Just Sharing some thoughts on My Day 13 on this month of THANKFULNESS.

ohhhh!!!

Again, I struggled to narrow my "thanks" post to one thing (which is a good thing, so be ready for upcoming days) ;)

I have been waiting (patiently, oh so patiently) to post about my thankfulness for this member of my family.  I am so thankful to the Lord (each and every day) for each one (as you will read in upcoming days); please allow me the blessing of sharing about my Elli Grace.  Most definitely, she will "die" when she sees I have posted about her; I usually don't without permission but she is not one to "toot her own horn".

She is so reliable, helpful (I come home to a clean house, arranged cupboards and many other "mom" style blessings because of her), and I am especially thankful to the Lord for the work He has done (is doing) in her life.  My favorite part of the day are the mornings of quiet in our home, where each family member is sitting with their Bible (no pushing or prompting necessary, yay!).  I would love her if she did these things are not, but am so thankful for everything about her.

Thank You Heavenly Father for the gift of being Elli's mom.  You gave her the middle name of "grace" and I have learned so much about your grace through her.  Thank You for the awesome works You are doing in and through her; put your hedge of protection about her and may she do great things to bring You Glory. Thank you that Your thoughts and plans for her are great, and we can trust You to work your perfect will in her life.

* She laughs with me (and at me).

* She shows me "grace" when I need it most.

* She is trust-worthy.

* She is strong (in all the good ways) but not over-bearing.

* She thinks "deep" and isn't afraid to share her thoughts (diplomatically).

* She is a super duper "smarty pants".

* She is kind and patient (especially having James as her younger brother).

* She has a true "servants" heart; she sees a need and just does it.

* She has a heart that is seeking after God on its own.

* She reminds me of things, when I need reminding (and I often do); often its, "James is an 11 year old boy mom, don't expect too much.".

* She is the heart of the children's ministry of the church here; she loves serving the little ones and ministering to them and watching her take initiative to lead is bitter-sweet as I see her maturing (oh, why cant she be that little curly haired 3-year old who put together her own outfits and over-flowed with bubbly personality - forever?!?!?)

* She plays the piano and guitar with beauty and grace.

* She is careful with finances (even mine); "mommy, I really don't need that right now."

* She watches Jane Eyre movies with me.

*Some boys think her a bit "too independent"; I quietly smile, knowing that she does things on her own so as not to send any one of them "the wrong message" - as she is trusting her Heavenly Father for the "right one" (though occasionally hard).

She is my best "girl" friend.

She is "my sunshine on a cloudy day" - My Girl, Elli Grace Jejeran.

BREAKING TRADITION

Sounds a bit "rebellious" doesn't it?  Who amongst us doesn't have a little rebel in them?

But in all seriousness, we are in awe of what we have seen the Lord do as we fully surrender each task before us to Him - and watch Him work and be glorified.

Most recently, that of JeJe doing his first funeral service; and for his closest family member.  He would be rely completely on the Lord to help him, not only with the message, but in navigating his way through the traditional ideals of the Orthodox and Catholic churches. 

Webster's Dictionary defines the word "tradition" as follows"

tra·di·tion

 noun \trə-ˈdi-shən\

: a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time

: the stories, beliefs, etc., that have been part of the culture of a group of people for a long time

Hmmmm, "stories" or "beliefs".  Either of those can be true or false...

The Bible tells us that only The Word of God is Truth (Jesus is the Word)

Several weeks ago, JeJe's Aunt Geta passed away and entered the presence of the Lord.  She and he were very close.  He was an infant when his grandmother (her mother) began raising him.  Once he was 7 years old, he grew up with Geta and her husband (they never had children of their own).  In preparing for Geta's passing (she was just 55 years old), we discussed with her how she would like her funeral service handled, etc.  She had surrendered her life to Jesus back in May of this year, and a month later was given the news that she had Stage 4 lung cancer (just months to live without further treatment).  She asked me one day, how "we" do funerals, I explained that for the "believers" it is sad when another believer passes, but we rejoice at the same time because we know that person is now in Heaven.  What better place could one hope for?  She would learn this as the months of pain and discomfort came, and in her last weeks longed for Heaven. She liked the sound of it but knew that Romanian tradition included priests, maybe some boring music, everyone wearing black and crying because there was no hope.  The tradition here is for people to tell you at the funeral "May God Forgive" - WHAT !?!?!?!  you had better have that taken care of BEFORE your funeral. Once at the funeral, it's too late for whoever we are burying if that haven't made the decision to surrender his/her life to Jesus.  

Geta did have a couple of small requests:  that she be buried in a certain outfit, but yet the casket be closed; and she asked JeJe to talk to the Catholic priest of the small church in her town, where she had often gone on Sundays prior to her understanding of repentance/forgiveness in Jesus Christ, to have him present at the service.  She did state clearly that she wanted JeJe to handle the funeral service/message but just asked the priest to be there.  This would be JeJe's first funeral to officiate; we wanted to honor Geta's wishes but also had concern about the presence of the Catholic priest - so, we gave it to the Lord and asked for His direction.

A couple of days prior to Geta's passing, JeJe went to speak with the Catholic priest - the man spoke in Hungarian (most Hungarians follow the Catholic faith here) as JeJe and one of his other aunts tried to process what was said.  The Lord miraculously gave JeJe an understanding of what was said (no, JeJe does not speak Hungarian) and it was firmly stated that without the paying of "church taxes" he would not be coming.  The priest went on to tell JeJe's other aunt who was present with him, that her church tax was several years in the rear and she would need to be getting that caught up as well.  Well, that pretty much solved that issue - and the rest of the family was in agreement:  no Catholic priest at the service (most of them dont attend church and had grown up with the Orthodox church ideologies).

This was new:  watching people want to break tradition, as they see what man's "organized religion" has become/done.  It created a softening and openness to hear the true Gospel message.

Geta had attended church here with us her last few months.  She loved to read the Bible and enjoyed the church services, especially the worship.  The Lord has blessed us with a worship leader (Alin) who is very anointed and spirit lead (no, nothing crazy).

JeJe and Alin would do the entire Chapel service.  The Gospel message was preached to more than 300 people who attended both the chapel and grave-side services, and JeJe explained that your decision needs to be made "here. now. today." - dont wait until after you are in the ground for people to pray for your forgiveness that you "might" get to heaven - that is not what the Bible teaches.  No priest was present, no prayers (in Latin or Hungarian) for entrance into heaven lifted up, no incense spread around.  The most important guest showed up:  The Holy Spirit - Jesus with us.  He moved, and many people prayed to receive Jesus as Savior when an altar call was given.

Church is not about organized religion, it is not about a building or rituals.  Jesus broke every ritual the Pharisees and Sadducees tried to implement; eating with sinners, preaching in the streets, and especially by healing on the Sabbath. I am so glad He did, and that He heals 24/7 (both spiritually and physically) and FEE FREE.

We too can often fall into a rut of "tradition" or "habit" in going to church; and forgetting to daily ask Him in, as Him what He has for us "this day".  I don't know about you but I can also fall into danger of not wanting to be "inconvenienced" by something/someone that the Lord is asking me to be used for.  Maintaining closeness to Him is most critical, in order to hear/follow His voice as He leads us.

When we invite Jesus to be present, to lead and move - He does amazing things.  He doesn't need us but He sure would like to use us.

Everyone who was a close relative or friend expressed how blessed the service was, and we give Glory to Jesus - who gives victory over death; the original "Tradition Breaker".

“Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams."

1 Samuel 15:22

TRUTH

HOW CAN YOU KNOW THE TRUTH FROM A LIE?

Here are some practical check points in helping discern false teachings/teachers, and being on the defense against them.

1) If someone/something is exalting themselves and not glorifying Jesus Christ.  **Note:  I say Jesus Christ, because His Name is Higher and above all others.  Many people use the term "god" - but who is their "god"?  themselves?  Who is the focus of their teaching?  them, you, who?  This includes someone exalting the flesh (ours or theirs) as having authority/power (watch for a spirit of pride).  All power and authority belong to Jesus Christ, and only His glory should be sought.

 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:15

"For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect."  Matthew 24:24

  

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves."  2 Peter 2:1

**There is a high accountability for those who choose to teach...

"He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble."  Luke 17:1-2

2) If someone is teaching there are other ways to "God" other than Jesus Christ.  Example:  Some very popular/positive self-proclaimed Bible teachers are on-record as stating that they believe Mormons and Muslims will be with followers of Jesus Christ in Heaven; because we all have our own ways to God.  LIE !!!  why?  Because this is completely against the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. 

