Cooking Missions

Good quote on marketing

2012-02-16T13:01:00.003+01:00

"People don’t want to know about how great you are. They want to know about how great you can make them."

Wow, this is really good! I want to remake everyting when I read this! It is so true! Seriously, if all YWAM websites looked like this, all Schoolvideos were like this - How many more would there be in YWAM and in society that has been through discipleship and training and have gotten more tools to expand God's Kingdom?

I so want to change things now - when can I do it?

The quote is from Seth Leonard.

Choosing God.

2012-02-06T17:35:00.001+01:00

I hate, hate hate fear of failure!!!

After writing this down I could breathe a little lighter, but coming back it is almost as hard again. The problem still remains. I still need to step out of my comfort zone. The worst thing about what I have to do is that I should have done it 2 weeks ago. Or something lie that, I cant remember but it doesn’t really matter. I am late and I feel guilty. to ad to the problem I think what I am trying to do is impossible, or at least parts of me think so. Other parts think that nothing is impossible – for God!

So here I am, hanging between God and myself.

Choosing God.

One tale of Two brains

2012-01-08T18:51:00.001+01:00

I have been listening to some teaching lately and it is really good. It is really teaching for married people, but I can kinda pick up on a few things even if we have only been dating a month.

Especially things about communication. Right now I was listening to something to the guy, I think his name is Mark, speaking about how men are single tasking and women multi tasking. That means we should not give vital information if we are not sure the guy is listening. He needs to close the program he is working on, reboot and then he can take in the new information. Mark even had to get his hearing checked to figure that out!!

“The key to getting what you want is giving your spouse what he/she wants!”

I took the step

2012-01-06T15:33:00.000+01:00

I did take that step, and therefore I haven't had any time to write since then... ;-)
Joakim and his sons are just about all I have time for now, but I am happy about that as well, they are so nice and lovely! :-)
But I can say one thing: you fall in love with a person and not their circumstance! I am so glad I did not miss him!
Bless you!

One step

2011-12-08T12:50:00.001+01:00

Conversation with my dear leader this morning:

- “Is it ok to take one step without knowing the next?”

- “Yes, I think that is kind of the concept of walking!”

Off course it is important in life to have goals, and I am not saying that I don’t have goals, but at the same time we can take the steps where we can se that the ground is level, no matter how big or small the step is. It will keep us moving even if we cant see clearly enough to take a big step. Some time we can take big steps, but if not – take small ones!

Acceptance and love

2011-12-04T23:33:00.001+01:00

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7 (NIV)

I had the privilege to have a few women over for a cuppa, a chat and a prayer tonight. One of the scriptures we talked about is the one posted up here. It is quite strong words. Id love to give it to a few church leaders, but I know I would need to read it a few times a day myself…

What does it mean to accept one another? Is everything ok? I would not say that everything is ok. Evil is not ok. Is a different theology ok? I would have to say yes, but there has to be more said about that. Theology is divided into different religions. For instance polytheism (the belief in many God’s) is not Christian theology. There are other things that define Christian theology; for example the Lordhip of Christ, that He saves from condemnation and opens the way to eternal fellowship with Him. But when people are to be baptized, who you can share communion with and whether you can be gay and still follow Christ are not the most central things in Christian faith. We are to not only love one another, but also accept one another! Or is it the other way around – that we are to not only accept one another but also love one another?!

One of the ladies gave a wonderful description of love – to see the other person. That is powerful, and demanding and lovely when you think of the love from God and the love from and to people!

Bless you!

Writing

2011-12-04T02:13:00.001+01:00

I haven’t been speaking this week.

Last weekend I got a cold and against my good judgment I continued speaking with all the lovely people coming to town for a conference. The result was that Monday morning the loudest sounds I could make was to clap my hands and cough! Interesting experience I must say!

By Friday morning it was possible to make sense of what I was saying, all though I sounded more like an adolescent boy than my normal self if you know what I sound like. For those who don’t: It’s not the same!! :-)

Today I think I have a voice, but I actually just spoke to someone on the phone this morning – I haven’t spoken to anyone IRL today. Funny lives we live, huh!

So the title comes from the fact that instead of speaking, I have been writing. All week! :-)

Bless you! Take care!

Vision

2011-12-02T22:20:00.001+01:00

Why does visionary thoughts worry me?

It is good to stand on your two feet, and have solid ground under them. But at the same time God does give people visions, and He does want us to go for them, and He will help along the way. So why does it scare me? Is it lack of trust in God? Could be. Is it fear of failure? Could also be.

But why would other peoples vision bother/worry me? It is their vision, their responsibility and they have heard from God in their personal way!

I wish I was better at saying “Yes! Go for it” when people share their visions with me, r maybe I do, but I don’t always believe in what I am saying.

God give me more faith! More faith in you and more faith in other people and their capacity to follow in your footsteps!

Blessings!

Afraid of God?

2011-12-01T16:33:00.001+01:00

How on earth can I be afraid of God?

The loving, perfect Father?! How can I be afraid of His power?

Fear of God and His power in reverence is good, but being afraid in turning away from something you don’t want to be hurt by is something completely different. What lies is behind that feeling?

I am afraid God will not want my life the way I want it.

But what good can I do in my life without God? Sure, I can have an ok work life, I might even find a husband and produce offspring and have a family. But I could never expect anything super natural in my life if I don’t let God lead it. Or, what am I saying? Am I limiting God? Can God not use someone who doesn’t have Him as Lord?! O yes He can! But I can never expect it.

When I live with God I can expect His supernatural intervention, not because of who I am but because the are necessary on His roads – It is His business – reaching out to people (and in that quite often supernatural things are needed).

God is not religious. I know that by experience. When I open my arms to Him – His are immediately open to me. There are no questions asked. We are back on track!

The word

2011-11-30T11:54:00.001+01:00

Normally when we refer to "the word" we mean The Word of God - meaning Jesus Christ and or the Bible. And I love Him, and I love the Bible, but that was not what I was thinking about now.

I saw the title of my most recent blog entry: You're on the verge of a breakthrough and I realized why I did not like it. Breakthrough reminds me of breakdown... and I have felt like on the verge of breakdown to many times.

But breakthrough is a good word, a positive word and I would love some breakthroughs in many areas of my life.
God, come and do Your will!

