taken on a unique beauty of their own! While my classmates were gathering their paintings to take home, I decided to gather up our classroom "trash" for a photo shoot.

Everyday I am given a choice to "soak-in" colors. Will I choose from a palette of bitterness, greed and criticism, or will my life be painted with forgiveness, hope and joy? Everyday we are given opportunities to absorb the colors of truth or the colors of a lie? Every experience (every color) is designed to mark us, making us unique in the hands of a loving Master Artist, the Creator of the universe! What some consider, ugly, worthless trash... God lovingly renames as "beautiful and valuable."

OH NO....don't look!

2011-07-25T13:04:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not....not all "artist types" are crazy, broken or immoral."As a culture we tend to define creativity too narrowly and to think of it in elitist terms, as something belonging to a small chosen tribe of "real artists." But in reality, everything we do requires making creative choices, although we seldom recognize that fact. The way in which we dress, set up our homes, do our jobs.....even the people we involve ourselves with- these all are expressions of our creativity. It is our erroneous beliefs about creativity, our cultural mythology about artists (all artists are broken, crazy, promiscuous, self centered or have trust funds) that encourage us to leave our dreams unfulfilled." Julia Cameron, The Complete Artist's Way

2011-07-11T23:28:00.000-07:00

While in "recovery-healing" mode,

I launched a secondary website (new blog) focusing on

Art and Healing. People have been asking many great

questions about the training I completed recently

with Laurie Zagon. I plan to hold some demonstration

workshops in the near future.

I'll keep you posted on possible locations, dates and times.

Have fun browsing the new site! Here is the link:

http://art-healing-kathy.blogspot.com

Staying Focused!

2011-07-01T08:31:00.001-07:00

It's not complicated....

If indeed the mighty God (Creator of the Universe) abides in me, and I in Him through Christ.....then I am absolutely obligated to better resource, steward and freely share this dynamic with others!

As a follower of Jesus and His teachings, I owe my neighbors an encounter with the Living God and His radical love. Should I not be more bold, joyful and willing to go into this world as an “Ambassador” of God’s Kingdom, of His grace, forgiveness and healing power? Yes, Yes, Yes... God help me!

Kathy LeBarron

Kathy and her Websites have been under construction!

2011-07-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

My temporary leave of absence, unfortunately turned to be more of an extended leave! I do apologize and have appreciated your amazing patience with me while I've been trying to "re-group".

Spiritual Warfare vs Furious Love

2011-01-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

When it comes to spiritual warfare, the most powerful weapon is also the most unlikely weapon... LOVE. As followers of Jesus we are called to be radical lovers, of God and those around us. It is that supernatural love that compels us to reach into darkness and snatch-out those held captive, those who have lost their way, who have been crippled by these lies for too long....."You are worthless, hopeless, unlovable!"

2010-12-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

Twelve more days until Christmas!

2010-12-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming
...and that puts a smile on my face too!



I am still here in San Diego, temporarily living in a 
little camper which is parked in my brother's 
backyard. My brother, his wife and their four 
children live a very simple life, but they are 
very generous people! They have made difficult 
choices through out their lives which means 
doing without some of the luxuries we as 
American have come to expect. Instead they 
have purposed to invested in their children. 

It's fun to see their kids fully enjoying the 
freedom of being CHILDREN...running from 
one end of the yard to the other chasing lizards 
or butterflies, romping through the mud, laughing, 
or curling up with their parents for a bedtime story, 
a song and prayers before bed. 

It's such a different life than hundreds of the 
children who live on the streets of Bangkok

2010-12-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Christiana’s Mud Pie is the BEST EVER!

May not be the most flattering photo, but I didn't want to run and grab my camera (leave my slice unattended) for fear someone else would devour my delicious piece heaven!

Crust

2 cups crushed Oreo cookies

5 T. butter

½ cup granulated sugar

½ gallon Dryers Coffee ice cream

Chocolate sauce:

2 cups powdered sugar

2/3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

1 can (12oz.) evaporated milk

½ cup butter

1 t. vanilla extract

Topping:

1 carton (8oz) Cool Whip topping

½ cup crushes Oreo cookies

Combine cookie crumbs for crust with butter and sugar, press in bottom of ungreased 8” spring form pan. Make sure to line the sides of the spring form pan with wax paper (so sides don’t stick later) Freeze for 15 minutes.

Spread softened ice cream over the crust. Freeze until firm. (approx. 3 hours)

Mean while combine the first four ingredients for chocolate sauce, bring to a rolling boil for appr. 8 minutes. Remove fro heat, stir in vanilla and let cool to room temperature. After cool, pour sauce over ice cream. Freeze until firm. Spread Cool Whip over the chocolate sauce; sprinkle Oreo cookie crumbs on top. Freeze before serving. Enjoy!

Version Update Completed!

2010-12-07T06:33:00.001-08:00

Birthdays are great fun...growing older is not! No women likes having people blurt out her age at gatherings, or have someone pile so many "teeny tiny" candles on her birthday cake that she can't tell what color the frosting is! So I decided to begin referring to my Birthdays differently, in a new way that sounds more interesting, something with finesse, less ancient,more fun, edgy! How about this....

Today I was updated to the new 5.5 version!

(There, I believe that will work just fine.
If all goes well, next year I'll get the 5.6 version. AWESOME!)

Can't imagine why my family felt I needed a new pair of shoes for my Birthday, after all these have taken me literally around the world! Okay...maybe it is time to replace my old shoes for new ones. Now I'm really ready. Bring on the new adventures!

Today I will celebrate another birthday and rejoicing over God's goodness to me! He has blessed me with so many wonderful gifts; family, beautiful grandchildren and amazing friends, for these I am very grateful. He has also given me the best gift of all ages....Jesus!

Jesus came to set me free, to release me from my fears. In Him I find my rest. He is the hope of the Nations, our Deliverer and King forever. He is the JOY of every longing heart!

Memphis for Thanksgiving

2010-12-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Fun with the twins.

Christmas decorations are everywhere....I love the Holidays!

I don't love the prices! Yep, that's a 13 foot Christmas tree for $375.....ouch! We won't be purchasing this one.

Codie decides to try and get a closer look at baby Jesus!

Yummy!! Pumpkin and Apple Butter

When you're little.... "meal time" is more about investigating your food or how far you can throw it!

Codie Rae snuggled up with "Robo" Grandma after a long day of playing. Even though I was there for a short visit, I still had to bring (and wear) my arm splint. Hopefully my arm will be strong enough to handle surgery in a few weeks.

Thanksgiving in Tennessee with Wade, Heidi and their family! I forgot how delicious turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes are and how expensive a "live" Christmas tree can be. What a treat to hang out with the family over the Holiday. Raising three busy young children is a challenging full time job (and exhausting) but Heidi and Wade are very good parents! We cooked and baked and even squeezed in a few visits to the park, zoo and shopping malls with the kids. ...well we had to do something to burn off those extra calories! Hopefully next stop is up to Washington to see Micah, Eva and the grandkids kids before Christmas.

My NightLight team from Bangkok visits Southern California

2010-11-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

In a span of 48 hours.... I drove to Los Angles, connected with my NightLight team from Bangkok, enjoyed a FREE trip to Disneyland, helped Deana and Amber work at the Nightlight LA office, filled jewelry orders, drove to Pasadena and helped set up for Annie's speaking engagement at Fuller. THEN....I left that event and drove to Riverside (arriving after midnight) crashed out on the floor at a friends house, had lunch at the beautiful Mission Inn, drove back to La Jolla to meet Dr. Clay Ford (Pastor and Chairman of Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries) hung out at La Jolla beach with my BKK team & Hannah Ford (musician/artist who God used at "Revival in Disneyland" on Youtube!) Finally after all that, I came back to the Mission Bay area, climbed into my little bed and COLLAPSED. I'm exhausted, but it sure was FUN!!!

The Latest Accessory in Fall Fashion?

2010-11-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

You've heard of THE TERMINATOR? Well, for the past week I've been THE SUPINATOR!

Recently, I've been on a very specialized (short term) treatment program which involves wearing a MONSTROUS supination splint. I must SIT STILL (not an easy task for me) with a gigantic robotic cuff on my arm multiple times during the day. My fashionable new "accessory" probably won't make the cover of Vogue Magazine, or show up on a Google search, "Fantastic New Ways to Accessorize Your Fall Wardrobe" but don't let that fool you! This crazy thing, although not very attractive, is strengthening my wrist....or at least that what the professionals tell me!

Politicians aren't the only ones slinging mud!

2010-11-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

rain storms (+) dirt (X) two little boys=FUN!

Play'en in the mud, it's a great way to spend the afternoon. After all... we can't let the Politicians have ALL the fun. The elections are tomorrow, it should be an interesting day!

2010-11-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

On Sunday October 31, I spent the evening participating in a massive outreach event put on by Newbreak Church. A major part of downtown Tierrasanta was completely closed off to traffic to accommodate this huge party! Thousands came and had a great time! Most people I spoke to thought the event was sponsored by the city of San Diego. When they realized a local church in their neighborhood was throwing this gigantic (FREE) party to bless their kids...they were blown away!

Very impressed with the excellent job NB church leaders did in preparing their people to serve in their community. Since my hand has been getting stronger, I really wanted to help. Face Painting seemed like a great idea, so that's where I started. For many hours our team painted adorable little faces of every size, shape and color! Each little face was an opportunity, to bless, to love on, to quietly pray over or to engage parents in a conversation. Oh, how I have missed these kinds of activities. So glad to be healing. So glad to be plugged into a healthy, outward focused church. I LOVE EVANGELISM.

2010-10-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

This is San Diego, it's not suppose to rain!

For the past two weeks we have had REAL rain, enough to make puddles and cause people to use their windshield wipers and umbrellas! This is soooooo.... not normal "Sunny California" weather.

My once vast back yard living area (of desert sand, clay and dirt) is now green with new baby grass! A lovely carpet of green surrounds my little camper/trailer home. After living in the concert jungles of Bangkok's skyscrapers, I had forgotten how allergic I am to some "green things".....like grass. The whole time in Thailand's hot tropic, humid, mold and mildewy climate, I never once had troubles with allergies. A few inches of rain in San Diego and now I'm a sneezing, sniffling, crazy woman! I think that's funny...Aaaaa chuuuu!

