The FirstThree MonthsThe Move"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
After weeks of planning and preparation for our move from NY to CA we were on the road by Tuesday, May 9th. This was a week later than we had planned to leave but it gave us extra time to say goodbye to some friends that stopped by the house that week to help, visit, feed, and bless us. We realized, after a while, this was God's plan to strengthen our relationships with friends whom we had served with in His Kingdom for the past 16 years at TLC, so we rested in that fact and knew it was His timing and not ours.
Saying Goodby"Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy." 2 Timothy 1:4Goodbys are usually not easy, so it was with this move. Here are a few parting photos from the day we left. We wish we had photos of our goodbys to and from all our friends, but they were not all captured on camera. (see the
May 2006 blog to see all the names of those who helped us to accomplish this move).
The Cross-Country Drive
"The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you." Deuteronomy 31:3
If you've ever moved before, you understand the dynamics of why moving can sometimes be stressful. So our original plan was to take a "leisurely" 8 day drive to California. That would mean about 400 miles or so of driving a day. We could stop in the evenings to rest up for the next day's drive. As it turned out we had only 4 days to drive there so we could arrive before Mother's Day. It was far from a leisurely drive!
In the first 150 miles of the trip, while at a rest stop on I-86, "Eagle-eye Joel" noticed (praise God) the strap that should be holding the passenger's side front wheel of the van on the trailer was
OFF the wheel. That was one of 2 straps that held the van on the trailer. We actually saw the wheel lift several inches off the trailer at right-hand turns as we stopped to take care of it. WHEW! Thank God there was no damage! We strapped it back down and checked on it often. It came off 2 more times in the next 100 miles, but after that it remained strapped until we arrived at our destination. The last prayer that was prayed before we left Elmira, was Jesse asking God to assign double-angels to our wheels. We know God answered that prayer and those angels kept that wheel in place.
Most of the trip we pulled off at truck stops and would rest in the cab of our truck. The 2nd day we drove through the night, only stopping for a quick 15 or 20 minute sleep when neccesary. By the end of the 3rd day, after passing through the Great Salt Lake Desert and Salt Flats area, we decided it was time for a hotel room. Joel loves to swim so we found one with a pool on the Utah/Nevada
border. After 2 days of straight driving it was a great time of refreshing. This was much needed before attacking the drive the next day through the Nevada desert.
In the morning we left feeling refreshed, then drove all day and arrived in Red Bluff, CA. after midnight. We were quite exhausted but (by God's grace) we arrived in time for Mother's Day.
Mother's Day"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12Our nephew Eddie called and said he and 3 others from his church would be available at 7 A.M. to help us unload at our storage place. He said, "In California, when it is over 100 degrees, we try to do things early before the heat of the day". We never dreamed we would find anybody (or even ask anybody) to unload on Mother's Day, but God spoke to these 4 guys and they obeyed. We thank them and their wives for their sacrifice.
By 9:30 A.M. most every thing was off the truck and we released them to get ready for church. We continued packing and arranging and fitting things in the storage unit until 1:30 P.M. The last 2 hours were so incredibly hot that we were close to heat exhaustion, but God saw us through -- we finished! We thanked Him for the strength to finish in the 105 degree weather (the humidty was higher than usual as well which made it even more of a drain).
We went to Dad & Mom's house and recovered with a shower and a brief nap before the Mother's Day family picnic began (see photos below).
The Flowers
"Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." Song of Solomon 2:12
Z. A. and Olive are Shirley's parents. Olive is currently on dialysis 3 times a week and both Olive and Z. A. have had major heart surgery. It has been amazing to see the hand of God raise them up again and again over the past decade. In the last couple of years they have become a little frail and need some extra care.
Dawn, Shirley's sister, has been primarily doing what needs to be done to help. She quit her job and is basically their fulltime care provider. Part of the reason God brought us here was to help Dawn care for them and also so Shirley could spend some quality time with them. We have all been doing whatever we can to take some of the responsiblity off Dawn. It is amazing that Dawn has been able to do all she has been doing.