You're on the verge of a breakthrough.

2011-11-29T18:14:00.001+01:00

YouCaring.com sent me an email titled: "You're on the verge of a breakthrough". And I'm like - yeah, thats kinda the only place you can be before you have started! ;-)
That sure is possitive thinking!
So I might make a profile there. I'll keep you posted!

Update: I did make a fundraiser.you can check it out here and contribute if God puts it on your heart! http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser/lisasmonthlysupport
You can also support me straight through "my" YWAM base: http://ywamdalarna.se/gifts/gifts-and-fee-payments.

Bless you!

Spain?

2011-11-23T14:54:00.001+01:00

God, what is it with me and Spain?
Last night I stayed up super late watching videos of my “friends” in Tuna Univercidad Salamanca (or mainly younger versions of the guys/men I saw and hung out with in 1995). It brought out tons of memories and thoughts, both about myself and about the situation. Some things are completely not understandable – like how I was dating the same guy as my friend, not thinking there was anything wrong with it. Some kind of surreal vacation mode that says that it wasn’t for real because it was only for a short time in a different country.

But I also remember Javi, the gentleman of the group. You never saw him with a girl or heard rumors of him being in the up stairs rooms of Cum Laude. He was always happy, always the joker, and also the one at least I felt comfortable with because he wasn’t after anything. Seeing him on youtube last night was very encouraging – there are good men too, even in Spain!

But that was no the end of my thoughts about Spain.

Today I watched a BBC documentary about the Stolen children in Spain. During the Franco regime many many children were stolen – told dead to the birth family and sold to whoever had the money. This went on at least up until 1991! It is so disturbing to see and hear these stories, but well worth the time!

The churches roll in it is also very disturbing. If you tell yourself you are doing the right thing, doing everyone else a favor you can do the most horrendous things…

So now I am wondering what God is up to even more. Is it a reconciliation for myself and what I did and let happen? Is it time for me to give back something good where my grand parents used the liberty when there was no liberty for the people of the land? Does God want to use the Spanish I actually know to bring reconciliation between Him and a people that has been betrayed by so many, also people trying to represent Him? I’ll wait for an invitation.
Lord, show Your way!

The grace of God

2011-11-23T00:39:00.001+01:00

If you read my personal Swedish blog this will be a repeat - sorry!

Tonight I realized a good way to handle all the situations when I feel like I want something that I don’t know how I will afford them - no matter if it is groceries, a new pair of jeans or a trip to my friends wedding in the States – I will think: “Your grace is all I need, Jesus!”

It tells me that I do not need to worry – I will have all that I need when I need it – and I get to think of God’s grace. That He has died and risen from the dead for me and every single person on this Earth! It is amazing things to think about, then I don’t need to worry. I can just smile and share Gods love with others!

Decision making

2011-11-16T23:58:00.001+01:00

The third of YWAM’s foundational values is:

3. HEAR GOD'S VOICE
YWAM is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small. We are dependent upon hearing His voice as individuals, together in team contexts and in larger corporate gatherings. This is an integral part of our process for decision making.

I feel like I and many other YWAMers – and other Christians - are lacking in this. Sure, God has given us an intellect and sometimes He says “You’ll see if this is a good idea or not” – He is our loving Father. But still. Why do we so often make decisions on if we think we have enough to make it in our own strength or the resources we have at hand?

I have made decisions on my own so many times, several I have regreted. Last week I went, even if I did not really have the money (though some was provided for as I stepped out in faith). It doesn’t seem wise, but I know that I would die a little if I didn’t. A little piece of me alwasy dies when I sin, I die a piece at a time. Christ brings life back by His grace.

I didn’t think I had enough energy to do all I wanted to do. But I was never lacking. I had at least two 20+ hour days and I was still happy and awake talking to people I didn’t know! That is a miracle!

Since then I have been able to sleep some long nights, and hopefully I have regained some of the energy I used last week.

But still it taught me a lot. Doing what I know is right is super important. Even if it takes creative solutions… ;-)

New blog design

2011-10-26T22:40:00.002+02:00

I went in to my friend Sam’s blog today and realized that Blogger has made some new blog designs. Realizing that I have had the same design since August 2006!

So I chose something different, but still somewhat along the colors I used to have before.

I also realized how few pictures I have been posting lately. I think I have tried posting from my phone, but they have not reached the blog. Need to look into that. But Creative Commons van also help – pictures (and a lot more) that you can use online free of charge! Love it!

Something I have also realized is that I have used the word realized five times in this blog entry!

Bless you!

Quiero irme a España!

2011-10-25T10:58:00.001+02:00

Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, Spain. Photo: Poca a poco - Wikimedia, Creative Commons.

Last night I went through heaps of DTS pictures (trying to make a simple video). Some of them were views of Spanish mountains and streets with white houses and rounded portals. Just like I remember it in Mijas, Andalucia, Spain. But the pictures were to my knowledge not from there…
Now I feel like I am to take a trip around Spain, visit several towns and cities. It will be interesting to see what God does with these thoughts.
Bless you! Keep on dreaming!

God is faithful, part 2

2011-10-23T23:08:00.000+02:00

A speaker in the DTS really challenged me to put things right in my finances. I wasn’t even in the classroom, I was listening in from the other room and got so convicted. I gave even though I wouldn’t have enough money to buy food for the rest of the month. Carolyn Ross, the speaker, was sharing how she several times only had the food that was in the pot when she made food for her family. But that they have never been without food. God has always provided for her and her family. It really put the fear of God in me. If she can do that, with a family, shouldn’t I be able to do that as a single?

A few days later a friend gave me a gift,completely out of the blue for me. That not only supplied my food for this month but also paid for some Christmas gifts I had ordered without understanding how my finances was really doing at that time.

God is faithful. Always!

Bless you!

Weekly outfits

2011-10-21T16:43:00.001+02:00

I follow a blog I really like, wouldn’t have been following it otherwise huh? ;-)

It is Beth Dreyer Photography blog. I love her pictures. and she is great and funny! She was staffing in YWAM Colorado Springs when I did my SOSM there in 2004.

