Saving Me for Last

Let me begin by saying I have been properly reprimanded for not bringing the conclusion of my previous blog to you sooner. Proverbs 27:1 tells us, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Paying closer attention to that verse earlier would have saved me eating crow now. Please accept my apologies.

So, why did God save me for last?

As many of you know, I wrote a book last year titled, Journey to the Son (pending publication). I share in this book personal stories of how I have broken each of the Ten Commandments. Upon completion of the book I felt the Lord prompt me to compile stories from other women. The idea was to collect stories for a compilation book and once collected I would choose ten of the most compelling stories to be performed in a stage production of Every Woman.

Since you can read in the previous blog entries how the casting of Every Woman came about, I won't go into those details here; except to say that the process looked something like this:

1. Harvest expected to be in the production
2. The Lord made it abundantly clear that Harvest was not to perform in but only direct the production
3. Harvest ended up with only nine women for the production
4. The Lord called Harvest to be the tenth and final woman cast in the production

I know now that that Lord always intended for me to perform in Every Woman. But it had to be done according to His purpose. Had I gone into the casting process knowing that I was going to perform one of the stories from my book, I would have never chosen to perform the commandment that I am sharing in Every Woman. In my opinion, I had several other stories that are more "stage worthy." Our God already knew this and in His infinite wisdom had me believe that I wasn't going to share any of my stories on stage. Being pulled from the show allowed me to go about the casting process objectively, allowing the testimonies from the other women to fall naturally and effortlessly into their proper commandment. Had I tried to cast the show knowing I was going to be a part of it, I would have forced stories into commandments that they were never intended for. It was only after the show was cast with the original nine women that the Lord pointed to the second commandment and said, "Here, Harvest, this is where I want you."

Tickets for Every Woman are now on sale. Be sure to visit our website at www.chariotministries.com for more information.

In His glorious name,
~Harvest

S.T.A.G.E.D. for His glory!

Casting Every Woman Part II

I do my best thinking in the shower. One morning I found myself thinking about the staging of Every Woman while massaging shaving cream onto my legs. Several minutes passed before I realized I was daydreaming about a scene from my book and remembered, “I’m not in the show!”

When I finished showering I made my way to my favorite chair in the living room. I settled in for my morning ritual of Bible reading and prayer. “Lord, forgive me.” I prayed. “I don’t want you to think I’m trying to be in the show. Quite the contrary,” I had truly come to embrace my role as director. I prayed that the Lord would show me if I was secretly coveting a part in the production.

Several days passed. I continued to pray that the tenth woman would be revealed. One afternoon during prayer time with my husband I said, “Lord, I know you’ve made it clear that I’m not to be in this show but for some reason I keep seeing myself on stage. I don’t understand why I can’t move past this. Please, would you make it clear to me who you want to fill the remaining role?”

My husband understood how much I was struggling and committed to praying with me about the show until the role was cast. Each morning when I had private prayer time with the Lord, I felt he was telling me that I was the final cast member. But my husband didn’t confirm this during our time together. By this time, I really didn’t want to be in the show. I couldn’t imagine something going wrong during a performance and me being stuck backstage unavailable to help.

After two weeks the answer finally came. My husband and I were sitting on the sofa having prayer time. We were coming up on a deadline for our cast photo shoot and the only person who seemed to fit the final role was…me. The burden weighed so heavy upon me that I dared to pray Jesus' prayer from the Garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me.” (Luke 22:42) Then I desperately added, "Surely someone else has broken the second commandment!" The Lord immediately responded and I understood for the first time what He had been planning from the beginning. I quickly wrapped up our prayers so I could share with my husband what the Lord had revealed. There wasn't any need. Before I could speak my husband turned to me and said, "You're the tenth woman."

