Reflections on a New Year

It is the eve of a New Year. A year of many changes, I sense. A year to be defined, two thousand and nine. 365 new days--who knows what God will bring?

It is yes, a time of anticipation.
It is also a time of hope amidst the doubt and caution.
It is a time to step boldly into the plans God is unfolding.
Don't look back with regret, look forward with acceptance.
Realize it happened--but don't let it define your new year.

Here are some New Year's Resolutions to consider: love relentlessly, have faith unendlessly, and obey God wholeheartedly.

January 2009 Newsletter

(this has been edited as an Internet version, if you would like to get on my email list to get the full newsletter please let me know)

Happy 2009!! I am looking forward to what God has in store for me in 2009!

My goals for 2009:
To be in Rwanda! I can't tell you how excited I get to type that!
To be ministering to missionaries children effectively.
To be open to God using me in the ways He sees best.
To fully and joyfully embrace life in God's kingdom

Want to help me meet those goals? There are a few things you can do! The first is pray, pray, pray! See the prayer and praise requests in my monthly newsletters which turn your attention each month's various topics.

Secondly, pray about how God is leading you to support my time in Rwanda, be that as a prayer partner or financial supporter (or both).

Third, invite me to your church or group to share about what God is doing in Rwanda! I can speak at Sunday School and/or during worship services—or at another time that meets your needs. My timeframe is flexible, and the pictures are great! I would be happy to send an outline of my talk!


Speaking Dates for January: please comment below and I will email the dates to you.

Want to see your Church or Group listed above? Contact me today to get signed up! I don't have a "rider" like the celebrities do (you know, saying I will only eat red M&M's or anything outlandish)—all I need is a microphone, a power outlet, a projector, and an audience!

Praise
…for the ability to be with my family over Christmas
...for the hope of a New Year and all God will bring in 2009!
..for several upcoming dates to share about my calling to Rwanda.

Prayers
..for prayer and financial support to be prayerfully raised
...for continued opportunities to speak in Churches about my calling to Rwanda
...for the EFM Rwanda missionaries

Christmas 2008

Admist all the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season, I encourage you to sit and reflect on the majestic miracle of Jesus's birth! I want to share with you a quote and a poem regarding Christmas.

"Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon and old Anna, and the Magi all looked upon the babe and he melted their hearts. Jesus was a saviour born, the prince of peace and God with us. Let him melt your heart this Christmas." John Reed

More light than we can learn,
More wealth than we can treasure,
More love than we can earn,
More peace than we can measure,
Because one Child is born. --Christopher Fry


Merry Christmas! Sound the horn, Christ is born!

Lighting the Beacons

Some of you may know, I love the movie (and soundtrack) Lord of the Rings--and my favorite is Return of the Kings. My favorite scene (and music) is from a scene in this movie where beacons are lit, to signal aid is needed.

I was listening to this song on my Ipod today and reflected...how do we as humans call for aid to God? What beacons and signs do we light to let God we need Him?

Just a thought for today....

December Newsletter

(This has been edited from its email version, if you would like to be on my email list, please let me know)!

Hello from Liz!

Happy Holidays to you and your family!! I love the Christmas season, with the celebration of Jesus’ birth-what a grand birthday party!! I pray that you and your family have a joyous holiday season together.

November has been a busy month for me. Although it was a whirlwind, I can’t help but be joyful through it all! God has generously blessed me this month and I thoroughly enjoyed each stop on my travel schedule. A special highlight was getting to attend Evangelical Friends Mission Board Meetings in Ohio. It was a great time to connect with the board members, as well as other missionaries. It was a rejuvenating and encouraging time for me!

My prayer cards arrived several weeks ago, and if you have not received one yet but would like one, please let me know!! This may help serve as a reminder to pray for me. One thing I am working on is to have my prayer partners give me a snapshot of them and/or their family. That way when I am in Rwanda, when I pray for you, I can hold your picture! So dig up those pictures of your smiling faces!

Speaking Dates:
December 7th- Crossroads Friends Church
January 18th- Heartland Friends Meeting
February 1st- Hutchinson Friends Church

I am now booking dates for January and February, if your church or meeting is interested in having me come and visit, please contact me for open dates.


Praise
…for God’s continued encouragement to me during this time of support raising.
..for my family and friends who are a super-duper support system to me!
Prayers
..for prayer and financial support to be prayerfully raised.
..for the EFM Missionaries and children in Rwanda.


Blessings,
Liz

While on the Road...

I was blessed to travel to visit Liberal Friends Church, in western Kansas this weekend. I had a wonderful time spending some time with a friend from college (she was my Resident Assistant int he dorms), her husband and her wonderful two children. It was also great to visit Friends at Liberal, and get to fellowship with them.

Here are some photos from the road to Liberal on Saturday.



Somewhere between Pratt and Liberal--gorgeous skies!




As the sun set, again between Pratt and Liberal I was struck by the beauty--God is such a great artist!

Eagles

On my last leg of my journey home from Evangelical Friends Mission Board Meetings today, on my flight from Atlanta to Wichita, I had an interesting encounter.

I was on the plane, by the window next to a friendly lady, and on the other side of her was a man that had been fairly quiet the first leg of the journey. At one time, he spoke to the flight attendant about the headphones on the plane not meeting American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and asked about leaving feedback. This man, though disabled, was smiling and friendly and winking constantly.

At one point, the lady next to me complimented the ring on his finger. As he explained the ring, he pointed out the Eagle on the ring, saying God made us to soar like eagles. He pointed out that eagles have mind and body, but humans additonally have the Holy Spirit. He commented that eagles have to leave their nest though.

This struck this eaglette, as these were words I needed to hear. Although God is calling me to leave my nest (Kansas) I am still in God's care and must trust Him every step of the way.

Hello from Ohio!!

Just saying hello from Ohio where I am attending the Evangelical Friends Mission (EFM) Board Meetings. (If you want to see pictures and you have Facebook, check out photos of me on facebook...otherwise I will post some here when I return home).

It is a blessing to be here, to share how God has called me to Rwanda, to learn more about EFM, and also to hear more about Rwanda! I feel blessed to be able to spend time talking with Brad and Chelsea, who will be returning to Rwanda sometime in the next several months.

Please pray for those here at the meetings, that business may continue to be carried out and that all have safe trips home.

A Poem

-God was leading me to write tonight, to work on a short story for children I began woking on several months ago. As I was working on this I found a poem I had forgotten I had written, on Easter Sunday of 2006. I felt led to share it here.

The Opening by Liz
As I open myself, God flows into every vein of my body.
When God flows in, I become more loving, kind and hopeful.
I’m smiling, sunny and holding onto hope,
Like a baby holds on to her pacifier.

God’s love is such a gift to me,
It is pure, radical and unquestioning.
He also gives me great love and joy
Through the friends and family that touch my life.

I no longer continuously ask things of God,
I know He has given me the circumstances,
It is up to me to decide what to do with them.
He has given me life, what will I make of it?

With each breath I take I have the opportunity
To make a difference, to do great things.
There are a whole 24 hours in a day,
How many can I use to glorify Him?

How much love can I show to others,
Like He has shown to me?
What can I do to thank Him for
Every little thing He has done for me?

I can make my life meaningful and devoted to Him.
He does not need presents, tied with a pretty bow.
All He wants is my heart, soul
And my servitude throughout my days.

November Prayer Letter

(If you didn't get this in email and would like to be added to my e-list, please let me know)!



Hello from Liz!


Happy November!! I am so blessed by all my family and friends that are reading this! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and it is a time to reflect back on the many blessings God has given me! Among my many blessings I am so thankful for those of you that are being so supportive of me during this time in my life. I am also so thankful for God’s faithfulness to me—great is His faithfulness indeed!


This November is also going to be a busy time for me, as my month is quite full of many exciting things that I am looking forward to! Besides speaking at churches/meetings I can not wait to see my mom’s side of the family at Thanksgiving (and am looking forward to seeing my dad’s side at Christmas). I am also looking forward to attending the EFM Board Meetings in Ohio!


Speaking Dates:

November 2nd--Speaking at University Friends Church
November 6-9-Attend Evangelical Friends Mission Board Meetings
November 16th-Speak at Liberal Friends Church
November 23nd-Consecration Sunday at University Friends (sing in the choir during this special Sunday with lots of music)
November 26-29-Travel with my parents to Indiana/Kentucky for Thanksgiving
November 30th-Speak at Topeka Friends Meeting

December 7th-Speak at Crossroads Friends Church


I have some dates open if your church or meeting is interested in having me come and visit, please contact me for open dates.


Praise

For God’s encouragement to me through music and words from others.

For the many opportunities I’ve had to share my calling to Rwanda with others.

For my excitement that is building about going to Rwanda!


Prayers

For safe Thanksgiving travel for my family (and for yours too)!

For my prayer partners and financial supporters to be raised up.

For my strength and faithfulness during this journey.


How to be involved:

*Prayer Partners—I am currently at 90 of 250 needed. If you would like to sign up, please contact me. If you aren’t sure you have signed up yet and want to know, please feel free to ask J If you sign up, I pray for you and your family as well, so it really is a spiritual partnership!


*Financial Support-I am currently raising financial support, in the form of monthly commitments. You may ask me or contact Evangelical Friends Missions (http://www.friendsmission.com/missionary_support.htm) regarding this. There are several ways to give, including check, credit card and direct debit. I greatly appreciate your support!


Blessings,
Liz

More updates on schedule

This recent date set is hot off the press...
December 7th-Speak at Crossroads Friends Church

I have some dates open if your church is interested in having me come and visit!
December 21st, January 11th, possibly some other dates in January. If you are wanting to know information about length, topic etc feel free to email me at lizwine at gmail dot com (remove spaces and add .com I have typed it this way to avoid spammers).

Updated Schedule

There have been some date changes and additions...here is how my November is shaping up to be:

November 2nd--Speaking at University Friends Church (service is at 1045
November 6-9-Attend Evangelical Friends Mission Board Meetings in Ohio
November 16th-Speak at Liberal Friends Church (KS)
November 23nd-Consecration Sunday at University Friends (sing in choir during this special music Sunday)
November 26-29-Travel with my family to Indiana for Thanksgiving
November 30th-Speak at Topeka Friends Meeting

You are welcome to come hear me speak if you are nearby any of these places!

--Liz

More pics

I was at church tonight and another teacher and I were talking about how tall her oldest is and she noted that when I get back from Rwanda he may be taller than me. He asked why I was going to Rwanda (and I told him for missions, to teach school etc) and his mom told him about the blog and I told them they could get their picture up here as well--so here are 2 more awesome boys from church. If Jacob and Zachary are reading this, here is a message for them "Luke, I am your father (or mother)." Boys--you must say this 5 times fast while on rolling chairs!

Just for fun...

Had to share some pictures of some fun moments with children over the past few weeks enjoy!

Having fun babysitting Jocelyn and Tanner, from church!


"Next stop...cheese!" Tanner kept saying this, can't figure it out but it's cute!


Gracie at Missouri Valley Friends Conference working THREE hula hoops!!

Sunday Update

I gave my first presentation today, at Northridge Friends Church. I was so thankful to be invited to get the chance to share, and to meet some new faces and see old friends. It was interesting to be approached by many people who knew my parents or grandparents! I do love visiting different churches and participating in different styles of worship as well, so it was a good day.

I am at 90 prayer partners (of 250) YEAH! :) Still looking for more, so if you are interested let me know.

I should know my next few speaking dates pretty soon, working on firming up dates at University Friends (Wichita) and Liberal Friends (Liberal, KS). You are welcome to come hear me--and if you can't make it, I'd love to speak with you individually!

Blessings on your week!
Liz

October Prayer Letter

Below is my 1st prayer newsletter, that I will be sending out via email monthly. The version I email out includes pictures, more text features so if you'd like to be on the list just let me know, thanks!

October 5th, 2008


Greetings!! It is exciting for me to get to write the first of my monthly updates, and I hope you enjoy a snippet of my journey!


March 2008 found me in the starting point of discerning a leading from God to go to Rwanda and in June of 2008 I applied to Evangelical Friends Missions (http:// www.friendsmission.com/) for a 2 year term in Rwanda, teaching in a school for missionary’s children. That is the super condensed version. I would love to share more with you in person or if you are not local, over the phone.

I am hoping to be able to go in January or February and am currently working to raise prayer and financial support, in order for this goal to be met.