JESUS SAID:  “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."  John 14:6

***Often making a stand against this lie, we are called "un-loving" and "intolerant" of others.  Here is what Jesus had to say on this matter,

  

 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."  Matthew 10:34

**He is a Holy God...

  

3) If something is not completely true (meaning lines up wholly with the Bible and not just a verse taken out of context) - then it is a LIE !

  

 ^"And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.  For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many."   Matthew 24:4

4) DO NOT LET YOUR EMOTIONS BE YOUR FAITH COMPASS.  The enemy deceives us first in our minds and through our emotions (he will even use the word of God); church and our faith are not based on our emotions and how we "feel".  Hold fast to the Truth - that is only found in the Word of God.  We all want to hear good, positive, uplifting things, but Jesus wants us to hear and walk in the Truth.  LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR COMPASS
***BEWARE of teachers who preach their ideas and fit the Bible/verses into their ideas.  

  

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires" 2 Timothy 4:3

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."  Romans 10:17

5) DO NOT LOOK TO BE TAUGHT BY  OTHERS:  Receive Biblical reproof, teaching and correction BUT always test the Spirit by which it is given.  Does it match up to Biblical truth?  Is it in line with the characteristics of God?  Was it given in a spirit of humility or self-promotion?  Ask the Lord to be your teacher and guide.  Ask the Holy Spirit - He wants to guide/help you; you just have to ask.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

1 John 4:1

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:5-8

6)  CONFUSED?  what is being said is not making sense or the person proclaiming it, is all over the place and throwing out many different ideas, etc.  God is a God of Order and satan is the author of confusion.  When you know the characteristics of God, and those of the enemy, it is easy to discern where something is coming from.

"For God is not a God of confusion but of [a]peace, as in all the churches of the saints."  

1 Corinthians 14:33

7) KNOW THE TRUTH & WALK IN IT; STUDY YOUR BIBLE DAILY.   How to go into battle without your sword in your hand every day?  Satan used scripture against Jesus - he used it in a twisted way (he is the father of lies and the great "deceiver").  Jesus was able to slay down/overpower the lies of satan in the wilderness by quoting scripture in its true context.

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling" Philippians 2:12

POWER OVER DEATH

Why do we not see the sense of urgency?  People around us are dying every day; not just physically; but, more importantly, spiritually.  I often suspect it is because we are naturally drawn to places of "comfort".  As a missionary, I can't tell you how many spiritual attacks have come upon me and my family as a result of sharing the Gospel (not surprised by them; satan hates what we are doing, and knows his time here is short).  Earlier this year, over about 6-7 weeks, JeJe prayed with 7 people to receive Christ; the spiritual warfare was tough - but we hold the power in us - the Victory of Jesus on the cross; and I will fear no evil.  I choose to trust in my God's promises to protect me and my family, rather than watch souls perish.

We are currently walking through a difficult valley:  a family member, who battled breast cancer a year and a half ago us undergoing surgery to remove tumors from her lung.

As we walk through the hospitals and oncology buildings, we find ourselves surrounded by much hopelessness and, for many, lingering death.  Cluj is the capital city for cancer treatment in Romania.  The hallways are jam packed with people traveling from all over the country, waiting to see their Doctors, have testing done, etc.  Young to old, it is just heart breaking.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I hold in me the power of life over death; HE conquered death by His resurrection.  I only have to open my mouth (I am usually good at that), trust the Holy Spirit to give me His words, and share them with those I come into contact with.  The rest (the results) are His.
Open my mouth Lord; keep me from comfort and enable me to share your words of eternal life.

"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?  And how will they hear without a preacher?"
Romans 10:14

"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.  For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day."  1 Timothy 1:8-12

"But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:54-57

"But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38-39

THE WAY OF CALVARY

This past Sunday was Palm Sunday for us here in Romania; it has been really "strange" for me to have the Easter season so late in the year.  We will celebrate on May 5th; a long gap between celebrating it here and when it was celebrated in the U.S. (a difference of 5 weeks).

In this "gap" of time, the Lord has allowed me to be refined.  I have been struggling with discouragement, and the purging of hurt that comes through others.

As I cry out to the Lord, He keeps telling me "This is the way of Calvary; this is the road I walked - I want you to feel what I felt, so that you can have my heart.".  He laid down all his rights and will for His own life, so that He could accomplish the will of His Father.  He was sold, betrayed, beaten and rejected (Isaiah 53), but the results, and victory, were for me: reconciled to God through forgiveness of sins that His shed blood brought for me.  I am so thankful for His obedience and example.

If anyone knows rejection, it is Him.  The people would gather by the thousands to take what they could from Him, and opened their streets to cry "Hosanna!  Hosanna!" but days later these same people would cry "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!".

Rejection and disappointment: who knows them better than my Savior?  His disciples all scattered in the garden when He was arrested, and He then carried His cross up that long road to the hill of Calvary; to be crucified for my sins, and the sins of the world.

He has a plan for the things He allows me to go through, and promises to walk with me down the road (Romans 8:28 & Hebrews 13:5-6).

He wants to teach me to love others with His heart, despite rejection and disappointment.  His example to me is when He was on that cross - the only time He would be completely abandoned by His Father;  He cried out "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.".

This is His message to me:   Choose the way of Calvary.

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,

just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:32

“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.”  ― John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life

A CLEAN HOME

Spring has finally "sprung" in Romania!  Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and I am one "happy camper".  Being born and raised in Southern California, one can easily take for granted the sunshine - not any more.  As a matter of fact, up until recently, I detested house flies; now, having one come into the house is a sign that Spring is finally here (bugs, birds and flowers - all part of God's cycle).

A thorough "Spring Cleaning" of our home is a necessary/planned "family event" in April.  Each of us attacks a part of the outside; and, even though the inside is kept fairly clean all year long, there is a need for deep cleaning on the interior of the home.

The process requires a lot of work; and each member of our family "team" helping in the process.  It is tiring, even physically painful work (often forget I had "those" muscles) - but the rewards feel oh so good!  We all enjoy the feeling a clean home brings.

It brought to memory a little booklet I read over a handful of years ago. I was on a small women's retreat in the Mountains of Southern California and the leader brought this "treasure of" a booklet for us to go through My Heart, Christ's Home.  Well worth the short time it takes to read it (many deeper things in it to meditate on); it is one you want to tuck into your nightstand (if you have one) and pull out from time to time (I know I need to).

At the time of that particular retreat, I was in a season of life that had brought an unsettled heart.  I had allowed so many worldly things to creep in (the prince of this world is good at subtly "creeping" in 1 Peter 5:6-11).  This booklet brought a "visual" for me as I read it.

You see, if our heart is truly Christ's Home - and He is dwelling there - we really don't want a dirty mess; this is THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS who is residing in us, and we should want it to be cob-web and dust free!  Sins of omission and commission (life's dirt) have a way of creeping and settling into our homes, until we see the havoc and destruction (and even "residue") they cause us spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

It "brought home" the necessity for my need to do a continual "house cleaning" of my heart.  You see, I don't know about you but my mind often works over time - it twists, it turns, it rationalizes.  There is a deep need for me to continually bring my plans, thoughts, ideas, and especially my emotions, before the throne of Christ and allow Him to sift through and direct me in the way I should go.

Once the house is clean, I want to enjoy it and just soak in the moment; it's a great feeling.  You can have clean house, but not have peace and blessing in it.  If you aren't in complete obedience and surrender to Christ; that peace is not there between you and Him.  There is an "unsettling" - hidden dust kind of thing; or the feeling of that one item that is "out of place" when you go to put things back on the shelf. The dust returns to be even dirtier than before and over time, can cause decay.

At the completion of this years' cleaning, we held a birthday party for our youngest child.  As the party began, my husband moved a portable speaker/ipod station to take outside for the guests to enjoy music.  When not in use, this speaker is kept in the far corner of the living room.  When he had taken the speaker from its place, a huge black dust ball appeared in front of everyone present; I was aghast with embarrassment.  Ewww!

This disgusting dust ball reminded me of the booklet and the hidden sins that we "tuck/store away" in rooms of our lives....The enemy pulls them out of storage, when convenient for him, and it gives him opportunity to create disaster with our lives/witness for Christ.

It is important for me to daily follow the example of the Psalmist when he wrote:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

And see if there be any hurtful way in me,

And lead me in the everlasting way."

Psalm 139:23-24

You see, my heart can be deceitfully wicked.  It prevents me from truly be honest with myself and the Lord about things, and can stuff them into storage:

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,

    and desperately wicked.

    Who really knows how bad it is?

But I, the LORD, search all hearts

    and examine secret motives.

I give all people their due rewards,

    according to what their actions deserve.”

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT

I can rationalize and defend my thoughts, feelings, emotions until the cows come home. The enemy enjoys helping me keep the clutter and dirt by feeding thoughts of anxiety, critical thoughts towards others, thoughts of revenge and bitterness, thoughts of despair, etc..

But God wants to keep me free and clean of these things.  He wants me to continually give them over to Him as they surface, and allow Him to purge those things/thoughts/anxieties, etc. and keep me hindrance free in my relationship with Him.

I have to bring my dirt before Him and purpose to remain alert against the enemies tactics towards me; he loves to bring clutter and dirt and destruction in my relationship with Christ and others.

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.

He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith."

1 Peter 5:8

Sometimes, I get into busy or neglectful seasons and He has to hem me in with his shepherds staff, and speak these things to me/bring them to my attention.  He wants me sin free to enjoy a blessed and full relationship with Him.

"For the LORD corrects those He loves,

just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."

Proverbs 3:12

Great is His faithfulness and love towards us.

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

Slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness."

Psalm 103:8

I am praying to stay purposed in keeping my "prayer swiffer" in constant motion, and keep things clean (love the idea that the dirt is not only removed but "sticks" to the cloth); but I am also grateful for those moments set aside for cleaning; like coming to the Lord's table, where we are reminded to search our hearts and set things right with Him and others.

Praising Him for His process of sanctification in my life (though sometimes painful).

Here is the link for the FREE PDF of the booklet My Heart, Christ's Home:

http://seekingageneration.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/my-heart-christs-home.pdf


Photos of the Spring flowers in our front yard/pathway.

A PERFECT SEASON

I love baseball! And I love baseball season.  Everything about it: from Spring Training to the World Series.  I just can't get enough.  I know, kind of strange; even my children tell me I am "not normal" and that "most mother's watch cooking and craft shows; ours watches ESPN Sports Center.".  What can I say? It's just how God wired me.  There is something about the thrill of competition and watching individuals use their God given abilities on the greatest stages.  This is my second season away from the U.S. and I often envision myself standing in the baseball section of the Dick's Sporting Goods store in Yorba Linda, taking in the smells - especially the leather gloves.  Sad, isn't it?

Our family is blessed to have two, wonderful, yet completely different children.  First, is our daughter Elli (13+) - beautiful, kind, extremely mature, loves to read and do crafts and plays both the guitar and piano beautifully (and has an amazing voice, when she will let you hear it).  Second, is our son James (11) - a BOY from head to toe.  Bright, funny, and born with the most amazing athletic abilities (I know, I'm his mother and definitely proud of his accomplishments, but he is the kind of athlete that makes people stop and take notice).  At 20 months old, he picked up a hacky-sack and an empty wrapping paper roll, and just stood there and whacked away.  Hit, after hit, after hit; although I am certain he did, I honestly can't remember him missing one.

In June 2009, the Lord would ask us to return to serve Him in Romania.  He spoke to my heart first, and His call is certain.  We would spend the next two years praying and preparing with our home church to return to Romania and plant a church in Cluj.

At first, the excitement of serving the Lord in this capacity was both exciting and scary, all at once.  The Lord and I had some long discussions over my thoughts and plans for my children, and their futures.  Elli, since the youngest age has had a desire to attend a major university (Elli's Granny's alma matter is USC; she has always looked at that as a possibility-and is very serious about her studies).  James, started playing T-Ball since before he turned 4 years old and has always wanted to play Major League Baseball, then retire and own his own team (with his mother making everyone snacks for the dugout).

These were some of the thoughts I processed as we prayed and prepared for this big move.

As we approached baseball season in February 2010, I asked the Lord to bless James with an amazing season - not knowing if it would be his last in little league, or if we would be blessed with one more.

At the time, James was just 7 years old and this was the beginning of the competitive age.  There would be playoffs and a champion would be crowned.  His team went on to have a season record of 18 wins and 1 loss, and would win the Division Championship.  They had the best season statistics for the A division in the history of the Yorba Linda Little League.

The life lessons and memories the Lord brought to our entire family that year, are priceless treasures we will carry with us forever.

James would be blessed to play one more season of little league prior to our move, only this year he would be moving up to AA and that meant there were try-outs (we were part of a very large little league with their own facility, and 8 teams of 11 boys in James' age division).
Our family discussed that this would be our last year, and we prayed together to ask the Lord to bless us with a great season; and, if it be His will, even bless us with another championship.  I confess, even I hesitated to ask again but then the Lord gave me the scripture (for myself first, then I shared it with James) "You have not, because you ask not" James 4:2b- so, I might as well ask and He tells me to bring every care to him - because He cares about every detail of our lives; however, I reminded James that whatever happens this season, we will praise the Lord - it is His season.

The Saturday for try-outs came; our family stopped to pray (inviting the Lord into whatever we do) and headed out to the field.  James' turn came up and he shined like the sun.  He made every catch in the outfield, at short stop, drove the ball off the pitching machine and rounded the bases with speed and determination.  We didn't know which of the coaches would end up drafting James but we reminded ourselves that this was the Lord's season.

A couple of weeks later the phone call came from James' new Coach, calling to introduce himself and invite us to the first team meeting.  I had no idea who this guy was; but, being the over curious/crazy competitive mom that I am, I went home to check out this coach's team record from last year.  WHAT !?!?!?  2 wins and 12 losses.  NOOOOOO !!!  Lord, what are you doing?  I wrestled with and questioned God all night...Thank goodness His mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness.  In the quiet of the morning, He spoke to my heart, "Coleen, didn't you give this season to me?"  Yes, Lord.  "Do you trust Me with James?"  Yes, Lord.  I asked Him to forgive my doubting heart and my need to control the situation.  "Lord, I release this - and James - to You; and whatever comes of this season, I receive it as coming from You Lord.".  I shared this with James, and told Him how the Lord reassured me that no matter what - He knew what He was doing and what was best for James and it was HIS SEASON.  Jeremiah 29:11 has been our family verse mainstay.

A couple of weeks later, practices began; and, quite honestly, things didn't look too good.  It was absolutely killing me to be quiet and sit in my lawn chair and watch.  Some of the boys couldn't throw a ball, some couldn't hit and it was time to brace myself for what was to come.  AND, they decided that James should move from short stop to catcher because he was the toughest and most determined to stop the ball (preventing balls from getting by him and keeping the opposing team from scoring more runs).  "Um, 'okay.", I thought...but he is made to play short stop.

By the 3rd practice, a ray of hope appeared.  Coach Pete - he had experience training young players, and had several championship teams in this very little league.  He had been asked by one of the coaches to help out.  At the end of this practice, Coach Pete found his way over to me and said "Boy, am I sure glad to see your son here.", to which I smiled and shared with him that James is very blessed by the Lord in his talents.  Coach Pete then glanced over at our daughter Elli's shirt that read "Vineyard Christian Volleyball" - turns out his son went there and they attend church there.  I got to my car and shouted out a "Thank You Lord, open the heavens and shine down some hope!"

As the weeks of training passed, I would sit in that lawn chair watching the boys plays, and as I had my talks with the Lord, wouldn't you know it - several of the boys were really starting to improve.  James would rotate between short stop, being 2nd starting pitcher and catcher; mostly pitching or catching.

We won our first game, our second, and so on.  We finished the regular season with a record 12 wins and 2 losses; and I must add that those losses were especially character building for James.  The Lord teaches us much through both triumph and defeat.

I cannot write this without mentioning the way the Lord brought our daughter, Elli, alongside her brother in cheering him on and making their bond even stronger.  She has clocked in many hours on baseball fields, doing homework while her brother practiced.

We went on to play for the championship.  The top 4 teams would compete in double-elimination.  The first team we had to face was just down right awful, nobody wanted to play them.  The kids on their team used bad language, were bullies in the snack shack line, the parents fought with each other in the parking lot, were mean in their chants towards opposing teams, the coaches argued with the umps - this was just going to be a "battle" in every way and I would need to sit in my chair behind home plate, and quietly pray and keep score (um, emphasis on the "quiet").

We won the first game, then headed to the second - there had been a rain delay, so if we had to play a 3rd game it would be the very next day, which was Sunday.  I prayed so hard for the Lord to bless us with a victory and not have to play on Sunday, or be faced with this team again.  Note:  By this time, I had enlisted the ladies of my women's Bible Study Group into praying with me and asking God for a victory for James and his team; they were delighted to do so.

End of the 4th inning and we were losing 11 - 2.  It was just awful, I just kept praying and didn't give up hope.  Several of our boys came out of the dugout to ask what the score was.  I didn't give it to them, I just said "You get out there and fight, and get us some runs.  This isn't over - we still have 2 more innings of baseball!" - they smiled and went and got their batting helmets and bats on.  Honestly, it wasn't looking good.  We had already been through the top 6 batters and now our weakest batters were coming up (meaning rarely ever get on base, unless they get hit by the ball).  I kept praying and cheering for each boy as they came to bat, and all of a sudden they were hitting!!!!  doubles, triples - bases were loaded and we made it an 11-7 game !!!  We held them to no runs on their at bat. One inning left, but they were home team this match, so they would get the last at bats.  My phone rang several times, Elli was checking in to see how the score was.  She was helping with a church sponsored Garage Sale, that was raising support for our departure; trust us - that event went on just fine - God didn't need our help.  More than $3,500 was raised that day, and we were on a baseball field.

Wouldn't you know it, our boys scored 6 runs !!!  Yes, 6 !!! and took over the lead with their team still getting a chance to bat.  Pray! Pray! Pray!   the boys put everything into it, played awesome defense, great pitching and we won !!!!

We would go on to the final round, where we would take the first win easily, but needed one more win to be League Champions.

Two nights later, game 2 and we are the "visiting" team (the other team got the final at bat).  The opposing coach walks up to my husband (JeJe) prior to the game and says, "I had a nightmare last night and your son was in it."  We knew it was meant as a compliment; he had told us several times what a great player (and kid) James is.


A fairly large crowd (400-500 people) came to watch, including many friends from church.  One of whom was a dear Romanian friend whose teen sons played baseball (she shares my  passion for the sport).  She arrived at the 3rd inning; we were losing 3-5.  Here was her response to the score: "Are you kidding me? What's the matter with these guys? I came to see them win this championship!".

"Just pray!" I replied.

All of our friends began to pray; and, YES, the boys started hitting and we started scoring (they intentionally walked James early on).  5th inning and it is a tied game.

6th and final inning and we score 2 more runs; bringing the score to 7-5.  The opposing team still had their at bats.  James was catching.

The other team scored a run - bringing the game to 7-6 and it could not end in a tie; we were losing sunlight at this point.  They had two runners on base and two outs - just one more out and we would be league champions.  The batter had 2 strikes on him and our pitcher would throw the third strike - OUT ! right into James' glove.

That was it - we had won!  We were the Yorba Linda Little League AA Champions of 2011!

It was just amazing !   God knew what He was doing. I had second guessed Him.

Ask my husband, and anyone else who saw that team and they will tell you - "never thought it would happen" - but if God is for us, who can be against us?  And everyone who joined us in praying - felt a part of the victory.

James wont always have seasons like that, and neither will his mother.  It was a very special moment:  Watching him walk off that field that night, BIG trophy in his hand and with the best/humble attitude and a heart full of thanks to the Lord (and being starved and just wanting to go to our good friends house in the neighborhood for some Mexican food).

During that season the Lord had given me this verse:
"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?  Is anything worth more than your soul?  Matthew 17:26

Looking back, walking away from Little League is the best thing that happened to us.  It was getting to be a very difficult, crazy competitive parent kind of atmosphere.  The Lord showed us that His plans ARE best - He knew it was best for James (and us) to be taken away from that environment.

Our first week in Cluj, someone invited us to a "Baseball Camp".  What?!?!?!?  Who is doing baseball here in Romania?  A group of players had come over from Northwestern Christian University to work with the local YWAM base.  How awesome is our God?
James took to the field and it was just amazing to see what the Lord did that week.

Last year my husband began playing with James at a large, open field here in Romania, several other boys came to play; they still play with us today.  Last summer, we co-hosted a baseball summer camp with YWAM and had almost 100 children attend each day.  The children learn baseball skills, and we have time for devotions/testimonies and end with game time.
The Lord has now developed Baseball Cluj (check us out on Facebook) - we had our first match in October 2012 with a city about 2 hrs drive away (also playing baseball, the Romanians are really taking to it) and our Jrs. lost by just 1 run and the same with our Sr. Group.  This was our first match, the other city has been playing as an organized sport for about 5 years.

Our Spring 2013 season is underway (despite rainy skies some days, we have about 25 real committed players, and several parent volunteers).  We are praying to develop an official city little league (our city is pretty big) - and are currently putting together a proposal to our Mayor for a dedicated training field that we will share with our friends who play American Football.

We have many offers flooding in for "Friendship Tournaments" which we hope will happen (costs and traveling are the big key, but Not Bigger than Our God).  The best part is the doors that have been open for evangelism and discipleship with young people and their families, and a couple are now attending the church. We are thankful that the Lord has blessed us to be part of what He is doing here.

This summer's baseball camp will be blessed with players from the Southern California FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), who will then stay on for a week or two of additional training with our baseball club.  We pray that many unsaved young people and their families will be reached through this.  The FCA Athletes will be doing devotionals/testimonies/discipleship on the weekend nights as well, encouraging the young people to first have a walk with God, and then how to maintain their walks with God using a "Life Scorecard".

In addition, we have another group of former minor league players (from our home church of CCEA) who are praying to get here this summer as well.

The Lord recalled that final baseball season to my memory just this past week.  I had stored it in my "Back Pocket" and He knew I needed to get it out.  It's been a long winter, and I was just feeling a bit "down" about things; having thoughts of doubt and wanting to re-plan my children's futures, etc.

That very day, James came home from batting practice and told me how he crushed the balls off the pitching machine the Lord has provided (the provision for that is another "cool" "separate" "God Story") - at top speed.

He doesn't miss little league one bit, and often tells us how much he loves living here.  We recently learned that there is an IMLB training facility in Tuscany, Italy where the MLB scouts come to check out European players for the major league...

The Lord recalled this very thing He whispered to me several years ago, "No one can stop my plans for your children, and they are great and good, with a hope and a future. Trust Me."

"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust Him, and He will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun."
Psalm 37:4-6 NLT

HE CARES ABOUT THOSE THINGS THAT MATTER TO US

"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him."  Matthew 7:11


I know, here I go with another baseball related story - but hang on because the GOD PART is the best part.  He just uses baseball in a BIG way in our family, but it's the things He does and teaches us that are for ANYBODY !!!

It was March 2011 and we were just 3 months away from heading out and moving to Romania - with a July 5 departure.  We had a budget and a huge list of items to purchase prior to that.  The "Winter Clearance" sales at all the major sporting goods stores had arrived, and I set out to purchase the most important items first.  However, every time we enter one of these stores - we gravitate to the baseball section (with the exception of our daughter Elli, who is merely self sacrificing to our baseball craziness).  Every visit - because you never know what new bat came in, what is on sale, etc.

We find a few necessary items and "drift" on over to the baseball section (opposite side of the store) to see a shiny, green and metal pitching machine.  What is this doing here !?!?  they are usually ONLY special order items.  This is a $2000 machine on sale for half price - what !?!?!?! someone is going to snatch this thing up - its the same model used at Angels Stadium for pre-game practice.  My husband is just standing there, ever so quietly and I know that all he is thinking about, is that machine and how can we get it (note: this is a man who does not spend money easily, let alone on a pitching machine) - he knew this was an amazing find (for a baseball family that is).

We said "good-bye" to the machine, after I reminded him that we had "priorities" and a budget and this machine was in no way going to fit in this budget.

Without telling one another, we both had that pitching machine in our hearts; and we both had individually prayed that if the Lord wanted us to have it - it would still be there and He would provide the finances for us.

The next 4 weeks went by, and we visited Dick's again (several times) for other NECESSARY items - and take our stroll over to the baseball section - the machine is still there!?!?!?  What!? no one has bought it?  Even used they are this much, if not more.  We asked a store clerk what the story is on the machine; someone special ordered it and then didn't want it.  Hmmm...

The next day at church we spend time talking to our friends about this machine and get their thoughts (wise counsel, as the husband is an executive with Sports Chalet); the husband informs us that even with his company discount he couldn't get machine like that, at that price - seemed like a "great get".  We headed into the church service - no more pitching machine on the mind - had a great time with the Lord and his people and went home.

Shortly after lunch, JeJe approaches me quietly and informs me that God used someone at church to bless him with almost $700 and tells me he is still thinking about the pitching machine.  "Me, too." I confessed and proceeded to suggest that we give it to the Lord and that he go tomorrow and talk with the store manager.

He went to the sporting good store and found the store manager.  He explained to her that all he had for this machine was in his pocket, and that included the tax.   She agreed!  He came home, ran the machine a few times and then packed it up - it had to make our shipping container delivery the VERY next day!  His ways our not only higher than ours, but He is also never late.

God cares about every detail of our lives.  What seems insignificant to others, is BIG for Him.  He loves to lavish us with good things, but those things He knows will benefit us, not harm us.

Not only are God's ways higher and more perfect than ours, but He is also NEVER late.

The greatest blessing for us as parents, was sharing this story with our children.  Our son knows that pitching machine was a gift from the Lord.  This past winter a generator was donated to help run the machine without the use of electrical cords; the boys are having a "blast" with it.

Thank You Lord.