Treasure Hunt Recaps

OK - well - I promised to give some Treasure Hunt Recaps from some of our outings around town... so I will add those here.

I also have gotten the first official draft of the first book in a series out of my head, and onto paper... now - on to the editing portion of this call. Thanks for the prayers... they definitely helped!

12/23/09

Suzanne and I were able to go out on Wed for a Treasure Hunt. It was a great first experience and we really were happy that we pressed through and did it even though it was just us two!

We met up here at my place, and prayed in the Spirit for a few minutes - wrote down our clues (which came easily and many were the same on our lists or at least related!)... and then we were off. We felt led to Fred Meyers and while there were a few possible Treasures that we didn't approach (due to lack of boldness or just waiting for more clarification) we DID approach two women, who were very open and blessed. We were able to pray for each of them - one for her mother who had recently had a stroke, and one for her husband who had been out of work for several months. Both women were blessed to think that they were God's Treasures and that He would send us to them... both walked away in awe of God and thankful that we approached them. We waited around Fred Meyers for a bit longer, knowing we had plenty of clues left to find - but after about 30 minutes or so - we decided to call it a day. We learned a few things... like that next time we want to be better at showing people our map to let THEM see if any of the clues pertain to them! Also - at first I battled being discouraged - we had SO MANY clues that it felt like we shouldn't have only had two encounters - but then again - I would rather have too many clues than only one or two things to go on!

01/04/10

This was our second Treasure Hunting experience – well, Suzanne and I’s – the rest of the group had not officially gone out yet – so we were all excited! We met up and sang a song or two… prayed in the Spirit for a bit and wrote down our clues! There were MANY again… which was so encouraging! Many – once again – were related or the same on various lists! After discussing for a few minutes where to go – we all piled in our cars and headed out to Safeway (just down the road). We got to chat with 6 people on our outing and God confirmed things to us – and to them – that really stirred us up and helped us to get excited about going out on more Hunts!

We first walked into the grocery store and immediately all saw a gal leaving after going through the check out. She was an OBVIOUS treasure as she met SEVERAL things on each of our lists. There were 6 of us – so we let three take the lead and approach her as she was passing by us. Her name is Holly. The clues that matched up on our Maps included Crutches, Curly Brown Hair, Big Smile, Leg Problems, Red shoes (her cast was red!) She is a devote Jew and was born with a birth defect and had just had her 18^th surgery which is why she was in a cast. Three of us drifted off as to not overwhelm her and started our own hunt. The other three team members began to minister to her and were able to pray with her for her foot. When they asked if she felt any different after the prayer, her response was, “Well, I feel no pain!?” Praise God!

The other three team members approached a man with a “Black Hat” and “Yellow” on… he was in the “Dairy” aisle and we showed him our lists, asking if any of the clues made sense to him. He said that they didn’t but was open to pray for safety over his snowmobiling hobby and when we touched on Tug Of War or Relational issues, we struck a chord but he was not open to talking in depth. We offered to pray for him for his safety and said our goodbyes.

One of our team members felt boldness to approach a gal in the produce dept simply because one of her clues was ‘blue’ and the gal had blue jeans on! In talking with her, she discovered that this gal had met a few other clues as well (Sorrowing/pain, tug of war) in that she had experienced the loss of 5 people/deaths in the last 5 years!

There was a gal in the store that every team member passed and yet felt drawn to – she met some of the clues – but at the right time, a team of 3 approached her to show her their lists. The clues she met up with included Yellow, Black, Coat, Yogurt, J-ello, Assurance of Heart, Eggs, Angst, etc. Her name was Sabin and one of our team members knows her a little from church and the Lord has put her on Gloria’s heart the day before. Sabin and her husband are trying to conceive another child and she asked for prayer about that. The team prayed for her and she was blown away! She said that she could FEEL like butterflies and warmth in her womb area. Gloria mentioned to her that she had contacted one of Sabins’ neighbors due to a church visitation card that was filled out and Sabin said that the very same neighbor was there – in the store… her name is Allison and she happened to turn the corner at just that moment. Gloria introduced herself and they had a great conversation about the Lord while the other team members were praying for Sabin.

Our last encounter was with a man named Paul. He met up with several clues as well – including Brown Cargo Pants, Arizona, blue shirt, ladder, trip, big smile, migraines, assurance of heart, etc. He shared that he is a Contractor but he wants to retire and get into another business. He and his wife (Wendy – who suffers from Migraines) are planning a trip to discuss a new business opportunity that would take them to Arizona. He was warm and friendly and very open – blessed that we came to him and prayed with him for the business, his wife, as well as an invention that he is waiting for patents and sales on.

All in all, it was a great success and we were very encouraged to uncover and have the chance to share the love and hope of Jesus! We will continue to pray for the needs presented and look forward to more treasures to seek out on future Hunts!

01/11/10

Our approach was the same this week – although on our Maps – we specified ‘categories’ as in the book (Location; Person’s Name: Appearance; Prayer Needs; Unusual) Once again – we had many clues and many that related to each other!

Here is what we found today:

We were led to Memorial Hospital (clues included various sicknesses as well as hospital, statue, various items that would be found in a gift shop, etc) As we first entered the hospital – God highlighted a group of three women outside…

KAREN & BILLY – (clues included Karen, Billie/William, Long Blonde Hair, Black Coat, Hospital) Gloria, Linda, and I approached the three women and introduced ourselves, saying that we are on a Treasure Hunt. Gloria showed her list to the girls and asked if anything stood out and we quickly discovered that the one gals name was Karen, she was married to a Billy, and they were there because her father was just coming out of a successful surgery. As we talked with Karen and ministered to her, her step Mom Chris was tearing up and being ministered to as well. When we asked if we could pray with them, the friend/co-worker who was there (Donna) scooted in and said, “I want to be included too! I could use prayer!” So we all gathered around the three of them and prayed. We prayed for Richard (her father) and for her husband and sons, as well as for Provision and Hope! It was awesome!

GLORI ANNA – (clues included Long Blonde Hair, Planning a Trip, Florida, Valentine’s, Cancer) We all went in to the Gift Shop and Esther and Gloria approached Glori Anna noticing her long blonde hair. She was at the hospital visiting a good friend (Olga) who has cancer and is not doing very well. Olga has 7 children and 2 of them are stuck in Florida and not able to get here. The girls ministered to her regarding her friend. * Follow up – we found out that at least one of Olga’s children from FL DID make it to Yakima the next day!

TAMMY – (clues included Tammy, Valentine’s, Blue, Blue Shoes Cancer) Linda, Ande, and I approached her noticing her blue shirt and blue shoes… it wasn’t until we started talking with her did we notice her name tag (Tammy). She was confused but open and couldn’t think of why God would highlight her or couldn’t’ think of any prayer needs – but the more we talked with her, we discovered she works on the 2^nd floor (Cancer) and just started in December and was still pretty nervous! So – we got to pray with her regarding favor on the job and no fear!

JODI – (Chuck, Devon, Red) Jodi was fun because she was entering the Gift Shop while we are leaving and she saw our lists and said, “Oh – those guys are on a treasure hunt!” Little did she know! So – Esther began talking with her and Linda and Ande joined them. Turns out her sisters’ name is Chuck, and she knows a Devon as well… she was wearing red and needed prayer because her kidneys are shutting down. She was a little uncomfortable having prayer on the spot – but the girls made it quick and simple and let her get back to work! (She works at the hospital!)

IDELLA – (Statue) This was our last encounter and really it was a divine appt for Linda! She got the clue ‘statue’ and so we went searching out for statues in the hospital! We went to the Creation Statue and looked around… we all walked off but Linda recognized someone. Turns out it was her husbands’ cousins’ wife. Her husbands’ cousin was in surgery and will be in the hospital for a few days – so Doug knows now and can go visit! Linda got to explain what we were doing there and definitely got to plant some seeds!

