This morning in the BHOP (Brussels House of Prayer) was one of those times when it seemed easier to hear God and vision just seemed to be so clear. We came away from that watch with a definite set of objectives that we know He has given us to get accomplished. And we all heard Him. The worship was sweet. The devotional time was full of revelation. We started a 4-part series by Billy Humphrey from IHOP-Atlanta entitled “Zeal for the House of Prayer”, which is amazing. The discussion time afterward was great. Today was a good day in the prayer room.
I wish I could say the same about every watch in the prayer room. That would be heavenly. The days where His tangible presence is felt are glorious. But, in all reality, those days are not the norm. Many days in the prayer room are raw and seemingly un-anointed. I worship and pray, because I know that is what God has called me to do. I say, “Soul, worship the Lord whether you feel like it or not.” I pray out of principle not feeling. Sometimes it feels like routine and rut, but you know what? I think that when you get an eternal perspective of the prayer room, you realize that the mundane days bring as much glory to the Father as the precious, anointed days. Abba loves it when we press through to hear what’s on His heart so we know what He wants us to speak forth that day. He is glorified and satisfied when we worship Him from voluntary love, not because we are made to, but because we choose to. He is worthy to be glorified no matter how we feel.
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If I’m asleep and having a dream, don’t wake me up. This is truly a dream come true. We’ve been praying about this for so long, that I’m having a hard time realizing that it’s actually happening!
I love the ways of God. Sometimes you encounter road blocks and situations in life that are just too hard to comprehend, then a door opens and you feel the smile of God on a particular dream and desire you’ve had for years. His ways are so far above our ways. His leadership is perfect. God has made it abundantly clear that He wants a missions base/house of prayer established in Brussels, Belgium. When we first started praying about it, none of the team was here. We now have everyone here except for Zach & Liz Lowrie and Allyster Taubeneck. How awesome is that?!
The latest to arrive is my sweet daughter and son-in-love, Courtney and Nathan AND their four beautiful, adorable children!
Just getting off the plane!
Preston has another buddy, Judah.
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(from lower left) Kadyn, Ashlyn, Madysen, Courtney, Nathan, and Judah
Through many ups and downs and a roller coaster of emotions, I am overjoyed to say that my daughter and family, Courtney and Nathan Watkins, Ashlyn, Madysen, Kadyn, and Judah, will be arriving in Brussels in TWO days!!! Yes, Monday is the day! You can’t imagine how excited I am! They have been so obedient in following the word of the Lord in moving here. They will add to our team in an unbelievable way. I’m so excited to see what God is going to do here. And we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our other team members also, Allyster Taubeneck and Zach & Liz Lowrie. This missions base has been interceded for and talked about for years. It’s so great to see it actually happening!
Tomorrow we have a big event here at the ministry base, so we are hard at work all day today getting everything in order for the Watkins’ arrival on Monday. Bunk beds moved. Sheets and towels washed. Presents for the kids wrapped. (Yes, I said PRESENTS!) Rooms and closets cleaned. Ahh. This is FUN work! (more…)
Gary just sent me this picture on his iPhone as he was closing the door to our apartment in Israel for the last time.
I have to admit that I cried when I saw it. This last year has been such a gift from Abba God, and I mean that with all my heart. I have no feelings of pain or regret at having to leave Israel. On the contrary, my heart is filled with such gratitude for having spent a whole year there, that I all can do is thank Him for that very special gift. There are many memories attached to this apartment. Great memories. The laughter, the friends we made, the friends from Texas who stayed with us, the meals served, the movies watched on laptops, the games played at the table, the worship at the keyboard and guitar, the hours of Bible study and meditation looking out over the Judean mountains. Ahhh…..great memories!
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We got word yesterday that everything is worked out on the lease of our new ministry base house in Waterloo, and we will get the keys Monday afternoon! This is such an answer to prayer! We have had our eyes on this house since last September, and God kept it vacant just for us. He knew we wouldn’t be able to move in until now, so he kept it empty and didn’t let anyone else rent it. His timing is SO perfect! I will post pictures after we get all our stuff moved in, but here are some “before” pictures.
Living/Dining Area
Kitchen with TWO dishwashers!
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