On this page I (from time to time) write about those things I hold dear.  Many have told me that I express myself so much better in writing; therefore, Notes from the Heart is a page where I can share some of what is important to me.  This is also a space for me to delve into the Scriptures and the truths that they hold for all who would hear and believe.

Stephanie

Autumn Moments....Autumn Reflections

Colored leaves drift lazily from the trees to the earth...wood smoke fills the air as families start their first fires of the season...marching bands and football cheers can be heard from miles away...corn stalks stand like sentinels in the fields while soybean plants turn a golden yellow...pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere...apple orchards filled with the sweet, sweet fragrance of ripened fruit...

Autumn is a season to reflect on God's goodness. It is also a time to evaluate where we have been and where we want to go. As we take our time to give thanks....we should also set time aside to seek the Lord for our future. He is the only One who can lead us where we have yet to go. We need Him....desperately.

Quiet your heart...your mind...and listen...listen for His voice, His direction...you will not be disappointed...He will be found.....He does Hear...and He does answer!!!  Stephanie

Simple Pleasures -- African Style

Some of you reading this may know that for many years I had a column in my monthly newsletter called 'Simple Pleasures' in which I discussed the simple gifts that God has given us -- especially in His creation. Well, as I was waiting to leave for an appointment yesterday I had some time. So, I thought I would write down a few things:

• The myriad of colors to behold -- from the shades of earth and sky to the rainbow of materials that are woven, dyed, and sewn into clothes of tremendous beauty (some of which are so intricate in detail that I am mesmerized). Every color of the spectrum can be found here ~ and a few, I believe, which have never been seen outside the continent.
• The warm "Welcome ma'am" one receives as you walk through the door, around a corner, or step out of a car.
• A glass of water ~ the simplest gift of hospitality but one of the most meaningful...the world around.
• The sound of rain...especially when it pours! This trip I have especially enjoyed the cacophony of sound from the drops hitting the tin roof of my hotel room. What a sweet composition...one must only listen carefully to hear its melody.
• The sight of street hawkers wending their way through a sea of cars and akadas (motorbike taxis). They are selling everything imaginable and some things that could never be imagined, especially to a western eye.
• The rumble of African drums ~ the reverberations can be felt deep inside of you and their resonance somehow leaves a lasting impression, one that can not be removed no matter how long since the true sound has died away.
• The sight of men, women, and children dancing in celebration. They share more than a dance; they share their joy.
• A cookpot set over a bed of coals ~ the aroma of its contents wafts through the air and awakens the senses.
• The inevitable question: "How was your night?" What a lovely place where all seemed to be genuinely interested in one's rest and comfort.
• Roosters, hens, and chicks scurrying from place to place, scratching out their dinner.
• Goats, both small and large) with bells tied to their necks.
• African voices raised in song.  Stephanie

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I Love Jesus!

Just before I went to Africa life was a little bit on the hectic side. What with packing, studying, and errand running there was little time for me to catch my breath and have what I call "me time". What is that?  Well, "me time" is where I do something I enjoy, something that brings me pleasure, something that causes a smile or brings on a good belly laugh.

Just two days before I boarded the plane for Nigeria I knew I just had to do something about my recent lack of me time. So, after making a post office run I decided to swing by Dairy Queen. (Yes, I said Dairy Queen.) I ordered a medium twist cone and was VERY HAPPY when the girl at the window handed me a lavish serving of the cold stuff. I pulled out onto the road and made my merry way home again....listening to some great music (a CARMAN CD), singing at the top of my lungs, and not caring if anyone saw or heard me!

Sunday School Rock was playing. And I heard myself singing: "I love Jesus! (I love Jesus!) Yes, I do. (Yes, I do.) I love Jesus! (I love Jesus!) How about you? (How about you?) I love Jesus. Yes, I do. I love Jesus! How about you?"

In a split second I had a "moment" with the Lord. That chorus echoed what was in my heart...it was and is my heart's cry -- it is why I do what I do -- it is why I travel around the US, to Africa, and all points in between -- it is why I founded Faith to Faith International -- it is what makes me, me. All that is me is summed up in those few words.  How simple, yet how profound!

So, my question is...do you know Jesus? do you love Him? are you willing to live this message where you are....right now...today?

For me...I have already decided. I love Jesus! Yes, I do. I love Jesus! How about you?  Stephanie

August 5, 2008  ~ A Meditation on Worship

Last week a long-time friend of mine asked me if I would write an editorial for his newsletter. He has been holding worship evenings since April and has been seeing the Lord move in mighty ways in their midst. Signs and wonders have abounded as they have set time apart to worship the Lord and sit in His presence. I was honored by his request and thought that perhaps some of you might be challenged as I was when I began to mediate on true worship, the kind the Lord Himself craves and desires. We (especially those of us who live in the United States) are so busy....busy, busy, busy.... Are we taking the time necessary to sit in the Lord's presence...to bask in His light, His love?

I hope the following will be a blessing to you and cause you to make the time to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth:

A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24, KJV).

Are you the kind of worshiper the Father seeks? That may sound strange to your natural ear, but I would ask you to carefully consider your answer. For, typically, we have been taught that we seek the Father through worship, and that is true. However, the Father is also seeking those who would come to Him, those who would worship Him for Who He is no matter what time of the day it is or where we find ourselves, those who are not bound by form and religion (like the Samaritan at the well or the Pharisees of the New Testament).

The Lord Himself is looking for those who will step out and worship Him in spirit and truth. This type of worship is a 24/7 endeavor; however, there will be those times that we set apart, sanctify, totally unto Him. That is what Keys to His Heart Worship (the name of the ministry for which I wrote the article) is all about. We come before Him, to worship and adore Him in a spirit of holiness. When we do, He always shows up and ministers by His Spirit just as Jesus, who was anointed by the Holy Ghost and power, did while He walked this earth (Acts 10:38).

As we come together in unity and sit before the Father, we shall continue to see Him move in our midst. As we leave all of the cares of this life behind for an hour or two, we shall truly know in our heart of hearts that nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37). As we glorify Him, we shall become like David--a man of worship--about whom the Lord testified: '"I have found a man after my own heart; he will do evrything I want him to do" (I samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).

Since our goal as believers is to do that which the Father wants us to do, let us come together and worship Him. When we sit in His presence, we shall go out differently than when we came in. We shall be salt and light to a world that is thirsty for the truth as they grope in the darkness for someone who can and will give them the hope they need (Matthew 5:13-16; Jeremiah 29:11).

~Stephanie

July 1, 2008 Summertime -- the season to plow, plant, and water

What do you think of when you think of summer? Ice cream...lightning bugs...long days...picnics...fireworks...vacation...rest...relaxation...the beach...the mountains? And the list goes on and on. 

I think of all these things and more, BUT the most important thing I think about is the plowing, planting, and watering that takes place. Why? Because I have my eyes set on the harvest.  And I am not just talking about a natural harvest.

While we have the time...let's be about the Father's business. Do what it takes in this season to plow, to plant, and to water so that you can see the harvest come in....the precious fruit of the earth.  Jesus is coming back soon! So become one of God's gardeners this season. Believe Him for opportunities to share the Gospel (the Good News) with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and those you meet along the way. sapack

April 24, 2008 (Below is a short article I wrote for a church's April newsletter. I was thinking that maybe some of you might enjoy it as well. Stephanie)

Spring -- a New Season

Thank God! It's spring -- a season of brand new life, a time of revitalization and renewal. I have been expectantly waiting these last few weeks, even the last month, to be able to say, Spring has sprung! I have known that all of creation has been just about ready to burst with new life and that so much that had lain dormant over the winter would once again be revealed in a vivid show of color and growth.

Everything is green and fresh. Even the breeze seems to carry with it the smell of life. What a time to know that God has a plan for my life -- what a time to step out in faith and begin living the dream!

So, I challenge you this spring to reevaluate your life -- where you have been and where you are going. Are you expecting the Lord to bring His life, full and abaundant, to you this season? Or are you still stuck in winter, seeing your life (or parts of it anyway) as dead or dormant without hope of life anew?

Now is the time to allow the Lord to do a work in you...allow Him to revitalize you and then invite Him to prepare you for the season of growth (the season of summer) to come!  Stephanie

April 1, 2008  Many of you have been asking me how you can become involved with Faith to Faith International. Here are three ways in which to do so: