Plenty

Have you noticed that God's economy is not the same as the world's economy? I hope you have all had the chance to experience God's economy and His generosity from two angles, the side of the giver and the side of the receiver. It's so important to be active from both sides. We all have SOMETHING we can give no matter how little we have. Often the giving releases God's provision. Then to the often more difficult part...receiving. As Americans, and I think as French as well, we have been taught to be independent and self-sufficient. It is often hard to receive and it's even harder to ask for help. It is humbling. When we begin to understand how God has created us to live in community and to be interdependent giving and receiving becomes normal life. It is honoring and it brings freedom. Acts 2:44-47. This is a stark contrast to the world system of acquiring things to gain happiness and power and then to rule and sometimes oppress those who have not. Who is really happy? Who is really free?

I thank God that He has blessed me with an Acts 2 kind of life. Even though I may not always have plenty in the bank, I live a life of plenty and I lack nothing I need. I have the joy of being able to bless others and the family of God blesses me. Thanks to all of you who are a part of this family and God's economy. What a great model of God's Kingdom come on earth!

Before I launch into my news I just want to ask again for prayer for Carolyn and her kidney. She went for a check up on her kidney and was admitted to the hospital for further tests because they suspect that the kidney is rejecting her body. Please pray for complete healing from the inside out for Carolyn and for complete kidney function.

The May elections brought a new president for France, François Hollande. This brings a big change from Sarkosy. I've heard a few people say they have felt a difference in the atmosphere since Hollande took office. What is certain is that it is time for the church to rise up and take its place by praying for the president and the government. The people of God always need to see that we can shape our world and our society through prayer and action. We need to hear the Father's heart for our nations and then imitate that heart and release it in prayer and declaration. We heard very clearly that we needed to release peace and joy over France. This is God's heart which is completely opposite of the reaction of fear and worry that was produced in many. Martin Scott also wrote in his blog that peace and joy needed to be released over France. God is speaking the same thing to His people in different places.

The legislative elections are coming up this Sunday. I have heard many say that 2012 is a year of shifting and changes. There are big changes already. Please pray for France and the elections this coming Sunday. Please release joy and peace over France when you pray.

A group of 9 youth from Joshua Church is planning a mission trip to the Philippines this July. A project like this is much more complicated than in the U.S. They have been working hard to raise funds and to get all of the paperwork in order. I think most of you understand the difference a trip like this can make in their lives and in the lives of the people they will go to help. Some of you from FOC will know several of these youth which includes a young lady from Moscow who will join the group when they pass through the Moscow airport. Please pray for Vincent, Elisabeth, Claire, Séphora, Jérémie, Benjamin, Uriel and Olya and their intercessor Timothée. Feel free to contact me if you would like to support them. You can check out a short presentation of their trip by watching this clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFsk3oxIHKw&feature=youtu.be

June is the last month of school in France so we still have a few weeks of class left. I get to play trumpet with a group (rock band) from the music school on July 21st as a part of the Music Festival that is held all over France every year. I am really looking forward to it!

I think that's it for this entry. Thank you all for reading along and for praying along. I discovered that people from several countries are reading and that is encouraging. However, I don't know anyone from several of the countries and that makes me think they were searching something and came on my blog by accident. So, whether you be a friend or whether you are here by a happy accident, be blessed into the fullness of all that God has for your life!!

Prayer requests:

~Continued prayer for Carolyn Gore who is currently in the hospital waiting for tests results to see the condition of her kidney. Pray for complete healing!

~Pray for the youth who are going to the Philippines on mission this summer. Pray that all the paperwork and finances will come in as well as good health, protection and divine appointments.

~Pray for France as another round of elections approach. The legislative elections are next Sunday. Please pray and release peace and joy over the country during this time of change.

**A picture of one of the many poppies in bloom in the vineyards. One of the symbolic meanings of the poppy is 'resurrection.' Yes, Jesus, your resurrection power for France!!

Joy

The Holy Spirit is doing a new thing in me...and I like it. He is at work in our church body...I like that too. I am looking forward to the fruit. His touch is releasing joy, singing and strange sounds! More, Holy Spirit!

Last week I went with a team to Labeshuus near Thun, Switzerland. We took a few days to just pray and worship and enjoy the presence of God. It was a rich time and God birthed something and touched us deeply and brought refreshing. We also spent time praying for several European nations, some individuals and some people groups. Labehuus is beautifully situated and gives a spectacular view of the Swiss Alps. The view in itself inspires worship of the Creator!

I am very happy to report that the government aide that I was waiting on came through in a timely matter. Thanks for all of your prayers! God is good and faithful!

Carolyn is at home and doing good and getting better, especially concerning her kidney. She still has a lot of pain with her leg and has been told it could be months before it returns to normal. Please continue to pray for her.

Nadine has been named the Director of Sozo Ministry for France by Bethel Church in Redding!! She has been working hard training a team here in Guebwiller and traveling to do trainings with Janet Richards all over France. This is a big step toward God spreading inner-healing in France. It is much needed. Of course, new titles come with more authority, responsibility and pressure. She has already experienced some spiritual resistance. Nadine is definitely the woman for the job but she could use all of your prayers for provision and spiritual protection as she walks in this new dimension. She and Janet have two trainings coming up quickly in May. You can keep these in mind when you are praying for her.

I am thoroughly settled into my new home and thoroughly enjoying it. I am reminded daily of God's goodness.

I am happy to say that my dad is still doing well and enjoying life.

French elections are May 6th. As in the States, this will be a very important election during a difficult and pivotal time in France and in Europe. Please pray that God's choice to lead France is elected. A disturbing trend that has been seen is that because of the difficult times people are voting more for the extreme right, the fascists. The good news is that they didn't make it past the first round but they had way more votes than they should have. Now there is the current president, Sarkozy, who is the most moderate who is facing the socialist Hollande. It is a very important moment for France. Please be praying this week for France and the upcoming elections this Sunday!

Thanks again for reading along and taking this journey with me!!

Prayer requests recap:

~France and the upcoming elections this Sunday, May 6th!
~Spiritual protection, traveling safety and provision for Nadine in her new role as Sozo Director for France.
~Complete healing of Carolyn's leg.
~That the Holy Spirit continue to pour Himself out on us and accomplish His purposes in this time.

**This picture was taken from Labeshuus near Thun, Switzerland. It's beautiful isn't it!?

New Life

I'm writing to you from a sunny spot in the south of France. It seems that Spring is starting a little early this year for many of us. The new life is getting an early start. May we all benefit from the abundant life of God in this season!

I have a lot of good news to pass on...

I will start with my dad. He is doing REALLY well. He looks even better than he did before his operation and he is feeling well and getting his strength back. His wife, Melba, is also feeling good and looking good. I am so happy and thankful for God's goodness to heal and take care of my family. Thanks for your prayers for my family!! I see A LOT of fruit!

My friend, Carolyn, is doing well too. Her journey is still just getting started. She had some set backs with blood clots in her leg and lungs so she is back in the hospital recovering. The clot in her lung has cleared up but she still has trouble with her right leg and foot. Her incision is healing well and best of all her kidney is happy in its new home! Please continue to pray for a complete recovery and no more complications as well as hope and good spirits to finish the journey.

In the past few weeks I have had dinner with one of my music school student's family. The mother approached me and asked if I was a person of faith. She had seen me going to the Christian school and made the connection. When I told her that yes, I was, she said that was obvious to her. Then she invited me to dinner with their family. It is great to make connections. I also met many musicians who are students or teachers at a concert where I worked the snack bar. I didn't know anyone at the beginning so it was a bit challenging but I was happy to be out 'of the 4 walls' and make new contacts and hopefully eventually new friends.

I am now well settled in my new home complete with a bedroom that I have decorated, my first in France. It is a joy and a blessing. I made known the need for help with the new costs and several of you responded. Thank you! I am blown away by your generosity and the provision of Our Daddy! I have also filled out all of the papers (until they ask for something else!) to get government aide for the rent. I have a number and I'm in the system so hopefully it won't be too long before I can receive the aide.

I had two good moments as a teacher/coach this past week. From the past I received a tag from a former student from Danville on Facebook. He had written a paper about something that had influenced his life. He wrote about our band trip to Washington, D.C. to march in the Memorial Day Parade in 2005. He said it was challenging but was an event that changed his life. He realized the importance of music in his life and he was proud of himself for what he had accomplished. I tear up just writing about it. That's what every teacher wants, to provide an opportunity for a young person to discover what he's made of and to take pride in himself. Wow. In the present, just this last Sunday my oldest worship group, The Beans, led worship for a conference with about 250 teachers attending. It was the biggest group they've ever played for and well they ROCKED. The most powerful moment for me was watching a lady near me who remained seated during the worship time. She was bent over and looked like she was in a dark cloud. During the last song, "In Your Eyes", written by someone in our church (it's the song the girls played this summer in Arkansas) the lady stood up and began to sing. I was almost in tears. The Beans are good musicians but the best part is the presence of God that they release. I am so proud of them. Thank you, Father, for the joy and the privilege of working with young people.

There are a lot of good things coming up this Spring too. In April I will go with a team to a 24/7 House of Prayer in Switzerland. We will take 2 hour slots to worship and pray. A few of the youth will go with us and be a part of our team. Then in May there is a week long celebration of 100 years of non-stop prayer and worship that took place in Herrnhut, Germany and was a part of the Moravian church that birthed a missionary movement. Again we will take a team to participate in 24/7 worship and prayer during that week. We hope one day to have a house of prayer "maison de prière" at Joshua Church too!

I will leave you with that thought. Thanks to all of you who keep up with what's happening in my life and pray into it. You are a huge blessing to me!

Prayer requests:

~Continued good health and recovery for my family and for Carolyn.

~For the paperwork for the government to be processed in a timely manner to help pay the rent.

~Holy Spirit inspired times of prayer and worship that help shift that spiritual atmosphere in Europe!


**The Danville High School Marching Band in Washington, D.C. in 2005. The age range was much more like a JR high group but they did a fantastic job and we had a blast. Needless to say, we've all changed a bit since then. The guy standing beside me is the one who wrote the paper, John Cerna. He now stands a full head (at least) taller than me. =) Thanks for sharing your paper with me, John!

**The Beans. Un super groupe de louange qui déchire !! A super worship band that rocks!!

Starting with a BANG

Well...it's an understatement to say that I haven't kept up with my blog. I have sent some emails however over the holidays to keep people informed about my dad and that was the biggest thing going on in my life. So I'm gonna call it a fair trade. ;)

2012 has started out with a bang for me. Fortunately, it's a good bang. My dad had surgery to repair an aneurysm in his aorta on December 30th. He has had a good recovery so far. This week the doctor told him that he is healing well and that he can drive again. Thank you for all of your prayers. Please continue to pray for his complete recovery.

My family really benefited from your prayers. We noticed that everywhere we went that people were really nice and helpful: in the hospital, at the hotel, the restaurants, stores. The day we checked out of the hotel the lady who serves the breakfast told us she had been and would continue praying for our dad and even the manager of the hotel came out of her office to say the same!! I was almost in tears at the goodness of God.

Then the 2nd week of January a dear friend of mine, Carolyn Gore, who has been on dialysis for several years received a call about a kidney!! She was able to get a flight that day to Dallas to go to Baylor for a kidney transplant. I can't express the joy that I feel for my friend who has been given new life. She is recovering well and the kidney is happy in her body. She still has several weeks at Baylor and months of recovery but the outlook is good. Please continue to pray for her complete recovery and that there is no sign of rejection of the new kidney. God is faithful! His love endures forever.

The 3rd week of January I moved out of my room in the chateau and into a nice apartment with my good friend Nadine. The chateau was really the provision of God for me and was the perfect place for me to get grounded and established in my new home in France. This next step is again a step of faith. God spoke separately to Nadine and me about becoming roommates. She's been looking for a roommate since September. We talked about the possibility of me moving it with her then but we both agreed that it wasn't the time. God had given me a prophetic word from a friend, Fabrice Klein, about me hanging a star in a kitchen window around Christmas time and that God was going to give me a home with a family. In December I was house-sitting for Nadine and I noticed that there was a post it in the form of a star in the kitchen window that I had placed there a week or two earlier. So I asked myself if this was what Fabrice had seen. During the holidays God spoke to Nadine and when I came back from Arkansas we realized what God was saying to us. So it was clear that God was giving me a new home but I didn't know where money for rent or furniture would come from. However, I've seen time and again that when God speaks He provides. So I have moved in and have all of my stuff in my room that is waiting on furniture and I am sleeping on the sofa/futon in the meantime. It is really good to be in a home and to be en famille (in family).

It seems that my involvement in music at the Christian school will increase and good connections are being made with teachers, students and parents at the music school. I feel like my world is expanding.

SO, 2012 has started off with a big bang for me. I can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds.

I wish you all a year full of God's blessing, power, joy and peace. Thank you for being in my life and following what is happening. Again, I can't express my thanks for all of the prayers for my dad and my family. My whole family was blown away with the grace and peace that we had during a difficult time.

BONNE ANNEE !!

prayer requests:

~Please continue for the complete recovery of my dad and good health and encouragement for his wife, Melba.

~Please continue to pray for Carolyn's complete recovery and acceptance of her new kidney.

~Please pray for God's abundant provision for my new home.

~Please pray for the connections that God wants to make at the Christian school and in the public music school.

**My wonderful family. Thank God for them!
James(brother-in-law), Melba(step-mom),Dad, Carissa(sister), Erica(niece), Clayton(nephew)

Hope and Hopes

First of all thanks to all of you who prayed for my health after receiving the last newsletter and blog! I was feeling better by the evening and never really got sick. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16

I was so encouraged by the message shared at chapel this morning and by the prayers of the students that I was inspired to write my blog. That's sayin' something! God has been speaking to me through Ephesians 1 and 2 for several weeks. You know how something you've read suddenly comes to life and starts to transform you? That kind of God speaking through His word... Well, this morning Christine Barasino, one of the teachers at Collège Daniel, taught on Eph 1:15-19. It takes the Spirit of revelation for us to know God. We can't do it on our own. But Paul doesn't stop there in his prayer. He asks that we will have our hearts enlightened to understand the RICH inheritance that is available to us NOW, that we not just know God but know Him BETTER, that we experience the same power that created the heavens and the earth and the power that raised Christ from the dead living IN us. We are so covered up and blinded by all the negative that we hear and feel to really understand. We are prone to believe the lies and the negative before the truth. That's why we need the Spirit of Revelation to come and give us the power to see and believe what is our inheritance and our destiny. I pray this prayer with Paul for all of you and for me. I need more revelation to know Him better! Yes, God, I want to know you better!

Second thing I was reminded of through the prayers of the students was how beautiful their hearts are. The father of 3 former students and uncle of one of the students died suddenly from a heart attack last Friday at the age of 42. Many of the prayers were for the family who is grieving. When you get into the daily and are dealing with the human, imperfect part of people it's easy to forget the beauty that is within. The truth is we are all precious and full of God's goodness and beauty. God deals lovingly with us even when we've messed up. God give me eyes to see what you see even when it's time to correct a student's behavior. Thank you for always being kind and gentle with me when you correct me. Thank you that our value doesn't change even when we screw up.

Do you remember from the last blog that I talked about Nadine speaking at an Aglow meeting and that many received healing after? Well, she has been invited to speak at the regional meeting this Saturday the 22nd! They also asked if they could broadcast her teaching on the radio! God's favor is on her and she has some key teachings for France. She has invited me and 2 other ladies to work in team with her this Saturday. Nadine always like to go in team. Please pray for her and for us that God would prepare us for what He wants to do and what He wants to say. Please also pray for health and protection for our team this week leading up to this meeting.

Most of you know that I am a trumpet player as well as a music teacher. My trumpet's valves have been sticking since last spring and progressively getting worse. I finally took it to a repair shop last week and was told that the valves were basically disintegrating and that they could do something but with a little time I would be in the same predicament. My horn is not a well known brand but the man said it's funny because this looks exactly like what happens to a Getzen when it is about 15-20 years old. I'm pretty sure my trumpet was made by Getzen even though it's called a Canadian Brass and it is around 19 years old. Conclusion, I need a new trumpet. Surprisingly, this news did not stress me. I feel like God's been telling me for a month or so that it's a new season. This seems to be in line with that. Finding a new trumpet is a process. It's like buying a car. Musicians are particular about their instruments and it's a big investment. This afternoon I start trying new trumpets to see what is a good fit for me. After finding the one I like there is the little thing called the expense. It will probably be around $2000 for the level of instrument I need. So, it's a new season and God's giving me peace about a new trumpet and I trust He will provide. I'm letting you all know the need. Please pray I can easily find the right trumpet for me and that God sends the provision for it.

There has been a lot of sickness in the church and people needing operations. Now one of our ladies has lost her son to a sudden heart attack. (the same man mentioned above) People are having nightmares. There are many things that suggest that witchcraft is very active right now in this area. That's not too surprising considering Halloween is approaching. We have a team of 20 people who are going to Israel for two weeks leaving this Sunday the 23rd. They are going to bless Israel and pray in the land. I am telling you all of this to ask for prayer for the church, the body of Christ at Joshua Church. Please pray into the needs and for the protection of Father God.

Please pray for the school, Collège Daniel. My hope for Christian education in France and for the future of France was elevated this morning while I listened to the fruit pouring from the mouths of the students as they prayed. It is making a difference but there remains a great challenge for all Christian schools in France. Some of our students recently went to a conference in Budapest for Christian schools in Europe. They were the FIRST French students to ever attend that conference...the first ever from France... Christian education in Europe has its challenges but it is very difficult in France.

Thanks to all of you who read this blog, follow my life, support me in many ways and most of all to those who pray. I hope that you can take some encouragement and some hope away from what you've just read.

This whole blog is a prayer request but here they are again in summary:

~Please pray for the Albiser family who have lost a son, a husband, a father, a brother, and uncle tragically at a young age.

~Please pray for protection and health for the body of Christ at Eglise Josué. Specifically, please also pray for the team that is going to Israel next week.

~Please pray for Collège Daniel, its students and Christian education in France.

~Please pray that God will speak through Nadine and her team and that He release what's in His heart for the people at the regional Aglow meeting in Troyes this Saturday the 22nd. Please pray health and protection for this team too and for God connections to be made for the future.

~Please pray that God shows me the right trumpet for me and for the provision for that new trumpet for a new season.

Pic at the top:

**New wine anyone?? I have been running again and the vineyard during autumn are the best place I've ever had to run. It's so beautiful. Thanks, God.

Summer 2011

So how does one catch people up on 3 months...highlights. So sorry to all the really good and faithful bloggers out there for not keeping up like I should. Or let's just say I want to make good bloggers look even better. ;)

I don't know if any of you recall the last blog where I talked about the March for Jesus but I will tell a little anyway. It was great. There was a big crowd and participating in 2 nations was great! They had several trucks with worship groups, some French and some German, leading the crowd in song as we walked. I think it was a significant day for unity in the body of Christ and across national borders.

In June I went with Nadine Adriano and some of the healing room team to an Aglow meeting where Nadine taught on healing. She gave a really clear and encouraging teaching and at the end many people responded. In teams of 2 and 3 we prayed for healing for the people there and I think we had feedback of between 20 and 25 people healed that day!! God is a God who loves to show His love through healing.

July and August...where do I start!? These two months were spent in Arkansas and were packed. Thanks to everyone who hosted me and our French and American friends by having us in your homes or feeding us or letting us shoot or ride horses or photo shoots or just spending time with us! As always a big thanks to Carl and Becky Hudson for housing a non-stop invasion of people in their home! God's blessing, peace and provision for you all!

A highlight for me this summer was getting know Carla McDonough and her horses. She treated me and several of my friends, French and Arkansan, to horseback riding. It really is a ministry and a calling for her and David. She is a great lady and a lot of fun. Being a horse lover I was treated to some good horse therapy and some of my friends were reconciled with horses after having some bad experiences in the past. Thanks for everything, Carla!

I mentioned Aurélie's visit in my last blog. My visit overlapped the end of her stay so we got to enjoy a few days together. Then a couple weeks later four more young French women arrived, Elisabeth, Claire, Séphora and Stella. Many of you got to hear them sing and lead worship. We were blessed to be asked by two churches to sing a song that was written by a man in our church, Cedric Fau, during their Sunday morning services. It was great to see the anointing of this French song being released in the US.

Then we had Rusty and Janet Richards that came with Nadine and Nathanaël for a week. During that time Janet and Nadine taught a Sozo seminar. The feedback was very positive and I think a lot of people have gained some good tools for living.

In between all the visits and touring I got to see my family and friends. I am so thankful for the precious relationships that God has given me and for the chance to get to see people so often. I know a lot of missionaries don't get to go 'home' and see their families as much as I do. I am blessed.

Now September back in France... I didn't tell you that in June just before I went to Arkansas I got a job 'band directing' in the public music school in Guebwiller, the town where I live! This is a huge gift and blessing from God. I started last week. I just have 3 classes, one theory class and 2 orchestras (wind bands), but it is a beginning. The first classes went really well and just reminded me that I love band directing. One little boy was asked by his grandmother after the theory class how it was and he told her it was great. And that was the theory class! God is good.

I will still be volunteering at Collège Daniel, the private Christian school, doing a couple music groups and a little English. I will also continue with my two youth worship bands at the church, Eglise Josué.

Well, that is a big overview of a busy few months but you now have the essentials. Thanks for continuing to read this blog and support me. I am looking forward to a new school year and all that God wants to do in and through me and His body. I will leave you with a few prayer requests and a wish for a blessed new season for you.

Prayer requests:

~good health; It's a new school year and it has started at the Collège with a respiratory virus that is going around and yes I am fighting it.
~provision; My new job will bring in some euros but not many. Please pray for continued faithful giving.
~the church; Many good things are happening at Eglise Josué with that there are challenges. Please pray God's protection, direction and provision for the vision He has given the church and it's leaders.

Photos at the top:
**Did I mention that I turned 40? =)
**Danville meets France! Precious people who look out for me.
l to r Jasmine, Johnna, me, Nadine, Bill and Darlene

I have discovered that people I've never met are reading my blog! And God is using it to connect people and bring encouragement. God does work in mysterious ways...but His ways are oh so amazing.

DTA was a real success. It was the best of the 3 that we have had in my opinion. One of the highlights for me was the Treasure Hunt we did with the youth. Our team found 13 'treasures' from the clues that God gave us and we were able to pray with 10 of the 13!! Just amazing for 2 hours on a Saturday afternoon in Guebwiller. (A Treasure Hunt is when we pray and ask God to give us clues such as appearance and needs then you go out and look for those people.) I am sure there were people healed. The only thing is we didn't have any info to give to people so they could find us later if they had questions.

Just a reminder please be praying about this Saturday's march for Jesus in Strasbourg! It's really a historic moment. Here's the info from my last blog:
There will be a March for Jesus that starts in Strasbourg, France and ends in Germany on May 21st. Prayer walks are already good things but the fact that this will connect France and Germany is huge! There have already been administrative miracles for the governments of both cities to agree to this march. Also, Strasbourg is the capital of the European Union. Please be praying with us as this day approaches that God's purposes with be accomplished and released as we walk and pray together for France, Germany and Europe!

We had a big party to celebrate my 'carte de sejour.' It was a great time and I was really honored by all of the people who came. I had David Leigh pop the first bottle of champagne because the Leigh family really opened the way for us Americans. Then David said to me while pointing out all the people who were there, "Did you imagine this a few years ago when you started the process to be here? Look at the fruit." Yes, I did tear up. God is so good.

I'm really proud of both of my youth worship groups, The Beans and JTDR. They have both made great progress in the last couple years both musically and in releasing the presence of God in worship. What an honor to work with such amazing young people! I am always thanking God for letting me work with my passions, youth and music!

Speaking of youth, one of the young women from the older group, the Beans, is currently in Russellville. Aurélie is staying with Carl and Becky and improving her English as well as helping out with a little Spanish translation and other bits and bobs. If you go to FOC you will probably see her. Feel free to say hi and show her good ole southern hospitality.

May and June are really busy and full of good stuff. I was looking at my calendar and realizing that I don't have a single weekend free between now and the end of June. phew! Here we go! It's going to be fun but I would appreciate prayers for strength and stamina.

I'm sure you've seen the leader of the IMF in the news recently. It's really shaken the French people I think. Please pray that God's will in this situation will be done and that only His fruit will last from this situation.

OK, a quick recap of prayer requests and that will be it for this blog.

~March for Jesus in Strasbourg this Saturday, May 21.
~strength and stamina for the next 2 months
~that God will have His way in the French peoples' hearts and minds through the situation with Strauss-Kahn

**some pics from the celebration...

~the men and Patricia and me
~Genviève, Jeanine, me and Manuela
~the limbo, conga style..it was a party after all ;)