Sunday, July 26, 2009

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!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

SELLNG IT ALL...In the Footsteps of Paul: Soon to be Tentmaker!

Leaving For MISSIONS:
Jennie, A WORLD TRAVELER, Peddles Fantastic Wares From A Far!


Selling it all...and stepping out in faith. I have been all over the world, each time knowing that it was for a few months, a couple of years, never permanent. This time is different...my parents are older, no room to store old memories. Of course, I am keeping a few items that hold significant memories for me. They are after all only things. I have been working hard to sort out that which I may need for ministry opportunities, "side job" (they are nearly one in the same craftwise), downsizing while trying to maintain a few memories.

As a tentmaker, I will need some essential tools of the trade, thankfully techology makes that a little easier these days! Decisons: keep or throw, store or take to my office (temporary storage and workplace), can or more like will I use this where I am going? Then pack it to store or ship! Recovering from major abdominal surgery has not made this transition any easier, however it has made me be more reflective to the point that I actually pack in my sleep. Strategizing, most of all praying over items I first thought I really needed! I think I have enough stuff to have 10 more sales, there may be another just before shipping, who knows. Unless I know exactly where I will be and what I will be doing, I may need to store items for short or long-term before shipping. Since I may need to have someone ship things on my behalf--I need to have an inventory (next week's chore--at least making a list for myself.)

Here are the details I promised re: my sale...this list is by no means exhaustive it is just to give you an idea of the types of things that I wil be selling this weekend. Hope you come by to have a chat and at least browse. I invite all to pray for me as I pursue God's call on my life. I am excited about this new adventure. Please pray that I am obedient to his call in my life. This is not about what I do but about what HE DID for us (me)! Scroll down to check out my own salvation (inspired by that which we sing at CityPrayz!).

I will try to put a few examples on my facebook page today or tomorrow, time permitting!


SATURDAY, JULY 16, 10 am to 5 pm.
1013 LOSEY BLVD S in the alley

3rd house south of Kwik Trip

A REAL WORLD BAZAAR...

COLLECTABLES
: Ty Beanies: Original Princess (incl. 2 magazines from that time), Soccer memorabilia from the World Cup in Japan-Korea 2002 (my son played in the Osaka Stadium with the Japanese team at a youth event), Pokemon (stuff from Japan), glasses (special edition)…


COLLECTIONS: rocks, shells…musical instruments from Africa…

ANTIQUES or WORLD GOODS: bushel basket (mint condition w/liner)…Japanese: parasol, paper dolls in a case, maps, signature-stamp, window treatments, scarves…Turkish: boys folk jacket, copper, rug(s), decorations, ‘evil eyes’, jewelry, scarves…France: Tea towels, prints, Eiffel tower lamp, fleur de lys curtain rods, Africa: instruments, maps, books, novels, children’s books…

FURNITURE: Kimono rack, dresser set, dining room set, corner shelves, baker’s rack, microwave cart, shoe racks, book shelves, night stand, rocking chair...

UNIQUE JEWELRY: Lapis crosses (Middle East), pendants, necklaces, earrings…rustic to refined! All price ranges and something for the young and young at heart!

ACCESSORIES: purses, belts, shoes, scarves, bags…

CRAFT/SEWING: fabric, felt (by the yard), fleece, ethnic prints, coordinating fabrics, notions, tools & accessories, yarn, frames, stamps, so much more…ask if you don’t see what you are looking for…I may have it elsewhere. No matter the craft, there is most likely something there for you!

PRINTS: Imagerie d’Epinal prints-Mozart (trio of prints signed by artist), commemorative print for 9/11, tradition prints, some matted &/or framed…

ORIGINAL ARTWORK: may people do not know that I am actually an artist…I gave some of that up to pursue French, but am beginning to revive such skills: many drawings, sketches, watercolors, oil paintings…from character studies to landscapes…

OTHER HANDIWORK: hand-knit afghans, paintings…

COUNTRY MUSIC: albums, books, prints, posters, signatures of artists like Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell, many others, tons of memorabilia of various artists—yes, I used to be CWM fan…I once had dinner at Loretta Lynn’s house! I was interviewed on the radio by Ralph Emery and have been to the Grand Ole Opry many times, attended MCN Award shows, met most of the famous singers of the 70s & 80s…

BOOKS: (most in excellent or like new condition) novels, reference, resources, dictionaries, cookbooks, health, Christian, travel…Languages: French, Japanese, Chinese, Wolof, Turkish…

AV: videos, cassettes, LPs, slide carousels, CDs…

EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL great for homeschooling families…math manipulatives, games, chalk board (mini), instruments, resources…

CHILDREN’s STUFF: tennis racket & balls, games, toys, books, bedding…

POSTERS & MAPS: (most are nicely laminated or Africa (some in French), artsy prints

CLOTHING: Some ethnic: kimonos… mainly women’s, casual to dress from M-XXXL, most gently used to new, including many pairs of shoes, boots and slippers mostly 7.5

CULINARY tools, books and appliances: all that is electric must go-food processors, electric fry pan, great gadgets, cookware, pots, pans, stemware, tea towels, serving trays, dishes, glasses, etc.

LINENS: children’s comforter set, comforter cover & curtain set-bamboo motif…

MISCELLANEOUS: lamps, candle holders, Christmas decorations, computer stuff, electronic gadgets, tools, …

Looking for Amazing deals, treasures, gift ideas?
Neat, clean, old, new, unique!
Willing to entertain any reasonable offer!

SPECIAL INVITATION: to Friends, Family, Brothers & Sisters in Christ, Students, Colleagues—all welcome to come to the preview sale on Friday anytime after 3:00 pm…bring something to share and stay for a while. Nice yard, bring a chair or blanket, your family, hangout…some goodies will be provided as long as they last! Hors d’œuvres, tea, lemonade…???