This is most certainly a time I would appreciate prayers, as I prepare for the transition and than pick up and move!

Prayer Requests:
*For my remembrance of Psalm 23 as a source of encouragement.
*For prayer partners and financial supporters to be raised up.


Praises:
*For my supportive family and friends!!
*For continued opportunities to minister to children and youth, to continue to nurture and strengthen my spiritual gifts that I will need in the years to come.

Quick Facts about Rwanda:
(from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rw.html and http://www.worldinfozone.com/country.php?country=Rwanda)

Population: 10,186,063

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Maryland

Official Languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English

Border countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Uganda

Climate: temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January)

Geography: Rwanda is landlocked, and most of the country is savanna grassland.

Food: Beans, plantains and sweet potatoes, beef, chicken, spinach, soybeans, avocados, bananas, citrus fruits, mangoes, papayas, passion fruit and pineapples.
Animals found in Rwanda: gorillas, antelopes, buffaloes, chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes and zebras

I appreciate you taking time to read this letter, and hope you have found out some information you may not have known. I am always happy to answer questions or to clarify any information. I look forward to sharing more about my journey with you!

In God’s peace,
Liz

What do their parents do?

I have had several people ask me what the parents of the children I will be teaching do in Rwanda.

This is posted with permission from Chrissy Muhr, current teacher, from her blog at http://christinasspot.blogspot.com/

MINISTRY IN RWANDA

Through teaching missionary children I have been able to be a small part of many of the things that God has been doing here in Rwanda. Here is just a small glimpse of the various ministries the people I serve are a part of here in Rwanda:

Henry Pomeroy is Country Director for Send a Cow. Send a Cow is a Christian NGO providing training and support in integrated cropping and livestock agriculture, together with the gift of an animal —usually a cow, goat or rabbits. Caroline teaches English at a vocational training school in a poor neighborhood of Kigali. She is also working for A Rocha, a Christian conservation organization, putting together resources on stewardship.


Gary Bennett works with an association of Grace churches helping them with church development. This involves starting new churches and encouraging existing ones to grow. He also works with New Creation Ministries which is training pastors and considering starting a University level degree program. He is the field treasurer and does a lot of administrative work. Barb is teaching English at New Creation Ministries and teaches music from time to time in several other schools and organizations around Kigali. She is hoping to start a kids’ Bible club in her yard as part of her Kinyarwanda study.


Kent and Michelle Smith are in Rwanda with the Assemblies of God mission. Kent has been helping with the administration of their Bible school and has been the liaison between the mission and folks back in the States. He has also began a Saturday soccer club for youth in Kigali where he is using the sports program to disciple both youth and coaches. He is hoping to get enough funding to open a full youth center in 2009.


Patrick and Valerie Finnerty are in Kigali doing church planting on behalf of the Vineyard church. They have a small congregation in which they are discipling leaders, evangelizing and doing some development work in the community.


Kelly and Laura Sager are here as strategy leaders sponsored by Southern Baptists. They work with all denominations in developing strategy for reaching Kigali for Christ. Some of their projects include leadership and discipleship training, teaching English, and bringing in volunteer teams to do prayer walking, medical care, and more.


Dave and Debby Thomas have been working to develop a new program called Discipleship for Development. It’s goal is to help transform communities through the presentation of the gospel in a way that affects all aspects of life —farming, relationships, sanitation, business, etc.

Resistance and Resurfacing

We now return to our regular programming…with one quick commercial—I sent out my first e-newsletter last night and if you didn’t get but would like to get, please let me know and I will add you (there were also several email addresses that bounced back, so this could be another possible cause).

If you are just tuning in, I suggest you scroll down to the bottom and start to the beginning for this all to make the most sense.

So, we left off on this story, I felt the initial leading from God and had subsequent dreams. And than I decided, much as 2 year old might, to put my fingers in my ears and pretend I couldn’t hear anything. It was full on resistance. Why would I want to leave my family and friends, my job—life as I knew it? Was I strong enough to move across the world? What about finances? What about…what about what about…my head was filled with so many questions.

So God gave me space. 3 months of space! Looking back now I see I needed that time to be prepared to accept this call, and for it to be seasoned within me. Would it have been a lot easier to say ‘Yes’ right than, right there. Of course! I am only human and I thank God for being patient with me.