01/18/10

Our Maps this week were set up to include the categories again (Location; Person’s Name: Appearance; Prayer Needs; Unusual)

Here is who we found:

REBECCA – (Hand/wrist issue, Sling, Carpal Tunnel, Curly Brown Hair) We decided to first go to Fred Meyers and ran into Rebecca in the dairy section. We first noticed her curly brown hair and the sling/cast/wrap she had on her wrist. She had recently had Carpal Tunnel surgery and was healing nicely… she was recently divorced, with three kids, and said she had finally felt peace. We prayed with her for total healing, comfort, guidance, and peace. She said she had been thinking of Stone church but she works on Sundays. We encouraged her to check out the other things that go on there during the week for herself and her kids. Suzanne had a word for her to let her know that God was actively interested in her. Two Scriptures were given as encouragement (Ps 139 and Jer 29:11) We had a powerful time of prayer with her and she was very touched by the Lord.

BETTY – (Red coat, Rings, Nails, White Car, Sorrow, Loss) We had noticed Betty in the store several times, but she seemed to always be in conversation with other people – but at the right time – we approached her while she was getting in her car to leave (which was another clue) and explained that we were on a Treasure Hunt and that we believed that she was our Treasure. As we talked, and showed her our maps, she began to soften and immediately said that she would like prayer for her sister Su who just recently lost her young husband Eric to cancer. We got to pray with her for her sister as well as praying for Betty herself and she was blessed! She said that that was her BEST EVER Fred Meyer Shopping experience!

CINDY - (Orange, Safeway, Moon, Lips, Mayo, Abdominal Issues, Carpal Tunnel, Hip/limp) We went to Safeway on our way home as that was on our list and Suzanne ran into Cindy who is a friend. We noticed right away that she was on our Maps as well – meeting many of our clues! We prayed for Cindy for total healing – she has just gone to a meeting the night before and had prayer for healing – so we came in agreement with that prayer and we prayed for her visit with her daughter and granddaughter, as well as for salvation for her daughters’ step mom. In talking with her, it came out that she has been single for a long time – but only recently began to have a desire to get married again – so we prayed for her future spouse as well! When we were done – she prayed a blessing on all of us and was wiping tears away from her face and neck!

TACIE – (Orange, Safeway, Chain, Nails, Gum) Tacie was a funny story because we noticed her while ‘chasing down’ another gal who was wearing orange… when the two went down separate aisles, we followed the other gal. We approached her and she was a little closed off and not open… we blessed her and went on our way, only to find that the other two had seen Tacie as well… we gathered together and she came headed toward us. When we told her what we were doing, and showed her all the clues on our maps that she matched up with, she seemed amazed. She was open – but kept saying things like, “well – just send good thoughts my way!” We prayed for Peace for her and brought up The Shack. She said that she had just had one or two co-workers bring that book up as well so we encouraged her to read it.

01/25/10

Our Maps this week were set up to include the categories again (Location; Person’s Name: Appearance; Prayer Needs; Unusual) Sheri came but felt that she was actually supposed to go somewhere else on her own to minister and so she headed in her own direction and saw that the clues God gave her were along her path as well! What I thought was interesting was that we pressed through and went – but the four of us were really not ‘feeling’ it on Monday! We were all a little tired and hesitant… isn’t it good to know and see that even when we are not 100% - God gives His all anyway!