2010-10-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

What woman doesn't like to go shopping? Okay, besides me.
I actually really like finding the perfect gift for people, but I hate wandering around in malls or shopping centers for hours looking, looking....looking. If you enjoy finding the perfect gift, but don't enjoy parking lots, crowded malls or long lines consider shopping at our NightLight's Webstore. After all....Christmas is coming!

NightLight employees women to make beautiful jewelry from silver, semi-precious stones, pearls and decorative beads. When you purchase these products you are securing the freedom of women who have been sexually exploited or were at risk of exploitation in the bars of Bangkok, Thailand.

Visit our store

Jewelry Party Kit

Mobilization Kit

Wholesale

I'm making progress

2010-10-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

I know He who "began a good work in me...will complete it". That is a promise form God. I will rejoice in His goodness and love towards me.

Hard to believe this is Sunny California? Notice I'm wearing a warm j-a-c-k-e-t in San Diego. Pretty CRAZY! The people who live here year-round aren't very happy with this unusual weather, but I'm really enjoying the misty mornings and cool drizzly days. We've even had rain!

The beach is my favorite place to go when I want to clear my head. The odd weather, seems to be keeping the sun loving tourists in their cozy hotels. In the evenings the beaches are quiet, a perfect place for long walks, to pray and listen to God. I'm appreciating this gift of time while my hand heals. Not sure how long it will last. My heart yearns to move forward, but God says, be patient and heal.....so I will patiently wait until He reveals my "Next Steps".

10-10-10-10

2010-10-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

It's October 10, 2010 at 10:10 pm. Hey that's pretty cool! Seems like I should mark the occasion somehow...let's see, do I have anything profound to say or write...no, not really.

Just returned from a very long walk along the ocean tonight. It was really quite lovely, a warm night, bright moon and calm sea. I prayed for my kids and sang to the Lord, which seemed to relieve my melancholy attitude. Worship always has a way of refocusing my attention and affections.

"Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the nations, and I will sing praises to Your name" II Sam.22:50

"I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High" Psalm 9:2

It's happening right under our noses!

2010-10-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Human Trafficking is NOT just an issue in some far away land. It's happening right here in our country, in our cities, in our neighborhoods. Victims of sex trafficking are often found working in establishments that offer commercial sex acts, i.e. brothels, strip clubs, pornography production houses. Such establishments may operate under the guise of

Massage parlor
Gentlemen Clubs
Escort services
Adult bookstores
Modeling studios

Flesh: Bought and Sold in the U.S. - Trailer

After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today.

If you suspect someone has been trafficked, call the:
Department of Health and Human Services

Toll-free, 24 hour
NATIONAL HOTLINE:
+1-888-3737-888
+1-888-428-7581

2010-10-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

Physically I may not be in Thailand right now, but my heart is there. Please continue to pray for the ministry of NightLight and for those missionaries and volunteers serving there. The power of God is transforming lives, women are being set free and experiencing hope for the first time in their lives! Women who were previously exploited through the sex industry of Bangkok Thailand are now being taught to make beautiful jewelery which is sold all over the world!

100 percent of all jewelry proceeds go to pay salaries of those women. You can visit the NightLight website for current stories of these women, facts concerning human trafficking and of course to shop for jewelry!

2010-10-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

My mom...
She loves people, good food and fun shoes!

My mom came to love and trust Jesus as her Savior in her late thirties. This was after many years of living life "her way", which resulted in brokenness and a lack of true peace and purpose in her life. We were never a religious family, but we were a significantly dysfunctional one! My parents divorced when my brother and I were young and they both remarried other partners, always seeking to find true contentment, or their significance in other relationships, their jobs, alcohol and drugs.

It was during those painful years that followed the divorce that God's love caught up with me....and then my younger brother. Our mother was next to begin a relationship with the living God, then our father. Prior to this, there were no other Christians in our family. Our family tree was barren. None of our relatives knew of ANY other family members whom had experienced the life changing power of Jesus Christ....no great grandparents, grandmothers, uncles, cousins....no one.

After many, many generations, God was birthing something new in our family. We are the first generation to celebration God's mercy, power and forgiveness for a very long time! My mom is not perfect, but she is forgiven. She has the assurance of eternal life through Jesus. She has hope, loves others and God. She is quick to befriend the lonely, help others or share an encouraging word with a stranger. Yesterday, she and I spent almost two hours together praying, crying out to God on behalf of our friends, other family members, kids and grandchildren. "GOD continue to heal our friends and family. Show them your great love, show them your mercy!" AMEN

Fall 2010 Newsletter-Update

2010-10-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

Click on image to ENLARGE and READ

2010-08-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Did not have a phone or internet immediately upon my arrival to San Diego, so THANK YOU for patience and continuous prayers as I traveled! Arrived back to States, safely, no mishaps and with no "jet-lag". In Bangkok dear friends carried luggage and accompanied me all the way to the ticketing area. At LAX there was no trouble managing my suitcases, computer bag and push cart. Although there was a 2-3 hour wait through customs (special security measures in LAX) I was randomly ushered through the process in less than one hour! FAVOR.

Along the way I was unable to send messages. Internet café in Taipei was down and the only "hot spot" in my transfer area was jammed with wall to wall people. Instead of being able to share an update with all of you, I was able to share the Gospel, the story of God's power and love for us with a few passengers.

My brother drove from San Diego to pick me up at the LA airport, and he was right THERE as soon as I stepped beyond the exiting corridor. No hunting around for each other in the crowds! Made it back to his home by 1:30 in the morning. 23 hours of traveling- done!

Before my arrival to San Diego, my brother, his wife and my mother, read chapter 7 in the book Serving as Senders. This is an excellent book that addresses many of the emotions, needs and processes that happen when a missionary must return to their home culture unexpectedly! He and his family made special efforts to make my arrival back to USA welcoming and smooth! This included setting up my own private space in a cozy and comfortable RV in their gigantic back yard. So it feels very much like I'm camping at the coast, which I absolutely love. In addition, in a few days they set up wireless internet so I could communicate more easily. I am so blessed to have such great family and dear friends.

Prayers for Healing

2010-08-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

In May I suffered a break to my arm. I was quickly ushered to one of the best hospitals in South East Asia and told by the orthopedic specialist; this would be “An easy surgery, a piece of cake to repair.” It wasn’t long before complications set in and then the prognosis shifted to “Sorry, but I don’t expect much more improvement in your hand”

Three months after surgery, and 6 weeks of Physical Therapy,including dipping in hot wax, I still had significant swelling and pain.

My wrist remained frozen, ZERO ability to flex or rotate, about 10% ability to supinate. Range of motion to fingers is roughly 15% and the color of my hand was abnormal, odd purplish-gray tint, looked like my hand was dying?

I was strongly advised by another professional in the US to leave immediately, unless I wanted to lose the use of my hand permanently. With in a few days I left Bangkok to meet with a hand specialist in San Diego.

I tried to zoom in on this photo that was taken the night before I left Bangkok. The flash doesn't give to an accurate idea of the odd color (grayish white) but you can see how swollen the left wrist, hand and fingers are as I hug a good friend "good bye"

Prior to my leaving, I was called forward for a special farewell prayer after the worship service by the leaders in NightLight. For many of the 80 women whom we employ through this ministry, this was the first they knew of the urgent need to leave. They had watched and prayed faithfully for months, wondering when would there be improvement to my hand. I knelt down on the floor and they surrounded me, laying hands on me, praying for God’s will to be accomplished in my life….then sudden, my hand began to spasm, twitching wildly, uncontrollably! It was like electric shock waves were being shot through my arm and out my fingers.

It didn’t hurt, is was just very bizarre! Annie asked, “What’s going on, what are you doing!!?” I told her nothing! I’m not doing anything, my hand was acting spontaneously! I don’t know what is going on, but the power of God was doing something!

This condition lasted more than an hour, as specific prayer for healing continued. Most of the time I was overwhelmed by God’s Spirit and needed others to prop me up or I would topple over. We began to notice the color of my hand was changing right before our eyes. The swelling was going down! You could begin to see the tendons and veins in my hand clearly. My watch which was originally fitting normally was now was loosely dangling on my wrist due to the shrinking tissues, My puffed smooth hand was looking more contoured. I’ve never been so happy to see my crinkly “older than I'd like to admit" skin! It was happening right before our eyes. We kept saying to each other, do you see that, do you see that??!! Confirming with one another that this was not our imagination!

It was amazing. God was definitely doing something, but why now? Why an hour or so before time to leave for the airport? I still don’t know and I may never know, but I’m excited. Like a child who has just been given present from their daddy, I wanted everybody to see this gift! Look! Look! Can you see the difference! God does not being a good thing and then not finish it. So although my hand is SIGNIFICANTLY better, looks alive and healthier, less swollen, can move more freely, I will continue to trust Him for COMPLETE healing!

Reading for meaning? That's almost funny!

2010-08-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Language class is challenging, but very important if I'm ever going to communicate in a meaningful way! I've been in school for three months learning to speak Thai. Class is 5 days a week, four hours a day....then I spend many more hours each day trying to memorizing and practicing language!

Last month we started reading and writing. I still haven't figured out why my Thai teacher insists on us writing sooooooo small. To get an idea of how small, I put my watch next to the Thai characters. Notice the size comparison next to the date and the pin on my watch?

There is only one person I know who enjoys writing this tiny...my friend Dr. Jones! CHUCK, where are you when I need you! HELP.

Cultural adjustments

2010-07-31T02:34:00.000-07:00

It's hard NOT to notice that Thai people don't seem to be the slightest bit bashful about primping in public. Frequent adjustments of their make-up, hair or clothing in front of mirrors or any object that might reflect, is standard. They are also very comfortable telling OTHERS what they think about your appearance. A good morning greeting could be followed by, "You look very BEAUTIFUL today" or they could just as easily tell you, "You look much FATTER today"

How is it that the topic of a person's appearance has become the favorite conversational pass time for these people? In my home culture these types of spoken comments would be considered quite rude. Why are the Thai so preoccupied with aesthetics?

Then I came to my senses!

Thai people aren't any more preoccupied with appearances than Westerners, they're just more HONEST about it! My Western culture (especially in the US) rates people according to their beauty, wealth, age.... even their education. Sometimes we might be more subtle about these unspoken standards and other times we are very obvious!

We are to thrive!

2010-07-31T01:20:00.000-07:00

I have a few plants that seem determined to commit suicide! Today I was giving them a pep-talk (yes, I know...but that's suppose to help them...right?) I reminded them, "I'm trying to help keep you alive! If you wanted to grow and thrive you need to cooperate with me a little."

As I headed back inside my room, I was still thinking, don't these crazy plants want to live? Then, just as quickly as I said these words, I could hear the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. "Now you know how I feel..."

Everyday our Heavenly Father asks us, "Hey, don't you want to grow and thrive? I'm trying to help you, but you need to cooperate with me a little."

Rainy Season- Ruduu FonTok!

2010-07-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm learning about Thailand's seasons in my language class. The rainy season is on it's way! We've already had some huge storms with thunder and lightning like I've NEVER experienced! I've been told we'll be getting lots MORE rain soon..... and on a DAILY basis.

That should be an adventure since every time it rains outside, it also rains inside! Our house is still a work in progress and there are many repairs being worked on, including our roof.

Last week I came home to 3 inches of standing water covering the whole kitchen floor. The plastic water bottles and our flip-flop sandals were floating around in the water like little boats! There was standing water to some degree on all five floors. How could that be? Easy, our flat roof is a GIANT basin that collects water. I's like a big swimming pool, when it can't hold anymore water, it spills INTO the house, down the stairs and into each floor. It makes a waterfall that pours all the way through the house. Hopefully we have someone coming soon to make repairs!

A Taste of Americana?

2010-07-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

I was in one of the larger markets this last weekend and noticed they were having a special event! America style foods and treats were being promoted and the store was decorated with US flags and logos. That's fun, I thought....let's see what food item they are featuring!

Yea, Pringles Potato Chips, those are yummy treats.....oops I spoke too soon. When was the last time you dashed out to your local store for some junk food in these tempting flavors?

Lemon Sesame Seed, Grilled Shrimp, Seaweed or BLUEBERRY Hazelnut! How is that last flavor even possible? I don't know, but you might want to pick up a few cans for your next big backyard BBQ.

An unexpected ENCOUNTER!

2010-05-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

1:48 in the morning – Woke up to many unpleasant sounds from the neighboring building. I’m now sitting on the floor in the dark, up against my wall. This is as close as I can get to the female on the other side who is now weeping. From the sound of her voice she is Thai, although I have no idea how old. She is enduring a VERY rough sexual encounter with at least one other person. There was a struggle, some desperate pleading, then lots whimpering throughout the ordeal. Only a small amount of plaster separates us. I feel so helpless. She's still weeping. I continue to press my cheek, ear and hands against the plaster wall and call out to Father God on her behalf. Help! Jesus come, Holy Spirit come, you are the Great Comforter…please come to her aide!

2:21 in the morning- As I continue to call out to the Comforter, I hear peaceful singing and gentle strumming like that of a guitar. Where is it coming from? It sounds very close, but definitely not coming from the neighboring building. Perhaps the commotion woke my two roommates down the hall? Maybe they are awake and interceding too. I head down the hall toward their room, but the light is off and the their door is shut. The peaceful melodies continue and although I can’t make out any of the words it sounds familiar. Not wanting to disturb mt roommates I return to my room to continue praying.

2:35 in the morning - Still praying, asking God to reveal himself to the woman on the other side of my wall. Also asking for God's mercy on the hundreds of others in my neighborhood who may be experiencing similar situations. The weeping has quieted some. The soothing tones of worship continue and I am thinking- “Wow, Sandy is really improving with her guitar skills, how is she able to play those chords in the dark?”

2:45 in the morning- Now, I’m feeling inspired. Maybe I should play my favorite Thai worship CD and aim it towards the wall, towards where I heard the woman weeping. If I can hear her, she should be able to hear these words of love. My computer is now aimed at the wall. I fall asleep some time after 3: 10am.

7:30 in the morning- Asked my two roommates how long they stayed awake worshiping last night? They looked quite puzzled at my question. They were sound asleep all night! I asked again, this time recalling how I could clearly hear worshiping, gentle singing and strumming of an instrument until I fell asleep. No other people live in our building! I ask again, "Are you absolutely SURE you didn't leave your computer, radio or CD playing last night?" Janie and Sandy both answered, " No, we left nothing on, no music was playing. Then Janie smiled with excitement and said, “This morning I read these verses in my bible, Zephaniah 3:17." Here are the verses:

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he
will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Do you still think God can't hear your prayers?

Do you still think you are alone?

God is mighty to save and He is also our comforter. He wants to quiet our anxious spirit with His melodies of love in the night. WOW!!

Living in a War Zone (Part 2)

2010-05-26T07:23:00.001-07:00

Just when you think things are beginning to settle down after an intense week of living in a war zone....more happens! Currently I am recovering from a broken arm which required surgery (two pins placed inside) This injury happened early morning, 6:30am Sunday. The day we celebrate Pentecost.

Since things appeared to be settling down a little, I was headed out to do another prayer walk in my neighborhood, the Nana Plaza area. This is where we live, in the heart of the red light district. It's like living in a spiritual war zone! Customers are lured in to view or (for a price) participate in just about any form of twisted sexual fantasy or indulgence they can imagine in these bars.

Whenever we talk to the men hanging around our area, they usually say, "Hey...we're just out to have a few drinks and some fun with our buddies!" I wonder if they would be so eager to go into some of these bars if they knew; Most women are considered property of the bar, it is very common for bar owners to perform sorcery, witchcraft and covenant with demonic powers INSIDE the bars and ON the women BEFORE these "happy go lucky" men arrive. By inviting these spirits in and worshiped them, bar owners hope to have a lucrative night. These dark forces are INVISIBLE, but very real!

Anyway, with all the recent violence in Bangkok, the bars and everything else are on a mandatory curfew. That means for a short period of time everyday, the Nana Plaza is completely empty. This is very unusual, as the Plaza is always open! It seemed like a perfect time for intercession! If I could get into the main plaza area before 8:00am, it would be quiet enough to prayerfully walk through each corridor and declare God's promises from the scriptures without drawing to much attention.

Worshiping, declaring and speaking God's words of hope, life and freedom to the captives, doesn't usually sit well with the spiritual forces of darkness! You should never do such things casually, as it is like entering a war zone without any protection or weapons! It is necessary to be well prepared and well covered by the Spirit of God.

Well, I only made it a few steps out my door that morning before I was sabotaged. I fell VERY hard onto the white marble flooring, catching all my weight on one arm. But what did I fall on? I could see nothing!

Although I was INSIDE the apartment building, clear water had pooled the entire length of our entrance. It was a completely INVISIBLE water slick right outside my door! As my friends helped me to the hospital, they were VERY careful not to step into ANOTHER water slick along the way, but there were no others- Just the one in front of our door!

So, what do you make of that? I'm not exactly sure. There is STILL much to learn about spiritual warfare. This broken arm is only a minor set back!

Living in a war zone (Part 1)

2010-05-26T01:57:00.000-07:00

Much has happened in the past week, there is no way to replay it all, to explain the intensity, or describe our emotions. So I'll give you a quick recap.

FIRST- My house mates and I relocated three times due to the threat of violence in our neighborhood and the unpredictability of a raging civil war in close proximity. We evacuated our building in the Nana, then became somewhat stranded on the 22 floor of a friend's condo. Since we were without power, water, Internet communications, we temporarily relocated again. (Quite an adventure hiking up and down 22 flights of stairs during a power-outage, in the Bangkok heat, while breathing in all the fumes from burning tires and buildings!)

Shortly after we resettled an announcement came on our cell phones (via our news update system). The Red Shirt leader had surrendered! REALLY? This was Wednesday the 19th. The odd things was that within an hour or so of that announcement, we witnessed Many more acts of violence in our city. Multiple explosions were set off and fires were started. Banks were set a blaze, world class shopping malls burnt to the ground, utility buildings, public and private property, transportation stations were all targeted. From our view point, black clouds of smoke filling our sky and from our windows we could see a large building totally engulfed in flames.

During this up evil, Annie made contact with one of our NightLight girls. Her family members were able to escape the riot area and take refuge at our NightLight building. We also had another NightLight girl bring some of her family members to our home. It was nice to be a "safe oasis" to this young mother, her 6 month old baby and a 4 year old boy.

We are glad we stayed and didn't evacuate the Bangkok area during the rioting. Although it was pretty stressful, we wanted to remain close to our neighborhood and the NightLight girls just in case they needed help.

We are all safe and things have settled down some. Thank you for your prayers and financial provisions. Those resources allowed me to help to others, especially since all major banks were closed for a period and many ATM's were empty. Most of the local people live one day at a time, with little to no savings. Now that many businesses have been destroyed, there is little work available. At this time a mandatory curfew for all people in Bangkok is still in effect.

2010-05-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Things aren't always Black and White

It’s deeply disturbing, I thought as we approached a child dancing on top of a battered plastic red stool in front of the Nana Plaza.

As we came closer, it was easier now to see, this was not a young girl, but a young boy. He appeared to be twelve or thirteen years old? His brown skinny legs and lanky arms moved slow, but awkwardly in the nightlights as he tried to mimic the rhythmic sensual moves of the women who work this area.

His bare, grimy feet managed to keep balanced on his 10 inch, make-shift stage. He wore a short, sheer “nightie” styled dress and his childlike face was smudged with too much makeup. It was a sight hard to describe, warped and full of disparity.

As my team mates began to engage this young boy in a conversation, he slowly climbed down and sat on his small plastic stool. He was hungry. In his troubled, young mind, I’m sure this seemed like the solution. There were no parents there to help him. He had no one to cook him a hot meal, draw him a bath or read him a story before climbing into a soft bed. Who did he belong to? For a small fee, apparently anyone!

Did all those sitting, watching from the crowded bars across the way, think this was just one more “bizarre” form of nightly entertainment in Nana Plaza?

The work we do here in Bangkok isn’t glamorous; there are times we struggle with how to handle these heart breaking situations. Everyday, women and young children are exploited on the streets in our neighborhood.

How do we keep from becoming callused to the frightful things we see daily? How would Jesus respond to these situations? What are the best long term solutions to such problems? The answers are not always black and white.

Sometimes ministry is simply loving the one, showing compassion to a confused, frightened little boy, offering some kindness and a few grilled meat-kabobs.

It seems like so little… how we long to do so much more.

Love, Kathy

Staking a Claim?

2010-04-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

Who will influence the children of the next generation?

Is it possible that while the Christian community quietly relaxes in a comfortable recliner reading the latest article on how to "Be a Christian and not Create Waves", the Islam community is aggressively establishing Muslim prayer rooms in our favorite Department Stores?

Don't be fooled. There are millions of Muslims willing to go after those "unreached people" all around the world, including Thailand! There are billions of Buddhist who still have no clear understanding of who Jesus is, or that they were created by the loving and powerful God of the universe. These unreached people aren't going to magically hear about Jesus Christ if the Christian community remains silent or cloistered away from them. Have we become too concerned with being proper, non-intrusive, or politically correct to be of any significant impact on the world around us?

How does one become compelled, to reach out, to embrace people with the Good News and love of Jesus? If we aren't concerned about such things, don't worry, our bold Muslim neighbors are willing to fill in the gap...and if they don't, the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses are also out in full force! They aren't just visiting your local neighborhoods, or setting up shop at the corner market, they are sending their people to other lands to stake a claim. They are finding creative ways to build relationships and establish themselves in new communities. Wake up people.

2010-04-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Advantages to living in the Nana- You get a front row seat to the Songkran festivities!

Yesterday my roof became the perfect place to hang out after I'd had enough water activities! Six stories up on our top deck we have a very long garden hose. The hose came in handy to spray unsuspecting "passers-by" in true Songkran style! Got a lot of laughs and the guy across the way decided to do the same from his roof. Who says you have to be fluent in language to influence people- just kidding!

Songkran

2010-04-11T00:12:00.000-07:00

The view from our front door. Across the street the crowds are beginning to gather for a Songkran water fight!

No one is safe from the water and powder "blessing", but we did have a slight advantage over our neighbors.....we put our garden hose to good work from our roof top. Look out below!

I am drenched from head to toe, but luckly I wrapped my computer in plastic before leaving the house.

What can we learn from the Thai and their Songkran Festival?

2010-04-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Right in the middle of heated RED Shirt demonstrations, killings and blood curses against the government....the Thai people take a three day "time-out" to celebrate Songkran.

For the next three days most of the waring in the Kingdom will come to a halt. It's such an odd thing. The atmosphere has shifted from angry fighting mobs with knives and guns...to laughter, dancing and water fights in the streets with giant plastic guns.

Maybe EVERY WARING NATION should consider such a "time-out". They should consider taking out their aggressions with giant orange and green plastic, semi-automatic water guns. It's hard to stay angry at each other when you're being chased down the street by someone in miss-matched flip-flops, a flower printed shirt and a hot pink wig!

This little guy is getting an early start to the Songkran Festival. Songkran is some what like our New Year’s Celebration in the US. Songkran is celebrated from April 13-15th. It's a three day, Kingdom-wide block party, water fight! Lots of celebrating, dancing and usually excessive drinking- not water!

Although the origin of the Songkran festival is embedded in layers of ancestor and idol worship; there are some redemptive analogies to observed in this culture. This Songkran, may the people of Thailand draw their attentions to the One, True God, who washed away all our sins and made us clean through Jesus. May they hunger and thrist for truth and come to know what it means to drink of the Living Water.

The Songkran is a time for Thai people to honor those who are older. A blessing of appreciation is given to them by pouring fragrant water over their hands and feet.

Our girls at the ministry center prepare for Songkran by gathering water, consecrating it by means of prayer and then adding some fragrant flowers. Next, it's time to gather all the "older" people- yes, as you can see by the picture below, I qualified.

The pouring of water begins. As we sit in a long row of chairs outside, all the younger women come through on their knees (one by one) and pour water on us and speak a short blessing.

Towards the end of this ceremony the water then gets poured everywhere else- Oh, accidentally down your back, on your head or with ice water etc. It is expected and all in goods fun! This is the subtle que that the water fight is about to begin! In a few minutes EVERYONE IS GOING TO GET DRENCHED.

For the next three days, anyone, anywhere is a target. If you step out of your house, chances are you will get very wet. After you're soaking wet, someone might come by and throw powder on you. Then you look like a ghost! Sorry, no Songkran photos of myself in this lovely condition as my camera is not water proof! So enjoy these photos of others getting soaked.

Young, old, native Thai or Foriegners- everyone is in on the action. School and most major businesses are closed. which is good because you can't get to work without getting totally wet!

In the North of Thailand, even the elephants get in on the Songkran action!

What is NightLight all about?

2010-04-05T22:31:00.001-07:00

Simple and Fresh

2010-04-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend I treated myself to something I really enjoy- a Thai cooking class! We shopped at local outdoor markets and were taught how to chopped, sliced, peel and prepare all of our own food in an authentic style- while sitting on the floor!

The secret to good Thai food is fresh ingredient that is cooked quickly. This includes the soups and curries. In the states we might cook a soup all day to extract the flavors, but here you crush (pulverize with a stone pestle ) many of the spices to release the flavors. We made five courses from scratch and cooked them outside on the deck. It was a really fun experience and I enjoyed every bite!

2010-04-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Thai people are very creative. Who would of thought it was possible to put ice cream in a hot dog bun, then drizzle carnation evaporated milk over it!

....or make donuts shaped like Sushi.

Jesus washed their feet...

2010-03-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

In Thailand feet are considered an unclean part of a person's body. For this reason, it is considered rude to point your feet towards another while seated, to use your feet to move an object or to step over a person.

After a full day of work and a night of walking the streets, visiting the bars of Bangkok, it's easy to see why FEET are considered unclean! Even though I was wearing sandals, the bottoms of my feet were black! This adds to my understanding of what it must have been like for Jesus to wash all the feet of His disciples- one of His last acts of service before He was ushered away to be crucified.

Satan is the ultimate PIMP!

2010-03-26T20:44:00.001-07:00

We live in the redlight district, so it is not unusual to see many things that grieve our spirits. However we have noticed something different in the past few days. As there has been an increase of worship, praise and declarations of God's intentions over our future outreach center, we noticed something else increasing!

There has been an obvious increase from the opposing side! The schemes and intentions of the enemy are literally being posted all around us. As we stand on our roof top and gaze to the left, we noticed a large new sign! The name of the Club is SIN- that's an interesting name! Do you think it's a coincidence?

In addition, directly across from our building, a local bar owner has been remolding. Today we have the "unveiling" of the new owner's dream! This enormous banner is now on display as a blatant contrast to everything we are committed to for this area. Satan is the ultimate Pimp! He is the ultimate abuser and exploiter of women.

In the spiritual realm, I see this as stake in the ground! The forces of darkness have "posted notice" directly across from the very location we have claimed for the Kingdom of Heaven. Their banner is visible from every window, from every floor of our future outreach center! No this is not a coincidence!

As you can see, it's not a beer commercial, or an advertisement to stay at a nearby Hotel. It is a massive billboard that celebrates the exploitation of women. It is an obvious declaration of what the forces of darkness hope to accomplish. We are in a war zone! The battle is over the souls of many. We war not with flesh and blood but invisible forces and principalities that are in direct opposition to the heart of the Heavenly Father.

We will continue to rejoice, knowing that our God is might to accomplish His purposes... even when the forces of darkness press in from all sides! Our God is the ultimate lover of people. WE believe He has targeted the women in our area to become precious daughters of the King of Kings!

Hey, we have company...again!

2010-03-25T04:34:00.000-07:00

In between everything else that happens here at NightLight, we also have a lot of visitors! Bethel Redding has blessed us with intercessors, and a children's ministry team. We also have had Annalynn McCord, from 90210 and her dear friend Jessica with us for the past few days.

Don't believe everything you hear about celebrities. Annalynn was a delight. I truly enjoyed meeting and spending time with her. She and Jess were able to joined our teams for worship, outreach, prayer and even participated in game time with our NL girls!

Although Annalynn and Jessica live very public lives, there is still a tenderness about them. They are amazing young women, friendly, generous, creative and compassionate. Like the rest of us, they are not perfect, their private and professional lives are very challenging, but they are determined to make a difference in the world.

There original motivation for visiting NL was to connect with Annie and see where, when and how things work. They expected to come and support our team, but God had another idea. He determined to make THEM the target of His affection! God saturated them both in His gentle love, kindness and peace. They weren't expecting such an intimate encounter with their Heavenly Father! God is so good. He loves us all so much!

We will continue to pray for God's continual blessings and protection over Annalynn and Jessica as they return to their busy lives in Hollywood and New York.

Jeannie Mai, another friend of Annie's and a celebrity in the fashion industry, stopped by a week ago for a short visit. We all enjoyed lunch together (It was Annie's Birthday) and everyone had a good time eating, listening to stories and laughing. Jeannie Mai radiates energy and she beams when she smiles! It is obvious she loves Jesus and she's always looking for opportunities to bring the issue of Human Trafficking before the public whenever she can.

We have had multiple teams from Bethel Church in Redding California come to encourage us. They come in like Holy Spirit waves, one after another! Intercession, healing, worship and joy seem to linger here long after their ministry teams leave. Almost all of our NL girls have received significant personal prayer time with Bethel's intercessors and their students from the . Plenty of prophetic words and encouragement for everyone!

Randy Clark was in our neighborhood a few weeks ago! He and is team held a conference just around the corner from our main office. How cool is that! It was great to see so many Thai people eager to learn more about Jesus and be filled with the Holy Spirit. We will continue to pray for a great mobilization of Thai Believers. We look forward to the day when the Kinddom of Thailand is no longer considered a "Unreached" nation!

Currently we have visitors from Expression 58 in LA and from Iris Ministries Sudan. What a blessing to be connect in such unique ways to so many amazing people! We have a massive extended family through Christ! I continue to learn and grow from each group that comes to minister along side us. I love hearing and sharing testimonies of the miraculous work God is doing! When the glory and power of Jesus shows up, the blind see, the lame walk and demons are sent fleeing. What a mighty God we serve.

It's all very Normal!

2010-03-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

What is normal? I consider this thought while sitting here listening to a Michael Jackson’s song (Billy Jean) being sung by a Thai- very interesting…

Recently a dear friend asked, “What is a normal day like for you?” My days here are never the same. Taking one step at a time seems to be the key, or I become overwhelmed by the whole process.

In the listed below, one of my activities is NOT TRUE. Can you guess which thing I made-up

In the last week (7 days)
I helped with a deliverance on a young Thai girl who was controlled by demonic spirits that manifesting as an ancient monk, a mute, then a tiger!
I was the special guest of an opera singer – attended her opening performance in downtown Bangkok.
I ate ice cream in a hotdog bun!
I was a spectator at a "Red Shirt parade" (political protesters)
I refinished a desk
I picked up my laundry- one week for $1. 50.
I followed two men around (at a safe distance) who were trying to negotiate a price for women working in prostitution near my home
I was scolded by a Cambodian street beggar because I wouldn't give him any money

I ate at my favorite little Lebanese restaurant!

I have a strange but satisfying life. It is a life that forces me to be completely dependent on the power, grace and love of Jesus. Your fervent prayers and financial support are vital part of this amazing adventure with God. You are greatly appreciated!

Question: What was the ONE thing which was NOT TRUE?

Answer: It was all true, except they didn't happen in 7 days- but during this last weekend!

The power of blessing greater than the power of a curse!

2010-03-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

The streets are quieter today after a few days of very intense political protesting in Bangkok. GALLONS of blood and cult rituals/sorcery/spells and curses have been performed all around town, in fact just a few blocks from were I am living.

Thousands of (Red Shirts- protesters) have descended into the heart of Thailand. They are displeased with many things in this Kingdom and so they have rallied together to curse their own nation and it's leaders with death spells, blood covenants, cult rituals and sorcery.

2000 years ago another bloody sacrifice took place. It wasn't the blood of THOUSANDS, those filled with striving or selfish ambitions that was spilled to the ground that day, but the blood of ONE. It was the sacrificial blood of JESUS that was poured out for our benefit. Believe it or not, this was God's idea. An offering would be made once and for all to cancel the curse of death, and eternal destruction for all of mankind! Jesus, the Son of God, was the only one qualified to to fulfill such an extravagant act of love. His blood set us free that we might have abundant life!

Although there has been plenty of darkness and cursing in Bangkok this week, we continue to celebrate God's goodness towards people. In the past few days, more Thai girls from NightLight have professed faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Four more women left the bars and began working for NightLight Design, and three others received deliverance from sorcery, witchcraft and demonic influences! Our God is mightier than any curses or demonic powers!

2010-03-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

To be Thai is to be Buddhist, so when these 12 young Thai women recently made public commitments to follow after Jesus, it was a huge decision. Some believe that becoming a Christian, is equal to turn your back on your people or culture. They are misinformed. God's love does not rob people of their identity, but empowers and celebrates the uniqueness of each people group. Jesus came to set people free, by redeeming them and their cultures. He desires salvation to all the nations, to all the people of the earth.

God's love heals the broken hearted and restores hope to the hopeless. Many of these women were victims of sexual abuse as well as cult or ritual abuse for many years. Today we witnessed the power of the ONE TRUE GOD as He took the ashes of their lives and in exchange, He offered them a garland of praise! May the fragrance of God's grace, healing and forgiveness linger on them forever.

Isaiah 61

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,

for the Lord has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted

and to proclaim that captives will be released

and prisoners will be freed.

He has sent me to tell those who mourn

that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,

and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.

To all who mourn in Israel,

He will give a crown of beauty for ashes,

a joyous blessing instead of mourning,

festive praise instead of despair.

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks

that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Did you want that ironed?

2010-03-13T03:48:00.000-08:00

There is no washers or dyers where I live, my laundry is done in a small sink and hung on the roof to dry. Sometimes I take laundry to the Thai ladies down the road who have set up their own little business outside in (what we would call) a garage.

We always exchange pleasant smiles and chat for a little while when I drop off laundry. They never ask for a name, or write down any instructions or information about what items I've left with them. Some how, four or five days later when I return to pick up my things, they always know right where all my clothes are and who I am. That fascinates me! With all the people they do laundry for, how do they keep everything straight without writing things down?

It was Plato who warned us that writing everything down would eventually causes people to lose the keen ability to remember and store data internally! He was convinced that shifting from oral communications, to recording data in writing would cause us to be less interactive with one another and weaken our memory. I think Plato was correct!

During Plato's time, oral communications were considered a superior means of transferring or recording most everything from a simple poem or greetings from a relative, to elaborate dissertations. Large portions of information were committed to memory and then passed on to the next listener. We on the other hand, have become very dependent on our notes etc. to remember even the simplest facts!

Who are the real victims here?

2010-03-09T22:51:00.000-08:00

I was wondering?

You may have heard that there is a shortage of men back in the US. Hey, I think I located some of them!

You would have to be blind not to notice the preponderance of business class, approximately 50yrs to 65yrs old, white males that continually linger in the Nana. Are we really to believe that this mass surplus of western males are all unmarried, unattached to anyone, anywhere?

I wonder what would happen if I were to go out on the street and begin shooting photos of these men and their 20-ish year old Thai “escorts” in their teeny-tiny skirts and 3 inch heels? I wonder what these men’s wives, girlfriends or grandchildren back home would say?

It's really is quite a sight to see so many men, mostly white, mostly overweight and many with balding heads that glistening in the sun from perspiration. They strut around with smiles on their faces and women draped on their arms. Many of these women are young enough to be their daughters or granddaughters! Are there really that many lonely, broken or desperation men who need to feel loved, significant, affirmed or in control?

For many weeks now I have watched the men in my neighborhood interacting with women on the streets, or groping at their mostly naked bodies in the bars. I believe it is both (the men and the women) who are the victims here. Each person, male and female, willing to exploit the other for their own personal gain. Genuine affection and companionship can never be found in the elaborate fantasy which oozes forth from these dark bars, night after night. It’s all an illusion.

I wonder if the man across the room from me is aware that... the beautiful Asian…the one he just bought a drink for... the one in the tight sexy dress… the one with long flowing jet black hair… may not be a female at all! I was just wondering?

2010-03-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

“Khanom” American style!

My language classmates are from Korea and Europe. ALL of them can speak at least 4 languages, and most speak more. I have met some that speak 7 or 8 languages. For them knowing multiple languages is a normal and expected part of their everyday life. Then there is me! Language Classes were only offered as an elective instead of art, typing or auto shop! Why aren’t we as Americans taught multiple languages from Kindergarten through High School?

Struggling through anything has a way of bonding people together. In language class we laughed, shared funny stories and have grown quite fond of each other during these weeks. We only have a few more days of this Language Module left before it ends. Unfortunately, all my classmates will move forward to the next module, except me. I don’t mind repeating a module (as this is my first serious attempt at learning a second language) but I will really miss my new friends. It would be nice to do something special for them! Although my budget is limited, I came up with a plan.

Someone told me about a great bakery in one of the fancy Hotels near by. They sell all their baked items at half price after 6:00pm. Oh goodie, yummy things at half price! So I ventured over to see what they had on display. A beautiful Black Forest cake, complete with whipped cream and cherries caught my attention. It was perfect and only a few dollars! I had to buy it. I will pack up my American style “dessert” and take it to school along with a few little gifts for my classmates and teacher. I think it will be a fun surprise for them!

Team work!

2010-02-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

My team has been blessed with many wonderful volunteers. The people who come to work with the trafficked girls are very gifted! They have trained the girls in everything from sewing lessons and jewelry making to computer skills. In fact just this week we had a professionally trained opera singer who come to help our worship leaders. They received free voice lessons! That's awesome, maybe I should have signed up for lessons too!

In all honesty, sometimes I do feel a little out of my league! Then I remember we are all valuable members of a team that God has formed. He has called us to establish His Kingdom in the Kingdom of Thailand... one woman at a time! My significance and my joy flow from knowing that truth.

Jing! Jing!

2010-02-26T03:11:00.000-08:00

Some of the beautiful jewelry made at NightLight
http://nightlightinternational.com

My team members minister to trafficked women in many ways. Prayer, counseling, deliverance, discipleship, education/training, jewelry making and outreach are just a few. It is a holistic approach, which addresses healing the spirit, the physical body and the mind through God's power and love. To say this is “intense work” seems like an understatement.

In addition, I've been asked to help for a while as an administrate assistant to Annie, the Founder of NighLight . Although it never occurred that I would be helping in this way, my prayer is to do my best.

As a rule, Annie's door is always open to those needing assistance. That means any of us who work in the office, may be asked to join her for a prayer or deliverance session at any time! I love that. There is so much more for me to learn about intercession, spiritual warfare and human trafficking. I consider it a great honor to serve along side all these gifted people. No doubt there is much for me to learn, Jing! Jing! Thankfully, everyone on staff is very encouraging and patient.

Although I’ve only been here for a short time, it is clear that every aspect of this ministry is committed and submitted to God. I can’t imagine it any other way, as EVERY DAY we are faced with new challenges and victories!

This ministry is growing quickly. Annie is frequently sought after for personal tours, TV interviews, articles and to speak at events. I share these things with you in hopes that you will continue your prayers not only for me, but for Annie, the international staff and the many beautiful young women this ministry impacts.

“Jing! Jing!” Thai phrase meaning:

Really! Really!
No kidding!
That is true!

Manja Manja!

2010-02-26T02:29:00.000-08:00

I meet a lot of people when traveling. They seem surprised to hear I'm from the USA

. They usually think I'm traveling from an Arab country or that I’m Italian.

Do I look Italian or Arab?

Right now I’m feeling more like an Italian who is going through “cooking” withdrawals!

I love to cook, but since arriving to

Thailand

, I haven’t cooked anything- at all! Besides having no time to cook, there isn’t really any place to prepare or sit and enjoy a nice meal.

My modest flat (one room with a bed, nightstand and free standing closet) is on the fifth floor and our “sort-of-a-kitchen” is on the second floor. The good news is we have a kitchen. YEA! Kitchens are somewhat rare. The bad news is our kitchen is nothing like the ones back in American.

I did however notice that we have a few “critters” that seem quite pleased with our kitchen facilities. Have you ever seen a

Madagascar

cockroach? They need their own zip code! They are gigantic!

Currently, we are doing our best to evict all of them. LEAVE and NEVER return in JESUS name! Gosh... listen to me, I think I've been sitting in on too many deliverance sessions this week!

Time to take a break. Anybody know where you can find a good Pizza around here?

Happy Anniversary to ME!

2010-02-26T01:56:00.000-08:00

Today is my one month anniversary in Bangkok. I can’t believe I’m going to publicly admit this, but today I actually ate lunch in a MacDonald’s restaurant. After four hours of language class, the idea of wandering around deciding on which peculiar food item to buy from the street vendors just wasn’t appealing. It seemed like a good idea at the time. It would be simple, no thinking involved...and besides it would be the first “American-ish” food eaten since my arrival.

It’s been about 35 minutes since my tasty, mini indulgence. Now I’m remembering why I don’t usually eat at these places. After weeks of vegetables, rice, fruit and water…my diet coke, fries and cheese burger are sitting like a heavy blob in my stomach! No problem, I’m sure a few trips up and down our five flights of stairs will take care of that!

No room for insecurities!

2010-02-15T03:54:00.000-08:00

I am a foreigner here in Thailand, and every day I'm reminded of that fact. I'm different. My native culture is different and there are always plenty of opportunities to make comparisons to the life that was left behind. As a foreign missionary, this of course would be very unwise and unhealthy!

Instead, I have determined to smile at the obvious differences and enjoy them. For example... if there are ants in my the cream and sugar containers in the morning, no problem, that just means I'll be having ants stirred into my coffee or tea all day! I've also begun to understand that my shoes are a nice place for geckos to sleep and my mouth is being trained (in language class) to make sounds that I was taught NEVER to make at the dinner table!

I've chosen not to be jealous that the Lady Boys in my neighborhood are MORE ATTRACTIVE than I EVER was or EVER will be.... even on my BEST day! I've also chosen not to be intimidated by the fact that many of my team mates are in their twenties, and have Degrees in everything from Theology to International Business!

Productivity has become a vague memory. It appears that many Thai people prefer to "work on it tomorrow". I've noticed that everything but the tuk tuks and taxis move at a more leisurely pace. It's unusual to see anyone scurrying down the sidewalk in a hurry to get to their destination. Unlike me, the petite Thai women are able to maneuver around in their high fashion, three inch heels with ease, successfully dodging motorcycles, potholes, crumbling curbs and the cluttered, uneven sidewalks of Bangkok- NEVER once missing their footing. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?

I on the other hand, appear like an awkward giant. Although not wearing heels, I've managed to tumble into yet another crevice in the road. I do my best to quickly scooping myself up off the hard concrete in front of a local street vendor. I brush myself off. No problem, no injury was suffered, only a scuffed ego. It's just another normal day for me in my new home.

As I said earlier, there is no room for vain insecurities or inferiority complexes on the Mission Field.

Valentines Day

2010-02-14T03:43:00.000-08:00

On Valentines Day (Sunday morning) a few of us went out on an adventure. The goal? We wanted to locate the Hope of Bangkok, which is the largest church in the Kingdom of Thailand. The Hope of Bangkok was originally founded by Dr. Kriengsak. As of 2005, this group of Believers had grown to approx. 6,000 members and had planted more than 100 hundred churches. That is significant, as Thailand only has approx. 60,000 Christians in the whole nation!

Their growth has been evidenced by manifested gifts of the Holy Spirit, healings, words of knowledge and miracles. This move of God’s Spirit has created openness among the Thai population. Because of this, they have been open to hearing the word of God preached clearly and powerfully, which has resulted in an acceleration of smaller cell groups and a thrust towards friendship evangelism. They are seeing that God is real and more powerful than their many spirit guardians, spells and curses!

CULTURAL OBSERVATIONS: The church meets in a massive Hotel conference room. This cell group was approx. 2,300 strong. The service lasted three hours! We were greeted with enthusiasm and quickly chauffeured around to meet people, including one of the pastors. We had pictures taken, register as visitors, given a gift and shown to our seating area. After being seated, those who did not have a Bible were offered one which could be used during the worship service.

The gathering was mostly Asian, so we were seated in a location with headsets for English translation. A church member stayed with us through out the whole process. During the congregational “meet and greet” at least 40 people came to us, showering us with candies, flowers and welcome cards. Thai culture has a very strong emphasis on honor, which can be overwhelming if you’re trying to remain incognito!

We arrived to the church about 9:30am and left about 12:30. The music was upbeat. They were joyful and the people freely expressed themselves during worship by waving their hands and clapping. Some knelt in prayer by their seats and others danced up front by the stage area. The Pastoral Team was up on the stage (to one side of the worship band) and fully engaged as well! Prayer, a video and some fun community activities (games that involved people getting up and interacting with others) were next. I had never seen this done in a church setting before, but it made perfect sense.

The entire congregation really enjoyed this fun, social interaction and there was a lot of laughing and casual conversations. An hour of preaching was followed by more music prayer, communion and a call to commitment and repentance. MANY people came to the front for prayer. The Pastor (who was still on the stage/podium area) got down on his knees when it came time to pray.

These light fixtures remind me of Thai fishing baskets.
Jesus said, that we are to be fishers of men!

Comic Relief becomes Evangelism!

2010-02-13T00:21:00.001-08:00

A few nights ago I was invited to a surprise birthday party for a friend of my team mates. I was told we were to dress up as "old people" as a tease. She was turning 30. YOUNG in my eyes, but perhaps OLD in the eyes of my new team mates! Well, anyone who knows me, knows this sounds like fun! So I dressed like as a crazy,

flamboyant "older than me" woman!

The Bible says laughter is good medicine! Although the Thai woman in this picture with me was a perfect stranger, she wanted to be involved in our fun. So we took her picture and visited with her while we waited at the train station!

Most professional business people make it point to dress very well and behave properly. As you can imagine, it is very unusual for Thai people to see a foreigner willing to be silly in public... especially in the down town area!

Try not to be jealous of such beauty!

My 2oish year old team mates dress the part!

What I didn't know about the surprize party........we would remain dressed in these ridiculous looking outfits (slippers and all!) as we made our way from one end of Bangkok to the other! We walked through our neighborhood to the train station, then walked another twenty minutes through the streets of Bangkok to the party!

Yes, we were quite a spectacle! You should have seen the people on the train in their business attire, wondering what to make of us! We laughed a lot and even made a new friend along the way. She works down town and invited me to visit her at her corporate office. She even offered to help with my language. We'll see. Next week I will meet her for coffee. Now that is a fun and crazy way to establish relationships! God is so creative.

Chinese New Year

2010-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year is upon us, and that means the local Spirit Houses in my neighborhood are getting extra attention. More decorations and foods are places at these shrines to keep the local spirits, ghosts, content. The local people believe if the spirits are happy, they won't bother them! The only ones that appear happier are the pigeons, who are enjoying the unexpected feast of fresh fruit and every other food!

Psalms 135:13

Your name, O Lord, endures forever;

your fame, O Lord, is known to every generation.

For the Lord will give justice to his people

and have compassion on his servants.

The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold,

shaped by human hands.

They have mouths but cannot speak,

and eyes but cannot see.

They have ears but cannot hear,

and noses but cannot smell.

And those who make idols are just like them,

as are all who trust in them.

A Nice Break-

2010-02-12T23:23:00.001-08:00

I am taking a mini break at a wonderfully charming
coffee bar/handcrafted teak furniture store/bakery- tucked away in down town Bangkok. I'm listening to Chinese stringed instruments playing in the background while sipping my first cup of coffee since I arrived in Thailand!

Not an average Night!

2010-02-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

Hard to see, but I consider these lips stick marks on my cheek to be a precious treasure! Received them as a token of appreciation from a women we minister to in the Red Light district. Some of the women are trafficked into Thailand by European countries. They are significantly different than the Thai or Issan women who are trafficked here. The Thai women are usually more approachable. Many of the European women appear to be more calloused, harder to connect with. That is understandable as their have been very rough! As a rule the Eupopeans are more isolated and heavily "supervised" if in a public setting. Tonight we gain access to a few of them through our simple Valentine Day outreach.

Night Bars seem to come in four flavors- for lack of other descriptive words. They progress from street front, to inside, to second floor, to third floor. Each level gets progressively more bizarre/corrupt/twisted? Sometimes the upper floors are referred to as the place to see "freak shows", for reasons I will not elaborate on! My team of four women delivered Valentines Day treats to second and third floor bars.

There is something a little surreal about being mobbed by a swarm of lady boys (young men who appear to be lovely young women) dressed in high heels, lacy bras and tiny panties anxious to receive one of our Valentines Day treats!
Our arrival created such a stir that the "stage show" came to almost a complete stop as the lady boys were jumping down off stage to see us, give us hugs and an occasional kisses on the cheek. It all about relationships around here, and this small act of kindness won us a good amount of favor in the bars and in our neighborhood.

I love that God has placed us right in the middle of all this activity.(All these establishments are in my neighborhood- my home is surrounded on all sidesby this activity) Last night one of the lady boys took me to the top seating to introduce me to more of his/her? friends. As the lady boy read the note inside the bag of chocolates, he/she held up the note and said with a questioning tone, God loves me? Really, me? Is this true? Then the lady boy hugged me and shouted across the room, "God loves ME!" Not exactly your average night at a "freak show" bar! Praise God!

May we continue to be compelled to step out of our comfort zones as we extend the love of Jesus to all.

So many details!

2010-01-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

Today is Thursday. My last day in Ukiah is this Sunday, January 10th. My "to-do" list is down to only three pages! YEAH, I'm making progress. I am still feeling a little overwhelmed so please keep me in your prayers.

It's Chistmas Eve-Eve

2009-12-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

Although I have been busy with packing and paperwork for my relocation to Bangkok, I'm making time to enjoy the Holidays and my friends and the chilly weather! Bangkok only has two seasons- Hot and Humid and.... Hotter and MORE Humid. These are a few of the simple things that will be missed while celebrating Christmas in Asia next year.

Snuggly, cozy flannel jammies and a cup of hot cocoa

Singing Christmas songs (as loud as I like) in my car while stuck in Holiday traffic.

On my face, on the floor, or dancing around the house worshiping, celebrating and praising my Savior! For unto us a Savior is born, Christ the Lord!

Playing "Holiday" dress-up in fancy department stores with my crazy friends!

Driving around town at night to enjoy all the Christmas Lights

Making Christmas cookies with my "roomie" and laughing a LOT.

Heading for Bangkok

2009-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Click on Newsletter to ENLARGE and READ

2009-12-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

Today the twins are five months old.