Anyways. Beth used to show her weekly outfits, now she only does Fashion Fridays (which I am happy about, not that I don’t like her pictures but because it doesn’t really affect me where she bought her clothes, it is still thousands of kilometers away…). But what I was thinking about is that even though I can never see myself posting what I have been wearing on the Internet, I still think about whether my clothes would fit into such a blog entry or not. Something that struck me in Beth’s outfit was the variation. Yes, she lives in a warmer climate, but still, does she through all clothes in the laundry after one use? I mean I can have the same sweater many many times before washing it, and now we are not talking about jeans… ;-)

But I did think about it when I put on black jeans, a black turtle neck a long yellow cardigan and a scarf yesterday!

Bless you!

Mark arrived today!

2011-10-18T22:42:00.001+02:00

Why is this so important you might ask? Because he is loved by God!

The other reason that is important is his story in getting here.

Mark applied for the DTS here in 2008. I have a note in my notebook that we were praying for his visa when I first came here.

At that time Mark was a single man.

This spring the Swedish immigrations office contacted us and asked if his application was still relevant. We answered: YES!

But now Mark is not a single man any more, but a married man with a young daughter.

This summer Mark and his wife finally got their visa for Sweden. and after some time they were able to buy their tickets. Their young girl will stay with her grandparents for this time.

We are so happy to have them here and we praise God for His faithfulness and provision!

Impact

2011-10-09T00:00:00.001+02:00

Impact.

Consequence is probably the word I was looking for.

All things have consequences.

It’s been a long time since I wrote last, especially here from the computer. Most blog entries I send from my cell phone. Things I think of in different places in life, not sitting in front of my computer by my kitchen table like now.

Was just watching the movie and the documentary behind the movie “Soul Surfer” with young Miss Hamilton that lost her arm in a shark attack. She was impacted powerfully by that attack, in one way. In another way she was completely the same – seeking God’s will for her life and doing what she loves and knows best – to surf!

Today, for what I can remember the first time, I feel stuck without a car where I live. I live in the country side and I need a car, or friends, to take me anywhere. To be honest I haven’t been driving a whole lot out side of ministry related things. Normally we have a ministry vehicle here that I can drive to church or choir or friends, but now two of them are off the road so there is no car that I can drive. Right now, this very minute is a bit difficult to handle.

Before I used to have a car. An old Peugeot that I inherited after my grandfather. It was nice and light blue. I liked it a lot. But four years ago it gave up, or I gave up on it. It was just not worth fixing anymore and I was going to Egypt and… I had plans on buying a new car after the SBS, when I moved here, but it never happened. I haven’t really missed it until now. There are a lot of responsibilities with a car and without a father or significant other around it just doesn’t seem like such a good idea…

Another aspect is the financial aspect of a car. The one I had was cheap in every way, both in fuel and insurance. The cost that made it to expensive was the repairs. But to get a new car and pay for insurance and then not drive it more than a few kilometers a week is not a good idea, neither for the car itself or for the wallet!

Living on financial support from friends is also an aspect. I know my friends wants the best for me. They would not want me to be stuck in a house not being able to go anywhere. But they would also want me to be careful with the money they give me. The have worked hard for that and have sacrificed to give them to God and the ministry I am able to do with that.

I don’t know if this is the whole truth to why I don’t have a car. But it might be some of it. At least it was my ramblings for tonight!

Good night!

2011-09-02T22:42:00.001+02:00

What do you do when you just want to scream:

- Come here and give me a hug!

I am so tired of being alone, still I can’t make my self make contact with anyone, to fearful of rejection.

Self pity is very boring.

Suffering from the end-of-vacation-blues.

2011-08-27T23:04:00.001+02:00

I like what I do, don't get me wrong, it is not that. I just might not like what I have done during my vacation. Some things have been great! It is just that I have been less active than I had hoped for, and more alone.
To be honest, not being able to meet a specific couple really put me down. I had soo been looking forward to seeing them and then there was no available time to meet. I feel so bad about that. I guess real friendship does not disappear because of lack of time spent together, but you still have to talk sometime...
One of the real high lights of this vacation was spending a lot of time with an old friend of mine an his family. Seeing him as the great father and husband he is was very encouraging! Spending time with his children, and other children, makes me feel like I am part of life.
I just don't seem to know what is right anymore. I lack motivation and fear of God.
Church tomorrow. Have to sleep now!

Update: God heard my prayer! Sunday was filled with meeting friends that I had longed to meet for a very long time! God is faithful and compassionate beyond our imagination!

What we did in Berlin

2011-08-11T11:54:00.001+02:00

Mission Adventures this year went to Berlin. Here is a video that YWAM Berlin has made about what we did during Summer of Service in Berlin 2011:

It is great to see, our great kids and me sometimes… :-) I love the one when I jump up for worship! :-) I remember that!

God provides!

2011-08-11T00:39:00.001+02:00

Without me even knowing it God had already provided for Mission Adventures before I even went!

That gives hope for the future!

God help me to look at money like you do! Help me to be generous like you are generous! Help me to meet others needs before my own! Lord help me to be brave! And wise! In combination, not “in harmony”, but to combine fear of God in wisdom and bravery.

Bless you!

MA preparations

2011-07-17T21:46:00.001+02:00

Hi!

Mission Adventures is coming up soon! The trip is 27th of July-5th of August. We are going to Berlin! Before that we have some days of preparation with teaching and practice. There are a lot of things to prepare but now it is looking much better than a week ago! :-)
It has been very challenging for me. I’ll be honest; I had big plans about how well people would talk about this and how good I was at organizing it. But then it seems like everything failed. That was very humbling! It taught me to trust in God again. I had trusted in my own ability, and it was not strong enough.
Now some people have decided to come help and I know what to say in some of the teachings and I feel much better! It is not about how cool the program is - if it is just about me or just about the program it is empty anyway. It has to have Life. It has to point to God who is life! With out Him this program is just a pass time, but it will not make a difference, not in the kids and not in Berlin. We have to know that we are sent by God, and that He is real to be able to share Him and come with the hope that we are so longing to bring. That is my thought for this trip, to bring hope to Berlin. I felt so much hopelessness when I was there last time, even if it is almost 6 years ago.

Please pray for us!

Lisa

too afraid

2011-07-11T14:50:00.001+02:00

I am too afraid of failing to make an attempt to try.

I hate to be weak (I know it is pride),

but that is so funny, because I am so weak. I could show you my sink right now and you would agree.

I want to do well, but I don’t dare to, because who would I be if I did well?

