Letters From War

finito

2005-12-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

This blog is finished. I'm switching back to Xanga--more of the folks I need to be building relationships with are there, and I've figured out how to put external links onto it, so ya'll will still have a place!

I'm at the old xanga place... www.xanga.com/soulful_sallie

Come visit me!

Adios, Blog!

Christmas List 2005

2005-11-28T21:27:00.001-08:00

-Good followup for the 75 new Christians I met in Kenya.
-Get closer to God, thus closer to holiness.
-Healing for my friend Johny's grandma-she's 81yrs old and has thrush...she's beautiful.
-More rain in Ukambani, Kenya--to end this long drought.
-Favor on the newly formed divisional psychosocial support team in Kangundo Division, Kenya.
-$5000 to buy a van for my friends in Shigomere, Kenya, so that they can do more home visits, see more people, and win more souls to Christ.
-Experience revival in the souls of every soldier and officer in the Salvation Army.
-walk in agape.

I'm learning a lot about my calling in life. God is making a lot of things clear to me that He wants me to do. It's exciting. This Christmas (and everyday) I'm asking God to make me a faithful servant--willing to do whatever He asks of me.

.........

Another thought--I love the Salvation Army. I love Booth's vision. I love the vision we have now. I don't like so much the fact that a lot of people "talk" vision without "doing" vision. We're called to be mission-minded people-not a loud talkative people who gets nothing done.
I want to see a holy Salvation Army....starting with myself.

If ya'll are in on this vision...lemme know. We can build a whole network around the people who are living for Jesus' vision of a pure bride. C'mon, ya'll...let's give Jesus a LOUD invitation to come back.

Chaos in Kenya

2005-11-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

I hope you're keeping up with the world around you, but if you're not, here's a bit of an update. The normally peaceful Kenya is undergoing some serious violence problems right now due to the fact that they are voting for their first constitution since they got independence from Great Britain in 1963. This may een result in Civil War at some point. This fact alone is important because Kenya has never had any type of civil war. There have already been several deaths associated with political rallies. Even so, being in Kenya when there is violence around is kind of like being in America on 9/11, right?

There is a big rally in Kakamega today (22kms or about 13 miles away) and Pres. Kibaki is there...lots of violence is expected. Some MPs have been summonned by the Attorney General for court because they've been training 600 youth in the bush and 200 in Nairobi to cause trouble in certain places on the 20th...the MPs aren't going. They're refusing. All "No" campaigns in Western Province (where I am now) have been cancelled because Kibaki (who is for yes) is touring here...that's the root of much of the violence.

The guys we were supposed to be with in the community today have bailed on us because they're voting yes, so they're in Kakamega... Politics is ruling the mission right now.... They even lied to us about changing the schedule...gave us some crap-o reason for cancelling today's activities. So right now--today is a free day and tomorrow is a free day...too much idleness! It's horrible! But I'll live. I'm washing more clothes (dirty or not) to keep myself busy.

Prayers readily accepted.

News from Kenya - -and Things I'm Missing!

2005-11-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

i've taken over 300 pictures...they're pretty funny.
I'm getting my hair braided on the 17th. woohoo! (i'm almost out of shampoo!)

can i cook sukuma wiki (like greens), kachumbari (like pico de gallo, but without the peppers) and chapati (like fat tortillias) at thanksgiving? they're good!!! ya'll will love them!

That j-poff kid is going to do something big with his life-I'm so proud of him.

what I'm missing (it's random...so just bear with me.)

cheese
couches
hip-hop music
english
internet whenever i want it
pizza
cell phones
cell phone service
a real bed
washer and dryer
spaghetti
starbucks
ice
family
chocolate cake with fudge icing
cold milk
paved roads
driving
cars (not cows
donkeys and chickens)
mexican food
big bacon classic from wendy's
mushrooms
ice cream
diet coke
plastic bottles for soda
tap water that doesn't taste like rust
fish or blood
cooking
electricity
pop and retta's fireplace
my house
my tall uniform shoes
pants
carpet
sandwiches
cold food
ranch dressing
rainy cold weather
american movies (not nigerian ones)
adidas shoes
perfume
running water
dry cleaners
kimberly
high school students
closed showers
real toilets (not holes in the ground)
brewed coffee (not instant)
iced tea
U of A blanket
camp HOH
NLR corps and the surrounding neighborhood
grocery stores
walmart
walgreens
chick fil a
AOL instant messenger
walking the roads with people
not animals
mardel's
real batteries
not being overcharged for things just because i'm white
country accents
american music
typing
gum and breathmints
strawberry milk
ozark mountains
leftovers
wearing socks around the house
my german medic bag
planning a schedule and sticking to it
my laptop (Henryetta)
driving to ATL
not watching WWF if I don't want to.

... and that's what i'm missing! (crazy, i know) but yeah...L.G. life's good.

I'm back to the states in 14 days! WooHoo!

Letters From War

2005-11-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

News from Nairobi -- and massive prayer requests for Kenya

I have little time. I'm in Nairobi still. I'm going to Shigomere on Friday--apparently, it's also in the middle of nowhere, but it's only for 15 days.

I went to pray at Parliament today--with the referendum and all (watch the news, please, Kenya's gov't might declare a state of emergency, which might require me to leave early!). I wasn't allowed to take pictures though. boo. But, lots of demonic stuff there--very icky--get people there to pray--Kenya might be headed for its' first civil war over this thing. I'll be back in Nairobi on Nov. 20-the day before the referendum. There have already been 4 people killed in the riots, and it's expected to get worse with a climax on the 21st. So be praying, and watching the news in case I need to come home. If you want to search--some Kenyan newspapers are The Nation and The Standard. Anything you read about oranges and bananas would be relevant, as they represent the no and yes vote, respectively. President is a fairly controversial man by the name of Mwai Kibaki, and his wife is...well, she's not the brightest Kenyan I've ever met...

In addition to this, I've also been getting dreams about Nairobi, and they've heightened the last 2 nights, as I'm in Nairobi surrounded by muslim mosques and it's ramadan...nearly 24-7 prayers to allah on a loudspeaker broadcast over the city.

There is so much to pray about for this country, and the demonic influences can be overwhelming. There is so much that we learned at The War College that is put into practice every day – praying the Bible, speaking in tongues, etc. Some of the people here have the gift of interpretation, and we know that this is real spiritual warfare. Help us pray for the Kenyans and especially for the Salvationists in this part of the world.

I need to run now. But, I am alive, and counting down the days until I get back (24 until ATL, 27 until LR!)

I love you!!

-Jamie Mwende Nandai Ndanu Punk Muzungu British Muthokoi (I'll explain them all later...)

Letters From War

2005-10-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Notes from Jamie

First, before you read any further, know that you have found Jamie’s blog, but this is Jamie’s Mamma writing! Communication between the good old US of A and a town called Kangundo ain’t what it’s cracked up to be. I received a 27 second phone call a few days ago. The next one was 3 minutes and the last one was 5 minutes. Now we haven’t spoken at all for a while, and that’s killing us! We could be like one of those funny cell phone commercials where we just shout out info to one another as fast as possible!

Even though they were short, we got an awful lot of info in those few moments that need to be passed on –and prayed about! Jamie has sent me things to post for her in the past, but she hasn’t been able to do that for some time. I won’t begin to try to sound like her, but I hope to post just enough to keep you in the loop and to keep you praying!

Our family has been offered 2 goats to keep Jamie. So far, we have declined, although her sister Kim is seriously considering the option. The people from Kithituni and Kangundo have been very good to talk with Jamie and to teach her some of their Kiswahili language. In return, she is teaching them “southern.” I believe that many of the villagers now refer to her as “what up, dawg?” Occasionally, they are able to travel to the next town and buy some fresh fruits and vegetables. I understand that she was able to make pizza on one occasion. Later she found all the right ingredients for guacamole. So the Kenyans have now been introduced to both Italian and Tex-Mex cuisine while she has been introduced to goat! I don’t think that’s a fair trade! In the first village, most of their meals were cooked over a charcoal fire, and I understand that Jamie has also helped them with their farming. I am sure that by growing up in my house, she was ill prepared for that particular job! They also have to dig for water daily since the wells are dry. There have been many days when the village ran out of water and Jamie could not bathe. We’re reminded of the Missionary’s Prayer – “Where you lead me, I will follow….what you feed me, I will swallow…..!”

I also wonder how these conditions have to add to the AIDS/HIV problems. AIDS/HIV is definately everywhere. Every family seems to be affected in one way or another. No one seems to have escaped.

The past few days have been fairly difficult. Jamie learned of Matt Mockabee and a lady named “Mama Lois” (from Vancouver) at the same time. And this was after she had attended 3 funerals in a very short time. One funeral was for a man who was 122-years-old. We didn’t talk long enough to learn his story, but we were all amazed to find someone that old in that environment. Even with all this sadness, the people apparently have a very special joy.

I know that they are working hard to learn about prayer. Jamie is teaching them prayer by praying for rain. They are in a drought and it is time for the seasonal rains right now. It will also be a problem will be if they get too much rain. The roads are so poor that they will turn to mud which can damage or ruin the few vehicles that are available. So, please join us in prayer for the rains.

The other prayer request is for their country and the president. They will vote on a new constitution in November. There has already been some unrest, and there is threat of a political coup of the proposed constitution is adopted.

If you have comments, let us hear them. We try to pass them on as often as possible. Jamie goes to a new location on November 4, and I hope to have something available that she has written herself. Finally, Jamie’s biggest worry is that there is just not enough time to make an impact considering all the work that needs to be done.

Wacha? (how are you?)

2005-09-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

I'm alive!
Kenya is great. I love it here.
I pray for you all the time!!!!!! I miss you guys!

Josh and Jenn--I'm so happy for ya'll! I'll try my hardest to be there for the ceremony!! It will be in Toronto, yeah? ;-)

I miss you guys so much...you can't imagine! I love my Kenyan friends...they're so warm and welcoming and I truly feel like I'm a part of their family. Right now I'm living in Kithituni in a community called Kasikeu. It's wonderful! So far, I've walked all over the place, dug for water, helped in a shamba (farm), and tonight I'll be helping make dinner. It's good here. I fit in--I love that!

I've had braids, but I took them out last night because my head got sunburned yesterday and it's very dusty here, so I needed desperately to wash! When I finally got them out, we were out of water, so I had to wait until this morning to wash my hair! It was so bad! But I loved it!

Seriously though--I love it here...the guys I'm working with call themselves "Chang Mei"--inspired by a community in Thailand that saw their HIV/AIDS problem and responded to it themselves, rather than waiting for the gov't or someone else to do it...they're wonderful! I feel so at home and comfortable with them. They say I'm becoming Kenyan...they will give my daddy (whom they all call "Mr. Smith") two goats as the bride price and I will become a Kikamba and live here forever....hahaha. It's quite funny.

God is doing wonderful things here in Kithituni--many people responding and even gaining understanding on the difference between what is devil worship and what is tradition--so, curses are being broken! It's wonderful!

Prayer requests--
Rain!!!!! We need it desperately--it's even getting hard for us to go dig for water because there isn't any...we're in extreme drought right now and we need God to send us rain. I've been praying 2 Chron. 6:26&27 for it.

Favor---there are still some people in the community that only care for themselves are making it difficult to promote unity.

Love--that we would all genuinely love each other with Love from Yahweh's heart and that His Spirit would dwell with us in that love.

Thanks ya'll. I miss ya. I'll update again whenever I get the chance (don't know when that will be though--the computers in Kithituni are down, so we have to take a matatu (bus) to the next town of Sultan Hamud to check e-mail...it's 50 shillings each way (almost $1), and we don't have a lot of time...but, next time I get the chance, I'll write again!

Much love!

-Jamie AKA Mwende (loved one) AKA Nandai (beautiful girl)

I'm in Amsterdam!

2005-09-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

Yup....I am.
A lady spilled my orange juice on my pants in my seat on my plane...okay, maybe it wasn't my plane, but you get the picture! ;-)
I slept on the plane! I NEVER do that!
I met a guy while I was waiting for the lavatory...he's gonna pray for me. That was exciting. His wife is going to pray too. Very very cool. He is from South Africa.
Still can't believe I'm going to Kenya. Even when I talk about it it doesn't seem real! Crazy.
I saw Matt Luyk a couple of days ago...that was good. I miss that kid.
I LOVE Tami and Shimei. They're great hostesses and even better friends. Great gals, really.
I miss my Martyrs!
Today, on the plane they had the little screen up with maps and where we're flying. I flew over Bangor and prayed for Travis, Aurora, Doug and Debbie.
I flew over Corner Brook and prayed for Jonathan's and Cory's families.
Toronto was on the map, so I prayed for Josh, Jenn, Phil, Gills, and Dolbys.
Vancouver was on the map, so I prayed for Phase 2, Leadership and Holy Terror.
Hamburg was on the map so I prayed for Esther.
Charlotte was on the map, so I prayed for Dolbys, Jaime, Travis and Cory.
Atlanta was on the map so I prayed for ALL Heralds of the Good News.
New Orleans was on the map so I prayed for victims and disaster workers of Hurricane Katrina.

All in all...this was the BEST prayer walk EVER!!! I should do this all the time! ;-)
Gotta run. I miss and love every one of you. MUAH!!!!!!

Keep me in your prayers! I'll keep ya updated as much as is humanly possible!

A Few Quotes

2005-08-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

"Man, that Matt Jones...he is an absolute freak of nature!" --Sports announcer on ESPN talking about my friend's one handed catch in his first game with the J'Ville Jaguars (I'm so proud of him!!) The kid is 6'6, 240lbs, and runs a 4-3! Crazy...

"I been ta jail befo'. I'm a REAL American!" --Bobby Brown

"We need ta be tailgatin' for da Lawd!" --Some preacher in Arkansas getting on to people for being so "gung-ho" about tailgating for the Razorbacks but don't have the same enthusiasm for going to church

These all made me laugh...enjoy! Bless ya'll!

I know, I know...

2005-08-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

I promised a new blog on Sunday, but I just didn't think I had anything really interesting to say.

I could re-cap the whole year, but you're all faithful readers-you know what's happened!

So, I think I'll do this instead..........
Ephesians 3:20 & 21, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."
Outta nowhere yesterday, Yahweh started speaking this over me. Like a declaration to me, that He can do MORE than the biggest dreams I have! Which is really exciting, because about 99% of my dreams are waaaaaaaay bigger than I am. I mean, seriously-one of my current dreams is for Yahweh to use me to raise someone from the dead. See what I mean?

So now for another dream/prayer......
Yahweh, give me greater faith! HUGE faith! Massive, ark-building, giant-slaying, demon-kicking, God-glorifying, Kingdom-building, Jesus-returning faith! I want the faith to believe my own ideas! Lord, give me the faith that believes other people's ideas! And make me excited about them, too! Hallelujah!

It is finished....

2005-08-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Vancouver. It was good.

Grad was yesterday. I'm falling asleep...I'll do a better update tomorrow.

I'm really tired, but not like, sleepy tired...weird, eh?

My uncle made fun of me for saying "Eh" and stuff...

I got a new sword!!! Yeah! It's a sweet action red one, NIV thin line...I'm pretty stoked about that!

I've been reading all my updates and stuff on Kenya--I'm getting really stoked. I leave in 9 days!!! I still can't believe that YHWH picked me!!! I mean, seriously! That's soooooooooo cool!

Alrighty, I'm done. More tomorrow. I love ya'll!

Names

2005-08-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Adam Biggers.

Thomas Frye.

Colt (don't remember his last name).

Darren (unknown last name).

Dan Swyers.

These are the names of my friends who have served or will serve in Iraq. I just found out that Dan is going. He and I have been friends for ages. I really admire him a lot. He's had some difficult things going on for him in recent years, but he seems to have come through them with flying colors. I've never had a brother, so I think Dan is the closest thing to it, for me. You know...always there looking out for me and making sure that I don't get into anything too stupid, but then messing with me and picking on me when I do.

Please keep my friends in your prayers. While I'm not particularly in favor of the war in Iraq, I respect these men and women who are willing to die for the freedom that they believe in. This fire and passion is something I long to see in the hearts of Christians, not just in the hearts of worldly soldiers. O, Lord, let it be.

Thanks, guys.

A quote

2005-08-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

I was talking to one of the guys that eats at The Caring Place about going to Kenya. His response was, "Well, you're just travelling the world on the coat tails of Jesus!"

Good, eh?

I'M SO EXCITED!!! I leave in 26 days!

Father, please use me there to be a worthy ambassador of Your Kingdom. May I walk in holiness. In Your Amazing Name, Amen.

Pray for me

2005-08-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Kenya for three months...

I leave September 1.

I wanna...

2005-08-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

I want to be a dancer. I think I always have. I love dancing in worship before the Lord, but this morning, I've had a real breakthrough. I was listening to Salvador's "Lord, I Come Before You" and absolutely jammin' my face off. No one else was here...just Yahweh and me. The whole time I was dancing, my mind was rolling with, "I'd love to be able to remember this dance and teach it to others to corporately praise!"

But, I'm also faced with a harsh reality--would I really ever be as fun, free and vulnerable in my dances with God if I'm in front of people? Or will I stick with my little sway side to side like I usually do? I've felt myself be released a bit during worship before (at Knee Drill and such) only to leave feeling like everyone was watching me and judging me. I remember in one of Danielle's classes on "Warfare Worship" we were talking about how it's kind of an "American thing". We're so used to the world watching and judging us, that we often experience a lack of freeedom in worship for fear that we are being judged. I agree...I'm a living testament of that.

I have a real passion when I'm dancing. I think that as far as worship goes, that's when I'm most connected with God and am blessing His Heart.

Father, grant me that freedom in front of all the saints. Give me the peace that says that it doesn't matter who is watching or judging, but says, "You are beautiful, my sister, my bride." Send Your Spirit to teach me how to dance with grace and vulnerability before Your Throne. AMEN.

I can't decide...

2005-07-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

I can't decide what hurts more: seeing people with no teaching on Christ and His power, or knowing people with false teaching on Christ. Lately, we've had a man around the Caring Place who has either a lot of bad teaching from someone else, or he has some mad-crazy demon manifesting in his life...could be the same thing, but I don't think he has bad teaching. Not sure though.

I can't decide what hurts more: seeing someone with no salvation at all or seeing a backslider trapped in their sin without much knowledge of freedom. I have some friends...one has never met his Father. The other two have been saved, but like I said, have no concept of freedom in Christ. Therefore, they're trapped in their sin, with no visible hope of escape.

I can't decide what hurts more: having to tell people that we won't be having the soup truck tonight because we have no driver, or getting pissed off at them for being mad at us. Tonight, that's exactly what happened. It hurt to go tell hungry men and women that we have no food for them, simply ecause there is no way to transport it from point A to point B. It also hurt to have a few of them get mad at us and trash us, even after we were almost a block away they were still yelling.

I can't decide what hurts more: Knowing that there are people that are going to hell if they died tonight, or knowing that they're going because I didn't speak up for Christ.

I just can't decide.

In the Name of Jesus

2005-07-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

Jonathan recommended that I read this. It's by Henri Nouwen. I've heard his name tossed around many times before, and I "know" who he is, but I'd never read his stuff. Jon said that this book would help me a lot. It's about true Christian leadership...very interesting stuff.
Here's 2 great quotes I've found so far:

"I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self."

"The leader of the future will be the one who dares to claim his irrelevance in the contemporary world as a divine vocation that allows him or her to enter into a deep solidarity with the anguish underlying all the glitter of success and to brin the light of Jesus there."

....more to come. This book is gold!!

Encouragement

2005-07-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

On Monday for PTB, I felt Yahweh saying that we needed to really cover the staff members of The Caring Place. So, I listed 'em all out, divided 'em in half (so Esther and I could pray for all of them), and set out to pray. As I was praying for my list, the Lord would give me a specific word for each one of them. Then, I'd look them up in my handy dandy concordance and find the verse He wanted to give them. (seriously...it looked like that specific line was highlighted!) I loved doing that for them!
Today, I wrote these verses out and gave them to the people...I had quite a few to deliver (with still one more to deliver tomorrow). It was so much fun...I was prancing/skipping/smiling my way through the building dropping little golden nuggets of love with people. I loved it! At one point, I got this crazy idea of me looking like a fairy...you know, ballet shoes, tights, pink dress, wand, crown... and I was prancing all around the place waving my "magic wand" over people who were bored looking, sad, or just lifeless. Then--they'd come alive, and be full! It was such a pretty pictrue.
When I think of it now, it's totally God showing me how He wants His Word to dwell in me...in such a way that I share it with others, in love, and bring them into new, deeper relationship with Jesus. Exciting, eh? So, I think encouragement is my evangelism tactic...sorry, Steve, I'm gonna have to bail on the call center evangelism. Maybe next time, buddy.
What's great about this is that I feel encouraged by doing it. And, seeing Natasha's or Derek's or Francis's or Polly's (anticipated) smiles...that's so great. On top of that, I feel my Daddy's smile, as He's watching me bless His children. That's what I'm aiming for...winning my Daddy's smile.

Bless ya'll!
-The Encouragement Fairy
(gotta find a cooler name!)

My trip to Bann-Keww-Burr

2005-07-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

Haha...I like taking pictures of myself!! This is me at Re:Cre8, our free coffee shop. Ain't I cute?
My friend Linsey New being absolutely ridiculous...her hair's great, eh? I LOVE it! It's sooo stinkin' long!
My Jaime Riefer!!! Das muh dogg!!
SLURPEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Survey question: What is your favorite Slurpee/Slushee/Icee flavor??? Mine is Coke/Lime layered...but I tried Coke/Green Apple layered...it's good, too! Okay..leave your answers in my comment area! ;-)

me!!

2005-07-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

My shoes of peace--gotta be ready for battle; My right eye; Blood & Fire! (compliments of Aaron Abram); me being ridiculous...yes, I know my lips and nose are huge here. thank you for noticing!

enjoy, ya'll! bless ya!

things that make me happy

2005-07-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

The car-to-car-to-sidewalk-to-another car conversations in Maple Ridge while waiting at a stop light. All just to find a good steak restaurant for someone from out of town.

The Christmas decorations hanging up all over 224th Street for the filming of a movie. (I'll try to get a picture)

Chai Latte Frappe...It's like a chai vanilla milkshake! It's beautiful!

2 litres of water a day. (until this morning's frappe, it's all I'd had all week!)

My friend Trevor.

Jedidiah Samuel Evans...that kid laughs at me all the time!! Soooo cute!

My friend Steve...he seems happy again. His biggest complaint is that he can't find any size 30 pants at the Sally Ann Thrift Store.

Completion of Spiritual Mapping-Maple Ridge. (yesssssssssssssssss!!)

My friend Clint's visions to see youth in BC on fire for God.

My french vanillla candle that has lasted me all summer!

Esther Mueller-Vocke--great ministry partner and rising apostle!

Anticipation of going back to Vancouver on Saturday--Can't wait!!

Talking about William and Catherine Booth as if they're still alive and a couple of our best friends...It's odd, I know, but sometimes, it doesn't seem like they've been dead for years!

Recognizing the influence that a few (outside of my family) people have had on me: Phil Blindenbach, Ian and Elaine Gillingham, Rob Dolby, Eddie Hobgood, Bobby Westmoreland...just to name a few.

Feeling such strong passion and devotion to God and to the Salvation Army.

Thinking about how different I am now from a year ago.

Wondering about how different I will be a year from now.

Red epaulets.

Martyrs.

question

2005-07-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Should the mentally ill be treated as criminals?

My friend Steve has some sort of mental condition...I don't know what it is, but apparently, he only has the mental capacity of about a twelve year old. Steve is amazing. A while back, a bunch of us went to see Delirious at the PNE in Vancouver, and Steve went with us. I didn't know him well then--couldn't even remember his name, actually. But he was sitting a few seats away from me (Fleur and Danielle were between us), and I remember looking at him during the concert to see some of the most intense worship of the Father I've ever seen--even in charismatic circles! What was so intense about it was the reality. Steve was coming boldly before the throne with no understanding whatsoever of what was going on...but it was good. Taught me a lot about my identity in worship---the fact that I need to lose my worldly identity and take on the identity that Christ has ordained me to have. Steve didn't care how ridiculous he looked, or how off pitch he was, or how many times he smacked Trevor (which was a lot). He was praising God...that's all that matters.

Fast forward from that point a few weeks...Steve got a hold of some bad speed--you remember me writing about it? If not, it's in the June Archives. He completely cracked out and I thought he'd be gone then. Steve was hugging us all and holding on for dear life...like if he let go, love would be lost forever. It took so much out of me to keep from crying my face off. He eventually went to the hospital to detox, and I came upstairs to the prayer room and cried. It's not right. Satan doesn't get the innocent ones! It's just not right!

Steve got out tf the hospital and was doing really well. I've never seen him so happy...it was truly the joy of the Lord. It was beautiful. Slowly that dwindled...I left for Teen Camp for a week, and came back to find out that he'd been fighting. It was pretty bad. Saturday night, he got arrested for fighting in our parking lot, but he was released later that night. He was fighting his brother, apparently. He was barred from the Caring Place...I don't know details.

Here's where the mental bit comes in...he apparently came back here because he doesn't know of anywhere else to go. This is home. This is safe. He'd found his sanctuary. The man is scared. He's lonely. He got asked to leave tonight, and his response was, "No, I'm gonna kill myself." So--someone called the police (for his protection, I'm sure) and I just watched him cry like a baby in the back seat of a cop car....

My friend Steve is broken-hearted. My friend Steve is poor. My friend Steve is fatherless. My friend Steve is lonely. My friend Steve is hurt.

Jesus--please come take care of him where I can't.........

something to fill up blog space...

2005-07-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

The UrbanSalvos left this morning. So sad to see 'em go. But, I bless them on their journeys.

Didn't make it to Cariboo Hill last night--missed the bus. Sorry for anyone that was expecting us!

This is going to be a bit of a full week...not massively full, though. Just different-I'm back to my regular schedule after 2 weeks of being off! (if you're wondering what my schedule is-you can check it through the link on the right called "My Calendar")

We leave really soon...that's crazy!

War College is almost over. wow...

The McGonigals are probably the coolest people I know. Ken and Connie are a great example to me of a strong Christian marriage. I'll miss those guys.

I still can't believe we got egged...that's so cool!

Check out my link to Aaron's Blog...I think I'm the only reader at the moment, so ya'll should check it out!! (but don't tell him I told you to! ;-) )

I need to run...Pray the Bible is in 5 minutes. I might blog something real later.

Love ya'll! Bless ya'll!!

Buses, Eggs and Victory

2005-07-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, they seem to have nothing to do with each other...but, trust me.

Dana and I met a girl on street combat tonight-she was sitting at a bus stop waiting to go home to New West. We learned a lot about her--she wants to be a pimp, she's been using drugs since she was 7 (she's now 17), and she has 13 brothers one of which has held a gun to her head before. The three of us sat there talking (no mention of God), and we saw her bus...the driver put on his indicator and started to slow down a bit, but then drove away. So-she was left there with no way home-it was the last bus of the night. She blasphemed the Name of Yahweh a couple of times, then told us she was going to stay at a friend's in Maple Ridge tonight. As she was walking away (completely furious), I said "God Bless." to her. Jesus, forgive me for allowing satan to rob that.

Later, Dana and I were walking down Lougheed Hwy looking for more people and we got egged. Someone threw an egg at us--they missed, though. It freaked me out for a sec--Dana, too. But almost immediately, God proved more powerful-took any fear away and led us to pray. I felt that we weren't supposed to continue going out, so we turned back and went back to the truck. When we got back, we found out that they'd been egged, too. Satan--leave us alone in Jesus' Name.

Kirst, Esther, Dana and myself sat down and began singing "Blessed Be Your Name" over each other, and praying as well. We all had this peace in the persecution. God is sovereign through it all. Praise You, Father, because you protect Your children. Father, may we always run to you for safety and guidance. Praise You for Your faithfulness to deliver victory to Your people.

Satan is being defeated. The Kingdom is winning. Yahweh's warriors are growing in humility. Power is about to be unleashed. Jesus is coming soon........

Discoveries

2005-07-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

I discovered today that I struggle with feeling inferior.

It's something I think I've known for a while, and last night in squad when I wrote down that I want to lay down my talents at Jesus' feet, I meant it. Apparently, whom ever got my name and list of requests is praying faithfully for me. Hallelujah.

"Broken, I come to You, for I know Your touch restores my life......"

It's funny that the line from "Hungry" above is what is speaking to me, because it's in singing that song earlier that I realized how inferior I felt...hmm...praise you, Jesus, for Your beautiful revelations.

So you all know-Jesus and I have talked this out. I feel fine now. Kinda crappy earlier, though. Life is good. God is great. I'm being humbled. The Kingdom is trumping the enemy again.

random thoughts

2005-07-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

The hardness of the butter is directly proportional to the softness of the bread.

I'm going to the White Spot tonight...no that is not a racist comment...it's a restaurant.

I am a genuis html writer---well, when Blogger helps me! ;- )

Kirsten is transposing music and she seems a tad on the frustrated side....just a tad.

There are an average of 178 sesame seeds on a McDonald's Big Mac Bun.

"Fregans" are people who eat out of dumpsters because they don't support capitalism, so they don't buy anything. (says Kirsten)

"I am" and "I do" are the two shortest sentences in the English language.

I'm doing laundry.

Dana is speaking tomorrow--should be good.

Jono is in Vancouver, he comes back this afternoon. yay!

Jedi threw up on me the other day...it was gross. Jono encouraged him to do it again.

I've had guacamole 3 times this week.

I've discovered a way that I like sweet tea--with lemon. It's goodness!

Dana's computer beeps.

I haven't worked on my sorbet-colored scarf in a while...sorry, Mom.

Oh-My mom is in Atlanta....LUCKY!

We have about 21 days left in Maple Ridge.

I'm out of thoughts....I'll try to get some more later.

Bye. Bless ya'll!

Oh-Francis makes fun of my accent. So does Glenn, Cathy, Aaron, and just about every other person I've ever met in my entire stinkin' life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

"Invention"

2005-07-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

This song has broken me over and over...

"I'm a loved invention
A creation from the heart
A supernatural intention
A cherished piece of art"

There's more to it, but this is what gets me....I like it...

contentment

2005-07-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

Happiness with one's situation in life.

My current state of mind.

A feeling that, I've discovered cannot come from anything or anyone but Jesus...although a Tall Vanilla Chai Latte from Starbucks and a few selected people do come quite close! ;-)

2005-07-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

God's timing hinges on your pliability on the Potter's wheel.

Why?

2005-07-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

...do people relapse?

...don't we learn the first time?

...do we care when a bombing happens "on our turf" but barely pay attention when it happens "on their turf" almost every day?

...aren't more people saved?

...aren't we more pliable in God's hands?

...aren't I more like Jesus?

...does the soup at the Caring Place taste so flippin' salty?

...does everyone fight over the chocolate muffins?

...do people make fun of my accent and the fact that I say "ya'll"?

...am I still awake? I should totally be sleeping!

...is my comment area so flippin' empty? hmmmmmmmm?

...,I'm going to bed. If you have answers, leave 'em here...I'll be thoroughly entertained later!

Interesting quote

2005-07-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

In light of the London bombings yesterday......

"al-Qaeda is now an ideology. It's moved beyond being a structural organization. All one has to do to form an al-Qaeda cell is to get together with a group of like-minded individuals and say, 'We are going to start an al-Qaeda cell.' ... If one is prepared to carry out an attack in the name of al-Qaeda, one becomes an al-Qaeda operative." -Alex Standish, editor of Jane's Intelligence Digest

hmm...wonder what he'd say about us?

Teen Camp 2005

2005-07-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Camp Sunrise where I was a counselor at Teen Camp. I knew I'd love it--Nicole told me so! But I didn't know how great it would be. First off--I got to party all week with Becks, Josh and the UrbanSalvos (John-O, Dana and Kirsten), whom I knew would be there. But then--here come Beth, Phil, Clint, Cory and Mia from CHT! I nearly screamed my face off when I saw Cory! Yeah-I was excited about the rest, to, but whateva. It was so great to have all of those great folks around me again. I got to spend lots of quality time with Cory and Mia. I don't think I realized how much I missed those two-but God really showed me a lot this week about how important they are to me. So-it was good.
Also-on the first night, I really felt this need to go stand at the back door of the chapel. At first I didn't want to, because I was having fun worshipping God with the teens and I didn't want to end up being security all week for the ones trying to sneak out! But, reluctantly I went, and heard God say to me that I am to be like Ezekiel for the week-a watchman on the wall. OOH. I like that! So, there I stood-worshipping God just like I had been before, only this time, it was like intercession for the teens. Against the spirits of distraction and boredom. For the Spirit of God to consume us all. I loved it.
Loads of fruit this week--good, solid (I believe) lifelong committments were made. Hallelujah. 20hrs of sleep all week. Kids got saved. Holy Spirit came. Jesus was happy. Heaven danced. Chains were loosed. Hell was defeated. Praise God!
*I'll get to some funny pics when John-O and Dana get their pics downloaded...I'll explain all of 'em--mud wrestling, water wrestling and all!

Characters--Kathleen

2005-06-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Kathleen is probably 50 years old. She lives across the atrium from me in her room that is filled with clothes, jewelry and makeup. The girl is great!
Kathleen calls me Jamie-Girl. "I used to know a gal named Jamie. She was a hooker and I called her Jamie-girl. Not that you're a hooker or anything. I just like the name." So-I'm named after a prostituted person. Yay.
Nonetheless, everytime Kathleen sees me, she says hey and asks how I'm doing. She reads people really well. As of late, she's amended her greeting to say, "How are you? And don't lie to me, I'll make you clean my room."
Her solution to everything is a good mud mask and a smoke. If it's really bad, ValuVillage has some great jewelry on sale. They even have a 50 cent rack!
Rarely is Kathleen properly dressed. She has these amazing robes and housecoats, that if I had 'em, I'd wear 'em all the time, too! They're so comfy looking! She shuffles around mopping the floor, doing laundry, and just talking to everybody.
My favorite thing about Kathleen is her heart. You see, with her room full of clothes, she often gives them out. Many times I've seen her clothing men and women who come into the Caring Place with nothing. Today-she provided a towel, clothes, shampoo, conditioner and soap for a man who hadn't showered in quite a while. She has a beautiful heart that can never give enough to someone else.
I like Kathleen. She's a good lady. God's using her to teach me a lot of things...I'm praying that He'll use me to teach her a lot of things as well.

When's My Pentecost?

2005-06-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

This morning during discipleship with Jon and Carla, we were asked the question, "In seeing God, what is the difference between the following: "No one has ever seen God" -John 1:18 and "I saw the Lord always before me." -Acts 2:25?" My first thought was, Pentecost is the difference. John is pre-Spirit invasion, Acts is post-Spirit invasion.
Now, keep in mind, I've been swimming in the teachings of the early church for a couple of months now, so a lot of my revelation lately has been centered around Pentecost and the development of the church. (conception to birth to infanthood, if you will!) Well, this morning, Jonathan described Pentecost as the turning point of the church...hmm...interesting spin on it, I must say. I've always described it as the beginning--the establishment.
To think of it as the turning point in the church, reminds me of the word "sanctification"...as in, a Christian's rite of passage into the pursuit of holiness. So....then, I've experienced the Spirit of God moving in and through me....but I don't know that I've made it to Pentecost.
Hmm...just something to ponder--when's your pentecost? (If you've already made it, I'd love to hear the story!)
Bless ya'll!

stuphphs

2005-06-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

Tunic Tuesday was a...um...interesting one. 9 people internationally wore their unis. They are as follows: ahem... Jamie, Ken, Connie, Esther, Xander, Aaron, Brian, and 2 unmentioned soldiers. Let's try harder for next week, k?

My brain--it's kinda tired.

If you'll notice, I have a new blog on my links list. Mr. Aaron Abram of Cumberland, MD is now blogging. You should all check it out. If for no other reason than the fact that I am currently the only one leaving him comments. He's got good stories about kids. Also--pay attention to the first entry--Salvation Army Soldier's Creed...it's pretty durn good!

My brain--it's kinda tired.

I'm going to Teen Camp at Camp Sunrise next week. Jon and I leave Sunday at 11. Should be a fun time had by all.

I have, like, 40 days or something before I head back to Vancouver.

Maple Ridge is a pretty town...it's also pretty rainy, though.

Thank you to Nicole and Xander (and others!) for the compliments! Makes me feel goods! ;-)

It is flippin' hot in this room. grr. just half an hour ago, I was cold!

I want gelatto.

I'm hosting cell/squad at my place on Friday. Gotta get chips, dips (other than my cellmates! hahahaha!), and cokes/pops/sodas. I'm excited.

I am now the proud owner of a SA slide bracelet...it's gorgeous! THANK YOU!

My brain--it's kinda tired.

I love you a'll/ya'll!!!

Be blessed beyond your wildest dreams....

Tunic Tuesday...who remembered?

2005-06-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

I DID!
Don't forget, ya'll...send me some numbers of how many unis you see today!

Love ya'll!

Happy Tunic Tuesday!

My lesson o'the day

2005-06-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

In the natural world, we are taught to think that skyscraping stature is the crowning prize of life. But, then Christ comes along and throws a kink in our thinking. He corrects our assumptions of superiority by leading us step by step, all the way back to the bottom of the ladder of success. He invites us to join him in servant lifestyle and reminds us to study the young. Maybe when he said that "the greatest among you should be like the youngest," he was thinking of young David or Joseph. In the beginning, both David and Joseph were runts of the bunch. Both were given menial tasks and lorded over by by their brothers. Yet both willingly submitted to God's secret of servanthood, and then, after graduating from the boot camp of humility, both rose to unprecedented greatness.

