Tara's (a) Blessing!

Well today I'm feeling a little bit like what I think it's going to feel like when both my kids leave home for good- empty nest syndrome! All our War College students have finally flown the coop, with Tara winging her way to Toronto today. {sigh}

I was surprised when I got to the corps this morning to pick Tara up for the long ride to Boston airport- almost the entire MacKay clan was there to say "fare well!" We prayed for Tara and very few eyes were dry. Tara herself went through at least 2 tissues! Just goes to show you how pouring yourself into people can affect you even over a very short time of interaction (but it's got to be sincere interaction). Praise the Lord for Tara Ayer! We wish you would have stayed longer. So say we all!

While praying (rations, for all you War College alumi!) this morning I was impressed by God to write out a fatherly blessing for Tara. Actually, I've been impressed by God to do this for some time now for other people, but today I finally listened. Not knowing how to do it, I read some fatherly blessings from Genesis. While reading, God began to download some stuff for Tara and I wrote it all down. Then I rewrote it and put the thoughts into sentences- just a short paragraph, really, but powerful in that I believe these are words God means to see fulfilled in Tara's life.

I feel this is something God is asking me to do on a regular basis, so I will be reading up on this practice so I can practice (to make perfect) and put it into practice (how's that for a tang toungler?)!

I hope Tara doesn't mind, but here's my blessing for her:

Tara’s Blessing
You are a fruitful tree bringing freedom to all who find rest in your branches.
You are a blessing to many; a fountain of refreshing water from the arid desert dryness.
You are a deer dancing on the heights, bringing joy and laughter where there was none before.
You are an iron arrow in God’s bow, driving deep into the Enemy’s side and bringing the killing blow.
As a thorn in the Enemy’s side, he will fight against you as if to make your way hard. But you will overcome by the Word of your testimony.
The very blood of Jesus will be your shield and fortress- your rock.
In times of your deepest need you will worship at His feet and find refreshment for your own soul.
- 8/18/05

Tara, you're one of us- always will be and we claim you as a Bangorian! I hope in some way, we blessed you at least half as much as you blessed us this summer.

Jesus is my Pistol and He Blows bad Dudes Away

Today I had an Inner Healing session where I discovered yet another false Jesus in my life. During my "vision" I was a young boy in an old house I used to live in. While looking around, I saw that old head and shoulders picture of Jesus (mostly brown hues) looking at me from the wall. He had no expression, but was watching me carefully wherever I went. I sensed his strong disapproval and felt like he wanted to punish me. I really wanted to get away from that glare, so I left the room, only to be followed by him. I ran throughout the house until I found a place behind my bed to get away from him.

I then crawled under the bed and became aware that I was holding a greenish-yellow plastic glow-in-the-dark Jesus (I remember this plastic knick-knack from my youth). It was glowing brightly and kept me safe from that other "Jesus" that was always watching me (sort of like a galactic traffic cop), waiting for me to mess up so he could scold me. Unlike the scary Jesus, the Jesus in my hand empowered me and gave me confidence. Soon I knew what I needed to do, so I crawled out from under the bed and went looking for the dark Jesus.

I found him at the other end of the upstairs hallway- still looking in other rooms for me. The scene then changed to an old Western town street and we were gunfighters facing off in a showdown! He was wearing black and I could hear the low up and down whistle of the gunslinger music. We began to move in "bullet time" (from The Matrix) and he got the first shot off at me. But because we were moving slowly, I could easily step aside and watch the bullet whiz by my head (not even close). I then pulled my glow-in-the-dark Jesus (yeah, he was my gun) out of my holster and took a clean shot which hit him square on. He shattered like a mirror, but the pieces just disintegrated into nothing. The music changed to the victorious Star Wars death star explosion scene with all the tinkling and sparkling that came with it!

With the dark Jesus defeated and gone, I blew the smoke off the barrel of my glow-in-the-dark Jesus, spun him around my finger a bit and reholstered him for my next duel, slick as the little cowboy I was playing from my youth- another false Jesus defeated to wreak havoc on his unsuspecting prey no more! (Regan's gonna love this one!)

Bottom line for me: Jesus is always watching us, but not just so he can reprimand us when we mess up. He's actually there to protect us from those things which would frighten us and misrepresent who he really is.

Here's another analogy to help us get our minds around who Jesus is: Jesus is my Pistol and he blows bad dudes away! Oh and by the way- that's actually me in the picture!

Just a Reminder

A Salvation People

We are a salvation people- this is our specialty- getting saved and keeping saved and then getting somebody else saved and then getting saved ourselves more and more, until full salvation on earth makes the heaven within.
- William Booth

Well we are The Salvation Army, right? It sounds like our founder was giving us a challenge. For today, I believe in theory he's right. But is he right in practice? Are we really all about salvation? And not just justification-salvation, but also sanctification-salvation?

Here are some questions for us sallies to mull over:
1) Are you saved?
2) Are you still saved since that first experience? We can lose our salvation, you know (Doctrine #8: We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ).
3) When was the last time you got someone else saved?
4) Do you witness to the full salvation of the Holy Spirit? (Do you know what I'm talking about?)

If we are to remain a salvation people- indeed a Salvation Army, we had better be focussing on the business of this particular army.

Booth's challenge remains. How are you doing?

Some Nice Changes Ahead

Thanx everyone who prayed with us for our Sunday meetings! Sunday AM went very well! There were quite a few people missing who could have used this one- hmmm. Isn't it interesting how that happens a lot?! I learned long ago not to ever preach a sermon for a particular person- they never showed up that Sunday anyway! God has such a sense of humor.

However, the whole meeting was powerfully anointed and Debbie said I spoke with passion. It's a good thing- I totally believe we need to stand up to our spiritual enemies and yet I see so many of us falling under their tactics against us. It's sad.

Well, I believe we're going to see some nice changes in Bangor in the days ahead! Maybe I'll give you some of my sermon points in a future blog.

Overthrowing Hopelessness

I've discovered the name of a territorial spirit over Bangor. It might be over a larger area like Maine or New England (and I'm leaning this way), but for now, I know he's a very powerful influence over people in Bangor. I've actually been wrestling with him for the last five years, but until just this past week, was not able to pin a name on him.

So tomorrow I'm preaching about him and his influence over Bangorians. These past few days I've been preparing my message and I've not been so attacked in a long time! Working at my computer, I've felt sleepy, scared, overwhelmed, sad and even a bit depressed. But it was so obvious, I just laughed and fought him off! HA!

And you know what? that's the key. When you begin to feel down, tired, lazy, depressed, etc, you immediately know it's that spirit of hopelessness and you just fight it off with the promises of scripture and faith in God our Hope (Miqweh Bangor- the Hope of Bangor). We are never disappointed when we put our hope in Yahweh!

The problem is, many people don't know what's going on and get sucked down into a deadly spiral that ends in days, weeks or even months of depression and doing nothing. I see it all around me in Bangor.

So pray for tomorrow's service as we take Hopelessness head on. I expect a mighty victory!

Salvation Army Songbook #684

1. God's trumpet is sounding: To arms! is the call;
More warriors are wanted to help on the war;
My King's in the battle, he's calling for me,
A salvation soldier for Jesus I'll be.