Be sure to come back next week to find out why God saved me for last.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray that the finalizing of the script goes smoothly and that it gets printed on time for our read-through rehearsal.
• Pray that Chris will be granted his vacation request from work so he can be fully present during the performance.
• Pray that business owners will support our ministry and the performing arts by advertising in the playbill.
• Pray the cast stays healthy and committed to this important work and that the production glorifies our Lord Jesus.

In His glorious name,
~Harvest

Be sure to check out our new website!

Casting Every Woman Part I

Upon completing the final draft of my book Journey to the Son, I felt the Lord prompt me to invite other women to share stories of a time when they have broken one of the Ten Commandments. I had a solid plan. I would solicit stories from women and then once the deadline for story submissions arrived I would have hundreds, perhaps even thousands of stories to choose from. Then I planned on selecting ten stories, one from each commandment, to feature in a stage production of Journey to the Son: Every Woman. The plan was Magnificent! Or so I thought. But it wasn’t the Lord’s plan.

“I don’t understand, Lord.” I sobbed. I received only seven story submissions. Not even enough to cover all of the commandments. I was certain the concept for Every Woman had been the Lord’s idea and that it was something he still wanted me to do but I couldn’t see how. Clearly I had misinterpreted the Lord’s call.

Over the next several days the Lord revealed to me that the plan had nothing to do with a second book (at least not yet). What he wanted was for me to use my theater experience to direct and produce a stage production of Every Woman. “Okay, Lord,” I conceded. “But how am I supposed to cast the show if I don’t have women submit stories?”

You already know them.

I already knew them? How? Who were they? “Lord, I trust you and believe you have a plan. But I’m racking my brain and haven’t any clue who you have in mind.” I closed my eyes and prayed. I told the Lord that he would have to tell me who these women were. I pulled out a pen and paper and prayerfully waited for the Lord to reveal the names to me.

The Lord was faithful. He gave me sixteen names. Two of them were women I had never met before who had submitted stories for the book. Another I had met only one time during a luncheon. One had taken a class I taught the previous spring. And still another I had only heard of from an acquaintance at church. Sixteen names. Obviously I only needed ten. But which ten? I decided to invite each lady to coffee and share the concept of Every Woman with her; if she seemed interested I would invite her to be part of the cast.

The first email I sent to a friend of mine whose name was on the list. The next day we met for lunch and she seemed very excited about the project. Unfortunately, her schedule was already full of speaking engagements and other commitments. Regrettably, she declined. I wasn’t daunted but I realized I wasn't able to discern the ten the Lord had in mind for this show. It finally occurred to me that I should pray about each name before making contact.

By this time the Lord had made it clear that I wasn’t going to be in the production. At first I was surprised and admittedly a bit disappointed that I wouldn’t have any “stage time” given my background in theater. But as the interviews progressed I came to embrace the idea and looked forward to my role behind the scenes. I particularly welcomed what I saw as an opportunity to minister to the women of the show, expecting that they in turn would minister to the people of Spokane.

Praying about each name before making contact proved to be very fruitful. After my first failed interview the Lord lead me to nine women from my list. I met with all nine individually and each agreed to be part of the production. I still needed a tenth but no matter how hard I tried, the Lord wouldn’t reveal who the tenth woman was.

I had nine women committed to the project. At this point I ran the risk of having multiple commandments represented since I hadn’t interviewed them for their stories yet. I decided the tenth woman could wait. What I needed to find out was which commandments I had to work with.

I scheduled “story time” interviews where each woman shared with me a time from her past when she broke one of the Ten Commandments. What came from those story time interviews could only have been orchestrated by the Lord. The nine women from my list, the first nine the Lord lead me to, each shared stories representing different commandments. There wasn’t a single overlap! If I ever doubted the Lord's call upon me to do this project, I couldn't doubt it any more. It was clear to me that he knew who he wanted in this production and which stories he was going to have them tell. All I needed to do was get out of the way and let the Lord work.

It was a relief knowing the stories for nine of the commandments. What was strange to me was figuring out how to cast the final woman. Up until now I didn't have to ask anyone if they had ever committed adultry. Or if they had ever stolen anything. These things were naturally made known during our story time interview. Now I was looking for a specific commandment to fill. Who would that woman be and how would I go about filling that final commandment?

For more information about Journey to the Son: Every Woman please visit our website at http://chariotministries.com/

In His glorious name,

~Harvest

That old trouble-maker Satan

Did I promise a May 4th introduction to the cast of Every Woman? What was I thinking?!! We were on target, friends, but then I had to switch hosting companies. A few days after I made the switch I found out that the company I switched to is also going through a transition. Yikes!

What does this mean for Chariot Ministries? To begin with it means that our new site won't be posted until after May 15th because there is a "freeze" on any web updates while the hosting company transitions. You will still have access to the website, it just won't be the new one. It also means we might experience a few glitches with our email. But that is pretty much it. So it has been a hurry-up-and-wait scenario for us at the ministry. I figure it's just that old trouble-maker Satan messing with my plans. I'm not worried though because I know our Lord is faithful and His plan is always better than mine and is always executed with perfect timing. {huge grin}

On the up side, Chris and I spoke with a CPA firm this past week and have put the wheels in motion for Chariot Ministries to become a bonafide non-profit corporation. Whoot! We are very excited about this and know it is the direction the Lord wants us to take with this ministry. We don't know what exactly He has in store for us, but we do know we will be able to serve you better. Please pray for us during this (yet another) transition.

Speaking of prayers... we have a few requests:

• Pray for peace and patience during our various transitions especially since they are taking place during our preparations for Every Woman.
• Pray for the women in the show. That they will stay healthy and that the Lord will protect them as they stepped onto the war field when they agreed to be involved with this project.
• Pray the Lord's continued blessing and guidance for Chariot Ministries and its leaders.
• Pray for the audience that will watch Every Woman. Pray that the Lord is preparing their hearts, even now, for the truth about God, the truth about Jesus and the invitation of eternal Salvation.

Please be sure to check back next week as I have some Every Woman casting stories that I'm going to share with you.

In His glorious name,
~Harvest

www.chariotministries.com

21 April 2009

This past week has been super busy.

Tuesday and Wednesday night the cast of Every Woman met at Tiffany Rose Photography Studio for headshots. The ladies all look beautiful and it was fun to make first-time introductions. Tiffany is fantastic to work with and did an amazing job of making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed.

On Saturday we all met down at River Front Park for our group photo shoot. Some of you may have seen us down there. We were the gaggle of girls wearing khaki pants and white shirts standing around like a bunch of posers. {wink} This was a great time because it was the first time the entire cast was together. The cast was also introduced to my handsome and incredibly talented husband Chris Rich. Chris will be directing the show with me as his co-director. Have I been demoted? You'll have to check back May 4th to find out!

This week is busy preparing the new website for our upcoming launch. Thank you for your prayers and support while we've been working through this transition.

Prayer Requests:

• Please pray for Noel as he works to finish the website.
• Pray the marketing plans fall into place and will be well received.
• Pray the Lord will continue to lead us in His will.
• Pray for creative and talented people to help with set design and technical support.
• Pray for continued financial provision.
• Pray the Holy Spirit moves through this production and uses it to bring every woman of Spokane to the Savior, Christ Jesus.

In His glorious name,

~Harvest

Be sure to check out ChariotMinistries.com

Update

Holy smokes! Has it really been over two months since I posted a blog?

I believe it! In January I signed up for a Perspectives Class. Of course, I had no idea how time consuming it would be, or I probably wouldn't have taken it. With that said, I must admit that the course is fascinating! If you have a heart for missions or just want to know more about the World Christian Movement you will want to sign up for a Perspectives Class near you. Don't worry about the time commitment. Honestly, it's worth every minute!

At Chariot Ministries we have been Biz-ee. The Journey to the Son Production: Every Woman has been cast! I'm bursting at the seems to share the cast details with you but must wait until the official announcement has been made. If you want to be among the first to know be sure to sign up for our email list by visiting our Chariot Ministries Website.

