A Piece of Pumpkin Pie...

LET CHRISTMAS CELEBRATING BEGIN!!!!!!!!

Just finished my Irish Thanksgiving! What a lovely day at the Kirks! Spent some time with Benjamin while Alan and Rachel were out. We constantly had to check on "the bird" as he was helping me with the turkey. Abigail and Rebecca came over to join in the festivities as well as Rachel's sister. What DELICIOUS food we had! MMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

We hung out and talked after dinner and then had our pie. Now, the girls (who just got back from McDonald's) are eating. . . again. Alan is in the kitchen making Veda and Cheese, Benjamin is asleep, and Rach is watching the X-Factor.

Sleepover tonight with Abs and Bec . . . Oh man. . . got a feeling I wont be sleeping much tonight!! After I finish writing I'm turning on Miracle on 34th Street. It feels good to be able to listen to Christmas music (as I have been for the past 3 hours) ~

Currently it is:

28 Days

2 Hours

33 Minutes

16 Seconds

SO SOON!!!!

Love you all!!! Here's to the best Christmas season EVER!

xoxo

-J





Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Happy Thanksgiving!
(tho I'm not celebrating mine until Saturday)
. . . which leads me to a dilemma I've been contemplating ALL DAY! Literally I woke up this morning thinking about this! Everyone who knows me knows that I'm scrooge until my last piece of pumpkin pie is eaten. . . and then I turn into Christmas' number one fan. So the problem? Today is Thanksgiving BUT I haven't even celebrated it a little - Saturday is when I get my turkey and piece of pumpkin pie. . . So, do I get to celebrate Christmas now or do I need to wait until Saturday night?? I'm serious - this really has been on my mind all day!

Anywho - Yesterday was another rough day. Please keep Vinny in your prayers as he has become pretty sick. He is my right hand when it comes to running the Dream Centre - and I know it kills him not to be able to go out on the outreaches but he must take it easy until his health improves - so yes, please be praying!

Worked all day yesterday and then came home and had a wonderful 3 hours to myself where I did nothing but indulge in the finer things in life - a bubble bath, chocolate, and classical music. After my 3 hours of Julie time I headed out to the prayer meeting. I was supposed to be picked up by Vinny but once 7.45 showed up and no Vinny (that's the time it starts) I decided to run there. Daniel Wright said he'd meet me at the Vivo (like a 7-11 minus the icees). So I waited there for 12 minutes before heading on - no Daniel in sight. LOL a bit down the road he called saying he forgot he was going to meet me (though we discussed it 15min beforehand!) And so we ended up meeting just before the church and walked the rest of the way together. Needless to say we got there pretty much at the end - but still I'm glad I went.


Today was glorious - I slept in until 9.45 (I believe that's the latest I've slept in since moving out here!) Had a banana and then went to work on my "To Do" list.
1. Wash Clothes
2. Clean Room & Vacuum
3. Wash Mold off Walls (long story)
4. Work on Junior Youth Bible Lesson
5. Iron Sheets

After I completed the above I went to visit Mr McCray. I just love that man so much! He always puts a smile on my face!! Ran halfway there and halfway back. Felt really good to run again :) - tho I haven't a clue how on earth I ran a marathon...just a bit of running (mostly the downhill parts) and I was dying!!

At 3pm I had a skype moment with my family. Where would I be without technology?! I'm so thankful to have been able to see my family thousands of miles away to wish them a happy Thanksgiving :) We also drew names for Christmas in which I drew Emily's. Hmmmm what to buy???

Had soup for lunch, quiche and chips (fries) for dinner. . . missed Thanskgiving food - but yes Saturday will come soon enough (along with my pumpkin pie!!!!!) . . . Youth tonight! Both went well. Actually the Highschool youth went extremely well - God really anointed Alan tonight when he brought the word and I have no doubt that the kids were greatly moved. BIG THINGS!

Came home and watched Master Chef with Allison and Sue while I had my cup of coffee - heading to bed after I post this. Feel really good right now - I love days where I accomplish much :)

So a Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!
I shall let you know how mine goes come Saturday!
-J

"On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence." 