Our culture is consumed with position and advancement, but to those with his family name, Jesus says, "You are not to be like that."

As we speed off to leave our mark on the world, Christ calmly steps on the the track and waves a yellow caution flag. He tells us again that it is not the one racing his engine in the lead pole position who wins his praise. More likely, it is the one willing to serve hot dogs in the stands who pleases him most.

A dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them...But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest."....Luke 22:24-26

Steps to ridding oneself from unnecessary stress

2005-06-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

STEP ONE: Sleep/Pray for around 2 hours. This is a very interesting technique where you fall asleep praying, and sometimes crying, but even after you are asleep---the prayers and tears continue to flow in abundance. Very practical technique.

STEP TWO: Wake up! Work the graveyard shift at a Salvation Army shelter with a man that doesn't talk much. Activities include: doing your laundry, cleaning the floor from a leaky washer 4 times, cleaning the parking lot--including sweeping in the rain--organizing medicine for clients, watching "School of Rock", prepping breakfast, serving breakfast, getting yelled at because there is no milk, cleaning, sitting bored for the last half hour of the shift. Again, a very practical technique.

STEP THREE: Go back to sleep. Call your mom first, though...it helps. Once you lie back down and ask Yahweh to give you rest and peace of mind, drift into His answer of "okay." Sleep for 3 1/2 hours, or until refreshed, or you need to use the washroom...whichever comes first.

STEP FOUR: Wake up and check e-mail. Read encouraging words from your friend Steve. Read encouraging words from your mom. Breathe-since you hadn't really been doing that since the initial stress point.

STEP FIVE: Tell your friends.

"School's out for summer!"

2005-06-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Okay-I love reading blogs about summer parties (great job, Nicole and Aaron!!), so, I'm contributing my 2 cents! woohoo!
Cent numero uno-- Yesterday, was Hosea Wardrope's 2nd birthday. (Hosea is Ed and Kathie's grandson, and Barb's grandson---yes, everyone here is related!) We went out to Mike and Sheena's place for the party-which is in a barn! yeah! It's been re-done into a house--it's gorgeous! I loved it...and they had a huge backyard, so we hung out there pretty much all day. Derek spent a nice slice of time throwing or swinging the children around and it was so much fun to hear them screaming! Sooo cute! I made friends with this guy Shawn--he's really cute. I mean, really...he's Sarah's son. He's 2, I think...that sounds right. I mean, such a cute kid! And he has fun partyin' with me! woohoo for that!
When the party was over, we went home with Kathie, Sarah and Ann (Kathie's mom) and chilled there for a while. Pizza and a great movie--"Sweet Home Alabama". It was a good night. Ed and I seem to have the same taste in movies, so I might be over there more often! He's got all these great chick flick, like, the GREAT ones! Except Dirty Dancing...so sad. The man doesn't own "Dirty Dancing". I'll have to buy that for him!! (or not...I'm poor!)
Cent numero dos-- Today was Evan Chiu's Party...it was great. We went to Maple Ridge Park and partied there. He turned 5 today...great time! I hung out with Shawn again--great kid!

I think that's all...summer parties are great! woohoo! We should definetly have another very very soon! ;-)

Gelatto makes me happy

2005-06-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

The other day, I asked my friend on a date. Yes, Steve, a date. I got turned down. However, they said that I could still bring them some of the Gelatto I'd invited them to enjoy with me! SCAM!!!! So--while I tried to get a date, I was thoroughly unsuccessful. So sad, eh?

The person I asked to go out with me is my friend Natasha. She's a volunteer here at The Caring Place. She has down syndrome and is quite possibly the most beautiful woman I know. Eventhough she couldn't go on a date with me. (She'd have trouble walking that far) The first day I met her, Jonathan tried to introduce me and she ran away--she told Jon that she didn't like me, she was scared. The two of them then had a great conversation about the first time they met...she was scared of him then, too. And as she said that, she gave him a HUGE hug and said, "It's okay. I like you now. But I don't think I'll like her."

Over the past few weeks, Natasha has warmed up to me. She'll come check on me every once in a while, just to see if I'm okay, or she'll sing Shania Twain songs to me while the CD is on...though my favorite moment, up til today, was when she brought her "Wee Sing Song Book" and tape to work, and we listend to the whole thing...and sang along! It was great-I haven't done that since I was about 6! Then she played the music at lunch--not everyone liked it as much as I did...said it made them "feel too happy"!

So, the other day, I asked her if she'd like to come for ice cream--scuse me, gelatto--on Friday after work. She said she'd like to, but couldn't walk all that way (it's about 3 1/2 blocks or so), but if I wanted to, I could bring her a single scoop mocha on a cone. So, today that's exactly what I did. But, when I got to Marina's, they didn't have mocha! (oh no!) But the girl was really sweet and mixed coffe and chocolate for me. Now-I had to walk back to the Caring Place in the heat and try not to lose all of her treat!

I finally made it back-with gelatto all over my hands, and dripping onto my feet. I have NEVER seen anyone so happy! To top it off, she gave me a hug (!-my first Natasha hug!) and said, "Jamie, I like you. You're the best."

So on that note--Gelatto makes me happy.

Bike Riding

2005-06-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Yes...I did it!
Esther bought a bike this morning for twenty bucks, and I rode it! I'm not so scared anymore! Unless I have to turn...that's still kinda freaky, but I heard that if I go faster, then it's easy. So-next trick--GO FASTER!
Some of you may be asking, "Why the heck is it such a big deal that Jamie's riding a bike???!?!!!?" Well, I'll tell you...
When I was 11 years old, I was riding at my grandma's house (Retta), and I ran into a tree. Yes, a tree. I hit some bumps in the road--where tree roots come up under the concrete and make it all bumpy and stuff--and freaked out, next thing I know, I'm kissin' a tree. Yay! I'm now twenty years old, and haven't gotten on one in 9 years! Until this morning! Woohoo!
I'm thinking of buying my own now, then selling it when I leave. Could be interesting...I'll try to get some pics up here showin' ya'll my mad-crazy bike-ridin' skillz! (woot woot!)
The plus to this is--I can ride to my appointments with the pastors, ride it to the library, ride it to my coffee shop, ride it on my prayer walk ('scuse me, prayer ride!), ride it to Jon and Carla's, ride it to Vancouver...okay, maybe not. But, seriously though, how hott would I look riding a bike (which is like a flippin' status symbol in this town!) in my uni--pants of course--all over Maple Ridge! Sweet action, eh?
Well, I'd either look hott, or like a Jehovah's Witness...hmm...we might have to refine the look a bit.
If I get one, I'm gonna spraypaint it black, then get some other paint-stuffs and paint mad-crazy Salvo stuff all over it...I'll need a name for the bike--any thoughts?

I'm SO excited!! Love ya'll!

stuff

2005-06-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

A scene Jesus showed me today to teach me to rest in Him:
"Hi, my name's Martha, and I'm a work-a-holic." (faint echoes in the back of my mind, "Hiiiiii, Marthaaaaaa.")
Hmm...Maybe I should work on that--anybody know some steps???

"Lord, You came to set the captives free..." -"I'll Fight"
That line keeps coming back to me in my prayers. So there you go--I'm praying for freedom.

I have a plant. It's name is "Faith". It doesn't live in a nice garden, but in a small styrofoam cup in the window of a Salvation Army Shelter. It is growing rapidly......

"Jamie, you're a pioneer! Now, go look the word up!" -God, to me in the middle of a "pity-party"

pioneer: (n) one who prepares the way for an army.

"They will be called oaks of righteousness. A planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." -Isaiah 61:3 (well, part of it!)

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." -Matthew 5:6

LYRICS:
"For the Sake of the Call" -Steven Curtis Chapman
Nobody stood and applauded them*So they knew from the start*This road would not lead to fame*All they really knew for sure was Jesus had called to them*He said, "Come follow me" and they came*With reckless abandon they came*Empty nets lying there at the water's edge*Told a story that few could believe and none could explain*How some crazy fishermen agreed to go where Jesus led*With no thought for what they would gain*For Jesus had called them by name AND THEY ANSWERED,
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call*No other reason at all but the sake of the call*Wholly devoted to live and to die*For the sake of the call
Drawn like the rivers are drawn to the sea*No turning back for the water cannot help but flow*Once we hear the Savior's call we'll follow wherever He leads*Because of the love He has shown*And because He has called us to go WE WILL ANSWER,
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call*No other reason at all but the sake of the call*Wholly devoted to live and to die*Not for the sake of a creed or a cause*Not for a dream of a promise*Simply because it is Jesus who calls*AND IF WE BELIEVE, WE'LL OBEY

Last note: I have a friend. She has very long hair and lives in the Empress Hotel in Vancouver, BC. (But she is originally from Texas) She is an amazing woman of God and I love her lots and lots. If any of you see her, please tell her that her accountability partner, Jamie, loves her and misses her very much. Please and thank you.

Just for the record

2005-06-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

I'm 96% Wesleyan/Evangelical. Followed by 86% neo orthodox and 79% charismatic/pentecostal...
I agree with Steve--where's the line for Primitive Salvo? Somebody should make a quiz for us!

(oh, this is the test at www.quizfarm.com "what is your theological worldview?")

Extra Note On Tunic Tuesday

2005-06-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll, if you could, e-mail me (or leave a comment here) of the numbers of Salvos in your town that are getting uni'd up. First time 'round, let's shoot for 1,000 uni'd soldiers!!! (If that's too low, just let me know!)
Also--Salvo bloggers--put shout outs on your blogs. If I sent you the e-mail, FORWARD IT! Let's get as many as possible in on this...then, when we do it again on another Tuesday, we can go for bigger numbers, k?
This is gonna be great!
**I wasn't kidding...alert the media! bahaha! ;-)
Bless ya'll!

Tunic Tuesday

2005-06-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

What: International Tunic Tuesday (!)

When: Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Who: All uniformed soldiers of the International Salvation Army (that we can get a hold of!)

Where: Your mission field...wherever that may be

Why: I think it sounds fun, and after participating in other Tunic Tuesdays on Tuesdays past, I see that it makes a LOUD statement to the people around you! It's great!

"I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and turban."-Job 29:14
O, Lord, may it be true!!!

*Feel free to alert the media---an Army is rising!

Anniversary Bash

2005-06-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

Last night was 614's 3rd anniversary. Mad crazy party in Vancouver....I got to see lotsa folks. JoNo, Jaime and Nicole in particular--I wasn't expectin' those cats! But it was great. I miss those guys. And I got to see Rob (don't tell anyone, but I miss him! shhhh!), that was nice. It's funny, cause he told me all year long that I'm like him, but I didn't buy it...now Jonathan talks about it sometimes...whateva...But I am like him. (again, don't tell! ;-) )
No, but seriously, last night, when I saw everybody there, I couldn't help but think about how great it is that God's let me be a part of this...props to Steve and Danielle for being so obedient in hookin' this up! It's going to be weird leaving 614 in August...like, crazy-weird. I'll get used to it, eventually, but it will be odd....maybe I'll start my own 614 somewhere! Nah...cause I'll mostly miss the people here...oh well, I'll live.

Great Write-Up from Commissoner Wesley Harris on The War College

2005-06-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

"Although an 'oldie', I was happy to spend three weeks with young people attending the Army's new War College in Vancouer, Canada--a college for Salvationists that 'trains warriors to win the world for Jesus'.
In addition to giving a series of lectures, I enjoyed sharing in so-called 'stret warfare' with young enthusiasts from various countries who, on scholarships or largely at their own expense, were spending a year in study, service and evangelism in one of the toughest districts in North America.
In what was euphemistically described as a 'hotel' they were sleeping two or three to rooms which in many cases they had decorated in order to make them a little more liveable. Other residents in the dilapidated building included people from the jagged edges of society such as drug addicts and alcoholics.
As I shared lunch with Captain Stephen Court, the officer responsible, he told me he had just come off night duty in a room at the 'hotel' designated as the War Room, where prayer was maintained night and day. I noted insect bites on his arms and thought they might be described as the marks of the Lord Jesus. Like the students, the captain--with his wife and small son-lives in the district and know many of the local characters by name.
Radical Salvationsim was evident as students marched in twos along the sidewalks with their flag, music and uniforms making their message visible and audible. I was moved to see a fresh-faced woman student in her uniform kneeling in an open-air meeting beside a dirty and inebriated man as he sought the Lord.
Around the swings in a park students organized games and shared the stories of Jesus with children whose parents were probably glad that their offspring were being watched over by people who would protect them fromany lurking predators.
Some of the student, a number already qualified teachers, were ready to sit in cafes and talk with people anxious to develop English as their second language. Not surprisingly the conversation usually turned to the gospel of Jesus. People were invited to hoin one of about fifteen cell groups, and reports since my visit tell of a stream of people who have sought the Lord.
Most of the young people attending the college come from comfortable middle-class homes but in Christian writer Henri Nouwen's phrase they are ready to become downwardly mobile and 'do it very tough' indeed, for Jesus' sake. The War College experience is not for the faint hearted and obviously evokes a response in the hearts of many fine young Salvationists as well as Christians from other churches. It is good to hear of similar expressions of work which have begun in Toronto and Melbourne, with other cities in prospect.
Is this a sign that, rather than being cosseted, young Salvationists will respond to the challenge of primitive Salvationism and the call of Christ to seek and save the least and the lowest?
Certainly my time with the students encouraged me to no end and led me to feel that in some ways at least we have to go back if we are to go forward in this Army."

Names

2005-06-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

In Discipleship this morning with Jon and Carla, one thing we discussed was our names and their connection to our destinies...I said I didn't know what my name meant...so, out comes the book o'names that every parent has owned at one point or another. Yay.
Jamie: "feminine form of James"
James: "derivative of Jacob"
Jacob: THE GUY WHO WRESTLED WITH GOD THEN GOT HIS HIP JACKED UP!

DeAnn (my middle name for those who don't know): "feminine form of Dean"
Dean: "IN THE VALLEY!"

What's the deal?!?!!? So, my destiny is to wrestle with Yahweh in the valley until He breaks my hip! Goodness gracious!
Needless to say, I've been in a bit of a funk over that...I mean seriously...Carla is "strong and womanly". Jedidiah Samuel is "loved and heard by God"! Esther is a flippin' star! What the heck!!?!?!?! That's just wrong!
So, I start praying, I'm like, "Okay, Yahweh...You know more about this whole naming thing than I do. Help me out!" And He sweetly responded...
"You hear me the best when you're in the valley--you're totally humble and depending on me for EVERY THING! The river of my grace runs through the valley and washes over you."
"That's nice. But I've still got a broken hip!"
"You're right, you do. You also have parental guidance over the nations."
"Oh..."

So...I got punked by YHWH.

I'm helpin' Carla

2005-06-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. Carla's working on her last paper for her "Intro to Officership" course. (woohoo!) This morning, she asked our thoughts on something, and I told her I'd throw the question up here for more feedback...

What do you think is the single most valuable quality for a 21st century officer to possess?

LOADS of feedback would be nice...let's help her out! (I sound like Captain America!)

Thanks ya'll...I'll post somethin' else later!

FIRE!

2005-06-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

"Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning--it must not go out. The priest shall put on fresh wood each morning, and lay the daily burnt offering on it, and burn the fat of the daily peace offering. The fire must be kept burning upon the altar continually. It must never go out." -Leviticus 6:12 and 13

Hmm...this morning during my rations, I was praying and I clearly heard satan saying to me, "Jamie...you don't need to go pray with Esther this morning. Yeah, you all had a great time in church yesterday--which happens almost every Sunday, but I have you guys (The Caring Place) the rest of the week!" OUCH! It hurts to hear that! Prior to this, I heard God telling me to "stoke the fire". (So I thought of Pop getting on to Bessie all the time, "Lori! Quit pokin' the fire!" bahaha) So I prayed into that, and when Esther and I prayed this morning, I told her about all of this, and God showed me the scripture above...that we are the priests who must daily lay our offerings on the altar for Him to consume with His Holy Fire! Then....the fire must never go out...we must keep "pokin' it" so that it can stay big and bright. (see www.suburbanoutpost.blogspot.com on Sunday, June 5-"At the altar everyday")
I also prayed for us to not be like children in a custody battle--being with Yahweh on the weekends, with Satan being our father the rest of the time. I prayed that we would recognize Him as Abba in all situations, not just the "good" ones.
So, then, how do we "poke" this fire? Well...we constantly lay down our lives and EVERYTHING contained in them for God to take and consume and mold to His will...not our own!

"To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire!
O see us on thy altar lay
Our lives, our all this very day
To crown the offering, now we pray,
Send the fire!"
-William Booth, SASB #203

So...go poke your fire! ;-)

Stuphphs

2005-06-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

Another random list that's in my head...again, no stress--just a lotta stuphphs. Enjoy!

"I'm on my way to You..." -MercyMe song in the background

My family is completely insane...not that it's a bad thing, I just think that very little of what goes on in our family has EVER or WILL EVER happen, though I could be wrong. If ya'll have crazy stories, you're more than welcome to send 'em to me...best one gets published! I'll publish it anonymously if ya want me to!

My friend Steve's joy...it's beautiful, I've never seen him so happy, and it's been going on for about a week and a half now. Nice, eh?

I've been told I need to begin transitioning my spelling from Caribbean/Canadian back to American. As in, drop the unnecessary "u" in some words. I tried that today a bit...everything looks like it's spelled incorrectly!

I maintain my position on the spelling of ya'll.

It's finally sunny in Maple Ridge! hallelujah! Jesus, let it stay this way!

I'm a-goin' swimmin' on Sundee. yay!

My el telophono--it does not ring so much...those of you who know my el numero should call me! ;-)

My comment box--it does not get used so much...those of you who know how to type should leave me a comment!

My e-mail inbox--it does not get full so much...there are a few of you who e-mail me fairly faithfully, for the rest of you...c'mon. Work with me, people! (jamiedeann@gmail.com)

I walked dogs yesterday. Those guys are crazy.

I have squad/cell tonight. Gord and Marie are coming with me...they's great folks.

Gelato ice cream was created in heaven, I think.

It's just now starting to register in this brain o' mine that I am driving across the flippin' continent in August...am I insane? Yes... (see the comment about my family above!)

"Do ya love me? Do ya wanna be my friend? And if ya do...Well then don't be afraid to take me by the hand, if ya want to. I think this is how love goes, check yes or no..." -Great country song from back in the day, just a random thing to throw in here!

My friend Natasha was in the news paper today...she looks so pretty!!!!!!! When she saw it she goes, "OOH. I'm good!" It was priceless!

I gotta go eat...hope it's good! I love ya'll! hollaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Where is my mission?

2005-06-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

That is the question on my mind almost all the time... "God, where do you want me? Where do I need to go? What do I need to do?" Last night, I realized, it's not about me. Yeah...the self-centred attitude is breaking...after 20 years, I'm finally learning to look at others first.
I'm reading Speechless by Steven Curtis Chapman, and I am getting SO convicted! One story talks about his run-ins with other students in High School...the Christian students. They knew the Bible and were quick to defend it, but had no love. Ooh...
So, sitting in a very public coffee shop in Maple Ridge yesterday, I sat the book down and prayed, "God, I say all the time that I want to feel Your heart, but why? So it will make me feel good? Yeah! That's why I ask You for it! Well, I'm sorry! Please forgive me! I want to feel Your heart so that I can use that to spread Your love-not mine. My love fails and faulters, Your love, God, is perfect. It is never-ending and will NEVER FAIL! Abba, I want to love like You do. No...I want to love with Your love. Don't make mine like Your's, but transform my love into Your's!"
Man, I'm tired of playing church...I'm tired of playing Christian! It's now or never for me to die and allow Jesus' life to reign in me and be my resurrection!

So there ya go...the mission of a dead chick...no, rephrase that...the mission of a Living God within the body of a dead chick........

Funny things from Maple Ridge

2005-06-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

Me walking 2 little yappy dogs around town three days a week.

The line up of old people out front of the Chinese Buffet on senior day. (there were probably 25 or 30 of them!)

My friend Glen's bikes...all of them...

My friend Glen's bike parts...all of them...

The baseball caps with weave braids hot-glued to the back.

The similarities to Little Rock...or maybe just to Arkansas in general...

"You're from Arkansas? You don't have an accent!" -every single person I meet...seriously!

The amount of time it takes for mail to be delivered. (although, that's more frustrating than it is funny)

The amount of used book stores and thrift shops.

"Rest is important for a warrior!" -Esther and I say that almost every day!!! bahaha.

6:30am wakeup calls for breakfast.

Adam (a tennant) walking into our room at midnight one night (we accidentally left the door unlocked) and getting in the fridge for margarine....

Corinne and I evidently don't pray in English! (tongues...but it's funny!)

My friend Simone at Vern's apartment...she's like 80 and calls herself the building watchdog. She sits in the lobby all day everyday with her little walker protecting the place. She's great!

My friend Gord (a tennant)...his laugh is great, too bad we don't get to hear it very often...pray for more joy!

My friend Trevor (another tennant) doing country accents when he tells about being in a rock band and "gettin' dropped of in Macon, Georgia. An' we was watchin' sum 'Merican Footbawl drinkin' some Coors Light...but I don't do that no more." (He's from Canada, but he makes fun of country accents when he's telling me about it. It's hillarious!

My friend Rob playing the drums every night without fail at 9pm. The best part--he has headphones on and is playing with a CD. He's actually pretty good!!!

Bernadette always mopping me into a little square either in the offices or upstairs, so she's trapped me in until the floor dries. "I'm gonna get you, girlie! Don't go trackin' my floor!" But then we get to hang out and talk...it's good.

My friend Natasha's Wee Sing Songs and SongBook. They're great. The guys at lunch say, "Oh, I'm getting too happy!" It's great!!

I think that's all that's funny right now...I can't think of much more. Have fun.

Holy Spirit

2005-06-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

I like Him. He's great. He totally empowers me in everything I do.

"He is here, hallelujah
He is here, amen
He is here, you can touch Him
I will bless His Name again"

He is transforming, molding and mobilizing His body to action.

"Let Your glory fall in this room
Let it go forth from here to the nations
Let Your fragrance rest in this place
As we gather to seek Your face"

He is stirring the hearts of men and women...He is falling on us.

Joel 2 is here.

UGH!

2005-05-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

This morning has been hard. My friend Steve got some bad drugs over the weekend, and now he's reeling from it. I'm sorry, Satan, who said you could touch Steve?
Hell's Angels are causing a lot of trouble in the area right now. I'm sorry, Satan, who said you could have Maple Ridge? Or even the men and women that are a part of HA's?
My friend Marc is on the verge of giving his life to Christ, but people keep distracting him right at the critical moments. I'm sorry, Satan, who said you could be in this conversation of covenant with the Maker and His made?
...I must have missed these memos...

I also missed the one that said that Wes would be relapsing because he couldn't get into treatment at the right time.
And the one that said that Nora is a tough cookie, and it will be hard talking to her cause she is totally brainwashed into thinking that she can be a druggie and be Godly at the same time.

I am completely furious with the enemy right now. What makes him think that he has a place among God's anointed?!?!?!?!

...I'm off to continue petitioning, I guess...petitioning the heavens, that is...

Now that I've broken the keyboard at the library from pounding so hard...(not really)

Freedom Reigns in This Place

2005-05-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Word o' the day: BREAKTHROUGH!

Praise God for His faithful deliverance when His people persist in prayer. God gave me a word the other day--He said to "petition the heavens." I've taken that as a part of my office (intercession). I firmly believe that this morning in church, He delivered. The Spirit of Yahweh fell on the congregation of Mountain View Community Church...Hallelujah!
Esther spoke on Joel 2--especially the old men will dream dreams. Then, she prayed for the over 50's to receive the dreams that God had for them...one lady stood and shared a dream she had last night of hearing a voice saying to her "I will spit you out of my mouth because you are lukewarm." There were other components to the dream, but she admitted that she no longer wanted to be lukewarm. Praise God! During worship, Capt. Ed and some of the other elders of the church were face down at the mercy seat...I don't know what was going on, other than an impartation of freedom as a gift from the Holy Spirit for a submissive spirit. It was beautiful.
This congregation is going to start really going places...Praise the Lord that He is allowing me to be a part of that!
I'm speaking next week--1 Peter 2:9-10. Pray for me, y'all/ya'll. Blessings!

Just a few of the million and a half things in my head right now

2005-05-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

Funny story--let me say before I start typing this--I'm not stressed in the least...ok. here we go.

I'm now going to start spiritually mapping Pitt Meadows as well. It's the "sister city" to Maple Ridge.
Esther and I are teaching Salvationism 101 for the soldiership class.
I'm planning an ecumenical prayer gathering for Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows on Canada Day...should be good.
It's stupid, stupid hot. (for you, Travis!)
I'm preaching next Sunday. (June 5)
I have to leave for squad/cell in 18 minutes.
Evidently I'm an encourager...hmm.
And an intercessor...
And a lover of God...
And a child of God...
God's given us loads of favour in Maple Ridge.
Apparently, I don't spell ya'll correctly...one slightly trusted source says that it's y'all...your thoughts?
I got myself invited to the monthly ministerial meetings. woohoo!
There are obese ants that live in this town--they're huge and disgusting.
Canadian KFC simply is not as delicious as American KFC.
If I were Canadian, I'd have to pay $250 for a library card...just the card! But, I'm only a visitor, so it was free.

I think that's all. Hollaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Our first Sunday

2005-05-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

This will be long...get ready...Jaime Riefer-I know you hate long posts, but read it anyway! ;-)

My Sunday morning started out pretty regular-rations, getting uni'd up, breakfast, etc. The service was even pretty regular. I met a lady named Marie who is starving for community. She's going to start hanging out with us on Tuesday nights at the knitting thing-a-ma-bob. I'm also trying to get her to come to cell on Friday. She's such a sweetheart. Pray for her.
Lunch was lunch--tuna sandwich and soup. Nothing spectacular.
Yesterday afternoon, though, things picked up. Esther and I caught the bus back to Vancouver for a surprise visit. We were welcomed warmly, as if we'd not seen each other in years. (it's been 6 days) We were so blessed to hang out with our friends for a while. We went to Steve's house for a bit--great blessing. I don't think I can put my finger on exactly what it was about being at his house, but I know that it was nice. We're not hard-pressed here in Maple Ridge, but there was something divine about going back just for a few hours...I'll let ya'll know when I figure that out.
We got on the bus back out here around 9:30...due in Maple Ridge around 11:30. At one point on the SkyTrain, I was hearing a couple talk about getting drunk and what their favourite drinks were...I said nothing, rather I sat there reading Comm. Shaw Clifton's book on Holiness, New Love. But God began convicting me later-when they had already gotten off-of not saying anything. Wherever Jesus went, His presence was noted. It was a known thing that the Spirit of God was there. According to Paul, that same spirit is within us. So, why was I not letting that be known? Why was I just sitting there and watching them, halfway frustrated because they were loud and disrupting my reading time?
I told Esther about this and she identified with me. Later, while we were waiting on another bus, we began talking to a guy named Danny (who at first told us he was from Burnaby) about what we do...who we work with. When we said we work with people recovering from addiction, he fessed up that he actually lives at another recovery house in Maple Ridge...just down the road! So--that was nice. In the middle of this convo., a young girl (17) named Ashley leaned over and asked for a cigarette. She then began telling us of her past addictions, and her desire to get rid of her current tobacco addiction...THEN! She let us pray for her! Yeah! She seemed to receive it. The four of us then got into conversation about faith and spirituality. They're both seeking--Danny seems closer to salvation than Ashley. But right as we were getting to a really good part of the convo, one of Ashley's friends showed up, and the enemy snatched that away. So sad.
We continued talking to Danny though, and when we got off of the bus together, I gave him one of the 614 cards Jon's given us (thank you!) with my name on it (I couldn't remember the number at The Caring Place!). I think he's going to join us for dinner some night here...and cell, also! That boy's gonna get saved! I can feel it!

So--we finally get home and we have a message from Corinne, "Call as soon as you get home." So- I called her. She wanted us to go pray through her house. So-we did! Long story short, she had some stuff lingering there, and wanted 2 other warriors with her to fight them off. Demons were kicked out, new boundary lines of the Kingdom were established. It was good. We got home around 2. I was reminded of Jesus' words, "Do not rejoice because the demons submit to you, but rather, rejoice because your names are written in heaven." -Luke 10:20

That's our first Sunday in Maple Ridge...It was long, but fruitful...I pray that it's telling of the rest of our time here.

Resolutions at Twenty

2005-05-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

In regards to a comment I received about this the other day...I didn't mean to say that I'd figure out my resolutions for you guys...I meant it as I'll figure them out, then put them up on here for ya'll to see. Sorry for the mix-up! ;-)

So...I think that I'm figuring a lot of them out, but they'll come in segments, as each one will need to be broken down.

Resolution number 1) To actively live the role of an intercessor in every situation in my life...That is my office-I am an intercessor. I can't hide from that, or desire other gifts because they're more flashy or exciting. I am an intercessor. Granted-that is not what defines me...I am a child of the Living God whom He has called to lift up the burdens of others to His throne. He has given me a broken heart, tears, laughter, pain, and joy in my prayers for others.
My friend Josh wrote a song a while back and it really stirred me then, but I find myself singing it or humming it a lot lately, it is...
"I wanna love like You love, I wanna feel what You feel. I don't wanna sing empty words, I pray that they'd be real in my heart, in my heart..."
That's just a bit of it, but it's what is resounding in my spirit lately. Praise God for Josh's anointing, and then for his faith to live it out.

My prayer for all of you as you read this particular entry is that you would seek to know your callings, rather than the callings and anointings of those around you. That you would rise up in your Christ-created, Christ-ordained, and Christ-exalting identities. Know that His calling on your life is irrevocable and they're more rewarding than anything else. To take a line from my friend Rachael, "How do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans."

"Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit's wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere. Pray for me, too, and ask God to give me the right words as I boldly tell others about the Lord and as I explain to them that his salvation is for the Gentiles, too." -Paul to the church at Ephesus in Eph. 6:18-19

Live from Maple Ridge

2005-05-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I love it here. The Lord has opened doors for me to spend a large portion of my time prayer walking or spiritually mapping this place. WOOHOO! Praise God!
Esther and I are getting along great....she's really anointed as an evangelist, and I seem to be pretty anointed as an intercessor, so we're working really well together. Praise the Lord!
Jon and Carla are amazing. They are such a blessing to be around. And Jedi is soo precious. He smiles at me a lot. SO CUTE! Praise the Lord for the Evans family.
Hmm...I know I have more to say, but I can't put my finger on any of it right now. It's a whirlwind of God's provision around me right now, and I'm not complaining. It's beautiful to see how much my Father is doing to take care of us, and give us good gifts. Praise God!

(random thought...I end everything with Praise God...can you tell I've been reading the Psalms?)

I love you all. I promise I'll update when I know what's in my head. Hollaaaaaaaaa.

I'M 20!

2005-05-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. I had a great birthday yesterday. Thanks to all of ya'll that called or whatever...made my day amazing!
Last night, we all rented "Spanglish" to celebrate...then Jon got a chocolate ice cream cake-it was delicious! We just hung out at Jon and Carla's watching the movie...it was nice.
So yeah...some people have been asking, "What's it like? You're not a teenager anymore..." stuff like that. Honestly, all I can think of is the fact that Boothy made some pretty hard-core resolutions at 20. I tried to work on mine a while back if you remember...didn't go so well. Maybe I'll try again for ya'll.

I should run. I get to start my spiritual mapping research today. woohoo!

Bless ya'll!

I'm here!

2005-05-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. I made it to Maple Ridge. The travel was a hard hour-long car-ride with two amazing comrades. It was difficult, but I managed it! ;-)
Upon our arrival, Esther and I were shown our room at "The Caring Place". The Family Suite, baby! woohoo! It's laid out in such a way that we can each have our own room, plus a bathroom, dinette and kitchenette. But, being the genuises that we are, we turned one room into a small living room with a futon, and hooked up the computer (which has wireless....and what!). It's pretty plain, but it provides a place to chill and stuff on the computer without being in our bedrooms. Our room is nice. Two twin, standard shelter sized beds, 2 dressers and a nightstand. The bathroom is amazing...as in, you can move in it without hurting yourself, and YOU DON'T HAVE TO WEAR SANDALS IN THE SHOWER!!!!!!!!! Hallelujah...way. That's possibly my favourite part of the whole shindig. The kitchenette is nice...we're going to get some groceries later this week, and we have loads of dishes, so if any of ya'll wanna come party, come on!
I think we're going to paint it later. Maybe this weekend. Not sure, though. I brought loads of candles with me, so I'm going to hook that up tonight. Should be smelling not so shelter-y tomorrow!
All in all, it looks like a good deal. Esther and I are at the Evans' house right now, babysitting Jedi. He's soooo precious. And...he likes me! I love that kid...I've got a friend! woohoo!
OH! For all ya'll sports fans...I met a guy named Andre today. I don't remember his last name. He used to play football for Univ. of New Mexico, then played CFL. He's a really nice guy. Friends with Jon. I'm hoping to see him a lot. Jon's been trying for a while to get him into community, so I think I'll jump in that bandwagon, and get it rolling. He's really funny...really really nice guy.
I covet ya'll's prayers for us while we're here. The next couple of days are pretty relaxed as we're still getting settled into our surroundings...that's exciting...eventually, I'll be able to walk around town and not get lost! woohoo! That's exciting.
Okay. I love ya'll. Leave comments! Thanks millions!

OH, PS...I had french vanilla gelato today-it was amazing! I also had Chai tea...but no cookies. Oh well... ;-)

guys...your thoughts...

2005-05-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

ask Jesus what I'm supposed to do this fall...He'll tell you. Then leave comments. Thank you. Holla.

I ask for your forgiveness

2005-05-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

I need your forgiveness. I've sought the Lord for His forgiveness, and now I need your's. You see. I've held my tongue. For the past few weeks, I've had things in my heart to say, and I've held my tongue. I chose to deny the Word of the Lord and display His thoughts (as He reveals them to me) here. This conviction became unbearable when I read one of Steve's old blogs from September or October or something. He said, "Watch these as things go deeper." then he listed a few of our blog sites...starting with mine. Then I went to my old blogs(www.xanga.com/soulful_sallie if any of you are interested) and I read my old stuff. So...please forgive me. I'm no longer holding back the Word of God...

2 Corinthians 2:9 and 10 "However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him' --but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."
One phrase I've heard over and over in our prayers lately is to have "eyes to see". Well, Father, I want ears to hear as well. I want to have a heart that feels. I want to feel Your heartbeat at all times so that I can truly know how You feel about things. I don't want to view things through my damaged human eyes...No, Father, I want to see everything as You see it. I want to have Your perspective, and from there, know and feel Your love for the lost.

I heard a quote earlier today from Captain John Evans. He said his definition of the gospel is, "We are all bastards, but God loves us anyway." Now, as you pick your jaws up off of the floor because I said the word bastard, please, hear me out. Before we come to Christ, we are the bastard children of God. We have no real Father. And because of His abundant and undying love for us, we are then adopted into the family. And it's not one of those weird adoptions where you don't fully fit in with the family, but you are IN. You are accepted and loved and appreciated and used. Yes, used...for the Kingdom. He uses you to bring in other lost and father-less children, so that they too can be welcomed in. He places the lonely in families. He returns the hearts of the children to the fathers and the fathers to the children. He is the God of reconciliation. He is the voice calling out to the prodigals, "COME HOME!!! I am waiting for you with open arms!"

So, in the spirit, I send a cry out to the prodigals. The Father wants you. He is desperate for you! I speak to every lost child of God in the world right now and I say "COME HOME!" I choose to rise up in my spirit and in my covenant as a Christian and as a Salvationist and I claim that I will become a catalyst in the Lord's workings to establish unity amongst His children. That NO ONE will be left out. There WILL be salvation for the world. My heart is breaking for those that are currently dying and I have chosen to not let God convict me enough to do something about it. Father, GIVE ME YOUR HEART!!!

I haven't wept for those around me in quite a while...I want tears.I want a broken heart...that's what God has when He looks around at the death and destruction in the world. Give me tears! Give me a broken heart! Then give me a mobilized faith to do something about it!

God, call the prodigals out! Set them in families! I speak against the spirits of lonliness and seclusion in Jesus' Name and say, GET OUT! You have no place in God's family. I also chose to speak to other covenanted soldiers (Army or not), and I say, "RISE UP! Do not reject the call of the Lord on your life to bring water and life to those around you. Allow God to use you as an operative tool in the current Holy Spirit guided societal revolution!"

Now that I am fully jazzed...I need to get off this computer. My spirit is being stirred towards intercession, and I need to be on my knees, not a keyboard. Allow God to convict and bring Godly sorrow to your hearts. Blessings.

This is my last.........

2005-05-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Post! NOT! Kidding...

This past week has been a week of "lasts"...and it will continue this week. So far, I've had my last Kids For Christ, Knee Drill, Cell, Street CombaT, class with Aaron...this week, the rest will be added.

Today is my last date with Serene Peters, my disciple. We're going to McDonald's for supper and then to 7 Eleven for Slurpees, and maybe ice cream. We'll see about the latter. I've gotten so close to her. When I first started discipling her, she didn't know me for a long time. Like, when I saw her outside of our discipleship time, during Warrior Academy and what not, she had no clue who I was. But now, if she sees me, we have to be careful that she doesn't go running through traffic to come to me...same for me...I love her so much! She is absolutely beautiful. In Sunday School at Harbour Light this morning, all the kids gathered around the leaders that are leaving (I'm included in that) and prayed over us. Serene just kept looking at me with this big frown. Finally, she said, "Jamie, I don't want you to go for a long time." I could have died right there!

I think that this weekend, when we go to camp for "Fullness" we will all really have it set in that we won't see each other for 3 months. I'm going to miss these guys! Don't wanna talk about it...I'll save that for later.

I'll be 20 in 10 days. If your cards with money aren't already in the mail, you should get on that immediately...kidding! (sorta)

Rob and Heather Dolby...it's official. They got hitched yesterday in the alley behind crosswalk. Great time. I expect my wedding will be a lot like that...minus the alley...switch the sandwiches for barbecue. Yup...big white tent, like, 8 grills lined up on one side, Johnny Poff manning the whole ordeal...it'll be great. Party of the century. You should all come. I'll let ya know the details in a few years...once I know what they are! ;-) bahaha.

I'm gonna go now. I gotta call my g-ma...Mother's Day. I called my mom this morning. She's in San Diego for work right now. Poor baby has to spend her mother's day at the San Diego Zoo..so sad! whateva.

I love ya'll.

Just some thoughts...

2005-04-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

I leave for Maple Ridge in a couple of weeks. Tonight is my last night of Re:Cre8...next weekend it's closed for Rob and Heather's wedding, then the following week we're all at Fullness. So, no more re:cre8 for me...so sad!
I've been thinking a lot about Maple Ridge...I so wish I knew what Esther and I would be doing, but I have no clue...I guess ya'll will find out when I do! ;-) But other than that, I'm looking forward to it.
The Gillinghams are leaving in July. So sad. I'm gonna miss those guys. At Warrrior Academy on Thursday, Hannah AKA Banana came over and sat on my lap and just said, "Jamie, I wanna cuddle with you because I love you." She was soooo precious. I love those kids! And Ian and Elaine too...I've learned so much from those guys.
It's gonna be odd not having all of my session around me. I'm gonna miss them. I know that I'll be around Esther cause she's going with me, and Linsey, Rebekah, Josh and Fleur because they're staying here...but still, I'm a-gonna miss my family!
This is odd. I didn't mean for this to be a mushy blog...eh, whateva.
I'm cornrowing Aurora's and Travis' hair today. Odd--I've only given white people cornrows like, twice in my life. Should be okay though.
My neighbours are fighting again. They've been quiet for a few days, but they've been goin' at it since around midnight last night. They're supposedly moving out soon though...
I had breakfast with my friends this morning. I got to see Jason at Harbour Light...he's working, clean, and he and his brother Kale are putting the downpayment on an apartment to move into soon. I'm so proud of those guys! I hope they keep it up!
Nicole is sleeping.
It's raining today. I was supposed to go lay out on Jenn's roof with her, Aurora and Sue Ann, but it's raining. Oh well...I guess I'll just get a tan later.
I should go...Aurora needs braids.
Sorry this isn't very interesting...it's all I've got right now. I'll update again later. This is just an attempt to keep the updates fresh so Steve-o doesn't jerk my link off of his site! Holla.

I agape you all.

A Word

2005-04-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

I received this in an e-mail today. I think it's a strong word for all of us within the Body of Christ. My friend Aaron Abram sent it to me...sounds pretty genuis, and based on his track record with words from the Lord, I'd say this is pretty on target. Take it, I think it's good...it definetly stirred me...

The reason that homosexuals have been able to changethe laws in this land, so much so that some stateshave legalized gay civil unions is not because they goto gay meetings, but because they live the homosexuallifestyle. It’s time for Christians to stop playingchurch, to stop going to church but to be a church andlive the lifestyle of Jesus!

Let's get on it!!!

To the youth of USA-South, write...

2005-04-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” –Revelation 3:14-22.
Sweet little peachy rebuke there, eh? For years, I’ve read that thinking, “Man, those guys really suck!” It wasn’t until I felt the Lord telling me to speak it out at Youth Councils in the Arkansas-Oklahoma division that I realized that it’s for me too. Ooh. Since then, I’ve come to realize that this particular scripture is a big shout out to what’s going on in USA South right now. For those of you who don’t know, revival is breaking out. Yeah-It’s so beautiful-even if I’m just watching it from Vancouver. No longer do I have this disgusting, condemning attitude towards them/us. Now, I have this great appreciation for them because they’re responding to the Lord’s call. Lukewarm is not an option for our spirits-we desire the fire of the Holy Spirit! We have recognized our brokenness, nakedness, disgustingness, and our desperate need for Yahweh! Yes, I’m including myself in this.
I got to have a nice little IM chat with my friend Aaron Abram (Primitive Salvo-Cumberland, MD-writes often for different USA-South Army publications) the other day, and we began discussing this bit o’ scripture. I told him my views on this as a prophecy towards the Youth of the Salvation Army. This thought went a lot of places-including to the contortion of the verse talking about Jesus knocking at the doors of our hearts. How many people over the years have considered this to be a call out to those outside of the Church? But, no…this word is directly to the Church that has forsaken her first love, and Jesus is crying out that he wants her back. He wants His bride! I didn’t get to share this with Aaron, but I believe that the remainder/fulfillment of this prophecy comes later in Revelation 12:10-12, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. THEY OVERCAME HIM BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY; THEY DID NOT LOVE THEIR LIVES SO MUCH AS TO SHIRNK FROM DEATH. Therefore, rejoice you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! HE IS FILLED WITH FURY, BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT HIS TIME IS SHORT!”
LORD, LET IT BE! Ignite a fire within our spirits that would seek after You and only You, Yahweh! Praise you that the enemy’s time is short within our ranks! Father, make us stronger—be our strength, for we know that this battle is not our own. We confess that we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you!
So, here are my words—it’s not a rebuke, but more of a commissioning, per say, for all of us who consider ourselves a part of the youth in USA-South. It’s from the Salvation Army Songbook. Read it with maturity in your hearts, and remember Paul’s words to the church at Thessalonica, “Test everything.”

SASB #864-by Will J. Brand
Rise up, O youth! For mighty winds are stirring,
Men’s hearts grow faint through all the earth today;
Evil, with evil everywhere conferring,
Summons its legions forth in dread array.

Hear then our answer: Lord, lead us on
Fighting, nor resting until thy war is won.

Deep in our hearts another voice is calling,
Urgent, insistent sounds the voice divine;
Out in the darkness men are thickly falling;
Go with the cross, it is thy battle sign.

Forward, O youth! But first, in true submission,
Bring all thou hast and art to Christ, thy Lord;
Take from his hand his glorious commission,
Rise then, and in His Name unsheathe thy sword.

Arm then, O youth! The battle front increases,
Leaping the frontiers of a stricken world;
Strive till the foes of God are dashed to pieces,
Back with their armies into darkness hurled.

Maple Ridge

2005-04-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

As a lot of you know, I'm hanging out in Maple Ridge, British Columbia as my summer assignment with The War College. At first, I had a hard time accepting it, but through MUCH prayer, I've come to the conclusion that this, indeed, is where God wants me. So, now, I'm really looking forward to it. The past few days, I've been noticing a few things that I'll be looking forward to about that joint. Here's a few...

A clean shower...nothing compares to the good ol' Empress when it comes to disgusting showers.
Stepping out on a limb...see, I don't exactly have details about what we're gonna be doing there, but I have total faith that God's gonna take care of everything, and that I shouldn't worry!
Experience...I know God has so much in store for me this summer--loads of learning opportunites, and I can't wait!
Esther...I haven't gotten to work with her very much this year, so hangin' out with her all summer should be just fine and dandy--I can't wait to learn from her as well!
Jon and Carla (and Jedidiah!)...I hardly know them, but I'm so looking forward to hanging out with 'em.

I think that's all in my head for now. I have a huge headache, so there's not room for much else. But I'll update more when I can.

I love you all!

Prayer and Intercession

2005-04-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hey guys...
This won't be some super-duper educational entry. It won't be all spirit-inspiring like I like to think some of my entries are. It won't be interesting for a lot of people, but it's what I need. I'm going to post some of my prayer requests...please intercede properly for me. I need it!

*Humility
*Discernment--of spirits, so that I can become more sensitive to my spiritual surroundings.
*Discernment--of God's will. I'm so done with my fleshy "wants", and I'm trying desperately to be focused on His face, and seek only His will. It's hard sometimes, but God is working with me on it!
*Humility
*Wisdom
*Wisdom
*Humility
*Faith--to fully rely on the fact that God knows what is going on, even when I don't. That He will take care of me like a good Daddy. To put total reliance on Him rather than on man, and to really understand/live out Jeremiah 29:11.
*Humility
*Wisdom
*Humility
*My corps family at home. For more details check out www.xanga.com/bballmama. That's my mom's site, and she has loads of stuff about it there.
*Humility
*The other folks here at The War College-we all split in a few weeks, and it's hard. That burden is fleshing out differently in all of us. I don't like it in some people, but in others, it's coming out as having this HUGE desire to spend more time with people, so I like that!
*Humility
*Wisdom
*Humility
*Faith
*Humility
*Discernment
*Humility
*Faith
*Humility

I think that's pretty much it. If you could, comment on other places where you feel God wants me to grow in. And comment on your prayers/revelations/love for me that I might need/whatever. That would be much appreciated. Thanks millions!

Searching desperately for the One my heart loves-
Jamie

Salvation Meetings

2005-04-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

I miss Salvation Meetings! Seriously--but what's funny is, I don't recall going to very many when I was younger. I do remember inviting friends (though not many, because I was ashamed to say that I went to "the thrift store" and "the kettle place" for church) to come with me...the invitation sounded a lot like I was reading the Sunday morning bulletin to them. (ahem) "Do you wanna come to church with me on Sunday? We have Preliminaries at 9:45, Sunday School at 10:00 and Holiness Meeting at 11:00. Then, if you want, my Mom can take us to McDonald's for lunch. Then we can go play at my grandma's house, and go to the Salvation Meeting at 6:00. So, do you wanna go?" I threw in the 2 coolest places I knew to get them to come--McDonald's and my grandma's. See, at Pop and Retta's house (my grandparents), they have this green refrigerator (affectionately known as, "the green fridge", original, eh?) and it is constantly filled with Mt. Dew, Coke, a little Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper and juice. I was so desperate to get my friends to come with me, that I thought I had to sell church to them by adding in free McDonald's and cokes! Silly me.
So, yeah, no one would come, and I'd get a little disappointed, but I then changed my attitude--I started thinking that my church was just boring, and that no one wanted to be a part of it.
This morning in Cory Harrison's class, we were talking about the real history of the Salvation Army-it is SO not boring! It's vibraint and full of character and of the Holy Spirit! I want that to be true of the Army today! I want us full of power--the DUNAMIS kind! And we'll just have so much power that people will flock to us for prayer, healing, and even...SALVATION!!!!!!!!!! More people in the Kingdom! WOOHOO!!!
So on that note...I miss Salvation Meetings. We should start 'em up again.

A resolute opponent of Satan and a persistent seeker of souls

2005-04-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

That's an old line from Booth. My friend (and hopefully, my new boss in September!) Cory Harrison uses is often--okay, all the time! A lot of times, I just look over like, "Eh, I know he means it, it doesn't really cut me." But for some reason, when I read it today, I was sliced to bits. Yahweh just began asking me, "Are you really a resolute opponent of Satan? If so, why are you holding on to these things , thus allowing him to have a place of dominion in your life?" Wow...so this all fits in with the being holy. If I'm not constantly seeking Him and walking in His ways in total surrender, I'm allowing Satan to infiltrate the ranks. EEW! That is definetly not good for business! So yes, I want to be holy. I want to be a resolute opponent of Satan and a persistent seeker of souls.
Jesus, please make me a willing and obedient child to Your will. Father, I pray that this transformation would be completely eternal, and that I would never stop growing in Your power. Amen.

Searching desperately for the One my heart loves-
Jamie

To Be Like Jesus...

