Helping Out Others. . .

As many of you know, I am a BIG BIG supporter of helping out the needy- especially the homeless population. :) I am helping with a project this year called HELP PORTRAIT. I would Like to encourage you to learn more about this project, and to help out by giving back to the community.

AND for giving back and spreading the word, I am going to provide you the chance to WIN A FREE FAMILY SESSION with Creative Blessings Photography- valid from January to March 2012. This includes a CD with 15-20 images.

Here is how you can win:
1. Drop off gently used clothes or toys at my house or at REIMAGE CHURCH by DECEMBER 10th.

2. Drop off toiletry items to my house by December 8, 2011.

Comment on the blog AFTER you drop off your item.

Other entries include:

Blog or Post on FACEBOOK about this event and leave a comment back on the blog with a link to your post.


Winner will be chosen by random drawing by December 12, 2011 and notified via email.

Please provide your email address on each posting!

THANKS for helping out!!!

Freedom: Do we really understand that in America?

Today we met with several local pastors and had the privilege to pray for them. This was in place of going to one of the children’s homes. Due to the weather, they had to cancel that activity. I honestly was heart broken, but deep down I know that we were meant to be with these pastors. We had breakfast and then met the pastors in our hotel dining room for coffee and discussions. However, it was quickly realized that we had to move to a safer place. The mayor of the town was also eating breakfast- they (along with several other tables) were listening to our conversation. This put them in grave danger. In this particular city (along with many more in India) if one wishes to change their religion they must go before the town and publically declare that no one has coerced them to changing religions. They must document their religious choice. It is my prayer that even though we moved the prayer meeting to another room, they do not experience harm from meeting with us. The pastors remained downstairs to eat and one at a time, they came up to one of our rooms- where we had gathered- to share their testimony.

For the first time, I honestly felt a bit on edge while in India. Am I concerned about my safety, yes; however, I am more concerned for those we met with. They have been beaten; locked up by villagers; stones thrown at them; motorcycles damaged (primary means of transportation); and gone through many other forms of persecution- all because they worship God.

So, tonight (or today depending on when I post this) take a minute to thank God that you have the freedom to worship the one true God. It is a freedom not to be taken lightly and one I fear we often do take for granted. Thank a soldier today as well.

Even though we arrived at 330am, there were people from CICM waiting to welcome us and to make certain we were taken care of as we traveled from the station to the mission. It is quite obvious that we are potential targets- Caucasians in general are not very common; however, a group with four white chicks probably stands out a little more. Even though our train was late (over 1 ½ hours late), someone was waiting at one of the stations to provide us with food- food that was prepared safely for us to eat.

We came through the gates (which have crosses on them) and upon our arrival to the CICM Children’s Home (different than the one we did not get to go to), there was a welcome banner with our team members’ names on it. Our rooms are very nice- I, again, have my own room and private bath. Being the lone single female on the trip has its advantages. 

On the train, San jay opened the door for me to watch the countryside go by It was so beautiful. I find myself wondering and wanting to shoot CLEAN IT UP. Trash is everywhere. What I must realize is that the people have lived like this a very long time and in a country without God they cannot see the same beauty in the world that I do. We went by rice field after field, the sun was starting to set, and all I can think about is how much God loves the people here. Yet, many of them do not know it.

Cows are a god here (just so you know I think our first meal in NY will involve BEEF- something even McDonald’s does not sell in India. They have chicken burgers.) yet they are just allowed to roam the streets with no care provided to them. They eat the garbage in the streets.

We are all gaining so much from this experience; we are not in one place very long, what difference does this make for the people? Our hosts told us that the people we meet are honored that we are not just sending money (although I believe people are meant to do that) but that we have taken the time out of our lives to come to visit them.

We have gained more than we have given, but we know that God had a reason for us to be here- He knew we were coming and He knows the needs of both the missionaries here as well as the people on our team.

We are preparing for a busy few days- touring CICM tomorrow along with a rest break in the afternoon. Then, we will be divided up to teach at the CICM schools and ultimately, will be able to see and help at the medical camp.

Protected. . .

I have so much I wish to write, but this morning, I am in awe of God's protection. . . How often are we in situations that we know God is watching over us? How often are we in situations where the danger is not actually perceived but that God carefully orchestrates the situation to protect us? I think, as Christians, we are often in situations where God is protecting us and we may not even know of the danger.

Yesterday, during our car ride, the 3 vehicles had a certain order. I was in the vehicle that did not have a CICM staff member (a native person), but instead carried 5 from the team. Sonjay, the director of our trip, made certain the drivers knew we were to be the middle car- that was for our safety. Due to the rain, it made it a bit hard to always see up ahead so the drivers would stop to make certain the group had caught up. For the record, we have excellent drivers.

Our driver made a stop, apparently without permission. When the other drivers realized this, they came back to the site. I have never seen (and other that have known him longer agree) Sonjay so mad. Our driver was given a good scolding. I honestly, felt sorry for him, but that does put us in danger. We are in a situation where we don't know the language, there are many cultural customs we may not understand, and it is not a country where Christians are openly welcomed.

Later on last night, I was thinking about this situation. Isn't it amazing how God uses the people around us for our protection? Isn't it even more amazing how many times the danger may be ahead but God is always present?

I also thought about the wrath of God- Sonjay was very mad because the driver did not listen. How often does God get angry with me for not obeying, not listening? How often do we put our plans ahead of his? Yet, through HIS GRACE, I am able to be forgiven. I think Cliff said it best, we know what we need to do, we just get caught up in the planning. That is true. Our model needs to be God Use me where I am at and with the people I encounter.

Trusting him is the only way.

Church Dedication

I had said I would not pay for internet for another day; however, we may have limited access in the next town (will be there for 2 days), so I decided to splurge. I also felt I really wanted to attempt to share the emotions from today.

We were able to share in the dedication of the church that Christ’s Church built. It was amazing. We were treated like royalty- people who have very little gave us all so much. And more importantly, we were able to share in worship together. When we arrived at the church, we were greeted by hundreds of people lining the street, throwing flowers, and singing praises. Tim cut the ribbon to open the doors and then we were taken in to see the dedication sign (picture posted). WOW! I think we were all overcome with emotion.

I think Marty said it best when he gave the communion meditation- We have different languages, different cultures but the same God who extends us grace. (I paraphrased a bit, but that is the gist). . . Isn’t that how Heaven is going to be?

We are going to be sitting around at a big feast- man, woman, child, American, Indian, European, Asian. . .

Too often, we are caught up in our service- we get stuck on tradition (must be a certain way because it has always been done that way) and the bottom line is this: God came for us all. No matter the style of music we select, or the way we sing (and I take the JOYFUL NOISE to a whole other meaning!), we are all the body of Christ.

I am listening to Aaron Shust a lot during this trip. . . He sings a song, “My hope is in you.” It is time for Christians around the world to get real- and primarily I am speaking to Americans (myself included in that group). This world is temporary. There is nothing- NOTHING- we are taking with us. He sings in this song, “My hope is in you all the day long. I won’t be shaken by drought or storm. The peace that passes understanding is my song. My hope is in you Lord. . . You are my refuge!”

India is still a country of persecution for Christians. These men and women are often rejected by family members, lose jobs, and are harmed by choosing to be a Christian. How many times do we say on Sunday morning, oh let’s just sleep in? How many times do we fail to realize what a freedom we have to be able to attend a worship service? We complain about the AC not working or what color carpet we are going to put in the building. Yet, the people we worshiped with today have gone for years without even a building. God has grown their church to 1000 members/attendees; they have two services each Sunday. Now, that sounds like a large number (and it is), but keep in mind how many people actually live in India. There are many more that need to be reached here.

Today, as we traveled a bit more out of the city, we saw even more poverty. At lunch today (we had pizza hut as the teens on the trip wanted that and honestly, we all wanted something a bit more American), we were again approached by many little children (some only 6 or 7 and carrying baby siblings) begging for money. They will steal from you as well, so you are instructed to keep walking and hold tight to your belongings. It breaks your heart. But, I know that God is still faithful. He loves them the same as he loves me and he died for them. Who is going to tell them about Christ?

India needs more people to come. They need more preachers. They need financial support. CICM is making a huge impact, and praise God for their presence here. Yet, more is needed. I would encourage you to pray for our team, but also pray for those that are here every day- in the front lines leading people to Christ.

We leave at 4am for our next destination- we have a flight around 545am and will then have the day of rest prior to meeting with another church- one of the earliest CICM churches. Thank you for your prayers!

In India. . .

I am in India. Hard to believe. We are tired travelers, but doing well overall. I had hope to post some pictures, but it is taking a bit of time to download them. My first thoughts consist of many mixed emotions.

It is hot, but no hotter than the USA.
It is dirty- we are staying in a nice hotel, but the streets of the city are just dirty. Trash and pollution everywhere.
Poverty and the slums are present in many areas.
Yet, other people are driving BMWs.
The people here need Jesus. They cling to a false beliefs.
The Christians in the country are amazing- all they endure makes my efforts appear so vain.

I am reading Erasing Hell by Francis Chan while here. . .makes you think about all the people who do not know God. Today, that hit hard when I was praying in the temple. So many people in this same room are praying to a false god. They don't know and understand the truth and are ultimately, headed to hell.

So, that is my quick take on India. . .

Who am I to Christ? Who am I in Christ?

So, I have not blogged in a really (ok, a REALLY!) long time. . . It is funny several people have mentioned to me if I have a blog. Honestly, after a friend’s death it seemed I didn’t wish to be as open through blogging. I rarely looked at blogs anymore.

Somehow this week, I feel I have a lot to say. 

I love how God can use various situations and circumstances to speak to me. He’s smart like that.  This week, I made a comment in a conversation that I was not a confident person- most people do not perceive that, but deep down I struggle with being confident. Ok, it is a struggle. I read Beth Moore’s book- loved it, but I still struggle with being bold and confident. A dear Christian lady overheard my comment and said, “I so do not see that about you!” I said, “Well it is me.” She asked me to take another look at what “He says about you.” Good advice.

I’ve been sick this week (ok moody too! ) and not felt well.

My confidence was hit kind of hard and then God started to remind me of Who I am in Him. I am nothing without Christ. But, how dare I take that for granted.

Today, two events started to rock my world a bit. . . . I bought traveler’s insurance for India. I have never bought traveler’s insurance for any mission trips, but for me, it seemed to be something I needed to do. I am not sure why and I will trust God for His leading on that. The part that sort of hit me hard was, when it said it offered a lump sum if I died. I am not afraid of death, but honesty, I have a few things on this earth I would like to do. Yet, we are reminded that every moment we are here is God’s choosing. His plans are not mine.

Then, someone told me that I was “pushy.” GULP, SWALLOW, BREATH. I will admit it, I like to fix things and sometimes my ultimate good intentions of trying to get someone to do something may come across as pushy. That is far from my intention. It is, instead, my desire to help people feel better, provide them with some relief, and pray for people. Guys, I believe in the power of prayer. Perhaps that is a blog for another night. . .

Yet, all of this started me thinking while I was waiting about 45 minutes for a patient today. WHO is Ivy IN Christ and WHO is Ivy TO Christ? What do I mean to Him? What do you mean to Him?

Some scriptures came to mind and I wanted to share that in my first new blog post! 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.
Isaiah 49:16

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
1 Corinthians 7:22-24

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. ” Genesis 15:1

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b

I love when God is speaking to me through people. . . Maybe being called pushy was the final straw to make me think more on who I am, maybe I come across that way and need to change my approach to people. Maybe this relationship can not be healed, but it goes to show that how one person interprets something may be totally different than how it was meant to be. I don’t know, but through this week, I relearned one thing: I am an amazing daughter of Christ, bought and paid for at the highest price! 

Out of the Mouths of Children. . .

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting some of my dearest friends, Holly and Jason Groe. While visiting, I was able to spend some great one on one time with their daughter, Jayden. During our coloring time, she asked me if I would be able to come back in September. Gulp, swallow, breath. Sometimes even the timing of short trips makes it so hard when we miss family events, or special occasions. It always tugs at my heart to tell a child "No" in these situations. But, we aren't here to serve ourselves- even family must take second place to God's plan.

I explained to her that I would not be able to go because I would be on a mission trip to India during most of September. She proceeded to ask a lot of questions about India and why I was going. I answered the "how long is the flight" (thank goodness for Google), "what time is it there" (again, Google is my new best friend), and a few other four year old questions. . .

Her final question was this, "Are you scaarrreed?" asked with big eyes and her best scared face. "No Jayden, I believe that God will protect us during this trip." Silence for a minute. Then she replied in the sweetest Southern drawl and huge blue eyes, "But, Ms. Ivy, sometimes he doesn't. Sometimes He really doesn’t."

I simply replied to her, Jayden, “I believe that God will protect each person who is going. But, should he choose to not physically protect us, I know he had a reason.” At this point, her four year old self can't sit much longer . . . she bounces off to play.

Two things stood out about this conversation- how often do we let fear stop us from serving HIM? And, how often do we fail to realize that our situation is for God’s glory? Jayden in her innocence still understands that God does choose to not always protect us from what we consider “harmful situations.” Maybe he doesn’t heal the cancer; maybe he doesn’t stop the accident; maybe you are the Christian who is beaten for sharing. He chooses that path for our lives for many reasons. Often it is to refine and change our hearts while, ultimately, making us more like Him. Often it is to impact someone’s life for Christ.

Back to the first question, how often do we let fear stop us from serving HIM? How do we let fear keep us from going to serve? How often do we let fear keep us from asking our coworker do they know Christ? It is not only about going to a foreign country, we need people to pray and support missionaries- people that God may never send out of the United States. But, we also need people to step it up for Christ here in the United States. People are dying and going to hell. What are you doing about it?

Still More from Belize. . .

More Belize Photos. . .

Belize Update. . .

I have been so busy since my return from Belize that I have not been able to take the time to do an update and share a few photos from my trip to Belize. God was good on this journey and I know He allowed me to be there for many reasons.













For those that were not aware, I became ill prior to my flight home. It was not a fun experience vomiting in the air (my first), and it has taken some time for my body to finally recover. Thankfully, I have been feeling better the past few days due to many prayers (a great physician, and good medications have helped as well!) In the course of my recovery, I became sick with an URI. Thankfully, that is also on the mend. God blesses me daily and I see his hands in the journey.

Belize was a good trip for me. It allowed me to spend time with Eric and Julie Maas, both strong Christians. I was able to spend time with their children, and to honestly, fall in love with the people they serve. God was very evident throughout this journey. Many people were praying as I went through customs. Those prayers were answered when I went through customs and everything made it through!

While there, God allowed me to interact with a local nurse who has been in service for over 25 years in Belize. She started the clinic literally in a shack. The funny thing was, she ministered more to me while I saw patients in the clinic than I felt I gave to the patients I saw. God knew I needed to hear her life story. She told me of a failed engagement and how she knew God brought her husband to her. She felt called to serve as a nurse in the mission field. Her idea was to serve in Africa. God's plan was to have her serve in Belize. What a blessing she has been to many people in that area.

I saw many patients while there and was able to talk with one of the local nurses from PA. One couple came in to simply ask Nurse Juan questions as their child had been diagnosed at a pediatric office with Lupus. However, they were not given any information on the disease. I was able to explain this process to them, and to pray for their child. I also saw many prenatal patients and a few pediatric patients.

I also spent time at the orphanage and was able to interact with several of the children. Two of them have autism. Many of them are from homes where abuse was frequent. I was not allowed to take pictures of the children, but have their faces etched in my brain (and honestly, on my heart!) One child was only 11 months old and was beautiful.

Julie, Cierra, and I took a trip to the Mayan Ruins. A girl afraid of heights and with a history of two broken feet, climbed to the top of one of the most popular ruins I was praying that I would not loose my footing. Julie and Cierra were so patient and God allowed me the ability to see one of the greatest views on earth- from the top of the Xunantunich Mayan Ruin.

Sunday, I spent time in prayer and worship. I also attended the wedding renewal of some local missionaries. I was able to meet and talk with two of the people who were very instrumental in helping my approval to practice "go through." It was nice to attend their wedding and to meet many local people.

Monday morning, I spent time at the local school where I was asked to teach sex education. Literally, I received the message on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, when I was flying out. Swallow, gulp, swallow. Sex education is talked about a lot at my job, so I was comfortable with the topic, but was more concerned about how to cross the cultural barriers, how to make certain they heard what applied to their situation, how to make them listen to a stranger. It went well. They were attentive, and asked good questions. The local Carolina Pregancy Center helped me out a lot by providing materials for me to take. Many people were praying and I felt those prayers.

This is a rather short update and I could write more and more. . . but I want the opportunity to share some pictures. I took over 800 images. . . so, this is truly just a "taste of Belize!"