So I am here at the library wasting the day away. I have things I COULD be doing but I am just not motivated. I am looking at websites of people from the past who are around my age and seeing their lives as they know it. A home, family, stability, what not and thinking HOW ON EARTH DID I GET HERE!!! It is really a crazy life I live and I am looking forward to having things come together.
UPDATE UPDATE!!! We got our paperwork back . . .. . . . .. . REJECTED. Yeah that is right the secretary of state rejected us because JOel and I didn't sign our name twice on our articles of incorporation. Don't ask me, we just redid it and sent it back in. It has been almost two weeks since sending it back in.
For weeks and weeks I was waiting on everything but God. The Mail man to give us our corporations paperwork, the secretary of state, the man to send the title for the mini-bus. THen one day someone gave me the scripture "THose that wait on the Lord will renew their strength." SO I looked it up Isaiah 40:31: Those that wait (or hope) in/on the Lord will renew or find new strength, They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." It kind of woke me up and I realized I was waiting on everything BUT God and freaking out. So now I am waiting on the Lord and have peace. To be honest I freak out every once in a while but those times are lesser and passing faster.
SO As we WAIT on the Lord Joel is helping a man remodel their soon to be new apartment. Joel is just grateful to be working with his hands. He is there every day at 8am and gets done any where form 4 to 7. He is not getting paid but that is fine. Joel just loves to help out.
I myself have gotten my hands into too many projects for the church but I am trying to do them as they come.
1. I am helping with getting donations for the church (since I did that at Friend SHips for a few years) 2. Joel and I are over S.O.S Save our Stockton for our Church. It is a day where churches or christians come together and serve Stockton in some way shape or form. The city hopes to get 1000 volunteers doing some sort of community service on August 1. JOel and I are in charge of what we are doing and organizing it. 3. My friend and I came up with an idea that the church needed to have a class or lesson on Outreach. Yeah me and my big mouth. So I am helping with that and some how maybe got put in charge of it. 4. I am involved in two other departments or ministries at the church.
So that is our life in a nut shell as we WAIT on God. It is crazy all in one breath and as I said at the beginning I will say now "HOW ON EARTH DID I GET HERE" How did my life turn out like this. I know it won't always be like this but just like you can't tell when a storm will pass except if you are looking from a satilite down I wonder when this phase of our lives will end and then next part will begin. Only God can tell.
Please continue to pray for us.
Love all ya'll,
The Butlers
PS. THe Subway diet really works. That is pretty much what Joel and I eat and we have both loss about 10 pounds. WHo knew that there are things on TV that are true!!! :) So next time some one comments about the SUBWAY diet really being true?: it totally is!!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
WAITING!!!
As of now Joel and I are in wait mode. It is really hard. I thought I was going to pass out or something from all this waiting and being patient (or lack there of). We sent in our paperwork for us to become an official corporation. The Secretary of California is supposed to look at it and send it back. Some one said it wouldn't take to long. And we can't move on until we have the paperwork in our hands and approved!!!
Everyday I would look in the mail just hoping it would be in there. But no, it never came. So one day I decided to check out The Secretary of State website and see how our paperwork was coming. Well it was the most discouraging news EVER!!! On the website it shows Different paperwork and how fast it is being processed. There are 17 types of paperwork. And our category is taking the second longest. It could be more than 3 weeks from now before we get our paperwork in the mail. AHHHHHHHHHHHH. I started Freaking OUT!!! So Joel and I talked about seeing my parents and helping them out at the their house and job. But it didn't feel right. Then we talked about going to L.A. to see if we can hang out and work there. Just to do something. Then I said God I would really like to work at the Church we are members of in Stockton. A behind the scenes job.
Well guess what, a few hours later the pastor's wife approaches me, joel, and another lady asking if we can help out in their everyday nursery. THey are getting more and more kids and need the help. It would be no pay but they could really use the help. I was like Lord you have got to be kidding. But Joel and I went today for a few hours to help out and I loved it!!! The kids were awesome and so cute. I guess we will be helping out there until we can have our own paperwork in our hands and approved.
Also, during a meeting JOel and I had with our Bishop about our paperwork He mentioned that they were having a hard time procuring donations. They would get a yes and then all of a sudden the companies would back out. I jumped at the chance and told him I did procurement at Friend Ships and would love to help. He said that would be great but after ALL our paperwork is competed and approved. So today I approached his wife (since he is out of town for a few days) and said HEY we are waiting on our paper work for the next few weeks I would love to procure items for the church, can I help.
It turns out there is an event in a little over a month and they need some items. So tonight I will be talking with two people about me procuring items. I am so excited and look forward to helping out. I love working behind the scenes.
So I guess we are on hold with our ministry but while we wait we are helping other people/ministries out. God knows and is in control. So please pray for our patience, and that in God's timing the paperwork would go through so we can GET THIS PARTY STARTED. And pray that Joel and I would feel purposeful for God's kingdom EVERYDAY as we wait.
Love all ya'll,
The Butlers
Everyday I would look in the mail just hoping it would be in there. But no, it never came. So one day I decided to check out The Secretary of State website and see how our paperwork was coming. Well it was the most discouraging news EVER!!! On the website it shows Different paperwork and how fast it is being processed. There are 17 types of paperwork. And our category is taking the second longest. It could be more than 3 weeks from now before we get our paperwork in the mail. AHHHHHHHHHHHH. I started Freaking OUT!!! So Joel and I talked about seeing my parents and helping them out at the their house and job. But it didn't feel right. Then we talked about going to L.A. to see if we can hang out and work there. Just to do something. Then I said God I would really like to work at the Church we are members of in Stockton. A behind the scenes job.
Well guess what, a few hours later the pastor's wife approaches me, joel, and another lady asking if we can help out in their everyday nursery. THey are getting more and more kids and need the help. It would be no pay but they could really use the help. I was like Lord you have got to be kidding. But Joel and I went today for a few hours to help out and I loved it!!! The kids were awesome and so cute. I guess we will be helping out there until we can have our own paperwork in our hands and approved.
Also, during a meeting JOel and I had with our Bishop about our paperwork He mentioned that they were having a hard time procuring donations. They would get a yes and then all of a sudden the companies would back out. I jumped at the chance and told him I did procurement at Friend Ships and would love to help. He said that would be great but after ALL our paperwork is competed and approved. So today I approached his wife (since he is out of town for a few days) and said HEY we are waiting on our paper work for the next few weeks I would love to procure items for the church, can I help.
It turns out there is an event in a little over a month and they need some items. So tonight I will be talking with two people about me procuring items. I am so excited and look forward to helping out. I love working behind the scenes.
So I guess we are on hold with our ministry but while we wait we are helping other people/ministries out. God knows and is in control. So please pray for our patience, and that in God's timing the paperwork would go through so we can GET THIS PARTY STARTED. And pray that Joel and I would feel purposeful for God's kingdom EVERYDAY as we wait.
Love all ya'll,
The Butlers
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Quick UP-DATE for Ya'll
Hey Everyone,
Life in the fast lane is just that FAST!!! We hit the ground running when we got to Stockton!!!! We have been here for a week and half and everyday we are busy busy busy or about our Father's Business. We have mailed in some paperwork so that we can officially have a Corporation "Supplying Needs" We have met with our Bishop who helps churches and groups start a non-profit 501 (c) 3 Corporation. It is a lot more work than I had ever dreamed but God is helping us through every day as we do the paper work and all of it's challenges.
We took our trucker's written California driving test to be a California Residents and passed. Both Joel and I had to take 4 tests each to get our Class B California Trucker's license. Praise God we passed on the first time.
Joel and I have been trying to get as much involved with the church as possible. And we are excited what the Lord wants to do with us there.
Because of our living arrangements as of now we go out and eat Subway Lunch and Dinner. I love it and hope this phase doesn't end too soon. Those 5 dollar foot longs are off the hook!!! Some times (once in a while) we will have pizza or a burger just to break up the routine but all in all it is those 5 dollar foot longs!!!
Yesterday God blessed us with an interaction at the Laundry Mat. It was the first time ever for me to go to a Laundry Mat and I was nervous. We accidently put our clothes into the most expensive washing machine. 6 dollars a load we later found they had washer machines for 1.50 a load. Joel left to do some work at the library and I stayed back waiting for the clothes. I read my bible while I waited and the owner's son came up to me and asked me what Church I went to. I told him Victory in Praise. We started a conversation and He asked where Joel worked and I got to tell him that God sent us to Stockton California and we stepped out in Faith to start a ministry to help churches and other Christian ministries. He was excited and asked if he could give us a donation. I said yes. He came back with two garbage bags of clothes and said I could come every week and pick up clothes from him!!! What a blessing I was so excited!!!
I talked to Joel and asked where we should give the clothes to or who to talk to in our church about giving out clothes and Joel said that this Saturday at our Church VICTORY IN PRAISE they are having a clothes give out for the first time!!! Praise God!!! Isn't He so awesome! I am so excited.
So that is about it from us. We love you so much. Please pray for us as we continue to step out in Faith and Trust in our God to supply all our needs as well as help us get His Ministry started "Supplying Needs"
God Bless,
The Butlers
Life in the fast lane is just that FAST!!! We hit the ground running when we got to Stockton!!!! We have been here for a week and half and everyday we are busy busy busy or about our Father's Business. We have mailed in some paperwork so that we can officially have a Corporation "Supplying Needs" We have met with our Bishop who helps churches and groups start a non-profit 501 (c) 3 Corporation. It is a lot more work than I had ever dreamed but God is helping us through every day as we do the paper work and all of it's challenges.
We took our trucker's written California driving test to be a California Residents and passed. Both Joel and I had to take 4 tests each to get our Class B California Trucker's license. Praise God we passed on the first time.
Joel and I have been trying to get as much involved with the church as possible. And we are excited what the Lord wants to do with us there.