2005-04-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

To be like Jesus, this hope possesses me
In every thought and deed, this is my aim, my creed
To be like Jesus, this hope possesses me
His Spirit helping me, like Him I'll be

Hmm...do I really want to be like Jesus? I think I finally do. I've been wanting to blog on this for about 6 months now, but I haven't because I've not been released to--I haven't felt that groaning in my sprit to really want to be like Jesus. I've gone over in my head what it looks like to really be like Jesus...you know, the blameless life, the absolute holiness, not to mention the healing, raising from the dead, casting out demons, withstanding all temptation, and so many other things He did--just while He was on this earth. I know all that stuff, but I've just recently began to truly desire to be like Him. It was actually on Thursday, April 7, 2005 that I realized how much I wanted to be like Him. I realized that it wasn't enough to be for Him, I had to be like Him. And-news flash--we can be like Him! Hallelujah!
I've also defined to really have the hope of being like Him to possess me...When it's not only all that you think about, but you cry out to the Father and say, "I CAN'T DO IT! I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU!" When you can't escape the songs that have lines like, "I want to be like you, Jesus, to have this heart in me....You are the God of the humble, You are the Humble King." I mean, seriously...all I can sing the past few days is either "To be like Jesus" or "I want to be like You, Jesus."
I know that I am not enough-that I need His power sustaining me. That I can't/won't make it on my own. This is why I want to be like Jesus...not cause I'd get the title of "holy" or whatever, but because I'd be fully living up to God's will for my life. I encourage you all to do the same--His will is a lot better than your own, regardless of what you have planned.
So yah--there's my thoughts for the past few months/days/weeks/whatevers. I want to be like Jesus. No more, no less... that is my standard.
Seeking desperately for the One my heart loves--
Jamie

Dis-Unity

2005-04-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Welp--it happened... The Pope died. Yes, it's sad. However, what is breaking my heart even more is the fact that the Cardinals--the guys in charge of finding a new pope--are in complete dis-unity. Wake up, people! How many different ways does God have to show us that we need to get this unity thing together. Now, I know that there may be some people out there in the world who simply have no desire to learn about the Catholic world, therefore, have no idea what I'm speaking about. Let me put it into some Salvo terms for you... It would be like the High Council not having a clue who to make the next General. Get me? I mean seriously, we need to step up our game in the unity arena, cause right now, we're shootin' 0 for 10 from the free throw line! (non-sports fans, that's bad) We don't just need to pray for unity amongst ourselves, though, but we need to make some big steps-KNEES TO THE GROUND- and get to work on some Spirit-guided intercession for these guys. We're game when the title we're praying for is US President, let's do it again... Who's with me!??!

Random thoughts...

2005-04-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

A very dear friend of mine recently told me that his favourite book is The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. So, having this desire to become more educated on literature, and on my friend, I went searching. Ms. Aurora Atell owns the book, so, I jacked it from her, and I LOVE IT! I've only read a few letters so far, but I adore the way it so bluntly exposes the workings of the enemy for the lies that they are. I recommend it to EVERY warrior. (hmm, perhaps mandatory reading for Holy Terror? -War College 05-06)

In other news, I'm trying to work with Jesus on my "Resolutions at Almost Twenty". I don't seem to be doing so hot. I journalled my frustrations with this quite well yesterday morning, so I'm just going to post my journal entry...
I'm having a lot of rouble writing this because my first thought is, "I want to win the world for Jesus." (insert doofy smile) But that's so surface. I mean, seriously, what are the details of that? What does "winning the world for Jesus" really look like? I know it's more than soup trucks and street combat or great sermons and even more than 53 personal War Room shifts since Sept. 9, 2004. I know its more than coming to The War College or possibly going to Charlotte in September to further the Kingdom there. It's more than red epaulets or blue epaulets. It's more than desiring a mate with the same mission mindset that I have. It's more than re-producing God-fearing children who will grow up and do the same. It's so much more. I'm no longer satisfied with simply defining myself as "a covenanted soldier exercising holy passion to win the world for Jesus." Think about it-- "A covenanted soldier"...I've got that covered. "...exercising holy passion..." -- I exercise passion-when it involves me, and it's not always holy. It's rare to find me being passionate about something that the Lord hasn't laid on my heart. It's like, if God hasn't stirred it up in me, I'd rather not participate. That's a disgusting attitude to have. God is working on that in me. But even when I am passionate about something, how much of that passion is holy? It embarrasses me to think that way. "...to win the world for Jesus." Yeah... that's what started this insane train of thoughts in the first place.

I talked to Heather about all this earlier and she was suggesting that I get a couple of friends to tell me what things the Lord has put into me--Kingdom Things--that I can use to evaluate my resolutions, and essentially, my lifelong mission. She also suggested that I seek to be transparent--I think that writing my journal online for the world to see my struggle with the Lord is pretty transparent. (However, if any of you have any questions you want to ask me, just ask! I hereby vow that I will be completely transparent...ooh, scary! No walls! :-( )So- I'm asking for you guys' help. Please- look at the soil that is Jamie Smith and tell me what you see...what Kingdom seed (see Matthew 13) has YHWH sown into me that I can turn around and sow into others? Thanks millions. Any other comments regarding this struggle would be nice as well.

Thanks. I love you all.

Be A Hero

2005-03-29T20:19:00.000-08:00

My friend turned 21 today. Last night before I went to bed, I read William Booth's resolutions at twenty years old... makes me look like a slacker... here it is. (my thoughts in all caps)

I do promise--my God helping--
Firstly. That I will rise every morning sufficiently early to wash, dress, and have a few minutes, not less than five, in private prayer.
I'M DOING WELL THERE.
Secondly. That I will as much as possible avoid all that babbling and idle talking in which I have lately so sinfully indulged.
AW GEES... KINDA SUCKY THERE. JESUS AND I ARE WORKING ON THAT... I'M BETTER THAN I USED TO BE. BUT COULD STILL USE LOTSA WORK
Thirdly. That I will endeavour in my conduct and deportment before the world and my fellow servants especcially to conduct myself as a humble, meek, and zealous follower of the bleeding Lamb, and by serious conversation and warninmg endeavour to lead them to think of their immortal souls.
OOH.
Fourthly. That I will not read less than four chapters in God's word every day.
PRETTY MUCH GOT IT COVERED. SOME DAYS IT'S ONLY 3.
Fifthly. That I will strive to live closer to God, and to seek after holiness of heart, and leae providential events with God.
OOH. I'M WORKING ON IT. I SAY I WANT TO BE HOLY, AND I TELL YAHWEH THAT I WANT TO BE HOLY, BUT I DON'T THINK I LIVE THAT DESIRE OUT VERY WELL...
Sixthly. That I wll read this over every day or at least twice a week.
I'LL WRITE MY OWN... NEXT ENTRY... THEN I'LL READ IT OVER AND OVER.
God help me, enable me to cultivate a spirit of self-denial and to yield myself a prisoner of love to the Redeemer of the world.
Amen and amen.

Heavy, eh? I'll make up my own. wow... This is why Boothy is my hero!

random thing...

2005-03-25T15:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, so a lot of my friends and familia have the same survey on their blogs. I, however, want to be difficult, so I'm making up my own. Feel free to answer and then jack the survey and put it on your blogs! holla!

1. Who are you?
2. How do I know you?
3. How long have we known each other?
4. When you think of my Spritual gifts, what are they?
5. Do you want to apply to The War College? (there you go, Steve-o, you got some recruits!)
6. If your answer to number 5 was "yes", please proceed to www.thewarcollege.com and click on the "Apply Now" link. Thank you.
7. what do you think my calling in life is? (i already know, i'm just checking if you do!)
8. if you and i were trapped on a desert island with one cell phone between us and no power charger, but we did have a penguin and a deck of cards, would you play "speed" with me?
9. With this cell phone, there's only enough battery power for each of us to call and say we love them. Who would you call?
10. Ask Jesus for a word for me. What does he say?
11. If you could give me one thing, what would it be and why?
12. Do you love me? Do you wanna be my friend?
13. And if you do, well then don't be afraid to take me by the hand, if you want to...
14. I think this is how love goes, check yes or no.

God bless you all!

I smell...

2005-03-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

All this week, I've been hanging out with some amazing young people. 614 Vancouver hosted an event called R.A.W.-Ready And Willing. There were probably 50 or so of us there, and let me tell ya--the worship going on with this thing was absolutely shaking the gates of Hell! Hallelujah! The other day, after praise and worship time, I noticed how badly we smelled. I mean seriously. It was pretty disgusting! We had the 20 or so folks that live in the Empress (that's a smell on it's own) plus ALL of us had been dancing on injustice for about an hour, and man--we reeked! But then I started thinking about it...
We smelled like we'd been out fighting all night. We smelled like we'd been defeating the lies of the enemy. We smelled like we'd been conquering Satan and his ol' nasty demons. Bottom line--we smelled like we'd been at war. It was the sweetest thing I've ever smelled in my life.
This morning, we were worshipping the Lord, and we got into hardcore warfare mode. So, Rob told Travis to march out of the building. So, he did. A lot of us had taken our shoes off to dance, and so when we walked out, it was a little uncomfortable. I wore flip-flops today...my feet were filthy. It was beautiful. Beautiful...feet. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.

...maybe I should go shoeless around here more often...hmm...

Baloo from Jungle Book was a Prophet?

2005-03-17T21:04:00.001-08:00

Lately, my dear friend Jaime Riefer and I have had quite a few conversations regarding who is and who isn't a prophet. For the most part, the conversations have focused around one central figure who will remain nameless for the time being. Unless of course, he is found to be a true prophet, then we will make his voice clear. K? K.

So, I've just decided that I know of one person ('scuse me, bear) that is a prophet. His name is Baloo...you know, from Disney's "Jungle Book". Yes, I know it sounds a little insane, but hear me out, k??? In the movie, he sings a song, it goes a little something like this...
"Look for the bare necessities,
The simple bare necessities.
Forget about your worries and your strife (yeah, man)
I mean the bare necessities
That's how a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life!"
I mean, seriously...how prophetic can one get?!?! We don't need loads of junk to keep us happy. And I dare argue that the bare necessities aren't the ones that the world makes them out to be--food, clothes and shelter. Nay, I say that the ONLY necessity on the list is humility. Yes, I said humility. Be humble enough to bow before the Father in repentance thus receiving His glorious salvation, inheritance, riches, and provision (amongst other things!). It's all a matter of not relying on the people around you, or on yourself or on the things of this world. NO! It's about relying on God. HELLO! Forget about your worries and your strife. (YEAH, MAN!) Be humble. Yahweh opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Grace-you know what that means? God's Riches At Christ's Expense.

So, there you have it. Straight from the mouth of a prophet. (kinda!) Enjoy!

Soldier til the End-
Jamie

Youff Cownsulls ('das how we's says it in tha hood)

2005-03-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

Okay...other than the overdose of ridiculousness I re-gained from my friends in NLR, I also gained a lot of insight on how to reach loads of "lukewarm" Christians. A number 1--LOVE THEM! Hello! It seems so elementary, but sometimes I forget how hard it is to be fully submitted to the point where you're ready to be consumed by the fire of God. The Spirit of God showed up big time at YC's this year...It fell on Friday night and didn't leave all weekend. There was salvation on Friday night! (answer to prayer!) There was brokenness within everyone--soldiers, officers, Corps Cadets, and non-Salvos! (answer to prayer!) and, the whole weekend was led by the Spirit, not by the schedules we had set in front of us. (answer to prayer!) There were some prophetic words released--and accepted! Again--God was completely the governor of all. It was great! YAHOO!

I met 4 insane guys this weekend. (Although, I didn't catch one name! oops!) They're all from Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Captain Tony Baso, Darren (no last name...I didn't get it!) and Michael (again, no last name!). They're all great. They're completely on fire, and I look up to every single one of them. Pray for all of 'em...they're bringing fire into a lot of dark places. Also, pray for Darren--he goes to Afghanistan in May...

I think that's about it...NLR timbrels rocked it out--we looked totally hott (and no, that isn't pride, it's the truth. bahahaha!). 2 points for submission in the A-OK division---let's keep it up! hey-oh!

Soldier til the End-
Jamie

"Rest, the Lord is near, refuse to fear...."

2005-03-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

This bit is straight from scripture. The Lord showed it to me this morning during Pray the Bible. We were praying for a lot of different things on the battle front--ourselves, our comrades, our "trenches", and the souls we're fighting for. It was great...this wasn't in PTB, but the Lord directed me to it anyway...it's a conversation between us and him. Check it:

US:
"We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." (NIV says, "Our eyes are on you.")

GOD:
"Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but mine."

It's found in 2 Chronicles 20:15 and 17. Be blessed, and refuse to fear because "God did not create within us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Bless ya'll!

What are you wearing???!?!?!!

2005-02-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

Yep, I made the switch from Xanga to Blog...aren't you all proud...

Anywho, on to more pressing matters... So, this morning in Pray the Bible, Xander had us all pray on the Armour of God. I love the whole spill in Ephesians about the Armour and whatnot, but today, the Lord showed me something completely different. For example, in addition to the stuff in Eph. 6 you're to put on, He led me to Job 29:14, "I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban." He then brought back words of, "Take off the clothes of weariness and laziness and clothe yourself in the garments of praise!" THEN... here's where it all comes together, (I don't remember the reference, if you know, you're more than welcome to help me out!) it's where Jesus is talking about if you have 2 cloaks, give away one...know what I mean? So, all throughout scripture, there are places where we're told to clothe ourselves in different things--surely by now, we've enough to give away. So, don't just give away in the physical, but allow the Spirit of God impart these Kingdom Gifts to others through you. You have influence and authority--USE THEM FOR THE KINGDOM! Spread out righteousness and justice and truth, peace, salvation, humility, love, all the different things in the Word. This is Kingdom Expansion, people. THIS is WAR!