Stand like the brave! Stand like the brave!
Stand like the brave, with your face to the foe!

2. On land and on water my colors I'll show,
Through ten thousand battles with Jesus I'll go,
In danger I'm certain he'll take care of me,
His blood and fire soldier forever I'll be.

3. I'll fight to the last with the Lord's sword and shield,
And count it an honor to die in the field;
In death and the grave there is victory for me,
A salvation soldier in Glory I'll be.

4. The war will go on till the world is possessed,
The Salvation Army Jehovah has blessed;
More heroes of faith on the roll we shall see;
The Salvation Army's the Army for me.

- Frederick Booth-Tucker (1853-1929) (verses),
- Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) (chorus)

Dare Devil Faith

I am so impressed with Rack, Shack and Benny (Shadrach, Mishach and Abednego for all of you from Mars who have missed Veggi Tales). I mean Evel Knievel has nothing on these dare devils! Imagine what guts it must have taken for them to literally stand against such a powerful king while being threatened with their own lives. Imagine what kind of faith in God it took!

Their words still amaze me every time I read them:

"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
- Daniel 3:16-18

They never wavered. Incredible! This could very well be my favorite story in the Bible because it shows us how to do it; how to live in the face of the enemy and give God the opportunity to prove himself. Look at what happened after they were vindicated (without even the smell of smoke on their clothes!)- the king wouldn't let anyone say anything against their God! I'd say he was convinced, wouldn't you?

When I grow up, I wanna be just like Rack, Shack and Benny! I want Dare Devil Faith!

But when I think about it, I realize Dare Devil Faith starts with faith in the little things. It takes believing that all God's promises in scripture are true. It takes believing that God will provide for you when you're at the end of your rope. It takes believing that practicing the Christian Way (tithing, turning the other cheek, focusing on others, etc.) will work out for good- even when you can't see it or understand how it could possibly happen.

Our God, Yahweh, is worthy of our faith. He is faithful himself and we can count on that. Always. He will never leave us or forsake us. That's the foundation for Dare Devil Faith.

Do you believe?

Let Everything

Praise Yahweh!

Praise God in your chapels; praise him in his majestic outdoors! Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his unsurpassed awesomeness! Praise him with the sound of your cornet, praise him with the shofar and keyboard, praise him with flags and radical dancing, praise him with guitars and flute, praise him with the the drum set, praise him with all kinds of drums!

Let everything that has breath praise Yahweh!

Praise Yahweh!

- Psalm 150

BTI Wrap up

Well, it looks like I should probably finish up my BTI reporting. It's now been quite a few days since I've written anything more. But as I look back I see that I kept up my blogging every couple of days when I was there, so there's not much else new to write about.

I do want to thank Regan, my roomie for the 2 weeks, for his hospitality in letting me share his space. We had a bunk bed and he was on the bottom, but he didn't shake the bed at all! He had a nice stash of bagels and after I learned to brush my teeth with the bathtub faucet, I didn't have to crawl under the sink to turn the water on any more! (And can you imagine, Shaun the plumber didn't know how to fix that old faucet?)

One of the best parts of room 402 was the scripture verses taped all over the walls (and/or painted, in some cases)! Imagine waking up to God's promises right there. Or looking in the mirror with verses staring back at you. Or just having quiet time while looking at great challenges from the Word. The other best part was the times we chatted and prayed together.

If I ever get to stay in the Empress again, then it's room 402 for me! Thanks for eveything, Regan. You were a wondeful host.

So there you have it. BTI in a prolonged nutshell! If you can't take a full year off for The War College, you should seriously consider BTI. You will walk away blessed, challenged and changed. I did!

Were You Faithful?

Wow! What a day! It's late, I'm beat to my socks, but I can hardly believe all the ministry that got crammed into this wonderful day! God sure had a plan for the day- I'm glad I listened to his voice and played along with his plan. You see, if I had my way, I'd have not allowed all those "people interruptions!"

I say that with a tongue placed firmly in my cheek, because I know that it's the office work that's the real interruption to my day. People are the whole reason for it all! Where would we be if we only did office work 24/7? I shudder to think of it.

Some of the things I said were easy. It is simple to see how God can use those words to bring about good in and for others. Some of the things I said were hard. I can see how God could possibly use what I said for his good, but it sure wasn't very obvious. In fact, some of it was real hard to say, because I knew a few people would find my words hard to swallow. But I felt then and still feel now that they were from God. I must leave those words and people to him to accomplish the good he desires. I trust him to do that. My part is to obey and do what he wants me to.

Now I'm not trying to blow my own horn here, but some day I believe God will remind me of this day. I think he'll be pretty happy with my obedience and the good he accomplished through me by just being faithful to his will. After all, my main goal in life is to be faithful to my God.

So how was your day? Were you faithful?

You Will be my Martyrs

Recently we were preparing to study the book of Acts. I say preparing, because I believe it is important to gather as much background on the book before you actually start the Bible (word) study. Not only should we study the Bible's words, we should study the Bible's background, culture and setting. It all has relevancy to the final interpretation we seek- truth.

Naturally, one of (if not the) key verses is Acts 1:8.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8

I emphasized "witnesses," because I have always taken it to mean we should tell others about the Gospel message. Here's what I learned from Bangor's resident Bible Scholar, Gene Bragg: the root word (martys), here translated as "witnesses," means:

of uncertain affinity; a witness (literal [judicially] or figurative); by analogy a “martyr” :- martyr, record, witness. - Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary

With that in mind, here it is again: "You will be my martyrs . . ." That puts a whole 'nother spin on our Christian responsibility, huh?!

Wow!

Here's how I see it: 1) When we become a Christian (Christ follower), we give up our life to follow Jesus. We become his slave (as Paul puts it). We give up our rights, our desires, our stuff (money, things), our goals in life- everything. We become martyrs for his cause. 2) Well, the obvious- we may very well be asked to give up our lives in the literal sense of the word. It shouldn't come as a surprise when we are persecuted. We should not even have to think about whether we could give up our lives or not if needed. The decision's already been made. It's a done deal.

Are you ready to become a martyr? If you're a Christian, it's your responsibility.

10 Ways to Order Your World to Create Simplicity in Your Life

1) Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.

2) Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.

3) Develop a habit of giving things away.

4) Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.

5) Learn to enjoy things without owning them.

6) Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.

7) Look at a healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemes.

8) Obey Jesus' instructions about plain, honest speech.

9) Reject anything that will breed the oppression of others.

10) Shun whatever would distract you from you main goal: "Seek first the kingdom of God."

- Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

Letter to a Young Cadet

What follows is a letter sent to me a couple of months before I was commissioned an officer (yeah, it's hand written on paper- before email! And yeah, I kept it- to read every now and then. It's good advise that's worth re-reading).

Dear Doug,

It's been awhile since I sat down and dropped you a line, but what would a Saturday night be without all this excitement? You've got 90 days or so left- then you'll realize that all that fantastic education you're getting hasn't really prepared you for the future corps lurking down the corridors of time. God has a graduate school of The Spirit open for enrollment- it's called "survive!" Let me give you insights gleaned one at a time from mistakes I have made.

1) Refuse to listen to all complaints about the previous officer- whether right or wrong. The person who complains will do the same thing with you to the next officer as an attention-getting device. The problem is that truth without love is a lie to a Christian and you need to deal with the sin of the gossiper then and there. One of the seven abominations of God is "he who spreads discord among the brothers and sisters."

MORAL: Never use band aids. Cure the problem so it does not return, no matter how much more time it takes.

2) Be loyal and supportive of DHQ, no matter how unreasonable, dumb and archaic their requests may seem. Do not complain about them to your corps people and fellow officers. The problem is that you reap what you sow- in everything. If you want love and loyalty from your flock, you have to give it freely to your shepherds (space cadets though they may seem). It will be ten more years before you realize how intelligent and caring they have been all along.

MORAL: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," because you will harvest what you sow eventually and always.

3) Pray about everything, everywhere, anytime. Interrupt your conversations with "Let's pray about it." If someone says "Please pray for . . ." do it then, with them. The real problem is that your people do not know how to pray and they refuse to learn how. They must be shown by your example of it being so valuable to you that they can't help but try it.

MORAL: We have to preach that God answers prayer. The only escape from hypocricy is to prove it every day of our lives- publicly.

4) There is no such thing as a problem. There are only opportunities. That seems nice until your YPSM develops cancer, the CSM runs off with someone else's wife and the United Way zero funds you for next year- all in the same day (Murphy's Law again- everything goes wrong all at once!). The problem is that we are required to live in heaven while physically being on earth and everything can be used to point men and women to eternity- but we react to problems with our human nature. Even when the problems are personal- thank God for them, pray yourself into obedience to his will and start rejoicing because your name is written in heaven.

MORAL: Your biggest spiritual victories in life will happen when you face your biggest problems. Thank God for your problems- even when it seems irrational. It probably is!

5) Learn to say "I don't know." You will be an officer- who will be asked to answer everything from trivia to deep psychological conflicts and will be expected to be an authority. The problem is that we abuse our authority and lend "Papal infallibility" to our opinions to our people. Tell them if you don't know- and give 1/2 the advise you are tempted to give. They might even come to consider you almost human- and then, and only then, listen to your sermons.

MORAL: "Even a fool, when he holds his tongue is esteemed wise" (Solomon). Your people are partners, not puppets and even the most ignorant of them know respect for their opinions when they see it.

6) Finally- don't listen to brothers who give advice. They think that their Christian experience will be duplicated in everyone's life and that God doesn't like variety. Read their mail (condescendtion is allowed here, however) and then try divine wisdom instead.

MORAL: If your advise isn't from God, confirmed by scripture- doubt it. Some of your greatest innovations come from doing the exact opposite of what everyone else is doing.

Sorry to go, but I have a few windmills to chase.

With Love,
Don Quiote

Guest Blogger: Melinda Peters

Tara had a good idea in inviting a guest blogger (I'm not stealing the idea, just borrowing it! And I'm giving Tara credit for a great idea too)! I think I might just do this every now and then . . . if I don't get sued. (heh, heh)

Today my guest is Melinda Peters. When I was in Vancouver for BTI recently, we had a prayer session for her and this is how she saw it as it happened:

- - - - -
I'm in the woods and there is a white bird with brilliant blue eyes. He is fat/large and is sitting there looking right at me. I feel peace. I realize the bird is the Holy Spirit. The bird flies away and I feel called to step out of the woods onto a beach.

I go to the beach and the ocean is very calming and soothing to me. I see Jesus walking up the beach towards me. He comes and puts his arm around me and we sit in silence. After awhile, I look down and I see a bunch of smooth stones in my hands. I am playing with them and throwing them into the water. They have the fruit of the spirit words written on them. Next Jesus invites me to play in the water with him.

Then all of sudden I am up in a tree on the end of a limb. I am afraid because fear has brought me here before. I look down and there is the water below me. I am afraid of falling in the water because I might drown. But I see Jesus in the water and he is calling to me to jump in and join him. After some hesitation, I decide to take that leap of faith and I fall in the water. Once there, I discover I can breath under the water! It is great! My fear was all for nothing!

So Jesus and I are swimming under the water. He's showing me all the things under the water like fish and plants. After a few minutes, we watch a whale swim by! It is so exciting and so freeing! And to think I was afraid of this for so long.

Then I see Jesus picking up shells and he invites me back to the shore. He weaves the shells into an ankle braclet and into a necklace. One has the word "LOVE" on it and the other "PEACE." He ties them on me so they can never come off. Then he reaches down and I see 2 pearl earrings in his hand. He pierces my ears with the earrings. He gives me a warm hug and says "Now go."

I look it him a bit confused and he says "No, seriously- go!" I ask him where and he shows me a place and tells me not to tell anyone.

Next I am flying with Jesus and we are going really fast. When I look forward I see things going by quickly. When I look to either side, they come into focus. He says "We are going far and we are going fast." And then it was over and we talked awhile about what had happened and what it all meant. I'm still working on some of it, though!

- - - - -
Thanks Melinda for sharing your experience with us.

Travis Flies Over the Horizon

Tara and I just got back from taking Travis to the Boston airport. Whew! That's a bit of a trip! It's always hard when you have to leave someone there- especially someone who you might not ever see again (this side of heaven)! What a terrible thought!

I actually got Travis to talk on the way. Sometimes, it's a bit like pulling teeth! You'll be happy to know, Steve, that we did highs and lows (as I did with Aurora before she left)! If you all want to know what Travis said, you'll have to read his blog (Made for War). So get writing, Travis!

This summer we discovered that the best thing about Travis is his buoyant spirit. No matter what happens, he can see the silver lining a mile away! I sure wish we had more people like that around more often! We also discovered that Travis loves to hang out with people! He creates a safe amosphere for people to be themselves. I think we all could use more of that in our lives too.

Travis we were glad to have you with us this summer. Please come back again. Soon! Plenty of people are missing you already!

- - - - -
PS: Thanx for the company Tara. I always love our conversations!

Aurora Rides off into the Sunset

Today we said farewell to Aurora. She headed off to London, Ontario via bus to visit family a bit before continuing on to Vancouver for the final debriefing and graduation of the Martyr's session.

Aurora fit well in Bangor this summer. Any particular day would find her getting involved in a wide variety of activities such as band, Bible School, Teen Club, PowerHouse, prayer-walking, hanging out with people, eating with people (we do a lot of eating here in Bangor!), praying with people, cooking and many other things. If you're interested in finding out more, check out her blog (Dayspring of God) to see her take on her time with us.

When our students arrived, we told them that building relationships was the #1 priority and Aurora excelled at that! We will see evidence of her connections for quite some time to come. We are definitely better off for our time with Aurora Atell.

It's always hard sending someone off who's become an important part of your life, but it's all good because we know she's coming back in October to spearhead our MMCCXX initiative. We're hoping she'll bring one or two people back with her to help with the ministry (hint, hint, War College alumni)!

We're praying for you, Aurora, and looking forward to seeing you again real soon!

Flow

I'd like to suggest that just as there is a "flow" to a successful book or music composition, so there is a flow to a Christian worship service. There are highs and lows, each contributing to appropriate crescendoes of Holy Spirit's movement among God's people. If we are careful in preparation, we can order the service to best compliment how we have observed Holy Spirit moving in the past. Therefore, we can, to some degree, help Holy Spirit in his task of reaching God's people and capturing their hearts (which brings about salvation and/or deeper commitment).