Because of our living arrangements as of now we go out and eat Subway Lunch and Dinner. I love it and hope this phase doesn't end too soon. Those 5 dollar foot longs are off the hook!!! Some times (once in a while) we will have pizza or a burger just to break up the routine but all in all it is those 5 dollar foot longs!!!
Yesterday God blessed us with an interaction at the Laundry Mat. It was the first time ever for me to go to a Laundry Mat and I was nervous. We accidently put our clothes into the most expensive washing machine. 6 dollars a load we later found they had washer machines for 1.50 a load. Joel left to do some work at the library and I stayed back waiting for the clothes. I read my bible while I waited and the owner's son came up to me and asked me what Church I went to. I told him Victory in Praise. We started a conversation and He asked where Joel worked and I got to tell him that God sent us to Stockton California and we stepped out in Faith to start a ministry to help churches and other Christian ministries. He was excited and asked if he could give us a donation. I said yes. He came back with two garbage bags of clothes and said I could come every week and pick up clothes from him!!! What a blessing I was so excited!!!
I talked to Joel and asked where we should give the clothes to or who to talk to in our church about giving out clothes and Joel said that this Saturday at our Church VICTORY IN PRAISE they are having a clothes give out for the first time!!! Praise God!!! Isn't He so awesome! I am so excited.
So that is about it from us. We love you so much. Please pray for us as we continue to step out in Faith and Trust in our God to supply all our needs as well as help us get His Ministry started "Supplying Needs"
God Bless,
The Butlers
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Our Cruise and the Unknown
Well hello everybody. Kim asked me write an update of what Dess and i have been up to lately. So, i figured i would post it and not make Dess do it. She's the one who has been writing blogs and posting pictures on facebook, etc. So, i'm taking responsibility and actually writing. Pretty crazy, eh!!
Okay, so Dess and i got back from a Mexican cruise this past Saturday. Dess' parents hugely blessed us with a 7-day cruise out of L.A. down to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. What a trip!!
(Puerto Vallarta)
The weather was beautiful. If you've seen Dess' pictures, you can see that she did get a little bit toasty in the sun. Dess loves getting color to her skin for some reason. I think i played it safe and did get a little sun, but never really burnt.
The food was amazing. Again, if you look at Dess' facebook pictures you'll get a little feel of what the dishes looked like. They were gourmet meals. It was amazing. I loved dinner the best because that's when we'd dress up and they would put on this wonderful spread. You could order however much food you wanted. One night Dess jokingly told the waiter that she wanted one of everything on the dessert menu. Without hesitation he said that would be fine. We did end up ordering 4 desserts between us two of the nights and usually ordered at least 3 desserts.
(Our Four Desserts One Night)
They also had 24 hour room service if that was what you were looking for, or a 24 hour buffet. There were also a few casual dining options like pizza or burgers/hot dogs that were available at certain times.
(Us at dinner)
The destinations were beautiful. I think i preferred the view from Cabo San Lucas the best, but all 3 destinations had their own beauty and appeal. We typically walked along the beach and did some people watching or sun tanning. We'd also go through the shopping districts and see what sorts of things were being offered. The first thing we did at our first stop in Puerto Vallarta was making a Wal-Mart run. There was a Wal-Mart right near the cruise terminal, so we picked up some needed items and hit the town. Besides our Wal-Mart excursion we didn't buy too many things, but we did buy something off a beach vendor. Most of the people who were selling things were really pushy and just gave Dess and i the "NO" feeling. I know that it's how they make their living, but we just didn't like all the touristy stuff. But as we were sitting on the beach in Mazatlan a guy came by carrying hammocks. Dess said she would be interested in one so when i asked how much and the guy said "$75" we both were like "NO!!! We don't have much money." They guy asked how much we'd be willing to spend. We decided we only had enough cash on had that we wanted to spend $20, so i offered it figuring he'd refuse. But he immediately said yes and started tying up our new hammock chair. This is the type of hammock that only one person sits in, it's not for lying down. After the guy left, Dess and i looked at each other and said "now all we need is a place to live in that we can put this up :)"
We got to see whales and dolphins from the ship. There were tons of pools and hot tubs, so we went swimming daily. There were lots of on board activities like shuffleboard, mini-golf and paddle tennis to keep us active.
(Mini Golf on the Ship)
(Shuffle Board 0n the Ship)
It was a really fun time for us! Our only regret is that there was a television in our room, so we did veg out and watch T.V. that we normally wouldn't. After the cruise was over we both wished that we'd spent more time reading and spending with God.
Now that we're back from the cruise we're spending a week in L.A. with a friend of ours. She graciously opened her house to us while we're in town.
(Theresa and Dess pretending to be fish) THe Lady we are staying with!!!
It's been really good because we've visited with some of our friends from last year that we lived here and we've been able to get some more down time. We've both been reading a lot more lately. A few of the books have kicked my butt about stepping up my walk with God and they have just been really good things to read before starting up our ministry. I'll outline the books i've been reading briefly.
