Sojourn to Transformation
3.30.2006
Need Some Help Here...
Wondering if some IHOP people could help me with a small dilemma. I started singing this little diddy tonight during our closing song, and I think I may have heard an IHOP team singing something the same or extremely similar sometime last fall.

I recorded the basic chorus and verse, but the chorus..."Break me open God like the alabaster box" is the part I'm wondering about.

If you guys can check it out and let me know if you have heard it before that would be great!
posted by Mandy @ 10:17 PM   2 comments
3.28.2006
in the silence
emotional lately
feeling tired
anxious, sometimes.
hard 2 fall asleep
mind racing
heart awakened
spirit hearing
in the silence--only quiet.
His heart infused to mine.
"I love you. You are precious. You are beautiful. Awake.
My heart is inside you. Love.
I have called you. I have chosen you. My plan for you is good. Arise.
My Spirit is inside you. Purifying you. Transforming you. Hear.
My word is inside you. Sound the alarm. Speak.
My beauty is inside you. Create.
My song is inside you. Sing.
My way is inside you. Walk.
I will lead you. I will guide you. Listen.
You are forever mine. Rest."
posted by Mandy @ 9:31 AM   1 comments
3.26.2006
Afghan Case Dismissed
Today, the Afghanistan court dismissed the case agaisnt Abdul Rahman for becoming a Christian! Breaking News Story
posted by Mandy @ 9:52 AM   3 comments
3.22.2006
Man on Trial for Converting to Christianity
Dave Slicker from IHOP-KC brought a this to attention at the 4pm intercession set, yesterday. (I was watching the live feed.) As he put it, this is a precident setting case in Afghanistan, and will set the course for religious freedom. So, we will pray for God's justice and righteousness. We also will pray for this man, Abdul Rahman. So, gatekeepers and intercessors...lets spread the word.


Afghanistan says fate of convert up to the court

By Sayed Salahuddin

Under mounting international pressure over the case of a man facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity, Afghanistan said on Wednesday the judiciary would decide the case.

An Afghan judge said this week a man named Abdur Rahman had been jailed for converting from Islam to Christianity and could face the death penalty if he refused to become a Muslim again.

Sharia, or Islamic law, stipulates death for apostasy. Afghanistan's legal system is based on a mixture of civil and sharia law.

"We in Afghanistan have the prosecutor who observes the law and the court that executes it. Whatever the court orders will be executed as the court is independent," said Mahaiuddin Baluch, an adviser on religious affairs to President Hamid Karzai.

The case has raised alarm overseas and the United States and three other NATO allies with troops in Afghanistan on Tuesday urged respect for religious freedom.

The case is also sensitive for Karzai who depends on foreign troops to battle Taliban and al Qaeda militants, and foreign aid to support the economy, but also has to take into consideration the views of conservative proponents of Islamic law.

Asked about the international outcry, Baluch said: "Everybody has the right to express their view."

Rahman, 40, became a Christian while he was living abroad, a judicial official said earlier. Among the countries he has lived in were Pakistan and Germany, the official said.
...Continue Reading...
posted by Mandy @ 9:49 AM   3 comments
Kim Clement's Big E Prophecy
Many people are visiting this blog by googling Kim Clement's Big E Prophecy. So, I've went to Kim's website. From May to the present, I've compliled the prophecies concerning the Big E. There are definitley stirrings in the government and the news concerning Corn Ethanol or E-85 and Cellulosic Ethanol.