This makes sense. I don't believe it's rocket science either. In fact, Debbie and I have developed this practice to great effect in all our public worship activities. We know there are some things that welcome Holy Spirit's moving, we also know there are things that halt it immediately.

What this means, then, is that preparers and leaders of meetings are responsible for creating (as much as humanly possible) the best atmosphere for Holy Spirit to operate in.

Therefore, creating a service that flows smoothly, taking into account these understood highs and lows of worship, brings about a better opportunity for Holy Spirit to reach people and change their lives.

Conversely, if we schedule a service that is choppy, with poorly scripted lows right after highs, etc, we can expect we make it harder for Holy Spirit to effect change (because we don't take advantage of "pregnant" moments, cut him off when he starts moving, etc). NOTE: I am not even mentioning letting Holy Spirit re-write the order of service on the fly if he so chooses. That's another whole topic!

For example, here is a simple order of service, poorly scripted:

Welcome : Getting people's attention
Call to Worship : Calling people to order
Prayer : Invoking God's presence
Song : Building faith
Scripture : Allowing Spirit to speak, crescendo start
Vocal Solo : Holy Spirit speaks (often), crescendo builds
Offering : Here?!? Creates an abrupt halt to Spirit's move
Message : God speaks again, calling for response, cresc
Passing of the Peace (greeting people) : Here?!? Abrupt
Altar Call : By now, Spirit has left! Attention broken
Song : Furthering response or wrap up
Prayer : Sending the people out

Here is a better way to script this order:

Welcome : Call people to attention
Announcements : Basic housekeeping
Prayer : Invoke God
Passing of the Peace : Sharing fellowship
Offering : Continue fellowship
Call to Worship : "Worship" starts here
Song : Builds faith
Scripture : Allow Spirit to speak, cresc starts
Vocal Solo : Cresc continues
Message : Cresc continues
Altar Call : Spirit reaches climax
Song : Further response, wrap up
Prayer : Sending the people out

This is a simple example, I know, but I hope it gets my point across.

I believe flow is even more important as the "level" of service goes up (eg: divisional event, territorial event, etc), because there are more people affected and leadership should be teaching and modeling good flow to our people.

So why do I see such poor scripting and choppy flow in so many important Army meetings? God's heart must ache as we say: "Come. Stop. Come now. No, wait. Ooo, now!"

I believe we could be so much more successful in reaching seekers if we just paid more attention to flow. Please, Lord, get this message out to your people.

The OOB Air Force

Continuing the interruption of BTI News, here is an exclusive report on the prayer meeting that took place during the Sunday AM meeting at Old Orchard Beach yesterday. Our reporter was there as it happened, so we now move to this first hand report . . .

Last year, God called a few of us to remain in the OOB corps chapel after the morning prayer meeting and continue to pray throughout the holiness meeting. The purpose was to break down the enemy's attacks of distraction (and worse) and support meeting participants with appropriate "air cover" (it seems we talk much about prayer, but practice it little). The Salvation "Air Force" was successful in its first mission at OOB.

This year the team was a little smaller, but was effective nonetheless! Here is a key scripture verse that came out of our time together:

The [Old] Orchards and fields of my people will yield bumper crops . . .I have broken their chains of slavery and rescued them! - Ezekiel 34:27.

We believe God is giving us a promise that the "crop" of seekers will soon be the best yet! First fruits were evident as there was much activity at the altars after a powerfully annointed message by Commissioner William Franicis.

We look forward with anticipation as we wait on God to send us those bumper crops!

The Power of Prayer

We interrupt this recap of BTI for a breaking news report from Vancouver . . .

The Marijuana cafe and the Marijauna party shop were recently shut down by the Vancouver police. Marc Emary, the pot guru of Canada and leading supplier of seeds was also arrested. Although the cafe has reopened, three empolyees of POT TV have been arrested and the United States is asking for them to be extradited to the US to face charges there that could send them to prison for 10 years. All of this is said to have happened as a result of requests from the US.

HA! Requests from the US. That's funny! We all know this took place because of the praise, prayers and warfare that happened across the street during BTI a couple of weeks ago! When you add this to the fact that a short awhile ago, the place next door (similar kind of store) to this one was burned down after prayer (no one was hurt), this becomes evidence that God answers prayer! How in the world can anyone not see that?!

Prayer is the most powerful and effective tool of warfare God has given us. So why is it the most underutilized?

How accomplished are you at wielding prayer?

Happy Birthday Jenn!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Jennifer,
Happy Birthday to you!

The BIG 20!

Exorbitant or Worthwhile?

Sunday AM a bunch of us went to Cariboo Hill. Michael Collins was the speaker and we knew he would be challenging any "pew sitters" who might be in attendance. He did. He also challenged people to step up to the plate to help pay off the recently incurred corps mortgage on a new wing of the building so that the money now used for that could go into the kids ministry. His logic was impeccable and it really made me think about where our Army spends our money.

It's a real conundrum. At what point is spending exorbitant and at what point is it justified because of the increased ministry opportunities created? For instance, we're now spending a weekend at our territory's Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings. The whole event is 10 days long. Imagine what monies are expended for this annual event? I'm glad I don't have to handle the budget! However, I do have to handle my portion of it. The official TSA Minute gives us a huge amount to spend per night on accommodations. We shop around and get the best rate we can, but I know people who spend as much as they can (you should see some of the beautiful rooms I see people staying in)! And I don't even want to talk about what we are "allowed" to spend on meals per day! We use such a small portion of it (and eat just fine), but there are those who draw down the entire amount! I cannot imagine spending that amount in one day for meals! I'm not sure we could do it, if we tried! And why should The Army be paying for our regular meals anyway?

All that unconscionable stuff aside (I hope those people can sleep at night- or do I?), within bounds of reason, the expenses can be worthwhile because this week+ is packed with a long history of spiritual power and blessing. It would be impossible to count all the lives changed, all the recommitments, all the eternal decisions made. Maybe I already found my answer- "within bounds of reason."

I did not sign up in this Army to make money and get comfortable. Or to get as much as I can from "Uncle Willy." I am regularly aghast at how comfortable many of us have become while fighting in this war. But then, the question remains: can our fighting be very effective if we're comfortable?

Ask not what your Army can do for you. Ask what you can do for your Army.

Happy Birthday Chris!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Christopher,
Happy Birthday to you!

The BIG 16!

Dusting Off Rob, Adopting Heather

Saturday for class, we were graced with Danielle as our teacher. I am always amazed at how powerful a speaker she is- and that without any notes. She always seems to be speaking off the top of her head, yet has 9 or more awesome points! That day we had a great discussion on Poverty, especially the 3 poverties- Economic, Spiritual and Civic.

Later that evening, having already finished dusting off BTI students, we moved on to TWC students who had been attending classes with us throughout the week. I was a tad late to class and they were already in session with Rob, but I was immediatley pulled in by Holy Spirit and gave him some encouragement from the Lord. I then found myself laying down beside Rob, just to get close and soak up as much as I could of what God was doing in him. He seemed to be radiating all kinds of cool stuff! I was a blessed sponge (Rob is my hero)!