"Final Quest" by Rick Joyner: This is a book written about a series of visions that Rick had. They give a picture of the church in the final battle as well as showing new perspectives on Christ's love, wisdom, grace and forgiveness. It's a really good book, but be warned, it does have the power to convict and hit you deep in your spirit.
"Save Me From Myself" by Brian "Head" Welch: This is an amazing testimony by a guitarist for Korn. It outlines the mess that his life was as he grew up, became a rock star, and then the redemption that Christ brought in his life. It's really a great testimony but as he even puts in the intro, it may be offensive to some people but that's because his life was offensive. It's just a straight up amazing testimony of how God can touch anyone's life.
"Always Enough" by Rolland and Heidi Baker: This book impacted me because it outlines the starting of Rolland and Heidi's ministry to the poor in Mozambique. The whole point of the book is showing how with God, He will make sure that there's "always enough." It's a good book about how God turned up in amazing ways when people step out in faith.
So that's what i've been reading lately. I recommend "Final Quest" to anyone who is accepting of spiritual ideas and who want a kick in the pants in their faith. "Save Me From Myself" is just an awesome book that i'd recommend to anyone who isn't too easily offended and enjoys hearing personal testimonies. And "Always Enough" is a neat book for anyone who is stepping out in faith and needs some encouragement about how God will take care.
Now, this Saturday Dess and i will be moving on once again. We are moving to Stockton, CA and will be starting up our own non-profit organization/ministry. We've started up our paper work and are trusting in God for our needs. Already a short bus has been donated in Pennsylvania (i think Dess wrote this in her last post) and we're going to just have to search around in Stockton for all our needs. It's definitely a step of faith and we are feeling a bit anxious from time to time, but we've seen God moving in this thing already, so we just hope and pray that it will all work out!!
I know this has been a long post, so thanks for sticking it out to the end. I'll see if Dess will write some more stuff about the cruise from her perspective because i'm sure she's got more stories to tell.
We'll keep you updated as life goes on.
PS Dess added the photos!!!
Okay, so Dess and i got back from a Mexican cruise this past Saturday. Dess' parents hugely blessed us with a 7-day cruise out of L.A. down to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. What a trip!!
(Puerto Vallarta)
The weather was beautiful. If you've seen Dess' pictures, you can see that she did get a little bit toasty in the sun. Dess loves getting color to her skin for some reason. I think i played it safe and did get a little sun, but never really burnt.
The food was amazing. Again, if you look at Dess' facebook pictures you'll get a little feel of what the dishes looked like. They were gourmet meals. It was amazing. I loved dinner the best because that's when we'd dress up and they would put on this wonderful spread. You could order however much food you wanted. One night Dess jokingly told the waiter that she wanted one of everything on the dessert menu. Without hesitation he said that would be fine. We did end up ordering 4 desserts between us two of the nights and usually ordered at least 3 desserts.
(Our Four Desserts One Night)
(Us at dinner)
The destinations were beautiful. I think i preferred the view from Cabo San Lucas the best, but all 3 destinations had their own beauty and appeal. We typically walked along the beach and did some people watching or sun tanning. We'd also go through the shopping districts and see what sorts of things were being offered. The first thing we did at our first stop in Puerto Vallarta was making a Wal-Mart run. There was a Wal-Mart right near the cruise terminal, so we picked up some needed items and hit the town. Besides our Wal-Mart excursion we didn't buy too many things, but we did buy something off a beach vendor. Most of the people who were selling things were really pushy and just gave Dess and i the "NO" feeling. I know that it's how they make their living, but we just didn't like all the touristy stuff. But as we were sitting on the beach in Mazatlan a guy came by carrying hammocks. Dess said she would be interested in one so when i asked how much and the guy said "$75" we both were like "NO!!! We don't have much money." They guy asked how much we'd be willing to spend. We decided we only had enough cash on had that we wanted to spend $20, so i offered it figuring he'd refuse. But he immediately said yes and started tying up our new hammock chair. This is the type of hammock that only one person sits in, it's not for lying down. After the guy left, Dess and i looked at each other and said "now all we need is a place to live in that we can put this up :)"
We got to see whales and dolphins from the ship. There were tons of pools and hot tubs, so we went swimming daily. There were lots of on board activities like shuffleboard, mini-golf and paddle tennis to keep us active.
(Mini Golf on the Ship)
(Shuffle Board 0n the Ship)
Now that we're back from the cruise we're spending a week in L.A. with a friend of ours. She graciously opened her house to us while we're in town.
It's been really good because we've visited with some of our friends from last year that we lived here and we've been able to get some more down time. We've both been reading a lot more lately. A few of the books have kicked my butt about stepping up my walk with God and they have just been really good things to read before starting up our ministry. I'll outline the books i've been reading briefly.
"Final Quest" by Rick Joyner: This is a book written about a series of visions that Rick had. They give a picture of the church in the final battle as well as showing new perspectives on Christ's love, wisdom, grace and forgiveness. It's a really good book, but be warned, it does have the power to convict and hit you deep in your spirit.
