12.25.2007
12.19.2007
12.16.2007
A tribute to our Bocce Ball Club
And now the last post for the week....SUNDAY! It has been a beautiful day. The days are so short here in Skien. We do not have snow yet, but the frost is coming to the trees. The fog rests gently on the water and moves across its still surface.
It is here on Bakkestranda that we ready ourselves for a triumphant game of Bocce Ball. This will be the last game for the year. Well since Brad is the one that loves the game as much as me...and is willing to even forge the wintery breezes for its execution---and he will be leaving...then I see that this might be the last. So we dedicated this game to him. Even with all that said and the perfect scene painted for Marius, Brad, and I to toss with ease and joy...
and even with the measurements taken unfairly with gloves on and sort of biased as Brad was wanting to win...and he had all the measure power...
and even when a little swan hits the waters edge and makes perfect ripples with his tail feathers into the Norwegian sun set.....I still have one thing to say.I WON!
Saturday Slackerday
It was a lazy day, totally. The students were packing up to leave for Christmas and the staff was on the mental turn around from a crazy first half of the year. The day was spent enjoying good company. First Brad, Marius, Kasper, and I played Speed Scrabble. This game is quickly becoming my favorite game. I can get a bit vicious and can be jerkish when it comes to those non English speakers...I just need to have more tact. I patched up relationships after the game...after the damage was done. :) Did I mention I sat on a couch from 10 to 12 eating mandarin oranges and a bit of marzipan cake first? We ate porridge at 3...then commenced to cell number 6--my room! This is the first time I have had guests over to my jail cell. What a treat! We watched Royal Tenenbaum. Here you see we have presented some common movie expressions!
This is the: 'I'm watching a movie for the first time in 5 months. Is it okay? Should I be doing something else?'
This is the: 'Caught me by surprise' laugh. Does anyone think Brad's smile is real?
This is the: 'inappropriate scene face.....or movie's over, I don't want to move!' You choose.
THEN WE GOT ATTACKED BY HUGE COLORFUL BALLOONS! IF CAN SEE RAGNHILD IS CONCERNED BUT BRAD COULD CARE LESS. HE ACTUALLY HOPES WE GET CONQUERED. After movie we all ate pizza together. There was about 12 at the base and there were 14 pizzas. I should say....NEVER eat that much pizza! We were stuffed and the pizza kept coming and coming. There were 5 pieces left so we played a game. One person thinks of a number and another thinks of a name. The person's name....gets counted that chosen number around the circle. Who it lands on....eats another piece! Torbjørn saved the day by eating 3 of the last 5. Oi oi oi!
We then played some balloon games and had a piggyback contest. These were obviously boredom responses! Who could pull more pepperkake from the roof (that was hanging down). Marius and I were second place. Not strong enough teeth!
We gathered around the fireplace in the basement for a reading. We got coffee, tea, and warm blankets to cozy up and listen to some short stories that Brad read aloud. Two by Oscar Wilde...'The Happy Prince' and 'The Selfish Giant'. We demolished a pepperkake huset and enjoyed the cultural atmosphere. We discussed a bit, but more went.....'hmmm...that is interesting.' I read the story 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings'.
All in all the Saturday was actually packed full of great events. If we had planned them all before that would be stressy, but we allowed the time to have its course. What a great way to celebrate and send off for the Christmas vacation. Thanks for the good times friends!!
YWAM Skien Christmas Party!
So Friday we celebrated Christmas together. It was a charming event with great Norwegian food. Pork ribs, red beets, brussle sprouts, potatoes, gravy, and red currant sauce. It is always a dramatic feast in which I must add....Runar (the YWAM Skien base leader), Jarle (Reboot break dancer), and Einar (DTS staff) made it all. It was fantastic....3 men in the kitchen and satisfied women awaiting! Perfect. Later we had rice-cream....creamy rice porridge, cold with warmed thick cherry sauce on top. Interesting, but delicious!
Look at these two beautiful girls. Lovisa (Swedish), me, and Lucy (Welsh) are looking quite Christmasy. I think they are so charming...they think I am too.
Look at these two beautiful girls. Lovisa (Swedish), me, and Lucy (Welsh) are looking quite Christmasy. I think they are so charming...they think I am too.playing & dancing with the stars!
I suppose all I can say is...wow! What a great experience to be playing violin with Rudi Myntevik...a visiting teacher to the school in this week of 'worship' and a popular national worship leader in Norway. It was quite an American thing to do--they say. I just stepped up to Rudi during a break in the class and asked him, 'can I play violin with you tonight at the open meeting.' It was very bold and trusting for him to say...'yes' I mean....I could have thought I was good and was actually not at all. Otherwise he just took a huge risk. So I got to join...and he did mention that it was surprisingly good....he didnt know what to expect. I dont blame him. I just have to say I was blown away by the sensitivity of the music and the passion behind it. I dont see that very often here in Northern Europe where people are really into what they do. Rudi is so real...so down to earth. He is spreading the message of hope and I like it!
The open meeting with Rudi on Dec. 10. There were over 40 youth that just showed up! Wow.
Bård (the owner of a music store on Prinsessegata), Rudi Myntevik, and me
The open meeting with Rudi on Dec. 10. There were over 40 youth that just showed up! Wow.
Bård (the owner of a music store on Prinsessegata), Rudi Myntevik, and me
Every Tuesday night Lyndee and I have hosted this evening called 'The Room' we slide the piano from the 4th floor down and open the prayer room for sitting, soaking, and singing in God's presence. It has been an experiment thus far and we want it to be so much more, however we are just waiting on what. This last Tuesday was really special. Christina from Germany (last year's Reboot singer) was visiting and she plays the violin....so she joined. I was able to play my new songs on the piano with a violin!! And this was Brad's last week. He will join the SOE in England (to which I will visit in January) so he was just jamming out on the drum. He is dynamic on that hand drum! I will really miss that energy here at the base. 
