A UAE Christmas!

Good Morning Family & Friends! As I type this blog I am bundled up sitting outside on this amazing Monday morning! It is just cool enough to be bundled and I just finished off a cup of hot Cinnamon tea. I highly recommend! Lipton Cinnamon Tea. I'll give you a second to write that down! ( ;



Everyone is on "winter" break here. Have you ever met a British Santa? I did. ( : He was the best Santa. We took the Little girls to see him. He was also the tallest Santa I have ever met! I have been surprised to see the amount of Christmas decoration around the city. Really just inside the malls. Big Christmas trees everywhere. It's nice. Starbucks has their holiday flavors out. So it sort of feels like Texas!


This Christmas Eve the Philips Family and I will be joining another family for dinner at their home. Then Christmas day is CHRISTMAS DINNER! Let's just be praying' that my sore throat goes away in time for all this good eating! Soup and tea all the time is NOT eating in my book.


I love Christmas. I love it because it is a Season dedicated to what Christians celebrate year round! It is the reason we have peace and joy. The night that baby Jesus was born changed everything for all mankind. The best gift we can offer anyone this time of year (year-round) is the gift of the good news! I am praying that God shows you more of Himself this month and the new coming year. That you are not "okay" with being content. But you are inspired and compelled this Christmas season to share His love and forgiveness year-round.

 

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1 (ESV)

Christmas.

I just couldn't wait to decorate! Thanksgiving dinner will be on Saturday!
I sure do miss my friends and family. I cherish so much more random coffee dates, latenight taco bell, and hanging out on the back porch with family and friends. I am praying that you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season! God bless.

Stuttgart, Germany!

STUTTGART, GERMANY

One of the most memorable moment of my life happened in Stuttgart, Germany. A moment that is possibly one of those “once in a life time” moments. One that left me without words. Literally. I could only sit there…and listen. Listen to the knowledge and wisdom that was being poured out among women of God that are influential in more ways than one.


On Sunday, November 7, I sat down for lunch at a quiet little German restaurant. I sat and gleamed from Titus 2 women. Brooke Philips, Lana Packer, and Jill Briscoe. I met Lana Packer and Jill Briscoe for the first time this weekend.

As I sat at the table and just listened I would think to myself, “How in the world…I can’t believe I get to be among such godly Women!” Jill and Lana are both speakers and authors. But this isn’t what MAKES them so godly or wise. It’s their personal daily walk and relationship with our Father.

For over 2 hours we all sat at a little candle lit table and they talked, I listened. I would pray that God would develop in me the faith and perseverance of these three saints. What I cherished the most was that they are normal women. And I knew that. Their only boast is Jesus. There was not a moment where I felt star stuck. (Alright, so…Maybe just a little…) I was just so excited to be sitting amongst women of such caliber.

The conference was also wonderful Jill Briscoe was the main speaker. During the breakout sessions I chose I learned a lot about Cross Culture Women’s ministry. And just really enjoyed seeing over 150 women from all over the globe with hearts to see change. To be the change.

When Brooke and I arrived in Stuttgart it was pretty cold. One unexpected surprise was that there was some beautiful foliage going on. So many beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows! I loved it. I was told that Stuttgart has amazing falls and springs. Hopefully I will get to see spring for myself one day! Germany is defiantly a place I want to go back to. It was also nice to get to wear winter clothes for a few days!

Enjoy Germany Photo Album Slide show below!!!

Enjoy the adventure! You are never to old!

Peace, Jerri K.

2 weeks already!

Has it really been 2 weeks?!? Wow! It has certainly flown by…as I knew it would. I am attending a church called fellowship of the Emirates and have met some really great people. This coming Wednesday I get to meet up with some folks around my age(I have to get my Texas words in where I can!) for dinner. I am VERY excited to have made some new friends….I hope they like me! ( ;



God is good to provided EVERYTHING we need right when we need it! I have been shopping around for a used gas oven, microwave, and Refrigerator for the past two weeks and finally found them all in the same location! So now my kitchen is complete. All that is left is to put the bunk bed together and it will be FINISHED! Then I will post pictures.

This is a short post but there will be more exciting things to report very soon!


Enjoy the adventure friends!


Love, Jerri K.

“She knew JOY was one of her best accessories, so she made up her mind to wear it every day.” Sassy & Sophisticated

First few days in the UAE

Hey there everyone! I wish I had a few photos to show off. I will soon! This week and next week are the "getting settled in" weeks. Next week I will be cleaning, furnishing, and decorating my apartment. I will post pics as soon as it’s done! Then I will begin my training! I also will be traveling to Germany November 2 for a women’s conference. I get to wear winter clothes! For those of you who are not aware of the UAE climate is hasn't been cooler than 98 degrees since I have been here. Last week it was over 110'! ( : YES, I have been wearing my sunscreen ( ;

I arrived to my final destination without a hitch. I had to run to the gate to catch the second leg of my flight from London to Dubai. I had an hour and a half layover (I don’t recommend.) and security was backed up. I then had to take a tram to my gate, two elevators, a few escalator...ran up to the attendant *huffin' and puffin'* and asked, "did I make it?!"..."Yes" and then I let out a loud declaration of excitement as I made my way to the terminal!


It really was that dramatic. ( ;


As soon as I have more internet time I will do more blogging! Thank You for all your support!

“The life of faith is lived on day at a time, and it has to be lived – not always looked forward to as though the “real” living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.” Elisabeth Elliot

A sweet Poem I came across.

Child of My love, fear not the unknown marrow,

Dread not the new demand life makes of thee;

Thy ignorance doth hold no cause for sorrow

Since what thou knowest not is known to Me.

Thou canst not see today the hidden meaning

Of my command, but thou the light shalt gain;

Walk on in faith, upon My promise leaning,

And as thou goest all shall be made plain.
One step thou seest-then go forward boldly,

One step is far enough for faith to see;

Take that, and thy next duty shall be told thee,

For step by step thy Lord is leading thee.

Stand not in fear thy adversaries counting,

Dare every peril, save to disobey;

Thou shalt march on, all obstacles surmounting,

For I, the Strong, will open up the way.

Wherefore go gladly to the task assigned thee,

Having my promise, needing nothing more

Than just to know, wher’er the future find thee,

In all thy journeying I go before.

- Anonymous

If Jesus is my portion.

     Today was my Great Aunt Louise’s funeral service. Nearly a month ago I was sitting across from her telling her all about the next year and what all I will be doing. A few days later my parents told me that her cancer had return from many years ago. And less than 3 weeks later God in all His mercy welcomed her home, keeping her from having to bear the pains of cancer. We all knew this day would come. It was assumed that we would have a few more months with her. The services were beautiful. Filled with the Word of God and evidence of a life well lived. Please be praying her husband of 59 years, Uncle Clark (Not a typo. Isn’t that amazing!?). As well as, her son and daughter and grandchildren.
     The day my Aunt passed away I read a verse; “They still bear fruit in old age…”Psalm 92. She was an example of this verse. Even after her death the fruits of her prayers and love for the Lord are still flourishing. Hearing of her marriage I cannot help but desire 59 years of mine someday. What a sweet example of our Father sovereignty over two lives becoming one.
     One of the songs she requested be played was; “His eye is on the Sparrow”. My dad later told me that this song is played at a lot of the funerals of the Ware families because my great-grandpa (Aunt Louise’s father) was known for humming and whistling this old hymn often. And that small “Habit” of his stuck with so many people. So naturally I had that hymn stuck in my head most of the day. It would also be no coincidence when my bible reading for today happened to be in Matthew 6. “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?”
     This is such peace from my Father. Just a few days ago I caught myself falling right back into anxiousness. But if Jesus is my portion…why? I need forgiveness for not taking Him as His Word. He is God is he not? Then WHY should I ever give any anxious thought a second thought?

     From what I learned of my Aunt today, she really did live a life of faith and service to God everyday. It was said of her that, "I have never seen anyone with such peace about death." It is because my Aunt Louise knows Jesus. She put her turst in Him and lived her life For Him.

Time.

I am a strong believer that Time is one of the most precious gifts that could ever be given. It is one that can never be replaced or bought. All that to say, I am praising my Heavenly Father for the past two days where I have spent the most time I have ever been able to with my sweet niece Claire. Just her and her Aunt Jerri K.  I put her down for nap and felt the tears well up (yes i said it...tears). I am just so proud to be her aunt. So thankful to be apart of such a tiny little girls life.  I sure will miss her while I am gone. I will miss all of my family. 

Please be praying for me. Pray that I use the month of September wisely, with no other preoccupation but to prepare for Dubai and spend with Family & Friends. Pray that I will have the discipline to be in the Word and draw closer to God during this time. 


Thank you, 
jKw

Sweet Dreams - Isaiah 9:6-7

This passages of scripture came to my mind just a few moments ago as I was about to shut down my laptop. I thought I would take a second and share with you.

Isaiah 9:6-7

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

This is a passage that is often resounding during Christmas time, as well it should. However, God's word is not seasonal. It is alive and active every moment in all seasons of life. It is timeless and it is absolute TRUTH. This passage fills my heart with hope and joy as I think of Mighty God, our Everlasting Father entering this world as just a tiny little baby. My King, born in a stable. This Prince of Peace,  He washed feet, loved the outcast, and was completely humble and sovereign.

My thoughts tonight will rest in Him.

Pondering His might, peace, and the fact that I am a Daughter of the Most High King.

sweet dreams...

-jKw-

Going Away party with the Student ministry

I have had the awesome blessing of getting to serve with Calvary Student Ministry. I started off as a summer intern in 2007 and have served there ever since. They just couldn't get rid of me and Brandon was just crazy enough to hire me! The past 4 years have been an adventure! Thakn you Calvary!!!

My AMAZAING friend threw me a going away party with the student ministry and here are some pictures! Speceial Thank you to ALL who contributed! Ira...the Master-mind! Thanks Girl!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Check out the pictures!

A day well spent.

Today was just a really great day. I woke up this morning and ventured off to Kirbyville to spend time with my Grandma and Grandpa. Let me tell you, Grandma really out does herself with her cooking! She prepared purple whole peas, roast w/ gravy &; rice, rolls, fried okra, creamed corn, & chicken n' dumplings! Needless to say this girl was happy! THANKS GRANDMA!

Grandma and I talked for a while about everything...really. Probably my favorite part was when she pulled out her yearbook from high school and showed me pictures of when she played basketball. To cool! It was just really great to see them and really spend some quality time with them. Thank you Father for that time!

Afterward I went to my Mom & Dads to see my Aunt Peggy &; Uncle Mike who were in town, as well as, My friend Sabrina & Kyle. We all had dinner together and I got some really great time with Sabrina and Kyle.

This was the 2nd time I have seen Sabrina since May. The first time was Wednesday for about 30 minutes. She JUST returned home from an out of state summer job and now she is leaving again. This will be the last time I get to see her until this time next year. I hate writing that. Thank goodness for Skype! It was so hard to say goodbye tonight. I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry.

In fact, I didn't just cry...I believe Niagara Falls was unleashed tonight. I am sure we looked pretty pitiful. This just goes to show what a friendship Sabrina and I have. She is not just a friend. She is a best friend. Even more precious to me she is a sister-in-Christ. It will be a joy to see what God works out in her life as she loves and seeks Him. This Next year is going to bring many challenges and joys for the both of us. You can do it Sabrina! Enjoy the adventure!!!

Even though the goodbyes I say are not forever...it's still really hard to say goodbye to the familiar and comfortable. BUT the reward...I wouldn't trade for the world. His Kingdom come & Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. HE is my reward!

"He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Eliot

Peace, Jerri K.

And So It Begins!

Today was day one of cleaning out my room at my mom and dad’s house. I found $21 and a lot of change, my favorite necklace charm that says “Expect a miracle “after about 3 years of being lost, and some really cute clothes I forgot I had! I was pretty pumped it was like early Christmas.
There is a really awesome story behind my favorite charm. My sister gave it to me in 2005 Just before I found out I was healed of an incurable disease. So it serves as a reminder to trust my heavenly Father. God’s promise is still true, that I can trust Him to provide for all my needs. How timely that I found it a month out from moving.
I also got to spend more family time with my Grandpa Bud at my Grandma’s surprise birthday party. Keep him in your prayers please. He is getting over a bad illness.

Peace!
Jerri K

Dwell in the Shadow of the Almighty!

I have read Psalms 91 several times throughout the past month or so and a few night s ago I read it again. I suppose it’s the possibility of what lies ahead in the coming months that I read this a little differently. I had also just had a few conversations that focused on danger, unfortunate possibilities, uncertainties, and my physical life. When it comes down to it…what does it even matter if & when God calls you to go? Does that mean I say “No, God I don’t think so..this just isn’t for me.”

What a mistake friends if that is the answer we give when we stand before the mercy seat. Let our answer always be, “ Here I am Lord! send me”. (Isaiah 6:8)

The other factors of the things that seem to be unfolding are relationships. Missing people and not getting regular hugs , jokes, and fellowship. But I have seen, read, a felt truth. Praise God for His Word!
Psalms 91 brings me strength and comfort.
“The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.” Ps. 91:1

As ones who follow Christ we are under the “protection of the Most High…the Almighty”. So what in the world is there to fear!!? And isn’t He the God who meets ALL our needs? Including homesickness/loneliness? Most definitely!

The Next verse refers to God as “Refuge” & “Fortress”. “My God, in whom I TRUST.”
There are sweet promises and truth flowing out of Psalms 91.
Followers of Christ are too; Make the Lord our refuge & Be lovingly devote to Him….

How?

Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, jbaptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 10:27-29
27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

So what do we really have to fear? Homesickness, singleness, pain, imprisonment, death….???
As Christians we “Died” long ago and now we truly live.

His Word tells us in Psalm 84:11;
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield;the Lord bestows favor and honor.No good thing does he withholdfrom those who walk uprightly.”

Stay in Gods Word and draw close to Him! Pslam 73:28
“But for me it is good to be near God;I have made the Lord God my refuge,that I may tell of all your works.”

This blog is kind of mini look into my mind the past few days. I little bit of therapy via blogspot. Its good to get it out. I am excited about the upcoming months and what God is going to do. This will be interesting.
Enjoy the Adventure Friends!

Peace, Jerri K.

“The goals of American Christianity are often a nice marriage, children who don’t swear, and good church attendance. Taking the words of Christ literally and seriously is rarely considered. That’s for the “radicals” who are “unbalanced” and who go “overboard.” Most of us want a balanced life that we can control, that is safe, and that does not involve suffering.” –Francis Chan; Crazy Love.