Here is who we found:

SYLVIA – (Yellow, Safeway, Comfort/Assurance, Sylvia, Jitters/Coffee)

Suzanne and Karri approached this gal as she was wearing a Yellow coat, and had just ordered a Starbucks coffee. Her first comment was something like, “Oh no – Jehovahs Witnesses in the grocery store!” LOL! We assured her we were not JWs – but we were on a treasure hunt! We pointed out the clues that she met on our maps and asked if we could pray for her. She was very open, and we actually wanting prayer for direction and wisdom. She had just found herself sending her youngest child off to school and was wondering what to do with her time. She had been a SAHM for years and wondered if she should go get a job. We encouraged her and affirmed her and prayed for direction, and blessed her family and children. She was very blessed by our ‘boldness’!

MARION & FAITH – (Faithful, Crutches, Safeway, Hip, Mary, Fear/Afraid, Romance/Love)

Lynda and Ande approached these two gals as one had a crutch and that was on their list. Marion was the mother–in-law and was the one on the crutch, and Faith was her daughter-in-law. They found that she had had several surgeries, and was recently widowed, moved to a new neighborhood and was in a new parish. They got to pray with her for healing and peace and to find a home in her new church. They also blessed Faith and let her know she was a Treasure as well!

JOE – (Tall, thin, Nervous, shifty eyes, shakey, Safewaym Joe/Jo)

This was a great encounter… I will let Ande share about this one:

“Of course Joe, you guys pointed him out. And for some reason left him to me. Like go get ‘em Ande.... Only kidding. I was very apprehensive in the beginning, especially because he was walking so darn fast. I had to run...... I knew tho that he was Gods treasure. He had a hard time understanding who and why we were...He loves God, showed him the clues of Safeway , thin, tall, and the name Jo which was both his & his sons name who is Handicapped or challenged. It seems like he really need lots of care. (I also had the words shifty eyes, and nervous which was just for me I think. To give me a heads up that it wouldn't be easy.) He said we could pray for him, his son and his wife. He told us about all the years of his addition he kept his son and took care of him. He has been sober for about 3 -5 years. That he has always loved God but not religion, Gods taken care of him. I told him God honors the fact that through it all he had taken care of his son. He really was Gods treasure, I read the word I got on my clue, "God needs you to know that He really loves and cares for you." I know he felt blessed.......

We also stopped in at Shopko on our way home… Suzanne and I approached a gal there – can’t remember her name because I didn’t write it down right away. Anyway – we told her what we were doing… and shared that she met some clues on my map – (Green vest, Books, Skin Care, Shopko) and offered to pray for anything for her. She requested prayer for her husband and his family as they had lost a nephew last year and were all having a hard time with that. So we were able to pray with her right there and bless them.

Another successful Hunt! Praise God!

(Sort of makes you want to get the book and go out on some Hunts, doesn't it!?)

~Karrilee~

The Happy Intercessor, some Treasure Hunting, creating a Culture of Honor, and seeking artistic direction!

I know, I know - that title alone is a mouthful!

I realized that I have not really been here much and haven't shared about a lot of the books that I have read recently that have really impacted me. I have a powerful little group of women who gather in my living room every Monday morning and bring a bit of Heaven on earth with me in worship, and prayer, and fellowship. We love each other and have been friends for many many years - in that, we have created a 'safe' place and we encounter Jesus each and every week! He just LOVES to crash our party!

We have gone through several books in the past year but a few stand outs have been Beni Johnsons' The Happy Intercessor and Kevin Dedmon's The Ultimate Treasure Hunt. Both are so good... affirming, empowering, and releasing!

As an intercessor, I have read many MANY books on prayer. From the old school Andrew Murray & E. M. Bounds, to other modern classics like Dutch Sheets, Stormie Omartian, Jim Cymbala, Cindy Jacobs, etc. So I know the immediate thoughts on yet another book on Intercessory prayer! I had it too... but let me tell you - Beni's approach to prayer as a lifestyle and intercession from a place of JOY is so life giving and so empowering! The book, like all books that come out of Bethel, is filled with testimonies and personal stories. It is a must read if you have felt called to prayer or intercession and have always thought that was a hard and heavy call. It truly does not HAVE to be that way! There is, in fact, a better way! My little group of "Happy Intercessors" all loved the book because mostly, we knew we were intercessors - but we also had abundant joy in our lives. This sadly often seems to be contradictory!

