Christmas Yearly Recap

“He who has the Son has Life, 

he who does not have the son 

does not have Life…” 

                                        1 John 5:12

Christmas Greetings to you from the Engel family!  Just wanted to drop in for a little visit to tell you about our journey through the year 2000 and about our anticipation for the coming year.  We live in such amazing times – such an increase of evil all around us, but the presence of God is so powerful and His promises to us so amazing that we do not lose heart!  “We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”  He truly is our Light and Defender, our Strength and Redeemer, our Healer and our Hope!  I could go on and on about His wonderful attributes but I’ll leave you to do that as you prepare for His birthday celebration.

This year has been a good one for our family. In February we took a trip with a group from our church to work in an orphanage and a children’s home in Mexico.  We had lots of fun loving on the kids, teaching them about Jesus and hanging out at the ocean with everyone.  And God gave us such a treat when a bunch of turtle eggs hatched on the beach right in front of our motel.  They could have hatched anywhere, at anytime, but I was convinced again of God’s great love for us when He caused this to happen where we could all sit and watch!  So Ron acted as midwife, helping the weak little ones along, and counting them (exactly 96 little sea turtles!) while Daniel warded off any “would be’ predators as they crawled to the ocean.

Summer was full of highlights.  In July we went to Camp Homewood on Quadra Island for a family camp.  The location was amazing – right on the ocean where we saw seals and eagles and even had a deer grazing a few feet in front of our cabin. When we got home we had the privilege of having some dear friends and family visit so we were able to reconnect and play. (Of course this time was filled with lots of wiener roasts and picnics up at the orchard – one of our favorite spots to hang out and relax.)

This fall saw Daniel entering 9^thGrade and Patrice entering 4^th.  They are growing up so fast it sometimes makes me want to cry!  They’re delightful kids – such a gift from God.  Daniel loves his involvement with Youth at church and has several very good friends.  He’s an easy going, fun loving, and tall young man.  He loves playing games, working on the computer, finding ways to earn as much money as he can with the least amount of effort required, and is presently playing on the basketball team at school.  Patrice is into jazz dance and ballet and she is taking a “sabbatical” from piano lessons!  She continues to keep the house full of INTENSITY- she loves sports, music, writing and she reads a mile a minute!  Two of her favorite things are attending worship practice with Daddy (he still plays bass guitar) and going to hockey games with him!  I attended a couple of hockey games thinking they could be potential family outings, but it proved to be more than I could bear and I have decided that hockey is alien to my understanding and lifestyle.  I just don’t get it – it was all I could do to make it to the second quarter (or was that the 3^rdperiod?) when I finally bribed Patrice to leave for a trip to Burger King.  Thankfully neither my salvation nor our family unity depends upon my attendance of these events.

This September we also celebrated the 50^thWedding Anniversary of my (Karen’s) parents!  We had a wonderful evening of singing, stories, jokes and good food and fellowship with many special friends and family members to mark the occasion Mom and Dad are both in fairly good health and we are grateful to God to have such loving parents. Ron’s parents are also a huge blessing in our lives and they are persevering despite some health concerns. 

The winds of change began to blow upon our lives this fall.  Ron started to feel a real interest in a building project he had heard about that is going up next to the YWAM base in Kona Hawaii.  He felt so much vision and life at the prospect of joining this project so he spent a week in Hawaii in October meeting with those in charge and “scouting out the land”.  As a family we have prayed about and discussed this possibility.  The kids have been positive and I have felt a real peace about going.  (I can just hear your response…who WOULDN’T feel peace about moving to HAWAII?)  Well, Ron has been offered the job of project manager for the condo development so presently a work visa is being pursued.  They would like Ron as early as March but it all depends on the paperwork.  I might follow a little later with the kids so that I can finish up a Prayer and Counseling course I am taking and so the kids can almost finish up their school year. WE are trusting God for further direction and guidance but are working towards this move unless He indicates otherwise. 

So “our” seemingly never ending plans for building a dream home up at the orchard have now taken an abrupt change!  In short order Ron designed a lovely small house that he is hoping to start building in the next week or so.  It will be used as a rental property until we return.  It’s a cold time to build, but having time constraints can sure move things along!  I just wanted to make sure that we would have a wheelchair accessible house we could move into when we got back from Hawaii.  Therefore we will probably sell the house we have lived in for the past 13 years and start on a new chapter in our lives…

So, until further notice we’ll still be content in Kelowna, dreaming of sunny Hawaii, and trusting God to lead us in paths of Righteousness whether that means remaining here or moving somewhere else!  May the light and life of Jesus illumine your hearts and spread to all those you meet! 