 ~William Jennings Bryan

"Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty." 

~Michael Dresser

"Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God." 

~Ray Stannard Baker

Harvester's Needed...

"Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Matthew 9:37

Wow what a day! Been in the office working all day. A little discouraged at the task before me but God really has been showing me that it's all about having the right perspective. Excited for the things to come! He is really doing a work over here!

I have decided  though that I want to recruit volunteers to bring back in January when I come. I'm believing God for at least one guy and one girl to commit to 3-4 months. Be praying and if you feel led send me an email - julie.dreamcentrebelfast@yahoo.co.uk God's really anointed the work here and we are seeing lives changed everywhere we look! Praise God! But there is so much more we could do if only we had more help. If you are interested pray about it and then let me know if you still feel it's a God thing.


I have the night off. Planning on getting to bed early tonight as I want to walk Lough Shore in the morning to get some fresh and and Jesus & Julie time. Will be a cold morning but there's no rain in the forecast :)


Loving this life!

-J

Making Scones...

I just spent the last 10 minutes trying to think of a fun title for today's entry and finally gave up on it. So you've ended up with the above haha.

Wow - so much accomplished today and yet I really didn't do too much. Woke up semi - early for it being my off day. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise cause Sue had two doctors appointments for today (one being an eye appt. at 1pm in which she wouldn't be able to drive after, thus ending our adventure out and about).

We headed out into Carrickfergus this morning. First to a material shop for her, then to get some coffee. Next we headed into a couple boutiques where she bought a couple Christmas gifts, and finally somewhere where I needed to go to get gifts for my brothers.

After that we headed to appointment number one. Took but 10 minutes and then off to the house to drop off the car. We decided to walk the two miles to the eye doctors. The sun had long since gone behind clouds - but it was dry and not too cold out so we had a lovely time walking. Allison met up with us about a block from the place and took us the final bit there in her car. After the eye doctors, we picked up Allie's dad and headed to the Garden Centre for tea (lunch). After my delicious lunch of a cheese and tomato panini we headed to the Christmas section - It was massive!!

SIDE NOTE: It has been beyond difficult NOT to cave too much with getting into the Christmas festivities before Thanksgiving!! With N. Ireland not celebrating Thanksgiving - they are already full blast into the Christmas scene. I know to most of you this isn't even a big deal...but today walking through the Christmas shop 3 days BEFORE Thanksgiving. . . I felt extremely guilty - haha holding out strong for the next few days might prove to be impossible! We shall see. . .

After we left the Garden Centre I came home and cleaned up my room and did some house work before dinner. Then, later this evening (after dinner), Sue taught me how to make scones. I felt very much like Betty Crocker baking in my apron :) I must say my first attempt was DELICIOUS! (Hopefully they turn out just as nice when I make them for my family when I'm back in the States!) We ate them with a cup of coffee while we watched our Master Chef episode.

No fire was needed tonight - though I'm pretty sure a cold front came through about an hour ago. Hmmm I shall see in the morning.

Missing yall very much !!
xo
-J

Oh Christmas Tree...

Hello!! Been a crazy weekend! But a good one!

Friday was a REALLY busy office day! Had to get everything done for our banquet the following night! I spent majority of my time printing and laminating. . . then Hannah and I went to the hotel to bring the decorations over.

CONFESSION: I definitely put up a Christmas tree and decorated it for the banquet! One week BEFORE Thanksgiving! I had no choice. . . but I must say - we did a FABULOUS job in decorating it! It was a beautiful tree :)

Friday night we went out on Street Reach. Amazing night once again! I couldn't believe the amount of people that were outside City Hall! I spent the night hanging out with several of my girls! What fun we had!


Saturday was Adopt-a-Block. We had it an hour earlier but still a lot of families were awake due to the nice weather. I got to meet about 8 kids which was great! Plus visit with several of our regular families.

Abigail came over after and we hung out for a bit and then got ready for the banquet. The banquet that night was a lot of fun! We had almost 80 people there so a decent turn out. So glad it's all over now though - it was alot of work!

