SEVEN WORDS THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR 'MIND'

Whether it's food intake, exercise or reading the Bible, it takes an act of obedience to do any of these three things.
Obedience I say? Yes, Obedience to God and to yourself. I live my life desiring to be every thing that God has called me to be. Is that really a true statement? I ask myself that, even though I know it's something I strongly desire more than anything in my life. I know for a fact that 'being called' is not something we decide, but rather something that is burned within us by passion and desire, given to us, not bartered with by God. Besides, I don't want to live a life of mediocracy.
So, here's what happens to me, and this is how I get MOVING AND START LIVING BETTER.

I had a pretty strict upbringing which means I heard the rules from either my mother or daddy when it came to doing something around the house or with school and for the church. Therefore, today, I still hear the voice of those who guided me when I was young. Now that I am older, and having to be a VOICE to people around me I still hear the voice of my dad when it comes to making choices. See, I was raised with the Word of God as a resource, like a map for guiding my life and when my daddy left the earth, I no longer had his direction, but I am still fortunate to have my mother's words of encouragement and better yet, guidance when I just can't assume position. Ultimately, they instilled the Word of God by taking me to church and living a life standard that defined 'right living' in my opinion! Sure, there are good people making good choice, but the God that is all around us has a greater purpose for us rather than a good one.

It's the Word of God that now guides me. But what about when I just don't feel like doing what it says? Well, the only one that suffers is me! I cannot tell you how many times I have struggled with this very issue. I live a day without remembering I need structure and wake up the next day feeling every single pain of knowing I failed. That's where Gods mercy awakens me and I get back on track. See, I am a procrastinator by nature....but when you pressure me to do something, I can move like a roadrunner! With me, sometimes it takes pressure to get the ball rolling but when it comes to discipline I cannot wait to discipline if I gotta preach somewhere tomorrow. I have to daily place the Word in me, much like I need daily exercise. Do I succeed at this daily, NO.....But, I am learning or I would not be blogging about it.
When it comes to food, I have to make hour by hour choice. Why? Because I love food. I love chocolate and I love chips. But, the choices I make cannot be made the day before I am to get into the beautifully shaped fitting dress, because I will not be putting it on, if I ate whatever I wanted. No, discipline is an act of obedience. Obedience means to OBEY! Obedience means to OBEY. Obedience means to OBEY!!

Well, you have read this far and I have yet to mention any thing about "Where" in the Word is a the greatest guide. Let me share something with you that began to make total sense to me when I heard the words that Jesus told us. Here are seven words.(which I shortened from the original text so you can remember that 7 is perfection!) These seven words are connected to HIS greatest commandment and here they are, "Love God, Love your neighbor as yourself."

• Can we love a God we cannot see, every single day? Not without accepting that there is one.
• Can you love your neighbor that you can see every day? No, because Flesh is never perfect.
• Can you Love you? This is among the greatest COMMANDMENT which Jesus said is the most important for guiding our lives and living our lives and loving him. If we don't love ourselves then we cannot love God and we cannot love our neighbor. Loving yourself is the most difficult position which God has asked humans to do. Sure, there are narcissistic people who love themselves abundantly, but they are failing with the other two commands.  
• See, if you love God, you will begin to love simply because you know HE is living on the inside of you. That's acceptance of HIM and that's the first sign of growth in any area of your life. We all need God. We need Jesus as Savior. If you do not love you, then you are slapping God in the face and you are of no use to your neighbor, muchness able to love them or do anything for GOD. It takes obedience to do any of these things that we so effortlessly try to do, because we are possibly placing our effort in the wrong place.

Obedience begins in the heart of knowing YOU were created to #1. Love God. When we love God, we can love others and as we love others we can feel a reward within our lives as accepted and loved because we are living our lives not just for us, but for someone else and when we do this, WE then begin to feel worth and with worth we feel value and with value we can offer ourselves freely to, #2 God and then others, and never really leaving ourselves out of the picture, because loving God and others actually makes us the Champion of our own mind. After all, this is about listening to the 'commands' of the voice that leads us into all truths.

Have you ever read Psalms 73 You should. It's a message of Gods love for us and how he is always trying to guide our lives. Pay attention. Listen.....if you did not have a voice in your life that guided you like I was so fortunate to have as a child and young adult, I can tell you, I hear Gods voice much louder at times than that of my earthly father because Gods voice is consistent in His Word.
John 16 tells us that the 'Spirit of Truth' will lead us. That Spirit came through Jesus, and He left with us His Holy Spirit when he died for us on the cross.

Rev. 3:8 tells us that God knows our 'works' and He has set the door before us and no man can shut it!

You might as well get disciplined and remain obedient to yourself and to God, because it is there you will find that you are no longer living this life for YOU, but living it BECAUSE OF WHO HE HAS MADE YOU TO BECOME,...........it's through HIM for others.
The greatest commandment.......just Seven Words, if you allow it, can change your mind.

In the Garden

                                                                               It's true that in the Garden He restores our soul.

 I find the most peace when I am picking weeds or digging in the dirt!
My creativity runs deep in my bones!





This old door was on an old barn in my dad's back pasture.

love SUMMER AND ALL IT OFFERS!

God makes all things beautiful……we just get to accessorize it!

PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE!

As I sit here at my desk, looking over the top of my computer screen, hanging on the wall of my office is a scripture in the mix of my collage; "And He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their Fathers." Malachi 4:6

I am here because I wanted to write my thoughts about how stirred I was after a lunch appointment I had with a dear friend. I explained to her the love that has grown within me toward MISSIONS. I particularly have a strong pull for the city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Though I very much feel I would go 'anywhere' since flying to the other side of the World in 2013, first to India where I led a team of women and to Nepal where I would 'finally stand with my sister while she introduced me to 10,000 people! I was the first to speak at the 10 year celebration of "You Said Go Ministries" missionary work in Nepal. (This ministry was built by God and by David and Rhonda Knox, my sister, who connected with a couple in Nepalgung Nepal. It's an amazing story)

PAST: Until my mother insisted that I go to the country where her and my daddy initially began their journey in the early 1980's, I am not sure I would have truly ever gone. My mom has a way of making everything sound so exciting. I love that about her. She is a great encourager. So, together we went, 2 different times just to see the people she fell in love with many years ago.

Three years ago, I did not even know how to spell Tegucigalpa, much less have a desire to visit. However, while I was in Grove, Oklahoma attending the "Gathering of Eagles" conference at Grove Christian Center, I met Pastor Roberto Ventura. It was there that Bro. Roberto heard my voice while he was coming down the hall of the church. I was 'preaching' in the morning session. Later that day, through his English speaking daughter Emma, he wanted to tell me that I had the influence of my daddy in the delivery of my message, yet the sound of my mother in my tone. (I find both a compliment.) While we stood there, he continued to tell me that he did not remember meeting me years ago. He did, however, say that he might have remembered that I wore some type of cowboy hat! But he had never heard me 'preach'. (I was married and gone from GCC since 1985 after my first marriage, I never returned to live in Grove.) But it was in  that moment where Bro. Roberto invited me to come to their church called Gerizim in Tegucigalpa. I agreed, not because I felt I was qualified or honestly, that I really wanted to go, but it was just as the scripture says; "He shall turn the heart of the children to the Fathers." This daughter's heart finally turned after many years of doing my 'own' thing. I silently spoke to the air after walking away and said, "Ok, daddy, I will go."

It was the young Honduran man, sitting on his knees during worship that caught my attention at this conference in Grove, even with all the people who attended from all over the world. It was an amazing time…..there hasn't been another event like this. I will never forget. And I will never forget that visual of this young man in total worship before our living God.
It was David Martinez but at that time I didn't even know his name.  Strangely, he was positioned on the floor directly where my daddy used to stand while he was alive and pastoring GCC. Later, we briefly met, but not many words were shared. WE just enjoyed the 'ministry' during the conference, just like everyone else. It was a moment in time. A divine one that is.

I cherish the heart of this young man and after 3 years of contemplation, I find myself on a journey neither of us ever expected.

PRESENT: March 2014

I get off the plane for my third visit now to Tegucigalpa. My team of 4 and myself make it through customs and waiting on the other side I hear, "MOM!"

This time, I specifically come to see my 'son', David. From the minute we get off the grounds of the airport, he begins telling me about all the things he would have for us to do. While my legs are still trying to gain my footing from flying, he leads us to the school bus!? "You didn't tell me you got a school bus, David, that will take so much gas", I said.  "Oh, don't worry, mom" he says.

First day….only here a few hours…..and He says, "Oh, and tonight, mom you will preach." And I do, in the dark! The entire city lights blackout, not minutes before I step up to preach…fortunately, I preached about "The City set on a Hill for all to See!" From Isaiah 60.  (It talks all about the darkness! you should read it.) I preach by candlelight and flashlights, never able to see my Bible, God graces me with a message despite the adversity. Oh, and we are located in the highest crime related spot in the city of Tegucigalpa.
L to R--Tanner Linn, David Martinez, Holly Miller, Pastor of THIS newly planted church Oscar Ordonez Caceres, Tanner Ligon. Bottom left to right….Candice Anderson and Tiffany Massey.

It is dark. This photo is shot by a flash camera. Only holding my Bible, not reading from it.  Finally I put it down. David Martinez interpreting for me. He is a great interpreter!

David has a heart for the poorest of the poor, a huge desire to start a school, and an even stronger desire to build an orphanage. This young guy, at the age of 24, desires to do what looks impossible, but I believe I will live to see all that he desire to do. His desire is just like Jesus asked. Feed, clothe and love. This photo is on the road to the Garbage Dump!

This particular day, the Crespo family provided 50 meals for us to hand out. (Unfortunately, there is not enough for all to be fed.) It is an incredible sight to see. The stanch smell hits us in the face as we approach, but it is soon forgotten when they come running with excitement because we have food. Many 'work' and live here. The 'work' is to find plastic and metal and anything else of 'value'…….sad.
Yes, that is a 'sea' of trash behind the people…..it goes on for acres and acres!

I so very much LOVE this team! Tanner Linn from Grove, Tiffany Massey from Houston, Tanner Ligon (back to the camera) Grove, Candice Anderson from Wichita and me, the 'momma'. I love it! 

They still give smiles even under their circumstances.  The little one in the pink hat I want to bring home! 

Passing out the food lasts moments.

This is a child of the 22 member family David found one day while just driving around the area past the garbage dump to witness for Jesus. Among his search, he found Margaretta's beloved family.
David Martinez and Alician

Just going with the flow of another 'usual day' for David, we have to first stop at his favorite Chinese restaurant to pick up a huge order of fried rice. Once we get to the the destination,  I can see now why.
Catuluna….a place located in Tegucigalpa mountains. Priceless treasures we see. 

We were able to bring lots of goodies to them, as David shared with me certain needs prior to our coming. It is fun to watch them try on their 'new' clothes…….little Jose Louis has a new pair of jeans that are slightly big, so he finds a belt which only allowed me to see that Jose' needs a better belt!

At least 12 live in this little house. The smaller room to the left is the kitchen. No running water and no stove. But Margaretta, locks it up nonetheless before we all take off for church. 

I love her!! Oh my goodness, look at her boots! She is so cute and she does not want to share her rice!

Margaretta, momma is handing out the clothes. There is excitement in the air and I am full of tears. 

Five members of the family not photographed.

This is the packing in, just before David drives off without the Photographer!!

But we found a place for her, right in the front with me!! NOW, we can go to church! 

"ETCHED BY GRACE"

As I face the close of this year, I feel it compelling to share this incredible journey of going to the other side of the World......twice, in just 38 days apart from the other.

This letter is not just about me, but rather about how God used you to be one of the greatest and richest blessings in my life, as you were so much a part of my 2013. (You know who you are) Your gift produced much as you blessed me and also touched the two countries I traveled to, simply because you gave. 

I never considered myself a missionary, ever. 

I will not use the cliche’ about being on the field of missions that, “they changed me” though they did effect my life forever. India did not ‘change’ my life, nor did Nepal ‘change’ my life. It was the experience of having to take a hard look at myself while preparing and enduring the eight months 'waiting' once I committed in January to GO, that changed my life.  I had to take a deeper look at obedience toward my Redeemer. I had to completely and totally trust God in every single area, and swallow a whole lot of pride when it came to performance, in uncharted territory. God walked me through every single solitary step.

I told my Bible study group; I feel that the missionaries are not the ones going to the field, but rather we meet the missionaries when we get there. The truest and most faithful people I have ever met are in the most impoverished places, far on the other side of the World leading people to Christ almost daily. “This” missionary is not doing what they are doing, so therefore I feel that though I went to them, they actually led me to what is most important. The importance is people, near and far.

I will never forget the gesture of a somber beautiful woman dressed in a vibrant red sari, with a portion of the shawl covering her head as she was leaning over to sweep the dust from the solid ground. She realized that I was trying to capture her picture so she stopped and she stood up with a graceful pose and smiled with a slight tilt of her head. Then once I captured the shot, she placed her hand over her chest, as she nodded to thank me, for simply taking her picture. The language barrier has no boundaries with love and acceptance.