"Save Me From Myself" by Brian "Head" Welch: This is an amazing testimony by a guitarist for Korn. It outlines the mess that his life was as he grew up, became a rock star, and then the redemption that Christ brought in his life. It's really a great testimony but as he even puts in the intro, it may be offensive to some people but that's because his life was offensive. It's just a straight up amazing testimony of how God can touch anyone's life.
"Always Enough" by Rolland and Heidi Baker: This book impacted me because it outlines the starting of Rolland and Heidi's ministry to the poor in Mozambique. The whole point of the book is showing how with God, He will make sure that there's "always enough." It's a good book about how God turned up in amazing ways when people step out in faith.
So that's what i've been reading lately. I recommend "Final Quest" to anyone who is accepting of spiritual ideas and who want a kick in the pants in their faith. "Save Me From Myself" is just an awesome book that i'd recommend to anyone who isn't too easily offended and enjoys hearing personal testimonies. And "Always Enough" is a neat book for anyone who is stepping out in faith and needs some encouragement about how God will take care.
Now, this Saturday Dess and i will be moving on once again. We are moving to Stockton, CA and will be starting up our own non-profit organization/ministry. We've started up our paper work and are trusting in God for our needs. Already a short bus has been donated in Pennsylvania (i think Dess wrote this in her last post) and we're going to just have to search around in Stockton for all our needs. It's definitely a step of faith and we are feeling a bit anxious from time to time, but we've seen God moving in this thing already, so we just hope and pray that it will all work out!!
I know this has been a long post, so thanks for sticking it out to the end. I'll see if Dess will write some more stuff about the cruise from her perspective because i'm sure she's got more stories to tell.
We'll keep you updated as life goes on.
PS Dess added the photos!!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Living in God's Fast Lane
YOu know everyone everyone everyone loves comfort. But as a follower of Christ there are many times He doesn't let us cruise in the slow lane where it is comfortable and well known. And to put a more twist on it (which will be off the subject but it just popped in my head) there are times we will be riding in His fast lane but God wants us to rest and has us set our cruise control on slow. Either way it is not in our comfort zone.
So for weeks and weeks and weeks I have had blog worthy news. The type that you long to write about if you are addicted to blogs/online journals. But with news such as this can come criticism and that is where I swayed from writing such news. So as I write this please remember the wonderful saying from Bambi the movie "If you have nothing nice to say Don't say anything at all" With that said hehehe: . . . . drum roll please.
Joel and I are starting our own non-profit organization. Some of you know this already or know that it has been coming for some time but others may not. SO anyway for years the Lord has put this vision in my mind and heart. He has even sent me two people who have never met in two different states two different times prophesy to me about our ministry. It was word for word the prophesy. For the past four years God has put this idea in my head and has been preparing both JOel and I for a time such as this. We are excited and pumped. And even now GOd is working behind the scenes to get things ready and done for the ministry He wants us to start.
When we got done with the three churches we both thought we would have time to chill and relax but that is not the case at all. JOel and I are just as busy or more busy then when we were doing the churches. We have been doing paper work to get an organization started and to be tax exempt. It is a long process with paper work piled high to heaven. We have been very prayerful and excited with each step.
Joel and I will be moving to STockton California and every time we tell some one this or someone hears about it from friends and Family they always say how bad STockton is crime wise or how bad it has been hit by the economy. It is true Stockton has gangs and is pretty rough in areas (we don't know how bad but we do understand a bit from living there for 6 months and living in a really bad area in Los Angeles) But also STockton (as we hear by word of mouth) has been hit the worst in the nation for house foreclosures. And from a friend who lives there it has been hit the worst economy wise in the state of California. WOw God. SO God couldn't have picked a better time for us to go. TO Go and help with those who can't make ends meet and to share Jesus CHrist who loves them dearly and wants a relationship with everyone.
Another God thing is that JOel has been missing his family like crazy especially since Sarah is suppposed to be having our neice any day now. SO I made arrangements and then woke up at 6am to get a ticket for Joel to see his family. AFter that I spent some quiet time with God and got this overwhelming peace about this idea. What if Joel were to get a bus ticket after seeing his family to a mission/organization that does only vehicles and drive it back. SO I talked with Joel about it and he said I need to start working it out. SO we both did some contacting and they agreed to donate a mini bus to us. Can you believe it. They sent pics and we are so excited it is too perfect. Buses whether small or big have only one door in the back which would have been fine with us a bus is a bus but it is has double doors in the back and on the side by the double doors a wheel chair lift. Which for picking up food is awesome if the food is too heavy. And it is diesel and in California if the vehicle isn't deisel you have to take a smog test every year. GOd is so awesome. SO we are waiting to see when we can pick it up!!! So the bus will be for retail/grocery store food runs. We will take all the seats out except two. Man God is so awesome. What an awesome God we serve.