Hannah & I checking in guests

Abigail & Rebecca

Abigail and I  ♥

Today was a great day! We had a guest speaker for church this morning that REALLY ministered to me. Sue made lunch and Allison and her dad came over. Had the fire going and I took a Sunday nap before getting ready for church tonight. A different sort of service tonight - but still good. Came home after and got the fire going again while we watched a movie and had some coffee and teacakes. Mmmmm :)

Just got off the phone with one of my girls. We talked about God and being a Christian. Please keep her in your prayers as God continues to reveal Himself to her as she contemplates the biggest decision of her life!

Things are definitely moving forward over here - but Satan's attacks are that much greater! Like unbelievably massive! Please keep the whole church in your prayers especially those in leadership as that seems to be where the biggest hits are. We hold fast to the knowledge that Christ has already overcome the world - therefore we are MORE than conquerors in Christ!

I have the day off tomorrow - but by the sound of the rain storm happening outside right now I'm not quite sure what I'll be doing! Still it'll be nice to have it off.

Hope all is well!
23 more days until I'm back in the States!
Where has the time gone??
xoxo
-J

ps ~ I love taking pics of Lough Shore. There is something captivating about it. Here are two of my most recent shots. . .

Men's Meeting...

Hello again!
Today was a busy one!! Headed into town early this morning to purchase two puzzles for a Junior Youth game. Not a fan of the bus system - but I'm getting the hang of it. Headed to Mr McCray's afterwards - unfortunately he wasn't home when I visited...hopefully he'll be in tomorrow. The walk back to the house was treacherous! Extreme gusts of winds! Haha my umbrella flipped inside-out more times than I would've liked! It was a miracle it didn't break like the other two!

John and Gemma and Harrison left today. Felt sad for Sue - I know she will miss them a lot. Ah but their company was so nice and I look forward to seeing them again next year :)

Tonight I had a speaking engagement with Dr. Stewart on behalf of the Dream Centre. Pastor Henry and Evelyn came along to support. Hahahahaha I was told on the way that it was a men's bible study! What?!? So yes I can now say I have been to a men's meeting! Question - is it a requirement to have food at a men's meeting?? Anyways - the meeting went well and God moved which is always a good thing :)

Made it to the church in time to catch the tail-end of the youth service where several teens gave their hearts to the Lord! Some rededicated and one for the first time! WOOHOO!

Headed to bed now. Pretty tired! Just finishing up skyping with my sister Melody for her birthday! And my other sister Emily...just because.

Hope yall are well!!
-J

Breaking Through...

God is absolutely amazing! Where would I be without Him?!

Today was incredible! Yesterday turned around for the better. A struggle in the beginning but breakthrough began late afternoon. Thankful for all of your prayers and all the amazing people He has placed in my life to support me and strengthen me when I'm weak. When I am weak HE is strong!

God really put things into new perspective for me and I know for sure He has called me out here for such a time as now. He then of course asked me to give up some things that were holding me back from complete liberation in some areas - without a second thought I gave it all to the Lord and though i know this Christian walk isn't always easy - He is really bringing me through some things and I have never felt more at peace in Him!

Excited for the new things He has to show me. Though I never enjoy the struggle that challenges bring - I am always grateful for the lessons He teaches me and the growth it brings. Ah but I am still an imperfect person - though He knows that and loves me just the same. He's just too good to me :)

Be blessed friends!
God is in control!
-J

Twenty - Four...

Ups and downs. Highs and lows. Challenges, battles, and victories. What a week this has turned out to be. I honestly am really tired and don't feel much like writing but I'd hate to let another day go by. . . so I will do my best to update you on some of the more highlighted things that went on in the past 7 days.

Tuesday was my 24th Birthday. (I had the day off cause I worked Monday for Hannah) What a lovely day I had too! Lynsey took me out for coffee and a pedi and then that night Sue took Allison, Lyns, and myself out for dinner. Got several gifts which I wasn't expecting and hundreds of Facebook comments and messages from friends and family wishing me a happy birthday. . . each one made me feel so loved and appreciated - exactly what I needed :) I also got to visit my elderly friend - who's name I now know is Mr. McCray. (I am now trying to visit him daily as I feel this is something I've been called to do - I don't think he gets many visitors)

Wednesday I worked in the office and Thursday morning/afternoon I ran errands for Junior Youth. (We had a movie night so sweets and popcorn were a must) The Loft Youth was absolutely incredible that night too. God really showed up in a big way - His presence was evident that night.

Friday I worked in the office and had Street Reach that night. Once again another eye opening evening and God really is continuing to do a work with those teens! John and Gemma (Sue's son and daughter-in-law, along with their baby Harry) came from England for a week visit on Friday as well. We've been having such a lovely time together. I met them when I came back in January and have grown to be quite fond of them and have loved getting to meet their newest addition :)

Saturday was Adopt-a-Block and then I went into town afterwards. AAB went amazing! Though only 7 people showed up to volunteer we were able to split into 3 groups and visit with a lot of our families. Expecting it to only grow from here!

Yesterday, Sunday, we had church - lunch - and then church again. The usual :)

Today has been my off day - though I discovered mid-week that Sue has wireless and I did bring home my office laptop to work on some things from home today...ignoring Sue's comments that today is my "day of rest".

I can't lie and must admit that I've had it really rough the last two days. Under heavy attack and really seeking the Lord in the direction I am to move next. Really could use your prayers! I was having an extremely rough time last night and opened up my Bible randomly to Psalms and the Lord gave me 143:7-10 to meditate on - which was my prayer word for word. I'm so glad He hasn't left me! Through all of life's most recent challenges I know it's just God shaping me into the women He's created me to be. I am nothing without Him. So glad He is the author of my journey.

Today also begins the one month countdown before I head back to the States for the holidays. Where has the time gone??? A paper chain just might be going up in the office. . . we'll see :)

Hugs to everyone!
-J

A Frosty Morning...

Mmmmmmmmmm what a lovely weekend followed by a beautiful Monday :)

Still have half my day left but I felt like I should capitalized on this free moment I found myself and catch you up on the past weekend.

Saturday was wonderful. Me and a team of 8 teens (plus Vinny) headed out to our Adopt-a-Block sites. It was a little chilly - but no rain in the forecast! I got to meet several new families and visit with them all morning. It was quite pleasant. Then I spent the rest of my day caring for Sue who caught a bit of the flu. We finished off our evening by the fire watching Pride and Prejudice.

Yesterday we had church in the morning where I was on children's church duty. Woowee! I was ready for a nap after that one! Good kids. . . but full of energy! After lunch I left Sue to rest and headed out to visit an elderly man on my Adopt-a-Block site. His health is poor and I know he doesn't have much time left - I feel called to visit him daily. Can't remember his name. . . but I know it starts with McC - so that's what I've been calling him. After a short visit I went down to Lough Shore to walk along the beach and watch the sunset. (I must say I couldn't help but collect some more shells to add to my collection!) Church last night was up-beat and powerful! We had an African Night. Lots of music, colorful clothes, and food! What a crazy time we had!

This morning the sun was out. . . as was the frost. (Sigh) The winter has officially arrived! Not much longer now before the snow hits. Been in the office catching up on things. Cleaning. Organizing. Had a skype date with my family (minus one brother) for an early birthday celebration. Can't wait to be with them again! Not much planned for the rest of the day. . . finishing a couple things in the office then heading out to see Mr. McC before making my way home for dinner.

I am completely blessed. I was reading through some old journals I have here with me and it's amazing being able to look back and see the journey the Lord has taken me on in the past year. I am so unworthy but ever so grateful!

I hope you are all enjoying this lovely day - November 7, 2011. It's a once in a lifetime moment. . . don't waste it.

xoxo
-J

Excitement in the Air...

Woohoo! Just had two of the best days ever! So far I am LOVING November!

Yesterday I went on an adventure with myself to Belfast. Needed to get a couple of things for Junior Youth last night. Haha it was extremely windy and raining pretty hard on my walk down to the bus stop. Sad to say the red umbrella is no more. But to protect my hair from the rain I continued to walk down the street with a broken umbrella. . . holding the plastic part with my hands and praying that the broken spikes wouldn't cut me. Made it to the bus relatively dry praise God and found a nearby seat to sit. I was noticing on my way to town that no one getting on the bus would sit in the seat next to me. At first I thought it was me. . . then half way there I realized I had chosen to sit in a disabled or elderly seat section!!! I didn't even know those sections existed on a bus! But I was mortified! Too embarrassed to move I decided to remain seated and just learn from my mistake for the next time :)

Had a lovely day shopping around Belfast. The city was buzzing due to the EMAs being in town on Sunday. Definitely extra energy about the place. Got a few things I needed (and some) before heading home.

Last night we had Junior Youth - which went AMAZING like always! And then High School youth which was beyond amazing! God is SO good! 6 of our teens rededicated their lives to Christ last night!!!

Today I worked in the office - got loads done! Had a lovely coffee date with one of my girls - the fabulous Naomi Smyth, this afternoon. And yes of course - Street Reach tonight! Because of the EMAs we had to move our location just a tad bit, but it still worked. Got to see Ryan and Gemma and Amy. . . three of my favorites! Continue to keep them in your prayers as God is definitely doing a special work in their lives. Passed out over 100 hot chocolates and 30+ hot dogs as well!!

Now I'm all bundled up at home and about to head downstairs to watch the US x-factor over a cup of tea!

Hope you are having a wonderful evening yourself!

xoxo
-J

The Note...

Hello Hello :)

Not much to write about but since I regret skipping so many days in October - I figured it be best not to repeat the same in November!

Today was good but long. I was allowed back in the office! Woohoo! Got a lot done and had several meetings. Tonight I spoke for the Bible Study on "Positive Attitudes" (Something the Lord is working on in me) and we had an incredible prayer time as well! Tonight after worship practice I had a couple moments away with the beautiful Abigail Wright. Just chillin in my office. . . but when I went to lock up tonight I saw this wee note she left me on my board and it made my day. . .

God has HUGE things for this girl and I'm blessed beyond words to get to see those things come to existence.

So here was my encouragement for the day. . . from my modern day Timothy.

Heading into town tomorrow during the day - running some errands before youth. Please continue to keep the work of the lord here in your prayers. The enemies attacks become stronger as the Lord's victories become greater. As least I know who wins in the end  :)

xoxo

-J

Doctor's Orders...

What a long and boring day today was!! Hmmmm let me backtrack to yesterday. . .

Yesterday started out so lovely! Sue and I headed out in the morning on an adventure! Our final destination being Giant's Causeway. We took the scenic route and decided to take a slight detour along the way to see this beautiful spot! The colors of autumn were breathtaking!

About 10 minutes before reaching Giant's Causeway it started raining so we opted to have our lunch first. We had a delicious chicken and bacon sandwich and then headed out in the drizzle to the Causeway. Even in the rain I was in awe. for anyone to deny God after seeing this masterpiece in impossible!! I've never seen anything like it! Can't wait to go back and explore a bit more next year! (Decided no to this time due to the combination of my converse and the slippery rocks)

After a looksie in the gift shop we headed home. And that's where my day took a turn for the worse. Still not sure if it was food poisoning or the stomach bug but I was sick for the rest of the night. :(

Finally fell asleep around midnight (glad the Halloween fireworks weren't too loud and the trick-or-treaters decided to skip our house). I woke up this morning feeling much better - aside from being weak and tired.

Frustrating though cause I have so much to get done in the office and under Doctor Sue and Doctor Evelyn's orders I was to stay home :(( To top it off the sun was out all day! Ohemgee - it would be.

I was able to get a couple things done however, so the day wasn't a total loss. And I did get several naps here and there so it was probably for the best that they sentenced me to house arrest. Though I will be glad to get back in to the office tomorrow.

Sue is away at Women's Mtg right now. Tomorrow I'll be busy with work and I'm speaking for the Bible Study in the evening.

Been deep in thought for most of the day. Haha and the funniest things have come to mind! Probably the most random would be the 1996 Olympics. Specifically the team gymnastics - hard to believe I was only 8 when it happened and yet I remember in full detail the whole event. Crazy what you can remember at such a young age!

Well I hope you are all doing well and in good health!

Blessings to each one of you!

xo

-J