Another book that we read as a group is Kevin Dedmon's "The Ultimate Treasure Hunt" Let me start by saying this - I was the MOST surprised that I was the one to suggest this book! I do not have an evangelical bone in my body... I mean - I felt BAD that I didn't really feel called to evangelism. I felt like a less-than Christian... like I SHOULD feel a burning desire to save the lost! However, in all transparent honesty - I just didn't! Do I want them saved? Oh yes! Do I share my testimony and my faith - at every chance! However, I am just not a very bold person and the thought of approaching someone out of the blue to point out a need just really did not appeal to me! However, the Treasure Hunt is all about sharing the love and hope of Christ! Now THAT I can get excited about! It is not really about getting them saved - although if that happens, that is AWESOME... but it is more about letting them know that Jesus loves them, He is personal and aware of them, that He treasures them, and then offering prayer for anything they are in need of. It is all about blessing them, not putting them on the defensive. Now - do not be offended if you are an evangelist, or have a strong gifting in that... that is needed, I am just saying that I do not feel led that way - but to share the love and hope of Christ is an easier approach for me! This book is FILLED with powerful testimonies of successful Treasure Hunts! It stirs your faith, reaffirms that you can and do hear from God, and it transforms your daily life into an adventure - if you are willing!

Our little group went through the book and then have gone on several Treasure Hunts together... I will post the results soon - but let me just say that they are AMAZING! We have had some healings take place, and answered prayers come forth... and we are believing for more and more signs and wonders to follow us as we go forth on future Treasure Hunts in our city!

Our current book that we are just starting is by Danny Silk and it is called "A Culture of Honor" I am about halfway done already and can't really seem to put it down! I love it... it is so good - and so true - and such a clear word for the Body... they actually really DO this in Redding at Bethel and I can tell you first hand from being there myself, that the culture of honor is alive and well in that Body. You can tangibly FEEL the love of the Father and honor pours out of that place! Our group is excited to read this and implement it into our own churches and city - and begin to see and experience change and breakthrough as Honor is given... freely, and with love! Ths is just the next step of what we have been sensing and saying for years now: Jesus is all about RELATIONSHIP... He is a PERSONAL love God... Honor is a huge thing to Him!

Lastly - I am seeking artistic direction! I have not written much new lately because I know that I know that I know that I am supposed to take some of the visions that God has given me and trasnform them into children's books. I have never ever even CONSIDERED writing for children. I had a few prophesies over me last year that confirmed this call, and I know the stories to play around with. However, I have hit a wall because in praying and laying out a storyline for the first book - God literally gave me page by page layouts - and I can 'see' the illustrations - however, I am not an illustrator?! Now - I remember hearing at the Writer's conference in May how God did this with another writer, and He called her to learn how to illustrate her own book. I really hope that is not what He is wanting of me... but I feel 'stuck' until I get direction on whether I need to take some art classes - or if He will line me up with the right artist!? The hard part is these visions are prophetic and I feel a 'pressure' to get them out as soon as possible. I know that they will stand the test of time regardless - but I do not want to get in the way of God's timing! So - pray for me, if you will! Pray for direction regarding the artwork to accompany this book and/or this book series!

Thanks so much! I will post some recaps of our Treasure Hunts soon!
Until then, be blessed!
~Karrilee~

2010 - a Year of Overcomers!

I know - it's been AGES since I have stopped by here and shared anything with you... I have been good - just busy doing daily life (and once again neglecting my writing!) However, with the New Year comes new commitments to really focus in on what I am called to do. This sadly doesn't mean I get to stop in here frequently and write whatever I want... it means I must pray and decide what direction to go in - and continue on in the dreaded editing portion of creating a book or three?!

At any rate... I have been missing this blog and way of expressing myself and had planned on stopping in today on my own. However, the Lord literally woke me up with a word for 2010 and as much as I tried to ask Him to just remind me later so I could sleep in - He would not have it... so I greeted the sunrise this morning cuddled up on my couch, with a blanket, pen & paper, a few Bibles, and an amazing awareness that I could barely keep up writing with the thoughts He was downloading to me...

So - without further delay... here is what I feel the Lord is saying for 2010:

2010 - a TRULY Happy new year! This is a new yea, a new start, a clean slate... Many experienced Breakthroughs in the past few years, but Breakthroughs require work and effort and fighting your way through. 2010 is the year of the OVERCOMER! I will lift you up to a new season, to a new level! I will life you UP and OVER! The battle will be Mine - you will need to persevere, but this is the year you will step into your destiny!

Last year, the Lord told me it was the year of Amos. This morning, He said this is the year of JOEL!!!

Many will be released in a new anointing, and new power. Many of you have been strengthening your foundations and have truly DECIDED in what and in Whom you believe. In 2010, you will begin to find opportunities to SEE the evidence of what you've been hoping for! You will begin to SEE that which you have believed in and believed for - come to pass!

Dreams, visions, signs & wonders. I Am coming! I Am coming in Power and Might, in Grace and Glory! But, FIRST I desire to come THROUGH YOU!

"Thy will be done, Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven."

Step into 2010 with joy and expectation. The ties that bind and the lies that have held you back are about to be cut free. Prepare to fly with Me, says the Lord.

_________________

I went on to re-read through the Book of Amos, as well as pray through the Book of Joel. I encourage you to do the same! I will share some of my thoughts on that later... I just wanted to put this out here...

God has BIG plans for us in the coming year!
Happy New Year!
~Karrilee~

The Sound of Silence... and Fear of Success

I can't believe how long it has been since I have sat down here with the intent of writing specifically for this blog. Of course, I could easily 'blame' summertime and the lack of schedule on my absence, and in part - that would be true! However I must admit, the whole truth includes reluctance on my part to continue to write more - when in fact, what I need to be doing, is editing what is already written. It just doesn't seem as fun though and so I deprive myself of this outlet, and yet still accomplish little to nothing as far as editing goes!

We are actually in the first week of Back to School and back to Fall routines! I love it! I am such a schedule follower and list maker... I find peace and rest in routine! At least routine for some portion of my daily life! I have learned in this past season however the power and preciousness of spontaneity - of being open and available to do something last minute! God loves both ways really - and it's fun to plan, and then sit back and be available to go a completely different direction! Summer was good to my little family! We really enjoyed some relaxing down time, and some powerful together time as well! I think though that all of us are happy to be finding ourselves back in the familiar routines this week!

As I plan and prepare my Fall schedule I am once again needing to schedule in editing and writing time... I am also praying I will have the discipline to follow through this time! I was praying the other day, asking the Lord to guide me and give me creativity in how to alter some things that He has asked me to sort of repackage and He asked me why I was so afraid of success. The question sort of caught me off guard and I thought it was a funny way to ask that - but then as I thought about it - I realized He is right. I have been afraid of success. Success will surely mean change... promotion... exposure... all good really - but it's that little bit of UNEXPECTED that causes me to wonder if it's worth it all. Of course - if He is in it... whatever change that comes will be for my good. I know this - but I still find myself reluctant to move forward. I have overcome many areas where my lack of follow through was holding me back - so I know I can press through this as well. But His question caused me to wonder: Are you too afraid of success? Is the reason you are not moving forward or pressing ahead because deep down - you are afraid of succeeding and moving beyond where you are right now?