Joel has taken on the lawn care. He mows with a riding lawn mower and a push mower, then finishes off with a weedeater.
He also takes care of the garbage, washes the dishes sometimes, and sets the table before meals. He has even cooked breakfast a few times for everyone. Plus he is a major "runner" for all of us. He is just an all around fantastic son and grandson!
Joel came up with a plan to build a go-cart from scrap parts around here. He asked grandpa for help and advice. So grandpa sits in a chair where Joel is working and explains how the engine works, how to clean it up and various other aspects of the building process. It is a joy to see them working together on this project.
Shirley has been helping in every way she can with various household duties and taking her mom to dyalisis (which is an 8 hour day - 3 times a week). Shirley and Dawn have been sharing in the dialysis trip responsibility. Also, Olive has planted flowers eacn spring for most of her life, so she bought numerous annuals to add to the yard. Though she valiently tried to do some of the actual planting, she was unable, so Shirl and Dawn worked hard in the planting and now in the watering & upkeep. It takes diligent maintenance, but the other day I heard Shirl say, "I would rather give my mom flowers that she can enjoy now instead of waiting until she is gone". (Shirl actually enjoys getting up at the crack of dawn - to beat the heat - to water all the flowers, rose bushes, and fruit trees.)
Joe has been filling in the gaps -- helping where needed. He has been cooking most of the meals and helping with the dishes. Doing a lot of errands with "Grandpa" when needed and even some "handy-man" repairs (not Joe's forte) along with some grocery shopping.
All four of us have been doing this labor of love to the best of our abilities. Not only are we helping mom and dad now, but we are also sowing into our future. We have confidence God will honor this and be faithful to His servants.
The Heat
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield... " Psalm 84:11
Although the heat has been very "real", it has not been unbearable. As a matter of fact, it is true that
the lack of humidity really helps on those 105 degree days. We have learned that shade is a very valued commodity here and we have a new appreciation for the "Cloud by Day" for the Hebrew children.
Due to the heat (119 degrees on one day in July) swimming has become our main form of exercising since arriving. Thank God Linda, Shirley's sister, has a beautiful pool that she lets us use anytime. Joel would be in it 24 hours a day if he was allowed. Of course we can't do that but he certainly enjoys every opportunity he has to be in the pool.
The Double Promise
"This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." Genesis 9:17
While driving one day in May we were stricken with a wonderful reminder of God's covenant with us. As we looked to the left we saw the stunning sight of a rainbow. As we gazed more at it we discovered there were actually 2 rainbows -- a double rainbow!
Two is symbolic of a witness/confirmation (in the mouths of 2 or 3 witnesses shall a thing be done).
A rainbow is a reminder of God's covenant promise -- God's promise after destruction. God spoke to us through it and said, "I'm saying to you and I'm saying it AGAIN!" A double promise that the words that God has spoken over us would come to pass -- new life -- new growth -- new fruit -- double fruit! It was very encouraging.
As we continued driving we followed the rainbow with our eyes. Before long we saw something we've never seen before -- we actually saw the end of the rainbow. It was exciting, but guess what? There was no "pot of gold", just the brown ground. However, there was gold in knowing that the Holy Spirit had spoken plainly to us through the double rainbow -- we could go to the bank with this gold! This gold was full of eternity, the sound of heaven, and a double promise from a faithful God... praise His name, Jesus!
Note: The photo was taken with our cell phone camera. What remains of the 2nd rainbow (by the time we thought to take the photo) is barely visable, but it is there. If you look closely to the left of the bright rainbow and the green tree you will see it. Also, you are looking at the actual end where it meets the ground.
The UHN Prayerwalks/Drives
"I will give you every place where you set your foot..." Joshua 1:3
In mid-May we were alerted to a land purchase that was being made by a group called "Universal Human Nation". We found out this site was only about 1/2 a mile from where we are currently staying. As we researched the group's website to find out more about them, we realized this was serious. So we sent an "Urgent Prayer Request" (see our blog dated May 23, 2006) out through our email list and spoke with a couple leaders in the area to see if there were any known united prayer efforts concerning the UHN coming to Red Bluff. There was one man getting the word out to the local churches but as of yet no concerted prayer.We decided to pray ourselves "on-site" and have been continuing to do that for the past 2 months.