This is our new drum for the base. Helina helped buy it and take it from Estonia. What a gal! The drum sat first class on the plane! Now guess what??? My friend Matt Kunnari is visiting me from the states and he is bringing a Yamaha piano and a huge box for us. I can admit that it is 2/3 cheaper to get it from the states! He will bring it before New Year's!! Just pray that my credit card works and everything is easy at the airport. Amen and answer to prayer!!!
And this is where my life really comes alive! I have begun to teach ballroom dance lessons to the people at the base. It went really well this last Wednesday. I will take some more lessons the Wednesday we come back in January. The people really liked the Fox Trot and the Swing steps I taught. It is a great opportunity to train up the men to be MEN...not passive Scandinavians! They love the special attention too. 'If the woman looks good...it is because you are good...men!' That gets them smiling of course! More pictures to come...just keep in touch!
12.15.2007
Open Window Art Gallery
This was a spur of the moment project....but I took it like the wind to a willow tree. (mind the stupid phrases) I was to set up an art show for the open meeting we sometimes have on Monday nights. The students have been doing some art and ever since I opened it up to private lessons the art has become much more frequent. I have been doing some work....here and there. So I knew I could fill the walls with some things if we needed. I actually thought there would be so much extra space, but no...it was perfect. We have this clothing store space that works as our big open meeting area and now art gallery for open meetings. I hope to fill it with more art and different stuff each time. But the lighting is pretty great. Just check out the show---a sneak peak!
This is the view from the big room. We could have some nice sculpture work on tall stands here. I think that is in the future!
Two of my small pieces. I made these the first week of December. I feel very good about them but 'Chase' is a favorite with me and with the students. I think they are slowly being inspired by the abstract with purpose aspect of painting. It stretches thier growing minds. The other is called 'Promonition of Bright'.
The view from the side stairs. We used a low level line to measure it off because the awkward black line through the whole room....too high to line with...and too low for forget about. I had two private lesson girls join me to hang the show. Theresa and Stine are interested in painting and I made them hang this show instead. They were great sports about it...and so helpful! If you see them say thanks for me!
This oil painting was given to our base by the leader of the Golden Age folk. He is a painter and plays the oboe. We are like kinship. He has become our base grandpa and his wife the grandma....they are just starting here with us and it is really cool to have an older generation present with us at the base. We are all quite young here. The oldest is maybe 36. Youch!!! That is over 60 people that are under 36 and over 18.
It has been so cool to have a mentor this year that is an artist as well. She has painted the one on the left called 'Sky Spin' and now at the first YWAM Skien art show we got to display ours together. Mine is on the right...it is entitled 'Surrounded with Deliverance'. What unique styles we have, but still on the same wavelength. I am honored to share the space with you Hild Mari!
This is the view from the big room. We could have some nice sculpture work on tall stands here. I think that is in the future!
Two of my small pieces. I made these the first week of December. I feel very good about them but 'Chase' is a favorite with me and with the students. I think they are slowly being inspired by the abstract with purpose aspect of painting. It stretches thier growing minds. The other is called 'Promonition of Bright'.
The view from the side stairs. We used a low level line to measure it off because the awkward black line through the whole room....too high to line with...and too low for forget about. I had two private lesson girls join me to hang the show. Theresa and Stine are interested in painting and I made them hang this show instead. They were great sports about it...and so helpful! If you see them say thanks for me!
This oil painting was given to our base by the leader of the Golden Age folk. He is a painter and plays the oboe. We are like kinship. He has become our base grandpa and his wife the grandma....they are just starting here with us and it is really cool to have an older generation present with us at the base. We are all quite young here. The oldest is maybe 36. Youch!!! That is over 60 people that are under 36 and over 18.
It has been so cool to have a mentor this year that is an artist as well. She has painted the one on the left called 'Sky Spin' and now at the first YWAM Skien art show we got to display ours together. Mine is on the right...it is entitled 'Surrounded with Deliverance'. What unique styles we have, but still on the same wavelength. I am honored to share the space with you Hild Mari!I think we will see many more art works coming out of YWAM Skien. Not because we are a specifically creative focused base, but because we are crying out for a lifestyle of worship here. I can tell we are working towards a balanced life with ministry and life and wondering....can it be possible to let our lives be ministry....and be worship? When people are discovering what God has put in them...and expressing it...things are happening. People come alive and we LIVE! Amen.
12.10.2007
Jule Tre Jakt
We were on the hunt for the best Christmas Tree had to offer.
Which I was sort of disappointed with. All the ones we saw had these crazy Dr. Suess looking nobuals coming out of the top. Christmas in Who-ville.
There were so many trees...a veritable jungle....well actually was except all the trees were cut down
Helina giggles as we seem to be struggling to find the perfect tree for Lyndee's apartment. Her brothers and sisters come and laugh at us. She is just an Estonian troll!! Merry Norway Christmas! HA HA HA
Look at this one....Lyndee and Helina would never be able to reach the star at the top. Guess who would do it...ahem.....me! This is not a good choice kids. Moving on!
Now we are talking. Lyndee found her soul mate. A goldie locks tree...not too tall, not too small, just right! Goldie Locks Style!
Pack it in Helina. Lets go deck those halls!(no we did not choose the small one...we found a nice size tree just taller than me...so I still had to put the high ornaments on, but it was a normal and beautiful size. It looks wonderful in Lyndee's apartment. Happy tree hunting all you out there. You never know when you will find out! Keep your eyes open!
12.08.2007
When we realize that Christ is made all this to us, the boundless joy of God begins; wherever the joy of God is not present, the death sentence is at work.
Identification with the death of Jesus Christ means identification with Him to the death of everything that never was in Him.
Our Lord does not pretend we are all right when we are all wrong. The Atonement is a propitiation (appeasement)whereby God through the death of Jesus makes an unholy man holy.
Utmost for His Highest
December 8
Identification with the death of Jesus Christ means identification with Him to the death of everything that never was in Him.
Our Lord does not pretend we are all right when we are all wrong. The Atonement is a propitiation (appeasement)whereby God through the death of Jesus makes an unholy man holy.
Utmost for His Highest
December 8
12.05.2007
I have begun to see what good I am here at the base. I do not intend to tell a lie when I say it has been a struggle to see what God was using me here in Skien for. I mean on the outside I am leading worship and I am just filling in the gaps....but what about on the inside. I want to be on the inside of what God is doing. Often I am a foreigner to even that. To think that I could have the inside scoop on what He is doing in the lives of the DTS students, the staff, and myself....but that I might even get a heart for the city. I might even care about bringing the kingdom here in Skien. That idea has to settle in my heart. God...you want your Kingdom to come here in my heart, here in Skien, and here in Norway, and in every other nation, tribe, group, family, heart in the world! I just have to want that too...and God will do the amazing things He has planned.
I have begun giving free Private Creative Lessons. God gave me the idea this weekend when I wondered how I can begin to mentor people and to teach them what I know. There has not been any collective gathering in which I can teach specifics so I must come up with it on my own. I offer a half an hour free to the YWAMers here in Skien. Here are the options:
I have begun giving free Private Creative Lessons. God gave me the idea this weekend when I wondered how I can begin to mentor people and to teach them what I know. There has not been any collective gathering in which I can teach specifics so I must come up with it on my own. I offer a half an hour free to the YWAMers here in Skien. Here are the options:
singing
dancing (ballroom & interpretive)
painting
acting & drama (communication development)
drawing (2-D & 3-D fundamentals)
instruments (piano, guitar, violin, bass, harmonica)
poetry & song writing
Many people are into it. You can always learn a little more about something. They want to learn a little more about everything. It's a half and hour and it is a safe environment for encouragement and growth. Today I gave a piano lesson to Laila...she wants to learn how to play chords on the piano so she can join in on worship and play ever so smoothly. I gave a painting lessong to Ingebjørg...she wants to just learn how so that when she is with others that do it, she can join and not feel silly. I also gave a back to back lesson to Natasha...she wanted to learn to sing and to paint. I spent an hour with her at the piano and at the paints. So far I have 4 hours in a week spent on these lessons. I think there will be more in the next year. I think it is really important to give the small dreams you have a chance to grow. There is collective interest to have ballroom dancing lessons for weddings and such. So as a base we will do it. I will teach ballroom dance next Wednesday and then when we come home from Christmas. I will host a ballroom dance in the winter. We will call it the Winter Ball. We can dress up and eat cake and be refined dancing the fox trot and letting Norwegian boys practice there ever so mostly invisible gentlemen skills. Always something to learn! I hope it will be a fun opportunity for our YWAM family to be with each other, to laugh, and to create a unique history in fellowship. This is something we all need.....and I am longing for it!
i have been coming close to Jesus. He has shown me His patience and enduring love. I often an not wait to spend time with Him alone. Sounds sketchy, but it is ever so true!
If you were going to have a Private Creative Lesson on anything what would it be?
12.04.2007
christmas with a question mark
I got a free computer bag from my friend Britt Solveig. This was a month before I got a computer. She prayed that I would get one. And I did. God provided a great lap top for a very cheap price. I always knew God would provide even in the small things. And he did. The computer bag was quite prophetic in itself. It had to be filled. And now it is. I have wireless in my room..and mom is sending me a web cam for christmas. I wonder if I am supposed to know that. yeah. whatever.
my friend Matt Kunnari from Dordt College (GO DORDT) is coming to NORWAY over new year 2008 to visit me!!! He will go to a wedding in Holland and then come up to Oslo...Hamar...and hopefully Skien for a day to see what the crazy kids in Norway are like. Good luck with the food, the language, and the cold!!! I am so excited to have someone from hometown Iowa to come to represent the midwest and all that is green and actually right now.....colder than Norway.
I just got a snow ball thrown into my ear....as I am sitting at my computer. What are the odds. Helina was outside and she got curious and brought some inside...and then it got in my ear. We got a bit of snow today. but not like Iowa! Sorry guys!
No deep thoughts today.
Wait.
There is one.
If you think you have arrived at any destination with God....then you should go home.
If you would choose one of these places in the UK which would you choose?
Scotland
or
England
blessings,
Erika
my friend Matt Kunnari from Dordt College (GO DORDT) is coming to NORWAY over new year 2008 to visit me!!! He will go to a wedding in Holland and then come up to Oslo...Hamar...and hopefully Skien for a day to see what the crazy kids in Norway are like. Good luck with the food, the language, and the cold!!! I am so excited to have someone from hometown Iowa to come to represent the midwest and all that is green and actually right now.....colder than Norway.
I just got a snow ball thrown into my ear....as I am sitting at my computer. What are the odds. Helina was outside and she got curious and brought some inside...and then it got in my ear. We got a bit of snow today. but not like Iowa! Sorry guys!
No deep thoughts today.
Wait.
There is one.
If you think you have arrived at any destination with God....then you should go home.
If you would choose one of these places in the UK which would you choose?
Scotland
or
England
blessings,
Erika
11.30.2007
Jeg gå på Norsk kurs to ganger hver uke!
In the most common conversations I will have 'in Norwegian' I say this phrase. It's the only thing I can say quickly and convincingly to those native speakers who are ready with a laugh on thier lips and to say how cute I am...just like a 5 year old speaking Norwegian. ok-how would that make you feel? Does it make you feel cute or unintelligible? The latter. Yeah I want to be cute...but not about speaking and communicating or at least trying. If there are any Norwegians reading this, take a humble lesson now....NEVER laugh at a foreigner who tries to speak your language. The response should be that of encouragement and gentle instruction and understanding as much as you can. Dont be so surprised that we want to learn your language especially if we live here. But what you will get in return for laughing is pressing a foreigner out. Perhaps that is your goal...then you have a good plan. Think about it....I can speak for only myself, but I don't laugh at anyone speaking English as a second language. (I should have reason too since there have been many many more years of learning...but still I choose not to) Think about what atmosphere you create around you.
This is the view to the left of me when I sit in Norwegian class on Mondays and Thursdays. That is what the title of this blog is: 'I go to Norwegian course two times every week.' Slindile from South Africa sits next to me and then there is Piotr from Poland. He has a gap between his two front teeth. There are usually 8 Polish people who speak non stop Polish in class. And Piotr has an incredibly deep voice that in a hushed wisper becomes a tonal grumble that is sounded above all other noises. It is most distracting!
My teacher Aud Kristiansen is a funny lady...totally a Norwegian teacher to her core! She stands in class with her eyes closed and eye brows raised intensely sounding out all the vowels in the Norwegian alphabet. AAAAAA, EEEEEE, IIIIIII, OOOOO, UUUUU, ØØØØØ, YYYYY,ÆÆÆÆ, ÅÅÅÅÅÅ. She is a fearless leader amongst a group of matured foreign adults. Its hillarious when she comes in front of her desk and says 'Takk for i dag, du er so flink!' (Thanks for today, you are so clever)....and everyone was talking in their own mother tounge and really not listening. She's sort of clueless too...and that is cool to watch from the back row!
Norsk Kurs Kose Kveld! I helped plan an international party with Franziska (in the pink scarf) from Germany. We all brought food. I brought Puppy Chow....Europeans normally do not like peanut butter and chocolate together. Aud made a comment on how good it was. 'Lucky Dogs!' She is sitting in the blå bluse (blue blouse). Wiebke, from Germany, plays the violin and we got together a couple weeks ago just to play and then we decided to entertain the class with some tunes. It was okay. We did better in practice---I was surprised Wiebke did it...she would not have done it if I didn't press her!
I can try to introduce you around the table. This is only less than half of the class. We have 21!! From the left to right. Lucaz (Poland) Sigitas (Lithuania) Justinas (Lituania) me, Wiebke (Germany) Aud (Norway) Slindile (South Africa) outside of shot...Anna (Germany). Later I can post a group photo. We played some group games that were really fun! Fruit Basket Upset, Wompum, and Aud's favorite Musical Chairs (I won!! Helina was there to prove it!) I dont think there is a question that this is a special class. I wonder if Aud has had some classes like this one before. We always like to think we are the most special....so I will. Ha det bra!!
This is the view to the left of me when I sit in Norwegian class on Mondays and Thursdays. That is what the title of this blog is: 'I go to Norwegian course two times every week.' Slindile from South Africa sits next to me and then there is Piotr from Poland. He has a gap between his two front teeth. There are usually 8 Polish people who speak non stop Polish in class. And Piotr has an incredibly deep voice that in a hushed wisper becomes a tonal grumble that is sounded above all other noises. It is most distracting!
My teacher Aud Kristiansen is a funny lady...totally a Norwegian teacher to her core! She stands in class with her eyes closed and eye brows raised intensely sounding out all the vowels in the Norwegian alphabet. AAAAAA, EEEEEE, IIIIIII, OOOOO, UUUUU, ØØØØØ, YYYYY,ÆÆÆÆ, ÅÅÅÅÅÅ. She is a fearless leader amongst a group of matured foreign adults. Its hillarious when she comes in front of her desk and says 'Takk for i dag, du er so flink!' (Thanks for today, you are so clever)....and everyone was talking in their own mother tounge and really not listening. She's sort of clueless too...and that is cool to watch from the back row!
Norsk Kurs Kose Kveld! I helped plan an international party with Franziska (in the pink scarf) from Germany. We all brought food. I brought Puppy Chow....Europeans normally do not like peanut butter and chocolate together. Aud made a comment on how good it was. 'Lucky Dogs!' She is sitting in the blå bluse (blue blouse). Wiebke, from Germany, plays the violin and we got together a couple weeks ago just to play and then we decided to entertain the class with some tunes. It was okay. We did better in practice---I was surprised Wiebke did it...she would not have done it if I didn't press her! 
I can try to introduce you around the table. This is only less than half of the class. We have 21!! From the left to right. Lucaz (Poland) Sigitas (Lithuania) Justinas (Lituania) me, Wiebke (Germany) Aud (Norway) Slindile (South Africa) outside of shot...Anna (Germany). Later I can post a group photo. We played some group games that were really fun! Fruit Basket Upset, Wompum, and Aud's favorite Musical Chairs (I won!! Helina was there to prove it!) I dont think there is a question that this is a special class. I wonder if Aud has had some classes like this one before. We always like to think we are the most special....so I will. Ha det bra!!11.28.2007
Rebuilding the Ancient Ruins
We were on the roof yesterday. We had 17 TONS of roof stones to carry and place upon the recently prepared surface. Two Lithuanians have been working for us the whole autumn. I dont know how to pronounce their names...but I have tried to make a significant connection with them. I mean, it makes a difference to love where you work as a foreigner. I hope I have been an encouragement. We pay them to work here.....which means they are earning at least 15 dollars an hour (because this is Norway) and we are a non-profit organization so this is sort of rediculous to pay them to come....but we need them. We are a bunch of unskilled children of God that more than not....get in the way of those who can work effectively. The two Lithuanians are in this photo: in the green and the one on the roof peak. At least we unskilled ones can move roof stones....so we did it. The day was beautiful and we were sweating and dancing upon that roof. The feet doing a graceful ballet upon the thin wood panels. It was estimated that we moved at least 2 tons of roof stones....each.
I think this shot is rad! The base leader Runar sweating like a jungle pig in that late November morning sun. The town of Skien in the back. The tops of all the city center. Birgi is in the bottom corner like a miniature helping Janne who just cut her wrist deeply...and went to the hospital moments later for stitches and officially our first construction injury. Praise God we have not fallen off the roof...or the scaffolding...or cut an arm off in the saw. We are protected!
sweet shadows upon the south wall of the Methodist Church next door
This roof will look really great when we finish it. I have learned so much about building and even Norwegian construction. The roof tiles...the sun windows...cutting fire wood......thousands of tons of wood for 90 winters!
Some of the carrying crew. Alice (Mrs. Base Leader) gives two fingered peace sign. Markus (Mr. DTS School Leader) throws a hand to say hi from the other side. Birgitte (Miss...soon Mrs. Department of Operations and Communications Leader) peeks over the peak. Werner (Mr....soon to be a married version of a Mr. City for Jesus Leader) is the beast of burden on his birthday...carrying two piles at a time of those rediculously heavy stones. 
another sweet shadow shot. Those strong light to dark contrasts are stunning...dont you think?
I think this shot is rad! The base leader Runar sweating like a jungle pig in that late November morning sun. The town of Skien in the back. The tops of all the city center. Birgi is in the bottom corner like a miniature helping Janne who just cut her wrist deeply...and went to the hospital moments later for stitches and officially our first construction injury. Praise God we have not fallen off the roof...or the scaffolding...or cut an arm off in the saw. We are protected!
sweet shadows upon the south wall of the Methodist Church next door
This roof will look really great when we finish it. I have learned so much about building and even Norwegian construction. The roof tiles...the sun windows...cutting fire wood......thousands of tons of wood for 90 winters!
Some of the carrying crew. Alice (Mrs. Base Leader) gives two fingered peace sign. Markus (Mr. DTS School Leader) throws a hand to say hi from the other side. Birgitte (Miss...soon Mrs. Department of Operations and Communications Leader) peeks over the peak. Werner (Mr....soon to be a married version of a Mr. City for Jesus Leader) is the beast of burden on his birthday...carrying two piles at a time of those rediculously heavy stones. another sweet shadow shot. Those strong light to dark contrasts are stunning...dont you think?Its like that in the kingdom of heaven too. The difference between a person living in the light and living in the dark doesn't have to be so gray...it is often very dark and light....think of the change as soon as things from the past are brought into the light. Stunning!
11.25.2007
On This Island
im all alone
on this island
im all alone
and Im sad
theres no one here
no one wants to be
so im all alone
the waves are coming
the water is rushing
im gonna drown
the waves are coming
coming
coming
im gonna drown
im all alone
on this island
im all alone
and im sad
theres no one here
no one wants to be
so im all alone
the sand is hot
the water is salt
and im tired in my mind
where can i go
who will come with
theres no one here but me
give me a boat God
give me a way out
im going to drown here
im all alone
on this island
im all alone
and im sad
theres no one here
no one wants to be
so im all alone
my body is hungry
my spirit is thirsty
i want to be filled
i gotta turn my eyes to you
i gotta face my heart to you
and be transformed
and be restored
on this island
im all alone
and Im sad
theres no one here
no one wants to be
so im all alone
the waves are coming
the water is rushing
im gonna drown
the waves are coming
coming
coming
im gonna drown
im all alone
on this island
im all alone
and im sad
theres no one here
no one wants to be
so im all alone
the sand is hot
the water is salt
and im tired in my mind
where can i go
who will come with
theres no one here but me
give me a boat God
give me a way out
im going to drown here
im all alone
on this island
im all alone
and im sad
theres no one here
no one wants to be
so im all alone
my body is hungry
my spirit is thirsty
i want to be filled
i gotta turn my eyes to you
i gotta face my heart to you
and be transformed
and be restored
11.22.2007
the train station in a dream vision
I had a dream that was more like a vision.
It's pretty clear to me that God is using this vision to speak to me about my life.
It speaks to me about my purpose.
It speaks to my heart about its burden for Norway.
It speaks to you too.
This is a train station. A very special train station. It has trains going out all over the place. All the way around! There I am standing on the Platform. The station was so busy this day that I was helping all the people get on to thier trains at the right time. There was so much noise, and so much joy. Instruments, speakers, and luggage! Okay...goodbye! some trains depart. waving we are happy to see they all made it on.
as the day wears on I realize that there are less and less trains available with space to let me join. All these people on thier special trains and places to go are so important. They wouldn't let me join too would they?
the last train departed.
i was not on it.
It's pretty clear to me that God is using this vision to speak to me about my life.
It speaks to me about my purpose.
It speaks to my heart about its burden for Norway.
It speaks to you too.
This is a train station. A very special train station. It has trains going out all over the place. All the way around! There I am standing on the Platform. The station was so busy this day that I was helping all the people get on to thier trains at the right time. There was so much noise, and so much joy. Instruments, speakers, and luggage! Okay...goodbye! some trains depart. waving we are happy to see they all made it on.
as the day wears on I realize that there are less and less trains available with space to let me join. All these people on thier special trains and places to go are so important. They wouldn't let me join too would they?the last train departed.
i was not on it.
I am still standing here.
alone.
This is a worship train station. that's me standing there on the platform after everyone had somewhere else to go. No train for me. No where to go. No one to join. No one to join me!
why God? I am a worship leader here and I need to be with others. I guess you have already shown me that I must need others...so then where are they now??
How could you leave me here alone?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
ok...really I know you are here too...but what about worshipers?
The only ones who are here are the lady who works at the kiosk turning hotdogs and the one who drives the taxi car. What good are they to my worship team...and where is my train!!!
They are not worshipers--and not even thinking about trying to be! Thanks alot!
All the worshipers went somewhere else and left me here. I am here with a bunch of zeros!!
THEY ARE YOUR HEROS!
I was shocked at that one. Heros?? Yeah right. The lady at the kiosk can play the hotdogs not the piano. The taxi driver can put the pedal to the metal not the drum!
THESE ARE MY ZEROS TO HEROS!
I was angry for a long time.
Confused.
Frustrated.
and
Intrigued actually.
Couldn't you send some more back from the worship trains to help us start out? I mean there are so many trains and people. They can spare one or two musicians for me? You have to send me a crew! Was I the only one that has come to this station and been moved to compassion to stay here..instead of move out? How strange to stay when there is plenty of places to go and people to meet, faces to get famous, and pride to grow.
But if I should stay. then you must send worshipers...on trains or something, and musical instruments, and songs. These are tools of deliverance. But can I ask one thing?
Is there a train for us too?
After no response I figured it was too early to ask. How could I do this? These people don't even think they can worship you! They have never been invited to do it. No one invited them to dance. How can I train them?
BELIEVE IN THEM AS YOU BELIEVE IN MY LOVE FOR THEM
So this group of hanyack will be transformed when I believe in them?
LEAD THEM BEFORE MY THRONE AND I WILL DO THE REST
So, what about a train?
YOU WILL HAVE A CREW
YOU WILL HAVE TRACKS TO LAY
YOU WILL HAVE A PURPOSE
YOU WILL HAVE A DESTINATION
YOU WILL HAVE A TRAIN. I AM THE KEEPER OF ALL TRAINS.
NONE OF THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR ME.
But those other trains are so fast and efficient. I do believe that they just rush by the slow, the weary, the broken, and the cripple who are walking along side the worship tracks. Perhaps this will take some time because of people we will pick up on the way. we will train them up.
TRAIN THEM UP
TRAIN THEM OUT
alone.
This is a worship train station. that's me standing there on the platform after everyone had somewhere else to go. No train for me. No where to go. No one to join. No one to join me!
why God? I am a worship leader here and I need to be with others. I guess you have already shown me that I must need others...so then where are they now??
How could you leave me here alone?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
ok...really I know you are here too...but what about worshipers?
The only ones who are here are the lady who works at the kiosk turning hotdogs and the one who drives the taxi car. What good are they to my worship team...and where is my train!!!
They are not worshipers--and not even thinking about trying to be! Thanks alot!
All the worshipers went somewhere else and left me here. I am here with a bunch of zeros!!
THEY ARE YOUR HEROS!
I was shocked at that one. Heros?? Yeah right. The lady at the kiosk can play the hotdogs not the piano. The taxi driver can put the pedal to the metal not the drum!
THESE ARE MY ZEROS TO HEROS!
I was angry for a long time.
Confused.
Frustrated.
and
Intrigued actually.
Couldn't you send some more back from the worship trains to help us start out? I mean there are so many trains and people. They can spare one or two musicians for me? You have to send me a crew! Was I the only one that has come to this station and been moved to compassion to stay here..instead of move out? How strange to stay when there is plenty of places to go and people to meet, faces to get famous, and pride to grow.
But if I should stay. then you must send worshipers...on trains or something, and musical instruments, and songs. These are tools of deliverance. But can I ask one thing?
Is there a train for us too?
After no response I figured it was too early to ask. How could I do this? These people don't even think they can worship you! They have never been invited to do it. No one invited them to dance. How can I train them?
BELIEVE IN THEM AS YOU BELIEVE IN MY LOVE FOR THEM
So this group of hanyack will be transformed when I believe in them?
LEAD THEM BEFORE MY THRONE AND I WILL DO THE REST
So, what about a train?
YOU WILL HAVE A CREW
YOU WILL HAVE TRACKS TO LAY
YOU WILL HAVE A PURPOSE
YOU WILL HAVE A DESTINATION
YOU WILL HAVE A TRAIN. I AM THE KEEPER OF ALL TRAINS.
NONE OF THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR ME.
But those other trains are so fast and efficient. I do believe that they just rush by the slow, the weary, the broken, and the cripple who are walking along side the worship tracks. Perhaps this will take some time because of people we will pick up on the way. we will train them up.
TRAIN THEM UP
TRAIN THEM OUT
11.17.2007
11.16.2007
Heart thaw
I talked to a friend of mine who is traveling with the Reboot. We are together a lot and so you notice if something is different. I noticed and asked. She said her heart hurt like frozen hands before a blazing fire. Ouch. That feeling of the cold hands or cold feet before the flames is so painful. You have to slowly warm up your hands before it can handle the flames. The cold is so slow to melt off. At times I am frozen to the bones...do you know the feeling? Perhaps it is because I am in Norway...but I think also that it is because I dont always wear wool! ----'ull'----means wool in Norwegian. I have a friend whose last name is Ullenes. A 'nes' is a cape of land (like the cape of good hope)....put it all together-----Wool cape! It makes me laugh. Sounds like a warm blanket of mercy to me.
My heart is the same as those hands and feet frozen to the bones. The fire of God is coming close. And it hurts. Not a bad hurt, but a melting hurt. Since when is it painful to melt? When you have been frozen next to forever...then freedom hurts. Would you agree? It is because God has given me a heart of flesh not a heart of stone. Stones don't melt. (unless under intense volcanic pressure from within the core of the earth...happening daily)
Although it hurts to be near the flame..the burning heart of God. I desire to be there. I know I must. I cant have frozen hands and feet. Those are what God is using---I can't be stiff.
how ironic---freedom hurts.
also,
wet meat makes a mess and I do too.
My heart is the same as those hands and feet frozen to the bones. The fire of God is coming close. And it hurts. Not a bad hurt, but a melting hurt. Since when is it painful to melt? When you have been frozen next to forever...then freedom hurts. Would you agree? It is because God has given me a heart of flesh not a heart of stone. Stones don't melt. (unless under intense volcanic pressure from within the core of the earth...happening daily)
Although it hurts to be near the flame..the burning heart of God. I desire to be there. I know I must. I cant have frozen hands and feet. Those are what God is using---I can't be stiff.
how ironic---freedom hurts.
also,
wet meat makes a mess and I do too.
11.12.2007
The boat!
i often speak in parables. like Jesus.
there was a woman (because I am gender specific, this being about my life i can do that), who lived on an island. she was sure that she was supposed to be there, but there was some things about that island that were not true. this island was a place of the past for her, she had lived there for some time and she was growing out of it...and this place was haunting her of her past, her failures, and her lonliness.
there was another land far off in the distance over rough waters and cold depths. this land had not been in the picture before...it had been so foggy for years. often the woman just walked around the island, touching the cold water...shuttering with fright. 'I would never go on that water!' But as this other land becomes more visible as clouds and fog lifts she wants so badly to explore and go.
the water is cold
the water is dark
the water is deep
the water is long
the water is fear
the water is life
so she stands on that island with her back to the goal. there is a desire to go, but that would risk something. there would be a change. she would never go back to that island again. she would never be the same again. she questions, what would that island have that my life here doesn't have? people. love. truth. community. I wonder.
above the crashing waves she can hear a voice calling out. 'COME! NOW IS THE TIME! JOIN ME HERE!' it could be a warning, it could be an invitation, it could be a TRICK! Why could she be here all this time and be happy, growing, and living and now feel this deep longing for something else. There is a desire in her to discover the cold, deep, long, fears of life.
how will she cross this treacherous water?
she stands with her back to the water.
little does she know that the Lord has provided for her if she would turn towards the goal, set foot towards the danger, she would see with her earthly eyes the boat waiting on the shore. It is only when she turns to go that she will see it. the boat will make no sound to announce its providential arrival. the Lord is the keeper of all boats. He can give one when He wants to.
perhaps if she turns and sees then she will go in. then she sets sail across the wide wet spaces of extreme aliveness. but the storms arise and the temptation to go back stir inside of her as the warring waters stir on the outside. she never told anyone she was trying to cross the dangerous waters so it will look like she was just out for a boat ride. then....she didnt fail in the eyes of others. (there was no one on her island, but she understood condemnation, failure, and hypocracy) if she turns now...she saves her life, and she saves her face. people won't know she tried and she won't be ashamed later.
perhaps she goes through the storms and crashes.
perhaps she goes through the storms and drowns.
perhaps she goes through the storms and arrives.
her life will never be the same. and as she stands on that shore she notices a woman just like her on an island like the one she just left. wandering, lost, alone, scared, and ashamed.
she cries out to the woman there
'COME! NOW IS THE TIME! JOIN ME HERE!'
there was a woman (because I am gender specific, this being about my life i can do that), who lived on an island. she was sure that she was supposed to be there, but there was some things about that island that were not true. this island was a place of the past for her, she had lived there for some time and she was growing out of it...and this place was haunting her of her past, her failures, and her lonliness.
there was another land far off in the distance over rough waters and cold depths. this land had not been in the picture before...it had been so foggy for years. often the woman just walked around the island, touching the cold water...shuttering with fright. 'I would never go on that water!' But as this other land becomes more visible as clouds and fog lifts she wants so badly to explore and go.
the water is cold
the water is dark
the water is deep
the water is long
the water is fear
the water is life
so she stands on that island with her back to the goal. there is a desire to go, but that would risk something. there would be a change. she would never go back to that island again. she would never be the same again. she questions, what would that island have that my life here doesn't have? people. love. truth. community. I wonder.
above the crashing waves she can hear a voice calling out. 'COME! NOW IS THE TIME! JOIN ME HERE!' it could be a warning, it could be an invitation, it could be a TRICK! Why could she be here all this time and be happy, growing, and living and now feel this deep longing for something else. There is a desire in her to discover the cold, deep, long, fears of life.
how will she cross this treacherous water?
she stands with her back to the water.
little does she know that the Lord has provided for her if she would turn towards the goal, set foot towards the danger, she would see with her earthly eyes the boat waiting on the shore. It is only when she turns to go that she will see it. the boat will make no sound to announce its providential arrival. the Lord is the keeper of all boats. He can give one when He wants to.
perhaps if she turns and sees then she will go in. then she sets sail across the wide wet spaces of extreme aliveness. but the storms arise and the temptation to go back stir inside of her as the warring waters stir on the outside. she never told anyone she was trying to cross the dangerous waters so it will look like she was just out for a boat ride. then....she didnt fail in the eyes of others. (there was no one on her island, but she understood condemnation, failure, and hypocracy) if she turns now...she saves her life, and she saves her face. people won't know she tried and she won't be ashamed later.
perhaps she goes through the storms and crashes.
perhaps she goes through the storms and drowns.
perhaps she goes through the storms and arrives.
her life will never be the same. and as she stands on that shore she notices a woman just like her on an island like the one she just left. wandering, lost, alone, scared, and ashamed.
she cries out to the woman there
'COME! NOW IS THE TIME! JOIN ME HERE!'
10.31.2007
the thoughts
The rubber is starting to hit the road. I backed out of teaching violin to a little girl here. I was scared she would not be able to understand me...and the mom was very upset that I wanted money for it. I don't know what I spend my time on...but the day is gone.
I think I have to just stop and reschedule before my whole life goes...out out out! I want to tell you all the stuff that has been happening with the base leader and plans for the future, but I have to admit that I am in a standstill. I dont know whether I will take more schools, start schools or what anymore. I just don't have peace about any of it. I do have peace about worship and taking it to another level in temple ministry here at the base. I don't have peace about something else in my heart. I am just in a strange place. I was so excited and so thrilled just two weeks ago and then in conversations and discussing visions to come I have come to a dry place. I have to seek God and that is where the rubber hits the road.
I am willing...but am I saving myself for something big.
I know I must be a greater encourager to those around me and I know that I must see what God is doing and declare it!!!! What happened to the Erika that I used to know. Is she being replaced with a disconnected and somewhat distant relative of fear and failure? Bummer!
I have some to think about...more or less I just have to get a hold of my life and shake it around and ask....
what do you care about?
what are your priorities?
what do you need to change to see stuff happen?
what is standing in the way?
what is God saying? I think He says choose...and live!!
like I said....its this confusion about what I am doing here. I wish I was with my friend Andrew going across Eurasia on the open road just biking and knowing what was expected everyday. Of course dying to myself everyday. There is some daily spiritual dying here, but there is more striving. At this point I am the only one who has kept my boundaries...and still I am too busy and still I am striving to do what I should. I am coming to a point in my life that I have to decide how to live. How do I want to be alive. I have to make a choice about God's voice...do I hear it or not! what does He say?
Think of all the people in the world...and how they live? They made a choice once to live. How many of them are happy? Can I really be happy? What if I am happy? Am I doing something wrong? Why would I think that being happy is wrong? Who told me that lie? Must I be miserable and striving to feel like I have any worth on this earth?
But sometimes life chooses itself. I am not in that group though. Praise God!
I chose God, who has given me a choice to chose Him. He has works prepared for us to do already. Am I in the right place to recieve those works?
I underestimated the spirit of depression, doubting, worthlessness, shame, overactivity, and striving here in Norway and Europe. It is strong and I am fighting with all my strength!
fighting. huffing. puffing. blow the house down!
I think I have to just stop and reschedule before my whole life goes...out out out! I want to tell you all the stuff that has been happening with the base leader and plans for the future, but I have to admit that I am in a standstill. I dont know whether I will take more schools, start schools or what anymore. I just don't have peace about any of it. I do have peace about worship and taking it to another level in temple ministry here at the base. I don't have peace about something else in my heart. I am just in a strange place. I was so excited and so thrilled just two weeks ago and then in conversations and discussing visions to come I have come to a dry place. I have to seek God and that is where the rubber hits the road.
I am willing...but am I saving myself for something big.
I know I must be a greater encourager to those around me and I know that I must see what God is doing and declare it!!!! What happened to the Erika that I used to know. Is she being replaced with a disconnected and somewhat distant relative of fear and failure? Bummer!
I have some to think about...more or less I just have to get a hold of my life and shake it around and ask....
what do you care about?
what are your priorities?
what do you need to change to see stuff happen?
what is standing in the way?
what is God saying? I think He says choose...and live!!
like I said....its this confusion about what I am doing here. I wish I was with my friend Andrew going across Eurasia on the open road just biking and knowing what was expected everyday. Of course dying to myself everyday. There is some daily spiritual dying here, but there is more striving. At this point I am the only one who has kept my boundaries...and still I am too busy and still I am striving to do what I should. I am coming to a point in my life that I have to decide how to live. How do I want to be alive. I have to make a choice about God's voice...do I hear it or not! what does He say?
Think of all the people in the world...and how they live? They made a choice once to live. How many of them are happy? Can I really be happy? What if I am happy? Am I doing something wrong? Why would I think that being happy is wrong? Who told me that lie? Must I be miserable and striving to feel like I have any worth on this earth?
But sometimes life chooses itself. I am not in that group though. Praise God!
I chose God, who has given me a choice to chose Him. He has works prepared for us to do already. Am I in the right place to recieve those works?
I underestimated the spirit of depression, doubting, worthlessness, shame, overactivity, and striving here in Norway and Europe. It is strong and I am fighting with all my strength!
fighting. huffing. puffing. blow the house down!
10.28.2007
dark chocolate turtle in my hair
i'm in oslo now. I have been in hamar for the weekend. i slept with my roommate Anne Randi these last two nights. I will sleep with my roommate Karen Amalie this night. It is like my whole soul is bundled up in a nice warm cozy hug. Both of these girls have blessed me in the past years. DTS roomies! Lovely. Both of them welcomed me with food and smiles!
I have some pictures on facebook that you can look at too. All just for fun!!!
Facebook pictures
erika
I have some pictures on facebook that you can look at too. All just for fun!!!
Facebook pictures
erika
10.21.2007
Something like a circus that looks like heaven
Kvinner Konferensen i Kristiansand
The Women's Conference in Kristiansand
Well, it was crazy in many ways that I should just start to expect as I walk from day to day in my life here on earth. I am not supposed to understand the ways of God and this weekend helped me see that I can not understand it!
So. What happened. Well you can almost imagine what might happen when a thousand women get together without the normal life around them to hinder the communication with God. The Lord does a crazy thing with thier hearts....in freedom. It's something worth remembering to see women over 50 deciding for the first time to follow Christ with thier lives and hearts. Its something crazy to try to put myself in the shoes of an 88 year old lady who hears the voice of God tell her to take a blue worship flag and walk up and down the aisle blessing us all in intercession and prayer. Its something like a circus that looks like heaven.
It brought tears to my eyes to see perfectly refined women surrendering thier wills over to the Lord and to go dancing like a little child before the rest of the group. What kind of desire to actually want the presence of the Lord to follow you and be in you must come before you put your reputation down on the line?
Reputations......aren't those the last things to get laid down. