One Down, One More To Go.

Thank you for all your prayers about the Open Doors job. They told me today that I can start tomorrow. Yippee! They are totally understanding about me pursuing another job too. It's a great situation! So, once again, thank you for your prayers!

Prayer Requests :)

First of all, I just want to say that I'm so proud that I have a group of friends that are willing to commit in prayer for one another. It is so powerful and I'm so grateful for each one of you. Secondly, it's so awesome to see how prayers are being answered and God's work in all the situations. I just want to say that I have amazing friends.

This week, I want to encourage you again to pick a time to fast. If you need instructions, please click on this past post.

So, here are the prayer requests for this week:

Kim: You can continue to pray for my job next year. They are revamping the entire special ed. program which means I can be placed at any of the 42 schools in the district. Please pray that I will feel confident wherever I am and that God will continue to use me in the lives of these hurting children.

Rahime: Here's an update: My friend has started working with me. She's great. We can keep praying that we find a few more students for her. I talked to Lauren, and she's doing well too. She got a job at a law office that basically fell into her lap. Praise God! Pray that it'll help build her confidence.

Brandy: Our nephew, M., came out of surgery on Friday. The next 10 days are critical for his recovery and the whole family's sanity. M. is VERY MAD that his feet are in casts. He also is being fed through his stomach tube rather than his mouth (to let it heal), and this also ticks him off! He is one MAD little boy. =) But he must not be in too much pain if he has the energy to complain about things. On Monday, he will have some stitches removed, and then on Friday they will fix one of the tubes in his ears (it filled with fluid and he can't hear out of it until they fix it). I think that is all I know for now...Keep praying for them!

Pray for Si, he's official first day at the new job is on Monday, so prayers for our transition would be much appreciated.

Abby: Praise God. Had her 3-months interview on Friday and it went really well!

Kristie: Pray for Nate. He is studying for his Oral Exam, which he will take the first week of May. Pray that God will reward all his hard effort and that I would be a supportive wife through this final push. Thanks!

Gina: Things are starting to move along with the LBPD. Last week, they started their background check with neighbors, co-workers, friends and family. Pray for continue guidance with the whole process.

Grace: Most of you know that I've been volunteering at Open Doors and last week, one of the lady told me they are trying to make it into a paid position for me. So, right now, they are just waiting to see if they have the money in the budget for it. It would be a temp job for right now. So, pray that they are able to find the money and hire me on for the time being. I'm also in the process, well, waiting to be exact, for a position that I've applied for weeks ago. I just found out that they aren't starting the hiring process till April. Just pray for me as I continue to wait and for strength. I'm just so tired of waiting!

For for my friends, the Zahrndts. They just became foster parents to two teenage kids. One has really bad health problems and needs a lot of attention. They also have 3 kids of their own. They are such courageous people and felt that God has opened this opportunity up to them. Pray for their transition and guidance during this time.

Invisible Children: Pray for the Invisible Children Project. Pray for their upcoming project in the US, Global Night Commute on April 29th. This is a gathering where people can experience what thousands of children in Uganda experience each night: they leave their homes out of fear of abduction and walk miles into town to sleep. Pray that the people organizing this event and those who are participating.

**Once again, if you haven't seen the documentary, please find a screening and go to it. OR buy the DVD and host a house party. They have kits to help you host a house party on their website.**

Just A Friendly Reminder!

Please don't forget to send in your prayer requests/updates for next week! =)

One More Request

Abby: Continue to pray for her 3-month review that's coming up anytime now. She's never gone through any kind of evaluation like this before, so she's quite nervous.

Prayer Requests (3/21/06)

Hello friends! Here are the prayer requests for this week. I've taken some out because I'm just not sure if it still needs prayer or not. If you don't see yours on here, please let me know! Happy praying!

Mark 11:24

"Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you."

C: Pray for M. He is having surgery on the 24th on his palate and then both feet. First, of course, for his safety during surgery and success of the procedures. But also for recovery, that he would not get any infections, that he would not be allergic to any of the painkillers. He will need to be restrained by the arms, plus have both feet in casts for a few weeks, so also prayer for C, that she will know how to stimulate his mind and keep him occupied when he basically cannot move. And also patience on the part of the rest of the family while she is focused on M.

The Vencels: Praise God for Si's new job! Pray for Brandy that she will get better soon!

Kim: Pray for my job next year. The special ed. department is reorganizing so I'm not completely sure where I will be yet. It's always hard to start at a new school. It's like beginning all over again.

Kristie: Pray for Nate. He is studying for his Oral Exam, which he will take the first week of May. Pray that God will reward all his hard effort and that I would be a supportive wife through this final push. Thanks!

Gina: Pray for a job for Paul. Waiting to see if he got into the Police Academy. Pray for a baby and God's timing.

Grace: Pray for employment. Need guidance, wisdom, strength and clarity. Praise God that I have the opportunity to go and volunteer at Open Doors. Praise God for new friendships.

Invisible Children: Pray for the Invisible Children Project. Pray for their upcoming project in the US, Global Night Commute on April 29th. This is a gathering where people can experience what thousands of children in Uganda experience each night: they leave their homes out of fear of abduction and walk miles into town to sleep. Pray that the people organizing this event and those who are participating.

**Once again, if you haven't seen the documentary, please find a screening and go to it. OR buy the DVD and host a house party. They have kits to help you host a house party on their website.**

This Week in Review.

So, I've been volunteering at Open Doors 2-3 times a week. They have put me on this semi-long term project. Recently, they've switched their whole database system. So, now, I'm going through their never-ending church list and making changes and additions into their new system.

While researching information online for different churches, I came across two that I just couldn't stop laughing about because of their name and location. The first one is this church called Scary Creek Church of God located at 340 Scary Road. The second one is named Scary Free Will Baptist Church.

---------------------------------------------------

I know I'm late on asking this. Please let me know what your prayer requests are for this week. Let me know if there are any updates or I will just repost the same ones from the last two weeks. Repetition is always a good thing! =)

--------------------------------------------------

Let's all congratulate Si with his new job! God is so good!

-------------------------------------------------

Yesterday night (Saturday), I had the opportunity to go to Universal Studios for the day and went to a David Crowder/Third Day concert at night. During the concert, there was a promotion for a project called Invisible Children. If you haven't heard of this, PLEASE check out their website by clicking on their name above. Also, if you haven't seen the movie yet, you really should. On the site, you can find a list of places where you can see the movie. You can also purchase the DVD and the proceed will help this project.

New Prayer Request.

Received this last week. Forgot to put into the list. So, here it is. Thanks!

Johnny Do: The orphanage in which I stayed at last summer has been closed down by the indian government due to increased pressure from hindu millitants. The government seized all assets of Hopegivers Int./Emmanuel Ministries, and arrested two top ministry officials. The crime is persuading the orphans to become christians. It is not illegal to become christian or to convert others to christians, but permission in writing must first be granted from the government in order for it to be legal. All the doctors have been driven out, and the orphanages are without food, electricity, or water. We are awaiting a hearing from the government to determine whether or not bail will be allowed. Several churches have been burned down, and the over 200 orphanages are not able to care for the children. I have attached some letters for your convenience if you would like to help. Please pray for the situation. Thank you!

Prayer Time!

So, I had the post all ready and pushed the "Publish Post" button, only to find out that it wasn't going to publish and completely deleted what I had done. So, here I go again.

This week, I read this chapter in a book that talked about boldly confessing God's word and following that the author says that from the moment you wake up, we need to begin our day by speaking words of faith and victory. I shared this idea with my dear friend, Gina, and I've asked her to join me in doing this. So, if this is something that you would like to do, please join us. It's fairly easy. Here are the steps:

1. Purchase notecards or make some.

2. Find and write down scriptures on cards, particularly those that apply to your life situation. 3. Every morning, grab them before getting out of bed, and declare them aloud with faith and confidence.