In addition to the prayerwalking we are doing, we really felt impressed by the Lord to release praise throughout the property. So sometimes when we go there we open all the doors and windows of our vehicle and crank up our CD player and release the sound of praise as we drive the border. We sing loudly with the CD player such songs as "How Great is Our God", "God of Wonders", and many others. We know God dwells in the praises of His people! Let God Arise!! Let God Arise!!
Another time while interceeding "on-site" we staked a claim there in the spirit realm. We built some memorials and made declarations concerning the "UHN" and the Kingdoms of our God!
We will continue to obey Holy Spirit in this matter and would ask you to keep the prayer support coming to stop what the enemy would like to bring to this land. May the will of our Lord be done right here in Red Bluff.The High-Ground
"You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"" Isaiah 40:9
A short time after we arrived Shirl found some beautiful high-ground where she went early in the mornings for prayer. Before long all 3 of us were up there for our family prayer times. It has a gorgeous view of the valley. The deer like to sleep up on top in the tall grass on the edges. Occasionally there are deer there when we arrive.
It's here that we can awaken the dawn with our praise, petition our heavenly Father, listen for that still small voice, or watch a golden sunset as we offer the Lord an evening sacrifice of worship.
A Building
" With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please." Jeremiah 27:5 
Dawn, Shirley's sister, told us about a building when we first arrived. We looked at it and God has been drawing us to pray at this building ever since. We could certainly see the possibilities of what it could become for the Kingdom of God. It is a huge 40,000 square foot with 210 parking spaces. The inside could be remodeled "easily" to conform to the needs of the ministry.
While praying there one day in June we saw a plastic shopping bag come floating across the parking lot. We noticed it had something written on it, so we asked Joel to go get it before it blew away. As he held it up from a distance we could see this sentence written in big red letters on the bag, "WHAT'S YOUR GOAL?
We have certainly been weighing that question that we believe was dropped in our hands from the Lord(in red-letter edition):D The building is selling for $3.4 million (we say with a gulp). Is it for us Master?
We can't say that this will be the future home of Love and Fire Worship and Healing Center at this point, but we do know this -- God wants it for His Kingdom work! So we have been praying there from this perspective and as He said in Jeremiah 27:5, "... and I give it to anyone I please." If it is us Lord we know you will provide, no matter what the cost!
The Blowout"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways..." Psalm 91:11
It was 105 degrees when we left Red Bluff headed south on I-5. We had about a 6 hour drive ahead of us. Cami & Dion, our niece and her husband, were blessing us with a special weekend at a place called "King's Ranch". We had been looking forward to this trip ever since they had invited us a few weeks before. They had their 8 month old daughter Maleah all strapped in to her car seat.
As we entered the highway we heard a bang on the side of our van. It sounded like we had run over a rock and it hit the side of the van. It wasn't anything unusal and we thought no more about it. At some point, as we were driving, we prayed for a safe trip and asked God to surround us with angels.
About 10 miles down I-5 driving in the left hand lane at the speed of at least 70 mph Shirl asked why the van was shaking so much. Joe was driving and he said that he thought it was just the road and kept moving on. She mentioned again that we should slow down, pull over, and check the van to see if anything was wrong. So Joe began to move over into the right lane and from there he planned on slowing and pulling off the road.
All of a sudden -- BOOOOOM -- we all were very startled -- the passenger rear tire was completely gone! Joe began applying the brakes as we rode on the tire rim. It took quite a while to go from 70 mph to a slow enough speed to pull off. The whole time the brakes were being applied the van miraculously stayed straight. When we finally stopped we thanked God that we all were safe and that the van did not weave or flip. Truly the angels of the Lord were encamping about us. None of us had ever had a blowout like that before.
We called AAA and they said they would put a rush on it. It was so hot and there was no shade where we ended up and after 15 minutes our air conditioner began to put out warmer and warmer air. We turned it off and opened the doors and windows. There was a little bit of a breeze but it was very hot (especially with no shade) and we were concerned for little Maleah. But God got us through, and after about 30 minutes the tow truck pulled up.
The driver got out of the big truck with 6 bottles of ice cold water in his arms, one for each of us. What a welcoming sight to our sweat-dripping brows! Shirl's sister Peggy, drove down, picked up the girls, and took them back to the house to wait where it was cooler. About $45.00 and an hour or so later we were back on I-5 headed to King's Ranch thanking God for His wonderful care.
Note: Photo is of the used tire that was put on in place of our shredded blowout tire.King's Ranch"God, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1:1
King's Ranch Ministries is located in Hanford, CA. Due to our late depature (the blowout etc) it was about 2A.M. when we arrived. We were greeted by a very friendly dog and Jamie Profet. Jamie and his wife, Diane, run the multifaceted ministry. They have five houses and some dormatories where people can come and stay, spend time with God, and hear from Him in a very peaceful environment. They also serve 3 meals a day (if you're not fasting).
Jamie showed us to the house we would occupy for the next few days. It was rustic but very nice. We unpacked the van and settled in to get a little bit of sleep before morning.
They have a good sized dining facility with a commercial kitchen where we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast. Connected to the dining room was a room with couches, easy chairs, and a keyboard with a small sound system. Open to the "living room" was a small area decorated with a communion table, a Bible table, and an altar area with the theme of "the Potter". It was carpeted and had several floor pillows. It was very inviting.
These were the rooms for soaking. We could pray, worship with CDs or live music, receive ministry, study the Scriptures, dance, use worship flags, rest, or even sleep. I gave them a copy of our CD "My Heart Burns for You" and they played it a couple times during the weekend.
Javiar and his wife Dianna worked with the Profets. They were very sweet and hard workers. Their love for the Lord was contagious! They helped take care of King's Ranch and also were used to minister to us the Word of the Lord while we were there.
Although the temperature was hot (over 100 degrees each day) it could not match the fire of the Holy Ghost that we encountered during our short time at King's Ranch.
After the weekend was over we left with this confidence in our Spirit... "with God's power whatever He asks us to do it is do-able." It is do-able!" has become our declaration. With God all things are possible! It is do-able!
Just to confirm this, Joe and Joel were stopped at a red light a few days later and crossing over right in front of them was a big tractor-trailer truck with this written across it --" DO + ABLE".
The Nazarene Church"... He shall be called a Nazarene." Matthew 2:21
Our niece Heidi and her husband Eddie, attend the Nazarene Church in Red Bluff. Heidi sings on the worship team and Eddie works in the sound and video area. Shortly after coming to Red Bluff the co-pastors of the Nazarene Church, Jason and Jesse, called us to set up a meeting.
Their worship team is in the building mode. Currently they do not have a worship leader. In our meeting they told us the vision for the church they are pastoring and that they are in the middle of refocusing the church from a "me" church to a more evangelistic/outreaching church. They are looking for someone to lead the worship team.
We gave them a little of our background and our passion and purpose with Love and Fire Ministries. We mentioned that part of Love and Fire's vision is to work with local church worship teams, somtimes that might mean for extended periods of time depending on what each church needs.
It was a good meeting and they are good Jesus-loving men of God. We all decided we would spend some time over this in prayer and get back with them at a later date.
After a couple weeks we got back together. We decided we can't commit to being the fulltime worship leader there because that would not be where God is leading us with Love and Fire at this time. But we would make ourselves available to help with the worship team and lead worship occasionally as our schedule allowed.
So that is what we have been doing and it is a good relationship developing. Joel has been able to sit in on the drums when their drummer is not able to make it -- so it has been good for him to have a place where he can keep developing his drumming skills.
They also are allowing us to have music lessons at the church. This is a major blessing and we can't thank them or God enough for the use of such a nice facility. (We just got started with lessons a few weeks ago -- we have 3 students so far.)
