You can't see the snow on the mountains or smell the pristine air, but wow it is beautiful. In just a moment the sun will slice open the sky as it rises above the mountains.
What a wonderful creator to give us such blessings.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Resting
The enemy’s urgency makes our resting and waiting a weapon of warfare.
Resting has brought an amazing tool of warfare for me and the family. My kids prophesied over me when we first moved into our home. Judah said: "as you rest you will grow". Abiel saw a tree planted and the roots spread farther and wider than the tree above ground, through resting. Ashers was a little weird (he's only 3), He saw Jesus standing over a volcano and as the lava came out Jesus picked it up and threw it and it became land. (Interpretation please).
This week we have seen a man who had a flu healed. "100% better than I felt yesterday."
A man who was scheduled for surgery to remove skin cancer on Wednesday healed on Tuesday night. What is even better than that (I believe) is the Holy Spirit washed over him in a refreshing way and he left renewed and full of Life. The doctor examined him and said, "what are you here for again?" "To remove the skin cancer." "There is nothing here." The doc checked his computer to verify and it showed there was cancer. "Well, there is nothing there now."
What is also amazing about this, I told one of the guys who was a part of the Tuesday night meeting and prayed in faith believing for healing, that 4 months ago he didn't even realize he had the gift of healing.
Emie and I are seeing clearer our role here (not just Tuesday nights): Cultivate. Disc up the ground, throw some fertilizer down (we all know what that is, where there is no oxen the stall is clean) and let the Bride use her gifts.
I believe things are opening up and we will see more "meetings/individuals" that we can help. Maybe once we are all rested up the Lord will allow us to go at it full time again (please, please). Until then we rest and wage warfare through wisdom and not busy-ness. It's the difference between being a sniper and a GI with a machine gun.
Please continue to pray as the Lord is opening opportunities up I need wisdom. Tomorrow I am going to a Bible study to connect with a pastor (whom I don't know, never been to the church, etc) to "bless" them. The Lord set it/me up through a dream I had last week. Long crazy story. I drive past the church building daily and one day I prayed the Lord would bless my bros and sisters that meet there. He said, "No, you bless them."
I said, "how?"
He said, "I will tell you later."
Hoping he would forget I drove to work. That night he gave me a dream about meeting a pastor (who was my age) and blessing him. A week later a friend walks into the office and tells me about a bible study that meets on Friday mornings. It happens to the same church I had prayed for and the pastor is my age. Coincident?
So I am heading there this Friday to see how I can bless them. And to think that all of this came as I rested and slept.
Isn't this so much fun? Why did I ever try to "do" ministry differently?
Maybe resting and waiting really is warfare.
-- Heath
Resting has brought an amazing tool of warfare for me and the family. My kids prophesied over me when we first moved into our home. Judah said: "as you rest you will grow". Abiel saw a tree planted and the roots spread farther and wider than the tree above ground, through resting. Ashers was a little weird (he's only 3), He saw Jesus standing over a volcano and as the lava came out Jesus picked it up and threw it and it became land. (Interpretation please).
This week we have seen a man who had a flu healed. "100% better than I felt yesterday."
A man who was scheduled for surgery to remove skin cancer on Wednesday healed on Tuesday night. What is even better than that (I believe) is the Holy Spirit washed over him in a refreshing way and he left renewed and full of Life. The doctor examined him and said, "what are you here for again?" "To remove the skin cancer." "There is nothing here." The doc checked his computer to verify and it showed there was cancer. "Well, there is nothing there now."
What is also amazing about this, I told one of the guys who was a part of the Tuesday night meeting and prayed in faith believing for healing, that 4 months ago he didn't even realize he had the gift of healing.
Emie and I are seeing clearer our role here (not just Tuesday nights): Cultivate. Disc up the ground, throw some fertilizer down (we all know what that is, where there is no oxen the stall is clean) and let the Bride use her gifts.
I believe things are opening up and we will see more "meetings/individuals" that we can help. Maybe once we are all rested up the Lord will allow us to go at it full time again (please, please). Until then we rest and wage warfare through wisdom and not busy-ness. It's the difference between being a sniper and a GI with a machine gun.
Please continue to pray as the Lord is opening opportunities up I need wisdom. Tomorrow I am going to a Bible study to connect with a pastor (whom I don't know, never been to the church, etc) to "bless" them. The Lord set it/me up through a dream I had last week. Long crazy story. I drive past the church building daily and one day I prayed the Lord would bless my bros and sisters that meet there. He said, "No, you bless them."
I said, "how?"
He said, "I will tell you later."
Hoping he would forget I drove to work. That night he gave me a dream about meeting a pastor (who was my age) and blessing him. A week later a friend walks into the office and tells me about a bible study that meets on Friday mornings. It happens to the same church I had prayed for and the pastor is my age. Coincident?
So I am heading there this Friday to see how I can bless them. And to think that all of this came as I rested and slept.
Isn't this so much fun? Why did I ever try to "do" ministry differently?
Maybe resting and waiting really is warfare.
-- Heath
Friday, November 14, 2008
She is having her first birthday.
Our little girl is 1 year today. It is amazing what can happen in a year. We were all sitting on a bed in South Africa waiting for this angel to come. She slid out and has not stopped.
Tomorrow we celebrate with cake.
The other three are keeping up their end of the deal and growing into young children. There is never a dull moment for mommy.
I told Emie the other night, "that's because it's hard to raise a Locke, we're world changers."
When we sterilize life, ministry, etc. so no one can mess up, then no one does anything. I heard someone say, "God put two trees in the Garden." GOD DID! He set it up so there could be a potential mess up. He choose Judas to be over the finances, His disciples argued who was the best b/c Jesus believed in them."
So much more, but I am glad my kids are wild (there is a difference between wild and disrespectful and/or disobedient) and struggle with each other. We are raising martyrs not manikins. Ones who can think and will face opposition. What a great place to work it out at home. I don't want religious em ty vessels but Peters who will swing the sword (after all Jesus did tell them to bring the swords) but are willing to be corrected.
OK so back to Elianna's birthday, she turns one today. God has truly "answered us with grace." Now if she could just sleep through the night.
Heath
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
HS Sweet Hearts!?!
If I were born in the fifties I would not have taken my eyes off this hottie.
Of course sportin' a bow tie like this it was destiny we would go steady. After 10 years of marriage I feel as if Emie and I are shifting into second gear now. With four beautiful children, amazing friends (who we miss), crazy God adventures, seeing the Holy Spirit poured out on us and others, witnessing healings, provision beyond calculation, traveling the world and connecting fewer times than Emie would like, here we are entering another decade of marital bliss. How could God be so faithful to us?
Emie and I had a strange beginning to our relationship (as many of you know). God spoke clearly to us on the same night that we would be married. The only hitch was we were not dating, nor were we close friends. So what were we to do with this revelation? Well, Emie freaked out and told me to drop off the face of the earth.
I was excited, I had found "the one." Life was going to be great. I had been given the most attractive, intelligent, driven women I could have ever asked for. I was told I needed to marry a housewife, but what I wanted was a teammate who would change the world with me. All the years I had been praying for my wife, Emie was the answer. She embodied God's reply to my heart. How could I have been so lucky?
Of course I do wonder why she has put up with me (maybe she didn't pray hard enough).
Over the last ten years I have taken her up and down, over and around the world. She has learned to be content with plenty and with little. She has had to re-establish a home 11 times, 4 of which while living with other families. She has put her desires (which mean "of the Father") aside countless times to fulfill what I believe God was asking of us. She has mothered our children amazingly and poured herself into discipling them for the Kingdom.
Emie has never once complained about what her Father has asked of us. She only wishes she could devote more time and energy to him. She is an ocean yet to be discovered and a treasure yet to be spent. The world is in for a shocker when God fully releases her into her destiny.
Coming from dysfunction junction myself I am in awe how God has blessed me so much with a woman who selflessly gives and can still laugh with me. Emie is my earth angel sent from heaven. I never thought I would ever admire someone as much as I do her (now if I could only tell the way she needs to hear it).
We have had our struggles (like all) but have learned to get up and fly again. We have seen the best of times and the worse of times. I guess that is what being married is all about, loving when our spouses are jerks. And wow have I been a jerk (that happens to be Emie's favorite word to describe me when I am in my element).
When we mutually submit to each other (as if we are one) then anything is possible. I am the luckiest man on earth to have such a woman as I do. And my children are equally blessed to be raised not only with a mother who adores them but who loves Jesus more than herself.
My prayer is that the world will see the Master in this masterpiece he has created between Emie and I. And though we weren't around in the fifties maybe we'll make it fifty more years. If we do I know this lady of mine will be just as hot then as she is now.
I love you babe!
Of course sportin' a bow tie like this it was destiny we would go steady. After 10 years of marriage I feel as if Emie and I are shifting into second gear now. With four beautiful children, amazing friends (who we miss), crazy God adventures, seeing the Holy Spirit poured out on us and others, witnessing healings, provision beyond calculation, traveling the world and connecting fewer times than Emie would like, here we are entering another decade of marital bliss. How could God be so faithful to us?
Emie and I had a strange beginning to our relationship (as many of you know). God spoke clearly to us on the same night that we would be married. The only hitch was we were not dating, nor were we close friends. So what were we to do with this revelation? Well, Emie freaked out and told me to drop off the face of the earth.
I was excited, I had found "the one." Life was going to be great. I had been given the most attractive, intelligent, driven women I could have ever asked for. I was told I needed to marry a housewife, but what I wanted was a teammate who would change the world with me. All the years I had been praying for my wife, Emie was the answer. She embodied God's reply to my heart. How could I have been so lucky?
Of course I do wonder why she has put up with me (maybe she didn't pray hard enough).
Over the last ten years I have taken her up and down, over and around the world. She has learned to be content with plenty and with little. She has had to re-establish a home 11 times, 4 of which while living with other families. She has put her desires (which mean "of the Father") aside countless times to fulfill what I believe God was asking of us. She has mothered our children amazingly and poured herself into discipling them for the Kingdom.
Emie has never once complained about what her Father has asked of us. She only wishes she could devote more time and energy to him. She is an ocean yet to be discovered and a treasure yet to be spent. The world is in for a shocker when God fully releases her into her destiny.
Coming from dysfunction junction myself I am in awe how God has blessed me so much with a woman who selflessly gives and can still laugh with me. Emie is my earth angel sent from heaven. I never thought I would ever admire someone as much as I do her (now if I could only tell the way she needs to hear it).
We have had our struggles (like all) but have learned to get up and fly again. We have seen the best of times and the worse of times. I guess that is what being married is all about, loving when our spouses are jerks. And wow have I been a jerk (that happens to be Emie's favorite word to describe me when I am in my element).