May 22, 2005
"For the Spirit of God says, do you realize that there is a marked moment in time in the summer where there will be a divine transference of masses of amounts of money? Keep your eye on the gold. Keep your eye on that one substance. Also keep your eyes open for you shall see things changing with petroleum. You shall see things changing with something new that shall come forth. Invest into it says the Spirit of the Lord. You'd better listen some of you investors. This is not petroleum. This is not oil. This is something else that is safer and God wants to share a secret tonight. Go and study it. I don't have the words. The Spirit of the Lord has hidden it from me. But He tells me there's something other than petroleum or gas or whatever you call it, oil, that's coming forth that's gonna be used. Invest in it for it will bring some of you millions of dollars within a 14 month period says the Lord. It begins with an "e". That's all I've got. Now if anybody wants to become very rich, get ready because the stock market's gonna open up. NASDAQ is opening up. There are things opening up in the public places that God says I'm gonna pour out and give to you what rightfully belongs to you if you want it!"

September 3, 2005
"What took place in New Orleans caused America to go into even a greater crisis. It's not the oil it's the refining of the oil that's the problem. And therefore we don't have time and that's what it is. God said remember what I told you about the big "E". For those that don't know it, God said there's a big "E" that's being brought forth. Not petroleum, this is going to be a new source. God said they are going to have to press in to get that energy or that source to this Nation. In other words they can not rely on the source or the natural resources. They can not rely upon oil. There is something else, the government of the USA is about to release that, and release it it shall. It's going to be a fantastic thing. All I know is I heard it in the secret place. This is going to force the United States of America, where they are at the point where they will not rely on the Middle East anymore. There will be a source that they will have within this Nation. It shall come from the garbage, it will come from the ground, it will come from paper, it will come from bugs eating a bunch of stuff. I'm seeing a bunch of bugs eating a bunch of stuff. God said this is going to be the craziest thing. They are going to say, Wow This is being wasted The creatures are eating what could be used to cause our engines to work and our vehicles to move. I'm seeing this bunch of bugs eating this stuff and there it is, that's it right there. When this happens, the United States shall rise above the wealth of the Middle East in terms of oil, and it shall take over, and they shall say now take your oil and shove it. This is the time for America to press in..."

September 17, 2005
"In this Nation a prophetic sound shall come, and as a result of it you will not need the oil of the Middle East. There is a new energy that is coming forth. The prophet knows it as the Big "E" but knows nothing else. A new form of energy is coming forth, America is pioneering it and it shall take you from a trillion dollar deficit to no deficit whatsoever within a six-year period says the Spirit of God. And the Middle East shall say you still need oil. But America shall say no longer from you, for O Israel O Israel what is hidden shall be revealed says the Lord. America rejoice for this is your day says the Lord..."

November 14, 2005
" There is a source of energy that's coming out of this Nation where they will not rely on the oil of the Middle East. God gave me a revelation about the "Big E", that something's going to come from the ground, from the bugs. There are literally billions of dollars to be made in the next few years by Christian people if they would be wise and they would be perceptive. God is going to provide a way for you to invest and to make millions overnight. Take that as a key and a sign, it's yours..."

December 3, 2005
"In America, a new source of energy. America the pioneer. Coming from beneath their feet. That bugs have enjoyed shall become a major source because along with discovering this shall another great discovery come around the month of April of next year, between February and April. That will be what will swing America to the point of never having to rely upon the Middle East again, ever, ever, says the Lord..."

December 31, 2005
"But a surprise is upon you, a great surprise from the garbage, from insects, shall come from beneath your feet a new source of energy. Not ethanol only, something else shall come out of it, says the Lord, discovered and in the next 18 months I will show My servants, the prophets, the places to invest and some shall say, "this is an Einsteinian craze" but it shall come from something that Einstein was discovering and bringing forth, but before his time, therefore I had to remove him. This is the time where discovery shall bring a new source of energy and it shall start in this Nation, says the Lord. Do not say, "Einstein, what about God?" God said, I worked wonders but now some of the theories shall become fact and God said, it shall be so surprising that people shall say, "what shall we do?" America - no deficit! America - no deficit! And in your White House I will keep for the next three terms a Christian at the helm, says the Lord..."

