Guatemala

I am writing today to ask for your prayers.  A team of 14 is flying to Guatemala today.  While we are in this beautiful country we are asking that you pray for boldness in our faith, a deep love for the people and for safety.  If you want to keep up with our travels check out the Guatemala blog. http://gmt2011.blogspot.com/

Waterfall of Praise!

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.Acts 2:2


The counselors at Camp Geneva taught us an exciting and inspiring way to pray.  They called it "waterfall prayer".  Everyone prays out loud at the same time!

 It is like a mighty rushing wind of praise and petition. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this symphonic time of praise. 

Join with me today, as I celebrate the work that God has done this week in the lives of the campers. 


Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.Psalm 47:6 


Yesterday we talked with many students about what they were thankful for.  The list was varied. These 3rd-6th grade students expressed gratitude for, their xbox 360's, candy, toys, and many others. A young boy camper with sandy blonde hair came over to the round blue picnic table and declared that he was thankful for family and friends then just as quickly he walked away!  What happened next was priceless!  He returned determined to tell us one more important item on his thankful list. Raising his fist he proudly stated, "I am thankful for the soldiers that protect us!" What an amazing praise!


The campers top three thankful items were:

1. God
2. Jesus
3. Family

Later in the evening these campers participated in their own waterfall of praise by writing things they were thankful for on large papers all over the room. 

Each day we have the opportunity to be like the one leper who returned to say thank you.  

What is on your "thankful" list today?

Father thank you is not enough to say as I reflect on the work of your Spirit this week! May these children remember the love that was shared with them and the hope of your invitation that was given to them. Fan into flame the seeds that were planted!  Jann

You are Invited!

Picture beautiful lake Michigan, a couple hundred 4th-6th grade students, college age counselors and my husband and I. This week we are the chaplains for a summer camp at Camp Geneva in Holland Michigan.

There has been the typical camp skits, games, songs slushies, smores and chocolate malts. In the midst of all of this is one central truth that is holding everything together. Jesus!  He is the reason that this camp exists, so that others may come to know His love, grace and forgiveness.

Yesterday was an exciting day! Both Kevin (my husband) and I had time scheduled to meet with camp counselors. They have come this summer to tell children about the great love of Jesus! I love spending time with College students who are in love with Jesus, they so encourage me in my own faith.

Last night we had the blessing of sharing about the invitation that Christ offers us. As we taught about the little tax collector Zaccheaus, the students were given this challenge.

We can choose to stay up in a tree like Zaccheaus, or come down, accept his invitation and enter into a life giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

To learn more about Jesus, click here

Jesus offers us many invitations 

• Come to me when you are tired and burdened-I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
• Come and follow me-I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 3
• Believe in Me and you will not perish, I will give you eternal life. John 3:16
• Confess your sins and I will forgive your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
• Confess with your mouth that I am Lord and believe in your heart that God raised me from the dead, then I will save you. Romans 10:9-10

Watching children accept the invitation and begin a relationship with Jesus is so exciting, but this invitation is not just for children!  

God wants a relationship with every person.  

Where are you today? Up in a tree like Zaccheaus, watching from afar?  Come down and meet Jesus today!

Father, thank you for calling each one of us by name. You know all about us, ugly truth and all, yet you tell us that you will forgive us and love us!  I put my trust in you, I accept your invitation.  Jann

If you have made a decision about to accept Jesus's invitation to follow Him today, I have a gift for you. Please enter your information in the comment box.

Walking on the Fence

For a couple of years when I was growing up we lived in a rented farmhouse next to a dairy farm. The cows grazed in the fields and then when it was time to be milked they came through a walled in area.  Often we would listen to the cows and my brothers and I would try and find ways to pet them.  


One late afternoon my younger brother Mikey decided to get a closer look and we watched as he climbed up the wall and began walking on it.  "This is cool you should come and see them" he shouted to us. After a few minutes of jealousy at his bravery I looked away and when I glanced back at the wall, Mikey was gone!  "Where did Mikey go?", I asked my brother.  

I had a sinking feeling that he was in a stinky situation.  

We got a ladder, climbed up and there he was, covered in cow manure and reaching his hand up to us.  There was no way that we were going in so we called our mom and giggled as she hosed him down outside and stripped him naked. 

Scripture warns us to be careful where we walk and live. 

Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,  Ephesians 5:15

I can fool myself in thinking 

• that a habit isn't out of control 
• that I can handle situations 
• language and content in movies won't effect me
• drinking isn't dangerous
• relationships don't influence me

When in fact, I am in danger of falling.

Where are you walking?  Is it a safe place to be, or are you in danger of falling?

It also tells us that if we see someone who is in a stinky situation then we must help them

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1

Is there someone who needs your help because they have fallen?

Father, show me the places that I should avoid and help me to see where I have been fooling myself.  Give me your eyes to see who needs help and the strength to come along side of them. 

Boom, Boom, Boom!

"Don't say it, Don't say it, Don't say it", I scolded myself.  "Boom, Boom, Boom! Louder with each time , almost yelling, Boom, Boom, BOOOOM! Mocking the entire time. It's embarrassing to say I was the one ripping apart the fragile esteem of an overweight teenage girl. Who was I that I should hurt, attack, destroy one who is beloved by God. 

The look in her eyes was a mixture of hatred and despair.

I screamed it a third time and that is when she turned and began to stomp my way. Trembling and anticipating my sure demise, I was frozen in sheer terror. She was older, taller, wider, heavier and stronger than I.  None of those things had entered into my mind as I was hurling insults toward her, but as she came my way, all I could mumble was, "sorry".  Obviously that little response was not going to make much of a difference to what was going to happen next. 


Then the most amazing thing happened! "Who yelled that?", she bellowed. My best friend Alana stepped forward and took the punishment for me! Thank you Alana!  


That day prepared me to understand the gospel.  Jesus came to take the punishment for my sins!  He was the one who stepped forward to say, I will take the blame. Thank you Jesus!

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.      2 Corinthians 5:21

God's plans are always better than our own.

When I was 12 years old I met a boy.  Kevin lived down the street and had two really cute younger brothers. I didn't know it when I first met him, but he was going to be my husband. Nearly every day I spoke with Kevin and we became close friends.  Often we would share with each other about the person that we had a crush on or Kevin and his friends would come over for dinner.  Little by little our worlds became more and more intertwined.


One day my mother abruptly said, "Why don't you like Kevin?"  That thought had never, never, never, crossed my mind.  You see Kevin was nice and he was my friend, but he was not a surfer, or a skater. He just wasn't on my list. He didn't fit into my plan. 

28 years ago I married this boy that wasn't part of my plan, but was the gift that God had for me.  He is my best friend, partner in ministry, life and love!

God's plans are always better than our own. 

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. 

"And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8 NLT

• My ideas are limited, His are infinite 
• My resources are limited, His are endless
• My knowledge is limited, His is omnipotent
• My grace is limited, His is all covering
• My gifts are limited, He is the giver of all gifts
• My time is now, His is perfect

Often we are tempted to take matters into our own hands and try to play God.  I believe He knows best and can be trusted!  Sometimes this requires waiting for his perfect timing.  

Father, Thank you for having a way better plan than we could ever have. We are impatient people, short sighted and unable to comprehend how big you really are!  Give us a glimpse of your vastness, of your glory and splendor.  Remind us that we can trust in your plan because You are trustworthy! Living in this trust, Jann

Watch and Learn

Fish tacos are one of my favorite things to eat!  I love them grilled and deep fried!  My belief is that they are filled with fish, which is good for you, full of omega 3 fatty acids! I just don't think about the calories or fat grams when it comes to these marvelous creations! I first tasted fish tacos in California and then had the great pleasure of biting into their crunchy goodness while visiting Ensenada Mexico.

Fish tacos consist of these ingredients;

• White fish, battered and deep fried, or marinated and grilled
• Corn tortillas
• Shredded cabbage
• Sour cream or crema
• Salsa
• Lime wedges
• Mayonnaise if desired

When I have made fish tacos the process is; dip the fish into an egg batter and then place it into the dry flour mixture to coat, next you deep fry to golden brown.  Assemble your taco with your chosen ingredients and have a party in your mouth! Yummo!

Recently we visited with our friends Juanita and Alejandro in their home.  Juanita had invited us for lunch and fish tacos were on her menu! Yippee! 

I wanted to watch and learn from Juanita's expertise so I watched as Juanita prepared her fish. 

Lesson #1-She dipped the fish into a combination of an egg and flour mixture and then deep fried them.  "Juanita, why do you do only one step?", I asked her. "Es mas facil" translation, It's so much easier, she said.  

Lesson #2-Later she squeezed lime juice into the cabbage that was shredded. Again I ask her why, I had never seen anyone do that before. "The lime kills off any little bugs and flavors the cabbage" she informed me.  

Lesson #3- Sitting at the table I learned my third lesson about fish tacos. There is a sequence to how you construct them. Normally, I would have placed the fish into the tortilla and then added whatever I liked, but watching Alejandro I learned that there was a definite order to how one was constructed. 

1. Start with a warm corn tortilla
2. Spread a little mayonnaise
3. Place some cabbage on top
4. Lay the fish on the bed of cabbage
5. drizzle with salsa
6. Spoon on some sour cream or crema
7. Squeeze lime to complete your creation
8. Perfecto

I learned three things from watching and Learning with Juanita and Alejandro,

• Things don't always have to be so complicated. Easier can be better

• Adding something new can bring flavor and health into your life

• There is an order of things in life that may need to be followed to achieve the desired result.

Every day God is teaching us new things! I want to watch and learn so that I can know Him better.  

This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.Isaiah 48:17

Father help me to watch and learn from you today! I am excited to know more about you as you reveal yourself to me. Jann

Be nice!

I have been reading the book Louder than Words by Andy Stanley.  It is one of those books that challenges you to live a life that Reflects Godly character in everything that you do and say.  I loved it!  Challenging, but not beat you up stuff! 


Stanley recounts a time in the book that he took the passage Matthew 5:23-24 to heart.


Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.


After years of no conversation, he went and apologized to this person even though it was out of his comfort zone.

Stanley argues,

"When a believer harms an unbeliever in any way, and never comes back to assume responsibility for his or her behavior, the consequences can have eternal ramifications." 

Little did I know that God was preparing me for my own comfort zone situation. My husband and I were getting ready to fly back to Michigan after a wonderful vacation with our daughters. Early this morning our family gathered for breakfast and had a conversation about customer service and how people can be rude.  Our daughter Lissa happens to work in customer service and was sharing with us some of the comical events that have happened to her. I can still hear her saying that she always just smiles when people get agitated. 


We were off to the airport where we returned the rental car, arrived at the airport early and walked up to Continental airlines to get our boarding passes. I entered our information into the kiosk and it gave me an error message, Please see a customer service agent. A young woman assisted us and I could tell by the scrunched up face that there was an issue.  I was a little irritated that it was taking too long. The young woman and Lauren, another agent were feverishly trying to resolve the issue.  This is when we found out that somehow, our returning flight had been cancelled and our seats had been given to someone else. "We can fly you out tomorrow morning" the young woman said as she looked up from her monitor. At that moment, as I was ready to scream,

"We didn't make a mistake, We booked our flights, paid for our tickets, arrived early, We want our seats!!!!"  I kept thinking, "Be nice" God wants to use this.  

Lauren tried and tried to find us seats, but every connecting flight to Grand Rapids was booked. "I know it's not your fault, but we really want to get home", I calmly told her. Just then, her supervisor Paul came over and they made a decision to overbook the flight, and gave us seats.  Phew, that was close! After we said thank you to them, I realized that in the beginning I had given the death stare to the first customer service agent.  I knew in that moment that I needed to apologize.  Andy Stanley would be so proud of me! I turned to the young woman and said, 

I am sorry if I came off rude to you, you did not deserve that.  Thank you for helping us. 

 I don't know if she knows Jesus but, I don't want to be the one who is the obstacle to her believing in Him. When we got on the plane we had been upgraded to exit seats!  Gotta love how God blesses us when we are obedient!

Father, thank you for reminding me to take off my old nature and put on your new one. Holy Spirit I am grateful for your guidance, continue to lead and guide until I follow your every prompting. Jann

Today I want to try something different. 


What is the one question that you wish you could ask God?

Cycling Withdrawals

My name is Jann and I am addicted to cycling!  It has been 11 days since my last ride. We have been on vacation and there was no bike available.  Today I am getting back on my bike for the first time. 


These questions keep running through my mind

• Will she remember me?
• Will I know how to shift gears?
• Will I be able to quickly click out of my peddles?
• How far will I be able to go?

I am slightly worried that I just won't measure up!

These concerns are real, however, I am going to ride today and I expect that it will be what it has always been, wonderful.

Have you ever had these thoughts about your relationship with God? 

• Maybe it has been awhile since you prayed  and the lingering thought, "How do I start?" keeps replaying in your head,
• It has been a long time since you have opened and read your bible and you are nervous that you won't know how to read it, apply it or make sense out of it.
• Deep inside you want to speak with God but are embarrassed that it has been so long, maybe He won't remember you.

One of my favorite things about God is that he continually says to us, "return to me"

O Israel," says the LORD, "if you wanted to return to me,  Jeremiah 4:1

Like the Father welcoming the prodigal son home, God wants us to come to Him, no matter how long it has been.

When we have been far off from God He tells us that "He will be found by us".

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:11-14

Today is the day that we can experience the love and embrace of Jesus no matter how long it has been. Take the first step and return to Him.

Father, Thank for your kindness in receiving us no matter how long it has been.I confess to you that I am more concerned about my feelings than in spending time with you. I know that you are reaching out your hand to me and beckoning me to be with you. Help me to come to you no matter how I feel and remember that you are loving, kind and righteous.  Jann

Angry birds

Angry Birds, have you played it?  The object is to use the birds to take out the funny looking green pig/bear type creatures. Each bird has a different advantage. Some are faster when tapped, others drop egg bombs and another little blue bird turns into three birds.  All are propelled through the air by using a sling shot, catapult device. There is a definite strategy to win this game and after many tries one can figure out the exact arch and speed of the birds that are necessary to take out the creatures. 

I am not quite sure why the birds are angry, however, they do know that they have a purpose, a calling, a reason to get into that catapult-Take out the enemy!

Christians too have a purpose!  I wish that I too could be as focused as the Angry Birds!  Our ultimate purpose is to Love God and Love one another!

He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27

How we show our love to God and to others is as different as the birds are. 

Who will you share the Love of God with today?

Father, help me to remember that you have given me a purpose!  I am to love you and to love others.  Guide me to the person you want me to show your love to today.  Jann

Just like Goldilocks

When we were first married we slept in a full size bed. A wise Christian woman told me that, "sleeping close together will keep you from fighting because it is difficult to stay angry with someone who is that close to you." She was right and for twenty three years we slept snuggley in our cozy bed. When it was time to upgrade our bedroom we bought a queen size and have found that a little more room doesn't hurt our marriage,  on the contrary sleeping better can only be a helpful thing

 This past week we felt like Goldilocks. The bed at our vacation home was a king size, and although spacious I felt like it was too big! "Where are you?" I thought regarding my spouse. Later we stayed in a hotel with a queen size bed more like I am accustomed too, but it was "too hard". Last night we stayed at our friends home and they graciously offered us their guest room with a full size bed. It was " just right"!

It seems as though the things that have become familiar to us are the things that we are most happy, content with. We are creatures of habit and like Goldilocks we keep searching for the " just right" in our lives.

Spiritually, where is your " just right" zone? Where is it that you hear from God?
For some it is the still small voice, for others it is when they are intently searching the scriptures where as others may find a fresh experience in worship their just right zone.

 Praying that you find yours and enjoy your rime with Him. 


 Father, thank you for creating us all uniquely different and giving us "just right" times with you. Refresh us in those times. We need you. Jann

Jesus is The Help

I became totally engrossed in the book The Help during vacation.


The story details the lives of several women from Mississippi who work as housekeepers during the 1960's.  The book is quite long and I am NOT a veracious reader but I found myself wanting to know more and more about the ladies and their stories in this novel.

With each page I craved information about what they were going to say and how they would respond to the days events.  I found myself cheering, smiling and crying all within the same chapter. 


The story reminded me that we are all the same, yet try so hard to be different from one another. In our attempt to feel better, we often can mistreat and belittle, even make up excuses as to why others may be just not good enough.


Sadly, I am guilty of this very thing. Time and time again I point out the weaknesses, frailties in others.  For some deranged reason it makes me feel better about my own inadequacies. Every day I must remind myself that If not for Christ and His atoning is sacrifice, I too would be lost!  

Because of Your cross
My debt is paid
Because of Your blood
My sins are washed away
Now all of my life I'll freely give
Because of Your love, Because of Your love
I live.

Phil Wickam

 Father, I am so sorry for judging and belittling your children, your creations. I know how this hurts my heart and now I understand that it grieves yours. Forgive me for this. Thank you for showing me your love and grace. Jann

Guest Blog

I had the honor of guest blogging at Doug Field's blog this week.  I think you will enjoy it. 

 http://www.dougfields.com/posts/guest-post-it%E2%80%99s-easy-to-destroy-relationships%E2%80%94try-this/

Blessings,  Jann 

Strolling along the 6 miles of beach in Punta Banda is one of my favorite vacation things to do. The brilliant blue sky above and the glistening sun on the waves take my breath away. As I walk, I notice that there are millions of broken pieces of shells littering the beach. These once full size shells have become mere fragments of what they once were. The constant pounding of the waves have chipped away, diminished and fractured the shells. Then I see it, a perfect sand dollar. After viewing multiple broken ones, a perfectly round sand dollar peeks up at me from beneath the sand. Picking it up I am amazed that this fragile sea creature could survive the treacherous voyage unto the shoreline.

Did you know that the sand dollars we see on the beach are actually the skeletons of these marvelous creatures? 

The reason that many of them survive the journey is that they were once alive!  When they crawled along the bottom of the sandy ocean these velvety purplish marine animal had no fear of being crushed by the waves. It was only when they had died that they became susceptible to the damaging effects of the oceans waves.

This is true for us as Christians as well. We have been made alive in Christ!  Like a tree planted by a river we will not wither as long as we remain in the life-giving source, Jesus.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:3

However if we disconnect from the source of life and try to do it by ourselves, we can like the sand dollar, become brittle, dry, and eventually become broken in our fragile state.

When was the last time you dipped yourself into the refreshing water of the Word?  Do you need a time of refreshing of regeneration?

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremah 31:25

 Father, help me to remember to drink your living water, to be refreshed and to dwell in you. I need your life giving power to stay alive and not become brittle.  Jann

Keep, Give away or Throw away?

Do you have piles of things in your home or office?  I do!  Lots of different ones. 


In the office there are piles of books and book shelves that are unorganized. Scanning the room you will find piles of mail, magazines and coupons on the desk. In the bedroom there are piles of shoes, clothes that are to be given away and piles of things that just didn't make it back to where they belong. 

Unfortunately that's not all of my organizational chaos! Enter into the scary closet and you will be greeted by shoes, purses, sweatshirts and more co-mingling on the floor.  The first step to growth is admitting that you have a problem! I am embarrassed to share with you that I have messes in my home. 

I like to say that my home is lived in, but really it is 50/50! Fifty percent organized and fifty percent chaos!  

Today is organizing day and so I must figure out what I will keep, give away and what has met certain death.  It would be so much easier if the crew from Clean Sweep would show up and just take everything away, clean it and reorganize it!  My house wouldn't be considered unorganized enough to qualify, but I feel uneasy with the piles!


Have you ever felt this way in your relationship with God?  Maybe there are piles of things that you keep adding to, but never look at. 


There are things that I need to keep, give to God and those that just need to die!For example here are some of my piles:


Pile 1
I worry about many things. (who my girls will marry, how people think of me, health) These things I really need to give to God.  He wants to replace that worry with His peace!

Pile 2
Time spent reading the bible and praying.  I must keep these and look at them often in order to grow in my understanding and intimacy with God.

Pile 3- The scary one!
Regrets of mistakes made, hurts from the past and lies about who I am definitely need to thrown into the trash! Cleaning this area may take some time but I believe that it will be worth it!  I want to be the new creation that is promised.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Organizing with God is actually much easier than organizing my piles at home. All He asks is that we come to Him, give Him our stuff and let Him do His work to clean us and rearrange us!

Father thank you that you want my piles! You tell us to come to you when we are tired and burdened. I give you my piles of worries, hurts and even my times with you!  Cleanse and rearrange please!  Jann

I can do it!

One summer afternoon when I was 8 years old my father said the most amazing words to me!  I will never forget this phrase, "do you think you are ready to ride?" "Was he really asking me if I wanted to ride the go kart?", I hopefully thought to myself.  What happened next is the recollection of the memories that I have of this momentous event! "Yes Daddy, I can do it:, I proudly exclaimed.


My brother and father had been working on constructing this amazing metal monster for months. They had ridden it around the yard, down the dusty dirt road and around the farm as I watched in the distance, but never, never, never had they asked me if I wanted to. I had always thought that I was ready, after all I was in Second grade! 


What happened next will forever be etched into my memory.


I was given clear directions 

• The gas is on the right the brake is on the left
• Don't go to fast
• Keep both hands on the wheel
• Keep your eyes on the road

As my father buckled me in he reminded me of the directions and encouraged me to have fun. "I can do it!" I whispered out loud. My heart was pounding with the anticipation of what was to come. I pushed down hard on the gas pedal and felt the rumble of the engine. It was just as I imagined! As the go kart began flying down the the driveway I turned to look back at my father and  proudly waved to him. At this moment the wheel slightly turned and I drove directly under our families truck! Guess I forgot to follow all of the directions!

I often feel as though I can do it!  The problem is I try to do it alone without the assistance and guidance of my heavenly Father. The directions for a crash free life have been given to us in His word and we have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. 

When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. Proverbs 6:22

This memory has reminded me that "He can do it" My job is to follow His lead.

Father, I know that many times I have tried to do it by myself. I often look at you and wave and then crash.  Please help me to follow your lead and listen to your guidance. I confess that I can NOT do it by myself!  Jann