Day 53 - Ketchup!

My husband told me over the weekend that we were out of ketchup so when I went to the store I bought a bottle. Today as I went to get something out of the refrigerator I found two bottles of ketchup!  I'm not sure where he was looking but now we have three bottles of ketchup! This picture reminds me that sometimes we miss the obvious because we're not paying attention for whatever reason! I surely don't want to miss any of the lessons and blessings that God is giving me on this adventure because I am not paying attention! This picture also reminds me that I have a lot to "ketchup" on!

Day 52 - Blessings

My sister is moving next weekend and she decided not to take some of her furniture with her. What a blessing for us to receive this beautiful hutch, a dining room table with six chairs and a ping pong table! Thanks sis!!

Day 51 - Vision

My trainer told me that as I train I should envision myself standing on the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro!!

Day 50 - Volunteers

I attended a delicious brunch today, hosted by the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) to recognize their volunteers. This organization does its life-saving work with only 2 paid staff supported by countless volunteers!  It was very interesting to hear how each volunteer contributes to AFCA's mission. Are you interested in volunteering your time? You do not have to live in the Harrisburg area in order to help. Please check out AFCA's website at http://www.afcaids.org/ to see how you can make a difference in the lives of children affected by AIDS in Africa!

Day 49 - What faith can do!

Today is the first day of strength training. The rest of my family went to my in-law's house so I was home alone. I put on the latest WOW CD and started. By the time I got to the push ups I was lying on the floor crying and asking God "Why does this have to be so hard?" At just that moment a song by Kutless called "What Faith Can Do" came on. Thank you Lord for your encouragement because these are the lyrics I heard,
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more that you can take
But you're stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

Day 48 - Training begins!

I got my official training program today!  Now I have to exercise because I am being held accountable by the yellow paper you see in my picture! Thank you Anne for being willing to help this out of shape, I don't like to exercise woman get to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro! Let the training begin!

Day 47 - A Puritan Prayer

I first heard Carlos Whittaker sing the song "We Will Worship You" at Creation last summer. Now I keep hearing the song on the radio. It is such a beautiful and challenging song!  Carlos said that the chorus is based on a Puritan prayer. The lyrics to the chorus go "Save us from these comforts. Break us of our need for the familiar. Spare us any joy that's not of You and we will worship You."  On Carlos Whittaker's website one man posted this about the chorus "It’s a prayer of Psalm 51. It’s a prayer for brokenness, and prayer of His sovereign nature. The last line “And we will worship You”, is not a statement of do this THEN we will do that. It’s more of . . . by nature we CANNOT worship until we are broken. How humbling that is. "  May I make this my prayer today and every day!

Day 46 - Fix my eyes

I have been feeling very overwhelmed with my "to do" list lately. When I get like that instead of springing into action I usually shut down and don't do anything which then makes matters worse!! I heard a song on the radio today by Carlos Whittaker called "We Will Worship You." The first two lines go "We fix our eyes on You. You are God alone. We fix our eyes on You. You're our only hope." It reminds me of the story of Peter in Matthew 14:22-33 who after seeing Jesus walk on water asked Jesus if he could walk on water too. We're not talking about a calm sea here but strong winds causing high waves! Jesus called to him and Peter obeyed by getting out of the safety of the boat and walked on the water! But, then he took his eyes off of Jesus and started to look at the big waves and he began to sink. Jesus rescues him and asks Peter, "Why did you doubt me?" God has called me to get out of the safety of my boat and I have obeyed by agreeing to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. But it is easy for me, just like Peter, to take my eyes off of Him and His promises and to focus instead on the "big waves" in my life which then causes me to feel overwhelmed and to feel like I am sinking! God says to me "Why do you doubt me? Fix your eyes on Me and trust Me to provide all that you need to accomplish what I have called you to do." 

Day 45 - The Best Valentine!

Day 44 - Operation World

I received a copy of Operation World today! This incredible resource provides statistics, answers to prayer and prayer challenges for each country of the world in a format that will allow me to pray for a specific country each day. I am excited to begin this prayer journey around the world!!

Day 43 - Hope

As I was setting up this shot today the angel fell and her arm broke off. This is the Angel of Hope and she was given to me by a friend so I was very bummed that she was broken. But then I realized that this "broken" angel has a story to tell. This angel reminds me that even if I am broken, whether it is physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually, there is always hope! "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Day 42 - Be a Popeye!

After supper on Friday night we watched some old Popeye cartoons. One of his famous lines is "That's all I can stands, and I can't stands no more!" Popeye would then eat a can of spinach and suddenly have the strength to right the injustice. This reminded me of a book I started to read a few years ago called "Holy Discontent" by Bill Hybels. From the back cover "What is the one aspect of this broken world that, when you see it, touch it, or get near it, you just can't stand? What reality is so troubling that it thrusts you off the couch and into action? This is what Bill Hybels refers to as a "holy discontent": a personal "firestorm of frustration" that, although sparked by that which is terribly wrong, can catalyze fierce determination to set things right. It is often during these eye-opening heart-hungering moments of engagement when you will hear God whisper, "I feel the exact same way about this situation. Now, let's go solve it together!"" Who needs spinach? With God's help, I can be a Popeye and be an unstoppable force for good in this world!!

Day 41 - Be flexible

Sometimes things happen that are out of our control. Instead of grumbling and complaining, I need to be flexible.

Day 40 - Subs = Life

On behalf of the kids, thanks to all who bought subs and pretzel sandwiches! Each sandwich sold equals another day of life for a child in Africa who has AIDS. Stay tuned! More fundraisers to come!!

Day 39 - Comfort each other

One of my sons helped me with this shot today. I love his idea! 2 Corinthians 1:4 says "He (God) comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others."

Day 38 - What do you believe?

We watched Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade tonight. After Indiana Jones' dad is shot, the villian says to Indiana "This is when you ask yourself what do you believe." Indiana needed to act on what he believed to be true in order to save his dad's life. This required him to take a "leap of faith" but he was rewarded for his courage by finding the Holy Grail. I need to ask myself the same question. What do I believe?

Day 37 - Priorities?

Need I say more??!!

Day 36 -"I have overcome"

Ephesians 6:12 reminded me today that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  This is important for me to remember as conflicts in relationships arise.  More importantly is what Jesus says in John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Day 35 - Uncle Robert

February 4 would have been my Uncle Robert's 85th  birthday. I celebrate his birthday on my blog today because he is one of the most inspiring people I know! In his early twenties he was diagnosed with a disease called Friederich's ataxia. This disease slowly robbed him of his ability to walk, to take care of himself and in 2002 his life, but it never robbed him of his joy, his love for his family or his love of God! His unwavering faith helped him to face his many challenges without complaining and his example inspires me to do the same! Today in heaven, he has a brand new body free of this disease and I look forward to someday walking the streets of gold with him!!  Happy Birthday Uncle Robert!!  Love you more!!

Day 34 - Standing on the promises

Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let His praises ring, Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God. Refrain: Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior; Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises I now can see Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me; Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord, Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises I cannot fall, List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call, Resting in my Savior as my all in all, Standing on the promises of God.

Day 33 - Sweet pea sisters!

I had a great conversation with a  "sweet" sister today (please see Day 29 for a definition of a "sweet" sister).  We discovered that we are like two "peas in a pod" because we are facing many of the same "mountains"!!  So, now she is my "sweet pea" sister!  I'm looking forward to conquering our "mountains" together with God's help!! Thank you Lord  for my sweet pea sister!!

Day 32 - You can do it!

I got this encouragement from a friend today. No matter what your mountain You Can Do It!!

Day 31 - Sleep

I tried so hard to stay awake but I just couldn't. I was helping one of my sons study for a test and I kept falling assleep. He thought this was really funny, but this reminded me that I need to make sure I am getting enough sleep. I've been "burning the candle at both ends" and as my husband told me "now you ran out of wax."  The easy solution is to get more sleep!!

Day 30 - Remember

"Do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19)   May I always remember Christ's sacrifice for me and may His unconditional love compel me to live for Him each day!

Day 29 - Sweet sisters

I went out to  breakfast on Saturday with some sweet sisters. They are not my real sisters but are my sisters in Christ. I call these gals my sweet sisters because our time together is always sweet. We laugh, we cry, we pray, we encourage. They totally live out these verses from Romans 12:9-11 - "Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically." You see, my sweet sisters are not pretend sugar like the yellow packet in my picture but they are the real deal - pure sugar!! I absolutely know that I can face any mountain with the love and encouragement of my sweet sisters. Thanks girls!!

Day 28 - Turtle power

My boys were watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles today.  What I love about the turtles is that they all have different personalities and strengths. Together they make quite a team and there is nothing they can't do!  I'm looking forward to getting to know the personalities and strengths of my teammates! Together we will summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and make a huge difference in the lives of many children.  Cowabunga girls!!

Day 27 - Together

"What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful." - Mother Theresa

Day 26 - You can make a difference!

I have been feeling overwhelmed with preparations to climb and with the busyness of life. I needed to be reminded today that the struggle is worth it because  I can make a difference in the lives of kids with HIV! You can make a difference too without having to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to do it! Please visit the website for the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (http://www.afcaids.org/) to find out how you can make a difference in the lives of children!

Day 25 - Crave God!

Several of us have decided to fast on Tuesdays to pray specifically for wisdom for the American Foundataion for Children with AIDS and to pray for our team.  Recently, I read a devotion on Matthew 6:33  "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." The Greek word for "seek" can also mean "to crave". So as I was craving food today, I was reminded that I should be craving God! His word and His presence will truly satisfy me!

Day 24 - Before I call, God will answer!

A friend sent me this verse today from Isaiah 65:24. God is speaking and he says, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."  How reassuring to know that God already understands what I will need as I climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (or any other mountain I face) and before I even call Him, He is answering!!

Day 23 - Arise, Shine!

Isaiah 60:1-2 says "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you." Arise, shine is a great summary of today's sermon. As part of the sermon, our pastor played  Keith Green's song "Asleep In The Light." Part of the lyrics go:
The world is sleeping in the dark
That the church just can't fight
Cause it's asleep in the light
How can you be so dead
When you've been so well fed
Jesus rose from the grave
And you, you can't even get out of bed
Oh, Jesus rose from the dead
Come on, get out of your bed.

In other words - Arise!

Then, the last worship song today was "Go Light Your World." Part of these lyrics go:
So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world.

In other words - Shine!

My prayer is that God would help me to Arise and Shine everyday!

Day 22 - Satan bite the dust!

I heard an old Carmen song called "Satan bite the dust."  In the music video, Carmen is a sheriff who has come to run Satan out of town.  So, when Satan tries to cause me to doubt and fear I will say to him "Satan....bite the dust" because  "greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world." (paraphrase of 1 John 4:4). 

Day 21 - Happy Birthday Jess!

Today (Jan. 21) is my niece Jess's birthday!  She, however, is not only my niece  but she will also be one of my climbing teammates as we summit Mt. Kilimanjaro!  What a blessing to share this adventure with her knowing we are making a huge difference in the lives of many children!!

Day 20 - Never give in!

Tonight I was helping one of my sons do research on Sir Winston Churchill.  Churchill said in one of his speeches "Never give in."  I love how he is holding up the victory sign in the picture!  This reminds me that I can be victorious in climbing any mountain if I never give in!

Day 19 - One child every 15 minutes

I read on the website for the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA, http://www.afcaids.org/) that in Zimbabwe, one child dies every 15 minutes from HIV/AIDS. That means that as I sat tonight for an hour watching a mindless TV show, 4 precious children died! So, I choose to climb up so kids can grow up!!

Day 18 - Wisdom

Today I fasted and prayed for a friend who was seeking wisdom from God.  Wisdom can be defined as "the ability to know and to do the right thing." I decided to read some of Proverbs since it was written by the wisest man in the world, King Solomon. Proverbs 2:1-6 says "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." I realized, after reading this, that wisdom is not something that I passively sit around and wait to have bestowed upon me but requires me to play an active role! May we all be on an exciting search for wisdom!

Day 17 - Meet John

John is a 9 year old boy who acquired HIV at birth. Because of the free life-saving medicine he receives from the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA, http://www.afcaids.org/), he is healthy and happy!  I climb for John and for the many other children helped by AFCA so that they may have life!!  

Day 16 - Expectations

I was asked today to speak to my church's youth group about expectations. The verse I used is Psalm 62:5 (NKJV) - "My soul, wait silently for God alone for my expectation is from him." The Hebrew word for expectation means "hope" but it is also used to mean "cord" in Joshua 2, the story of Rahab and the spies. Interestingly, rope/cord is used three times in this passage and there are three different Hebrew words used to talk about this rope. In verse 15, Rahab lets the spies down by using a rope. Then in verse 18 the spies tell her that if she puts this scarlet cord in the window through which she let them down, then her household would be spared from death. Finally in verse 21 she tied the scarlet cord in the window. It is this last use of the word "cord" that is the same Hebrew word as "expectation" in Psalm 62:5. I believe it is because Rahab tied the cord in expectation that the spies would keep their promise to her. My picture for today shows my boots and a red cord hanging from my sign to represent Rahab's scarlet cord. In the background you can see part of a beautiful cross to remind me that I can expect God to keep His promises to me! Even when my circumstances scream at me to doubt this, I will choose to believe, with child-like faith, that God will do what He says He will do in His timing and in His way! I also decided to start to wear a red piece of yarn around my wrist to remind me that "he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)

Day 15 - Friends

Climbing a mountain is much easier with the support and encouragement of friends! Thank you to all of my amazing friends!!

Day 14 - Be strong

On the back of my Shield of Faith necklace is inscribed "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Day 13 - Expect surprises!

This comes from a devotional I read to my kids today called Jesus Calling. It is written as if Jesus is speaking to you. "Expect surprises! When  you live your life with Me, no day will ever be boring or predictable. Don't take the easiest path. Don't just get through the day. Live it! Be willing to follow Me wherever I lead. Even when My way seems scary, the safest place to be is by My side."

Day 12 - Enjoy the beauty!

Isn't the snow beautiful? The snow today reminded me that no matter the mountain, I need to enjoy the beauty of the climb!

Day 11 - Let go!

Psalm 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God."  Being still, however, means more than just stopping what I am doing to spend time with God. The God's Word Translation Bible puts the same verse as "Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God."  The Hebrew word for "know" in this verse is "yada" which means "to experience" which is more than just mere head knowledge. Surrendering my worries to God as I face my mountains is not always easy but He wants to carry my burdens so that I may experience joy in this journey as I trust in Him. He will continue to Wow me with His amazing love!

Day 10 - Wow God!

I have been crying off and on for most of the night because I am so totally humbled and amazed at the blessings of God!! I am speechless as I stand in awe of Him! I have seen God work in such miraculous ways both tonight and over the last several weeks that the only thing I can say is "Wow God!  Thank you!!" "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Day 9 - Be Still

One of the most important lessons that God is teaching me about climbing mountains is to "be still". This sounds counterproductive since there are always so many things to do. I'm a wife, mom, and teacher plus I now have the demands of preparing to climb!  But I was reminded today at church where my focus really needs to be. The sermon today was about sisters Mary and Martha and is found in Luke 10:38-42. Jesus was visiting in their home. While Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to what he said, Martha was distracted with all the preparations that had to be made. Martha became upset because Mary was not helping her but Jesus told her that Mary had chosen what is better. She was enjoying being in the presence of Jesus, an opportunity that Martha was missing!  Did Martha love Jesus?  Absolutely. But she was so busy doing things for Jesus that she was missing the joy of being with Jesus. I truly believe that God has opened the door for me to climb Kilimanjaro and quite honestly I, like Martha, find it easy to be distracted by the preparations.for this trip and by the busyness of life. God suddenly slips to the bottom of my to do list. So I want to be intentional about taking time each morning to "be still,"  before God  because I want to experience the joy of  His presence, and to hear His voice. The strength that He provides will help me climb any mountain I face!



Day 8 - What's your mountain?

The physical mountain I am preparing to climb is Mt. Kilimanjaro but there are other mountains in my life that need to be conquered.  What's your mountain?  Maybe it's a pile of  laundry like depicted in this picture, maybe debt, relationships, an illness or just managing the craziness of life. I believe that God is teaching me lessons to not only help me climb to the top of Kilimanjaro but to climb whatever "mountain" I am facing.

Day 7 - What can you do with $1.00?

All it takes is $1.00 to provide a child in Africa affected by AIDS another day of life!  This journey is making me think about how easily I spend my dollars on things that really don't matter.  What trivial things am I willing to give up so that my dollars can make a difference in the life of a child?  Maybe it's that pumpkin spice cappuccino or a trip to McDonald's.  Whatever the case, I decided I need to make better choices as to how I spend my money.  The angel in the picture is an ornament that several of us made and sold at Christmas to raise awareness and money for the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA http://www.afcaids.org/).  We sold them for (you guessed it) $1.00 to represent a child given life for another day.

Day 6 - My teammates!

These are my teammates!  Some of them I know, some of them I do not know but by the time we are finished we will have shared an incredible adventure and made a difference in the lives of many children!

Day 5 - Where is Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Mt. Kilimanjaro (marked by the red dot on the map) is the tallest peak in Africa (19,340 feet) and is located in the country of Tanzania. The organization I am climbing for is the American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA - http://www.afcaids.org/).  They provide free medicine to children affected by AIDS in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire on the map above). I took this picture on Day 5 but for some reason was unable to post it to my blog.

Day 4 - It's all about God!

My journey to Mt. Kilimanjaro began during a sermon series at our church called "Make a Move... in the Power of the Holy Spirit."  We were encouraged to pray "Lord, show me how..."  Through praying, fasting, reading Scripture, and through a series of God directed events, it was clear to me that God was showing me that my move was to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and money for children in Africa affected by AIDS.  To God be the glory!!