January 29, 2006
"In this summer, opportunity will be created for millions of people in the kingdom to be debt free. For God said, there is new source of energy that I am raising up. This Nation's economy is about to change for the better. God said, people will say, "it's impossible." But God says, you will look to the middle east no more. In fact, they will come to you, why? Because God says, I am turning it around. This is the year of pay back, says the Lord. This is the year for Me to pay back what the enemy stole away. If you believe it, grab a hold of it because it is coming to you..."
posted by Mandy @ 9:04 AM   624 comments
3.21.2006
SNOW DAY!
Four inches of snow just in time for the perfect snow day! I'm sure, now that I'm finally maturing into an adult based upon reflection of my snow day activities!

First things, first. I had to take care of some time consuming errands that have been on my to do list for quite some time. You know the ones that take so much time they never seem to fit in--beginning with a trip to the BMV to renew our lisence plate. Amazingly enough it still took 45 minutes even with very few people braving the weather. Second on my list was a trip to Wal-Mart for a much over do oil change. I did some grocery shopping as well. Side note: I'm seriously contemplating becoming a vegetarian. During a futile attempt Sunday, I realized I must do some grocery shopping before trying it again, considering the only vegetables we had in our home were a bag of salad, some dried up broccoli and carrots, and yellow onions! So, I bought lots of good veggie groceries, and proceeded to our local healthfood store for TAHINI. Yes, tahini, the elusive ingredient for hummus which I have been planning to make for about 4 months, now. I never seem to have time for tracking down that tahini.
At Nature's Cupboard not only did I score some Tahini which is sesame seed paste BTW...I didn't know until today and some raw honey, but I also found some all natural sanschemical hair dye. I asked the check out lady if she had used it, and she was kind of enough to give her personal recommendation. Her hair looked awesome. Shocking, really, to think that it was chemical free stuff she used and it turned out so well. Her secret she tells me is mixing her own color from two shades! That really excited me because those possibilities are endless.
Next, I went to Sams Club definitley not helping out in the battle against Wal-Mart today:). More veggies and stuff. So, that takes care of the grown up errands. Now, on to the grown up stuff that I always aspire to do, but it never pans out considering how little time I have...
I made portobella mushroom fajitas for supper. I was amazed at just how great they tasted. Didn't even miss the chicken! Next, I whipped up some home spun salsa in my food processor. Tomatoes, garlic, jalepeno, a little lime juice, white wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (a hint of tomatoe paste since the tomatoes were not quite ripe) and waa laa...SALSA. It was very yummy. Especially with organic blue corn chips (my favorite).
Last, I made that fresh hummus which turned out a little funky. Too much tahini, I think, but for first time still edible.
To top off the perfect snow day, Dan and I are hanging out at Starbucks. I'm drinking a iced chai latte, and surfing the web. All in all, I'd call that a very nice day.
posted by Mandy @ 4:58 PM   1 comments
3.19.2006
Lilly Leads Worship
Lilly is my 4 year old neice, whom I adore:) Before we begin our Sunday service at City HOP, sometimes we let her sing songs to Jesus on the microphone. Today she said, "I have a song I'd like to sing. You play the piano, Mandy." So, I played a real simple chord progression and she started singing. A minute or so in, I decided to record what she was singing on CD. Little did I know that she would end up singing for about 10 minutes, and we all actually entered into worship with her. My dad started singing with her, too, to help her stay focused. Anyway, here are two mp3 of Lilly singing to Jesus this morning.
Holy, Holy God
Jesus Loves Us So Much
posted by Mandy @ 9:07 PM   2 comments
Funny Story!
So, I brewed up Starbucks new Black Apron Exclusive Rawanda Blue Burboun coffe this morning to take along to City HOP in my shiny new striped thermos mentioned in the previous post.

I waltz into church showing off my thermos and proceed to open it up and have a drink. (I was busy typing out some notes in the car, so this is my first time actually having a sip). I press the magic red button, place my lips oh so smoothly on top, and proceed to tilt my head and lift the thermos to pour it down the ol' hatch. Except, none of it went down the hatch. Not one drop. Instead, it poured directly onto my chin and down the front of my very favorite vintage track jacket! Turns out the liquid comes out from the side of the thermos instead of the top.

Next time, I'll think to check that out before trying to take a drink.
Ah, well, coffee is good...even if its on my jacket:)
posted by Mandy @ 5:33 PM   4 comments
3.17.2006
YAY!
Wo0 HoO! I found a treasure at the Starbucks in my parents town!! Namely THIS:


I've had my eye on this thermos that is SO ME since November. Alas, it was a whopping $30.00. Every time we would visit Starbucks, I'd check to see if they were on sale. Then, about a month ago, they disappeared from the shelves. I even checked eBay, and of course retail savvy people are selling them for more than the original cost considering that you can't find them anymore.

Today, we enter the local Starbucks about 45 minutes from the city, and my eyes behold this beauty way up in the corner of the top shelf. I casually turn it over to see the price, and almost fall over when I read $11.95. $11.95-- more than 50% of its original highly inflated price. $11.95--I can definitley talk my mom into that kind of purchase!

And I did. Thanks, Mom! You're the best--for many other reasons, but including that you buy me stuff ;)
posted by Mandy @ 5:39 PM   3 comments
3.16.2006
Exciting Changes!
We have made some big changes to our schedule at the House of Prayer. I learned some new things during our trip to Atlanta IHOP and Bristol-HOP. (Thanks to Tom and that one guy at ATL HOP!)

Here is what I learned: (*author's note--of course these may not apply across the board for every HOP. Mostly, just really resonated with me, and I felt God's direction through these concepts...)
1. The House of Prayer must have full and part time intercessory missionaries.
2. Might be good to build the schedule during daytime hours rather than shedule evening and weekend hours in order to be flexible for people who work. Two reasons for this are: (1)those in the work force full-time may not be able to readily commit to building the HOP.(2)those in the work force who are strongly called to build the HOP must get out of work force and enter into missionary lifestyle in order to participate.
3. Early meetings are focused on training and equipping the teams that are already in place instead of calling in visitors.
4. It is important for the intercessory missionaries to DWELL in the HOP. There is a difference between harp and bowl meetings and a HOP. The goal of a HOP is to establish a place for the glory of God to dwell. When "Annas" spending work-type hours in the HOP, God grants a corporate anointing even as individuals enter into personal devotion time at the HOP.

Based on this information, we are spending 5 hour blocks of time during the days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week. The first 3 hours we play CDs and just enter into personal devotion, prayer, meditation, and creating. The last two hours we do a intercession harp and bowl clinic, pausing once for people to trade roles from prayer leader to singer. We sometimes only have 3 people, so 2 singers, 1 prayer leader...then we switch! Other times we have 6 or 7, and we can have 3 singers and more people praying:) Bristol-HOP does a really great clinic, so our understanding was so much better after visiting that we were able to follow their lead.

There are a few amazing things that are happening since we started this two weeks ago. First, our time is much more focused. Instead of meeting for two hour intercession 5 times per week, we are meeting 5 hours 3 times per week. This allows us to really focus our energy. Secondly, we are learning to have a greater corporate expression, and their is not as much burden on just one or two people for the meeting. With more people praying and singing, its more enjoyable for everyone. There is also a greater sense of unity. With each of us contributing, there is a stronger sense of community, and we are encouraging each other. Encouraged to seek the heart of God, to dwell in the HOP, to see His glory descend in our city, to abandon the world, and to run hard after the deep things, to know Jesus, to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, to usher in the appearing of Christ...

At the end of two weeks, I feel very encouraged. There is a renewed zeal and passion for God to build this House! We have a new clear, tangible, unified vision for the future. Really, it has just been a very encouraging two weeks.

He is the Lord, God, Merciful. He is Good. Gracious. Abounding in Love. Zealous for His people and His House.
Love.
posted by Mandy @ 10:40 PM   3 comments
3.14.2006
Hot Off The Presses!
New harp and bowl practice resources for you posted here on our listen page.

During my visit to Bristol-HOP, I realized that it may be helpful for people to practice antiphonal singing and spontaneous singing in their own home (or car:). Since that time, I have hoped to put a few resources together for practicing harp and bowl. Of course, these are not perfect. There are a few glitches, but hopefully still very useful.

What you need to know:
The first mp3 consists of one worship song; spontaneous singing; an intercession prayer from Eph. 1:17 for revival, and a 6 minute chord progression (very basic and boring to listen to) for you to practice singing phrases and making up varying melodies.
Better is One Day; Spontaneous Singing;Prayer for Revival; 6 Minute Progression Practice Harp and Bowl Set
The second mp3 is a little different. Starts with one worship song, then spontaneous singing, an intercession prayer for justice, and practice antiphonal singing. Basically, I sing, then leave a space for a 2nd singer, so essentially, you and I are taking turns. I also developed a few choruses for you to sing along with--practice harmonies, maybe:). The prayer leader interjects throughout.
Hungry; Spontaneous Singing; Prayer for Justice; Antiphonal Singing Practice Harp and Bowl Set

BTW...Any feedback from someone who might try this is very welcome. I hope to continue to provide training resources for singing, so let me know what you think!
Love.
posted by Mandy @ 9:46 PM   1 comments
3.13.2006
Taxes and Such
Whew! What a relief! I've been working on taxes for a week or so in preparation for an appointment today. Now, its all over, and early, too! Taxes being my responsibility this year because of medical school, I would count it a success to have finished by April 15th!

Been listening to the support raising seminars from IHOP-KC. Finding it to be a very helpful teaching.

Might be getting a job at Starbucks, soon. I've had two interviews, and should hear something shortly. So, lots going on, and much to consider.

Have some other things to post on, but need to get back to work. Be blessed today with burdens lifted and cast upon the One who can carry them all.
Love.
posted by Mandy @ 1:16 PM   2 comments
3.10.2006
Painting
This is my first painting done at City HOP this week. For a long time, I have wanted to sit in our prayer room and do art work, but that hasn't come to fruition until this past week. We changed our schedule to spend 5 hour blocks of time in the prayer room, and it has been great. More on that later:)
I really enjoyed creating this piece. Here is a link to a larger version
pics 017
posted by Mandy @ 10:52 AM   4 comments
3.08.2006
its good
today
good
dan have test
goes good
glad

feel good
5 hours
house of prayer
intercession for 2
people join
harp and bowl
better
more than one

clean kitchen
sink shining
feels good

fast hard
yesterday
today
good
new mercies
i'm sure

tonight
rest
be with dan
whom i love

tomorrow?
same!
hope
good
posted by Mandy @ 6:31 PM   1 comments
3.07.2006
a little test
Hmm. Interesting.

You scored as Jonathan Edwards. You're the original hellfire-and brimstone preacher and you take God's justice very seriously. You are passionate about preaching and an accomplished theologian.

Anselm

80%

Jonathan Edwards

80%

Karl Barth

73%

John Calvin

67%

J�rgen Moltmann

67%

Friedrich Schleiermacher

60%

Charles Finney

53%

Martin Luther

53%

Augustine

20%

Paul Tillich

7%

Which theologian are you?
created with QuizFarm.com


You scored as Republican.

Anarchism

83%

Republican

83%

Communism

67%

Socialist

58%

Green

42%

Democrat

42%

Nazi

0%

Fascism

0%

What Political Party Do Your Beliefs Put You In?
created with QuizFarm.com
posted by Mandy @ 8:45 PM   7 comments
3.05.2006
On Fasting
I've been thinking a lot about the subject of fasting considering the Call to 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer.

I don't want to reveal a lot about what I am doing for this fast. Lets just say that I am personally participating in it at some level:) The important things are that I have learned so much in the past few days...

My past fasting experiences have been brief and difficult. So, my expectations are always low. When I got the email concerning this 40 day fast, I automatically set my sights really low. Habit, I guess. It was during my visit to Atlanta IHOP that I really felt a stronger call into wholeheartedness during this fast. The Holy Spirit impressed me to have an attitude of setting my sights high, going for it, and if I fail(which I have and probably will again) to set my sights, again and go for it, again. So, thats my approach, now, which is pretty different from before.

This is what I learned...
1. I have very little self control when it comes to food. I know...not a huge revelation, nevertheless, startling. I was reminded that temperance or self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. Maybe fasting is a key way for the Spirit to release this fruit in our lives.
2. I have gone after this so little, that when it is crisis time (such as our spiritual leaders call a 40 day fast), I will be limited in how I can participate.
3. I really need to make this discipline a weekly practice so that in the future I can enter in more abandondly as calls come forth.
4. There are changes in my diet that I need to make (like do the Daniel fast--always), and it is a matter of deciding wholeheartedly. These changes will make fasting a little less difficult. (Those headaches can be so awful. Anything I can do to decrease those...I need to do.)
5. This discipline might be more mental and emotional than physical...just a small example...I went grocery shopping and to Sams Club (where they have samples all over the place:) while doing a water fast. I was so excited to leave those places having said no to all of the try mes! However, as I started feeling frustrated about something a few hours later, and just snapped and ate.

So, these are wonderful things of which to be aware. This is something for which I feel a new zeal.

I had trouble expressing this coherently, so hopefully you didn't get too lost:)
posted by Mandy @ 9:58 AM   4 comments
3.04.2006
we fast. we pray. we seek Your face.
we kneel and say, 'Oh, God, turn from heaven. hear our prayer. heal our land.'
posted by Mandy @ 1:37 PM   0 comments
3.03.2006
how is it that
i
lack
the one thing
i
desire
most?
posted by Mandy @ 9:18 PM   1 comments
New Video
Here is the video of my song, "Abide in Christ" as I played at my ordination with the band of musicians from Nashville, TN. For your worshipping pleasure, click here.

***Thanks to Aaron for posting it on his site.
posted by Mandy @ 5:45 PM   2 comments
3.02.2006
The Gift
love
is
most desired
highly cherished
the
treasure
of man
the
prize
of life
a
gift
that cannot
be earned
but
must be
recieved
posted by Mandy @ 10:28 PM   2 comments
where is love?
a child
born to be
loved
yet
life
errodes
innocence
now
love
once given and recieved
becomes
what this child seeks

where can this child look?
to find
love
what can this child do?
to recieve
love
who can this child be?
to deserve
love
posted by Mandy @ 10:24 AM   1 comments
3.01.2006
Traveling Along
Heading out from IHOP-Bristol after spending two days visiting. I had a wonderful time ministering with their group in harp and bowl last night. It was very encouraging to see a small group come together in unity and in small beginnings, yet seeking after the heart of God. Shout out to Tom who was very gracious during our stay.

A prayer for IHOP-Bristol: May the Lord look upon you with favor. May He grant you to be strengthened by the Spirit within you with might and power to persevere. That he would make your way straight and sure every step. That He would bless your times of intercession give you a Spirit of prayer and faith to move mountains. May He give you revelation of His great love for you. For you have touched His heart.
Shalom
posted by Mandy @ 9:02 AM   1 comments


Ps 27:4 One thing I have desired from the LORD, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to pray in His temple.(MKJV)
About Me

Name: Mandy
Home: United States
About Me: I'm Mandy. Wife, mother, worship leader, photographer and lover of Jesus. I'm here to showcase my work as a beginning photographer and to build a portfolio. I enjoy photographing children and families. It is a wonderful experience to capture the essence and beauty of a person in an image.
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