Fasting for Seven

Can't sleep very well tonight and Coco isn't helping matters much! I just went and let her out and took a pill so hopefully soon I'll be snoozing.

Today I'll be starting day 7 of a Juice/Water fast.  Don't know if I'll make it through the day - I want to eat!  I have had tremendous ease and grace so far though.  asking for alignment in my personal life mostly but also for alignment in my marriage and in the church.

The fast has been easy but the praying part has been hard slugging.  Feel so lethargic in that respect.  Was good to go to intercessory prayer and pray with others.

Ron has been in Vancouver - since Monday which has made it easy for me - very little cooking.  The kids have been at Mom's a couple to times for supper.  I have felt quite badly for my lack of "connection" with mom and Dad and Tante Hilda this winter.  Seems they're lonelier and we just don't get over there much.  

Lord I need your help in this area.  I need to know what is my responsibility in honouring and blessing them and the Engel's and to do it with love.  

Holiday with a Purpose

Again I sit at my outlook.  It's my favourite place to be - quite heavenly.  A panoramic view that proclaims the glorious nature of God.  

Amazing, beautiful, thundering waves declaring His awesome power. There ought to be more words to describe it!

It's YOU the beauty speaks of.

 It's You I long for

The touch of your Hand

Your breathe on my face.

Come kiss my eyes so I may see you more clearly.

That everywhere I look will be full of your glorious face.

That's what I really long to see. 

"All things were created by Him and for Him.  He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.  Colossians 1:16

Love for Jesus just washes over me - waves of it!  I'm laying in my room now with my little window view of palms and blue sky, waves are creating in the background.  Even with my struggle with the travel catheter, a difficult washroom, a bladder infection and now monthly (and I think Daniel's got strep throat) God has shown Himself so loving and faithful.  

He gets me through.

He's my strength and my song, my deliverer and my healer.

And Ron has been so happy out here.  Relaxed and cheerful.  Thank you Jesus.  A true rest.  This team travelling really has its benefits!

I've loved my visits with Rhonda - she's rich in the Lord and I want to learn from her.  Plus she's got my style of humour.

I feel ready to go home but I've loved the holiday.  It's felt long and I was glad to escape Canada cold for these 2 weeks.  Can't say I've felt a real connection with the orphanages although the work wee did was fun for the most part.  The other day Daniel helped shower the 6 little guys at the Manzanillo orphanage.  It blesses me to watch him and Patrice and Ron interact with the kids.  And I just trust God to be imparting whatever He desires into each one of our hearts through this time.  

A holiday with a purpose! 

*********************************

The Following was from a ministry time. Scriptures for Ron & I and the kids: 

Isaiah 44:1-5 is for our family- Rhonda spoke this over us with our names highlighted.  

Isaiah 44:1-5,

   Now listen to me, my Servant Jacob, Israel, my chosen one.
    I am Yahweh, your Creator, who shaped you in my womb.
    Hear what I have to say to you:
    ‘Don’t fear. I will help you, O Jacob my servant, (Ron)
    Do not fear, my pleasing one, Israel.(Karen)
3 I will pour refreshing water on the thirsty
    and streams on the dry ground.
    I will pour out my Spirit on your children,
    my blessing upon your descendants.
4 They will spring up like grass blanketing a meadow,
    like poplars growing by gushing streams.
5 One will say, “I belong to Yahweh.” (Daniel)
    Another will be called Jacob.
    Yet another will write on his hand “Property of Yahweh.” (Patrice)
    Another will adopt the name Israel.’”

James 1: 2-4, 1:12  (Karen)2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! 3 For you know that when your faith is tested[c] it stirs up in you the power of endurance. 4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.

12 If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!

Revelation 3:7-13 (esp. for Ron)8 I know all that you’ve done. Now I have set before you a wide-open door[g] that none can shut. For I know that you possess only a little power, yet you’ve kept my word and haven’t denied my name.[i] 9 Watch how I deal with those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews but are not, for they’re lying. I will make them come and bow down[j] at your feet and acknowledge how much I’ve loved you.10 Because you’ve passionately kept my message of perseverance, I will also keep you from the hour of proving that is coming to test every person on earth. 11 But I come swiftly, so cling tightly to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown of victory. 12 For the one who is victorious, I will make you to be a pillar in the sanctuary of my God,[k]permanently secure.[l] I will write on you the name of my God and the name of the city of my God—the New Jerusalem, descending from my God out of heaven.[m] And I’ll write my own name on you. 13 So the one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is now saying to all the churches."

Psalm 27:1-9.11, 13 & 14 (Karen) 

Yahweh is my revelation-light,

    and the source of my salvation.
    I fear no one!
    I’ll never turn back and run, for you, Yahweh,
    surround and protect me.
2 When evil ones come to destroy me,
    they will be the ones who turn back.
3 My heart will not fear even if an army rises to attack.
    I will not be shaken, even if war is imminent.
4 Here’s the one thing I crave from Yahweh,
    the one thing I seek above all else:
    I want to live with him every moment in his house,
    beholding the marvelous beauty of Yahweh,
    filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace.
    I want to contemplate in his temple.
5 In the day of trouble, he will treasure me in his shelter,
    under the cover of his tent.
    He will lift me high upon a rock,
    out of reach from all my enemies who surround me.
    Triumphant now, I’ll bring him my offerings of praise,
    singing and shouting with ecstatic joy!
    Yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh!
7 Hear my cry. Show me mercy, and send the help I need!
8 I heard your voice in my heart say, “Come, seek my face;”
    my inner being responded,
    “Yahweh, I’m seeking your face with all my heart.”
9 So don’t turn your face away from me.
    You’re the God of my salvation;
    how can you reject your servant in anger?
    You’ve been my only hope,
    so don’t forsake me now when I need you!
1 My father and mother abandoned me.
    But you, Yahweh, took me in and made me yours.
11 Now teach me, Yahweh, all about your ways and tell me what to do.
    Make it clear for me to understand,
    for I am surrounded by waiting enemies.

Yet I believe with all my heart
    that I will see again your goodness, Yahweh, in the land of life eternal!
1Here’s what I’ve learned through it all:
    Don’t give up; don’t be impatient;
    be entwined as one with the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope.
    Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!

1 Corinthians 13:11 (Daniel who turned 13 last October) 11 When I was a child, I spoke about childish matters, for I saw things like a child and reasoned like a child. But the day came when I matured, and I set aside my childish ways.

Patrice is the Lord's "Princess Bride" and she will be won just like the princess in the movie was won, by the Lord coming to her with the heart "as you wish".  He will reveal Himself to her as a servant.  

Community Handicap and Joy

 The blessings continue.

Another beautiful morning as I sit at my little outlook letting the gentle breeze caress me - what flowery words, but how else can I express such delights? 

The soft breath of Jesus.

Thankyou - breathe on me.

One difficult thing about living with a handicap is the fact that others have to make sacrifices for me.  If there is a car available I need the front seat even if there is someone elder traveling with us.  And here in our motel suite we had to take the bathroom door off so I could get in - but everyone else has to deal with no privacy. If I go with the group they all have to wait for me or help with the chair.  

But they are so gracious and God allows it not only for my growth and humility but also for theirs! 

Oh this breeze is so wonderful, the coconut tree fronds are tapping together - heaven's percussion.  And the colours are so amazing - green and blue. 

You know -  this has been such a "perfect" holiday in so many ways.  The" community" aspect has been wonderful - Patrice and Daniel have such a variety to interact with - and the fact that Lisa is just a little older than Patrice is such a bonus.  They try each other's clothes on and swim and play.  

And Daniel fits in easy anywhere.  Ron and I have so much companionship when we want it but have our own little rooms to retreat to when needed.  And the ministry aspect has made it so fulfilling.  Plus we get to do our little shopping and sightseeing outings as a group and there is so much laughter. 

 I've loved seeing Ron laugh so much and entertain the others with his humour.  He is certainly appreciated! (And, as usual, the Lord has given a number of people in the group a real heart for him). Rhonda has a word she wants to share with him when we get some quiet time.

Feast for the Eyes

 We're back in Manzanillo.  The trip was great - I loved the scenery! 

It feels like we've been in Mexico for such a long time already - we've seen so much and done so much!

Right now I sit at the oceanside hearing the waves rhythmically rush in - there's a row of palms with coconuts in front of me and a marvellous view of Manzanillo Centro off to the left - colourful houses covering the hillsides along the harbour.  

The sun is on my back as I look out over this incredible vista.  A few people are out on the beach - getting their feet wet or just walking.  

A feast for my eyes - I breathe deeply of the ocean air and love the sounds dancing around me.  Laughter from the pool behind me - most of the team are there sunning themselves and visiting.  Such a nice group. 

Seeing each other more clearly - the bugs on the beautiful flowers are visible but we can choose to look past them.  If only that were easier in marriage.  Such an opportunity for growth!  

His Favourites

 So much to be thankful for - another blessedly rich day - a gift from God.  

Had our 8:00 am daily prayer time and went to work with the kids in the orphanage.  It was my day to teach and the lord gave me a story about a Father and his children. (the lost sheep was called "Little Friend".  

Also spoke about each of us being His Favourites!  We then had a call for salvation (the kids were told about having their name written in the book of life).  And then we presented each one with their name plaques which also had their meanings and scriptures in Spanish. It was a very special morning and it seemed that we connected with the kids on a deeper level too.  

Such little treasures they are - each one so valuable...

Patrice and Daniel have enjoyed the kids too and both say they'd like to return.  It's been neat to see that "cool edge" drop off Daniel and he's much sweeter.  

In the evening I went to Dennis and Diane's for a shower (wonderfully accessible) and most of the crowd went out for real Mexican tacos.

A Broken Vessel & A Masterpiece

The adventure continues - each day different and delightful.

Yesterday we went to town in the evening to shop a little, watch some clowns and enjoy some REAL Mexican food.  Gringas and Tacos - absolutely delicious.

This morning after we did the program at the boys home, a few of us team members gathered to pray and Rhondda began to get prophetic words for several of us.  Trough her the Lord spoke so tenderly yet powerfully to me and I felt greatly encouraged.  I'll write what I remember.

"God told me a story about a young girl who loved him and wanted to go out into the world to tell others about Him.  She would go anywhere and do anything and wanted to work for Him and serve Him.  Her name was Martha.

She gave up herself and her time and He then took her WILL...

Jesus asked the Father how she could become a Mary. (The Father said to the son "watch me take a Martha and make her a Mary so he touched her with His hand and she became a broken vessel and He was with her in the suffering.  

The pain did not make her bitter.

I gave to Him the most precious thing of all - my will.

Because of the suffering my name is written in the list of those with faith and is credited to me as righteousness!! 

The day is coming when the Lord will come and set me free from my suffering! He sees all the pain and has written it all down.

Picure of a vessel broken into many, many pieces and he took it and made it into a masterpiece - made by the master's hands.  

Teamwork and Testimonies

 A full day... Challenges and delights.  I so enjoy the team we are working with.  Wonderful treasures they are!  We did 2 programs with the children and I worked one of the puppets - a bird named Pedro.  felt a bit awkward with it but it seems kids just love puppets so you don't have to be too perfect.

Thankfully our hotel has a pool so that keeps the kids happy and I love my room that looks into the courtyard. 

This evening we were invited to share our testimony at a home group and the family whose home it was at were wonderful.  They fed us and let me use their shower. (What a workout!)

It's been fun watching Ron interact with the team - they love his humour and he loves keeping them entertained.  Ron's been quite relaxed and laid back on this trip. 

Back to the home group...  I shared our testimony and Ron even said a bit!  It went very easily and I shared 1 Peter 1:1-8 in relation to it.  felt kind of insecure after but had the opportunity to pray for several people following.

The translation was excellent and made it quite easy for me.  I guess I just have to trust that Jesus touched whomever He chose to.  

Now we are all tucked into our hotel room - each one is reading and I am happy with my clean hair. =)

Ups & Downs in Mexico

 The last few days have been full of transition and all kinds of emotion!  Anticipation about the Mexico trip, the hard work of packing and preparation... Sue was such a blessing, she came to help me the day we left and was such a huge help. 

We even had a fun lunch in Costco with Barb and Carlyn.  A rare little rendezvous where we were able to share our hearts and reconnect.  Find out where we were all at regarding church changes and people leaving... 

Thursday evening we flew to Vancouver where we spent a short night before flying to Manzanillo with fifteen others.  such a wonderful bunch of people.  Mexico is not very accessible at all so of course I had my usual hurdles to get over and Patrice had a very rough adjustment.

Because of me needing a larger washroom we were separated from the others the first night and it reminded me of the alienation that can accompany a handicap.  It comes in various forms but it's extra sa when it affects the whole family and not just me.

Patrice didn't like how poor it was and she didn't like the food and she wanted to GO HOME... tears and crying  Thank God for new mercies that come after a good nights rest!

We joined the others for a most blessed day at their motel where we played with the children from the orphanage.  A little guy named Luis crept onto my lap and into my heart but Ron discourage any ideas that were beginning to form in my mind. =)

Patrice completely mothered a little girl named Melissa and loved it.  We had pizza with them, swam with them and put on a program.  A completely wonderful day.

Patrice was back on track and I felt I could go on too!

In the evening Dennis picked us up and brought us to Colima where we settled into our accessible motel with the rest of the group. 

Today we attended a beautiful church where Rhonda gave her testimony with an interpreter.  Then we went to the Children's Home for a delicious lunch followed by sightseeing at some 900 year old ruins. 

I loved the bus trip into the countryside. Saw a smoking volcano, ranches cowboys, a horse parked by a truck in a village, sugar cane and cobble streets. 

Everyone is good to me even though I'm a bit awkward to get on and off the vehicles.  Lots of willing helpers.

My prayer is that our hearts will be softened - touched by the heart of Jesus.  That we will be able to give and receive that which is of Him.

    ******************

Oh - I forgot to include one of the most significant times I had with the Lord, the morning after we arrived.  I was sitting out on our porch and I turned to Song of Songs chapter 7 and I felt it was a direct and most beautiful word form the Lord for me. 

Even though I struggle and feel burdensome at times, HE sees me so differently.  as I am at times unable to participate and can only look on from a distance as I worship it is like a wine that flows from me to Him.  

Thank you precious Jesus.  

Different Kind of Holiday

 Actually I didn't get around to praying all those passages but they are so good and I want them close at hand for future reference.  

It's 11:30 pm and my lights should be out but who can resist such a lovely quiet hour?

Patrice is tucked in beside me and I love sleeping with her - she is so "there" when she sleeps, head thrust back, deep even breathing.  such a gift - she's so intense.  We get along really well when we're not fighting. =) 

I just want to say that I prayed alone for one hour today, for Canada and I feel rather pleased about that, especially after all my struggles this week to pray.

I also attended a wonderful prayer meeting at the school this morning followed by a prayer meeting at church! 

Ron is picking up a new truck in Winnipeg so the kids and I are alone for 5 days.  A different kind of holiday.

The Wrestle

 Along with my desire and attempt to draw Jesus into more minutes of the day-to have a more conscious awareness of His presence and activity in my life; I also feel I need to be more disciplined in my actual response to Him - putting His word in to my mind so I can meditate upon it.

Praying with regularity.  A scheduled time with Him.  Why is this my Achilles heel?  Why so difficult to set aside just one hour out of 24?

I feel unbelievable opposition - makes me what to give up but I WILL NOT! I do want to "GROW UP IN. ALL ASPECTS INTO CHRIST".  I feel so infantile in this area - so aware of my screaming flesh which is supposed to be dead! 

So, Spirit of the Living God I call out to you I desperation. Help me to persevere.  I was going to do 1 hour daily but instead I will aim for 1/2 an hour and anything over will feel like a bonus. =) How babies must be pacified.  but 1/2 hour is better than none!

As I sit and try to wait upon the Lord everything in me cries out and wants to run away or fall asleep.  However, as I read out loud the word of God and pray it, life comes in to me. Here are some of the passages I prayed...

Philemon 6, John 10:27, 5, Ephesians 5:17, Colossians 4:12, Acts 22:14, James 1:5-8, 1 Corinthians 1:30

Acts22:14, Hebrews 4:10, John 16:3, Proverbs 16, John 16:13

A New Day & A New Year

 It's beautifully clean and white outside.  Fresh snow - a new day and a new year - new beginnings! 

"His mercies are new every morning"

I feel captivated by a new hope and I "happened" upon a book which I forgot that I ever owned called "Practicing His Presence" and oh what a glorious discovery this has been.

I am so encouraged to begin to seek God's presence in my seconds and minutes... It's the only way to win over any kind of fear or anxiety.  Part of me is gripped by my weaknesses and seeming inability to follow through with my convictions, YET "I can do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME". 

So I begin today to seek His presence.  Simply turning as many of my seconds and thoughts over to Him as I can.  

Help me Jesus.