Finally Back In Touch

While it seems like yesterday I moved out and became 'homeless', it has nearly been one year from that time! I am still living day to day and loving each moment with the Lord. No need to pity me, I am not literally on the street thanks to the kindness and generosity of those who a helping me make it to the mission field. Now, I am down to days before my departure! Praying that all goes well with last minute preparations and packing while remaining obedient and focused. This summer I will be spending about a three months in France before returning to get my permanent visa and taking care of all the details before leaving!

It has proven to quite a successful year in terms of personal studies and working on downsizing. I believe that another downsize and sorting will be taking place before my final relocation to France.

A little while ago I was wondering just what God had in store me. I was praying for an answer as to what to do regarding continuing or quitting my job. After much prayer, I signed the contract and submitted it to the head office. I am perhaps the only teacher rejoicing for being laid-off. It only reaffirms God's call on my life and frees me up to pursue it. Vive la France, here I come! Stay tuned for future posts!

Christmas without Christ?

My commentary on secular Christmas vs. the real reason for this season! Dr. Seuss style...enjoy!
Merry Christmas too all...or if you must...Happy Holidays (Holy-days)!


Christmas without Christ?

Christmas without Christ, how can that be?
Let’s think about it and you will see
Christmas without Christ is utterly absurd
Even His name is part of the word
The origin it is, the birth of God’s Son
For He is the truth, the light, the one
Fulfillment of prophecy, long since foretold
Born to die for our sins before He became old
New life in Him, a promise from God
Some choose to reject Him, I find that quite odd
Wise men accept him without regret
To accept Him all you need to do is repent
Get down on your knees and beg him, I pray
He will wash all your nasty sins away

Grinches of this world would like to efface
All evidence of God from all over the place
Try as they may, they’ll never succeed!
Christ lives in our hearts, He lives there indeed!
To put Christ back in Christmas, begin with your heart
You’ll be glad that you did it right from the start
The joy that you feel may begin with a tear
As it continues to grow throughout the whole year.

Jennifer Bolen
November 25, 2007

God Never Ceases to Amaze Me

As the months literally seem to fly by, I stand in awe of the Lord's eternal and very real presence in my life. God has placed some of the most amazing people in my path to live with, pray for me and encourage me along the way to the mission field. Some times it feels like no one really cares, then all of a sudden people just seem to pop out of nowhere asking me about going to France. In addition, I seem to have made some terrific connections to people in France; my Christian network over there has vastly expanded. Exactly when is the big question of the moment...there seem to be a few huge hurdles, mainly financial and otherwise, for which I can already see God's hand in action. I totally trust in the Lord for provision (I am definitely not sitting back, twittling my thumbs and waiting for it to fall from the sky--I simply trust that as long as I am in his will and obedient to his calling on my life, he will provide!)

Another amazingly fun task at the moment is planning a trip to the Biblical sites of Greece & Turkey...not sure just when or how long, but it will definitely be informative and fun! I will NOT be like any other huge tour...one of true significance and cultural exploration! I can't wait to return to Turkey, I have been away from this lovely country way too long and am longing to visit new sites such as Athens, Corinth, Patmos and the like! I guess my Ancient Turkish history class will really pay off soon!

Stop by Living Word bookstore for your Christmas wrapping...every Friday & Saturday beginning with 'Black Friday' the day after thanksgiving. Donations will go to CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship), a local ministry as well as to a fund set aside for my relocation to France to begin missions! I am going to miss seeing all my friends from the Coulee region, but am looking forward to serving the Lord in France! Isn't it fun that my middle name René which literally means 'born again' in French--and the fact that I was 'born again' in France! I have always said that God has such a wonderful sense of humor where I am concerned! The day is quickly closing in on the return to the Land of my 'rebirth.' Who knows it my be in time to actually celebrate my birthday or a little later? I am trying to take it all one day at a time!

I am working on making every minute count as I seek the Lord earnestly. I praise the Lord daily for calling on my life, his daily guidance and answers to prayers! He is so amazing! I want to thank all of you who care enough to check out my blog, and who pray for me and encourage me. We are all blessed to be a blessing...that is what you are to me! May the Lord continue to bless and encourage you as well! I can not do any of what I do with out the Lord's love, strength and guidance--I strive to glorify the Lord in all I do.

Facebook | Jennie Bolen

Facebook | Jennie Bolen

Stepping Out in Faith

Stepping Out in Faith! I need to keep my eyes focused on Jesus or I could easily become discouraged. I can't say that there haven't been moments. I have shed a few tears in moments of discouragement, but have rejoiced even more from the delights of God's blessings on my life!

Now it is official! I am homeless. Most people in my shoes would be very worried in such a position. However, in my case, my homelessness is in obedience to God’s call on my life. Despite rejection from the first and only organization I applied to for missions and other road blocks, I still feel God’s call on my life. Actually, the rejection has spurred me on to be more serious about pursuing this calling. Thanks to a gracious and godly couple, I am not on the street!

Several people have prayed with and for me…and have sensed that I am still supposed to go and that it should be soon! In my pursuit, quiet times and reflection I agree with these people. Ironically, I have always been drawn to Paul…a tentmaker, hum…is that the type of life that the Lord wants me to lead? In reflection, why not? If anyone could be a tentmaker, I am sure I could with his strength and leading!

Recently, I was watching a video on the life of Paul. The part that struck me the most was when he sold all his possessions and left for ministry. My prayer along this process has been what does “all” mean? How much is “all”? Each step of the way I have been praying about what I need to keep, sell, save or give away. I have downsized considerably and should probably trim down a little more, however I find that it is getting easier and easier to get rid of stuff. I am finding that my things are just things! That which I once held as important sometimes almost sacred no longer held such importance in my life. My priorities have greatly changed and will undoubtedly continue to change. I have kept that which I may need for missions…crafts, etc. and a few household possessions and some basic furniture items. Most of what I have kept, I plan to ship over once I know more precisely where I will be. In addition, these items would either be difficult to find or extremely expensive in France.

Each day beacons me to the place where the Lord is calling me. Although, I do not know exactly when or where I will be serving, I am still confident of this calling on my life. I feel that the call is urgent and permanent and will most likely lead to SW France.

I have no bitter feelings regarding my rejection from the first and only missions organization to which I applied. Those praying for me have suggested that they feel I am to go as a tentmaker…and that I was not meant to go with this organization. In reflection it seems that going as a tentmaker will actually give me fewer constraints. I do need to be careful not to feel like it is all about me! I will always rely on God for guidance. All that I do, I do to glorify my Lord! As a tentmaker, I will have the freedom to work alongside other Christians there regardless of their affiliation or nationality. In fact, I will be able to defend other Christians which I could not do if I am affiliated with an organization. My journey as a Christian has been extremely diverse and has allowed me to gain insight into many denominational differences, their practices as well as understanding of other religions and lifestyles.

Lately, I had been convicted of having ‘abandoned’ my talent, literally burying it nearly suffocating it! My creative and artistic talents are meant to used, again to glorify God in the process. I am not going to build my own church or create my own cult. I will be using my God-given talent and creativity to reach out to others so that they too may gain and maintain their own relationship with Christ. We are living in times where the average person has not been exposed to the true Gospel and as a result does not have an understanding of faith being a relationship and not a mere ritualistic religious ‘experience.’

I give God the glory for each step of this journey…for the deep dark valleys as well as the mountain tops! I pray that I remain humble and teachable throughout this journey! Now that I am ‘homeless’—no pity needed, thanks to a gracious couple from church, I have a roof over my head. I have several offers of sofas, just in case! And I am extremely thankful for all those who hold me up in prayer! Their support is exactly what I need! Please keep praying that I stay focused, glorify God in all I do, and bear witness of his love! Without Christ, I could not do what I do! Thank you Jesus!