This week the cast will be having their head-shot photos taken as well as some group shots. Group shots will be taken down at River Front Park...let's hope we have sunshine.

Details for the various scenes are coming together, however, we do have some needs which I'll post on the prayer request.

Noel has been plugging away at our website. We will officially launch the new site on 04 May. You'll want to be sure to check that out.

And last, but certainly not least, it looks like we might have a videographer to shoot a short promo video for us to be shown at various venues as well as on-line and, perhaps, even a commercial.

I think I've covered most of the major highlights. I'll do my best to start posting weekly again. Thank you for all your love and support.

In His glorious name,
~Harvest

Prayer Requests:

• It's almost time to begin the technical design for Every Woman. Please pray that the Lord will provide us with a brilliant "techie" who is creative and committed to excellence.
• Please pray for rehearsal space for the month of August. We have a small space for individual scenes but will require a larger (dance studio size) space as we draw nearer to opening night.
• Please pray for a pleasant photo shoot with warm sunny weather.
• Pray for the Lords continued guidance as we move forward with this important project.
• Pray that the Lord is preparing hearts and making way for people to attend the show, and that the Holy Spirit will move in them.

For more information be sure to visit our website

http://www.chariotministries.com/

Thorny-Ground Hearer?!

I’m constantly questioning God’s call on my life for Chariot Ministries. I’ve been going through a lot of crisis lately, suffering from doubt and depression. I’ve been feeling resentful that there is money going out to fund the various Chariot projects and absolutely none coming in. I’ve been afraid that Chariot Ministries will never get to a point of being self-sustaining. I’ve been confronted with my covetous nature and desiring things like cars, clothes and restaurant dining. I’ve been concerned that I will have to get a “real job” and I don’t know what sort of work I’m even qualified for anymore.

Throughout this process I considered going back to school. It seemed prudent to have a backup plan. I figured I could finish my degree and then make myself available for teaching. At least then I would have summers off. I hurried to print applications for enrollment and financial aid from the computer. I set aside time to fill out these forms and strived to have them completed for priority consideration. Today was going to be the day I submitted everything. But I couldn’t shake a nagging feeling that overcame me every time I thought about a future with a part-time (or completely void of) Chariot Ministries. Grief and guilt moved me to tears. Was I really willing to turn my back on Chariot Ministries for a predictable routine and regular paychecks?

I decided to pray. I know with a decision this big I should have been turning to constant prayer. But it never occurred to me to pray about ‘if’ I should go to school…until this morning. I said my prayers. I didn’t receive an answer to my concerns, which didn’t surprise me. The Lord likes to work in His time. So, I decided to read my daily chapter from the Bible before continuing on with my day.

Today’s chapter was Mark 4 and begins with the Parable of the Sower. I read the familiar passages chuckling when the disciples asked Jesus to explain the parables. My smile quickly faded when I came to verse 19. I had already underlined this passage during a previous reading. It was as though I had known there would come a time when this particular verse would speak directly to me. Could I be a thorny-ground hearer?

“But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for
other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Chariot Ministries is God’s ministry. Not mine. God has invited me to co-labor with Him via this ministry toward His greater purpose of being glorified. I almost let my desire for other things allow me to turn my back on God’s call. A call, need I remind myself, that I prayed and asked for incessantly.

I’ve decided to walk in faith. I will not submit my application for college. I am trusting in our Lord to pave the way and provide the means. What I will do is be obedient to His call. I will be faithful in prayer. And I will continue to read His word.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness.”
~2 Timothy 3:16

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for encouragement.
• Pray that the Lord will continue to lead me to the women he has hand-selected to be a part of the Journey to the Son: Every Woman project.
• Pray for the Lords provision, both for my family and for Chariot Ministires.
• Pay for wisdom while editing the book(s).
• Pray for creative inspiration for the stage production of Every Woman.