In June, I was up in Nebraska at Great Plains Yearly Meeting (a yearly meeting is an annual gathering of members of those that fall within certain geographical areas of meetings/churches).

So there I was up in Nebraska, having a good old time worshipping and fellowshipping. While we sang the hymn ‘Here I am Lord,’ God gave a little nudge to remind me of what he was calling me to do. I don’t remember having much of a reaction to that moment, I think I was still trying to absorb that the calling had resurfaced.

When I returned from Nebraska, I began talking to a few people from my church and let it be known I was ready for a clearness committee—another Quaker term—which is a Quaker process for discernment to help reach clarity, for in this instance, on where God is leading.

I met with my clearness committee and after meeting for over an hour; they felt released that I should submit my application to Evangelical Friends Missions for the 2 year teaching position to Rwanda. Since that time it has been a whirlwind of paperwork, phone calls, an interview with the person who just returned from this position, some testing….

..and on September 5th I was accepted! I am so very humbled to have received this calling and I pray daily to be able to live up to what God is calling me to do.

I want to close tonight with two more excerpts from my journal. The first I wrote shortly after returning from Nebraska, and the second little snippet I wrote a few weeks ago, its not really related to this story but I wanted to share it, because God is good!

6/14/08
I look out my window and see endless life-the green of the trees and the birds chirping. God’s presence can’t be missed. God is good…beyond all measure there is goodness we don’t even begin to understand.

Discernment. Trusting God. Trust and obey..for there’s no better way!

Sometimes trying to center my racing thoughts can be challenging…to focus beyond myself. To listen for that still, small voice.

The wind whips through the trees stirring them to action. Am I being stirred to action?


9/21/08
I woke up this morning an hour earlier than my alarm, with a very strong sense that someone was praying for me. What an amazing way to wake up.

--Thanks for reading this. From this point it will be updates on progress, and how I am progressing spiritually while on this journey.

Blessings,
Liz

Prayers and Praise

Prayer Requests:
*my remembrance of Psalm 23 as a source of encouragement.
*For prayer partners and financial supporters to be raised up.
*For my speaking engagements.

Praises:
*For my supportive family and friends.
*For an understanding boss, who is working with me and allowing me to continue working until I leave.
*For continued opportunities to minister to children and youth, to continue to nurture and strengthen my spiritual gifts that I will need in the years to come.

Some Dates Set (updated)

First, I want to mention I got my picture taken for my prayer card yesterday, on the Friends campus. The photographer refused to let me pay--what a blessing!

I am working on getting some dates set so I may share God's calling!

(past event) October 4th--Visit Friends at Missouri Valley Friends Conference (NE part of state)--I grew up attending this.

October 12th
1. Northridge for both services-915 and 1045 (will be speaking about 15 minutes)
2. University Friends for monthly meeting

October 19th--Topeka Friends Meeting, 11 am, the meeting I grew up attending. This is now confirmed, will be appox. 30-45 minutes.

Nov 2 or 9-Speak appox 15 minutes at University Friends in Wichita.

I also have a few more contacts to make for group presentations, and have had two area Friends womens group note they would like me to come speak to them. God is good!

Lots of Pictures

--We now take a break from our regularly scheduled programming (aka Liz's story-telling) to view some pictures! This will let you get to know me a bit more if you don't know me, and if you do know me, you know these are really me! Thanks LaVonna for all of these!


Me and 2 of the girls I have taught in Sunday School, and now in mid-week programs. They are also a blast to babysit! :)
Left to right--my roomate Kasey, my friend Michelle, me and the 2 girls again.
Me, Kim (mother of the 2 girls) and Molly--I am so blessed to have such great friends at church!

Me leading an opening session for VBS, directing it was so much fun!

Me and my friend Kristen and her son Brasen.

(left to right) Parker, Lorraine, me, and Marilyn--it was Veggie Tales Pirates VBS, so she was all decked out-- all ready for some fun at VBS

Matt and me ready for fun with the kids!

I am really going to miss these girls!!

Me and my sister at the State Fair

Me and my mother at the fair

I can't find a recent one of my WHOLE family, so here is one of me taking one of them I think...two Christmas's ago? Not sure if my brother still has the serious Seattle grad school beard or not.