While in India, I was completely and totally captivated at the sights, around me. The poverty and the riches of spirit, caused a stirring in my heart. Amongst the dirt, the filth, the deficiency and the stanch smell that flows through the entire third world, it did not disgust me for some strange reason, but rather it moved me to tears of Joy that I could be right here, in this very moment.  It placed me in a bubble of ‘awe’. I was encompassed and smitten by every single sight. I was taken into a whole other realm, so much so that I never really noticed until I came home to America. I cried many times within, because of their lifestyle and their culture and most of all their lack. The only thing that mattered to me while I was there, was to touch the souls that I flew across the world to see, and to do my very best to assist and lead the 'team' the Lord put together. We were there to serve. It was an effortless job; we were unified. Five women of diverse lives, with one solid focus, Jesus. We were favorably protected and incredibly used in just 48 short hours of constant ministry during the Women With a Mission conference. (a day was cut due to a riot in Adrah Pradesh state. It was all over possession of land! But the threat was so high, the chances of a road block could last for hours if not days.) 

One poignant moment for me during the conference is undeniably when I was tested, during an unexpected moment when I was 'suppose' to lead the Inspirational message toward the finish of the days events. I assumed since I had allowed 2 others to speak in one of my time slots, I didn’t need to stress over having to speak again that day. But, I was still asked to speak. The moment was honestly a bit frustrating as I was given the stern suggestion that I needed to conclude. (Indians can be very blunt and can sound rude, but it’s just the way part of their culture) So, with a smile on my face I leaned into the powerful, Prati (whom I love dearly) and said; “I will do whatever it is you are desiring for me to do, for these women.” 
I began to pray fervently!! haha….. I approached the podium and said; “Open to Genesis 1.” My sidekick buddy Candice thought; “Oh no, she's gonna cover the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelations”!! I turned to give her the 'look' of….OK, here we go!

But really, the only thing that struck me at that moment was the reassurance that GOD is my everything! He is in my beginning and He will be until the end. I didn't cover the entire Bible, I covered the facts on the genuineness of who He is. He never lets me down and He didn't do so at that very moment. He reigned. I literally sensed this 'bubble' around me. Remember, I was in a realm. From the take off to the landing in Bangalore, back to the USA. 

Though my words could never convey the experience as I lived it. I can tell you, it was an amazing journey. From being asked to speak in a village church the very Sunday after arriving on Saturday. This too was not on the schedule, but I agreed whole heartedly to speak about my favorite subject! The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. (I know my daddy was smiling from ear to ear, as he leaned over the portals of heaven to watch his baby girl.)

Then there was the unexpected stop, at a family's house where I needed to 'relieve myself’ because we were stuck in the van for hours! Our interpreter knew the house and the couple. Amazingly, before leaving the couples house, the homeowner had asked me to pray for he and his wife. John, the interpreter did not interpret as I was praying, he just allowed me to pray. It was not until I got back in the van that John told me that the homeowner specifically hoped and desired that I pray for their finances. John told him; “That is most of what she had prayed for." 

John tells me that this couple had just converted to the Christian faith and he was starting to question this 'God faith' until God in this urgency used me to pray over this home and family. John said; that moment was marked for that man, as he knew quite possibly that God just might be the real thing. A complete stranger from America in need of a potty can still be used by God. I pray for him still. 

I can’t even begin to tell you of the many lives that we physically had the opportunity to touch. Women in both India and Nepal, are desperate for love and prayers and personal edification. WE literally would find ourselves buried in a swarm of women.  If you were to touch just one, to pray for her, the floodgate would open, until you literally could not get out of the mass of precious and desperate women. It’s humbling and it’s also very rewarding to think that maybe you just might have something to say or pray that could change the heart of that person.

My eyes found the saddened eyes of a 21 year old grieving mother who had just lost her son, after watching him slowly die from an enduring sickness. (Actually there was no money for hospital care to save the young boy. It’s just the fate for most in India.) While I was speaking, our eyes met, and it was not the first time, as I seem to have a radar for the wounded. I called her up to the front and began to tell her of the love of God. I told her many things, but what I do remember most is telling her how very much the Lord was shining the light of his love on her as she committed herself to be in the midst of His presence. With tears of pain, coming from her dark brown eyes, I began to cry right along with her. I kept telling her how much she was loved by the Father and how she was not forgotten. (Women in India feel they have no value, most are unwed with children, or abandoned by the men. Almost all of them are abused and many never seem to feel that they will ever be loved.) So, there she stood just a few days after her sons death she came to the conference because her son told her to please not be sad, as he was going to be with Jesus. Then he told her, “Mom, you’ve got to be strong, because you have to make sure all the people in the village make it to heaven so I can see them again.” He had become a little evangelist in his village and had lead many to Jesus.

THe India Gospel League is doing incredible things in the impoverished country of India. 

I did not have even a slight hint of what I would truly be able to experience. In fact, I tried to reason with God, and with former short term mission folks to try and comprehend what I was about to embark on, but nothing can prepare you for tomorrow except what you prepare for, today. 

Last but certainly not least, before leaving the area of Andrah Pradesh, we had one last stop. It was to a little village church where our team was asked to come for the church dedication. When our van arrived at 7:00am in the morning we stood among thirty or more beautiful Indian people. I heard Benny say; "Mrs. Holly Miller will you please come and lead the prayer for the dedication." I said; "Sure"……..I walked to the second step of the bright blue building (they call a Life Center, instead of a church) and began to pray as I lifted my hands to heaven. Then, handed to me on a small rectangular plate full of beautiful flowers petals were a pair of scissors laying on top. Benny then asked me to cut the ribbon which was taped across the front door. (Benny is India Gospel Leagues Missions director) As we entered, Benny again asked me to please come unveil the first of two covered plaques which were set in stone on the walls of the small church. The first plaque was a Thank you, Consortium from Wichita's contributors, and it was etched in black granite. (granite is like a common stone in India, much like our 'concrete'). The second plaque was on the other side of the door. By now, I was becoming a little embarrassed that he was having me do everything. But I just went along with their request. As I pulled the yellow cloth over to the side and began to read the black granite plaque, I suddenly fell to my knees and began to cry. On the plaque it read; "Opened at dedicated by Mrs. HOLLLY MILLER & TEAM, USA.  On August 30, 2013"……..Honestly, I was so humbled and overwhelmed, I could barely pull myself together. Not only did God approve of my name being forever etched, the people of I.G.L also approved and that filled me with complete gratitude. I still get teary today.
As Team India prayed over the young Pastor and his wife and two beautiful boys, all I could picture was my mom and my dad, and all the years they sowed seeds of love into missions. The infiltration of my days in India were settled in my Spirit and I felt like I was floating.  
WE left shortly after the prayer. 
This mission consumed me for 8 long months prior to leaving the USA and I questioned God daily if He approved of my efforts.   
As I sat in the van while we were driving away, I watched those precious people stand in front of their bright blue, humble Life Center and I watched them wave with a grace that is forever etched in my heart like that stone. I sat and shook my head in total gratitude.

As I close in writing this very lengthy reflection,  I am preparing my heart for whatever is next. I wish I could just pick up and go every time my spirit soars to a country in need, (which is often) but that would not only be extreme, it would not be feasible.
GOD, placed me in this particular mission and He is going to place me again, as I know now why I go. Not just because He tells me to, or even ask me to. I go because everything inside of my being cries out to GIVE OF MYSELF, because of HIM. I do not think I can make that much of a difference, but I am certain that if I put myself out there, it just might be the very time that GOD uses me to touch just one life. As you have touched mine.
Thank you!
(Pieces of Nepal news is in the following blog. That mission is full of many supernatural acts of God. It could easily be a manuscript for a book) 

The THARU

People gather around a fire or around the outside kitchen where  the logs of wood burn from a small clay hull in the ground which 'they' call a stove. There is no oven, but there is conversation. There is a lot of conversation, as I have observed from the outside. Life is different. Life to the Tharu is beautiful. They are beautiful.

Little boys actually skip when they run. And they also hold hands out of friendship because of culture. 

I saw four boys playing catch with a ball of nylon string. They probably do not know what a baseball feels like, much less throw one they can actually catch. Instead their 'ball' lands just a foot from the receiver, because it's not a ball at all.

An elderly woman and a little girl were washing dishes and beating clothes on a cement slab outside by a water drawn well. Yes, the kind which is drawn from a bucket and a rope. These two precious Tharu people both took time to smile for my camera. I smiled back. They never looked away, until I was out of sight. Obviously, I didn't look away either.

Little girls jump rope barefoot and small boys climb trees barefoot. In fact, many are barefoot.

I saw many things in one day. Nevermind the little lambs in a pin who loved hearing my sister Rhonda talk her silly animal talk toward them. They baaaaaaa'd really loud when she walked away. But they too, smiled for my camera.

Life in Nepal is simply different. Life in the Tharu village of Nepal is heart changing. 

A beautiful red rooster right outside my screen window woke me up at 4:30 this morning. I laughed as I wanted to yell back at him. But in my grogginess I just went back to sleep only to hear him again, 10 minutes later. You want to know why he was outside my window? He was on a 'leash'.  

I asked about the little ole guy sitting on the ground beating on some grains of rice. I should mention it was harvest time for rice. (Many  workers in the fieldstone with their sickles) The  little guy is Hindu. His 'hut' is just outside the fenced area which is owned by Mohaun's sister, Sushma. 

Mohaun, as Rhonda always speaks of him is the "most powerful Tharu in all of the   people," in her opinion. After meeting him, watching him in so many different settings. I defined him as "all Man".....kind, loving, giving, strong, very strong, handsome and most of all, a servant of the Living God. He exemplifies and personifies power by being nothing but love. Love for His people in the mountains who acknowledge and respect him and the people down in the Armpit of Nepalgung who adore him. Now, I write about him. I feel privileged to know him.

Mohaun's wife died shortly after giving birth to their first son. They name him Derij which actually means Passion, in Nepali. His wife, on her death bed requested him to marry her sister. He did just as she asked. Together they have 2 boys making the 'tribe' even more powerful for the years to come. I am certain, as I type these words that this family will make history which will be known throughout the Tharu people. 

Derij, already possesses his daddy's kind, compassionate heart.  He has his smile (which is almost permanently placed) He also has a love for the drums and for music and he beats those drums with zeal and honor. 

Day one of the conference, I was sitting on the floor in the front of the stage snagging some pictures. I noticed Derij sitting there in the mix with me and I lifted my camera to take his picture. In a synchronised motion we were both taking each others picture. I found him intriguing and I guess being white and blonde, he found the same in me. It was sweet. He is sweet and very well behaved and respected for a 11 year old boy.  

The Tharu could teach us a thing or two, or TEN. 

The Tharu could in fact be known to many in America as the unreached people. Until closely 10 years ago,they were considered unreached. However, 10 years ago, my sister and brother in law stepped foot in a Tharu village as the first Americans to touch their soil. This happened through their personal introduction of the Tharu, by the native Nepali's, KB and Sushila Bassel. 

It's a long and winding road to the Tharu, but once reached, it's heavenly. It's beauty and scenery and it's change of climate are only the surface of the welcoming presence. 

On October 18, 2013, Rhonda and David took their team of 16 and stepped foot into the Tharu  village and in turn they walked into my heart. Before that moment, for me, the Tharu were stories that my sister so passionately has shared with me and others over the past 10 years. Today, I am writing about them right along side my sister, while sitting on an Airplane headed home, for a duration of 24 hours flying time, to have reached the Nepali people. This is the 18th time for Rhonda, and even more for my brother in law David. He's been approximately 21 times and he's already planning to go again February 2014.

Other things I saw while visiting the Tharu, were  located in a house, in the 'town'. This house, needed a bed. All I could picture in my mind while observing this tiny abode was my most valuable and comfortable mattress I get to sleep on, when I go to crawl in bed. (Never mind it wouldn't hardly fit in this "home").....I won't even write about the pit in my my gut right now as I reflect.

A room is interpreted as his Home.  'He', Indradev, a Tharu pastor stood there smiling with humility as he and his family have "rented" this space for nearly 5 years. Baby number two is on it's way, Ruth is going to have a brother, I hope. Dad will need help in the future with his growing church. His first church building was a chicken house conversion and over the period of waiting....he now has an opened aired  brick and mortar church. Now it's not the sort of brick you and I think of in America. His is modestly built. His has no chairs. His is about the size of many mens garages or workshops in their front and back yards. His has bugs and flies and even praying mantas, which one perched itself on my sisters back during the preaching message, on Saturday. Yes, they worship on Saturday. Thankfully, there were ceiling fans, as Rhonda lost her personal fan during one of the many baptisms we got to witness. (850 total) 

The roof of Pastor Indradev's church was metal. Metal, like the sheep's pin. I sat there wondering what the sound would be like when it rained. I wondered a lot as I looked around. 

As I stood in the doorway of Indradev's home, he says to Rhonda and me, "This is very wonderful, isn't it?" I thought to myself; "Is he serious?" The only beauty of the space were the colorful mats which lined the space like 'carpet'. I'm sure a Tharu made them. The other thing I noticed were the 9 clean glasses and pie pan (plates) sitting on a table. Humble, humble abode. 

Indradev is so completely  grateful and not at all presumptuous.  He allows us to stare into this small, approximate  12x14 foot abode and I am fighting back the tears, and stirring my soul on how I can try and make this mans life better, since my $40 a month for the last 8 1/2 years may have helped, but, where? I stood there reflecting on my years of personal blessing, and his years of blessing. The two do not measure on any scale, whatsoever.

Yet, he smiles and shows us the way to the "kitchen, where his pregnant wife, Ramconchie is cooking chicken, over that stove I mentioned earlier. This kitchen is outside, where broken down concrete stairs that lead to know where, suffice for shelving to hold her minuscule kitchen "equipment." The kitchen itself is about 4 1/2 feet tall and the entrance is around 3 1/2 feet high. I bent down to 'walk' inside to make my way to sit by her side, where she's sitting, because there is no standing in this kitchen, unless you bend over. She smiles timidly for my picture. Such humble people. Such beautiful people.  

Pastor Indradev, one of the first young Tharu to Pastor and the youngest to bravely take his village by love and offer to them, Jesus, not just week after week, but day after day. The attendance of his church, spoke volumes, except of course it's rice harvest and many workers were in the fields.

Rhonda tells a story about the time Pastor KB requested Indradev to come to a meeting in Nepalgunj. (it's a 5 hour bus drive from the Tharu village to Nepalgunj) By faith, Indradev took a rickshaw to catch a bus and before he got off the rickshaw, he said; "Lord, where will I get the money to pay this rickshaw driver?" Before he got off the rickshaw, he saw money falling out of the sky and asked the driver to stop and the money he picked up was in the total of 1000 Nepali rupees. (approximately $10.oo) 

To have the faith like the Tharu and the spiritual boldness like them are gifts that few possess. 

After spending time with them, I can say, I could stay among them for a time and still not cultivate what is ingrained on the inside of them. I pray a germinated seed dropped inside of me and is beginning

 to grow as I type this out. 

I do believe they are highly favored by God.  I begin to compare their life against mine and I start to differ when I look at how 'Poor' they seem to be. Then, I realize, they do not know what it is that they need since they have never had it or coveted it. And that alone sounds like I am making excuses for myself and my material lifestyle. I guess I am. They simply use what they have and make the very best of it and then some. I on the other hand......always want more. My gut tells me to remember that  I want more for the ones I say I support. How true is that? I hope to see. 

Mohaun, Indradev, Romcanchie, Sushma, Derij and many many many more, are graced with abundance. "WE" go to bless them and find out that most of what we've got they already have in abundance......which is a deep rich Spirit that thrives from the living God on the inside of them. We are actually the ones that could use their insight. With them, it is not that way, they feel our presence is a gift and they long to welcome us back. In fact, they pleaded. Their words made me cry. 

I assume I will go, again. 

Maybe that seed is starting to take root within me after all. 

My 'blog' from India. August 2013

Endless Days, Enduring Drive, Enamored Devotion

It's MY (Holly) turn to write!

Until now, I have been too captivated by my surroundings to focus on writing and sharing this adventure with you.  But after the endless day yesterday, I have to share.

Since landing in the country of India, the time diffference and lack of sleep have not been a concern for me.  I feel like I have stepped into a whole other realm.  So, let me try and explain.

Rough terrain, hours in a vehicle, and a couple of hours of sleep; to get in a plane for a couple of hours, drive what was supposed to be two hours, ended up to be in the midst of a riot, which delayed our destination and detoured our van down one road which caused us to back up in reverse nearly 6 blocks to get away from that area.  We turned down an alley thinking we could go forward to get out of the riot (fighting over the possible division of the state of Andrha Predesh) realizing the road didn't go through. We nearly hit a man on a scooter when we heard the thud of his hand hit the side of our van.  Our precious pastor, John, who was with us, in his Indian tongue said "so souddy, so souddy (sorry)".  We take another turn into yet another road block.  

At this point, we have been in the van for 4 1/2 hours and I have to pee SO bad that I nearly wet my pants! I even considered using a ziploc baggie as a toilet!  One of our detours ended up in an alley in front of what "HAPPENED" to be the home of recent converts to Christianity.  Pastor John hopped out of the van and went to ask if a couple of us could use their bathroom.  They graciously agreed and we ran to their home.  I took off my shoes at the front door and made my way to the squatty potty, hole in the floor.  On the way out they asked, "would you pree for us?" and pray I did.  

Before I go on, I first have to tell you all of the images that are in my mind as well as my camera, but I want to interpret what I saw from my heart.  It was the boy with the bat that caused my eyes to well with tears after seeing so much filth, dirt, trash, huts, and half-clothed people; rice fields with laborers working diligently for, who knows, wages or maybe a plate of food; and women in sarees walking, some barefoot, some with tattered flip-flops, some with vessels of water sitting desparately on their heads as they make their way to who knows where.  The images brought a flood gate of tears to my eyes in this six hour drive through these many villages and towns before we arrived at our final destination.  My eyes were fixed out my window taking in all that I feel like God wanted me to see.  But it was the boy with the bat...........

On what should have been a two hour drive, I feel that God delayed "the time" once again so that my eyes would open.  "What do you want me to see?", I asked God.  "Besides what is obvious?"  After wearing out a camera battery for the hundreds of pictures I took along the way, then stealing Candy's camera and adding another few hundred, I realized it wasn't about the pictures, it was what penetrated my heart.  These people do not know the difference of what I so commonly take for granted.  First, my love for God because I only have One and not a billion (we saw many temples along the road with creature-like gods).  And second, my simple, common wealth.  I have a washing machine and don't have to beat my clothes along the banks of the river; I buy groceries at a store with a concrete floor instead of a tin roof sitting on 4 sticks to cover the produce picked by the merchant.  I'm blessed.  We're blessed.  

So, about the boy with the bat.  It wasn't a bat at all, at least not like we know.  It was a really fat stick and he was in a muddy, patchy-grassed field with other boys laughing, hitting this ball, and jumping.  Then I realized his stick. He doesn't notice that it doesn't have "value" like those we buy in America, but it does have value to him and his friends as they enjoy their time together.  Even after we drove past, his image sticks in my head and it is still there. I don't know if he loves his life, but I love it that God has placed me here to see that He can bring hope to a nation, a place, to depravation.  Not because of me, not because of the team, but because of Him.  

What if surroundings never change?  But a heart can.  That changes everything.

I have to go get ready now...we begin the conference today.  I am the first to speak and as hundreds of pairs of eyes will stare back at me, I can only pray that God will use me, a willing vessel, to share His words and His love to change a heart.

THE TIDE

I use to live on Grand Lake, right in the heart of Grove Oklahoma at the most enchanting point on Honey Creek side of the lake. When my family and I lived there, my parents owned that resort, with 7 cabins and 3 docks. A boat dock, a swimming dock and a fishing dock. This fond memory and nostalgic place was called Twin Oaks resort. Though I could write a book about my memories there, it is not the reason for this blog.

Instead......I want to talk about the TIDE.

I remember that the banks of the shoreline would either increase because the tides were so low or decrease to the point that there was no bank at all, because the tides were so high.

It's been many many years now that I have been able to keep my eye on the tides of Grand Lake, but I have become aware of the many changes of TIDES in my personal life.

When you are standing on the banks either viewing the water from the edge or at a distance, it is always noticeable that change is or has or will happen. If you have ever been around water.....it is not the water that changes, but rather the shoreline that brings new insight.

I could go so many directions is this thought, but all I actually purposed to do when I began writing this is to remind you that TIDES change. Life changes. People change. But there is ONE who will never change.

This makes me think of my once new and perfect cover on my dearest and treasured Bible. It is about as beat up and used up as any book I have every had or carried. Though I am working on 'recovering' it myself,  the contents of those Words inside will never change. Yes, there are many variations of Gods word in print, but the profound truth of that Word will never be changed. He who created the tides are directly parallel to the many variables of this life. But it is also He who will get your through the changes in the tide.

Though our life is always in motion and our motions are slightly always trying to determine our action, we need to remember one thing as we 'stand on the shore' facing the waters of life...........GO with the TIDE. If the tide takes away your shoreline, then take that moment to enjoy the abundance of water which you long for in the dry and deserted times. 

We never seem to embrace the moment that seems the roughest. We just want it to all change back to the place when it was easiest.

I remember my daddy would have to physically pull the docks in and out after the waters up and went down. There were times that I can remember, there did not seem to be enough cable when the tide was low. I actually wondered if the dock could stand the stretch of distance between the security and the distance to the waters edge........... HANGING ON.

See.....we are doing this thing called life and change all for a purpose. The purpose is not within the urgency to stop the motion and turn back the change, but rather to embrace the change every chance you get and hope that you will witness the next phase of change.
Just try and stop the bickering, and instead appreciate the days you can just stand on the shoreline and find rocks and build 'pretend houses', as I did as a kid and when the rain falls or the dam opens just a little extreme, GO WITH THE TIDE. It is not in your control anyway......it's all in how you see it, stand on it, or swim in it. This is not really about you at all.....it's only about how you get through! Every chance you get, be there for someone else who just can't grasp the changes in the TIDE.  After all.....you know they are going to change. It's inevitable.