Before the bus I was freaking out to God where do we start. I mean how do you start a food minstry plus other cargo/goods like construction, paper and other items needed for outreach. Where do you start. I started to panic. Then the Lord spoke and said Dess you start at grocery stores. You know grocery stores you did them for years." WOw I calmed down right away. I did pick up and procure grocery store food for years at Friend SHips. I was firmilar with it. So with the bus all we have to do is pick up food 6 days a week, collect some food for Joel and I to eat and then pass it out the same day to families who can't make ends meet. Well give it to the church so they can pass out the food and share the love of Christ. I am getting pumped just writing this. SO we don't need a warehouse to start or building or refrigerators to start because we pick up the food and give it out the same day. WHen I described this idea to one friends he immediatly pointed out that is sounded just like Manna to him. ONly getting what you need for the day. Day to day provision!! What a cool idea!!!
Our goal is to have a organization that picks up surplus goods (construction, toys, clothes, linens and other needs people would have that can't make ends meet) and food and then give it to Christian groups and churches so they can reach out to their community while sharing the love of Christ.
Joel is leaving Monday and my emotions are kicking in and not very happy but I love him and want him to see his family and if God permits drive the bus and meet me in California. Which means if Joel is just seeing his family then I will see him in a week but if we get the bus this time around then I wouldn't see him for two weeks. Aww emotions.
SO that is life in the fast lane with God. WE are working on paper work, a bus, paper work for the bus, moving to California, JOel going to see his family and being away from me, and everything else that goes on with our lives surrendered to God.
WEll that is mostly it. There are a ton of other things God has done over these past few weeks but it is just too much to write.
If you think about it pray for a place for Joel and I to live. That is on my heart the most and even in my prayers I feel God is hiding what I should pray. But God gave me a verse from Romans today that said something like "WE don't know what to pray for but the Holy Spirit intercedes for us on our behalf to God because He knows the will of God" And I was like that is me I have no idea what to even pray for (?a house, an apartment, an RV, Trailer????) so I am saying "Let your will be done Heavenly Father on earth as it is in Heaven." and "Thank you Holy Spirit and Jesus for interceding on our behalf to our Heavenly Father." What an awesome God we serve not only does He provide but we are interceded for!!! I am in awe.
God has also given the whole Psalms 37 for a time such as this. I love it. It talks about Do not Fret (it says that three times) and after it says do no fret in one part it then says for it only leads to evil. Then it talks about people that trust in God or God's righteous people or those that seek God will inherit the land. THat gives me peace as well. ONe of my all time favorite quotes from that Psalms is Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart.
The other Chapter in the bible the Lord has given me is Isaiah 58. Later in that chapter is says "If you spend yourself on behalf of the needy God will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land." And that is where I feel the USA is going towards a sun-scorched land.
SO I just wanted to leave you with that. We love you all. Thank you for your prayers we need them!!!!
IN CHRIST ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE,
The Butlers
So for weeks and weeks and weeks I have had blog worthy news. The type that you long to write about if you are addicted to blogs/online journals. But with news such as this can come criticism and that is where I swayed from writing such news. So as I write this please remember the wonderful saying from Bambi the movie "If you have nothing nice to say Don't say anything at all" With that said hehehe: . . . . drum roll please.
Joel and I are starting our own non-profit organization. Some of you know this already or know that it has been coming for some time but others may not. SO anyway for years the Lord has put this vision in my mind and heart. He has even sent me two people who have never met in two different states two different times prophesy to me about our ministry. It was word for word the prophesy. For the past four years God has put this idea in my head and has been preparing both JOel and I for a time such as this. We are excited and pumped. And even now GOd is working behind the scenes to get things ready and done for the ministry He wants us to start.
When we got done with the three churches we both thought we would have time to chill and relax but that is not the case at all. JOel and I are just as busy or more busy then when we were doing the churches. We have been doing paper work to get an organization started and to be tax exempt. It is a long process with paper work piled high to heaven. We have been very prayerful and excited with each step.
Joel and I will be moving to STockton California and every time we tell some one this or someone hears about it from friends and Family they always say how bad STockton is crime wise or how bad it has been hit by the economy. It is true Stockton has gangs and is pretty rough in areas (we don't know how bad but we do understand a bit from living there for 6 months and living in a really bad area in Los Angeles) But also STockton (as we hear by word of mouth) has been hit the worst in the nation for house foreclosures. And from a friend who lives there it has been hit the worst economy wise in the state of California. WOw God. SO God couldn't have picked a better time for us to go. TO Go and help with those who can't make ends meet and to share Jesus CHrist who loves them dearly and wants a relationship with everyone.
Another God thing is that JOel has been missing his family like crazy especially since Sarah is suppposed to be having our neice any day now. SO I made arrangements and then woke up at 6am to get a ticket for Joel to see his family. AFter that I spent some quiet time with God and got this overwhelming peace about this idea. What if Joel were to get a bus ticket after seeing his family to a mission/organization that does only vehicles and drive it back. SO I talked with Joel about it and he said I need to start working it out. SO we both did some contacting and they agreed to donate a mini bus to us. Can you believe it. They sent pics and we are so excited it is too perfect. Buses whether small or big have only one door in the back which would have been fine with us a bus is a bus but it is has double doors in the back and on the side by the double doors a wheel chair lift. Which for picking up food is awesome if the food is too heavy. And it is diesel and in California if the vehicle isn't deisel you have to take a smog test every year. GOd is so awesome. SO we are waiting to see when we can pick it up!!! So the bus will be for retail/grocery store food runs. We will take all the seats out except two. Man God is so awesome. What an awesome God we serve.