Bethel Church
"AND GOD said to Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there." Genesis 35:1
We have been drawn to Bethel Church because we believe God has a treasure there He would like to impart to us. It's hard to describe exactly what we are sensing but we are seeking God there until, like Jacob, we leave with the blessing and feel released. Although we haven't felt to "plug-in" at this time, we have been trying to attend services as often as we are able.
The following ministers are some we have heard who have ministered to us in various ways. Pray that we will recieve ALL that God has for us here.
Bill Johnson, Bethel Senior Leader
Bill Johnson is the author of 2 books that have had a profound effect on our lives this past year. They are entitled, "When Heaven Invades Earth" and "The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind" (You can purchase them through our bookstore by clicking HERE) . The revelation of the Word and what the "normal Christian" life should be in these 2 books will transform the way you think and live.
His messages since we have been here have been full of revelation that demands to be lived out in our lives. His delivery of the Word is simple but the revelation is immense when the Holy Spirit brings it to light.
The School of Supernatural Worship
Bethel offers this school each summer. People from all over the world attend it. For the school in July they brought in Kevin Prosch and Don and Christine Potter as the special guest ministers. Although we didn't have the finances to be able to attend the school we were able to audit a few sessions.
The Wikipedia (encyclopedia) says, "Kevin Prosch is one of the most influential worship leaders of the last decade. His ministry carries a fresh experience of God's mercy and a new revelation of God's love. Kevin's music is an electric mix of infectious sounds, honest lyrics and profound experience with God that calls people to return to their first love. Kevin's many albums (Even So Come, Kiss the Son, Tumbling Ground to name but a few) have become bestsellers the world over. His songs include His Banner Over Me and Show Your Power. Considered as a pioneer by many, he inspired a "new sound" in worship influencing the likes of Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin and Martin Smith of Delirious?."
Kevin Prosch taught at the school 3 days. We were able to worship with Kevin one night at Bethel. It was a great time of mostly spontaneous worship. The musicianship was superb and was a true display of the glory of God. But more than that was the exposed hearts of the musicians and Kevin to follow after the Holy Spirit, but yet all the while bringing those along who had a desire to follow them to the Throne of Grace.
Don Potter's bio reads: "Don Potter has a heart to teach, model and impart a spirit of excellence and integrity in ministering to and for the Lord through worship. His ability to hear and release the heart of the father for individuals, churches and cities is remarkable. Each prophetic worship experience with him is unique and often "out of the box" because of his commitment to fully follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every meeting. Don has been writing songs, recording, and producing music for the past forty years."
We were able to audit 2 sessions with Don Potter (our schedule wouldn't allow for anymore -- unfortunately). In the first session from the moment he plucked his first note the Holy Spirit began to minister to us and it only grew stronger as the worship time went on. By the end of the 2 sessions over 2 days there was definetly a hunger for more that God had to pour out through Don.
He would be teaching for 2 weeks at the School of Supernatural Worship and his wife Christine would be joining him for the second week. She is an intercessor and interceeds while Don worships. We've been told her intercession is quite unique and we were interested in hearing from her, but it was not to be this time.
Cindy Jacobs was at Bethel to minister at the 3 day "Jesus Culture" youth conference and she also spoke at the church on a Saturday evening and Sunday morning in July. We were able to attend these meetings and were greatly blessed by what this woman of God had to say. She is widely recognized as a prophet to the nations, and is the President and Co-Founder of Generals of Intercession, a missionary organization devoted to training in prayer and spiritual warfare.
Cindy spoke in big terms like; "God is jealous for His land, God says 'Take back my mountain!" (meaning Mt. Shasta -- from new-agers worshipping false gods) and speaking of building prayer rooms in place of the buildings new-agers have built; taking nations, prophesying to presidents, as well as prophesying who would be the next president over various nations, changing economies, changing societies, getting rid of Greek influence in our thinking that says there is no supernatural, and so much more. The words she prophesied to Bethel Church were "big" also. Things so large that only God could do them.
She brought Missy, the granddaughter of Gordon Lindsey, with her. Gordon was one of the great healing evangelists from the 40's and 50's and was also the founder of "Christ for the Nations" Bible School. She prayed over the congregation and imparted the gift of healing her grandfather had to the congregation.