FYI: For some reason I was really attracted to this edifice while in Jerusalem and couldn't understand why until I read somewhere that legend has it that Paul was buried here? I really loves God's sense of humor with me! How cool is that! Thank you Lord!

Poem: Israel

This poem was started during my trip to Israel I May 2008, a trip that changed my biblical mindset!

Things are beginning to happen, quickly! I am getting more and more excited. Each day is a veritable blessing fromt the Lord!


Israel

Israel, Israel sacred land
Land of beautiful people
People, a potpourri of languages and cultures
Cultures weaving a majestic tapestry
Tapestry held together by common thread
Thread, the tie that binds us
Us, brothers, sisters, forefathers
Forefathers, people of the book
Book of God’s promises
Promised land, Israel’s inheritance
Inheritance of those grafted-in
Grafted-in, God’s gift of love
Love of a father who sacrificed his son
Son, sacrificial lamb, redeemer
Redeemer, Lord and King
King of kings, Christ’s anointed one
One God: Father, Spirit, Son

Jennifer Bolen
May 2008

Stepping out of the boat! A leap of faith!

Just as Peter began to step out of the boat, he had to keep himself focused on Christ otherwise he would not be able to walk on the water. I am stepping out of the "boat" from a safe confortable situation taking a risk that all others believe may be a improbable as walking on water. Like Peter, I need to remain focused...that is what I am doing and plan to continue to do!

In a few days, I will be literally "homeless," that alone, would trouble most people, Of course that is usually a result of major disaster, financial loss, natural disaster, or something of the like. While most people wouldn't choose to be in this position, it is all together different if one is doing it in obedience to God's calling on her (his) life. With that in mind...that may be why I am not freaked out about it! It actually find it quite liberating!

The sale went well, although far from having a comfortable financial situation (in my opinion) especially with health insurance costs soaring...that too is in God's hand!

It was far more fun giving the rest away over the next couple of days. After all, my things are just things...while they maybe be remembrances of good times past, they remain things...the memories are stored in my mind! As I repack anticipating shipment in a while, I am determined to rid myself of more of the frivalous objects. I find that it is easier to get to the next step one day at a time!

Post surgical limitations have made packing interesting...having to ask more of others (not easy for me--or anyone else for that matter)! I am learning to take it one day at a time and not beat myself up for not accomplishing more. I feel like this venture has turned into a new "job" which in a sense actually is just that!

I am often asked what I will be doing or where I will be going. Ironically, I still feel that it will be in Toulouse, France although not with the mission agency as I had thought. My Barnabas prayers warriors along with other friends have the impression that I will be going as a tentmaker...just how, I am not sure. My goal is to continue to remain in God's will no matter the cost. I am willing to do anything or go any where. I agree that the call to missions seems to be rather urgent sooner rather than later. So, I am looking into options to see what I may find. Unfortunately, with France there is a catch 22 situation. One needs a job to get a visa or have a visa to get a job. In the past, God has orchestrated fantastic situations--where others had told me that what I was pursuing was impossible! With God all things ARE POSSIBLE! I totally believe that! Of course that does not mean that I am to sit back and twiddle my thumbs!

There are a few loose ends that need to tied up prior to a permanent departure...either those things or the lack of a proper visa may necessitate taking a shorter-term mission or visionary trip. If that is the case, I am hoping to spend about 3 months exploring various options. I have often experienced that it is more about who you know over what you know...this is expecially true in France. While I have many connections and dear friends...none (well-one acquaintaince) in Toulouse--the saying holds true to our faith in Christ. There isn't any relationship that I rely more on that that with my savior! I find that as I get to know him better, the more I realize that he is not passive, he is not my "co"-pilot, he is my PILOT! He is totally in control of me life! I see his hand in so many aspects of my life even the small things! I appreciate the prayers of all you saints who pray for me!

My future is in God's hands...I am comfortable with that! As for that, you will have to be patient to see what God is doing in my life! I will keep you posted with as much of the details as possible!