Before the bus I was freaking out to God where do we start. I mean how do you start a food minstry plus other cargo/goods like construction, paper and other items needed for outreach. Where do you start. I started to panic. Then the Lord spoke and said Dess you start at grocery stores. You know grocery stores you did them for years." WOw I calmed down right away. I did pick up and procure grocery store food for years at Friend SHips. I was firmilar with it. So with the bus all we have to do is pick up food 6 days a week, collect some food for Joel and I to eat and then pass it out the same day to families who can't make ends meet. Well give it to the church so they can pass out the food and share the love of Christ. I am getting pumped just writing this. SO we don't need a warehouse to start or building or refrigerators to start because we pick up the food and give it out the same day. WHen I described this idea to one friends he immediatly pointed out that is sounded just like Manna to him. ONly getting what you need for the day. Day to day provision!! What a cool idea!!!
Our goal is to have a organization that picks up surplus goods (construction, toys, clothes, linens and other needs people would have that can't make ends meet) and food and then give it to Christian groups and churches so they can reach out to their community while sharing the love of Christ.
Joel is leaving Monday and my emotions are kicking in and not very happy but I love him and want him to see his family and if God permits drive the bus and meet me in California. Which means if Joel is just seeing his family then I will see him in a week but if we get the bus this time around then I wouldn't see him for two weeks. Aww emotions.
SO that is life in the fast lane with God. WE are working on paper work, a bus, paper work for the bus, moving to California, JOel going to see his family and being away from me, and everything else that goes on with our lives surrendered to God.
WEll that is mostly it. There are a ton of other things God has done over these past few weeks but it is just too much to write.
If you think about it pray for a place for Joel and I to live. That is on my heart the most and even in my prayers I feel God is hiding what I should pray. But God gave me a verse from Romans today that said something like "WE don't know what to pray for but the Holy Spirit intercedes for us on our behalf to God because He knows the will of God" And I was like that is me I have no idea what to even pray for (?a house, an apartment, an RV, Trailer????) so I am saying "Let your will be done Heavenly Father on earth as it is in Heaven." and "Thank you Holy Spirit and Jesus for interceding on our behalf to our Heavenly Father." What an awesome God we serve not only does He provide but we are interceded for!!! I am in awe.
God has also given the whole Psalms 37 for a time such as this. I love it. It talks about Do not Fret (it says that three times) and after it says do no fret in one part it then says for it only leads to evil. Then it talks about people that trust in God or God's righteous people or those that seek God will inherit the land. THat gives me peace as well. ONe of my all time favorite quotes from that Psalms is Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart.
The other Chapter in the bible the Lord has given me is Isaiah 58. Later in that chapter is says "If you spend yourself on behalf of the needy God will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land." And that is where I feel the USA is going towards a sun-scorched land.
SO I just wanted to leave you with that. We love you all. Thank you for your prayers we need them!!!!
IN CHRIST ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE,
The Butlers
Monday, February 02, 2009
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
Hey Everyone,
WE ARE DONE WITH THE THREE CHURCHES!!! Yeah. It is exciting to have finished such a big responsibility. It was a crazy three months and Joel and I learned so much about ourselves, church in general, and life as a christian. I feel we have grown in ways we could have never if not for being over these three churches.
I think for me one of the biggest challenges was learning there is a nasty side to religion. That some people go straight by rules and judging instead of mercy and love. Oh they think they are being loving but really they are judging you and condemning you for your walk with Christ. Aww that was hard. Especially for me as a women. I felt really judge and closely looked at because I was a women talking in church and helping Joel lead congregations. I even condemned myself but when I finally studied scripture and went looking for what God thought I was blown away by things. I didn't get all the answers but I walked away feeling better about me talking in church. And that GOd wasn't going to strike me down at any moment for teaching.
For the first two months Joel and I really prayed and put it out there to God that if this is what He wanted us to do for a long season Joel and I were willing to step up if it was Dad and Mom's time to step down. Boy are we glad that God gave us the okay to move on and that it is still Dad's time to be a pastor. That was a huge relief. Joel and I don't feel even the tiniest calling to being pastors. For three months we had no idea what we were doing. But as the bible says where we are weak God is soooooooooooo strong. And both Joel and I felt when we didn't have a clue to what we were doing; God really stepped in, Got the Glory and made us look good.
If you were to ask us how we feel we would tell you that we are so glad it is over. And for the people hearing that they always ask "Oh it wasn't that great?" and we are like no it was great, the people were great, and we had a great time. But when something is not your calling or you are not trained in that thing it is a lot harder.