When we mutually submit to each other (as if we are one) then anything is possible. I am the luckiest man on earth to have such a woman as I do. And my children are equally blessed to be raised not only with a mother who adores them but who loves Jesus more than herself.
My prayer is that the world will see the Master in this masterpiece he has created between Emie and I. And though we weren't around in the fifties maybe we'll make it fifty more years. If we do I know this lady of mine will be just as hot then as she is now.
I love you babe!
Better than the Ark?
Though King David and all Israel were singing before God with all their might, with all kinds of musical instruments God was still not in it. Neither did he tell David to move the Ark of the Covenant. It was “the right thing to do” they all agreed, but it was not God’s thing to do, at least not his way of moving.
As a result when they came across the threshing floor, the most level place, the oxen stumbled. Mr. “Strength-in-Self” aka Uzzah puts his hand out to steady the ark and finds himself dead. “David was now afraid of God” and named the place “outbreak against strength in self, aka Perez-uzzah.
As a result an obscure gentleman receives a box. Obed-edom wakes up one morning to realize the King is bringing God over, in a box. “There was only one time God ever put himself in a box and he said, ‘If you touch this thing I’ll kill you’ (Graham Cooke).”
The result is astonishing; the Lord blessed him and his entire household. He is so blessed that David hears about it and wants God back.
What happened to Obed-edom’s house for the king to become jealous and want the Ark back? Did his crops grow larger, goats produce more milk, and/or his pigs have a record litter? Was his marriage outstanding, kids get into the top universities? Was he voted mayor? Did his businesses make the Fortune 500 list? What could have happened in three short months that everyone knew that God in the box was tangibly impacting his “entire” household? Whatever it was his mother-in-law was reaping the benefits and it was not just spiritually. I can’t help but believe we are in a better position than Obed-edom was. “God no longer dwells in things made by human hands” (Acts17:24), he dwells in us, his Body, his Temple, his Bride.
If Christ dwells in us then shouldn’t all aspects of our life be abundant? We are the Light, shouldn’t the world be a little blinded? We are the salt, shouldn’t they be thirsty? Better yet, we are co-laborers with Christ. "We know that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), shouldn’t we be getting it back? Maybe we have had a wrong perspective, one that can't wait to leave this earth, that we no longer occupy ourselves with bringing His Kingdom now. . . . “His will on earth as it is in Heaven.” We have settled for preaching the gospel and getting people saved, only to have forgotten about preaching the Kingdom so the saved have something to do.
As Christians, we bring the very presence of God into everything. We have access to wisdom the world has yet to discover. When you show up at work believe what is reality. “Don’t be content with sitting in the Heavens, rather operate from it (Lance Wallnau).” Bless your pagan boss, Joseph did! It was Joseph’s sinful boss that God used to catapult him into his destiny.
I have had some great times at my current job. I see it in two parts; one to slow me down so our family can enjoy some stability. Emie is still the love of my life. After ten years of marriage I am still awed by her. With the days coming closer to having our own place, she has become a new woman.
Secondly, this new journey has taken me deeper into my destiny. I am getting wonderful training and being challenged in a new environment. The last 5 weeks have been an adjustment from having a boss to little time to hang with the family. Through it all, I have seen God show up in the market place. There are no professional ministers, we all minister. Life is ministry and we advance the Kingdom of God wherever we find ourselves.
In the last week I have had the opportunity to pray for one co-worker who had a pinched nerve in his hip. This created a twitching down his leg and he could only sit for a few minutes before he would have to stand up. Being a Christian himself, it wasn’t difficult to convince him to let me pray. I did and he sat the rest of the day without pain and the following Monday was still in shock that he was healed. God had not only rocked him in the healing but also rocked him back into a revived life.
Another co-worker (who is not a Christian) had the flu. After a day of kicking myself for not praying for her immediately I got the boldness to ask. After I briefly prayed, she said she didn’t feel anything. As she was talking, the shock was kicking in because all her sinus pressure had disappeared, then her ears cleared up. She couldn’t believe it.
Yesterday I was able to communicate the gospel to another co-worker who was living the player life. He was very open about his selfishness in relationships, so I was very open in how he probably should reconsider his lifestyle. We had a fascinating conversation about not lying, trust, character and integrity. I shared the simple truth of being separated from God and in darkness to being alive in Christ. I communicated that whether he agreed with his pastor/priest the truth is, he was still accountable before God with his life. He could not blame his view on God because of a priest he didn’t like. I could see the fear of God come over him and the wheels spinning.
It has been an amazing week on the job and I can see things rising in the supernatural realm. The Lord has also given me amazing dreams in my sleep that are glimpses of what is to come. What exciting times we live in.
If an obscure man named Obed-edom aka worshiper can be blessed, then the ones who worship in Spirit and Truth and put “no strength in self” can be blessed and have some left over to generously give away. We are better than the Ark, because in Christ, everything prospers.
Who knows maybe a king will be jealous of your blessing and come offer you a better job than the “prison” you’re in now.
Blessings
He@th
As a result when they came across the threshing floor, the most level place, the oxen stumbled. Mr. “Strength-in-Self” aka Uzzah puts his hand out to steady the ark and finds himself dead. “David was now afraid of God” and named the place “outbreak against strength in self, aka Perez-uzzah.
As a result an obscure gentleman receives a box. Obed-edom wakes up one morning to realize the King is bringing God over, in a box. “There was only one time God ever put himself in a box and he said, ‘If you touch this thing I’ll kill you’ (Graham Cooke).”
The result is astonishing; the Lord blessed him and his entire household. He is so blessed that David hears about it and wants God back.
What happened to Obed-edom’s house for the king to become jealous and want the Ark back? Did his crops grow larger, goats produce more milk, and/or his pigs have a record litter? Was his marriage outstanding, kids get into the top universities? Was he voted mayor? Did his businesses make the Fortune 500 list? What could have happened in three short months that everyone knew that God in the box was tangibly impacting his “entire” household? Whatever it was his mother-in-law was reaping the benefits and it was not just spiritually. I can’t help but believe we are in a better position than Obed-edom was. “God no longer dwells in things made by human hands” (Acts17:24), he dwells in us, his Body, his Temple, his Bride.
If Christ dwells in us then shouldn’t all aspects of our life be abundant? We are the Light, shouldn’t the world be a little blinded? We are the salt, shouldn’t they be thirsty? Better yet, we are co-laborers with Christ. "We know that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one" (1 John 5:19), shouldn’t we be getting it back? Maybe we have had a wrong perspective, one that can't wait to leave this earth, that we no longer occupy ourselves with bringing His Kingdom now. . . . “His will on earth as it is in Heaven.” We have settled for preaching the gospel and getting people saved, only to have forgotten about preaching the Kingdom so the saved have something to do.
As Christians, we bring the very presence of God into everything. We have access to wisdom the world has yet to discover. When you show up at work believe what is reality. “Don’t be content with sitting in the Heavens, rather operate from it (Lance Wallnau).” Bless your pagan boss, Joseph did! It was Joseph’s sinful boss that God used to catapult him into his destiny.
I have had some great times at my current job. I see it in two parts; one to slow me down so our family can enjoy some stability. Emie is still the love of my life. After ten years of marriage I am still awed by her. With the days coming closer to having our own place, she has become a new woman.
Secondly, this new journey has taken me deeper into my destiny. I am getting wonderful training and being challenged in a new environment. The last 5 weeks have been an adjustment from having a boss to little time to hang with the family. Through it all, I have seen God show up in the market place. There are no professional ministers, we all minister. Life is ministry and we advance the Kingdom of God wherever we find ourselves.
In the last week I have had the opportunity to pray for one co-worker who had a pinched nerve in his hip. This created a twitching down his leg and he could only sit for a few minutes before he would have to stand up. Being a Christian himself, it wasn’t difficult to convince him to let me pray. I did and he sat the rest of the day without pain and the following Monday was still in shock that he was healed. God had not only rocked him in the healing but also rocked him back into a revived life.
Another co-worker (who is not a Christian) had the flu. After a day of kicking myself for not praying for her immediately I got the boldness to ask. After I briefly prayed, she said she didn’t feel anything. As she was talking, the shock was kicking in because all her sinus pressure had disappeared, then her ears cleared up. She couldn’t believe it.
Yesterday I was able to communicate the gospel to another co-worker who was living the player life. He was very open about his selfishness in relationships, so I was very open in how he probably should reconsider his lifestyle. We had a fascinating conversation about not lying, trust, character and integrity. I shared the simple truth of being separated from God and in darkness to being alive in Christ. I communicated that whether he agreed with his pastor/priest the truth is, he was still accountable before God with his life. He could not blame his view on God because of a priest he didn’t like. I could see the fear of God come over him and the wheels spinning.
It has been an amazing week on the job and I can see things rising in the supernatural realm. The Lord has also given me amazing dreams in my sleep that are glimpses of what is to come. What exciting times we live in.
If an obscure man named Obed-edom aka worshiper can be blessed, then the ones who worship in Spirit and Truth and put “no strength in self” can be blessed and have some left over to generously give away. We are better than the Ark, because in Christ, everything prospers.
Who knows maybe a king will be jealous of your blessing and come offer you a better job than the “prison” you’re in now.
Blessings
He@th
Friday, September 5, 2008
MLK
“I say to you, this morning, that if you have never found something so dear and precious to you that you will die for it, then you aren’t fit to live.
You may be 38 years old, as I happen to be, and one day, some great opportunity stands before you and calls upon you to stand for some great principle, some great issue, some great cause. And you refuse to do it because you are afraid.
You refuse to do it because you want to live longer. You’re afraid that you will lose your job, or you are afraid that you will be criticized or that you will lose your popularity, or you’re afraid that somebody will stab or shoot or bomb your house. So you refuse to take a stand.
Well, you may go on and live until you are ninety, but you are just as dead at 38 as you would be at ninety.
And the cessation of breathing in your life is but the belated announcement of an earlier death of the spirit.
You died when you refused to stand up for right.
You died when you refused to stand up for truth.
You died when you refused to stand up for justice.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From the sermon “But, If Not” delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church on November 5, 1967.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Where are we?
Okay, so I'm officially changing our updates from Locke Adventures to Locke Life BECAUSE HOPEFULLY we'll be keeping it on the low with adventures! Many of you will be glad to hear that we are landing in the Porterville, California area for awhile. Settling? I hope so, for a few years at least. Working? As always, but this time Heath has been hired at a citrus farm here as a project assistant (project manager). He starts tomorrow. Housing? We'll be staying with our friends Mike and Jonelle for a bit longer until we find a place for our family to settle. As amazing as God has been at providing hosts who are gracious and loving through the last 3 years, we are ready for some space of our own.
Heath and I felt that we may not be back in Portland for awhile as we drove off to the unknown in June. Once landing in Lindsay, CA and staying with our friends, Jonelle and Mike, we felt like we were home in many ways. Ministry has been a lot of fun here and we feel like they are family (as they truly are). Our family is very tired, physically, emotionally and spiritually as we have had to pick up and move every 3 to 6 months for the last year and a half. As you look at our life, there are many ways to interpret the last year and a half and each of you will come to your own conclusions. Some will believe that due to all the upheaval in our lives, it may be evidence that we should've never sold our house and embarked on the adventures of the last 3 years. Others will look at our life and think we had a good adventure. Others will just be frustrated by our constant wandering and gypsy lifestyle. And some of you have lived every step of the way with us, gleaning the good stuff that we were able to pick up through our travels and lessons the Lord put before us. I'm sure there are a variety of other interpretations of our life.
You may conclude what you want, it won't affect us much! What really matters is how we feel that the Lord is looking upon our last 3 years of adventure and what he is seeing for our future. And as much as we have seen plans change, difficulty upon difficulty, and not being able to see what's ahead, we are confident that we have been walking this journey in obedience to the Lord. We are by no means convinced that difficulty = out of the will of God. In fact, as you read Scripture, nowhere is it proposed that when you are obeying and walking in the will of God that life works out as you plan with no difficulty or change.
The future? We aren't sure. But as Paul, sometimes he worked as a tentmaker as he ministered and sometimes he lived by the support of others. All the while, he ministered. Right now, we are being led to a season of stability of circumstance for the sake of our kids and the sanity of their very tired mommy! All the while, we will be ministering. As we get into a routine and gain some structure to our chaotic life, I will be able to update a bit better.
We have no change of address yet and will keep you posted on that. Our cell phone is still 971-404-6128.
***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMOVED FROM OUR UPDATES LIST, JUST ASK. NO FEELINGS WILL BE HURT.
Thank you all for your continued encouragement and support through this crazy journey. We couldn't have done it without you. If you have any questions, just ask. As always, our lives are an open book!
Love and peace to you all,
emie for the locke fam
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Family Union
Southern California has been a hot time. With temperatures in the 100’s it is noting short of Hades. I believe 111 was the high, but the reassuring aspect is by 11pm it is down to 95 degrees.
It has been years since my siblings have been in the same town together. We have all found our home away from home. So when our brother graduated from Police academy we migrated back to our old stomping grounds. It was great reconnecting having cousins meet for the first time, celebrating birthdays and realizing how old our parents really are.
White shirts for everyone pull out the cameras and let’s call it a family reunion.
I am so proud of my younger brother Darrell. He has spent every weekend the last 11 months putting himself through the Police Academy. Unlike Oregon (get hired first and then sent to academy) he has had to push through the months hoping that in the end he will get hired onto a law enforcement agency. It has been difficult and yet entirely rewarding.
The graduation ceremony was the typical pomp and circumstance, introductions and speeches. My brother kept me up-to-date with his progress and standings in the class so I knew he had a shot at one award. It was marksmanship/firearms he had the best chance of getting. The class shot over 1500 rounds over the last 11 months, using hands guns and shotguns in many different scenarios. The award description was read to the audience stating that the recipient had scored a perfect 100%. A gasp fell over the audience and shouts followed as Darrell Locke was mentioned as the receiver. What a stud.
Awards were given for Report writing, Weaponless Defense, Physical Training (which my brother should have gotten, politics!) Outstanding Practical Performance, Leadership and Overall Achievement. What I thought was the most prestigious award given was in honor of a SWAT member who was killed in the line of duty. The recipient of this award was chosen after an extensive interviewing process to see if they displayed that same attitude for duty, would go above and beyond what was expected and be “true blue” in all areas of life.
As the testimony of this fallen SWAT officer was being described there was not a dry eye in the room. It seemed that no one was worthy to been granted such a high honor as this young man had display in his service for community and career. The award went to Darrell O. Locke for his character, selflessness and attitude that Officer James Rapozo had displayed 10 years earlier as he took point on a warrant arrest of a criminal in his home. As Officer Rapozo entered through the front door he was met with gunfire that claimed his life, but not his legacy. My bro is a stud and we are so proud of him.
California is still hot but we plan on staying around for one more week. Then we head up north through Utah (see my sister again) and into Montana to finish the reunion of relatives. Thanks for the prayers, encouragement and love along this trip.
Blessings
Heath
It has been years since my siblings have been in the same town together. We have all found our home away from home. So when our brother graduated from Police academy we migrated back to our old stomping grounds. It was great reconnecting having cousins meet for the first time, celebrating birthdays and realizing how old our parents really are.
White shirts for everyone pull out the cameras and let’s call it a family reunion.
I am so proud of my younger brother Darrell. He has spent every weekend the last 11 months putting himself through the Police Academy. Unlike Oregon (get hired first and then sent to academy) he has had to push through the months hoping that in the end he will get hired onto a law enforcement agency. It has been difficult and yet entirely rewarding.
The graduation ceremony was the typical pomp and circumstance, introductions and speeches. My brother kept me up-to-date with his progress and standings in the class so I knew he had a shot at one award. It was marksmanship/firearms he had the best chance of getting. The class shot over 1500 rounds over the last 11 months, using hands guns and shotguns in many different scenarios. The award description was read to the audience stating that the recipient had scored a perfect 100%. A gasp fell over the audience and shouts followed as Darrell Locke was mentioned as the receiver. What a stud.
Awards were given for Report writing, Weaponless Defense, Physical Training (which my brother should have gotten, politics!) Outstanding Practical Performance, Leadership and Overall Achievement. What I thought was the most prestigious award given was in honor of a SWAT member who was killed in the line of duty. The recipient of this award was chosen after an extensive interviewing process to see if they displayed that same attitude for duty, would go above and beyond what was expected and be “true blue” in all areas of life.
As the testimony of this fallen SWAT officer was being described there was not a dry eye in the room. It seemed that no one was worthy to been granted such a high honor as this young man had display in his service for community and career. The award went to Darrell O. Locke for his character, selflessness and attitude that Officer James Rapozo had displayed 10 years earlier as he took point on a warrant arrest of a criminal in his home. As Officer Rapozo entered through the front door he was met with gunfire that claimed his life, but not his legacy. My bro is a stud and we are so proud of him.
California is still hot but we plan on staying around for one more week. Then we head up north through Utah (see my sister again) and into Montana to finish the reunion of relatives. Thanks for the prayers, encouragement and love along this trip.
Blessings
Heath
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Art Website Launch
It has taken me a lifetime to recognize and months to develop but here it is! I have officially created a website to sell my watercolor art. I see it as another step in how the Lord is directing to fulfill his dreams for us and our destiny in Him.
The website goes into a little detail about how I view my art and why I paint the way I do, so I will spare the details here.
I finally feel I am connecting my art with my heart. I have set the price of each art print with the desire to use the profits for furthering the kingdom of God (and putting food on the table). Lord willing I believe this is how the Lord could use my art to impact lives worldwide. The price is high but the benefits are far reaching.
As Christians everything we do becomes supernatural and ministry.
This is one aspect of fulfilling my destiny.
heathlocke.com
The website goes into a little detail about how I view my art and why I paint the way I do, so I will spare the details here.
I finally feel I am connecting my art with my heart. I have set the price of each art print with the desire to use the profits for furthering the kingdom of God (and putting food on the table). Lord willing I believe this is how the Lord could use my art to impact lives worldwide. The price is high but the benefits are far reaching.
As Christians everything we do becomes supernatural and ministry.
This is one aspect of fulfilling my destiny.
heathlocke.com
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Mountains
I have seen the top of the world. It is a lonely frozen peak only a select few reach. Each year climber’s throw down $70K, acclimatize for 3 months, breathe supplemental oxygen, endure sub-zero conditions and if they are “lucky” celebrate for a brief 20 minutes upon the illustrious peak of Mt. Everest.
I have had this theme of mountains reoccur over the last year. I have always loved the mountains and prefer it to the ocean. We felt the Lord had us in a conditioning phase before our move to Africa to climb that “peak”. The Lord told Emie to “plant your flag in Africa before you go down”. I have been reading scriptures about mountains, watching moves about famous climbs. A friend gave me a book about climbing the 14 highest peaks in the world and said, “You need to read this.” The home we are staying at is located on the top of a mountain (we are the highest) and has a perfect view of one of Northwest’s largest peak.
The best part thus far is when my great friend Steve mentioned he was to climb Mt. Hood but his plans had fallen through due to his climbing partner being on his honeymoon. The weather was going to be perfect (at least on the forecast), the weekend available so I jumped on the opportunity and we went. Located in Oregon, Mt. Hood stands at 11,232ish feet it is not a technically difficult mountain to climb. Thousands of people climb Mt. Hood every year but 130 have lost their lives over the years.
We set off and arrived at Timberline Lodge around 8pm on Friday night. We climbed until 10pm and set up camp just above the last ski lift at 8800 ft. Sleep was limited as I dozed in and out of it. At 1am I thought we had missed our departure time of 3am and never really fell back to sleep. Finally we were out of the tent with crampons and axe in hand. About 40 minutes into the climb we ran into a group of 15 coming down the mountain. They were concerned the electrical storm in the distance was going to engulf the mountain leaving no visibility for a descent and some shock. Steve and I discussed that we would climb a little and assess the storm as we went. As it turned out the storm went right around the mountain leaving it clear and perfect for us. We later saw the same team coming back up the mountain.
We summited at 5:30am to a glorious sunrise and hollowing winds. After our celebration cookie and a few photos we still had to complete the second part of the climb, the descent. This is where most climbers fail and accidents happen. They get lazy, tired and make dumb decisions. We had an uneventful decent and made it back to the car at 8am. After 5.5 hours of climbing and a sleepless night I had conquered a dream and created an addiction. Goemans says, “Dreams are not made to put us to sleep, but to awaken us.”
(me on the last 100 feet to the summit)
I am still not sure what the Lord is attempting to communicate through the mountain theme but I do feel as if we are conditioning for another ascent. Until we summit and the wind blows anew we will keep putting one foot in front of the other and hold onto the promises of God.
On a mission trip to Nepal years ago we flew by Mt. Everest. I have seen the top of the world and one day I hope to stand there.
Blessings and . . . when is the next one Steve?
Heath
I have had this theme of mountains reoccur over the last year. I have always loved the mountains and prefer it to the ocean. We felt the Lord had us in a conditioning phase before our move to Africa to climb that “peak”. The Lord told Emie to “plant your flag in Africa before you go down”. I have been reading scriptures about mountains, watching moves about famous climbs. A friend gave me a book about climbing the 14 highest peaks in the world and said, “You need to read this.” The home we are staying at is located on the top of a mountain (we are the highest) and has a perfect view of one of Northwest’s largest peak.
The best part thus far is when my great friend Steve mentioned he was to climb Mt. Hood but his plans had fallen through due to his climbing partner being on his honeymoon. The weather was going to be perfect (at least on the forecast), the weekend available so I jumped on the opportunity and we went. Located in Oregon, Mt. Hood stands at 11,232ish feet it is not a technically difficult mountain to climb. Thousands of people climb Mt. Hood every year but 130 have lost their lives over the years.
We set off and arrived at Timberline Lodge around 8pm on Friday night. We climbed until 10pm and set up camp just above the last ski lift at 8800 ft. Sleep was limited as I dozed in and out of it. At 1am I thought we had missed our departure time of 3am and never really fell back to sleep. Finally we were out of the tent with crampons and axe in hand. About 40 minutes into the climb we ran into a group of 15 coming down the mountain. They were concerned the electrical storm in the distance was going to engulf the mountain leaving no visibility for a descent and some shock. Steve and I discussed that we would climb a little and assess the storm as we went. As it turned out the storm went right around the mountain leaving it clear and perfect for us. We later saw the same team coming back up the mountain.
We summited at 5:30am to a glorious sunrise and hollowing winds. After our celebration cookie and a few photos we still had to complete the second part of the climb, the descent. This is where most climbers fail and accidents happen. They get lazy, tired and make dumb decisions. We had an uneventful decent and made it back to the car at 8am. After 5.5 hours of climbing and a sleepless night I had conquered a dream and created an addiction. Goemans says, “Dreams are not made to put us to sleep, but to awaken us.”
(me on the last 100 feet to the summit)
I am still not sure what the Lord is attempting to communicate through the mountain theme but I do feel as if we are conditioning for another ascent. Until we summit and the wind blows anew we will keep putting one foot in front of the other and hold onto the promises of God.
On a mission trip to Nepal years ago we flew by Mt. Everest. I have seen the top of the world and one day I hope to stand there.
Blessings and . . . when is the next one Steve?
Heath
Monday, June 23, 2008
Red Bull
Here we are fully loaded with all we need to survive and a bit of everything else
(Oh, and our new van from the Lord).
(Oh, and our new van from the Lord).
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Glory Shadows
I have been meditating these last few weeks on God's presence in us through the Holy Spirit. What do people see when they look at us? Is there an "aura" around us? When I walk pass someone do they feel a "presence"? Is the Holy Spirit that tangible, that present in my life? Can the glory of God be evident at the grocery store? Can our shadow, like Peters, heal people when we walk across them (Acts 5:15)?
What about when people look into my eyes? Do they see peace, depth, compassion, love? "The eyes are a window into the soul" Proverbs says.
In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul describes the New Covenant being so much more glorious than the Old Covenant. "The Old Covenant etched in stone led to death, yet it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses' face. . . shouldn't we EXPECT far greater glory when the Holy Spirit is giving life? In fact, the first glory was not glorious at all compared with the OVERWHELMING glory of the new covenant" (3:7-8).
Have we ever been overwhelmed with the glory of God? Can people spiritually "sensitive" see what is going on around us? Ezekiel says, God's glory is a weight, a sphere within sphere, with translucent colors (Ez.1). My friends son (5) walked up to me one day with his hands cupped, looking as if he was holding a ball. He went on to depict Ezekiel's description of God's glory without knowing it. I asked him if he had seen these "glory spheres" before. "Yes, all the time", was his humble reply.
If the old covenant started with glory but led to death, then it makes sense the new covenant would start with death and led to glory. When the glory of God is present sickness is healed, demons are cast out and we are changed. Ephesians explains, "the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with is presence" (Eph. 1:23).
"If the old covenant, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new covenant, which makes us right with God! In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new covenant. . . the new covenant, which remains forever, has far greater glory. Since the new covenant gives us such confidence, we can be very bold" (2 Cor. 3:9-12).
The question is obvious, how do we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us so potently the world "senses" God in us? Paul gives us insight, "as the Spirit of the Lord works in us, we become more and more like him and REFLECT his GLORY even more" (3:18).
Should people look at us and be overwhelmed with the glory of God we display? Shouldn't it be evident "that God no longer dwells in things made my human hands" (Acts 17:24) rather he dwells within us?
Let us reflect the glory of God so much more people are overwhelmed with his presence when we cross paths.
As for why my shadow is not pulling people off the pavement? Simple, in Oregon, there is no sun!
Blessings
He@th
What about when people look into my eyes? Do they see peace, depth, compassion, love? "The eyes are a window into the soul" Proverbs says.
In 2 Corinthians 3 Paul describes the New Covenant being so much more glorious than the Old Covenant. "The Old Covenant etched in stone led to death, yet it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses' face. . . shouldn't we EXPECT far greater glory when the Holy Spirit is giving life? In fact, the first glory was not glorious at all compared with the OVERWHELMING glory of the new covenant" (3:7-8).
Have we ever been overwhelmed with the glory of God? Can people spiritually "sensitive" see what is going on around us? Ezekiel says, God's glory is a weight, a sphere within sphere, with translucent colors (Ez.1). My friends son (5) walked up to me one day with his hands cupped, looking as if he was holding a ball. He went on to depict Ezekiel's description of God's glory without knowing it. I asked him if he had seen these "glory spheres" before. "Yes, all the time", was his humble reply.
If the old covenant started with glory but led to death, then it makes sense the new covenant would start with death and led to glory. When the glory of God is present sickness is healed, demons are cast out and we are changed. Ephesians explains, "the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with is presence" (Eph. 1:23).
"If the old covenant, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new covenant, which makes us right with God! In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new covenant. . . the new covenant, which remains forever, has far greater glory. Since the new covenant gives us such confidence, we can be very bold" (2 Cor. 3:9-12).
The question is obvious, how do we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us so potently the world "senses" God in us? Paul gives us insight, "as the Spirit of the Lord works in us, we become more and more like him and REFLECT his GLORY even more" (3:18).
Should people look at us and be overwhelmed with the glory of God we display? Shouldn't it be evident "that God no longer dwells in things made my human hands" (Acts 17:24) rather he dwells within us?
Let us reflect the glory of God so much more people are overwhelmed with his presence when we cross paths.
As for why my shadow is not pulling people off the pavement? Simple, in Oregon, there is no sun!
Blessings
He@th
Friday, May 23, 2008
Are you sent?
During a prayer meeting last Friday night, a friend asked all who were present, “Are you sent?” Many of us responded with a “yes”. Towards the end of the meeting, he brought the question back up pointing to a scriptural truth. If the Lord sends us, then those who receive us are also receiving the Lord. Much like when we receive a prophet we receive a prophet’s reward. He was wrestling with what it looks like to receive the Lord by receiving one who is sent.
At that time I was so focused on speaking at a Church about the supernatural, I failed to see the bigger picture the Lord was revealing to me. (I tend to catch things a bit late.) It hit me. We are not simply moving out of our barn, staying with friends for a few weeks in Washington and heading down to California for my brothers graduation, because we have no place to live. The Lord is sending us out.
Before returning from Africa only 3 months ago, the Lord impressed upon us traveling in the near future. At that time, it was due to our living arrangements . . . we thought. Once we got to Oregon, we were so exhausted spiritually, emotionally, and physically, we couldn’t even imagine trying to travel for months on end. We clung to the idea of stability. Maybe we began to get a bit too settled! Now we need to leave in June instead of July like we originally anticipated!
It’s clearer now. The Lord has set up “appointments” for us to connect, share and pray with people. So this next step is quickly turning into a missionary journey. With different people asking about prayer meetings, we could end up making a loop from Oregon to California to Texas, Colorado, Montana, Washington and back round again. What started out as, “we have no place to live, let’s go stay with relatives” has quickly become another adventure (don’t take it personally mom).
The Lord JUST provided a minivan for us!!! We were just GIVEN a minivan!!!!! I do believe the Lord never tires of shocking our socks off and blessing us beyond our imagination! THANK YOU to the two couples making this happen! June 1st is still our departure date from Oregon up to Vancouver for two weeks. From there, potentially Seattle for 2 weeks to start a prayer meeting, visit relatives and friends. Then we head to California for my brother’s graduation. From there we plan on visiting the many prayer meetings taking place through the ministry of friends. We are not sure how long we will be in each location, we are praying for some significant time at every place or until our hosts kick us out.
“Yes, I am sent.” I can confidently say that. As for what it looks like to receive, I guess you can tell us when we show up at your door.
Blessings
He@th
At that time I was so focused on speaking at a Church about the supernatural, I failed to see the bigger picture the Lord was revealing to me. (I tend to catch things a bit late.) It hit me. We are not simply moving out of our barn, staying with friends for a few weeks in Washington and heading down to California for my brothers graduation, because we have no place to live. The Lord is sending us out.
Before returning from Africa only 3 months ago, the Lord impressed upon us traveling in the near future. At that time, it was due to our living arrangements . . . we thought. Once we got to Oregon, we were so exhausted spiritually, emotionally, and physically, we couldn’t even imagine trying to travel for months on end. We clung to the idea of stability. Maybe we began to get a bit too settled! Now we need to leave in June instead of July like we originally anticipated!
It’s clearer now. The Lord has set up “appointments” for us to connect, share and pray with people. So this next step is quickly turning into a missionary journey. With different people asking about prayer meetings, we could end up making a loop from Oregon to California to Texas, Colorado, Montana, Washington and back round again. What started out as, “we have no place to live, let’s go stay with relatives” has quickly become another adventure (don’t take it personally mom).
The Lord JUST provided a minivan for us!!! We were just GIVEN a minivan!!!!! I do believe the Lord never tires of shocking our socks off and blessing us beyond our imagination! THANK YOU to the two couples making this happen! June 1st is still our departure date from Oregon up to Vancouver for two weeks. From there, potentially Seattle for 2 weeks to start a prayer meeting, visit relatives and friends. Then we head to California for my brother’s graduation. From there we plan on visiting the many prayer meetings taking place through the ministry of friends. We are not sure how long we will be in each location, we are praying for some significant time at every place or until our hosts kick us out.
“Yes, I am sent.” I can confidently say that. As for what it looks like to receive, I guess you can tell us when we show up at your door.
Blessings
He@th
Monday, May 19, 2008
cheap, efficient, or made out of wood?
What seems like the best use of money (when it comes to needing a car)?
I can either purchase an old beast (mind you I have a family of six) for $2000.00 and spend $15,000 in gas. Or I can spend $15,000 on an "efficient" vehicle and pay $2000.00 in gas. Hmmmm.
Maybe a stagecoach and a few draft horses would be better on the environment. Yet, I'm not sure if the mall has pooper scooper's.
He@th
I can either purchase an old beast (mind you I have a family of six) for $2000.00 and spend $15,000 in gas. Or I can spend $15,000 on an "efficient" vehicle and pay $2000.00 in gas. Hmmmm.
Maybe a stagecoach and a few draft horses would be better on the environment. Yet, I'm not sure if the mall has pooper scooper's.
He@th
Natural with a whole lot of SUPER!
I was asked to share my "experience"/"understanding" of supernatural gifts at a local church yesterday. It was a courageous step the pastor took in desiring to see the super come upon the natural. I was nervous for what questions he would ask and he was nervous how I would answer.
It was a powerful time and a great reminder concerning the role of Christians today.
If scripture is true about we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who RULE this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
If 1 John 5:19 is correct that the world is under the control of the evil one and "Satan is the god of this world", then poverty, corrupt governments, crime, drugs, depression, sickness, etc. can't be fought with natural tactics.
We are spiritual beings given supernatural gifts to push back the prince of darkness and bring the Kingdom of Light. Christ has given all authority to his body and we know the end of the story (thanks to the book of Revelation). We are therefore called to make what is completed in the supernatural realm a reality in the natural.
So poverty, corrupt governments, crime, drugs, depression, sickness can be won with supernatural authority.
He@th
It was a powerful time and a great reminder concerning the role of Christians today.
If scripture is true about we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who RULE this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
If 1 John 5:19 is correct that the world is under the control of the evil one and "Satan is the god of this world", then poverty, corrupt governments, crime, drugs, depression, sickness, etc. can't be fought with natural tactics.
We are spiritual beings given supernatural gifts to push back the prince of darkness and bring the Kingdom of Light. Christ has given all authority to his body and we know the end of the story (thanks to the book of Revelation). We are therefore called to make what is completed in the supernatural realm a reality in the natural.
So poverty, corrupt governments, crime, drugs, depression, sickness can be won with supernatural authority.
He@th
Thursday, May 8, 2008
What's up could be down!
Hey Friends,
Last week I was mulling over the sweet, uneventful update that I was planning to write as soon as I found a few spare moments. I was going to add some cute stories of all the critters we live with in the barn (owls, CUTE, LITTLE mice but MANY of them, bats, birds and their babies under the eaves). But alas, I was too slow! Now I have some adventure to share with ya'll (no, we're not moving to TX, as far as I know!). Grab a coffee cup, this may take awhile. Or just delete if you're sick of our adventures! (Sometimes I wish I could just delete and end up back at normal and predictable! And for those of you just wishing we'd get a job already and BE NORMAL, believe me, we've wanted it, looked for it and begged God for it many times in the last month!)
So here we go. The last 2 months have been full of emotion. . . most of it difficult and complex. Reverse culture shock is real. My kids have adjusted well, all except little Asher. He has shown his insecurity in all the transitions the most. That's another story. But pray for him if you think of it. I was a basket case for 8 weeks (we've only been home 11). Took a good week to recover from jet lag. We were sick for 10 days at the beginning. We've had 2 weeks of family and friends visiting. And now Asher and Elianna are sick again (asher ended up in the ER on Sat. with croup). Add to that, all the catching up with friends and family, homeschool and LONGING for stability topped by Heath's crazy ideas! I'm not good at giving myself grace in all this but my closest friends keep admonishing me to!
It's one thing to have the grand goal of "missionary" before us as we did when we sold our house, moved in with the Truax's TEMPORARILY doing ministry in the day to day, and then finally on our way to Africa. It's noble. It's risky with a family of 5 and pregnant. It's truly adventurous with a few thinking we're ridiculous. But now we're back. The hype is gone. It's like this: when I was leaving Africa, I asked God to give me a picture of what the whole ordeal was for us! He showed me a beautiful picture of a very tall mountain and said, "Plant your flag."
WHAT?!! I didn't do ANYTHING to deserve planting a flag. But he continued to ask me to plant the flag. Then he shared with me how our last couple years was like a big mountain climbing expedition. The year at the Truax's was the training, the preparation. It was exhilarating. Then we started the climb. We were ready, but the higher you climb, the harder it gets. By the time you're near the top, breathing is difficult. Every step is great effort with resting in between. Oxygen is low and your brain is unable to think clearly. It's easy to wonder what the heck you're doing up there. Then if you make it to the top, you plant the flag and have only minutes to "enjoy" the victory before you have to turn around and get off the mountain!
But that's not all. Then you get home and wonder what the heck you're supposed to do with your life now. You just spent years, energy and money preparing for the expedition and now it's done. So that's where we're at. Wondering.
Some days a job sounds great and a pay check even better! Other days, we feel like we aren't released into anything yet so we can't just run to normal for security. Though it may not appear contrary to this, we are NOT being radical for radical's sake! We have felt so very loved by those of you who have continued to be our friends when all the hype is done. Thank you for all who continue to financially give because you believe in Jesus alive in us even if you wonder about us or our flailing position in life! Believe me, this is one of the most humbling, mind boggling places we've been in a long time (at least since we were trying to sell our house 2 1/2 years ago!!). But somewhere deep inside, we know we're not finished!! We know God has something for us to do. We are longing for more of Him, more of His love and direction. We long to fulfill the destiny he has for us, every place we are.
So that's the nutshell. The adventure? Initially we thought we were going to be here in the barn at Canby until the first of July. On Thursday night, we heard that we need to move by the first of June . . . 24 days from now. Thus, the next adventure. We are waiting to find out where we will be next. As of now, we literally have no idea. It's amazing but Heath and I have so much peace in this transition. I know it's because people are praying for us. Please pray that the peace will continue, that Jesus will show us the next step at the right time, that we will be able to help prepare our kids for the next move that most probably won't be our last. They have LOVED being back with their friends and in the familiar of the Portland area. It will be a difficult move for them if we end up traveling or moving away from here.
Before we got back to the States, we thought we may spend 4 months in Oregon, a couple in CA and a couple in MT. Now, we just aren't sure of anything. We are also praying for a vehicle that we can all fit in at the same time! Thanks Grandma and Dad for lending us the car for the past couple months. It's been a life saver!
Traveling? Probably, but not positively. We'll keep you posted as the story unfolds for us. There's a large part of me that would love to find a place to stay for a couple years and part of me that is ready to follow Jesus anywhere. Without the "big vision" of missionary before us anymore, we are finding once again God purifying our hearts and desires even when we aren't sure what side is up and people misunderstand us. So we ask for your grace as we press in to Jesus and hear our next assignment.
Thanks for your support and prayers. We are thankful for you. We'll keep you posted as things unfold!
Love and peace to you in your adventures,
emie for the locke family
Last week I was mulling over the sweet, uneventful update that I was planning to write as soon as I found a few spare moments. I was going to add some cute stories of all the critters we live with in the barn (owls, CUTE, LITTLE mice but MANY of them, bats, birds and their babies under the eaves). But alas, I was too slow! Now I have some adventure to share with ya'll (no, we're not moving to TX, as far as I know!). Grab a coffee cup, this may take awhile. Or just delete if you're sick of our adventures! (Sometimes I wish I could just delete and end up back at normal and predictable! And for those of you just wishing we'd get a job already and BE NORMAL, believe me, we've wanted it, looked for it and begged God for it many times in the last month!)
So here we go. The last 2 months have been full of emotion. . . most of it difficult and complex. Reverse culture shock is real. My kids have adjusted well, all except little Asher. He has shown his insecurity in all the transitions the most. That's another story. But pray for him if you think of it. I was a basket case for 8 weeks (we've only been home 11). Took a good week to recover from jet lag. We were sick for 10 days at the beginning. We've had 2 weeks of family and friends visiting. And now Asher and Elianna are sick again (asher ended up in the ER on Sat. with croup). Add to that, all the catching up with friends and family, homeschool and LONGING for stability topped by Heath's crazy ideas! I'm not good at giving myself grace in all this but my closest friends keep admonishing me to!
It's one thing to have the grand goal of "missionary" before us as we did when we sold our house, moved in with the Truax's TEMPORARILY doing ministry in the day to day, and then finally on our way to Africa. It's noble. It's risky with a family of 5 and pregnant. It's truly adventurous with a few thinking we're ridiculous. But now we're back. The hype is gone. It's like this: when I was leaving Africa, I asked God to give me a picture of what the whole ordeal was for us! He showed me a beautiful picture of a very tall mountain and said, "Plant your flag."
WHAT?!! I didn't do ANYTHING to deserve planting a flag. But he continued to ask me to plant the flag. Then he shared with me how our last couple years was like a big mountain climbing expedition. The year at the Truax's was the training, the preparation. It was exhilarating. Then we started the climb. We were ready, but the higher you climb, the harder it gets. By the time you're near the top, breathing is difficult. Every step is great effort with resting in between. Oxygen is low and your brain is unable to think clearly. It's easy to wonder what the heck you're doing up there. Then if you make it to the top, you plant the flag and have only minutes to "enjoy" the victory before you have to turn around and get off the mountain!
But that's not all. Then you get home and wonder what the heck you're supposed to do with your life now. You just spent years, energy and money preparing for the expedition and now it's done. So that's where we're at. Wondering.
Some days a job sounds great and a pay check even better! Other days, we feel like we aren't released into anything yet so we can't just run to normal for security. Though it may not appear contrary to this, we are NOT being radical for radical's sake! We have felt so very loved by those of you who have continued to be our friends when all the hype is done. Thank you for all who continue to financially give because you believe in Jesus alive in us even if you wonder about us or our flailing position in life! Believe me, this is one of the most humbling, mind boggling places we've been in a long time (at least since we were trying to sell our house 2 1/2 years ago!!). But somewhere deep inside, we know we're not finished!! We know God has something for us to do. We are longing for more of Him, more of His love and direction. We long to fulfill the destiny he has for us, every place we are.
So that's the nutshell. The adventure? Initially we thought we were going to be here in the barn at Canby until the first of July. On Thursday night, we heard that we need to move by the first of June . . . 24 days from now. Thus, the next adventure. We are waiting to find out where we will be next. As of now, we literally have no idea. It's amazing but Heath and I have so much peace in this transition. I know it's because people are praying for us. Please pray that the peace will continue, that Jesus will show us the next step at the right time, that we will be able to help prepare our kids for the next move that most probably won't be our last. They have LOVED being back with their friends and in the familiar of the Portland area. It will be a difficult move for them if we end up traveling or moving away from here.
Before we got back to the States, we thought we may spend 4 months in Oregon, a couple in CA and a couple in MT. Now, we just aren't sure of anything. We are also praying for a vehicle that we can all fit in at the same time! Thanks Grandma and Dad for lending us the car for the past couple months. It's been a life saver!
Traveling? Probably, but not positively. We'll keep you posted as the story unfolds for us. There's a large part of me that would love to find a place to stay for a couple years and part of me that is ready to follow Jesus anywhere. Without the "big vision" of missionary before us anymore, we are finding once again God purifying our hearts and desires even when we aren't sure what side is up and people misunderstand us. So we ask for your grace as we press in to Jesus and hear our next assignment.
Thanks for your support and prayers. We are thankful for you. We'll keep you posted as things unfold!
Love and peace to you in your adventures,
emie for the locke family
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Mustard Seeds and Ketchup
Is the Bible to be read literally or figuratively? Well that is another "post", as for now let's go with the notion that Jesus meant literally.
So what is the answer to reading the Bible literally? I believe it would "look" something like this.
Two dear friends (and their kids, of course) have taken Jesus at His word from His Word and are "giving it up" in return to "finding it" (Matt. 10:39). Watch below.
Where does the ketchup come in? As you can tell they will be giving away a lot of hot dogs. Which leads me to try to manipulate you into supporting them (it is a lot more fun asking for money for friends & NO they don't know I am doing this).
If you are interested in knowing more and/or financially supporting them (which I think you should :) click here.
So what is the answer to reading the Bible literally? I believe it would "look" something like this.
Two dear friends (and their kids, of course) have taken Jesus at His word from His Word and are "giving it up" in return to "finding it" (Matt. 10:39). Watch below.
Where does the ketchup come in? As you can tell they will be giving away a lot of hot dogs. Which leads me to try to manipulate you into supporting them (it is a lot more fun asking for money for friends & NO they don't know I am doing this).
If you are interested in knowing more and/or financially supporting them (which I think you should :) click here.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Jesus is gone!
Asher wanted a band aid for his hurt hand (not a cut), but I told him no. So I prayed for his hand and when I was finished he looked at me.
A few moments later he said, "Jesus is gone papa!"
"He is?"
"Yes!"
"Where did he go?"
"He went to someones house, with mama?"
"So he's not here with us?"
"Nope, He is with mama!"
So if you happen to be looking for Jesus on this beautiful Sunday morning, He is with Emie.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
20 sec. conversations w/ Jesus
What I love most about my heavenly Father is the ability to talk with Him at any time, anywhere and for any length of time. A conversation could be 20 seconds; 20 minutes or all day. He is always available and never short on good solid advice. I had a 20 second conversation with Him today and wow it is amazing what He can cover in a small amount of time.
It went like this.
“I feel lost at sea, floating with nowhere to go.” I said.
“Hmmm” was his reply.
“Do I just need to trust you?”
“No”
“Hmmm” was my reply.
So I asked another question, “Do I need to hang on?" (for a good ride)
“Yes”, was his reply.
“but I feel like I don’t know you!”
“No, you just don’t know this part of me” thus the conversation ended but not the teaching lesson.
I knew what he was getting at, I walked out of the bathroom (yes, where the best conversations happen, #1) and recapped my conversation to Emie.
She said, “Read this.”
“Whenever we move into a new spiritual dimension of our calling and our ministry, we must take the time to upgrade our relationship with God. Our calling comes at different levels at different times; it is a progressive journey of discovery. When God takes us into the next phase of our calling, our relationship with Him must also change.
Throughout our lives, we will enter into many different phases and experiences. It might be a marriage or the birth of a child, a significant work promotion, a new responsibility, a new ministry, or any other type of change. In seasons like that, we must take the time to upgrade our peace and rest in the Lord. If we enter a new situation without fully immersing ourselves in the stillness of God, we will live on our adrenaline and not out of our spirit. This power boost may seem sufficient at the moment, but for every adrenaline high, there is also an adrenaline low. We cannot sustain that needed adrenaline rush over the long term. Eventually, our energy will wither away and the new season will overwhelm us. We must learn to live in a place of rest in the spirit.
Every experience of God, even resting in Him, should enable us to see Him in a different light. Therefore, we need to constantly re-evaluate our relationship with Him and take a deeper look at our walk with Him. We must critically examine our current picture of God and determine whether it is strong enough for the next stage of our life and call. If it’s not, the stress that we will experience will put pressure on us to quit or scale down our involvement in the new seasons of our lives. That same battle fatigue causes us to shrink back from the challenges facing us. Exhausted, we will talk ourselves out of taking the risks necessary to advance the Kingdom of God. God has given us the ability to live under His wing – we must recognize that we exist within the safety of His love and grace, and not on our own.
I cannot emphasize this enough – every time we are led into a new phase of our journey, we must take time to upgrade our image of God. We can travel confidently into any new experience, no matter how challenging or difficult, in our relationship with Him. God wants to build up your confidence right now, taking it to a whole new dimension.
When we enter a new season it is important to ask ourselves relevant questions regarding its likely impact on all of our relationships and current responsibilities. Present levels of stress will need to be adjusted in the light of deeper peace and rest that will be required on the next leg of the journey.
Change is much better if it is gradual rather than a large overwhelming transformation requiring immediate extensive attention. The two questions required of us in a consistent basis are found in Acts 2, verses 12 and 37:
What does this mean?
What must we do?
How will these adjustments affect our relationship with God and one another? How will this new season deepen my love, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit?
We need to gain a fresh and more powerful image of the nature of God. We need to practice our peace and our patience so that we can break through, in harmony with others, into a new dimension of the Spirit.”
(Graham Cooke The Nature Of God: Upgrading Your Image of God and Who He wants to be for You. Pages 11-13)
Jesus loves to move us into deeper realities of our destiny and himself just outside our spectrum of sight. When these two events happen let’s run off rest and peace and not adrenaline. If he truly is upgrading our relationship then we are not lost, we need to hang on. We hang on because he is taking us into uncharted territory and it will be a wild ride (for the good). The rest and peace comes because He knows the rapids, he has taken many others down them before, just not you or I, yet!
If you are feeling lost at sea, hang on and get ready to see a whole new perspective of Jesus. Also, never underestimate a 20 second conversation with a Word who became flesh.
Blessings
He@th
It went like this.
“I feel lost at sea, floating with nowhere to go.” I said.
“Hmmm” was his reply.
“Do I just need to trust you?”
“No”
“Hmmm” was my reply.
So I asked another question, “Do I need to hang on?" (for a good ride)
“Yes”, was his reply.
“but I feel like I don’t know you!”
“No, you just don’t know this part of me” thus the conversation ended but not the teaching lesson.
I knew what he was getting at, I walked out of the bathroom (yes, where the best conversations happen, #1) and recapped my conversation to Emie.
She said, “Read this.”
“Whenever we move into a new spiritual dimension of our calling and our ministry, we must take the time to upgrade our relationship with God. Our calling comes at different levels at different times; it is a progressive journey of discovery. When God takes us into the next phase of our calling, our relationship with Him must also change.
Throughout our lives, we will enter into many different phases and experiences. It might be a marriage or the birth of a child, a significant work promotion, a new responsibility, a new ministry, or any other type of change. In seasons like that, we must take the time to upgrade our peace and rest in the Lord. If we enter a new situation without fully immersing ourselves in the stillness of God, we will live on our adrenaline and not out of our spirit. This power boost may seem sufficient at the moment, but for every adrenaline high, there is also an adrenaline low. We cannot sustain that needed adrenaline rush over the long term. Eventually, our energy will wither away and the new season will overwhelm us. We must learn to live in a place of rest in the spirit.
Every experience of God, even resting in Him, should enable us to see Him in a different light. Therefore, we need to constantly re-evaluate our relationship with Him and take a deeper look at our walk with Him. We must critically examine our current picture of God and determine whether it is strong enough for the next stage of our life and call. If it’s not, the stress that we will experience will put pressure on us to quit or scale down our involvement in the new seasons of our lives. That same battle fatigue causes us to shrink back from the challenges facing us. Exhausted, we will talk ourselves out of taking the risks necessary to advance the Kingdom of God. God has given us the ability to live under His wing – we must recognize that we exist within the safety of His love and grace, and not on our own.
I cannot emphasize this enough – every time we are led into a new phase of our journey, we must take time to upgrade our image of God. We can travel confidently into any new experience, no matter how challenging or difficult, in our relationship with Him. God wants to build up your confidence right now, taking it to a whole new dimension.
When we enter a new season it is important to ask ourselves relevant questions regarding its likely impact on all of our relationships and current responsibilities. Present levels of stress will need to be adjusted in the light of deeper peace and rest that will be required on the next leg of the journey.
Change is much better if it is gradual rather than a large overwhelming transformation requiring immediate extensive attention. The two questions required of us in a consistent basis are found in Acts 2, verses 12 and 37:
What does this mean?
What must we do?
How will these adjustments affect our relationship with God and one another? How will this new season deepen my love, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit?
We need to gain a fresh and more powerful image of the nature of God. We need to practice our peace and our patience so that we can break through, in harmony with others, into a new dimension of the Spirit.”
(Graham Cooke The Nature Of God: Upgrading Your Image of God and Who He wants to be for You. Pages 11-13)
Jesus loves to move us into deeper realities of our destiny and himself just outside our spectrum of sight. When these two events happen let’s run off rest and peace and not adrenaline. If he truly is upgrading our relationship then we are not lost, we need to hang on. We hang on because he is taking us into uncharted territory and it will be a wild ride (for the good). The rest and peace comes because He knows the rapids, he has taken many others down them before, just not you or I, yet!
If you are feeling lost at sea, hang on and get ready to see a whole new perspective of Jesus. Also, never underestimate a 20 second conversation with a Word who became flesh.
Blessings
He@th
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Release4Life Sample
Here's a sample of what we are doing with release4life.com (just audio NO video).
Monday, March 17, 2008
Why Tents?
I have been pondering this question the last few days.
Why did Paul make tents?
Was it because he thought God wouldn't provide for him?
Maybe it was to be among the people?
Maybe he was bored one day?
Or maybe it was because he needed some money?
Or maybe he knew God gave him an ability to make quality tents? I'm sure they were the first MSR tents in production.
Maybe it was because brothers and sisters he knew needed money to carry out their destiny?
I am sure it was because he needed a tent! Then once you get a tent you have time to ponder deeper questions in life.
What do you think?
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Heath's Business (or is it Gods?)
Dear Friends and Family and everyone in between.
Please note that this email could never include all the details I would love to share, you would get far to bored anyways.
For months now I have been on a quest of sorts. It has NOT been one to find myself or the meaning of life or why grapes are purple. Rather, why has God given me such a desire to do business?
My whole life I have loved business but was NEVER willing to "give up ministry" to work behind a desk. Nor did I ever see the connection between ministry and jobs. (Side note: if you have the time or desire reread previous updates that unpack my thoughts on this).
Being that I no longer see ministry as a profession but gifted people given to the body of Christ to "edify" or more aptly put, mend/fit God's people together to do his work and build up the body of Christ I am free. This is why YOU are so crucial to the Body. Everyone is clergy and everyone is laity, there is no difference in scripture just tradition.
Sorry going on. . . Business seems to work now in my brain.
The problem the last few years has still been the idea of sitting behind a desk. I love the ability to go to Africa for a year, stay at home with the kids, meet with people when they need it, sleep in late (genetics, I'm telling you!), time and mobility freedom and staying away from the 9-5 curse (sorry for those who feel cursed).
I have lived these last few years contending for the provision of the Lord, I never want to give that up. Yet I feel as if He is asking me to contend for larger things now. I want to believe God for nations, houses for the poor, schools for the uneducated and so much more. I must believe for bigger things to grow.
Do I stop "living by faith" if I have a job? Well, do you? I feel as if I am moving from Kindergarten into 1st grade in the area of "living by faith". Are we still with Isaiah's Stump? Yes! Does this mean we are not doing ministry, no, because this compliments our "ministry".
I now feel the freedom from the Lord (after 10 years of waiting) to take the 20 business plans He has given me and put them into action. I am starting small and not despising small beginnings. I am also realizing that these plans are no guarantee for success. But here we go none-the-less.
Running away from the 9-5 trap the Lord has led me to develop an internet based business; little overhead, no employees and able to be ran from Uganda or Antarctica (which is another story of how the Lord is leading me to free up missionaries financially).
The average American spends 120% of their income. Does that make sense? 1.3 million will potentially foreclose on their house this year.
So here comes the first arm of Release4Life: Consumer Debt and Foreclosure Solutions. I am selling our personal story of how we went from $50,000 in debt (consumer, credit card, taxes, student loans and medical bills) and one day away from foreclosing on our house to being TOTALLY DEBT FREE today.
I give the practical (logical) steps we took, why it's so important to be out of debt, and share a vision to what debt freedom can bring. I am selling an audio downloadable file and worksheets to help lead people up the ladder and out of the despair of debt.
I will send you another email containing more information and a link to the website. This is no way a sales pitch or a way to get you as a customer, rather informational.
I will not send you any other emails concerning the business unless you specifically ask. Just want to keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Thanks for walking this journey with our family and believing God with us for all He offers.
We love you and are so thankful for everything.
www.release4life.com
Blessings
He@th
Friday, February 8, 2008
Sacred Covers
It’s hard to believe but I have one flaw. I tell Emie she is lucky to be with a man who has but one small flaw. With all the issues I could wrestle with, I have refined it down to one. I love to sleep in.
For me lying in bed a few more hours after my kids wake pre-dawn is great. I enjoy it, I love it and though I can rise early, I really see no need in it (don’t ask Emie what she thinks please). I relish in meditating with my eyes sealed shut. Pondering the great mysteries of God and asking for more revelation sooths me. Emie doesn’t believe I actually pray during this time but I do. As I doze in and out of consciousness my spirit connects with my Lord.
The reality is I am not a morning person by nature (neither is Emie but someone has to get up with the kids) and would rather stay awake late into the evening in peace. I see sleeping in as my personal alone time (much like I view my bathroom time), my secret place, where no one can bother me. Just me, my pillow and Jesus snoozing away, talk about intimacy. When this secret place is intruded, be afraid be very afraid.
The conflict comes in around 6am (that late if I’m lucky) when the Locke Tribe awakes from their re-freshing, re-energizing, re-lets-wear-our-parents-out night of sleep. They come bounding into the bedroom to wake up papa.
“Wake up papa! Come on get out of bed.” What dreadful words.
“No, leave me alone, I’m praying!”
They never give up, those little rascals. They try harder for a few minutes and resort to making loud noises, which being a professional sleeper by trade doesn’t deter me at all. I stay my course. For hours they will do this, boldly bouncing on my bed proclaiming their intentions of the day. Wanting me to join them in simple games, coloring, watching a video (pagan I know) keeps them focused on their objective.
If none of these tactics work they resort to the ultimate blow for a professional sleeper, his covers. The Sacred Covers are that which separates him from exposure, from relationship, from intimacy, from being well, naked.
I must have a heavy blanket on me to sleep, call it security or insecurity I don’t mind, but if I am to get 8-10 hours of precious sleep, the covers must be in place. They start small to test my attitude. A pull with a giggle begins the descent of comfort. I notice as my shoulders are exposed to the elements and I fight back. I grab and tug with a little grunt to show my resolve to win.
The amazing beauty of kids is they learn fast. They adapt to their surroundings quickly. So they give it some time, waiting until I am asleep again. Watching every move to see me loosen my grip on the veil that separates me from their reality, their life and their games.
Then in one great swoosh the covers are ripped off the bed flung through the air and uselessly lying on the floor. Laughter breaks all silence and I have been exposed (no I don’t sleep naked)! There is nothing to hide and the kids pile on wrestling their papa to life again.
Remember though, once you have awakened the papa and violated that secret place his power is unleashed. Only his kids would ever dare to come so boldly into this space and only his kids would ever dare to experience his power!
“We can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. This is the new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us through the sacred “COVER”, by means of his death for us. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s people, let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil CONSCIENCES have been cleansed with Christ’s blood” (Heb. 10:22).
“I no longer count on my own goodness or ability to obey God’s law, But I TRUST Christ to save me. For God’s way of making us right with him DEPENDS ON FAITH! As a result, I can really KNOW Christ and EXPERIENCE the mighty POWER that raised him from the dead” (Phil. 3:9-10).
The sacred covers have been ripped off, happy wrestling!
Step one: Watch the video (Our year in Picture & Song).
Step two: Reread the update
Step Three: Play video again with eyes closed and hear how Jesus has ripped off the covers.
He@th Locke
For me lying in bed a few more hours after my kids wake pre-dawn is great. I enjoy it, I love it and though I can rise early, I really see no need in it (don’t ask Emie what she thinks please). I relish in meditating with my eyes sealed shut. Pondering the great mysteries of God and asking for more revelation sooths me. Emie doesn’t believe I actually pray during this time but I do. As I doze in and out of consciousness my spirit connects with my Lord.
The reality is I am not a morning person by nature (neither is Emie but someone has to get up with the kids) and would rather stay awake late into the evening in peace. I see sleeping in as my personal alone time (much like I view my bathroom time), my secret place, where no one can bother me. Just me, my pillow and Jesus snoozing away, talk about intimacy. When this secret place is intruded, be afraid be very afraid.
The conflict comes in around 6am (that late if I’m lucky) when the Locke Tribe awakes from their re-freshing, re-energizing, re-lets-wear-our-parents-out night of sleep. They come bounding into the bedroom to wake up papa.
“Wake up papa! Come on get out of bed.” What dreadful words.
“No, leave me alone, I’m praying!”
They never give up, those little rascals. They try harder for a few minutes and resort to making loud noises, which being a professional sleeper by trade doesn’t deter me at all. I stay my course. For hours they will do this, boldly bouncing on my bed proclaiming their intentions of the day. Wanting me to join them in simple games, coloring, watching a video (pagan I know) keeps them focused on their objective.
If none of these tactics work they resort to the ultimate blow for a professional sleeper, his covers. The Sacred Covers are that which separates him from exposure, from relationship, from intimacy, from being well, naked.
I must have a heavy blanket on me to sleep, call it security or insecurity I don’t mind, but if I am to get 8-10 hours of precious sleep, the covers must be in place. They start small to test my attitude. A pull with a giggle begins the descent of comfort. I notice as my shoulders are exposed to the elements and I fight back. I grab and tug with a little grunt to show my resolve to win.
The amazing beauty of kids is they learn fast. They adapt to their surroundings quickly. So they give it some time, waiting until I am asleep again. Watching every move to see me loosen my grip on the veil that separates me from their reality, their life and their games.
Then in one great swoosh the covers are ripped off the bed flung through the air and uselessly lying on the floor. Laughter breaks all silence and I have been exposed (no I don’t sleep naked)! There is nothing to hide and the kids pile on wrestling their papa to life again.
Remember though, once you have awakened the papa and violated that secret place his power is unleashed. Only his kids would ever dare to come so boldly into this space and only his kids would ever dare to experience his power!
“We can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. This is the new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us through the sacred “COVER”, by means of his death for us. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s people, let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil CONSCIENCES have been cleansed with Christ’s blood” (Heb. 10:22).
“I no longer count on my own goodness or ability to obey God’s law, But I TRUST Christ to save me. For God’s way of making us right with him DEPENDS ON FAITH! As a result, I can really KNOW Christ and EXPERIENCE the mighty POWER that raised him from the dead” (Phil. 3:9-10).
The sacred covers have been ripped off, happy wrestling!
Step one: Watch the video (Our year in Picture & Song).
Step two: Reread the update
Step Three: Play video again with eyes closed and hear how Jesus has ripped off the covers.
He@th Locke
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
downwardspiraling.blogspot.com
Good Buddies are hard to come by.
My friend Andy is an amazing man of God. I'm sure he would say otherwise, but any man who loves Jesus more than "father or mother, son or daughter, house or job, reputation or 'responsibilities'" is a MAN of GOD in my book and Gods.
Read his Blog & see for yourself.
He@th
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Aquaduct: Mobile Filtration Vehicle
Check out this innovative idea.
My personal thoughts believe it's more impractical than practical, but I love that minds are being used to solve basic problems.
Here are my concerns on the Aquaduct (for those that care).
1. The majority of people in 3rd world countries live on hills, in crowded cities and/or down narrow foot paths. Leaving those who really need the bike unusable. Also I can't honestly see any African using it.
2. What are the costs and accessibility for repairs?
3. It seems heavy and difficult to ride. It supposedly carries 20 gallons of water which would be 166 pounds (this I figured from the video, they mentioned the average family of 4 needs 20gals of water per day and later mentioned that the Aquaduct could provide all a family needs in one trip).
4. It is the slums that have major sanitation problems, the source of the water is key. Wells provide cleaner water to start from than gutters or polluted rivers, obviously. So we need to educate and provide alternative water sources and cheaper ones. I am amazed how much it cost to dig a hole in the ground.
5. After watching the video a few times I have to be bold enough to ask if they have ever been to a 3rd world country. I am not accusing them for action rather the importance of seeing things with our own eyes first.
6. We love to develop large organizations that can make a significant difference but they end up being controlled by donors desires instead of the practical needs.
We see it and have seen over and over here in Africa.
7. God has already provided a solution for clean water, the sun. If you place a clear bottle of water in direct sun light for 6 hours it kills every bacteria harmful to man. There is a huge profit to be made on "bottle water" when simple education could be cheaper and instantly usable. Think of the cost to produce bottle water; plastic, molding plastic, fuel cost for delivering the bottled water, personnel, etc.
Those are my immediate thoughts. What tends to be more of a concern (in my thinking) is infrastructure issues. History proves that the problem lies NOT in available resources rather the many hands it must go through to reach the ones in need. Everyone gets a cut of the pie and the starved are left with crumbs.
The reason I hit this so hard is because I would love to see a practical solution to a practical need. If you have one or would like to start one, let's talk. The challenge is put forth.
Maybe the best option is to actually build an aqua duct that brings in clean water to villages and slums.
OK I am going on and liable to be disliked even more.
Blessings
Heath
My personal thoughts believe it's more impractical than practical, but I love that minds are being used to solve basic problems.
Here are my concerns on the Aquaduct (for those that care).
1. The majority of people in 3rd world countries live on hills, in crowded cities and/or down narrow foot paths. Leaving those who really need the bike unusable. Also I can't honestly see any African using it.
2. What are the costs and accessibility for repairs?
3. It seems heavy and difficult to ride. It supposedly carries 20 gallons of water which would be 166 pounds (this I figured from the video, they mentioned the average family of 4 needs 20gals of water per day and later mentioned that the Aquaduct could provide all a family needs in one trip).
4. It is the slums that have major sanitation problems, the source of the water is key. Wells provide cleaner water to start from than gutters or polluted rivers, obviously. So we need to educate and provide alternative water sources and cheaper ones. I am amazed how much it cost to dig a hole in the ground.
5. After watching the video a few times I have to be bold enough to ask if they have ever been to a 3rd world country. I am not accusing them for action rather the importance of seeing things with our own eyes first.
6. We love to develop large organizations that can make a significant difference but they end up being controlled by donors desires instead of the practical needs.
We see it and have seen over and over here in Africa.
7. God has already provided a solution for clean water, the sun. If you place a clear bottle of water in direct sun light for 6 hours it kills every bacteria harmful to man. There is a huge profit to be made on "bottle water" when simple education could be cheaper and instantly usable. Think of the cost to produce bottle water; plastic, molding plastic, fuel cost for delivering the bottled water, personnel, etc.
Those are my immediate thoughts. What tends to be more of a concern (in my thinking) is infrastructure issues. History proves that the problem lies NOT in available resources rather the many hands it must go through to reach the ones in need. Everyone gets a cut of the pie and the starved are left with crumbs.
The reason I hit this so hard is because I would love to see a practical solution to a practical need. If you have one or would like to start one, let's talk. The challenge is put forth.
Maybe the best option is to actually build an aqua duct that brings in clean water to villages and slums.
OK I am going on and liable to be disliked even more.
Blessings
Heath
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Trust and Faith
Here I am again, on the edge of the cliff I asked God and Heath to take me to 10 years ago! I have been begging God to give me more faith and ability to trust as we prepare to jump one more time. I don't want to worry my way through this next transition. I want to SOAR in FAITH with great expectation of what He will do, not flounder in fear of what MIGHT happen if he doesn't come through! So in the begging, I am looking at every turn for examples in the natural of what faith and trusting in God looks like in the supernatural.
My favorite picture is from Heath and Asher in the pool. The other day as Asher was on his tummy "superman style" being propelled through the water by the strength of his Papa, I was reminded that this was true trust. Asher doesn't know how to swim. But he wasn't doing ANYTHING in that deep water to keep himself afloat except trust that his Papa was going to hold him up. He wasn't even holding on! He was just enjoying the ride.
Then I remembered a moment from my childhood. My dad was trying to teach my younger brother how to swim (sorry little brother!!). I remember my brother holding on to my dad's neck for dear life and begging him to take him to the edge!! He was NOT enjoying himself and in fact, I think he left a few scratch marks on my dad's neck! That would be the picture of worry and fear.
I have had moments in the last few days where I am definitely leaving claw marks on Abba's neck and I'm screaming in his ear to find some edge for me to put my feet firmly on. But as I'm praying for more faith and trust, he is teaching me again how to take my thoughts captive. The more I think of what He has miraculously done for us in the last 10 years and the more I meditate on who HE IS as my God and my Abba, the more relaxed I get. That's when I can almost feel like I'm letting go and enjoying the ride!
So that's trust. But what about faith? Well, I felt like God said that faith would be the same picture only Papa is invisible in the pool. Asher could only hear Heath's voice and still be able to get on his tummy and trust the strong hands of his daddy to propel him through the water even though his eyes couldn't see him! Hmmmm. That would look like insanity to any onlooker. A two year old jumping into a pool because he says his daddy is in there!! Then it would look miraculous if he really was afloat "superman style" being propelled through the water with no effort of his own!
So that's where we are. We believe Abba is in the pool and we believe we hear him asking us to jump in once again. To you, it might look (once again) like insanity! I think faith generally does appear to be insanity to the onlooker. But I am determined to exercise faith AND trust this time. Faith is urging me to jump one more time and trust allows me to enjoy the water without having a death grip on Abba's neck! And once again, I am sure it will appear miraculous to all the onlookers!
But, I'm still learning . . . . soooooo, PLEASE pray for me! I love you all! Thanks for your love and support!
Emie
My favorite picture is from Heath and Asher in the pool. The other day as Asher was on his tummy "superman style" being propelled through the water by the strength of his Papa, I was reminded that this was true trust. Asher doesn't know how to swim. But he wasn't doing ANYTHING in that deep water to keep himself afloat except trust that his Papa was going to hold him up. He wasn't even holding on! He was just enjoying the ride.
Then I remembered a moment from my childhood. My dad was trying to teach my younger brother how to swim (sorry little brother!!). I remember my brother holding on to my dad's neck for dear life and begging him to take him to the edge!! He was NOT enjoying himself and in fact, I think he left a few scratch marks on my dad's neck! That would be the picture of worry and fear.
I have had moments in the last few days where I am definitely leaving claw marks on Abba's neck and I'm screaming in his ear to find some edge for me to put my feet firmly on. But as I'm praying for more faith and trust, he is teaching me again how to take my thoughts captive. The more I think of what He has miraculously done for us in the last 10 years and the more I meditate on who HE IS as my God and my Abba, the more relaxed I get. That's when I can almost feel like I'm letting go and enjoying the ride!
So that's trust. But what about faith? Well, I felt like God said that faith would be the same picture only Papa is invisible in the pool. Asher could only hear Heath's voice and still be able to get on his tummy and trust the strong hands of his daddy to propel him through the water even though his eyes couldn't see him! Hmmmm. That would look like insanity to any onlooker. A two year old jumping into a pool because he says his daddy is in there!! Then it would look miraculous if he really was afloat "superman style" being propelled through the water with no effort of his own!
So that's where we are. We believe Abba is in the pool and we believe we hear him asking us to jump in once again. To you, it might look (once again) like insanity! I think faith generally does appear to be insanity to the onlooker. But I am determined to exercise faith AND trust this time. Faith is urging me to jump one more time and trust allows me to enjoy the water without having a death grip on Abba's neck! And once again, I am sure it will appear miraculous to all the onlookers!
But, I'm still learning . . . . soooooo, PLEASE pray for me! I love you all! Thanks for your love and support!
Emie
Saturday, January 26, 2008
"This is a hold up!" (aka Locke and Load)
It was bound to happen sooner or later. South Africa is known for its murders, thievery, petty crime, and just plain stupid robbers. The capital, Johannesburg, is supposedly the worse city in the world averaging 50 murders a night. In Nelspruit I get the low down from the security guards who patrol our house at 2am because some dog tripped the alarm, “people get knifed for cell phones and shot for cars.”
We needed cash to pay the clinic. I told Emie and the kids to wait and I would walk around the corner to the ATM. The bank machine is located right in front of a major grocery store and people are everywhere. I have used this ATM many times and never felt any threat. Today I felt the need to watch my back.
The ATM’s are actually little cubicles. You walk into a frosted glass box closing and locking a door behind you. There are security guards on patrol 24/7 standing less than 10 feet from the machines. They seem to be more secure than Fort Knox, except when they get blown up by the really smart thieves (happens almost weekly, in daylight mind you). All the precautionary features were in place today; the frosted box, the doors and the guards. I checked my back as I went in.
I had a split second thought I should close the door. Yet, I did nothing with it. I want to live in peace and not fear. Today I was taking on all those professional thieves with my stubbornness. I would succeed with my withdrawal and be out in less than 39 seconds, no worries.
I took out my wallet, pulled out my debit card and began to put it into the electronic money tree.
At that same moment I felt a firm hand grasp my shoulder. He had slipped past the guards, and into my frosted box. Adrenaline instantly rushed through every vein of my masculine physique. A deep male voice reached my ears and I heard, “this is a hold up!”
I spun around and thrust my forearm into the throat this 6ft 3 Goliath. I pushed with every ounce my buck 30 body could give. The struggle began and I was bound to win. At least I was determined to show it with my eyes. They were fierce! My knife was in my pocket ready for action.
As the struggle quickly unfolded my neurons where communicating, STOP! It wasn’t a “hold up” it was Michael. A friend who soon realized that I would rather fight than flight and he started laughing and walked away yelling, “close the door!”
Had the battle waged on I would’ve been a pile of meat loaf. But I was going to give everything I had learned from Bruce Lee, William Wallace and Maximus combined.
Michael was lucky because I was about to open up a can of whoop arse!
It ended as soon as it begun, so . . . The End.
He@th Locke
We needed cash to pay the clinic. I told Emie and the kids to wait and I would walk around the corner to the ATM. The bank machine is located right in front of a major grocery store and people are everywhere. I have used this ATM many times and never felt any threat. Today I felt the need to watch my back.
The ATM’s are actually little cubicles. You walk into a frosted glass box closing and locking a door behind you. There are security guards on patrol 24/7 standing less than 10 feet from the machines. They seem to be more secure than Fort Knox, except when they get blown up by the really smart thieves (happens almost weekly, in daylight mind you). All the precautionary features were in place today; the frosted box, the doors and the guards. I checked my back as I went in.
I had a split second thought I should close the door. Yet, I did nothing with it. I want to live in peace and not fear. Today I was taking on all those professional thieves with my stubbornness. I would succeed with my withdrawal and be out in less than 39 seconds, no worries.
I took out my wallet, pulled out my debit card and began to put it into the electronic money tree.
At that same moment I felt a firm hand grasp my shoulder. He had slipped past the guards, and into my frosted box. Adrenaline instantly rushed through every vein of my masculine physique. A deep male voice reached my ears and I heard, “this is a hold up!”
I spun around and thrust my forearm into the throat this 6ft 3 Goliath. I pushed with every ounce my buck 30 body could give. The struggle began and I was bound to win. At least I was determined to show it with my eyes. They were fierce! My knife was in my pocket ready for action.
As the struggle quickly unfolded my neurons where communicating, STOP! It wasn’t a “hold up” it was Michael. A friend who soon realized that I would rather fight than flight and he started laughing and walked away yelling, “close the door!”
Had the battle waged on I would’ve been a pile of meat loaf. But I was going to give everything I had learned from Bruce Lee, William Wallace and Maximus combined.
Michael was lucky because I was about to open up a can of whoop arse!
It ended as soon as it begun, so . . . The End.
He@th Locke
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