I would not be the girl I could pity.

I would be strong, by the grace of God!

Create in me a pure heart

2011-07-10T23:44:00.002+02:00

Lord, create in me a pure heart, and renew a right spirit within me.
Lord, help! <3

Multimedia message

2011-06-23T23:26:00.002+02:00

God, You are good. You are soo good!

Honesty is good

2011-06-08T23:11:00.002+02:00

Today I taught the Bible in the SBS at YWAM Restenäs. By their theme I was challenged to honest and I was, not privte and not in detail, but showing that God is using this book (Malachi) to change my life.
They liked that, someone said it made the book come alive. That is good.
My grief is that I have not taken the time to let God work His way through my life through the book. I am keeping Him on arms length, just like the people of Israel did during the time of Malachi.
I see how I am holding back things from God, not trusting that He is actually good, really good, totally good. And I see others living the same way. It hurts me. God is so much better, so much bigger. <3

Honesty is good.
I would like to crash, talk and cry until there is nothing left to say or no tears left to cry, but I do not see that happening any time soon.
Tonight I have met people people I often miss - my former cell group. But it was not a good time to crash.
Bless!

Greeting from sunny Sweden

2011-06-03T16:32:00.002+02:00

A direct greeting from a sunny Sweden!
This is my beloved niece. I have been visiting her today, and her brother and father! It was lovely!
If you have ever read this blog before you know they are really close to my heart even though I see them ony a few times a year.
I just realized that I can start to write to them, my nephew knows the alphabet and is starting to learn how to read... Lovely new time in life! Bless you!

2011-05-26T19:03:00.001+02:00

God will you receive me if I cry at your feet?

I just want to eat, but I should not be hungry.

God come fill me up

I will drink water,

I will drink of Your living water.

Lord, how do I find it?

Breathe in me

Be Life in me.

Lord!

So much left to forgive

2011-05-23T10:57:00.001+02:00

I will teach in the SBS in a few weeks. Preparing for it brings up so many hurts and I realize how much I have left to forgive and lay down before the lord. My expectations for the SBS did not come true. Some were due to my own pride and not conforming to the opportunities given. Some were due to other circumstances, close and far away from me.

No matter what I have to forgive. Some of the people from my school will be there, and I love them as people, but it still brings up the grief of a job not fulfilled.

But in the grief there is also a deep joy, both for God’s forgiveness and for the grace of working things through. To just cover up, move away like i did, did not solve much. I believe I did the right thing to move, not only because of what I left but mainly because of the timing and circumstances I came to. Still it is important to go through, even the painful things, forgive all that needs to be forgiven and then move on living a life of forgiveness, for self and others.

Bless you!

Multimedia message

2011-05-12T20:00:00.000+02:00

God, what are you promising?

Taking risks

2011-05-09T14:58:00.001+02:00

Sometimes we need to step out, dare to risk looking foolish for God to provide.

I am trying to learn this.

Bless you!

Waves

2011-05-06T14:53:00.001+02:00

It is when I see this, and read the caption: “In the presence of Glory” that I wonder if I was in the right place this week. The Waves gathering is really important for all who work with MA. In general meeting up with people from all over the world with a similar passion is important. God speaks. I am so glad I got to Skype in a bit to get a feel for what was going on. But I sure hope to be able to go to Rio in April 2013 (next Waves…)!

Blessings!

Happy song

2011-05-04T23:31:00.001+02:00

I want to play myself a happy song before I go to bed. “Oh I wish I was a punk rocker” doesn’t really fit in.

Maybe some Wes King…

“Show me how to be Jesus to the universe next door to me”

Killing Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-04T20:26:00.001+02:00

Ok, I normally do not comment on political things but I do think that it was wrong to kill Osama Bin Laden. I am not saying that I do not understand it, both in a - we-have-been-looking-for-this-guy-for-10-years, and in the we-just-killed-four-guys-adrenalin-rush. It does not matter. Somewhere a high official has said in words or between words that it is ok if he gets killed and not arrested. That is not ok. I am not excusing what he has done, but it scares me when powerful leaders do not stick to the rules they have promised to abide to. It makes me wonder who we can trust.

Trust is a difficult issue. It always comes down to – the only one who is really trustworthy is our Lord Jesus Christ. But still we need to have a working society as long as we are here on earth.

I think we all can think of situations where we have bended rules we actually believe in. That is no good. We need to live as we preach. For our own sake and for the sake of others.

Multimedia message

2011-04-30T22:41:00.001+02:00

Tonight we celebrate "Valborg". I don't think the name has anything to do with it but it is to celebrate spring. Unfortunately many people, especially young people, get drunk and do things they regret this evening. Please pray.
Another tradition, at least around here, is fireworks and bonfires. My friends went as thousands of others to a nearby village famous for its fires to see the fireworks. I staied at home and watched it from my bedroom window. Not bad!
In the picture you can also see the neighbours fire. We had our own too, but smaller...

Confession

2011-04-28T13:32:00.001+02:00

A great idea me thinks!

Newcastle; part two

2011-04-28T00:17:00.001+02:00

The trip to Newcastle was cancelled yesterday. There are many reasons, some of which I mentioned here. But there were others, over Easter weekend the prices had doubled. It just didn’t feel worth it to go through all the trouble to get there, especially since we know that we would need to take approximately 50 kids the same way next summer…

Another reason is that I was kind of already booked this week. Not to be anywhere in person, but to Skype or GENESIS in to the Mission Adventures Waves gathering that takes place in Mexico next week. I attended the Waves gathering in Germany two years ago (already two years?!!). In all its craziness it was a wonderful experience. No Mission Adventures program is the same, but to share experiences and ideas are great. To pray and play together is also an important thing!!

I wish I had pictures from it. the only one I have related to it is this one:
It is from a MA booth we had at the DNA conference. the people in the picture has nothing to do with the country mentioned in the picture. But please read it and pray for that ministry. God is at work in that country!

But it can be really difficult to make a decision. At first we had really decided to go. But practicalities, also called Easter holiday came in the way. I don’t like making decisions on a financial basis. I don’t want to believe that that is a good reference point in decision making. if my bank account is my lord, then who who is God to me?

I am thinking a lot on faith and finances right now. If you read this blog you will most likely hear more about it.

I started reading “Daring to Live on the Edge” by Loren Cunningham again today. It is good to read it on a regular basis. It is to easy to forget who God is and what He is calling us to. The Bible is off course the best resource for that, but there are great reminders of it in this book!

Who should lead the church?

2011-04-27T23:42:00.001+02:00

Interesting article of who should lead the church.
No, it is not about gender. but read it anyway!

Multimedia message

2011-04-23T19:23:00.001+02:00

God is soo good! He is soo faithful!
He is! He is, He is and He is!
He is true!
He loves me, but He is soo much more important to me than Me, Me, Me! I am so tired of Me!
God!

Layovers

2011-04-17T16:42:00.001+02:00

Trying to book tickets for a trip to Newcastle in May.

So I find this great flight that goes via Paris on the way home and Amsterdan om the way there. The Amsterdam flight has a layover during the night and I thought – great, I’ve wanted to visit YWAM Amsterdam for a long time. I soo rememger a picture of the mosaics in the restroom in their café that my friend showed. I’ll check if it is possible to stay there over night!

But no, there are no such flights that gives me the same layover on the day before (to arrive on the right day). Ok, I’ll try another travel agent.

It wants to take me via Dublin. Not the closest route, again… But still, I have a friend there whom I recently reconnected to. I can ask if we can stay at her house… That would be great!

But no, there are no such connections on the day before. Frustration!

What are you trying to tell us God? Are there other ways to do this? Should I have asked You first?

Change

2011-04-15T11:25:00.000+02:00

I hate changed circumstances because then I feel like I have failed. Why is that?

By circumstances I mean rules, instructions etc. But why does that make me feel like a faliure, I haven’t done anything wrong, things just changed?

Well, good that I figured that out. There is no realson to feel that way! Take every thought captive!

Multimedia message

2011-04-14T15:38:00.001+02:00

Jesus, would you hold my hand right now? I am scared. You are strong!

Multimedia message

2011-04-10T10:32:00.001+02:00

The pastors "Hi, nice to see you!" brought tears to my eyes. How important those words can be!
Have a great Sunday!

Wise advise

2011-04-08T20:03:00.001+02:00

I heard a wise word from Loren Cunningham today:

“You set a relationship back 10 years by saying to someone God told you that the two of you should get married. You should not say that. You just tell her she is beautiful and ask her out for coffee!”

That man is a wise man! I hope a lot of people listen to that advice. Even saying the words “I love you” too soon (Elizabeth Elliot says a guy shouldn’t say those words until he proposes to a girl) can cause a lot of trouble.

Family love

2011-04-06T23:06:00.001+02:00

I’ll be honest with ya’, there are several sides of being single that I firmly dislike. But something I dislike way more is how little contact I have with my brother and his family.

Yesterday I wrote some things about laying down your rights, and in that family is often mentioned and by moving away from them geographically I have given up my right to be able to see them often. What just about breaks my heart is that I am not sure that I would talk more to my brother if we lived closer to each other.

I want to think these thoughts through, but it is difficult without guilt. Either I feel guilt for not trying to keep in touch with them more, or it feels like impose guilt on them for not calling/being available when I call. That is not constructive and it is not what I want. I guess what I want to say is that I love, love, love you PEOe!!!!

I think my biggest fear in this is that my choice of living far away from them would in some way reflect poorly on God in their eyes. But when I write this down I see that the likelihood of that is minimal and that it is probably just a lie that deserves no interest.

Blessings to you! Take care of your loved ones!

Laying down your rights

2011-04-06T00:45:00.001+02:00

I was so challenged by the message that Sonya shared at our community night tonight.

Sonya is a lady in her best years. She has lived here in our city for many years, but she did not grow up here. She grew up in Alexandria, Egypt. She was the first Egyptian girl to do a DTS in Cyprus (the year I was born).

Tonight she shared about the things she has laid down, and how God has given her all that she needs, and more, starting with her DTS fees...

As I said I was challenged. Family and money. Those are two of my weakest points. I have left my family geographically (and I don’t talk to them as much as I would like to). I can’t mention that without crying, not tonight at least. Sigh. Ok. My grandfather, and his father, and his grandfather were merchants. My mother worked in a bank to help her father. Growing up with the bank as a part of the family, I often visited my moms job as soon as I could go there on my own, I have grown up with the belief that you should have your safety in the bank. But no matter how much I want to find that verse, it does not say so in the Bible!

Don’t get me wrong; there is nothing bad with good investments. There is nothing bad in taking care of what you have been given or earned. But it is wrong to trust your bank statement more than you trust God. Then Mammon is your god.

I might not be a big spender. I normally buy something new for New Years and Christmas (importance in that order!) but apart from that I do not buy a lot of new clothes. I don’t party a lot. I do travel more than most, but it was many years since I traveled anywhere than to my family for vacation. But lately money has really had a strong hold of me. I have been worrying about not having enough for the things I think I need or want, and not even been sure of what is what.

It is easier to look at your bank statement and tell God what is possible and what is not. But that is not how the Bible tells us to live.

In YWAM we are called to raise our own support, our own salary. I see that as a great honor. I know exactly where my money comes from. I am extremely honored that some of my friends channel some of the gifts they have through me. It is a huge trust. But even though I know who sent the money, most of the time, there is still a bigger truth: we only have one supporter, and that is God. People can never fill all of our needs, in every way, but God can. He is wealthier than anyone else.

He might think it is cool that I have a bank account so that He can channel His money through it. But He does not see it as a deciding issue for anything in my life. Never.

And neither should I. My responsibility is to be honest with Him (Phil 4:6-7), and trust Him. He is my heavenly Father and He has promised that if I focus on Him. He will take care of the rest (Matt 6:33)!

The message tonight really put the fear of God in me and I went straight home and paid of as many things I could. Tomorrow I will try to fulfill some other commitments. My stories of how God has provided might not be fancy and “glorious” but He has always been faithful!

I totally agree with Rob Bell

2011-04-05T00:24:00.001+02:00

I just heard this from Rob Bell.

I totally agree with him!

You should not comment what you have not read (or seen with your own eyes if it is an arts exhibition). That is why I haven’t said anything about Rob Bells book “Love Wins”. But it seems like a lot of people thinks things are in that book that are actually not there.

Blessings!