God is Calling...will Liz pick up please?

**Note: I recommend starting at the bottom of this blog-so you can read the posts in chronological order, so the posts make sense—it’s a story! J

I have time to update my blog this morning, as I was wakened an hour before my alarm. Before I could even see my clock read 6:59, when I woke I had this very strong sense that someone was praying for me. Wow. What a feeling to wake up to! God is good!

Since some of you may not have met me in person yet, I wanted to post a picture....but I'm still trying to find a decent one on my computer of me--a more recent one. I have some pictures at the store waiting to be picked up, so here's hoping I get a decent one in that batch.

For now I will post a funny picture, you can't see my face well, but those of you that know me know that I can be a bit...silly at times. This is at the keeper of the plains bridge here in town, and this plaque reads "Circle of Life" and this is my impression of the Lion King--holding up a pretend baby simba and singing...





Today I’m going to start the series of telling how I was called to Rwanda and my discernment process. For this post I am going to rely on what I wrote in my journal.

3/7/08 Journal Entry:
About two weeks ago, I received an email from Evangelical Friends Missions regarding the need for a short term missionary (to be teachers of missionaries children). When I read this email, I had a physical reaction—my body almost shuddered (I am still not sure what word to describe the reaction my body had). I argued with myself about it saying it would be so impractical-I just got a new job, have student loan payments etc. The lights in the room dimmed for a second—my interpretation of this was that God wanted me to stop my negativity.

That Sunday in church I still had this on my heart. During the silence I was wrestling with it-student loans were a recurring thought. God said to me ‘If I took care of the student loans, would you go?” I felt my heart leap a yes.

After worship I spoke with a dear friend, not specifically about what was on my heart, but just vaguely about God’s callings. She said something that struck me, something she said another couple in church always said (paraphrasing) “Pray about decreasing your will, to increase God’s will.” So this past week I have been trying not to focus on it. What I did do was print out the Evangelical Friends Missions short term missionary application and put it my planner so I could be reminded to pray about it but not worry over it.

Than last night (Friday night) I had a dream about Rwanda. In my dream I was on the way to the house I would be living in. Along the way I encountered:
-exotic looking HUGE lizards—everyone kept telling me to watch out for their heads (??)
-while traveling through the country (by foot) to get to my house I had to sleep in an open field-I was terrified of large bugs and lions. I sought comfort and guidance from the women in the group that was escorting me.
-I got to my destination and met the children-in my dream they were wary of me, the new teacher.

This dream touched on all my fears: lizards, scary animals/bugs, fear of kids not responding to me.

I pray for God’s guidance.

3/15/08 Journal Entry
My dreams continue. About three nights ago I had a a dream-I saw the face of Debby (a missionary in Rwanda with Evangelical Friends Missions). She was saying something to me…but when I woke up I couldn’t remember what she was saying.

Last night, I had a dream that a lady was talking to a group about missions. She had encyclopedias about different countries and I asked to read one on Rwanda. In my dream I heard God say “I need you to go.” I think I woke myself up at this point.

Also, two days ago when I was talking to God and thanking him for my family, friends, job etc He said to me “Don’t get too comfortable…”

Stay tuned: Next edition is on Liz’s resistance and God’s continual call!

Liz meets Jesus

“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there..
If I rise on the wings of the awn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139: 7-10 (NIV)

I feel led to continue sharing my personal testimony that I briefly shared in the previous post. Before I move on to my calling to Rwanda, I really want to share a full glimpse of my spiritual journey, so my calling may be better understood within the context of my life.

So…World Gathering of Young Friends in 2005 in England has appeared to be a spiritual turning point for me. It was at this Gathering, in a deeply centered silent meeting for worship that I had a vision of Jesus. This vision spoke so deeply to me, it showed the deep love of Jesus—not only for myself, but for others. Looking back, it was as if a seed of hope had been planted in my life.

Before I went to the Young Adult Friends Conference in New Jersey, in February of 2007, I had been dealing with quite a stomach ache, that was worsened by a turbulent flight (remember this stomach ache, for later details as it all comes full circle).

On Saturday night, there was a two hour long meeting for worship, I was centered and present. The first thing that stood out to me was during this worship I really felt the Spirit move through me for the first time, I quaked. I heard God say ‘Stand and Deliver’ and I was fighting it with all my might—I was thinking why would I stand up and speak when I had nothing to say!

I took several deep breaths and cleared my mind of such thoughts. Immediately an image came to my mind of a dark cave—the door swung open and out came this huge yo-yo type object that went in and out. For some reason this image was important. I stood, silent for a bit. I spoke, but I wasn’t sure what I was saying. It was a bit scary, overwhelming and also quite awesome. I sat after I delivered the message and tears came out of overwhelming (good) emotion at this initial experience.

It took a bit of time for me to re-center myself back into the heart of worship. There were many Friends that spoke, as the Spirit was busy with movement! Later, I felt another such urge in my stomach—but I knew it wasn’t another vocal ministry type leading. This was different. This was in reference to something that resurfaced from a vision I had at World Gathering of Young Friends—Jesus.

Since the time of World Gathering, (2 years) I had really had this vision on my mind and what it was trying to communicate to me. I am often unsure of such matters, so I chose not to seek what it meant to me (in retrospect-perhaps it was about timing).

That terrible stomach-ache I mentioned earlier came to mind. Something clicked—was this stomach problem and this current stomach ache related to my spiritual hunger? Was the ultimate path, Jesus, the mile marker I was ready for? I thought of a particular friend in attendance, who I knew to be deeply in love with Jesus, and sought her out after the closure of worship.

We wandered around the outside of the meeting house (chilly, snowy, but beautiful) as I brought her up to speed on how God had been working. As we walked, she shared her story with me, full of honesty and energy. I could feel the truth in her words and the passion for her faith. Something inside of me longed deeply for the love she spoke of-it felt as though it was the missing piece in my life.

We sat on a bench outside and prayed. As I asked Jesus into my heart, I had an image of Jesus and my heart merging—it was too much for words. I was very thankful for my friend’s presence at this tie. Afterwards I still felt the slight ache it my belly—but it was more like a WOW ache. I felt relieved on various levels as if this were a start of a new beginning—a fresh page and the start of a deep, loving faith journey with Jesus. Words don’t suffice in such situations.

Coming next: (drumroll please) Installment 1 of my calling to Rwanda

Little bit of background...

Before I go into more details about my call to Rwanda, I wanted to back up and give you some more details about my spiritual background and how I became a Christian. The best way I think to do this is use the text of my sharing at the Quaker Women's Conference last fall.

Coming into Awareness as a Spiritual Being
By Liz Wine

November 2nd, 2007
Southwest Quaker Women’s Conference on Faith and Spirituality

Awareness
…is the opening of the heart to the world of God
…is accepting it is about more than me
..is connecting with a community that sustains
…is looking in the mirror and taking it as it is.

When you confront your spiritual mirror—what do you see? Is it a warm reflection of God’s Light? Does it appear like one of those fun house mirrors—a warped image?

What is your reaction to this image? Do you:
A. Laugh
B. Run away screaming
C. Throw something at the mirror
D. Run around and check other mirrors to see if it is accurate
E. Form a mirror committee
F. All of the Above

I’ll give you my answer—D, I run around and check all the mirrors. Why? Well I’ve heard dressing room mirrors make you look 5-10 lbs lighter in order to get you to buy their clothes. Perhaps my bathroom mirror is haunted by a prankster that enjoys upsetting me as I prepare for work. So, I consult my bedroom mirror—it’s a bit smaller and has a pretty frame.

However, it tells me the same thing whether I like it or not. Unfortunately, I’m aware of that fact. What we see in the mirror is what the Creator gave us and what we get! When I look in the mirror I see experiences behind my face. Rooted deep in my probably soon to be wrinkled lines are fond memories.

I have been blessed to have been a part of many wonderful Quaker gatherings that have deeply touched my life. As a child, I grew up attending Friends General Conference. I played and learned and was part of a radiant community. Missouri Valley Friends Conference was a conference that allowed me to develop leadership as a teen clerk and canoe tipper. These gatherings along with my un-programmed Quaker upbringing left me with a strong social justice and peace foundation and fond memories of Sunday mornings.

When I started attending Friends University, I attended University Friends Church, a programmed Quaker church. I had a bit of adjustment with music and a sermon and a shorter period of silent worship. However I found the music spoke to my soul and the sermons made my brain jump alive.

In Summer 2005, I went to the World Gathering of Young Friends in England. I enjoyed dialoguing with Friends from different traditions and cultures. While at this Gathering, in silent worship I had a vision of Jesus that deeply moved me. I also climbed Pendle Mountain. To a Kansan, that was a mountain.

When I returned from this trip, I started graduate school for social work. The combination of self-insight I gained from these classes and my World Gathering experiences began to shape me more into the person I believe God intended me to be-a more spiritual person who became more accepting of herself and others. These two events combined I believe were the main reasons for a lengthy battle of self-doubt to come to a closure—the winner was hope and belief in myself as one of God’s creations.

This bit made me reflect on the moments of realization that God grants us. Some of these moments are lovely AHA moments (thanks Betty Jean for that term) that are mainly gentle and sweet and are thought of in fond memory.

Than I think God humbles us by giving us PAY ATTENTION moments. These are not so lovely…but tend to have a longer lasting impact on us. For example, several nights ago I was putting something in the bottom drawer of my fridge. I stood up to quick and I bonked my head on the fridge and began doing the ‘ow’ dance. My head is still sore.

For another example, in the summer of 2003 I was teaching horseback riding at a camp in Maine. While jumping (on a horse) I had a fall that resulted in a concussion and about a minute of not being conscious. Another side effect was depression and lowered self confidence. This was a PAY ATTENTION moment. A few months later, I came to the realization that God had a chance to take my life, but he didn’t—so He must have something planned for me! That pay attention moment that was painful led to a sweeter ‘aha’ moment.

Probably one of the Quaker Gatherings that was the most life changing was the Young Adult Friends Conference in February 2007. During this conference, in a two hour meeting for worship I quaked for the first time and was lead to give vocal ministry in the meeting. The message was from God—I don’t even remember the content of the message.

After this deep, deep meeting for worship there was something still churning inside of me. A realization dawned on me. Jesus was calling to me, and I knew I must answer. I asked a dear friend to take a walk with me and it was in that snowy, star-filled night that I asked Christ into my life. I believe this was put in motion at the World Gathering of Young Friends when my vision of Jesus occurred.

Since that day, I feel I have changed in ways such as daily spiritual practices, prayer, more patience (most of the time) and feeling more led to give to others-both in time and talent. I believe I am still changing.

With this change, I’ve had difficulties. At Friends General Conference I met others who were critical of programmed and Christian Quakers and I had to come to the realization that this was ok! It’s OK if not everyone agrees and I reminded myself to look for the best in others, even while they criticize me. We are only human. So I encourage you this weekend to be gentle with one another and seek out the Light of God in each person you encounter. Life is too short to hold grudges.

My life has given me many blessings. There have been bumps on the road, but I am aware that these bumps have occurred to help shape me! I am thankful for all of the people and things in my life (even the not so lovely).

I will close with one of my favorite quotes, that always gives me hope.

"At times, the world can seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe us when we say there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough. What may seem to be a series of unfortunate events may in fact be the first steps of a journey." --Series of Unfortunate Events.

Welcome

Welcome to Liz's new blog :)

Why have I created a new blog? Well my old one had 140 some posts and was getting old and cluttered.

And my blog now has a purpose persay--to keep people I know and love updated on my life. Because in a few months I (God willing) will not be living in Kansas....the goal is for me to be living in Rwanda (Africa).

WHAATTTT?!? AFRICA!?!? may be what some of you are saying/thinking. That's what I said at first when God nudged me in March...but He nudged me again in June and I could not ignore the leading. I had a clearness committee (a Quaker process of discerning a leading) at my meeting/church and they felt that I should submit my application. This application being for a 2 year term to Rwanda to teach in a homeschool co-op for missionaries children, with parents from various denominations. So my application was sent to Evangelical Friends Missions and the process began rolling. References checked, an interview, a psych eval etc

Than on Friday, 9/5 I found out I was APPROVED! :)

So what happens now is I go next week to fund-raising school in Chicago than work to not only fundraise but to raise prayer partners as well!

I will be posting more in the next few weeks for specifics on my call to this field, updates on how I am doing (and feeling), so watch this space!

Love,
Liz