Praise Report:

• Praise the Lord for introducing me to Heidi S. this past week. She is a delightful woman who is well connected in the dance community of the Greater Spokane Area as well as many other "useful" connections for Chariot Ministries. A personal praise for her, also, because I know our divine connect was more than work related. I'm very much looking forward to developing our friendship!
• Praise for Donna S. who gave me a C.D. story about a friend of hers who she thinks would make a perfect addition to Journey to the Son: Every Woman. I couldn't agree more!
• Praise for our web designer, Noel, who despite several setbacks has faithfully plugged away at our new website. We should have that posted soon.
• Praise for Jeanette who posted an announcement on the Perspectives e-news letter.
• Praise for the women who have already submitted stories for Journey to the Son: Every Woman. You are greatly appreciated.

Be sure to visit us at ChariotMinistries.com.

For His Glory,

~Harvest

Paradox

The oft-quoted opening line from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," is hardly appropriate for describing the past week, but the following, lesser known sentence, is quite suitable: "It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness."

Challenges were faced on every front this week; challenges with the web template for our upcoming website, challenges at home with family, challenges during meetings, challenges surrounding speaking engagements and challenges at classes. The past week was filled with circumstances aptly displaying my more-often-foolish-than-wise behavior. Most of them come from trying to do things on my own rather than letting go and letting God.

The week could not be considered the wisest of times, nor could it, fortunately, be considered the most foolish of times. I reckon, in retrospect, it is our daily struggles that bring about full realization of our foolish and wise behavior. It seems, too, that just as light and dark share an eternal dance in order to be fully appreciated, one cannot appreciate displays of wisdom without first feeling a bit foolish.

Perhaps Dickens wrote before his time. Or perhaps his paradoxes aren't of the past. Instead they are timeless and constant. Perhaps it should read, "...it is the age of wisdom, it is the age of foolishness..."

See 1 Kings 3:3-14


Prayer Requests:

• Pray for encouragement and wisdom regarding Chariot Ministries.
• Continue to pray for Every Woman story submissions. Pray that women will be moved to share their personal testimonies and that they will recognize how their story could have a greater impact on the community. Pray their fears will be lifted and for willingness to be vulnerable.
• Pray for me. Pray that I will make wise decisions regarding time management. Pray the Lord will continue to open doors for me to introduce Journey to the Son to various women. Pray that I will be filled with the Holy Spirit's creativity and energy.
• Pray for finances to fund this important ministry.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and encouragement. Be sure to check out our website at ChariotMinistries.com.

For His Glory,

~Harvest

Commitment

During church service yesterday my pastor spoke about commitment. He said we should be committed to: the Lord, reading the Bible, and to prayer. His sermon reminded me of a commitment I made two and a half years ago.

In an effort to know God more, I promised to read a minimum of one chapter a day from the Bible (usually less than half a page) and to pray at least once a day. Being new to such discipline, I decided to employ the rule, “No read. No feed.” This meant that if I didn’t read my Bible, or say my prayers that morning, I wasn’t allowed to eat breakfast until I did. The rule worked great, allowing me to establish a new routine. Eventually, I was able to drop the tactic because my relationship with the Lord had developed to where I hungrily sought Him of my own accord.

The pastor also spoke yesterday about how many of us had likely made plans, set goals and outlined objectives for the New Year. I certainly had. But then it snowed—record-breaking snowfall for Spokane, Washington—and messed with my plans!

“God, I don’t understand. My plans were for you. I was going to start the New Year by tending to some administrative tasks for Chariot Ministries. Why would you keep me from doing your work?”

Pastor Roger’s sermon addressed my distress. “The commitment needs to be to the Lord. Not the plan.”

Duh.

Commitment to the Lord should be ever present. It should not be dependant on a bout of inspiration for the New Year, or relegated to a pew on Sunday mornings. Nor should we treat our commitments like fad diets that we vow to “start on Monday.” When we commit to the Lord he will meet us...even if we are stuck from the snow.

When the snow comes, use that time to recommit yourself to the Lord. Read your Bible. Pray. I did.

As of this morning, I’ve completed the entire Old Testament.

Prayer Requests:

• Please pray that I will continue to seek God’s guidance as it relates to Chariot Ministries. That my commitment to Him will be ever-present as I strive to submit myself to His will and His perfect timing.
• Pray for our web designer, Noel, who is diligently working on posting a new website for Chariot Ministries that is more reflective of our mission. Pray the Lord will inspire him and fill him with purpose-driven creativity.
• Pray for us as we work on getting the paperwork together to file for non-profit status.
• Pray for the women who are being called to be part of the Journey to the Son: Every Woman project. That they will see God’s greater purpose in their vulnerability. That they will be filled with the Holy Spirit and full of inspiration and creativity. That they will feel safe in sharing.
• Pray for our finances. Pray that the Lord will continue to open doors allowing us to afford the many tasks at hand (filing legal paperwork, publishing books, promoting shows, staging productions).

For His Glory,

~Harvest

Be sure to visit us at our website: www.chariotministries.com

A Lesson on Perspective

The curtain closed on 2008 instantaneously re-opening on 2009. With it my enthusiasm for Journey to the Son was replaced with anxiety. Did I take on too much? Am I prepared for this responsibility? What if I fail?

I suddenly felt alone. This project was so much bigger than me. I wanted to run and hide. But running would mean turning my back on God. Plus, I was past the point-of-no-return; already soliciting story submissions, committing to speaking engagements and having booked the theater.

I cried out to the Lord. "Father God, I think you picked the wrong person for this project. I'm not good enough to run your ministry. I'm not qualified and...there's not enough time. Only nine months!" Doubt took over. I started questioning my purpose and the calling to which I had been so sure was from God. I needed reassurance. I needed to know God was on my side.

In desperation I reverted to the two things I know for certain bring about communion with God. Reading the Bible and prayer.

I sought Him with fervor. I poured out everything in me; my fears, my doubts, my objections to this ministry. I asked Him for guidance, clarity of purpose and direction. I prayed for wisdom, patience, and confidence to go forth as a servant of the Lord. I argued. I pouted. I wept.

Then, when I was empty, and alone in the silence of my home, I heard the Lord chuckle. I smiled abashedly.

"You," He said sternly but I could hear the smile in His voice, "need some perspective."

"Perspective?" I questioned.

"Yes. You are worrying about publishing two books, directing and promoting a show, and some administrative details for Chariot Ministries..."

"All of which need to be done in the next nine months." I interrupted to remind Him.

"Yes, all of which need to be done in the next nine months." He conceded. "Which is why you need perspective. I gestate and bring forth human life in the span of nine months. Compared to Journey to the Son, which do you think is the greater miracle?"

I was grateful for His point, and I understood it well. God took six days to bring forth all of creation. He chooses to take nine months for human gestation. It seems, then, that nine months for a couple of books, a stage production and some administrative tasks is sublimely generous.

I'm back on track thanks to the Lords gentle rebuke. I've vowed to stop wasting time being overwhelmed and concentrate, instead, on following the path the Lord has set before me. It's no coincidence His first project for Chariot Ministries is titled, Journey to the Son. It is a constant reminder that everyday is a Journey to the Son. The first step in my journey for 2009 comes in the form of new perspective.

I've heard your call, Lord. I'm right behind you...

Prayer Requests:

• Please pray for continued encouragement.
• Pray for the women who are considering submitting a story for Journey to the Son: Every Woman. That they will follow the prompting of their heart. That they will realize the power of their testimony to transform and save lives. That they will be bold and vulnerable.
• Pray for me as I continue to work on editing Journey to the Son.
• Pray for Chariot Ministries as we work toward posting a new website and seeking 501c-3 non profit status.

For His Glory,

~Harvest