For those of you who have been asking me for some updated pictures pictures of my youngest son...here you go! Unlike my daughter, and her crew, my sons are pretty camera shy, so I'm was lucky to get ANY pictures of them. Here is a fairly recent picture of my youngest son David with his grandmother out on the pier in San Diego. His 6'5'' frame makes my mom look pretty small! The picture below was from our trip to Mexico to visit a friend.

Human Trafficking - Hotline 1.888.3737.888.

2009-11-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

It's not just about women and sex!

After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today.

Sex Trafficking: the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act , in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person forced to perform such an act.
Labor Trafficking: the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, debt bondage or slavery.

Trafficking Victims
Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims annually are trafficked across international borders worldwide, according to the U.S. Department of State. Victims are generally trafficked into the U.S. from Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. Many victims trafficked into the United States do not speak or understand English and are therefore isolated, unable to communicate with service providers, law enforcement and others who might be able to help them.

How Victims Are Trafficked
Victims can be exploited for purposes of commercial sex, including prostitution, stripping, pornography and live-sex shows. However, trafficking also takes place as labor exploitation, such as domestic servitude, sweatshop factories, or migrant agricultural work. Traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to compel women, men and children to engage in these activities.

Force involves the use of rape, beatings and confinement to control victims. Forceful violence is used especially during the early stages of victimization, known as the ‘seasoning process’, which is used to break victim’s resistance to make them easier to control.

Fraud often involves false offers that induce people into trafficking situations. For example, women and children will reply to advertisements promising jobs as waitresses, maids and dancers in other countries and are then trafficked for purposes of prostitution once they arrive at their destinations.

Coercion involves threats of serious harm to, or physical restraint of, any person; any scheme, plan or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that failure to perform an act would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; or the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process.

Victims of trafficking are often subjected to debt-bondage, usually in the context of paying off transportation fees into the destination countries. Traffickers often threaten victims with injury or death, or the safety of the victims’ family back home. Traffickers commonly take away the victims’ travel documents and isolate them to make escape more difficult.

In many cases, the victims are trapped into a cycle of debt because they have to pay for all living expenses in addition to the initial transportation expenses. Not meeting daily quotas of service or “bad” behavior also increases their debt. Many victims do not realize that it is illegal and blame themselves. Even if the victims sense that debt-bondage is unjust, it is difficult for them to find help because of language, fear, shame and physical barriers that keep them from obtaining help.

Help for Victims of Trafficking

If you think you have come in contact with a victim of human trafficking, call 1.888.3737.888. Victims of human trafficking who are not U.S. citizens are eligible for a special visa and can receive benefits and services through the TVPA to the same extent as refugees.

TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION ACT OF 2000

BOGS- FACEBOOK-TWITTER

2009-11-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

Couldn't find a definition that made sense to me,
so came up with my own...

The idea behind a BLOG (web-log-journal)is to
follow along "little by little" through life's
adventures....somewhat like a lunch date
with your good friend- more time spent and
more info shared. FACEBOOK, on the other
hand, is like grabbing an expresso at the
coffee bar together! They are both good, but
different ways to "catch up" on communications.
TWITTER...well, I haven't figured that
one out yet. Maybe it's more like WAVING
out your windows as your cars ZOOM past each other?

Freezer Burn?

2009-11-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

Freezer Burn- this is what can happen if we store things for too long in the freezer! According to the articles I’ve read, apparently freezer burn can’t kill you. It does however render your food tasteless and unappealing!

An interesting metaphor stirs in my mind as I dig through the layers of ice and unrecognizable clumps of gray, frosted foods. At one time “this thing” was a delicious, flavorful item!

Just like the job of defrosting a freezer, from time to time it's good to ask, "What have I been storing for too long…that has now become gray, flavorless or unappealing to the world around me?" People are hungry for a fresh, flavorful revelation of God’s love, goodness and power. I am obligated to seek ways to “serve it fresh” daily.

Too often I have failed to be generous with what I have been given at the moment, not willing to trust that my Father in Heaven will provide me “fresh bread” for tomorrow's needs. I think this is one of the keys to being an extravagantly generous person. We can be generous people in all ways, because our God does not have limited resources!

Veterans Day 2009

2009-11-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

My grandson reminds us...

Today is Veterans Day

A Prayer for Veterans Day

Father, we could never thank our military men and women enough for their courageous service and sacrifice to our country and its people. Yet today we lift up our voices to express gratefulness and honor to these military troops both from the past and present. Show us ways in our communities, churches, and families to thank and love them better. Keep and protect these heroes and their families, in the powerful name of Jesus

Fort Hood
November 10, 2009

On November 10, 2009, through many tears... I watched the live broadcast of the memorial service for those recently murdered at at Fort Hood. I can't even imagine the pain their loved ones are experiencing right now.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 33:20
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

Language- Communicating can be challenging and funny

2009-11-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

Pretend it's morning, you're hungry. You locate the number for room service on the dresser next to the bed in your hotel room......and you dial it.

Can you decipher this conversation?

Morny, rune sore-bees.

Oh sorry, I thought I dialed room service.

Rye. Rune sore-bees. Morny. Jewish to odor sunteen?

Yes, order something. This is room thirteen-on-five. I want…

Okay, torino-fie. Yes plea?

I'd like some bacon and eggs.

Ow July then?

What?

Aches.

Ow July then? Pry, boy, pooch…?

Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry. Scrambled, please.

Ow July thee baycome? Crease?

Crisp will be fine.

Okay. An Santos?

What?

Santos. July Santos?

Uh…I don't know…I don't think so.

No? Judo one toes?

Look. I really feel bad about this, but I just don't know what judo-one-toes means. I'm sorry…

Toes! Toes! Why Jew Don Juan toes? Ow bow eenlish mopping we bother?

English muffin! I've got it! You were saying toast! Fine. An English muffin will be fine. We bother? No. Just put the bother on the side.

Wad?

I'm sorry. I meant butter. Butter on the side.

Copy?

I feel terrible about this but… Copy.

Copy, tea, mill…

Coffee!! Yes, coffee please. And that's all.

One Minnie. Ass rune torino-fie, strangle-aches, crease baycome, tossy eenlish mopping we bother honey sigh, and copy. Rye?

Whatever you say. Okay.

Tenjewberrymud.

You're welcome.

Got a Craving?

2009-11-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite treats when I was in Thailand was sticky rice and mangos, but my Thai friends preferred DONUTS. It was always a special treat to buy donuts, especially around the Holidays. Oh my gosh- those look so delicious. I am totally craving chocolate donuts right now. So I figures I would post some on my blog instead of posting them on my thighs! Yummy- those look so good. Okay, everybody enjoy!

Sticky Rice and Mango

Prophetic Art

2009-11-04T16:14:00.001-08:00

I have always had a passion for the arts. Recently, I have been meeting with a few of my friends (there they are) to do something called prophetic art. This is an idea I was introduced to about two years ago at Bethel Church in Redding California. I guess some are curious why it is referred to as prophetic? It's not very complicated, we meet together to worship God by using our artwork. Prophetic art is just another form of communion with the Creator of all things! We use art not only as a means of worship, but also intercession. We simply capture on paper, with images and colors, what others are more comfortable recording with words. Sometimes our paintings are specific declarations, such as a hope of healing for our community. Other times the art takes on an abstract, impressionistic look.

We try to gather for a few hours every other week, always preparing our spirit with prayer and sometimes singing. Then we begin. We come to our easels and ask God, "What is on your heart?" Since God is real and not some distant figment of our imagination. we fully expect to hear from Him. God desires relationship with His people!

The Spirit of God reveals much to those who are willing to listen. I'm always in need of practicing my listening skill! I find the arts to be a powerful and intimate way to express what God is stirring inside of me. Sometimes there are no words to express what we sense in our spirit. Prophetic art is not about drawing the perfect masterpiece; it about having the freedom to express yourself to the Most High God.

"Thus says God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring...who gives breath to all the people...I am the Lord, that is My name....I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to a graven images"

Go outside and look up!

2009-11-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

It's a full moon tonight! Am I the only one that gets really excited about such beauty? I hope not. Tonight there is an absolutely, unbelievably, beautiful, giant, amazing full moon! Bundle up, go outside and see for yourself. WOW- WOW - WOW. What an awesome God we have. Yea God!

Mendocino County-The Harvest is Plentiful?

2009-11-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

I randomly pulled four days worth of the Ukiah Daily Journal (my local newspaper) A Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday copy are lined-up across my coach for you to see. Do you notice anything? The newspaper looks more like a farmers almanac on "How to Promote Marijuana as a Cottage Industry."

To say I live in an unusual or unique Town, is an understatement. Mendocino County is know nationally for many bizarre reasons, but perhaps the one thing most are talking about now... is the Marijuana Industry.

Right now it is harvest time in my community. Usually when people think of harvesting, they are thinking- vegetables and fruit, or perhaps grapes from the near by vineyards...but that is not what "harvest time" means in Mendocino County!

This is an interesting choice for the county emblem- don't you think? Notice the large pot leaf on the left. The crazy thing to me is how many people are involved in this industry! It is believed that roughly 2/3 of our local economy is directly impacted by the substance. It certainly seems possible!

The article below is a great example of how perfectly acceptable (and yet corrupt) the whole topic has become in my community. On this page we can read how a businessman in town had tried to avoided the whole cannabis industry because he didn't want the "risk". But surprisingly, the reigning Mendocino County District Attorney at that time said to him, "Anyone not growing 25 plants is an idiot." This businessman goes on to say, "When your District Attorney says this, I thought I must be an idiot."

Since our local newspaper has decide to direct most of it's attention towards the issue of marijuana.....hey, you can turn to just about any page in the Journal and find a helpful hint. Here are a few pages committed to showing you how to grow, trim, store and market the stuff. Am I the only one who thinks this is insane?

I'm pretty sure when Jesus said that "the harvest was plentiful..."
this was not what He had in mind.

2009-11-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

This is my grandson. I think he is adorable!
My oldest son and his wife came down from Washington for a visit recently. I am truly blessed whenever we can spend time together. Time with the family always means a lot of good food, good talks and plenty of good hugs! I thought I would be back to Southeast Asia by now, but it's times like these that make me grateful for God's delays. His timing is perfect.

YWAM Tyler-TESOL

2009-07-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

One of the best and also one of the most difficult courses I have ever been through, was a recent TESOL Course. The BEST part of my adventure will be the focus of this short entry.

