Monday, March 26, 2012
Love. Hope. Justice.: Month of Miracles!
Love. Hope. Justice.: Month of Miracles!: "God, what am I doing here?" Just a few weeks ago, my heart was wrapped around this question. Longing to be with my kids in India, I was...
Some things take Prayer and Fasting.....
It's official Brad and I are moving back to Oregon. God has been speaking to us about moving back home even though we didn't think we would ever go back to Hermiston, OR. It is a bittersweet time in our life. Sweet because we will be closer to family and bitter because we will miss all the family and friends we have made in Indiana. Although we are sad we know God has his reasons for moving us.
Brad and I were not certain what God's will was until he spoke to us in a few different ways. Well it started back in December. Brad and I had both been having vivid dreams about God telling us to move back home. Brad had a few dreams where he was in Washington witnessing to some people and also a dream that we were living back home. Dreams are a frequent thing with him. Now myself on the other hand can never remember anything I dream and I figure that's because it's not from God. After a few weeks of praying for guidance from God, I had a dream. It was so real that I literally woke up prepared to move.
In my dream Brad and I were with someone down south and they were telling us that God wanted us to move. Our first reaction was that we were going to move to another state but not Oregon. The man told us that we needed to go back to Fort Wayne, sell all our things and move back to Oregon. So after we were told this Brad and I went back home, sold all our things loaded up and drove back to Oregon. It was so real to me and right away I told Brad what happened.
So a few weeks later we heard that some friends of ours were going to Georgia to the RAMP and we decided to go since Brad had time off and my work gave everyone a week off for Christmas. When we got there we were praying for Guidance and we felt like God was telling us to not be afraid. Well after the Ramp we went back home still not sure when God wanted us to move. Honestly I thought it would be a year or two before we actually moved but everything is in Gods timing. Well as most of you know in January we had a few deaths in our family. We really felt like God was saying time is short things need to be done soon. We may be the only light to the lost people in our family. Even then we still were not positive what to do. We love Ft. Wayne and all the people we have come to know and love. We were so welcomed by everyone and got involved with the Youth Group right away once we found First Assembly. We feel called to Youth and love mentoring them.
Anyways, Brad and I just kept praying and speaking to God, one thing we prayed about was what to tell my mom since she was living with us. We knew she wouldn't want to move back to the west coast. One day, the week before camp Brad was upstairs praying about what we were suppose to do with my mom. Me not knowing that he was praying, at the same time was downstairs thinking the same thing and just praying under my breathe about the whole situation. Then once Brad came downstairs my mom just blurted out that she wanted to move to Massachusetts with her brother. I was shocked especially once Brad told me he had just been praying about it.
After we talked things out we decided to see about buying a plane ticket. We didn't have any extra money really and were worried that we would have to wait a few months. After tithe and everything we had about $60 left. When I was looking for plane tickets they all were around $200 but then after praying that God would help us since we were short on cash I found a ticket for $53 with tax! Praise God. It seemed like God was preparing for our move.
Well then in February the week before Winter Retreat Brad and I decided to do a week long Daniel fast. We didn't eat sweets or meats. Well on the day that our fast was over which was the same day as when we got to camp Brads old co-worker called him and told him that a job opportunity that Brad was not sure about was closing. He told Brad that they were taking the posting down and that he had to apply right then and there to be considered for the position or else they were not going to hire anyone for the next few months. We felt like that was God telling us to stay because we prayed that he would close doors and open others.
Well then the next week after camp Brad's old boss called him and told him to apply for the job and that he wanted to hire him. During camp we had some people prophecy over us that we need to do what God is asking us to do and to have a spirit of faith and boldness. Well Brad applied and we found out a week later that he got the job! Right away we started trying to sale our things and get everything ready to move. We had a yard sale a week before we moved so I prayed we would sale all of our large items and that day one person came and bought all our furniture besides our bed set! God is good and we were so excited when we were able to sale all our stuff even our bed set. If you want to listen to the message we heard at Winter Ramp I posted it below. It is very good.
Brad and I were not certain what God's will was until he spoke to us in a few different ways. Well it started back in December. Brad and I had both been having vivid dreams about God telling us to move back home. Brad had a few dreams where he was in Washington witnessing to some people and also a dream that we were living back home. Dreams are a frequent thing with him. Now myself on the other hand can never remember anything I dream and I figure that's because it's not from God. After a few weeks of praying for guidance from God, I had a dream. It was so real that I literally woke up prepared to move.
In my dream Brad and I were with someone down south and they were telling us that God wanted us to move. Our first reaction was that we were going to move to another state but not Oregon. The man told us that we needed to go back to Fort Wayne, sell all our things and move back to Oregon. So after we were told this Brad and I went back home, sold all our things loaded up and drove back to Oregon. It was so real to me and right away I told Brad what happened.
So a few weeks later we heard that some friends of ours were going to Georgia to the RAMP and we decided to go since Brad had time off and my work gave everyone a week off for Christmas. When we got there we were praying for Guidance and we felt like God was telling us to not be afraid. Well after the Ramp we went back home still not sure when God wanted us to move. Honestly I thought it would be a year or two before we actually moved but everything is in Gods timing. Well as most of you know in January we had a few deaths in our family. We really felt like God was saying time is short things need to be done soon. We may be the only light to the lost people in our family. Even then we still were not positive what to do. We love Ft. Wayne and all the people we have come to know and love. We were so welcomed by everyone and got involved with the Youth Group right away once we found First Assembly. We feel called to Youth and love mentoring them.
Anyways, Brad and I just kept praying and speaking to God, one thing we prayed about was what to tell my mom since she was living with us. We knew she wouldn't want to move back to the west coast. One day, the week before camp Brad was upstairs praying about what we were suppose to do with my mom. Me not knowing that he was praying, at the same time was downstairs thinking the same thing and just praying under my breathe about the whole situation. Then once Brad came downstairs my mom just blurted out that she wanted to move to Massachusetts with her brother. I was shocked especially once Brad told me he had just been praying about it.
After we talked things out we decided to see about buying a plane ticket. We didn't have any extra money really and were worried that we would have to wait a few months. After tithe and everything we had about $60 left. When I was looking for plane tickets they all were around $200 but then after praying that God would help us since we were short on cash I found a ticket for $53 with tax! Praise God. It seemed like God was preparing for our move.
Well then in February the week before Winter Retreat Brad and I decided to do a week long Daniel fast. We didn't eat sweets or meats. Well on the day that our fast was over which was the same day as when we got to camp Brads old co-worker called him and told him that a job opportunity that Brad was not sure about was closing. He told Brad that they were taking the posting down and that he had to apply right then and there to be considered for the position or else they were not going to hire anyone for the next few months. We felt like that was God telling us to stay because we prayed that he would close doors and open others.
Well then the next week after camp Brad's old boss called him and told him to apply for the job and that he wanted to hire him. During camp we had some people prophecy over us that we need to do what God is asking us to do and to have a spirit of faith and boldness. Well Brad applied and we found out a week later that he got the job! Right away we started trying to sale our things and get everything ready to move. We had a yard sale a week before we moved so I prayed we would sale all of our large items and that day one person came and bought all our furniture besides our bed set! God is good and we were so excited when we were able to sale all our stuff even our bed set. If you want to listen to the message we heard at Winter Ramp I posted it below. It is very good.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Our Call to India
For the last few months God has been speaking to Brad and I about our Calling. Through dreams, people, and his word He has been preparing us for what he has for us. We feel He has called us to India. We don't know when or what part exactly but we believe he will work it all out in His timing. I never thought that I would be a missionary, even after I was told when I first started going to church that one day I would be a missionary. My first reaction was, "ME! No way jose!" I really thought the lady was crazy. I was only 14 at the time how could I become a missionary.
It has just been over the last few months that God has reminded me of the encounter I had when I was 14. The first time I heard we were called to India was from Brad. He told me that he was sleeping and had a dream that was so real it woke him and he felt led to pray for Gods call in our life. He was asking God to tell him what He wanted us to do and where he wanted us to go, thats when he said he dropped his notebook and when he went to pick it up the word India popped out at him from the page. He really felt like God was saying we are called to India. At first I was like, "Your Crazy!"-sounds familiar right?
Well instead of completely axing the idea I decided to start praying about India. I asked God to speak to me and confirm that we are called to India. Well a few weeks later when I was attending church I told God during worship that He was going to tell me what we were going to do and where we were going to go. I was so sick of not knowing! Well, He certainly told me. After worship was done Pastor Ron got up to speak the message he was scheduled to speak. Every week they tell you the next 3 weeks sermons in advance and let you know what is being spoken each Sunday. When Pastor Ron got up to speak, he seemed conflicted.
When he opened his mouth he started saying that he really felt like God was telling him to let this missionary speak that was visiting our church. He said that he was only going to have her do an opening before his sermon but that God told him to let her have the whole service. So he obeyed God and allowed Sarah the missionary from INDIA speak that day. When she spoke of India and all she was doing there for Cry of India I knew then that I would be in India one day. God was starting to give me a heart for India and even now as I am writing this I feel excited for my chance to love on the people of India. It is an amazing thing when God calls you to do his will. I do believe one day Brad and I will be in India, whether it be for a short period or long term we will preach the gospel to the lost of India. We will see blind eyes opened, the lost won to Christ, and the bondages of witchcraft broken! God is going to move in a mighty way!
Here is the exact service I was at: http://www.firstassemblyfw.org/Feb05-12.mp3
Please listen to the service it will move you to tears. God is so good!
For more of this story go to this blog.
http://sarahbocik.blogspot.com/2012/02/month-of-miracles.html#links
It has just been over the last few months that God has reminded me of the encounter I had when I was 14. The first time I heard we were called to India was from Brad. He told me that he was sleeping and had a dream that was so real it woke him and he felt led to pray for Gods call in our life. He was asking God to tell him what He wanted us to do and where he wanted us to go, thats when he said he dropped his notebook and when he went to pick it up the word India popped out at him from the page. He really felt like God was saying we are called to India. At first I was like, "Your Crazy!"-sounds familiar right?
Well instead of completely axing the idea I decided to start praying about India. I asked God to speak to me and confirm that we are called to India. Well a few weeks later when I was attending church I told God during worship that He was going to tell me what we were going to do and where we were going to go. I was so sick of not knowing! Well, He certainly told me. After worship was done Pastor Ron got up to speak the message he was scheduled to speak. Every week they tell you the next 3 weeks sermons in advance and let you know what is being spoken each Sunday. When Pastor Ron got up to speak, he seemed conflicted.
When he opened his mouth he started saying that he really felt like God was telling him to let this missionary speak that was visiting our church. He said that he was only going to have her do an opening before his sermon but that God told him to let her have the whole service. So he obeyed God and allowed Sarah the missionary from INDIA speak that day. When she spoke of India and all she was doing there for Cry of India I knew then that I would be in India one day. God was starting to give me a heart for India and even now as I am writing this I feel excited for my chance to love on the people of India. It is an amazing thing when God calls you to do his will. I do believe one day Brad and I will be in India, whether it be for a short period or long term we will preach the gospel to the lost of India. We will see blind eyes opened, the lost won to Christ, and the bondages of witchcraft broken! God is going to move in a mighty way!
Here is the exact service I was at: http://www.firstassemblyfw.org/Feb05-12.mp3
Please listen to the service it will move you to tears. God is so good!
For more of this story go to this blog.
http://sarahbocik.blogspot.com/2012/02/month-of-miracles.html#links
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Troubled Times
Just an update...
Brad and I are dong well. He is still working at Edy's Ice cream and I work at our Church First Assembly of God as the Student Ministry Admin. It's 28 hours but feels more like 50 some days :). We still help with the youth. The funny thing is when we lived in Oregon we helped with a youth group named Ignited :) we actually found a logo that we were inspired by on google images and it is the logo from the Youth Group Brad and I are now at called Ignite. Makes me laugh to think about God's sense of humor.
Life has been pretty normal since we have moved. The last couple months have seemed a little difficult but I trust God to get us out of these tough times. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel...It does go dim sometimes though. Well last year Brad and I started trying for kids. Which has been hard at times. I went to the doctor to get checked out so I could be sure I was healthy and able to have kids. Thats when I found out that I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). It was actually nice to figure out what was going on even though it has made it harder to have kids. I am still leaning on God's promises though.
When I found out what I had I was a bit crushed and wondered what else was going to hit me. Well yet again another health issue. While I was being checked for PCOS the doctor found a lump in my breast. I about had a heart attack when she told me. And of course doctors aren't the best with words at times and since I was so stunned I had no clue to ask questions. Once I calmed down the Doctor scheduled an appointment at the breast diagnostic center, I was so scared I just kept praying the whole day asking God to not let it be cancer. I remember when I told Brad how he first did not believe me that they found a lump.
Well, during the week wait to go to my exam I was seeking God for answers and comfort. I remember the day after my appointment where they found the lump I was at ease about the whole situation. God gave me complete peace in that moment. I just told myself, "God is bigger than this lump!" it is not mine and I surrendered my worry to Christ. It's funny to me to think how I reacted that day. I would have never thought I would revert to the thought that God is in control and knows my every need.
I usually would freak out and most likely would have a panic attack (use to be a common occurrence). Thank God it was not cancer though. I went in for my ultra sound and the Technician was very quiet and I was about to start crying when she told me that it looked like fibroadenoma which is a benign tumor. They may have to remove it later on in my life but I am believing God my healer to remove it Himself!
One thing I am thankful for in all this was the fact that my mom moved in with us at the time that all this was going on. She really helped me to be calm about the whole thing and was very supportive. So on to this year, I really thought that with the new year everything would calm down. Well it didn't at the end of January Brads Great Uncle passed away from his battle with cancer. We really believed God was going to heal him but sometimes he throws a curveball at you or 2 or 3. A week later Brads Grandpa Gerald passed away. We were thankfully able to fly home that week and attend Gerald's funeral and visit our family but then that week the day before we planned on visiting Brad's dear Great Grandmother she passed away from falling into a coma. In three weeks we lost three family members that we loved and were not able to say goodbye to.
It really hurt to see our family get hit so hard. I did not understand why and I still do not but the main thing is they all are enjoying the presence of Almighty God. They have no more pain or sorrow. It makes me tear up just thinking about them but I know they are in a better place and one day I will be greeted by them when I get to heaven's gates.
So as you can see this year and last year have been a little tough and hard to bare. I know it would have been a lot harder if I was not a believer in God and if I did not have a relationship with him. Some may say that I am foolish for following Christ but I know the truth. I know that God is real, that without him some things in life would be unbearable. Christ is not just a crutch people hold onto during troubling times he is a Rock that keeps us above rising waters. I truly am grateful for what Christ did on the Cross at Calvary, he took on my sin and shame so one day I can get to heaven where there is no pain, no sorrow, no hunger, or thirst. So one day I can be with him in all His Glory.
Life has been pretty normal since we have moved. The last couple months have seemed a little difficult but I trust God to get us out of these tough times. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel...It does go dim sometimes though. Well last year Brad and I started trying for kids. Which has been hard at times. I went to the doctor to get checked out so I could be sure I was healthy and able to have kids. Thats when I found out that I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). It was actually nice to figure out what was going on even though it has made it harder to have kids. I am still leaning on God's promises though.
When I found out what I had I was a bit crushed and wondered what else was going to hit me. Well yet again another health issue. While I was being checked for PCOS the doctor found a lump in my breast. I about had a heart attack when she told me. And of course doctors aren't the best with words at times and since I was so stunned I had no clue to ask questions. Once I calmed down the Doctor scheduled an appointment at the breast diagnostic center, I was so scared I just kept praying the whole day asking God to not let it be cancer. I remember when I told Brad how he first did not believe me that they found a lump.
Well, during the week wait to go to my exam I was seeking God for answers and comfort. I remember the day after my appointment where they found the lump I was at ease about the whole situation. God gave me complete peace in that moment. I just told myself, "God is bigger than this lump!" it is not mine and I surrendered my worry to Christ. It's funny to me to think how I reacted that day. I would have never thought I would revert to the thought that God is in control and knows my every need.
I usually would freak out and most likely would have a panic attack (use to be a common occurrence). Thank God it was not cancer though. I went in for my ultra sound and the Technician was very quiet and I was about to start crying when she told me that it looked like fibroadenoma which is a benign tumor. They may have to remove it later on in my life but I am believing God my healer to remove it Himself!
One thing I am thankful for in all this was the fact that my mom moved in with us at the time that all this was going on. She really helped me to be calm about the whole thing and was very supportive. So on to this year, I really thought that with the new year everything would calm down. Well it didn't at the end of January Brads Great Uncle passed away from his battle with cancer. We really believed God was going to heal him but sometimes he throws a curveball at you or 2 or 3. A week later Brads Grandpa Gerald passed away. We were thankfully able to fly home that week and attend Gerald's funeral and visit our family but then that week the day before we planned on visiting Brad's dear Great Grandmother she passed away from falling into a coma. In three weeks we lost three family members that we loved and were not able to say goodbye to.
It really hurt to see our family get hit so hard. I did not understand why and I still do not but the main thing is they all are enjoying the presence of Almighty God. They have no more pain or sorrow. It makes me tear up just thinking about them but I know they are in a better place and one day I will be greeted by them when I get to heaven's gates.
So as you can see this year and last year have been a little tough and hard to bare. I know it would have been a lot harder if I was not a believer in God and if I did not have a relationship with him. Some may say that I am foolish for following Christ but I know the truth. I know that God is real, that without him some things in life would be unbearable. Christ is not just a crutch people hold onto during troubling times he is a Rock that keeps us above rising waters. I truly am grateful for what Christ did on the Cross at Calvary, he took on my sin and shame so one day I can get to heaven where there is no pain, no sorrow, no hunger, or thirst. So one day I can be with him in all His Glory.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Hannahs Prayer
This may be a shocker for some but I am a bit private when it comes to my personal struggles. Well, Brad and I have been trying to conceive for a while now and I was recently diagnosed with PCOS(Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). For the first few months I was a little depressed and annoyed whenever I heard of yet again another classmates good news of getting pregnant. I didn't understand why I was having so many issues with trying to get pregnant when everyone around me made it look easy.
After a few months of pity I was pulled out of my slump, I just kept praying and trusting God for my miracle. Sometimes it is a miracle to get pregnant, especially since you actually only have 2 days out of the month to conceive. I kinda went crazy the first few months. I was charting my temp, taking OPK tests and pregnancy test all the time, and I even bought an herbal tea to try and jump start my cycle. But then I realized I should just trust God and remember his promises to me.
Even though I was told it was going to be hard to get pregnant by my doctor I believe God is bigger than my health problems. Last July I was crying out to God and praying hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel asking God to please give me a child and that I would dedicate my child to him all the days of his/her life. Well in august I was attending a prayer meeting and I was alone praying about this...by the way no one knew I had been praying for a child including my husband. I had always told myself that I probably could not have kids since I have always had issues with my cycle not knowing the cause until recently.
Well as I was praying in private one of our church youth and a leader came up to me to pray. I did not know the young lady very well but I had seen her around. As she was praying she stopped and was like, "Can I ask you a weird question?", this kinda scared me of course. Hesitantly I said sure. She was like, "Well first are you married? When I said yes she proceeded to ask me what she called a "weird question". She asked if I had been praying for a baby.
I was stunned I had not told anyone but God what I was feeling. I stammered out a Yes. Once I said yes she proceeded to tell me that God was going to give me a child like Hannah in the bible and that no matter how long it takes to trust him, be sure, and be patient. I just smiled because I had been just reading about Hannah and praying similar to what she prayed.
She also stated that God stressed that no matter how long I have to wait his answer is Yes. I was elated to hear God speaking through this young lady for little ol' me. I had honestly never experienced anything like that before. And in the last few months I have had confirmations of God's promise from others.
After a few months of pity I was pulled out of my slump, I just kept praying and trusting God for my miracle. Sometimes it is a miracle to get pregnant, especially since you actually only have 2 days out of the month to conceive. I kinda went crazy the first few months. I was charting my temp, taking OPK tests and pregnancy test all the time, and I even bought an herbal tea to try and jump start my cycle. But then I realized I should just trust God and remember his promises to me.
Even though I was told it was going to be hard to get pregnant by my doctor I believe God is bigger than my health problems. Last July I was crying out to God and praying hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel asking God to please give me a child and that I would dedicate my child to him all the days of his/her life. Well in august I was attending a prayer meeting and I was alone praying about this...by the way no one knew I had been praying for a child including my husband. I had always told myself that I probably could not have kids since I have always had issues with my cycle not knowing the cause until recently.
Well as I was praying in private one of our church youth and a leader came up to me to pray. I did not know the young lady very well but I had seen her around. As she was praying she stopped and was like, "Can I ask you a weird question?", this kinda scared me of course. Hesitantly I said sure. She was like, "Well first are you married? When I said yes she proceeded to ask me what she called a "weird question". She asked if I had been praying for a baby.
I was stunned I had not told anyone but God what I was feeling. I stammered out a Yes. Once I said yes she proceeded to tell me that God was going to give me a child like Hannah in the bible and that no matter how long it takes to trust him, be sure, and be patient. I just smiled because I had been just reading about Hannah and praying similar to what she prayed.
She also stated that God stressed that no matter how long I have to wait his answer is Yes. I was elated to hear God speaking through this young lady for little ol' me. I had honestly never experienced anything like that before. And in the last few months I have had confirmations of God's promise from others.
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