Next we prayed for Heather. To me, the Lord kept saying "adoption." As I prayed, I remembered that our Bangor Corps' scholarship (The Bramwell Tripp Memorial Scholarship) for the current year had not been used, because the person who was to receive it, could not get a visa and never made it to The War College. I had spoken with Steve and he suggested we apply the scholarship to a Phase 2 student and had mentioned Heather as one possibility. I was hearing adoption, so I felt God was saying we needed to sow into Heather by adopting her as our scholarship recipient. After class I mentioned it to Steve again and he agreed the Bangor Corps should give Heather our scholarship. When I told Heather, she seemed instantly blessed by the new connection. So was I!

In the next few days, I was to learn that God had much more in store for me with the word "adoption." As I mentioned in a previous blog, God was also telling me personally to adopt Heather (in a spiritual sense) as my daughter. That, I would also discover, would hold a much larger spiritual blessing for me. One that I am still sorting out and praying for more understanding.

Isn't it grand that God has chosen to adopt us into his family? He's such an awesome Dad! Not to mention that Jesus makes a fantastic older brother and Holy Spirit sure is the best mother!

My Dusting Off Session

What follows are the notes I received from my dusting off session Friday night (these are notes written during the prayer time and not full sentences). Some of these things I have heard before from other sources; others are new. I am open to them, praying into them and I receive what God has for me.

BTI, Vancouver, July 8, 2005

Shaun: Joshua 3:13 Priests/ark/Jordan- water heap up, dry ground. God is leading you as a priest in our movement (carrying His Presence) in a direction we've not been in a long time. You're not afraid of the waters- fullness came.

Stephen: Worm wriggling up from ground to sunlight.

Fleur: In wilderness- a dark, moonless night- ivy all around. Glowing flowers leading you down path to clearing. Rain water tank covered in ivy. You tapped it and it was full of water- a spicot on side.

Stephen: (singing) When the glory gets into you soul, my brother, then you'll shout the praises of your heaveny Father, when the glory gets into your soul.

Heather: (Song) Send the message to my love (repeat). Isaiah 6:1-11 In year King Uzziah . . . I saw the Lord . . . Holy, holy, holy . . . Send me!

Rob: Colossians 1:28-29; 2:16-23 You're a stabilizer- to speak truth to the Body. Mantle of authority to speak the discernment he has given. You sat before a computer at a nuclear power plant- bells, buttons, whistles all around. You know what to do, but you can't do it yet- hands tied.

Elaine: The eyes of your heart enlightened. Eagle-eye vision. Open the eyes of his heart- 20/20 vision- x-ray vision to see through walls beyond what is hidden to truth. Faith-vision. Increased metron of faith. You will know of what spirit they are. Open this season of seeing.

Rob: The Lord wants to encourage/honor you in your writing of words to come- document it. Don't treat it lightly because it isn't until future.

Elaine: (standing up) Wisdom for what to do. Wisdom of Solomon on him ("woo"). Wisdom. A man of wisdom. One who enters into Your chambers and receives Your counsel. Impart.

Stephen: Speak wisdom into belly, not head.

Heather: It's about bringing people to learn from Doug- and honor him.

Elaine: (Wants to punch you in the stomach, pretends to do it). It winds you, suprises, doesn't make sense (Like a punch in the stomach). God's wisdom.

Melinda: Romans 8. Might feel like (death & rebirth- repeat). Soaring up to new heights. Life in the Spirit. Life in the Spirit. Future Glory. More than Conquerors- new heights (same as her dove vision, last time prayed for you). God give you peace- his peace- give it to others! (Doug then gives Heather a dove of peace). Peace/dove in your belly.

Rob: A season of what you hear stays in the closet- a season of what you hear proclaim from the rooftop!

The Good News

Friday we were all treated to the one and only Michael Collins as our guest lecturer. Wow! Can you imagine? This is what BTI is all about- getting close to real, live people who are involved in powerful ministries that make a difference. After seeing Michael at work 2 evenings already, I was all ears. Here are 3 things he said that caught my attention:

1) If someone tells a joke and nobody laughs, is it really a joke? (Now you get an idea of his humor- but don't hold that against him). So did you laugh? I did . . . but I was just trying to brown-nose Michael Collins!

2) We're not all to be doing the same thing, but we all need to be doing something. This comes from the guy who leads an evening congregation that is 100% involved in ministry. Every person does something in ministry or they are inspired to go elsewhere to sit on the bench. Whoa! We could win the world for Jesus if we tried this in all our Army corps! Oh, that's the original idea? Honest, I didn't know!

3) The Good News is customized to every person and I don't know what their Good News is until I know that person. So much for trying to get everyone to be like me! I guess the things that are Good News to me aren't always what lights another person's fire, so to speak. This is hugely important (hugely is actually a word)! We need to get to know people before we start stuffing theology down their throats. Many times the things we think they need to hear are not even on their radar screen at this point in time. We need to be looking for that key that Jesus wants them to know about himself that will change their lives.

So there you have it. A condensed class with Michael Collins without Michael Collins (believe it or not, he would get that)!

Questions for thought: 1) What is your Good News? 2) What is the Good News for that person Jesus is now leading you to think about? 3) What can you do to help them hear it?

These and Greater Things

Yesterday's blog was getting a bit long, so I'll continue the day from here: In the afternoon, we met to begin the BTI Challenge! This was a week long challenge for BTI students to work together to do things for The Kingdom that would stretch you. Such as:

1) Share a prophetic word with somone on the bus or at the bus stop. 2) Get a word of knowedge about healing, pray and see someone healed. 3) Preach a Gospel shot (at least 2 minutes long!) in a public place around people. 4) Get permission from a business owner to pray throughout their building and for their business. 5) Obtain finances or resources form an outside source and purchase or obtain 1 week of groceries and 1 month of funds to pay for utilities and rent for an entire needy family in the area (no funds from you personally). 6) Get a non-Spirit filled Christian baptized in the Holy Spirit. 7) Introduce a foreigner, senior or new ager to Jesus.

These are just a few- there were others options. But look at the extra credit items:

Resurrections, multiplying food, walking on water, walking through walls, healing of blind, deaf, lame, etc. (These are extra credit for War College students as well). How cool is that?! To my knowledge, no one has yet completed one, but with people actually trying, someone's bound to accomplish one soon! I've got this bump on my head from trying to walk through the Command Center gate when it was locked before class!

I bet you're feeling these items above are fine for such a conference. After all, they are teaching us how to be more incarnational in our ministries. But I think these things should be on our regular, everyday list of things to accomplish for God. If you're not trying any of them, what are the chances any of them will ever happen?

Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

"These and greater things you will do because I am going to the Father." - Jesus.

God's Heart

Word has it that Ian Gillingham was a bit nervous about what he would have to say for his class with us on Thursday (July 7). Can you believe that? I can't! I guess because of all his last minute work to get things finalized before their move to London, Ontatio, he didn't feel he had enough time to prepare. But hey- this is Ian Gillingham! I mean, really! All we needed him to do was come to our classroom and just stand there- and we could just soak all that good stuff radiating off him through osmosis! Sometimes I think he ought to wear a veil like Moses did. He just reeks of God's presence! Anyway, his class was awesome. Like, what else did you expect?!

To prepare for his class, we were to spend time listening to God and discover what is on his heart. That morning in my rations, I closed my eyes and sought God's counsel. Here's what I heard:

God told me to look out the window (Empress room 402) and look at the corner of Main and Hastings. I looked and saw special tile squares on 2 of the sidewalk corners. They had pictures of Vancouver, some writing and the N, S, E, W letters of a compass. I saw Jesus standing on one of these tiles, then both of them. Then I realized he was standing on all of them throughout Vancouver at the same time.

He called me to stand with him and we looked to the North. I saw the Lost. We looked to the South. I saw the Lost. We looked to the East. I saw the Lost. We looked to the West. I saw the Lost. He said to me: "What is on my heart? The Lost!"

He reminded me of my daughter Jenn, before she was soundly saved. She was mixed up in some stuff that had her Mom and I praying long and hard for her! The pain we bore in our hearts for our little girl was huge . . . until God won her over. We continue to pray, but now we rejoice in her solid relationship with Jesus!

Jesus told me I needed to see all these other people like they were my daughter before she chose to listen to Holy Spirit's voice.

Before I had time to react, I saw a young girl who was easily Jenn's age. She was dancing up and down the street. She looked happy, but after a moment, I noticed she was high on something. She could hardly stand, swaying and jerking around a hat or something she had dropped on the sidewalk. Jesus said: "If not for my grace, that could be Jenn." I was crushed! I had never thought about the Lost that way before.

How can I possibly care enough? What can I do to make a difference?

Mercy and Social Justice

July 6th gave us our first full day of BTI schedule. We started at 9 AM Praying the Bible with the Dolby's (Rob & Heather), who tag-teamed us throughout the week. When I think of Praying the Bible, I think of Heather, because every time I've seen her doing it, she is so into it she draws me in too. She totally "gets it" and is totally lost in its practice, like many other things she does (there I go bragging again on my new daughter!).

Next Elaine Gillingham taught our first class on Mercy and Social Justice. It was during this time, that God decided to download tons of vision and info for this Fall in Bangor! I got stuff on a special project Christmas offering we can collect, more corps people serving in our Soup Kitchen, people who should lead new cell groups, social justice issues for people who frequent our Soup Kitchen, justice issues for people who live in Cape Hart- stuff like that. I was very excited and wrote notes on what I was hearing. This spurt of vision came about because of the heart of the one speaking (Elaine). She was transparent about her desire to effect mercy and justice and God used her as a vessel to pour vision through. I love it when he does that! Thank Yahweh for people like Elaine who are so filled up with Him that they overflow on us!

Then off to Prayer Walking, where Shaun and I discovered some icky stuff (the technical term for spiritual darnkess!) in an alley on one side of the Harborlight Center. I suspect it was nothing new to the 614ites there, but I hope it added confirmation to their own discernment.

After lunch, we were scheduled for an "open air" with Rob Dolby. I figured we'd stand in front of the Hotel Empress and do a typical open air. HA! This is BTI, Doug! We walked downtown to the local marijuana bar where we split up into 2 teams (yeah- toking is not only legal, but is sold openly from a storefront). One team went inside to meet and talk with people, the other stayed outside to do some big time spiritual warfare! As we were deciding who should do what, Shaun hit his knees (on the cobblestone) and began praying fiercely! He didn't stop until they came out, about 2 hours later! When he stood up, his knees were bleeding! Three others sang and praised God, while I prayer-walked around the park, up and down the street in front of the store, then sat facing the place in prayer. It was Rob's last time in there and we were confident that it was effective. I expect to hear more as the results of people getting saved filter in.

Since then I keep thinking: what am I doing in my own town to effect social justice? Come to think of it- what are you doing in your town to effect social justice? Let me know.

Dusting Off and Street Combat

BTI officially started on July 5 at 7 PM, so we took some time during the day to . . . guess . . . yup- hang out at Steve and Danielle's! We also did some more walking around Vancouver (and another movie!). When BTI started, we got the run down of how things were going to play out through the week. Then we started the "dusting off" of each other.

Dusting off is a term coined by Charles Roberts a few years back when some of us gathered with Steve and Danielle at the Williams Lake Corps (Canada) for a week long Primitive Salvationist Networking (PSN) conference. As we began, we decided to pray and prophesy over each other to sort of "dust off" the junk that had accumulated after years of ministry. Those times proved to be powerful and released a whole lot of blessing into our lives! We had someone scribing so we could re-read and pray through it all afterwards. I still have my transcription and review it once in awhile (actually, I keep a prophecy notebook that contains prophecies that have been spoken over me for many years- talk about encouraging and challenging!). The War Collage (and therefore BTI) is continuing the practice of dusting off with amazing results.

After praying for about 3-4 of us, we moved on to Street Combat. Street Combat is when we get into teams of two and walk the Vancouver streets to make friends, talk with people, prayer walk and generally "combat" sin! After an hour or two, we head to the Army canteen that drops by on Sunday and Tuesday evenings to pass out soup, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks. The combat is continued, but now with people who have come to us. I was amazed at how organized and effective this time is for social justice and evangelism.

While standing there "amazed," Michael Collins (the Vancouver social justice and evangelism guru) came up and introduced himself. He didn't talk long, because he flits in and out of the crowd, serving, witnessing and always having a blast with the people! After a moment, he moved off to quiet down a man who was getting a bit roudy. Before long, they were laughing and carrying on like old friends (actually, I think they were old friends!).

So after a few minutes of Shaun and I standing there agape at the immensity of it all, Michael came back and jokingly said: "If you can't fish in this pond, then you should have your fishing license revoked!" And he moved off laughing.

I looked at Shaun. He looked at me. We were laughing, but both realized at the same time, we were not fishing! Yikes! We weren't interested in having our licenses revoked, so we parted to get busy. BTW, Shaun the evangelist led at least 3 people to Jesus over the next couple of days! Hallelujah!

So how's the fishing in your pond lately?

Vancouver Travel Day

July 4 was our (the whole 4 of us NNEites) air travel day to Vancouver. However it started 1 day earlier for Nicole and I. We headed down to Westbrook to stay the night with the Nataluks. Stay the "night" is a misnomer- we got up at 2:30 AM so we could get to the Boston airport in time! {Augh!} We left that early, because Frank was worried we'd be late (so we hung out at the airport for a couple of hours!).

Anyway, our flight was very smooth. Air Canada is okay in my book! Most of us slept, but I wanted to see the in-flight movies. I did get a little bit of shut eye though, which was good, because I hadn't had much sleep in the previous 3 days what with my travel home from Florida, et al. This turned into a good thing, because I was real tired and able to go to sleep right away the first night in the Hotel Empress- even with all the noise and light from the street below.

We arrived at the Vancouver airport, made it through customs and met Darren Hailes, who had come to pick us up. He's from Australia, but please don't ask him to put anything on the barbie (hockey puck hamburgers are his specialty)!

We had arrived a day early, so we went to Steve and Danielle's place to hang out. Just in case you don't know- that's where everyone hangs out in Vancouver! As always, we had a blast talking and getting to know each other.

I believe we later went downtown to see a movie that night. That was the beginning of our 2 week "get your legs in shape" experience! But it helps to learn your way around town.

Then back to our rooms for the night. I roomed with Regan Lipsett (402), Nicole was with Rebekah (202). Frank and Shaun roomed together (404).

Thus ended the first day of our experience. Excitement was already starting to build!

Highs and Lows

For all you Stephen Court fans out there: here are my highs and lows for my last 2 weeks in Vancouver, Canada (for Booth-Tucker Institute and Extreme Prophetic Conferences)!

Low
The second week Extreme Prophetic conference. Now don't go and get all bent out of shape over this one- let me explain. The first week was BTI. There were 7 delegates in attendance. The second week was ExP and there were around 100 in attendance.

1) The BTI classes were intimate and open for discussion. For ExP intimacy and interaction could not happen in the same way.

2) In BTI, we lived together for the whole week. Everything happened with these people by your side; you roomed together, ate together, hung out together, ministered together, etc. ExP was only 2+ days and everyone left after each session to go their separate ways.

3) In BTI, everyone who taught and associated with you actually lived in the DownTown East Side of Vancouver. The reality and sincerity of their commitment was powerful! For ExP, everyone came in from outside the DTES and left again. Not that there wasn't real commitment or sincerity, but it just didn't hold a candle in comparison to my Army comrades living the incarnation.

4) The ExP teaching and focus was similar to BTI so it seemed repetitive to me.

5) God has spiritually "connected" me to 614 Vancouver and I did not receive that same "connection" with the ExP folk (this is not a bad thing- God does not connect every ministry or person with every ministry or person. Even though 614 is very well connected with the ExP folk, I was not led to the same connection at this time).

High
There were many high points in my 2 week stay. I could go on and on about many wonderful times (and I will in future blogs), but we're looking for the high. Without a doubt, my high was the second Saturday evening hanging out and talking in Linsey's room with her, Rebekah (Rubackka, or Ruwie for short!{insert Wookie cry here}), Jaime and Heather (my new adopted daughter)!

It all started by just chatting and playing some cards. Then it exploded into some powerful and challenging discussion about tongues and manifestations. I was totally in full revelation/thought process mode and God was downloading vast quantities of data directly to my spirit. It was one of those iron sharpening iron things! Even now as I think about it, I am excited!

Well, I'll have to blog more about this discussion in another blog, because there are those out there who don't read long blogs (skim only, Jaime!) and that stuff is just too important to miss.

Closing in

Okay, I know many of you are anxious for me to start posting my latest Vancouver exploits. You'd think now that I'm home, I'd get going right away. However, I'm finding a whole lot of stuff needs to get done and I just don't have enough time in these days to get to it all.

I am closing in on it all though!

So hopefully, this is my last "padded" blog. With any blessing, I'll be back to full blog speed ahead tomorrow.

Tuesday Travel Day

Tomorrow is a travel day for Frank Nataluk & me. I won't be able to blog, but the good thing is that I'll be home Tuesday sometime. That means I'll have more time and Internet accessibility to blog. Believe me, I've got tons of stuff to blog about! I can't wait to actually sit down and think some things through and get it condensed down to blogability.

I've enjoyed the break, but I actually have missed the daily discipline of blogging. So in two days, everything will be back to normal. If normal is a word I can use to describe me!

Actions Have Consequenses

I hadn't thought about it (but you can be sure SOMEone will come up with the stuff you forget). Heather's "adoption" means Rob is now my son-in-law! {deer-in-the-headlights expression on my face}

Thanks for the heads up, Steve!

Actually, all kidding aside, I certainly have no problem with that. Rob's my hero! I am so proud of his Kingdom walk, it's almost parental anyways.

So when are you guys coming "home" to Bangor to visit?

Change

We believe God can (and does) change people. Without that basic premiss of the Kingdom, we would all be lost. Who could we trust if God had not changed them? Could anyone trust us had God not changed us? As Christians, we MUST think this through and develop a solid theology of change.

Okay, so you have a thief who gets saved. God changes his spirit (the old is gone, the new has come!) and he no longer steals. Maybe he wrestles with this urge for awhile, maybe not. Either way, eventually, God can (and does) make the change permanent. We now trust that person (albeit with time and experience) and can leave things of value with them without worry. He is our brother, after all. We should give him the benefit of the doubt and help him prove himself and become a respectable member of our society. I have seen this happen over and over again. This is as it should be. I would venture to say, most of you are having no problems with my thoughts so far. I believe one of the most basic premises of salvation is change. Hallelujah!

However, let's say we have a child molester who gets saved. If we follow the above process, God changes his spirit and he no longer molests children. Maybe he wrestles with this urge for awhile, maybe not. Either way, eventually, God can (and does) make the change permanent. We now trust our brother (albeit with time and experience) and can leave them with children without worry. He is our brother, after all. We should give him the benefit of the doubt and help him prove himself and become a respectable member of our society again. Right?

Right?

What are your thoughts now? Are you with this line of reasoning or are you with the LIE of the world that says "No! Once a molester, always a molester! They are the scum of the earth! Always watch them and always punish them for their sin(s)!"

I know there are legal issues we must be aware of here. I know we, as "The Salvation Army," must be cautious of how society trusts us. But must we do this at the expense of our belief that Jesus can (and does) change people? I think not.

We must love (and believe they can change) the thief, the adulterer, the druggie, the drunk, the homosexual, the child molester, the wife-beater, the rapist, the murderer . . . everyone. No one is beyond God's grace or God's power to change.

Blog Fix!

Finally, blogger has figured out what to do to fix my blog formatting. Yea! You will now notice I've applied that fix and things are back to normal.

Do any of you know how difficult it was for me to see that mess and let it be?

AAUUGGHH!!

Heather Wright Burr Dolby

It's official- I just adopted heather Dolby as my daughter! Jenn, you now have a big sister! Well, she's been your big sister for 2 years now anyway . . . For those of you wondering what in the world I'm talking about, here's the scoop:

We were dusting Heather off the other day (praying for and blessing her prophetically) and I kept getting the word "adoption." So I immediately thought about the Bangor corps scholarship for War College students (This current year the student who was to receive it was not able to secure a visa, so it went unused. When I spoke with Steve, he suggested we support a Phase 2 student instead and he suggested Heather). I talked with Steve after the prayer time and we agreed that Heather would receive our scholarship. We then told her, she was excited, hugs all around. Cool!

So last night I dropped by Steve & Danielle's and ended up talking with Heather. Not a chat, mind you- a serious couple of hours talk! It was awesome! Somewhere in this conversation, she mentioned Jenn talking about our relationship (Jenn's & mine) and how she really liked what she saw there. AS she was speaking, God kept hitting me with "adoption" again! So I chanced it and asked her if she would be okay with me spiritualy adopting her as my daughter. Her eyes lit up! So we made it official right then.

What does that mean? I have no idea at the moment! Well, I assume some kind of spiritual covering, blessing, etc. However, I believe this is of God, so I believe he will give us insight and we will move forward as we get that insight. I'll keep you all posted here.

So for now- welcome to the Burr family, Heather (you're going to have to lower your humor standards!)! Oh and watch your step, Rob! Take good care of my little girl!