Living on campus with hundreds of other followers of Jesus was so inspiring. Students and adults from all over the world were there to be discipled and equipped for ministry to the nations. While I lived there, multple teams were sent out to do short term missions all over the world. I met people there whom I hope will remain friends forever.

The YWAM base in Tyler Texas is a tremendous location if you are considering training. There are many schools, evangelism, media training and missions are only a few. I's a huge sending base located on hundreds of open acres that are dotted with lakes and trees. At one time this land was home to David Wilkerson ministries (Author of The Cross and the Switch Blade) Other near by ministry centers include Teen Mania and Mercy Ships.

The culture of the YWAM community is that of worship and servanthood. It is an obvious value of all who serve there. From the time I was picked up at the airport until when I was dropped off, generosity and kindness prevailed. It was an honor to meet so any passionate young people, who plan to serve where ever God should lead them. What a great experience to be part of the community for those few months.

Hey, did you hear.....the babies are coming home today....no, I'm not sure how long they are staying?

2009-07-09T02:51:00.000-07:00

They're Here!

2009-07-04T07:47:00.001-07:00

July 4th we had a little fireworks of our own here at the Walter household! Heidi went into labor late that night. By early morning (July 5th) the C-Section was complete and two healthy babies had entered the world. At the bottom of the screen is Amelia (Mia) who was the first to be delivered. Amelia weights about 5lbs 9 oz. Her brother, Cooper was the next to arrive. He weighed a whopping 6lbs and 13 oz. Both babies are healthy and doing great! Heidi had more side effects from the anesthesia than we expected and spent the first 5 hours after labor very ill. She is improving with every hour, so thank you for all your kind prayer!

Proud daddy holding his newborn son, "Cooper"

Dainty little "Amelia" being admired by her mommy!
It looks like all her little finger and toes are accounted for.

Although not the best angle, this was as close as I could get to the twins right after their birth (Hospital Policies..... you know......) This short video was taken about one hour after the babies were born....mostly for the benefit of the Grandmas/Grandpas, Great Grandmothers, Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Brothers and Sisters who live out of state, but wished they could get a quick glimpse of the twins! ENJOY

We have a DELIVERY DATE for the TWINS!

2009-07-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Heidi and Wade met with their Doctor again. It looks like Sunday July 5th will be the date set for a C-section. This is very good news as my daughter has been able to do little more than waddle to her bed, the recliner or to the bathroom for a month. The average gestation for twins is about 37 weeks. Many women deliver their babies before that time but have to leave their babies in a prenatal care unit for days. Hopefully that won't be Heidi's problem. She has made it 38 weeks with no sign of toxemia or other medical complications. That is a HUGE praise and answer to prayer!

My temporary mission field for the last month has been in Tennessee serving my family. I can't think of a more fruitful way to spend my time. What a great blessing to be available for these few months before I head overseas.

My role here for the past month has been... maid, cook, nanny, playmate, gardener and chauffeur. Taking on these tasks has given Wade the freedom to earn a little extra money before the babies arrive. Taking care of a wife and three children (all three under two years of age) is a big responsibility, especially on a single income. He is a very devoted father and husband, so I am glad to be here to help.

Thank you for your concern and prayers for my family. Please continue praying for:

• No complications with the umbilical cords, placenta's position and postpartum bleeding

• Healthy babies and mommy

• Peaceful transitions and adjustments when they arrive home from the hospital (Heidi, Wade, Codie Rae and babies)

• PATIENCE and JOY fill their home

Twins are on the way soon!

2009-06-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Okay...
Not me, my daughter is pregnant with twins. We are expecting a little BOY and a GIRL any day. As you can imagine, Heidi is hopeful that they will come sooner rather than later!

Big sister (almost 2 years old) is looking forward to these two new family members... Hello, anybody in there?

Mischief Maker x2

There is plenty to do before the twins arrive, including trying to potty-train their "almost" 2yr old "big" sister.

How do you keep a 2 year old's attention while reviewing the finer skills of potty-training etiquette? Why you do ANYTHING of course, including bribing them with m&m's and playing silly games with grandma's glasses!

What does it mean to be a good neighbor?

2009-06-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a tornado in Shelby County Tennessee. Luckily this tree fell away from the house!

No people were harmed, but many trees, roofs, fences and powerlines were damaged

This was a view of our street after the storm

Trying to keep cool in the Memphis heat after the storm.

We survived this storm without too many serious problems. The tornado touched down in another neighborhood so we did not receive the full impact of the storm. Winds reached 70 to 125mph in our area. Trees, fences, powerlines and roofs took most of the beating. We were without power for three days, but we still had water. Spraying off with the hose kept us from having a complete melt down in the Memphis heat and humidity. We also had a very kind neighbor who shared a small generator and many extension cords with us. He had enough power to run his home comfortably, but instead he chose to hook up three homes with limited power (just enough to keep their frig/freezers from defrosting) That's what I call a good neighbor!

As soon as the storm had quieted, another family showed up at our house. They knew Heidi was ready to deliver any day and were worried that all the excitement might have caused her to go into labor. They made their way through downed trees and debris with extra flashlights etc. to see if we needed any help. Good friends and good neighbors are a great blessing from God in a time of need! We are very greatful to them all.

It's a twister, it's a twister! Quick everybody get in the closet?

2009-06-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

Toto we're defiantly not in California anymore! Here in Tennessee, they have REAL weather. I mean it, they have CRAZY intense storms that make you think you're in a scene from The Wizard of Oz. During a "sever storm warning" the sirens usually go off, the sky turn black with clouds, wind, thunder and lightening and in a matter of minutes you're headed for the nearest shelter.....in our case that was a closet......YIKES!

We had one of those episodes last week. I was about a mile from home having my hair trimmed, when to my surprise an employee approached me with a phone message. My daughter was on the line, "Hurry home... a bad storm is heading our way!". Although she sounded somewhat frantic, I attributed her tone to slightly overzealous "I'm pregnant with twins" hormones.

No sooner had I pulled into our driveway when the wind and rain became FURIOUS. Oh my GOSH, I'll take California earthquakes any day over a TORNADO. Trying to quickly corral a rambunctious two year old and her "ready-to-deliver-twins-any-day" mom into a dark bedroom closet for shelter hardly seemed safe considering what was going on outside....but that's what we did. A "pregnant-with-twins mom" should never try to scurry down a hall or leap over the family's golden retriever (who was blocking our access rout) during an impending tornado. After we nestled ourselves in the closet we realized that in her rush to safety....poor Heidi had pulled a groin muscle. We are all fine now, but Heidi was confined to a wheelchair for a few days. Life is never dull!

MEN, an "UNREACHED" people group?

2009-04-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite books! A GREAT read for men or women, especially if you're in a church leadership position.

Short preview from website: It's Sunday morning! Where are all the men? Golfing? Watching the tube? Mowing the lawn? Sleeping? One place you won't find them is in church. Less than 40 percent of adults in most churches are men, and 20 to 25 percent of married churchgoing women attend without their husbands. And why are the men who do go to church so bored? David Murrow's groundbreaking new book reveals why men are the world's largest unreached people group. With eye-opening research and a persuasive grasp on the facts, Murrow explains the problem and offers hope and encouragement to women, pastors, and men. Why Men Hate Going to Church does not call men back to the church-it calls the church back to men.

Why Men Hate Going to Church
By David Murrow
Edition: illustrated
Published by Thomas Nelson Inc, 2005
ISBN 0785260382, 9780785260387
248 pages

I found my copy of this book a few years ago on amazon.com for about $10.00 . That reminds me.... I loaned this book out, and haven't seen it since. Maybe I need to buy another couple of copies!

Prefer LISTENING instead of READING books?
Check out the link audible.com
http://www.audible.com/adbl/entry/offers/productPromo2.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&productID=BK_HOVE_000179

Kathy's Next Steps

Moved with Compassion?

Victoria Secret Model- Kylie Bissutti following her heart!

Water still flooding Thailand

Pray for Thailand

URGENT PRAYER- Flood waters from northern Thailand, combined with ocean tides are expected to bring heavy flooding to Bangkok with in days. Potential flood waters could be the worse the country has experienced in 50 years.

Human Trafficking Happens HERE!

Stabbed at the Food Court!

Soaking in Truth

OH NO....don't look!

Staying Focused!

Kathy and her Websites have been under construction!

Spiritual Warfare vs Furious Love

Twelve more days until Christmas!

Version Update Completed!

Memphis for Thanksgiving

My NightLight team from Bangkok visits Southern California

The Latest Accessory in Fall Fashion?

Politicians aren't the only ones slinging mud!

Visit our store

I'm making progress

10-10-10-10

It's happening right under our noses!

Massage parlor

Gentlemen Clubs

Escort services

Adult bookstores

Modeling studios

NightLight

Fall 2010 Newsletter-Update

Prayers for Healing

Reading for meaning? That's almost funny!

Cultural adjustments

We are to thrive!

Rainy Season- Ruduu FonTok!

A Taste of Americana?

An unexpected ENCOUNTER!

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, hewill quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Do you still think God can't hear your prayers?

Do you still think you are alone?

God is mighty to save and He is also our comforter. He wants to quiet our anxious spirit with His melodies of love in the night. WOW!!

Living in a War Zone (Part 2)

Living in a war zone (Part 1)

Staking a Claim?

Songkran

What can we learn from the Thai and their Songkran Festival?

What is NightLight all about?

Simple and Fresh

Jesus washed their feet...

Satan is the ultimate PIMP!

Hey, we have company...again!

It's all very Normal!

The power of blessing greater than the power of a curse!

Did you want that ironed?

Who are the real victims here?

Team work!

Jing! Jing!

Manja Manja!

Happy Anniversary to ME!

No room for insecurities!

Valentines Day

Comic Relief becomes Evangelism!

Chinese New Year

A Nice Break-

Not an average Night!

So many details!

It's Chistmas Eve-Eve

Heading for Bangkok

Human Trafficking - Hotline 1.888.3737.888.

TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION ACT OF 2000

BOGS- FACEBOOK-TWITTER

Freezer Burn?

Veterans Day 2009

A Prayer for Veterans Day

Language- Communicating can be challenging and funny

Got a Craving?

Prophetic Art

Go outside and look up!

Mendocino County-The Harvest is Plentiful?

YWAM Tyler-TESOL

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he
will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."