Then when we told people in the congregation that we are just not good at being pastors they look at us like we are crazy and tell us we are. But where they saw us suceeed and what not It was God all the way. I can't even tell you how many times Joel and I didn't have a clue to what we were doing and it ended up looking like we were called to be pastors. Which is just not the case. God is SO awesome that when He asks you to do something and you are obedient and willingly God will do the impossible through you.
So for these last three months Joel and I did 3 services a sunday, preaching and all. (No one ever taught us how to run a service, the whole service or teach us how to preach but God was there) We did three bible studies and three prayer meetings a week (again no prior schooling for this) WE had three movie night outreachs to the community and we brought new worship music to the congregation. We went to hospitals and loved on the sick. We went to two funerals of church members. I mean these whole 3 months were just out of our league But God is good and enabled us to do the impossible.
I am not saying anything of this to brag I am telling you all this because God is so good that He can use any one of you and us to do His bidding and do the impossible. He will enable you even when you don't have a clue on what you are doing. All you have to do is seek Him out. I would spend time with the Lord almost every day and God would give me ideas on what the church needed in prayer or He gave us the idea of movie nights and He gave us the idea to play one new christian worship song on Sundays. It was all the Lords idea Joel and I would have never thought of it but it turned out great. I thought they would stone us or kick us out with the new "loud and fast" songs we were bringing but they loved them and thanked us for them.
Wow our God is awesome and I am glad He showed me/us if we just step out and obey Him NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.
To GOD BE THE GLORY,
The Butlers
WE ARE DONE WITH THE THREE CHURCHES!!! Yeah. It is exciting to have finished such a big responsibility. It was a crazy three months and Joel and I learned so much about ourselves, church in general, and life as a christian. I feel we have grown in ways we could have never if not for being over these three churches.
I think for me one of the biggest challenges was learning there is a nasty side to religion. That some people go straight by rules and judging instead of mercy and love. Oh they think they are being loving but really they are judging you and condemning you for your walk with Christ. Aww that was hard. Especially for me as a women. I felt really judge and closely looked at because I was a women talking in church and helping Joel lead congregations. I even condemned myself but when I finally studied scripture and went looking for what God thought I was blown away by things. I didn't get all the answers but I walked away feeling better about me talking in church. And that GOd wasn't going to strike me down at any moment for teaching.
For the first two months Joel and I really prayed and put it out there to God that if this is what He wanted us to do for a long season Joel and I were willing to step up if it was Dad and Mom's time to step down. Boy are we glad that God gave us the okay to move on and that it is still Dad's time to be a pastor. That was a huge relief. Joel and I don't feel even the tiniest calling to being pastors. For three months we had no idea what we were doing. But as the bible says where we are weak God is soooooooooooo strong. And both Joel and I felt when we didn't have a clue to what we were doing; God really stepped in, Got the Glory and made us look good.
If you were to ask us how we feel we would tell you that we are so glad it is over. And for the people hearing that they always ask "Oh it wasn't that great?" and we are like no it was great, the people were great, and we had a great time. But when something is not your calling or you are not trained in that thing it is a lot harder.
Then when we told people in the congregation that we are just not good at being pastors they look at us like we are crazy and tell us we are. But where they saw us suceeed and what not It was God all the way. I can't even tell you how many times Joel and I didn't have a clue to what we were doing and it ended up looking like we were called to be pastors. Which is just not the case. God is SO awesome that when He asks you to do something and you are obedient and willingly God will do the impossible through you.
So for these last three months Joel and I did 3 services a sunday, preaching and all. (No one ever taught us how to run a service, the whole service or teach us how to preach but God was there) We did three bible studies and three prayer meetings a week (again no prior schooling for this) WE had three movie night outreachs to the community and we brought new worship music to the congregation. We went to hospitals and loved on the sick. We went to two funerals of church members. I mean these whole 3 months were just out of our league But God is good and enabled us to do the impossible.
I am not saying anything of this to brag I am telling you all this because God is so good that He can use any one of you and us to do His bidding and do the impossible. He will enable you even when you don't have a clue on what you are doing. All you have to do is seek Him out. I would spend time with the Lord almost every day and God would give me ideas on what the church needed in prayer or He gave us the idea of movie nights and He gave us the idea to play one new christian worship song on Sundays. It was all the Lords idea Joel and I would have never thought of it but it turned out great. I thought they would stone us or kick us out with the new "loud and fast" songs we were bringing but they loved them and thanked us for them.
Wow our God is awesome and I am glad He showed me/us if we just step out and obey Him NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.
To GOD BE THE GLORY,
The Butlers
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Eat your heart out!!! "Giggle Giggle!!!"
Eat your heart out you people who love photo art.
Out by my parents cabin!!!
Out by my parents cabin!!!
On the way to church.
The Island at dusk
One of the roses Joel got me.
The dozen roses Joel got me, actually in the snow. You just can't see the snow.
So I just had to share some of my photos that I worked hard on. I love good pics and found me in situations where I just couldn't help myself. So enjoy.
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