I Will Follow

This video was really a labor of love.  It started out being a song I love about commitment, but the more I listened to the lyrics, the more I thought about the men and women who have died to serve and care for people in the name of Jesus.  I thought about Nate Henn who worked for Invisible Children and died last year in the bombing in Kampala, Uganda.  I thought about the men (Jim Elliot) who went to Ecuador to bring the gospel to a remote tribe and were killed by them.  Then the sweet women left behind went down to continue their work and many lives were changed. I also thought of the lady from right here in Bakersfield that was a Southern Baptist missionary who was killed a few years ago in Iraq.  I had to include them.

I know there are many more who have been tortured and imprisoned and died for the name of Jesus and it is truly where the rubber meets the road in commitment.
Are any of us really committed to the point of death...do we even think about it?  We know we are living in the "end times" and His return is close, we hope we are ready, we want to be, but what if He calls you to stand firm, stand up against His foes?  Can you say I will be strong?  Can you hold fast to "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength?"  I pray that my relationship with my Father, is so strong and so steadfast that I will close my eyes to this dark world and say "I Will Follow!"

And lastly, it made me think of the dedicated team from U.T.M.I. who are at this minute starting to minister to the people of Kasese, Uganda.  I decided to dedicate this latest video to them, those who are following Him to serve and teach pastors of Africa. To teach them more about the Bible and how to be pastors who will serve their congregations well, as well as drawing closer to their Lord and Savior.   You are an inspiration!

What's Next for the Poorboy's

Well here we are in May already and coming up on the end of another ministry soon.  We are here every year or so and this time it looks like it could be the end of June.  Jim knows that God has a plan, but the one that looked like a good fit and permanent, didn't work out.  It would have kept us in the state and being permanent, would have relieved us from these in between times.  But again, God has other plans so we will wait on Him and continue to trust in His wisdom and timing.

Jim has been approached by two churches, that are out of state, to come do an intentional interim.  One at a good friends home church in Kentucky and one in Hawaii on the big island.  These would be challenges in many ways, adventures, but challenges.  We are open, again knowing that if that is where God wants us to go, we would go.  It would mean leaving Caylynn here and giving up our house and pets, putting everything in storage and moving home base with my Mom.  Challenges all.  Caylynn is determined to continue at College of the Sequoias in Visalia and move in with friends.

Not sure what to do with all the cats.  We really only want to keep two...Nala and Chester, Parker is a little psycho and now has a nervous problem and is licking her belly so much she's lost hair and is getting a rash.  Corban's kitty, Lola, is pretty independent, but we would love for Corban  to take her back.  The stray cats we'll need to take to the pound, but the kittens we are hoping to socialize to give to SPCA.  We had 2 litters born with 11 in total, but since then we lost two from suffocation  (now it's the 16th) have a new litter of five more...so lots to do before we can leave Porterville, if that's what the Lord wants.  Please pray for us and the Lord's direction..that it be clear and without confusion.

Blessings video

Blessings

Here's the latest Richgirl production...Blessings by Laura Story.  Talk about story I saw a video of this on facebook, which takes you to YouTube, and watched other videos...she explains her life and what inspired this song.  So very touching, it reminds me I have so much to be grateful for.  Also, how God sees strength in people, they don't even know until they are in the midst of crisis and dramatic change of life/lifestyle that they can only endure with the Father's help and strength.  We can do all through Christ who gives us strength.  We won't know it unless we step out in faith and follow Him.  This song makes me cry every time it gets to the "this is not my home"  Oh praise God, all the pain, all the trials, all the suffering and weakness' we go through can't keep us here...this life is but a mist and every fleeting.  We go to an eternal home we can't even imagine, but it's filled with a promise of no more pain and suffering, we will be healed from every ailment, every missing limb, every physical or mental limitation...we will be whole!!  I hope this touches you today where you need it the most.

Knowledge and Wisdom

Knowledge is knowing information-it's in your mind

Wisdom is acting and living like you believe it-it's in your heart


Proverbs 4 shares about wisdom and the benefits and promises "she" will provide (so act like you believe- put feet to your knowledge)

If denial is refusing to give validity that your knowledge can change you, does that refusal to act out your knowledge make you rebellious or just make you a fool.

I'm relating this to the book "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan.  In talking about Christians today, especially in the US, we have become fools or rebellious, (my words not Francis'.)  We know the Holy Spirit is one of the triune God, the Trinity.  (Matt. 28:18-20)  We know when we accept Jesus as Savior, that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us.  (Rom. 8:9)  We know He has the power of God, (1 Cor. 2:4-5) so why do we not act on this knowledge?  Why, if we have all this knowledge
in our minds...do we not take it to heart and become wise.  We are children of the Most High King, we have the Holy Spirit as our Counselor, our guide and we don't, (fool) or won't (rebel) listen, obey or even acknowledge His presence in our daily lives?  Fool or Rebel...hummm.  It's time to stop living in the coma of complacency and wake up...If we live and act like the world, how will those around us ever see Jesus.

At Your Feet

I've been studying Crazy Love by Francis Chan for a few weeks and I finished this week.  This book has so changed my thought processes and time I spend focused on Jesus.  I know many have already read this as well as Radical by David Pratt, and know we as a so called Christian nation have not been following Jesus Biblically as a whole.  There are a few obsessed, crazy, radical Christians, but they have been few and far between here in the US.  Many have followed Jesus to other countries to share His love and care with those who are seeking without fear of their integrity or a shortened life.  The needs are so great and we are so sedentary in our service...it's time for a change and yet my focus recently is just spending time with Him.  Sitting at His feet so to speak, because that's where I find my strength for today, hope for tomorrow and peace in my unsettled life.  How do you feel about your relationship with your Creator,  your Savior, your Healer, and Comforter?  Do you hunger and thirst for that precious time alone with Him just sitting  and learning from the One who is our All in All?

Joyful, Joyful

I realized as much as I love all the songs I've put to video, most of them have been more serious and stories of encouragement.  I really wanted to do an upbeat and joyful song so.....How about "Joyful, Joyful" by Casting Crowns...I love this album "Until the Whole World Hears"