4. If you want, share with us your experience(s).

5. If you find a verse or verses and would like to share them, please do by posting a comment.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Below are the prayer requests for this week. I've divided them up into different days of the week. Pray for that particular request(s) throughout that day. Let us know if anything changed and/or if you have new request(s)! Happy Praying! =)

Monday

The Vencels: Si had interviewed two weeks ago for a marketing position at a local hospital. We've been waiting to hear, and last week we got a call asking him to come in for a second interview. Yippee!! That is a praise. And now the request: please pray that he excels in his interview on Monday morning at 9am (for some, it's TODAY!), and that the Lord's will prevails in regard to acquiring this job.

Tuesday

Grace: Pray for a job for me! I turned in my resume for the job that I really would like. Praise God for helping me write my cover letter! Now, I'm just waiting to hear back and waiting is the hardest part. Pray for patience. Pray that I will have clarity in the direction that God has for me. Praise God for the peace that I feel about my life!

Abby: Pray for her 3-month review that's coming up anytime now. She's never gone through any kind of evaluation like this before, so she's quite nervous. Pray that she will be motivated to start working out again.

Wednesday

Kristie: Prayer for wisdom regarding our current and future plans (job, home, etc...) and that I would continue to find contentment in what God has for me today.

Gina: Pray for a job for Paul. Waiting to see if he got into the Police Academy. Pray for a baby and God's timing.

Thursday

Rahime: For her friend, Ruth, for a smooth transition in tutoring with her. Praise God for finding her so quickly! Praise for Lauren's current stability and continue prayer for her growth and healing.

Kim: Pray for her kids at school. They go through so much and it is a miracle they are even able to learn with all that is on their minds.

Friday

C: Pray for M. He is having surgery on the 24th on his palate and then both feet. First, of course, for his safety during surgery and success of the procedures. But also for recovery, that he would not get any infections, that he would not be allergic to any of the painkillers. He will need to be restrained by the arms, plus have both feet in casts for a few weeks, so also prayer for C, that she will know how to stimulate his mind and keep him occupied when he basically cannot move. And also patience on the part of the rest of the family while she is focused on M.

**Let us know if:

1. You have any more requests. I'll post it on next week's list.

2. Anything happened!

3. You want to share your experience.**

Be Inspired!

Last Thursday, I forced myself to go to the gym at 3:30 PM. I like to go at that time because I can watch Oprah while I'm exercising. That's what I call multi-tasking. =) Anyway, I caught the last bit of her show in which she interviewed a father and his handicapped son, Dick & Rick Hoyt. This was an amazing interview. I almost starting balling on the Elliptical. But good thing, I kept myself together through it all. This story is just so inspirational. So, please click on the two links below which will direct you to a short interview of who they are and a music video of their journey. You can also click on their names above to get to their website.

*Tissues are advised, but not required.*
Dick & Rick Hoyt Video 1 (This requires Windows Media Player)
Dick & Rick Hoyt Video 2 (This one you will have a choice between Windows Media Player or Quick Time. On the WMP, you can right click and have it become full screen. You may also want to turn the volume up on this because it just makes it so much better.)

Be inspired!

I Got Rejected...

by a computer! Yeah, really, I did. It's quite funny. I can't stop laughing about it. So, yesterday night I decided that while I'm hunting for that perfect job, I should try to look for a job that I can just work at it for a few months. So, I decided that I would try to shoot for a teller position at a bank. Granted that I've never worked as a teller before, but I figure that after 2 years and 4 months of handling all the money that comes in at my last job and going to the bank on a weekly basis, that would give me some sort of qualification.

Well, I guess I'm not qualified as I took a survey for Bank of America. It's about 100 questions. You have the choose the answer that best describe you or you can select "not sure/does not apply." I answered each question honestly and chose the best answer. At the end, the result was that my responses did not match up to the qualities of a teller. It goes on stating that with corporate rules, I cannot apply for a teller position at BofA for the next nine months.

After receiving the results, I was just cracking up. I mean, here I am being rejected by a computer survey! Seriously! My roommate couldn't believe it either. She even worked at a bank and was fired because she couldn't balance her drawer at the end of the day. So, naturally she was shocked that I wasn't qualified either.

What is this world coming to? When did a computerize survey determine whether you are qualified or not? What ever happen to meeting someone face to face and giving you a chance?

But, please don't feel sorry for me. I'm quite okay with this. I know that I am capable. I think. Maybe I should find a computerize shrink.

Love ya! Hope this brightened up your day!

Prayer Updates.

Thank you for fasting and praying this week. If you have any updates, new prayer requests or anything for next week, please let me know! Otherwise, the same requests will be posted for next week. I am going to change the format of it next week. So, check back on Monday morning. I'm really hoping that this will become a regular thing. So, please don't be shy to post your request(s) any day and any time! It's a good way for us to pray for one another when we are so far away! =)

Yeah, I Did It.

I went out and bought Elizabethtown and Season 5 & 6 of Friends. Thank God for giftcards! So, my roommate, Jessica, is filling out her FAFSA. Remember those days? I'm updating my blog and we have Friends on. What a great life, huh?

I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go to the gym. Why is it so hard to get to the gym? I mean, I want to be healthy. I want to be skinny. Why is that not enough to motivate me to go to the gym? Any one out there have the same problem as I do?! Is it just me?

Keep Checking.

Please keep checking in for any new requests throughout the week. The new requests will be at the top and in green under "Woo Hoo! It's Time to Pray!

Please use this list throughout the week!

Thank you!

Woo Hoo! It's Time To Pray!

So, I wanted to write something compelling about prayer. But I thought that may ruin the mood. So, I'm just going to list the prayer requests that was sent to me. Remember to pray with faith that God is a POSSIBLE God. Now, I'm going to leave you with a verse and the requests. Enjoy!

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do now see."

Hebrews 11:1

Brandy: I have an addition/update. Si had interviewed a week and a half ago for a marketing position at a local hospital. We've been waiting to hear, and this morning we got a call asking him to come in for a second interview. Yippee!! That is a praise.And now the request: please pray that he excels in his interview on Monday morning at 9am, and that the Lord's will prevails in regard to aquiring this job.

Kristie: Prayer for wisdom regarding our current and future plans (job, home, etc...) and that I would continue to find contentment in what God has for me today.

Gina: Pray for a job for Paul and a baby for them.

Rahime: For her friend, Ruth, for a smooth transition in tutoring with her. Praise God for finding her so quickly!
Praise for Lauren's current stability and continue prayer for her growth and healing.

Brandy: Pray for a job for Si.

Kim: Pray for her kids at school. They go through so much and it is a miracle they are even able to learn with all that is on their minds.

Abby: Pray for her 3-month review that's coming up anytime now. She's never gone through any kind of evaluation like this before, so she's quite nervous. Pray that she will be motivated to start working out again.

C: Pray for M. He is having surgery on the 24th on his palate and then both feet. First, of course, for his safety during surgery and success of the procedures. But also for recovery, that he would not get any infections, that he would not be allergic to any of the painkillers. He will need to be restrained by the arms, plus have both feet in casts for a few weeks, so also prayer for C, that she will know how to stimulate his mind and keep him occupied when he basically cannot move. And also patience on the part of the rest of the family while she is focused on M.

Grace: Pray for a job for me! I will be sending in my resume this week for a job that I really would like. Pray that I will have clarity in the direction that God has for me. Praise God for the peace that I feel about my life!

**Let us know if:
1. You have any more requests. I'll post it on next week's list.
2. Anything happened!
3. You want to share your experience.**

Will You Join Me?

I'm going to throw this out there and hope that all of you will join me!

Yesterday, I received an email from a friend. She told me that her church is having a day of fasting for a new church building. This woman is such an incredible prayer warrior. So, she told me that during this fast, she will also be praying for me and my own employment journey. I don't know why, but I felt so privileged that she is willing to fast and pray for me! So, this got me thinking, "It would be so awesome for our group of friends to come together to fast and pray! I mean, why not? It's not going to harm anyone."

So, you're probably thinking, "How are we going to do that?" Well, this is what I came up with:

1. Pick a day and time next week to do this. I don't really want to limit to a certain day, but for those who need a date, I've picked Monday, 3/6.

2. Pick something to fast from. It doesn't have to be a whole day experience, it could be partial. For example, you may just want to give up one meal rather than all the meals. Or you may want to give up using the computer, watching tv, etc.

3. If you have any prayer request(s) and would like to share them with others, you can email them to me. Let me know if you have any praise(s) as well! We wouldn't want to forget those! I will post these request(s) and praise(s) on my blog by Monday morning. **If you would like to remain "anonymous," just let me know in the email.** Please don't feel pressure to do this.

4. Enjoy the power of fasting and praying!

5. If you want, please let us know what you've experienced and learned.

I hope you will join me on this exciting journey. I'm not going to ask who did it and who didn't. And if you only want to pray and not fast, that's fine too! I won't judge you. I will still love you! =) So, will you join me?

This One Is For You, Brandy!

I've made it home safely. =)

On the Lighter Side of Things

First: Thank you for your encouragements on my last post! I will keep you updated as I take this journey.

Second: Here's another quote from one of my many favorite movies. Can you guess it? Have fun! Also, these are not the exact words, but close enough. Sorry for the language.
Girl 1: You know, boys don't like smart asses.
Girl 2: No, they just like asses.

Third: So, my roommate and I were talking yesterday night about "missionary" dating. Anyway, check out this SITE. This whole topic came up because one of my roommates met this guy and she doesn't know if he's a believer or not, but she really likes him. The site is quite hilarious. We laughed so hard. Let me know what you think!

Enjoy your day!

Risk or no risk?

How do you know what is God's will for your life? Lately, I've been trying to figure that out. I guess you get to that point when you are unemployed and looking for a job. But, really, HOW DO YOU KNOW?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Okay, here's my scenario: So, I've been offered a job by a friend at a construction company. She actually pursued me right before I left for Taiwan and waited till I returned. For the last week or two, I came to a point where I thought that this was the job that I'm going to take. The part that excites me the most about this job was the learning portion. I love learning new things especially when it's hands on and working with my friend would be a lot of fun. Construction isn't really my type, but I'm up for the challenge!

Anyway, up until the middle of last week, I was totally pursuing this job. I've met with the "boss" and he was really impressed with me. My friend sent me stuff that I needed to complete in order to be hired. Well, then, Wednesday came. Basically, another opportunity came up. Except this one I actually have to apply for it and wait and see if they will hire me. The job hasn't been posted yet, so I'm not sure when they will start taking applications and how long it will take for them to hire.

So, now I'm stuck. I stand between the security/comfortability of having a job and the risk of going for a job that I have absolutely no clue if I will even get!

I feel this "tug" at my heart to take the riskier road. I mean, life is full of risks, so why not? This "tug" I'm feeling is the same "tug" that I've felt when working for UP and felt that I needed to leave (which I ignored and ultimately God had to pull me out, literally). I've never been in this position before where I had to pick between the riskier road over security. God has always provided the "next step" in my life.

In the last couple of years, I've learned a lot from friends who has taken the riskier road and saw how God blessed them and continues to provide whether they succeeded or failed. God is so constant. That's the amazing part of it all. That is very comforting. But when you are in the position, it is so hard to realize that, you know? So, I just want to say "Well done" to those who took the riskier road. "Thank you" for your examples. You do not know how much it means to me right now. It brings me a lot of comfort.

So, at this point in my life, would you please pray for me? It's such a wild journey and your prayers will do wonders!

Once again, I appreciate you guys so much!

Books

Since I have a lot of time on my hands these days, I've been reading a whole lot! It's so nice to have the time to devote to things that challenges your mind. Well, not all these books are challenging, but they are sure fun and interesting. If you've read any of these books, I would love to hear from you and know what you thought of them!

1. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
2. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
3. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
4. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
5. The Prayer That Changes Everything by Stormie Omartian

The next book that I will be starting is:
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

If you have any recommendations, please let me know!

The Answer Is....

Well, I guess it's only fair to share this with you now. So, the movie is ELIZABETHTOWN! Has anyone seen it beside Kim and I? Well, it's a must see. It's really cute! But whether you like it or not, it's not up to me. So, no blames allowed.

So, what movie/movies have you seen lately that you would like to recommend? Let me know!