Today is one of the busiest days I've had in a LONG TIME! but I got out of my ten o' clock class rather early and have a few minutes to spare, so I'm sitting in the computer lab of human sciences waiting until I have to go proctor an exam for professor and began reflecting on the weekend. For those who dont know I took the weekend off of work and went to the dallas area. Taylor and macy came along and while there we met up with kayce, maegan, and randi. I had a blast and I had a lot of chance to really think about things. I walked on the SAGU campus with macy, taylor, and maegan and so much reality hit me. We were walking through the school because macy is also considering going there! As I walked down the hallway for harrison graduate studies towards the door of the head of the dept. of counseling psychology i passed the door for the southwestern mission association. As I passed that door, the peace of God filled me. It was a similar scene to four years ago as I took a step onto the campus of Texas tech. There was no longer any doubt of where I would be, not UT or baylor as i had thought, but on to Texas Tech where I have spent the last 3 1/2 years. To be honest I have struggled in the last month with this. I turn 22 years old in a week and a half. I'm graduating college with a bachelors in three months. Over the past year or so if you were to talk to me I would tell you i couldn't wait to graduate and move on, but in this last semester so much has come together. Becoming involved leading the youth for Encounter God ministries. Finally feeling at home in a church in lubbock with the plant of Encounter God church. Finding a job I love. Really being happy with where God has me and seeing fruit from the past three years of toil. Seeing answers like 24/7 prayer etc. It all has made me wonder if I should do school online and stay here. When I walked into that hallway on saturday, i knew where I would be in January. I found it fun to think about. As I will be moving in january and be tons closer to most of the people that mean the world to me. I'll no longer be 9 1/2 hours away from my parents, Cornerstone church family, lisa and gary rossow, sarah and her husband, coach stroud, and those who have made a huge difference in my life. I'll no longer be 7 hours from maegan, my best friend, and her little brother. I'll no longer be 5 hours away from my grandma jo (i'll be right around the corner!!!) or the williams' family! I'll be moving closer to all the people who have meant so much to me in my past, but also moving away from the community, mentors, friends, students, i've met and fell in love with here. Macy, Taylor, Katy, and many others are considering moving to dallas in may! I can't help but wonder what these next few years as a SAGU student will bring. An education obviously, hopefully new ministry opportunities, maybe some more missions work!, who knows maybe a husband?!? Whatever it brings... after this weekend I am at peace and have faith in where I'm going. I'll graduate with a counseling degree. Who knows if I'll go into counseling, go into the ministry, marry into the ministry, go off for missions... all of these seem possible right now and i'd be content with any of them. The future is bright and I am excited.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Praises and Prayer Requests from Encounter God.
Today we had our first Encounter God staff meeting since the first Sunday a month ago. I cannot even begin to express the thankfulness of our staff for the way God is moving in this church and the ministry.
To update those who have not heard. Encounter God Ministries is a ministry that was going on way before I came around and got involved, but where my story began is last year after an internship with Lubbock International House of Prayer I was able to take a track that led to working with families in a trailer park, I found this to be Encounter God Ministries! I soon grew very close to many of the young adolescents in this area of Lubbock. The Lord began leading me to fade myself out of several other organizations and devote my time to Encounter God Ministries. While I was in Rwanda I couldn't sleep one night as I felt a heaviness. I knew the answer the next day. I was going to be trying to get an internship at another ministry and the Lord wanted me to clear my schedule for this ministry. Much to my astonishment I found out through email that not only was God putting this on my heart, but on the other side of the world in Lubbock Texas God had given our leaders a building for this ministry and put vision in two men's hearts to expand this ministry to a church!!
Upon returning to Lubbock and meeting with them I was asked to take on the youth for this new church and combine our old ministry with this youth program.
We're a month in to Encounter God Church and I'll just be real honest, I've felt God's presence in those Sunday morning service so strong and in ways I never have in my ENTIRE LIFE.
These people come from rough backgrounds, hard lives, many of them are in tough spots, but when they come to church they are real, they find real community, with time for worship, prayer, confession, teaching. And God is there. I can't put into words to explain the presence that is there.
We've seen God not only move on Sunday mornings, but amongst our youth group. I have some great adult leaders helping out. God gave us vision and we're running with it. Right now we're going through some curriculum I felt the Lord put on my heart to write and we're doing small groups. We've seen great improvement and breakthrough.
I cannot in one blog count the amount of prayers that have been answered in our congregation, in our youth, and our staff. Thing after thing after thing. Right now we have someone considering donating a van something our ministry is in big time need of to be able to pick up kids and take kids home that don't have reliable transportation.
We've seen lives changed as people accept the Lord. As people begin to be open with their needs and struggles. We've got a building, with air conditioning, some games for our youth, and so much more.
Some current prayer needs:
Join us in praying that God give us favor with getting a van.
Pray that we'll be able to get a sound system. We had just gotten one and then it was stolen.
Pray for the hearts of our congreation, staff, youth, and all involved.
Our children's ministry is in need of more leaders!! Not necessarily a bad problem to have as they are continuing to grow through a program we do called kids cafe'. The kids come and eat a free meal. Then stick around after kids cafe is over for children's ministry night on tuesday and get some Word put in them!
Encounter God is non-profit that ministers to many lower income families and children. Therefore we're normally grabbing with one hand and giving with the other before the money, food, clothing, materials, every get sat down. So please ask that God would continue to pour out on our ministry as we strive to meet the needs of the local community.
We are in partnership with mission Lubbock that is open two days a week providing almost any need you can think of for the surrounding neighborhoods and trailer parks. They we're running low on food this week, we voiced the need, and God showed up nearly $2500 was donated to go towards buying more food for their food pantry. Keep mission lubbock in your prayers as they will meet the needs of nearly 20,000 people this year!!!
As many of you have already seen on my fbook page we're selling two designs of t-shirts for our ministry for $12. If you're interested in them shoot me an email!
Thanks so much for your love and support.
Blessings,
J. Tate
To update those who have not heard. Encounter God Ministries is a ministry that was going on way before I came around and got involved, but where my story began is last year after an internship with Lubbock International House of Prayer I was able to take a track that led to working with families in a trailer park, I found this to be Encounter God Ministries! I soon grew very close to many of the young adolescents in this area of Lubbock. The Lord began leading me to fade myself out of several other organizations and devote my time to Encounter God Ministries. While I was in Rwanda I couldn't sleep one night as I felt a heaviness. I knew the answer the next day. I was going to be trying to get an internship at another ministry and the Lord wanted me to clear my schedule for this ministry. Much to my astonishment I found out through email that not only was God putting this on my heart, but on the other side of the world in Lubbock Texas God had given our leaders a building for this ministry and put vision in two men's hearts to expand this ministry to a church!!
Upon returning to Lubbock and meeting with them I was asked to take on the youth for this new church and combine our old ministry with this youth program.
We're a month in to Encounter God Church and I'll just be real honest, I've felt God's presence in those Sunday morning service so strong and in ways I never have in my ENTIRE LIFE.
These people come from rough backgrounds, hard lives, many of them are in tough spots, but when they come to church they are real, they find real community, with time for worship, prayer, confession, teaching. And God is there. I can't put into words to explain the presence that is there.
We've seen God not only move on Sunday mornings, but amongst our youth group. I have some great adult leaders helping out. God gave us vision and we're running with it. Right now we're going through some curriculum I felt the Lord put on my heart to write and we're doing small groups. We've seen great improvement and breakthrough.
I cannot in one blog count the amount of prayers that have been answered in our congregation, in our youth, and our staff. Thing after thing after thing. Right now we have someone considering donating a van something our ministry is in big time need of to be able to pick up kids and take kids home that don't have reliable transportation.
We've seen lives changed as people accept the Lord. As people begin to be open with their needs and struggles. We've got a building, with air conditioning, some games for our youth, and so much more.
Some current prayer needs:
Join us in praying that God give us favor with getting a van.
Pray that we'll be able to get a sound system. We had just gotten one and then it was stolen.
Pray for the hearts of our congreation, staff, youth, and all involved.
Our children's ministry is in need of more leaders!! Not necessarily a bad problem to have as they are continuing to grow through a program we do called kids cafe'. The kids come and eat a free meal. Then stick around after kids cafe is over for children's ministry night on tuesday and get some Word put in them!
Encounter God is non-profit that ministers to many lower income families and children. Therefore we're normally grabbing with one hand and giving with the other before the money, food, clothing, materials, every get sat down. So please ask that God would continue to pour out on our ministry as we strive to meet the needs of the local community.
We are in partnership with mission Lubbock that is open two days a week providing almost any need you can think of for the surrounding neighborhoods and trailer parks. They we're running low on food this week, we voiced the need, and God showed up nearly $2500 was donated to go towards buying more food for their food pantry. Keep mission lubbock in your prayers as they will meet the needs of nearly 20,000 people this year!!!
As many of you have already seen on my fbook page we're selling two designs of t-shirts for our ministry for $12. If you're interested in them shoot me an email!
Thanks so much for your love and support.
Blessings,
J. Tate
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The frustrations...
Today like any other wed. morning I arose to my alarm blaring at 5 a.m. calling me to get ready for work. The normal routine grab my clothes from the bedside next to me, my toothbrush, hairbrush and go to the other girls bathroom so i dont wake katy up. Normally after all of this i sit down for a devotional but today i sat on the couch and fell asleep for another 10 minutes. It's 5:30 and time for me to leave I grab my vitamins, my breakfast shake, bottle of water, purse, workout back, backpact, etc. (you get the point) I jump in my car and hit the key in the ignition and .... it won't start. Great. Well, actually i'd love to say this isn't a normal occurrence for me, but it is. I've had this car 4 years and never had a single problem with it. The problem is with me. See I hate stopping to get gas, so I normally wait until my tank is pretty low before I actually stop and fill it up. Yesterday I was running up to mission lubbock delivering some cans when the light went off and i thought i'll get gas on the way back home, which i didn't end up doing. I didn't have to use my car again until this morning, so I didn't think about it. So it's 5:30 i have to be at work in 10 minutes and there is no way i'll be on time, so i call in. I tell my shift manager that my car won't start i wont be able to make it! So, i come back in, lay back down told myself i'll get up at 8 go get gas and be at class at 9. I wake up at 8:30!!! I decide to still try to make it to class i run into our shed, grab the gas can, run to my car, pour it in, grab all my stuff, jump in the car stick the key in the ignition and..... NOTHING!!! ok, ok. I am a TA for the 9 o'clock class and the professor loves me. She's an amazing christian woman who advises me all the time on how to handle situations with youth, friends, family, my life, etc. I call her cell phone and tell her what happend she laughs at me, makes fun of me, and then tells me not to even worry about coming to class!!! sheww... ok. I come back inside. Think to myself, wow jessika, all of this chaos have you spent any time with the Lord? umm, no. So what do i read in Oswald Chambers today. It's all about having that time with the Lord. I loved this little piece "Get an inner chamber in which to pray where no one knows you are praying, shut the door and talk to God in secret. Have no other motive than to know your Father in heaven. It is impossible to conduct your life as a disciple without definite times of secret prayer" ~oswald chambers.
So I spend a few minutes with the Lord. Wisen up a tad and decide even though my next class isn't for at least and hour, let's get this gas thing figured out now. I get my roommates car, go to the gas station, get out, begin to pull out the gas nozel! Great i brought the wrong purse, the one without my wallet in it, because i'd switched purses last night for a banquet. Ok no big deal, i'm calm, the Lord had given me peace. I'll go back to the house and try this again! I go, i get the right purse, check to make sure it has the debit card, head back to the gas station. Get out and instinctively begin, FILLING UP MY ROOMMATES CAR!!! well about 8 dollars in i realize this! Ok, well hope that's a blessing to her today for letting me borrow her car. I fill up the gas can. Drive back home and begin filling up my car. The whole 2-3 gallons that our gas can is.
Alright I still have 40 or so minutes before I have to leave for class, so I come inside. Talk to my roommate some, read a little, browse around on fbook some, and talk to a couple of people on the horrible fbook chat, while pondering to myself what i should blog about today. Then, i go outside, get everything piled up in the car AGAIN. Stick the key in the ignition............ NOTHING!!!! ok about this time, my patience is getting thin. I find myself to be a pretty patient person. I'm not rash, i dont stress very easily, i'm very much a go with the flow type gal! But now this three times and my car not starting. On top of the CRUD i had to deal with on monday. Yesterday was my sabbath and it was supposed to make EVERYTHING BETTER. haha. hokay so. My car is not working. This is not the way this day was supposed to go! I'm supposed to go to campus, go to work, go to class, meet with my advisor because she found a way i could still graduate in december, go to free lunch at the wesley and fellowship with friends, come home finish up everything for youth, spend some time in prayer for tonights youth lesson, drive to go pick up a friend who is coming to youth with me tonight, drive out to pick up two of our youth, do youth, drive back on campus for a work meeting!!! Have you noticed all the driving yet? So about when all this hit me, is about the time, i got frustrated.
Then i came and i sat on the couch. I said Lord, I don't get it. I just don't get it. I'm stepping up to do battle. Don't you remember what I said on Sunday, shouldn't you be helping me MORE NOW!!
Then the gentle voice of my Father, the peace that calms my soul. "My ways are higher than your ways, my thoughts are higher than your thoughts."
Of course God i know that scripture, everyone does, Isaiah 55:9. I sat and thought and realized. Today I was inconvenienced, but noone was hurt. My professor got a good laugh, I'll have to email my other prof to get the notes, I'll get a ride to campus to talk to my advisor. I'll call some of the other adult youth leaders to pick up the students. I'll borrow a roommates car for youth. The things I felt so IMPORTANT. The thing so needed, my reliance on my car, and my ability to do the things I need to do, suddenly now sounds like stupidity and pride. God is my provider, He knows what i need, and if my car ain't workin' it means i dont need it. I have friends, helpers, Christian brothers and sisters, who are here to help when I need it and I have a God who is way bigger than a car not starting. I'm not sure why my car isn't working today, I can't tell you when it'll be fixed and it'll work again, but I know my God's ways are higher than mine, His thoughts are higher than mine.
It's good to be a child of God. It's good to know that no matter what goes wrong in this life, He is good, He loves me, He provides for me, He'll take care of me.
Blessings,
J. Tate
So I spend a few minutes with the Lord. Wisen up a tad and decide even though my next class isn't for at least and hour, let's get this gas thing figured out now. I get my roommates car, go to the gas station, get out, begin to pull out the gas nozel! Great i brought the wrong purse, the one without my wallet in it, because i'd switched purses last night for a banquet. Ok no big deal, i'm calm, the Lord had given me peace. I'll go back to the house and try this again! I go, i get the right purse, check to make sure it has the debit card, head back to the gas station. Get out and instinctively begin, FILLING UP MY ROOMMATES CAR!!! well about 8 dollars in i realize this! Ok, well hope that's a blessing to her today for letting me borrow her car. I fill up the gas can. Drive back home and begin filling up my car. The whole 2-3 gallons that our gas can is.
Alright I still have 40 or so minutes before I have to leave for class, so I come inside. Talk to my roommate some, read a little, browse around on fbook some, and talk to a couple of people on the horrible fbook chat, while pondering to myself what i should blog about today. Then, i go outside, get everything piled up in the car AGAIN. Stick the key in the ignition............ NOTHING!!!! ok about this time, my patience is getting thin. I find myself to be a pretty patient person. I'm not rash, i dont stress very easily, i'm very much a go with the flow type gal! But now this three times and my car not starting. On top of the CRUD i had to deal with on monday. Yesterday was my sabbath and it was supposed to make EVERYTHING BETTER. haha. hokay so. My car is not working. This is not the way this day was supposed to go! I'm supposed to go to campus, go to work, go to class, meet with my advisor because she found a way i could still graduate in december, go to free lunch at the wesley and fellowship with friends, come home finish up everything for youth, spend some time in prayer for tonights youth lesson, drive to go pick up a friend who is coming to youth with me tonight, drive out to pick up two of our youth, do youth, drive back on campus for a work meeting!!! Have you noticed all the driving yet? So about when all this hit me, is about the time, i got frustrated.
Then i came and i sat on the couch. I said Lord, I don't get it. I just don't get it. I'm stepping up to do battle. Don't you remember what I said on Sunday, shouldn't you be helping me MORE NOW!!
Then the gentle voice of my Father, the peace that calms my soul. "My ways are higher than your ways, my thoughts are higher than your thoughts."
Of course God i know that scripture, everyone does, Isaiah 55:9. I sat and thought and realized. Today I was inconvenienced, but noone was hurt. My professor got a good laugh, I'll have to email my other prof to get the notes, I'll get a ride to campus to talk to my advisor. I'll call some of the other adult youth leaders to pick up the students. I'll borrow a roommates car for youth. The things I felt so IMPORTANT. The thing so needed, my reliance on my car, and my ability to do the things I need to do, suddenly now sounds like stupidity and pride. God is my provider, He knows what i need, and if my car ain't workin' it means i dont need it. I have friends, helpers, Christian brothers and sisters, who are here to help when I need it and I have a God who is way bigger than a car not starting. I'm not sure why my car isn't working today, I can't tell you when it'll be fixed and it'll work again, but I know my God's ways are higher than mine, His thoughts are higher than mine.
It's good to be a child of God. It's good to know that no matter what goes wrong in this life, He is good, He loves me, He provides for me, He'll take care of me.
Blessings,
J. Tate
Monday, September 14, 2009
Encouragement from Acts
Well, wasn't it just yesterday that i wrote a blog saying I was not going to be blind to the schemes of the enemy? Wasn't it yesterday morning and throughout the day that I prayed against the enemy and decided it was time to step up and be in the game. I believe my words were heard.
Today brought many new challenges, hard news, disappointment, and some struggle. Among one of the many trials was my adviser letting me know that there has been a mistake and i was told i could sign up for an online class that indeed, i cannot. This I am afraid is on the minuscule side of some of the other problems that are to be faced in my future.
Last night I spent some time on my couch reading Smith Wigglesworth. I recently picked up his book titled spirit filled living. As I was reading he was telling the story of Stephen. Stephen was chosen to serve tables, but ended up doing SO MUCH MORE. Stephen saw many people come to the Lord and saw great miracles performed through him. Even to his death Stephen remained faithful as he was being stoned and the bible says he cried out on behalf of his killers asking that God would forgive them. Sounds much like Jesus doesn't it? Then the bible says stephen fell asleep. Stephen chosen for such a menial task was full of the spirit and faithful and God used him to do things that noone would have imagined. Stephen's face shone like an angel at one point (acts 6:15), in acts 6:9 it says those listening weren't able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spoke, many times it says he was "full of the Holy Spirit". A message that he spoke says that it "cut to the heart" of the people a phrase which is only said twice in the bible, he was also the first martyr. All of these things from a man who was chosen to serve tables?
I draw encouragement from this. That this life is not about me choosing the things I want to do, it's simply being faithful in the things I'm called to do and allowing God to take it from there. I'll dream big, expect big, and think big... And just follow as the Lord leads whether it's as simple as going to the soup kitchen and serving the homeless once a week, giving an encouraging word, writing an encouraging note, or something bigger.
I am also reading/ rereading... battlefield of the mind by joyce meyer. i have been mulling over this book for several months now. I read a chapter this morning where she is discussing "wilderness mentalities" basically thought process that keep us wandering. She said many are called but few are chosen, many have a wishbone, but no backbone. Here we are, i'm leading this youth group and i have great vision, a great wishbone of the things i believe God wants to accomplish in these kids and through these kids. Having the backbone to go through with it is harder. Putting in the time for the late night calls, the house visits, the prayer, study, counseling... Any great breakthrough is followed with many people putting in the time and effort God has called them to put in. But we're lazy. We want to see God show up and show out with no effort out of us. We don't want to spend the time in prayer, we don't want to fast, we don't want to take time out of our day to do anything really. Our church and our youth ministry has began to see MAJOR breakthrough and it's because we have a pastor, a worship leader, a youth minister, youth leaders that put the effort next to the vision. Daily time praying for our ministry and the people involved, thoughts and scriptures geared toward it, planning, ideas for improvement, seeking God's face, fasting etc.... The Bible speaks against laziness and yet we still seem to want something for nothing. Such a horrible mentality. Let's get up. Put trust and faith in the God who has given you vision! Step out there. It may not be easy, but it'll be worth it.
I want breakthrough. I want growth. For me, for my family, for my youth group, for cornerstone youth, for the churches, for my friends, for texas tech and SAGU. I want to see new levels of intimacy with God, new levels of wisdom and knowledge, new levels of faith, more miracles, more of all that God says we'll see. I want His best, His plan, His vision. So let's step up and be who we were called to be and not hinder the work God WANTS to do in us and through us.
Blessings,
J. Tate
Today brought many new challenges, hard news, disappointment, and some struggle. Among one of the many trials was my adviser letting me know that there has been a mistake and i was told i could sign up for an online class that indeed, i cannot. This I am afraid is on the minuscule side of some of the other problems that are to be faced in my future.
Last night I spent some time on my couch reading Smith Wigglesworth. I recently picked up his book titled spirit filled living. As I was reading he was telling the story of Stephen. Stephen was chosen to serve tables, but ended up doing SO MUCH MORE. Stephen saw many people come to the Lord and saw great miracles performed through him. Even to his death Stephen remained faithful as he was being stoned and the bible says he cried out on behalf of his killers asking that God would forgive them. Sounds much like Jesus doesn't it? Then the bible says stephen fell asleep. Stephen chosen for such a menial task was full of the spirit and faithful and God used him to do things that noone would have imagined. Stephen's face shone like an angel at one point (acts 6:15), in acts 6:9 it says those listening weren't able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spoke, many times it says he was "full of the Holy Spirit". A message that he spoke says that it "cut to the heart" of the people a phrase which is only said twice in the bible, he was also the first martyr. All of these things from a man who was chosen to serve tables?
I draw encouragement from this. That this life is not about me choosing the things I want to do, it's simply being faithful in the things I'm called to do and allowing God to take it from there. I'll dream big, expect big, and think big... And just follow as the Lord leads whether it's as simple as going to the soup kitchen and serving the homeless once a week, giving an encouraging word, writing an encouraging note, or something bigger.
I am also reading/ rereading... battlefield of the mind by joyce meyer. i have been mulling over this book for several months now. I read a chapter this morning where she is discussing "wilderness mentalities" basically thought process that keep us wandering. She said many are called but few are chosen, many have a wishbone, but no backbone. Here we are, i'm leading this youth group and i have great vision, a great wishbone of the things i believe God wants to accomplish in these kids and through these kids. Having the backbone to go through with it is harder. Putting in the time for the late night calls, the house visits, the prayer, study, counseling... Any great breakthrough is followed with many people putting in the time and effort God has called them to put in. But we're lazy. We want to see God show up and show out with no effort out of us. We don't want to spend the time in prayer, we don't want to fast, we don't want to take time out of our day to do anything really. Our church and our youth ministry has began to see MAJOR breakthrough and it's because we have a pastor, a worship leader, a youth minister, youth leaders that put the effort next to the vision. Daily time praying for our ministry and the people involved, thoughts and scriptures geared toward it, planning, ideas for improvement, seeking God's face, fasting etc.... The Bible speaks against laziness and yet we still seem to want something for nothing. Such a horrible mentality. Let's get up. Put trust and faith in the God who has given you vision! Step out there. It may not be easy, but it'll be worth it.
I want breakthrough. I want growth. For me, for my family, for my youth group, for cornerstone youth, for the churches, for my friends, for texas tech and SAGU. I want to see new levels of intimacy with God, new levels of wisdom and knowledge, new levels of faith, more miracles, more of all that God says we'll see. I want His best, His plan, His vision. So let's step up and be who we were called to be and not hinder the work God WANTS to do in us and through us.
Blessings,
J. Tate
Sunday, September 13, 2009
It clicked and my eyes are open
I was at Eg church this morning as I am every sunday morning. Every week I look greatly forward to this meeting at 11 a.m. Today was the starting of the second month of Encounter God church. We grow each week with now numbers nearing 100, but more than numbers we grow more real with each other each week. See this isn't your typical church you don't come in dressed nice, sing some songs, listen to a message, and leave. No no, that would not suffice for us. We come in casual, me often in jeans and a tee, open, vulnerable, and ready to let God impact us. We spend time fellow shipping and then sing a song or two. In the middle we open for prayer requests, not on a card turned in to be prayed about later, you stand up and you state your needs right there in front of the entire body. Then immediately you're prayed for. Also, during this time we give praises we stand up and you should unto God for the answered prayers. Today we spend around 30 minutes simply praising God and requesting of God on behalf of our fellow family members the praises and the needs of our body. During this time every week is when often i am brought to tears by the presence of God and the realness of His people. There is no room for a mask, or fake joy and happiness in this church. As we heard testimony of thing after thing God has done and prayer requests He's answered I was in awe. Then it took a little bit of a different turn. People began to stand up and tell of the attacks they've been having. One after one were attack after attack. And several said it started not long after coming to this church. Including a few of our staff. Then a man stood up who is and adult leader in our youth group. He told how it clicked to him and his wife the other day of the great things God is doing in and through our church and how their attacks began as they started being involved with our church. Might I add they are both amazing working with our youth. He said that they know who has one the battle and so they are just asking now for the Lord to reveal to them the plans of the enemy as they continue to battle and walk strongly for the Lord.
At that moment something clicked in me. I sat down and reviewed a second. I have been battling things i dont normally battle lately, i've dealt with some things that have been pretty tough, i've had a hard time finding that normal day to day joy also, i began to think on these things and pray. I realized I'd been in that battle too, i just haven't been fighting in it. Instead i've been sitting on the sidelines acting like it wasn't even happening. What a dreadfully ridiculous place to be!!
I got some confirmation from the Lord about several areas I have been attacked in and instead of getting up interceding, fighting, claiming, rebuking, and being the fighter, follower of Christ, woman of God I know to be, i have sat back and written things off as just life. I think their are many things that the enemy stills from us that we don't even acknowledge as an attack, we don't acknowledge the fact that their is an enemy that is out to steal, kill, and destroy... and yet his fate is determined, he loses. Christ wins, therefore we win. Anyone would fight in a battle they know they'd win. So time for me to gear up again with Ephesians 6 and step back into the battle.
I often get so caught up and living. Doing the day to day, making my life routine (i really really like routines and schedules) I get so caught up in that. In knowing how to respond to this or to that and to living life the way I live it, that i forget so much. I forget that I need to not be consumed with the enemy but at least be aware of him. Open my eyes and see with spiritual eyes the things that are going on around me and do battle where battle needs to be done, rebuke what needs to be rebuked.
God is doing something with Encounter God church. I feel the spirit there every sunday in ways i've never felt him before. There is a realness that i realize was missing in my life. There is change happening in the people. God is captivating hearts and changing lives. It's real community. With the majority of our time at church spent praying... what did God say His house would be??? A house of prayer our pastor said it this morning... we'll never regret one service that he doesn't get the chance to give his message if it's because we're spending all our time praising God with praises and seeking Him in prayer.
I love this church and i'm so thankful for that body. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to work with these youth. To watch God move in their lives as He moves in mine. Grows them as He grows me. He's definitely stretching me, but I know He's preparing me for more ministry in the future.
Blessings,
J. Tate
At that moment something clicked in me. I sat down and reviewed a second. I have been battling things i dont normally battle lately, i've dealt with some things that have been pretty tough, i've had a hard time finding that normal day to day joy also, i began to think on these things and pray. I realized I'd been in that battle too, i just haven't been fighting in it. Instead i've been sitting on the sidelines acting like it wasn't even happening. What a dreadfully ridiculous place to be!!
I got some confirmation from the Lord about several areas I have been attacked in and instead of getting up interceding, fighting, claiming, rebuking, and being the fighter, follower of Christ, woman of God I know to be, i have sat back and written things off as just life. I think their are many things that the enemy stills from us that we don't even acknowledge as an attack, we don't acknowledge the fact that their is an enemy that is out to steal, kill, and destroy... and yet his fate is determined, he loses. Christ wins, therefore we win. Anyone would fight in a battle they know they'd win. So time for me to gear up again with Ephesians 6 and step back into the battle.
I often get so caught up and living. Doing the day to day, making my life routine (i really really like routines and schedules) I get so caught up in that. In knowing how to respond to this or to that and to living life the way I live it, that i forget so much. I forget that I need to not be consumed with the enemy but at least be aware of him. Open my eyes and see with spiritual eyes the things that are going on around me and do battle where battle needs to be done, rebuke what needs to be rebuked.
God is doing something with Encounter God church. I feel the spirit there every sunday in ways i've never felt him before. There is a realness that i realize was missing in my life. There is change happening in the people. God is captivating hearts and changing lives. It's real community. With the majority of our time at church spent praying... what did God say His house would be??? A house of prayer our pastor said it this morning... we'll never regret one service that he doesn't get the chance to give his message if it's because we're spending all our time praising God with praises and seeking Him in prayer.
I love this church and i'm so thankful for that body. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to work with these youth. To watch God move in their lives as He moves in mine. Grows them as He grows me. He's definitely stretching me, but I know He's preparing me for more ministry in the future.
Blessings,
J. Tate
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The Response
There have been so many things as I have come to Tech that I began to have a heart for. There are few things that over the years I have become extremely passionate about.
As my time draws to a near in Lubbock and on the beautiful Texas Tech campus, it's hard not to reflect and examine the past 3 1/2 years. I look at things I wish i could have done, things I wish i would have done, things I should have done differently, things I'm glad I did. Over the past month I've been doing some self examination of myself. Making note of qualities in myself that I like, qualities that I want to change, and qualities that need to change. Asking myself the question am I who I want to be? Am I the friend I want to be? Am I the woman of God I want to be? Am I the daughter and sister I want to be? Am I the woman I want to be when I meet my husband? Is this where I want to be right now?
Upon reflection I found many things that I really wanted to see come unto completion before I left. Since then I've seen 2 or three of those take great leaps and bounds Among those things was 24/7 prayer on the campus of tech. 2 years ago I went to the kc house of prayer and was captivated. During a session on college campus prayer led by Lou Engle I had a burning in my spirit to see this at Texas tech. I ended up interning and jointing staff at the lubbock international house of prayer. Thanks to many other people Foundation had a Campus House of Prayer and following the Wesley Foundation did as well. We began to see little pieces of our vision. Along with many others I/we have been praying for 2 years to see this come to pass. There have been many times that there has been a great movement of prayer that then begins to fizzle out or a great move to get this done and then something falls through. And here we are and right before I leave as i've been reflecting on the things I'd like to see done before i leave and God answers the cry of my heart. 24 hours 7 days a week prayer on the campus of Texas Tech. The tears flow just thinking about it. How God places a passion in our heart and then is faithful to work it through to completion and I am just blessed to have the opportunity to see it, when many times we dont get to see the fruits of our labor. So to all of you (there are many) that have been praying, fasting, seeking, with me for the past few years for this cause. Rejoice. Praise. It's here.
Blessings as always,
J. Tate
As my time draws to a near in Lubbock and on the beautiful Texas Tech campus, it's hard not to reflect and examine the past 3 1/2 years. I look at things I wish i could have done, things I wish i would have done, things I should have done differently, things I'm glad I did. Over the past month I've been doing some self examination of myself. Making note of qualities in myself that I like, qualities that I want to change, and qualities that need to change. Asking myself the question am I who I want to be? Am I the friend I want to be? Am I the woman of God I want to be? Am I the daughter and sister I want to be? Am I the woman I want to be when I meet my husband? Is this where I want to be right now?
Upon reflection I found many things that I really wanted to see come unto completion before I left. Since then I've seen 2 or three of those take great leaps and bounds Among those things was 24/7 prayer on the campus of tech. 2 years ago I went to the kc house of prayer and was captivated. During a session on college campus prayer led by Lou Engle I had a burning in my spirit to see this at Texas tech. I ended up interning and jointing staff at the lubbock international house of prayer. Thanks to many other people Foundation had a Campus House of Prayer and following the Wesley Foundation did as well. We began to see little pieces of our vision. Along with many others I/we have been praying for 2 years to see this come to pass. There have been many times that there has been a great movement of prayer that then begins to fizzle out or a great move to get this done and then something falls through. And here we are and right before I leave as i've been reflecting on the things I'd like to see done before i leave and God answers the cry of my heart. 24 hours 7 days a week prayer on the campus of Texas Tech. The tears flow just thinking about it. How God places a passion in our heart and then is faithful to work it through to completion and I am just blessed to have the opportunity to see it, when many times we dont get to see the fruits of our labor. So to all of you (there are many) that have been praying, fasting, seeking, with me for the past few years for this cause. Rejoice. Praise. It's here.
Blessings as always,
J. Tate
Friday, September 11, 2009
9-11-09
I remember exactly the moment I found out about the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. I remember the patriotism that swept our nation after that day. I remember crying and still crying every time I hear "Proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood. I have always been very patriotic. My family is definitely avidly in political things. Especially my grandmother who is more than involved in the Dallas political arena, my admiration for my grandmother since I was young caused me to grow up wanting to be like her and therefore birthed my passion for this nation and it's causes.
After 9-11 happened I would often find myself considering what it would be like to be one of the people during the attacks, a family member, a bystander, a fireman, etc. (I guess this just comes from part of my empathetic personality, i'm often "putting myself in someone else's shoes") We had an assignment from our Social Studies teacher after 9-11 to write some form of paper on the attacks. It could either be historical with actual facts and statistics or it could be historical fiction. I chose the fiction and wrote a paper as if my brother had died in the attacks. I remember writing it and crying as I thought about the families involved. I was asked to read the paper in front of the entire school and excitedly did so.
You drove down the road full of American flags and patriotic signs. There was a unified spirit that was present in the midst. America hurt for it's people. It's like for a short period of time, we stopped thinking all about ourselves and our gain and we cared for our wounded. We beamed with pride for our nation. We joined together and prayed realizing once again that this nation needs God.
So where are we now? It has been 8 years. I'm still bursting with pride for my nation. As there are two banners that I will always pledge loyalty too. The first being the cross of Jesus Christ far above anything else in my life and the second being the American flag. But, I turn on Fox news, CNN, CBS, any news station regardless of political affiliation and I see debate and disagreement more than unity. Bashing more than understanding. Honestly I see a lack of true patriotism.
I don't care what you're political beliefs are, but maybe it's time to reflect. Remember how you felt when 9-11 happened. Remember what mattered most then. Be thankful for the men and women that went to war on your behalf after our country was attacked, whether you agree with it or not.
On a day like this.... I'm reflective. I'm thankful. I'm patriotic. I'm mourning. I'm rejoicing. But mostly I'm praying.
What do you think about on this day? What do you feel?
Blessings as always,
J. Tate
After 9-11 happened I would often find myself considering what it would be like to be one of the people during the attacks, a family member, a bystander, a fireman, etc. (I guess this just comes from part of my empathetic personality, i'm often "putting myself in someone else's shoes") We had an assignment from our Social Studies teacher after 9-11 to write some form of paper on the attacks. It could either be historical with actual facts and statistics or it could be historical fiction. I chose the fiction and wrote a paper as if my brother had died in the attacks. I remember writing it and crying as I thought about the families involved. I was asked to read the paper in front of the entire school and excitedly did so.
You drove down the road full of American flags and patriotic signs. There was a unified spirit that was present in the midst. America hurt for it's people. It's like for a short period of time, we stopped thinking all about ourselves and our gain and we cared for our wounded. We beamed with pride for our nation. We joined together and prayed realizing once again that this nation needs God.
So where are we now? It has been 8 years. I'm still bursting with pride for my nation. As there are two banners that I will always pledge loyalty too. The first being the cross of Jesus Christ far above anything else in my life and the second being the American flag. But, I turn on Fox news, CNN, CBS, any news station regardless of political affiliation and I see debate and disagreement more than unity. Bashing more than understanding. Honestly I see a lack of true patriotism.
I don't care what you're political beliefs are, but maybe it's time to reflect. Remember how you felt when 9-11 happened. Remember what mattered most then. Be thankful for the men and women that went to war on your behalf after our country was attacked, whether you agree with it or not.
On a day like this.... I'm reflective. I'm thankful. I'm patriotic. I'm mourning. I'm rejoicing. But mostly I'm praying.
What do you think about on this day? What do you feel?
Blessings as always,
J. Tate
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The ultimate update
It's finally time for an update! I think it would take too much space to put into words the last two weeks of my life, so i'll do my best to condense and only share what's really been on my heart!
First and foremost my thoughts, time, stress, and joy have flowed from Encounter God Ministries. I've struggled with this group in many different ways. First off week one of EG youth went great from the outside, but on the inside I knew it wasn't what God wanted it to be. As I sought Him on answers I got a response, "You're trying to make them look like a typical youth group, I want you to work to make each of them look like me!" This left me with several changes to be made!!! For one God had made it about individuals not a group. So we've begun to focus on each youth individually and more specifically meeting their needs, and reaching them where they are. We're going to implement small groups and one on one time, into youth. Also the obvious asking the Lord to reveal new ideas to me and my leaders for this not "typical" youth gropu! I don't even know what that would look like. I know church. I could set up typical church youth anyday (I'm not undermining the hard work that youth ministers and youth workers everyday! it is def. a tough calling!!) Have dynamic worship, an enthusiastic speaker, take up offering, have some fellowship time, of course plan fun activities, mission work, youth damp during the summer, and possibly a fall retreat! But, what does a not typical youth gropu look like? I've always felt called to the church. I've spoken in different churches, youth groups, Christian sororities, camps, retreats, I've spoken to the church crowd, but what about these. The more I work with tehse kids, these families, the more I realize I'm where I need to be and the more I see my primary responsibility is to love these unloved! Battling drugs, poverty, broken and rough homes. I can't help but wonder how the ministers of our day would minister. Joel Osteen's 7 steps to your best life now? Try and explain that to one of my kids, how about the ones who deal drugs so they can eat, or their parents are in jail? I can't walk into that youth building and teach the type of messages I've taught in the other churches or otehr Christian environments! For one the youth at cornerstone would listen to me preach for 45 minutes, these will barely listen for ten. So a new dynamic it is. It's like being on the mission field everyday. In fact many times as I go to pick a child up I am reminded of street evangelising in Rwanda. Surrounded by drunks crowded outside living in poverty and using the alcohol to drown them from reality. That is the reality to my kids, so i'm learning. I'm learning about how to get out of "church habits" and meet actual needs to teach these youth about Jesus and to be there for them. I've already in two weeks dealt with harder situation that I ever have in three years of working with churched youth. It's been hard, challenging, new, but I wouldn't trade it. The small victories have so much more meaning now for me. I'm so much more appreciative for each conversation with a youth. Any that they mention the Lord, or signs of God movement in their life. For every opporunity when they open up. I'm learning to be so grateful.
On another hand, I love my job at the rec. I'm working a lot of hours, but i'm thoroughly enjoying it.
I'm learning to guard my heart and allow teh Lord to give the word before I allow my emotions to run me. It's a new level of trust for me.
I know God is moving. I see so much going on inside of me, in my youth, on my job, with my friends. I've been in a constant state of awe, mixed with utter exhaustion haha.
Rest has a new meaning as well!!!! naps are a great addition to my daily schedule.
I've finished chapter 2 of my fiction novel and I'm still several chapters into my non-fiction self help book. I'm believing for big things in these next few months before i move! It's a journey... and i'm loving it.
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
My brother had an MRI on his brain today.
New ideas with these youth.
To see God invade their hearts.
Rest for me!
Join me in asking God to continue to show me how to guard my heart!
I will start looking for jobs in the dallas area next week, ask God to reveal where He would have me to look and go as I'm moving into this time of transition!!
Thanks,
j. tate
First and foremost my thoughts, time, stress, and joy have flowed from Encounter God Ministries. I've struggled with this group in many different ways. First off week one of EG youth went great from the outside, but on the inside I knew it wasn't what God wanted it to be. As I sought Him on answers I got a response, "You're trying to make them look like a typical youth group, I want you to work to make each of them look like me!" This left me with several changes to be made!!! For one God had made it about individuals not a group. So we've begun to focus on each youth individually and more specifically meeting their needs, and reaching them where they are. We're going to implement small groups and one on one time, into youth. Also the obvious asking the Lord to reveal new ideas to me and my leaders for this not "typical" youth gropu! I don't even know what that would look like. I know church. I could set up typical church youth anyday (I'm not undermining the hard work that youth ministers and youth workers everyday! it is def. a tough calling!!) Have dynamic worship, an enthusiastic speaker, take up offering, have some fellowship time, of course plan fun activities, mission work, youth damp during the summer, and possibly a fall retreat! But, what does a not typical youth gropu look like? I've always felt called to the church. I've spoken in different churches, youth groups, Christian sororities, camps, retreats, I've spoken to the church crowd, but what about these. The more I work with tehse kids, these families, the more I realize I'm where I need to be and the more I see my primary responsibility is to love these unloved! Battling drugs, poverty, broken and rough homes. I can't help but wonder how the ministers of our day would minister. Joel Osteen's 7 steps to your best life now? Try and explain that to one of my kids, how about the ones who deal drugs so they can eat, or their parents are in jail? I can't walk into that youth building and teach the type of messages I've taught in the other churches or otehr Christian environments! For one the youth at cornerstone would listen to me preach for 45 minutes, these will barely listen for ten. So a new dynamic it is. It's like being on the mission field everyday. In fact many times as I go to pick a child up I am reminded of street evangelising in Rwanda. Surrounded by drunks crowded outside living in poverty and using the alcohol to drown them from reality. That is the reality to my kids, so i'm learning. I'm learning about how to get out of "church habits" and meet actual needs to teach these youth about Jesus and to be there for them. I've already in two weeks dealt with harder situation that I ever have in three years of working with churched youth. It's been hard, challenging, new, but I wouldn't trade it. The small victories have so much more meaning now for me. I'm so much more appreciative for each conversation with a youth. Any that they mention the Lord, or signs of God movement in their life. For every opporunity when they open up. I'm learning to be so grateful.
On another hand, I love my job at the rec. I'm working a lot of hours, but i'm thoroughly enjoying it.
I'm learning to guard my heart and allow teh Lord to give the word before I allow my emotions to run me. It's a new level of trust for me.
I know God is moving. I see so much going on inside of me, in my youth, on my job, with my friends. I've been in a constant state of awe, mixed with utter exhaustion haha.
Rest has a new meaning as well!!!! naps are a great addition to my daily schedule.
I've finished chapter 2 of my fiction novel and I'm still several chapters into my non-fiction self help book. I'm believing for big things in these next few months before i move! It's a journey... and i'm loving it.
CURRENT PRAYER REQUESTS:
My brother had an MRI on his brain today.
New ideas with these youth.
To see God invade their hearts.
Rest for me!
Join me in asking God to continue to show me how to guard my heart!
I will start looking for jobs in the dallas area next week, ask God to reveal where He would have me to look and go as I'm moving into this time of transition!!
Thanks,
j. tate
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