Update: This post might be a bit cheeky. But we all know it is true. We should not talk about things we do not know. We can talk about hell in general at anytime, but not in connections to books we haven’t read.

The real thing

2011-03-26T14:37:00.001+01:00

Reading godly books about godly femininity, masculinity and romance like “Quest for love – True stories of passion and purity” by Elisabeth Elliot or “Captivating” by John&Stasi Eldredge can never sufifce for reading the real thing – the Bible!

DTS graduate

2011-03-25T22:58:00.001+01:00

A recent DTS graduate who’s older brother I know is an amazing photographer. Just look at this:

Photos: Clara Hermansson

She titled her post tonight “dont cry because its over. smile because it happened.” I love that! I know most of the blog is in Swedish, but you can still enjoy a young lady’s outlook on life and DTS through her pictures.

I can imagine the feeling, having come home from DTS or a secondary school (or many ohter things in life). Missing the people and the countries so much it physically hurts, but still knowing that that was for that time and that God has new things in store for you. It is lovely and terrible at the same time.

At our base we have two lovely DTS graduates right now. One of them is desperately praying for a visa to get to her next school. The other waiting to hear if her next steps will happen the way she hopes to. Please pray for our lovely girls!

It is all about Jesus!

2011-03-25T10:09:00.002+01:00

There is no other Savior but Jesus!
No other.
I can't save myself. Not a bit!
But Jesus can!
It is all about You, Jesus! All about You!

A fear of success?

2011-03-24T22:47:00.003+01:00

Sometimes it is really difficult to do what is right.
It is not a fear of failure.
It is rather a fear of success.
If I succede, what is next for me? What next big thing does God have lined up for me?
This feels like a very twisted way of thinking and it sure ain't from God. He wants me and everyone to succede in what He is calling us to. He has equipped us with everything that we need to make it. His grace IS sufficient!
Bless you!

Hope

2011-03-22T10:35:00.001+01:00

My mother’s second cousin Ingela Peterson Arrenius is to exhibit this picture, and maybe others, in Tokyo to raise funds for the Red Cross in Japan to build up the country after the earthquake and tsunami disaster. I love the picture and I love how she is using her talents to make this planet better! More power to ya!

Desperate for breakthrough

2011-03-20T19:48:00.002+01:00

Praying desperately for a breakthrough, or many. Lord, help me!

"Emotional striptease"

2011-03-19T23:30:00.002+01:00

Elizabeth Elliot called sharing life stories with someone of the opposit sex "emotional striptease" and in some ways I agree with her. It is very easy to tie bonds that just shouldn't be there and then get hurt when the friendship takes an unexpcted turn. But what do we do with the longing to connect, commit? Because sharing something from your heart demands a commitment from the receiver, a commitment to listen, not gossip and give some kind of feedback - either in follow up questions or own stories. It is really hard. Physical abstinence is nothing compared to not sharing your life, thoughts and emotions with anyone.
Blessings, yes-it-is-full-moon
Lisa

Humility Rocks!

2011-03-10T13:35:00.001+01:00

Humility rocks! Humility rocks! I can say it over and over so many times!!!

Humility humility humility! It is the key to a good life!

Pride sucks! I am only writing it once not to give it so much glory, but it is equally true!

Humility rules over pride so many times over!

Humble yourselves!

No coffee, but trust

2011-03-03T21:43:00.002+01:00

I still can't drink coffee, but I am learning to trust God in all things!
Blessings!

The experiment certainly is over.

2011-02-23T23:31:00.001+01:00

“The experiment certainly is over. God is who He said he is, and what He says will indeed be accomplished. The strength of God teaching us about hearing His voice, I am just more convinced than ever that the deep understanding of knowing God’s character is what takes us through.”

I love Loren and Darlene Cunningham!

I am so thankful for their lives and their obedience, all that they have done for the Kingdom of God from the day they were born!

I am so amazed of how they keep going strong, they don’t give up, no matter what. They still keep on teaching, even with a blink of an eye they teach.

Watch this video if you haven’t already! The quote is from Darlene in the end of the video.

Honoring YWAM Founders Loren and Darlene Cunningham from crown media on Vimeo.

Blessings!

Does blogging make us more self centered?

2011-02-23T13:44:00.001+01:00

I remember a conversation I once had with Lynn Green and a few others at YWAM Restenäs White House. I remember Lynn had a very strong opinion against MySpace (which was new at that time, this was before FB got big). He thought it was to selfish with all that focus on me and my hobbies, my friends, my pictures...

I think I was a bit offended, I was right in the middle of building up a new attractive profile and I wanted to show how great I am.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about social medias and their place in my life. I am not sure I like all of it.

I love to write and therefore I blog, but what do I put on my blog? And why?

One part of it is honestly that I want to get better at writing and seeing it posted helps to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the text. But yes, I also write to get attention to my thoughts. One part of it is that I want to share the joy of what God has given me and a hope that my thoughts will help someone else. But i would be lying if I said that I never check how many reads what I am writing. So this question "does blogging make us more self centered?" is also for me personally.

I guess it depends on what you blog, tweet & FB about. If you focus on other you will not become more self centered.

But this is a heads up to all of us!

Love you!

Multimedia message

2011-02-20T23:50:00.001+01:00

Realizing that I'm really low on real hugs!
Bless you wherever you are!

Multimedia message

2011-02-20T00:23:00.001+01:00

Taking every thought captive is easier some times than others.

Did something productive

2011-02-06T01:36:00.001+01:00

After my last post I didn’t go straight to Solitaire but I actually did something productive. I continued writing and added some pictures from today on my Swedish blog. You can see them here.

Productive actions are often the best weapon in spiritual warefare!

Good night!

Its like I always want more

2011-02-06T00:29:00.001+01:00

And its not in a good way now, sometines it is like that with God as well, but now it is like I just want to be filled with something, not drugs, not sex but something. Something that will help me, something that will help me go to bed when I know I ought to, something that will make my life better.

I look for things online. I update my browser on FB & Twitter over and over but nothing satisfies. I check my favorite blogs but there is nothing new, or nothing good, nothing that satisfies. I keep on looking even if I know it is not there. Keep on searching. I know there is more online, I know there are good things that might even be edifying and might help me, but it is like I want the empty stuff. Because the reall stuff demands things. The real sutff wants me to change. I want to change, but it is like it is not on the same level or something, somehow.

Blessings!

On my way to Riga

2011-01-24T10:37:00.001+01:00

On my way to Riga to get a theme for MA 2011. I like Riga, but I have only slept one hour the last 24. But I am excited. And have the whole row to my self! :)

Update: The man in the picture is not someone random that I happened to spot with my phone but it is my colleage. Nice to have those, even if we work in different places.

Social media

2011-01-16T16:29:00.002+01:00

Why is it that I, and many others have the urge to tell everyone (who reads our blog, Facebook or Twitter) details about our dayly life?

Where does that actually come from?

I heard on the radio the other day that many authors write, not for the money they might get but to leave something behind in this ever changing world. Maybe that is why we blog.
I mean, I think that what I communicate is good/important/uplifting but does it really make a difference?

I believe writing is important for many people, to express your thoughts or repeat the good thoughts of others. That is a good and encouraging thing for me. If I can encourage others to do something similar in their own way, that is also a good thing!

Bless you in all the good things you do!

Writing

2011-01-08T14:04:00.005+01:00

I could write, and write, and write, and write....
But I just have trouble getting started. Is it the computer (desktop at my dads place) or is it not feeling the peace to actually describe all that is going on inside me?
I love visiting friends and family, but all these kids? and wy are none of them mine.
On that topic I must honour my god daughters family. She is only 1,5 years old, but I know that they see me as a part of their family (even if we normally meet maximum four times a year). I can tell by the way she raises her arms to hug me when I come! She is so precious, and I really love seeing her and having a part of the joy that it is to see a child grow up.
I love my niece and nephew too, but I wish I was closer to them. My nephew didn't even recognize my voice on the phone the other day (I can blame some on my cold but still...).
I love living where I do, but I hate being far away from my family, and not having "one of my own".

Did I say the boy loves purple? ;-)

Wisdom of the day:

2011-01-03T23:21:00.003+01:00

I think I need to fix my support.
God thinks I need to trust Him.

Habbit

2010-12-20T23:41:00.002+01:00

Being without wireless Internet for a few weeks.
Only Internet via 3G on my phone.
Just had a thought that I can't live without Twitter.
I have habbits (checking Twitter at least twise a day, at least...).
This is sent via mms, for that I like Blogger.
Blessings!

The Character of God

2010-12-07T15:06:00.002+01:00

- "Who is God today?" someone asked me yesterday.
- "Eternal" was my first thought.
Eternal is always the first of God's characteristics that comes to my mind.
Why is that?
God beeing eternal, constant is probably what I love most about Him, because that means I can trust Him,. That He will always be there.
I have always hated to say goodbye. It didn't get better when my mom passed away 15 yrs ago. But it is so good to know that God will never leave.
Bless you on your day!

:-)

2010-12-07T13:37:00.003+01:00

This picture makes me happy!
Two great men being very happy about what God has done!

The flame goes forward

2010-12-03T19:52:00.001+01:00

Darlene Cunningham on how to keep the spiritual zeal:

We have to remind ourselves that we are not self appointed, YWAM appointed but God appointed.
Have a lifestyle of generosity&gratitude. A negative mind cannot co-create with God.
Be God-loyal. There is nothing wrong with God! That's what you hang on to Him. Self pity robs you of joy. Picture yourself by the throne, talking to God. I should not judge others or "make cases" in my mind against people. God will judge whether or not I was a woman of God in each situation.
True leadership demands humility.
Honor each other! Have your mind reviewed.
Don't pick up an offence. Always forgive. Taking offence wear us out and slows down the Kingdom of God. We choose to move into unity in grace. Extend forgiveness and work out differences.
Hang out with people who celebrate not just tolerate you! And the ones that like the smell of fish! ;-)
Timing can make us weary. God has said it but we cannot see it... We cannot lead people with natural refreshment - we need a word from God.
Serve for the glory of God not your own or YWAM's.
Love God with...
Love Him with your mind -there is so much to learn about God. Passion for injustice among the youth.

Keep the flame moving forward!

What is holding me back?

2010-12-02T11:21:00.000+01:00

I constantly have the feeling that I can't do what I want. I can't renovate this prayer room I'm in because I am not talented enough, or I can't make my apartment nice because it would stress other people, or I can't get good habits because I am not good enough. I am very well aware that all of it would need a lot of grace, especially from God but also from people.

But it is not ok that I am held back this way! It has to stop!

God I need You desperately for every thought!

Bless!
Lisa

Late night photo

2010-11-13T22:19:00.000+01:00

Is she turning 15 or what?! ;-)

Feeling abnormal

2010-11-08T19:07:00.001+01:00

Feeling abnormal.

Why do I not feel normal?

Why do I feel like I am the only one communicating like I do?

Why doesn't other people understand what I try to communicate?

I feel like this for a while. Not to long. That is nice. That it is not to long...

I guess everybody feels that way sometimes, maybe not always when it comes to communication but in different things.

That is the life of a teenager - always wanting and rarely feeling normal...

But it is not nice to feel that way. To feel like you are the odd one out, the only one that no one understands...

Adventures

2010-10-25T13:07:00.002+02:00

of dust and nations
is a blog by Andrew York.
I had the pleasure of running into him and a friend of his in Egypt three years ago. Being foreigners we connected and soon after we realized that they had just met very good friends of mine in Northern India. That was big for me feeling a bit lonely in a community with max 5 Europeans and me being the only Swede.
Since then Andrew has been on many great adventures and blogged and filmed about it. The blog is definately a great read for anyone who wants to keep his/her heart open for what is on Gods heart!

Blessings!

A quote that sums up blogging:

2010-10-14T20:42:00.003+02:00

The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.
/Gustave Flaubert

Yes!
The verbal processor in me says yes!

Blessings!

Today I decided to change my life.

2010-10-12T22:56:00.002+02:00

A friend reminded me of a Freudian slip of the toung and I relaized I can't go on like I have lately. I have to go through things in my life, and keep myself accounable for it. Since I am a verbal processor. I need something to write on. My journal being mysteriously gone the last few weeks has not helped. So tonight as I got home from our YWAM community meeting I decided to get creative. Here is the result:

It has meaningful pictures, like the sheep and the grapes, a picture of western Uzbekistan where a par of my heart will always stay, two worship songs and two quotes from a magazine. Both are about repentance. The big headline is from the same magazine and reads: "Are you taking the challenge?"
I thought that was suitable for this challenge! :)
Blessings to you in what you have to do!
Good night!

Trust

2010-10-06T11:52:00.002+02:00

I am to trust God, I know that, but what am I to trust Him for? A computer? The trip I want to make tomorrow? Other "needs&wants"?
How can I understand this under stress? God what do You have in store? You want to hang out with me, I know that, but do you have a geographic preference?
Greater knowledge gives greater responsibility in God's Kingdom. It is not a special, secret knowledge (like in some sect) - it is all there in the Bible - but I have some of it and I can never leave the responsibility it gives me.
God just wants me back. But how?

Hearing God

2010-10-03T00:40:00.001+02:00

I want to ask ppl to hear God for me because my head and my heart is a mess. There is so much wants.
I have "peace" about the contrary to what I want. How can that be? Have I not given God my heart so that He can lead it? I dont understand this situation. But tomorrow I will get through it! By the help and grace of God!

Complaints

2010-10-01T14:54:00.002+02:00

I find myself doing dishes and complaining about complaints... Should I cry or laugh?

What is work and what is not for a YWAMer?

2010-09-30T15:06:00.002+02:00

Today I ironed my colleages curtains for our new property, tonight I will go to a meeting where we plan the ministry of my church. In between I have tea with asylum seekers so they can practice their Swedish. What is work?
Blessings!

When autumn came

2010-09-21T15:38:00.002+02:00

This is how it looked when autumn came to Dalarna. Beautiful!

New week, new adventure!

2010-09-20T08:32:00.002+02:00

This is a new week where many things can happen! Meeting today, maybe a doctors appointment, travel tomorrow, celebrating YWAM 50 years at YWAM Restenäs and Restenäs 30 years the rest of the week. Meeting new and old friends... :)

I am so thankful to be in YWAM, we have such great founders and leaders! Looking forward to hearing more from them!

I realize now what a great investment the DNA Infusion was. To spend three weeks with Darlene Cunningham, and a few days with her "boyfriend" :) and other long-time leaders was really great! That is something to recommend!

Blessings to you and your new week! :-)

Images in my head

2010-09-18T23:22:00.002+02:00

Seeing the images in my head I realize that I have watched to much movies and TV.
It still hasn't been much lately accept today and yesterday (in a longer "lately" that is).
Now I hope to get warm and sleep well! Blessings!

Writing

2010-08-27T17:42:00.002+02:00

Lately I have thought of that I want to improve my writing.
Today I stumbled across this:

http://www.helium.com/channels/955-Writing-Tips

I haven't read all of it, but it got me interested and encouraged to find something of what I was looking for.
Now I just need a working computer so that I can write in private and not only like this on the office computer.

Blessings!

Lisa

God is

2010-08-10T09:04:00.001+02:00

I want to say, I would not be able to handle it, but I know God will pull me through.

Now I have

2010-08-04T04:34:00.002+02:00

Now I have driven a car in a foreign country for the first time!
Count of countries: Sweden, Latvia.
This means that our brilliant speaker for MA 2010 is safely on the train!
The program is going great! Now I need some sleep! ;)

Need prayer support for Mission Adventures

2010-07-30T14:59:00.002+02:00

Need prayer support for Mission Adventures Dalarna 2010. Some of us are already in Latvia, experiencing some practical&spiritual challenges.
Blessings!

It

2010-07-29T22:35:00.002+02:00

Gud gav oss en fantastisk solnedgång när vi kom fram till Ruzina ikväll!
Allt har gått bra och Team Forsnäs är tacksamma! Syrsorna är högljuda tycker Manda... :)

Update: Oups! This one ended up on the wrong blog! But I'll leave it here because it is so beautiful!

Fear God, not your bank account!

2010-07-19T00:04:00.001+02:00

Fear God, not your bank account!

Words I need to remember:

2010-07-18T15:07:00.002+02:00

Watching the rain

2010-07-17T23:09:00.004+02:00

Watching the rain from the sofa in my kitchen.
Listening to the thunder.
Thinking.
Everything done without faith is sin, isn't that what it says in the Good Book?
God wants our trust.
He wants us to have faith in Him, to trust that He is in control.
I worry about certain things, but the "worry factory" is not built by God.
The thunder is getting closer.
God does not want us to worry.
He wants us to trust Him.
So why do I worry and why do I want what I do not have?
I choose to trust God, I choose. God help me!
Psalm 23.

Prophetic word given at our love feast:

2010-07-06T21:04:00.003+02:00

For the new generation:
Usher the people into the presence of God.
Time to lead out. Don't look at what you don't have - but work with what you have!
Use the hunger from within.

Recording

2010-07-06T16:24:00.002+02:00

Sound clip from the concert - the end of "Carrie"...
Bless you Boys!

Update: It didn't work... :-( I have 9 seconds of the crowd singing and Europe finishing the song... hm... I wonder how I can get it of my phone?

A good gig?

2010-07-03T01:36:00.003+02:00

A good gig?
Was it a good gig?

Update:
It was a good gig, even if Joey had troubble with his voice (and balance) sometimes. It was great to see the gyus. They are so talented!
Cute also when Ian greeted his daughter on her 18th b-day and someone lifted her up so we could see her! :-) They love their kids!

Here are some more pictures:

Yeah!

This was when Joey was singing about Jamie - A new love in town...

Bless you!

Bibles

2010-06-14T18:18:00.003+02:00

Swedish teens fighting to get their first Bibles! I just love these guys!

I loved them even more after this. They wrote all these questions about Christian life, and about death.
The deepest q was if I have ever wanted to be a man. It is easy. But it is deep.
Blessings!

A sunny day on a confirmation camp!

2010-06-14T12:53:00.002+02:00

A sunny day on a confirmation camp!
Lovely!
They are talking when they should, singing when they should, and mostly silent when they should. Me like!
Now I have some time off before I teach them the Bible!

Flexibility=power?

2010-06-12T11:08:00.002+02:00

Flexibility=power?
I just heared from a leader that I have to be flexible after he had taught the group something that I had prepared to teach. In this case his flexibility feels more like power, I get to pick up the crumbs and have no chance to prepare.
Need prayer support.