The Prayer Garden at Bethel
Shirley has had a vision for a prayer garden in her heart for years -- a place where people could go to get alone and commune with God surrounded by the natural beauty He has created. One day we believe she will see the fulfillment of that dream. In the meantime it is nice that God has given her a place like this one at Bethel that is available.
Bethel Church has done a fine job of capturing the awesomeness of God through the surroundings of their prayer garden. It begins with the view -- stunning! Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lasson can both be seen in the distance. These mountains are 14,000+ and 9,ooo+ feet and speak of the majesty of our heavenly Father. This picture captures a portion of the Prayer House at the top of the hill where the prayer garden is located. The garden has pathways that meander down the hillside, with occasional benches in strategic places.
The photos we took do not really tell the story of how beautiful this place is -- you'll have to come and experience it for yourself sometime. This is a waterfall running down steps from the "Pool of Bethesda" just above (unfortunately out of the picture).
Lion statue overlooking the drive up to the church -- yes, the church 
is on the HIGH GROUND! (This spot is just below the "Pool " which is just below the Prayer House.)
Another view of the Prayer House with steeple(which lights up red at night).
Chuck PierceGlory of Zion International Ministries
Since October 2005 this man of God has been prophesying into our lives. His prophecies and prayer focuses have been coinciding with the transitions in our lives. The Word God has spoken through Chuck has been very clear, very precise, and right on time. We believe God has provided Chuck Pierce as our spiritual covering during the transition we have been in, the past several months. Some key elements spoken by the Holy Spirit through Chuck have been:
40-Day Prayer Focus: Initiating Your New Season of Enlargement - (November 15, 2005)
A Sign For Change: The Wind Has Blown - (January 23, 2006)
Quarterly Newsletter (March 2006) Special word for us about transitions and that our path is forward and not backward. This was preparing us for our "Crossing-Over".
25 Day Prayer Focus for Boldly Entering the Throne Room to Restore Covenant Blessings - (March 17, 2006)
Staking Claim to Your Future and Unlocking Your Supply! - (April 10, 2006)
50 Days from Passover to Pentecost: Staking Your Claim for the Future and Opening Supply Lines (Days 1-10) - (April 17, 2006)
50-Day Prayer Focus Continued: 10 Days of Decreeing Your Land or Boundaries Will Rejoice (Days 11-20) - (April 27, 2006)
50-Day Prayer Focus Continued: 10 Days of Developing an Expectation for the Future (Days 21-30) - (May 5, 2006)
50-Day Prayer Focus Continued: 10 Days of Restoring, Redefining and Establishing Vision (Days 31-40) - (May 15, 2006)
50-Day Prayer Focus Continued: 10 Days of Warring for Increase and the Transference of Wealth (Days 41-50) - (May 28, 2006)
Finishing One Season and Beginning the Next (including Korea and Indonesia Report) - (June 5, 2006)
The Time Capsule: A Window of Success Has Opened - Stay One Step Ahead of Your Enemy! - (July 1, 2006)
The Quantum Leap
"For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds..." Job 33:14-15
On June 19, 2006 Joe had a dream. There was not much to the dream but Joe believed it was from God. He shared it with Shirley when he woke up and she felt it was a God-dream also.
In the dream Joe was facing a marker board. On it the word QUANTUM was written. In the letter U (after the letter Q) was a world. He remembers thinking in the dream that it was odd for the globe to be made inside the U. The more natural place would have been for it to be inside the Q. But to read it thus, "U world", the interpretation became clear: "Your world".
After waking, the words "Quantum Leap" immediatly came into his mind. When he told Shirley the dream she said "Quantum Leap" was what came to her mind as well.
After researching the phrase a little bit we found that it means:
- an abrupt change
- sudden increase
- dramatic advance
A Quantum Leap is a powerful thing by the sound of the definition. Concerning the area of "abrupt change"-- we have certainly been going through that since mid-March. This transition we have been in has had its tough moments -- some very abrupt sudden surprises along the way (some good -- some disheartening, even dumbfounding). We are ready to move into the 2nd and even the 3rd parts of this definition.
We believe, through the dream, Holy Spirit is confirming other prophetic words we have received concerning sudden increase and dramatic advance. We have been praying often since the dream that it would come to pass in the fullness of time -- not in ours but in His time. Please pray with us when you're reminded.
The Fragrance"The fragrance of your perfume is intoxicating; your name is perfume poured out." Song of Solomon 1:3Since early 2003 Joe has been periodically smelling a fragrance that is unlike any other. The first time he smelled the fragrance he asked Shirley and Joel if they too were smelling it and what it was. Both responded in the negative (odd because in the natural they both have keen olfactory function), and went about their business. Several minutes later Joe called Shirl in again to say it was stronger, and can't they smell it? Again, they answered, "No". However, the fragrance increased and a third time Joe called Shirl in. This time she suddenly caught a "whiff"of this intriguing fragrance. We all began to try to track it down, going from room to room and even outdoors--to no avail.
For her it remained about a minute, long enough to log it in her memory, then it disappeared. Neither Joel, nor Shirl has ever smelled it again, though it lingered many days with Joe.
It is the most beautiful fragrance he has ever smelled. After it kept happening for a few days Shirley told Joe, "You should get with the Holy Spirit, perhaps He is trying to get your attention". Once said, that is exactly what he has been doing whenever he smells that fragrance. (We believe the Holy Spirit allowed Shirl to briefly enjoy the fragrance to confirm there truly was indeed a lovely fragrance and Joe was not just imagining it. The Holy Spirit ministers to each of us in different ways.)
The fragrance comes and goes -- sometimes for long periods of time and sometimes short. But every time it appears, Joe tries to make time to commune with Holy Spirit. The longest time lasted for a number of months; the shortest came and went in a matter of seconds.
Sometimes when someone is with Joe and the fragrance appears, he will ask the person if they smell anything. Nobody has responded that they do as of yet -- so we know it is a special reminder for Joe-- "It's communion time, come away with Me."
Joe has been blessed that he is still smelling the fragrance here in California. It is a reminder that there is no fragrance on earth that can compare to this heavenly fragrance of His Presence.
The Coast
Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!" Jude 1:1 (The Message)
Red Bluff is in the Sacramento Valley which stays hot most of the summer (we just finished 12 straight days of 100+ degrees, with one day reaching 117). So in mid-July we all decided it was time to get away and relax. Grandpa and Grandma (Shirley's Dad and Mom) decided they would take us to the coast in their motor home to go camping. We camped near Eureka where it was much cooler than Red Bluff. We were able to enjoy about 8 days at the coast. Dad and Mom really blessed us with this refreshing camping trip. She was able to schedule dialysis in Eureka for the duration.
A shot of California poppies growing on the banks in Trinidad.
Joel & Shirl on the rim trail.
Joel looking "eye to eye" at a banana snail.
Joel found a live starfish in the process of eating a small mussel.
Final Words
"Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
On July 25th we met with the real estate agent to walk through the Blue Shield Building. It would be an ideal ministry building. There is much that could be done with it and it is in "ready to go" condition. It would definetly take God to get us in there -- but we heard some where -- we have a big God -- so we will leave it up to Him!! Pray with us!
We also thank God for the break in the weather - we're in the upper 90's this week.
We miss all the saints and relatives back in New York. You are in our thoughts and prayers often. Please call, write, or email as often as you can and we will do the same concerning you.
For His Glory,
Joe, Shirley & Joel
PS Last week Cami & Dion invited us to go out on the lake with them in their boat. So from about 7 to 9 P.M. we were on the water. Dion took us to a nice spot to swim off the boat. The water temperature was perfect, and exceedingly clear.
After swimming for a while Dion asked Joel if he would like to try knee-boarding. He didn't have to ask him twice. Dion gave Joel some preliminary training then he was off. It was a lot of fun. Here's a few photos...
A beautiful sunset closing out the day.