This manifested itself in the form of a car for me. We desperately needed a second car over the summer. We prayed and began looking - knowing that our budget was tight, and small - and we'd need to really get direction from the Lord in what to buy. Before we ever went out to look, I felt the Lord ask me what I wanted... I sort of flippantly said something a little sporty would be fun - but really - dependable and reliable of course were most important. My husband found a car for sale by a private owner in a nearby town and we drove to see it on a Sunday afternoon in June. It was nice... REALLY nice... almost too nice! It looked brand new inside and out and had very little miles on it... I was determined not to love it right away! It just didn't seem responsible! So we both drove it - told the owner we would think about it and we left. I wrestled with my hesitation for days until the Lord asked me why I didn't want that car. I said, Well - I would love that car - but it's a little too nice! It may be too good to be true - besides, I don't really deserve a car that nice! I felt Him smile at me, and He said, No - but if you want it, you can have it! He consistently said that for weeks as we drove around looking at car lots and not finding what we wanted. We would discuss this car and call and talk with the owner and end the conversation by saying we'd think about it. Once again I told the Lord I didn't think I deserved a car that nice - and He said, You're right - you don't! But, you are a Kings kid - and I desire to bless you! If you want that car, you can have it! So I got confirmations left and right and we had favor with the bank, and in the end, we got the car! I love it! It is the nicest car I have had - and while I don't deserve it - I don't deserve any of the life I am blessed to be living right now! Gods' grace is bigger than we give Him credit for! I am trying to wrap my mind around what it may look like to be a successful writer, but in all honesty - as long as HE thinks I am successful - it doesn't matter if I ever get published or sell a single book... I have been enjoying reruns of The West Wing and they often say on that show that they 'serve at the pleasure of the President' - well, I write for the pleasure of my King! So - when HE assures me that we will write together and that He has plans in the words He gives me, I write for the pleasure of my King! When I am called to edit and rewrite, I do it all for the pleasure of my King - and to the increase of His Kingdom!

The other thing He has really been talking with me about this summer is how much He desires to speak to us! He is constantly singing over us and speaking to us... it's just that we have so often lost the art of listening to the sound of silence. We tend to want to fill the quiet. But I challenge you - enter in to the silence, push into it and listen for Him... He will speak to you there! You just may find, He's been speaking to you all the time!

So - back to routine, editing, and hopefully writing once in awhile as well! I do love to express what I am hearing and seeing and feeling!

Here's to success - and whatever that may bring!
And here's to the sound of Silence - and the Voice of God that comes forth from it!
Blessings,
~Karrilee~

He is Faithful and True!

My family just returned last week from a vacation to our nations' Capitol! We had an amazing time! To see in person so many places and things that we have grown up seeing on tv or in movies, etc was incredible. As is necessary, we squeezed in a LOT of venues in a few short days and as is custom, we did not get everything in during our short stay! However, a few of my favorites were the Lincoln Memorial - so simple and elegant.. majestic and such a reminder of what one man, with God, can do to make a difference! Awe-inspiring! I also loved the World War 2 Memorial... and the Room of Rembrance in the Holocaust Museum! That was the place where I could tangibly feel the Presence of the Lord and it felt too holy to take a photograph or to do anything but pray, repent, and praise Him! For our Lord is faithful and true... even at times when it really doesn't SEEM like it!

The week before our vacation, we endured a LOT of unexpected stress and are facing some life changes - but God was good in giving us a vacation where we really were able to leave the stress and worries at home and thoroughly enjoy our time together!

With summertime here, my schedule is a bit lighter and my days a bit more relaxed but I am so looking forward to what God has planned in the next month or so... change is coming at us from all directions - and we know as uncomfortable as the unknown can be... we know that He is good... we know that He is Faithful and True and that He has our backs and will lead and guide us... we know that He really IS in a good mood and He desires to place us where He wants us in order to bring about more of His Kingdom here on earth!

Press on in all He has called and equipped you to do in this season... and if you are like us, in a season of change and not really knowing what He is calling you to do next - wait and see... He will be faithful and true for you as well!

More Lord... that is our simple prayer!
~Karrilee~