Why Does DHQ Exist?

I just got an email from my soon to be Divisional Commander. The question presented was: "Why does DHQ exist?"

Not to worry- I'm sure our DHQ is not heading into non-existance. It's a good question nonetheless. I've often heard how the Corps is the front-line and therefore the most important position in our Army. But until DHQ no longer has the power to tell the corps' "what to do," it's only a bunch of empty words. If you follow the authority, you'll find the most important thing.

All snide responses aside (Man! That's tough to do!), how would YOU define the purpose of a Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters? Any takers (short sentence answers please)?

A Tribute to my Mom

Mrs. Brigadier Dorothy Burr

One thing that stands out in my memories of my parents, is their ministry together. At no point did my mother play second string in their service to God. They always worked as a team and my father was always grateful to God for my Mom’s partnership.

It is all too easy to get so involved raising the kids and running a household that you forget that God has called you to serve Him in ways beyond the family. Not that Mom didn’t do these things and do them well or that the family shouldn’t take priority in our lives, but she did them and was still very active in her part of the team ministry.

Looking back over what this means to me, I have discovered that my deep desire to follow God’s leading in ministry, even when things get tough, was instilled in me by my Mom’s actions. She modeled a steadfast devotion and service to her God even when there was much to do. I knew that God had a calling on Mom’s life. I knew that she was compelled to achieve all that God had called her to do. It was like a burning in her bones to be faithful to God’s plan for her- in whatever way He designed. And she was faithful- right to the end.

I had plans for my life. God had plans for my life. Through my Mother’s influence, I was able to see the difference and open my spiritual ears to hear God’s call on my life. I was able to put God’s design for me in first place. Just like Mom.

I am grateful that God gave me the Mother He did. I have been blessed tremendously by her role in my life. Her example was invaluable to me. I only hope I can prove as faithful in the work He has called me to do for His kingdom.

- - - - -

Today is the 2 year anniversary of my Mom's Promotion to Glory.

Blessings!

Okay, I have less free time than I thought! It's a good thing, but I'm probably going to not check email and/or blog much while I'm here. At least during the first week of BTI. Next week might look different.

Lots of great things are happening and I'm bummed that I'm not able to blog about them all. Maybe I'll remember much of it and get it all down in cyberspace later.

For now, I bless you!

BTI

Debbie went last year to the first one ever. I've been waiting to go for over a year. Finally I get my chance! Monday morning I will arrive in Vancouver, Canada for the Booth-Tucker Institute {sounds of thunderous applause}!

Others going from our Northern New Engand division are: Nicole Boutilier (Bangor's Youth & Music Minister), Shaun Belanger (CO, Rochester, NH) and Frank Nataluk (CO, Westbrook, ME). We are going to get so pumped up!

Other than it's a "mini War College" (1 week), I won't go into details here. But if you click on my title above, the link will take you to the BTI webpage, where you can learn everything you could possibly want to know about it.

Here's my plan (RE: Blogging): If I can get to a computer every day, I'm going to keep you posted on my daily exploits. If I can't get to a computer every day . . . well . . . I'll keep you posted as often as I can. Fair enough?

What Disaster do You Have Planned?

As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with a sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you friend or foe?" "Neither one," he replied. "I am commander of Yahweh’s army." At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. "I am at your command," Joshua said. "What do you want your servant to do?" - Joshua 5:13-14

Often we are concerned with God being on our side. Our thoughts lean toward our own ideas; the way we want things to happen. We go to God and ask him to rubber stamp our plans, so that we will get our own way. After all, we have thought it out and our way is what will work best for us!

But is our way really the best way? Do we really have a monopoly on what is best for us?

Joshua had a plan to take Jericho. He must have- he was Israel’s military leader and that was their next step to get into the land God had promised them. On their way to Jericho, Joshua met a man facing him, brandishing a sword (the man was specifically facing Joshua; his intent was to confront Joshua). Not realizing who this was (perhaps a Christophany- a pre-New Testament appearance of Jesus himself), Joshua challenges the man: "Are you on my side or not?"

But God is not concerned with our plans or our designs on how things should work out. He has his own plan. We should not be so concerned with our plans as we are with what God has planned for us. Certainly his plan is better than anything we could ever imagine for ourselves!

When Joshua realizes who is standing before him, he does the only intelligent thing possible. He gives up his own agenda and bows down to God’s plan. "I am at your command. What do you want your servant to do?" Yahweh then proceeded to give Joshua the most unusual battle plan in the history of mankind. And it worked with a flourish!

Imagine what could have happened if Joshua had gone ahead with his own plan. One word comes to mind: "Disaster!"

So what disaster do you have planned? Could it be that God is confronting you to drop it and agree with his design for your life?

One thing I’ve learned: when God confronts you with a drawn sword, you better listen!

The Daily Grind of the Miraculous

When the Israelites were traveling through the desert, Yahweh led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Imagine God’s guidance so "in your face!" So obvious- how could you miss it? Well, they didn’t. As long as they were led by this miraculous sign, they continued in the right direction. But what happened as soon as God left them to follow his voice instead?

God also fed the Israelites daily with manna. They had just enough for the day- no more. At the end of the day, their food was depleted. If Yahweh didn’t send manna again in the morning, they’d go hungry. It was God or nothing. They had no choice but to "trust" him!

But there came a time when Yahweh withdrew his miraculous hand and expected the Israelites to trust him anyway:

The very next day they began to eat unleavened bread and roasted grain harvested from the land. No manna appeared that day and it was never seen again.
- Joshua 5:11-12

That verse makes me sad. I want to live in the midst of miracles! Yet here were these Israelites who got tired of the "daily grind" of the miraculous and wanted "regular" food again! Can you believe it? What a twist of irony!

There are times when I would just love Yahweh to express himself to us in the miraculous (all the time, I must admit)! But he’s given us his voice and expects us to live in faith of his many promises . . . until that time when the miraculous will again become the norm.

I’m trusting for the miraculous to begin right now! Anyone with me?

Our Munns on the Move

Rats!

That’s my first thought every time I think about our Divisional Commanders’ (Rick and Janet Munn) recently announced move.

Rats!

After only 6 years (we’ve been in Northern New England with them for 5 years), it’s hard to let them go (as if we have any choice!). I think what saddens me the most is that they were making huge strides in the spiritual level of our division. They were training warriors and teaching our soldiers to fight with the best of them! The NNE division has become known as a place of power and prayer. We live in the fullness of Christ! Why must "The Army" often encourage such success with a promotion to a desk job in administration?

I believe real change in this Army comes about from the grass roots up. I have rarely seen lasting changes come from above and trickle down. Hence my concern. I hope we don’t lose powerful world-changers to plentiful paperwork!

Well NNE, let’s praise God for our last 6 years of Godly leadership. Let’s send the Munns off with our blessing and continue to pray God will anoint them for even higher levels of effective ministry in his kingdom.

And let’s now begin to pray for our new leaders (Dave & Naomi Kelly). They have huge shoes to fill and will need every ounce of humility (from God) and prayer support (from us) they can get. Let’s give them everything we can.

Bless our leaders; bless our leaders. Send them where they ought to go. (TSA Songbook)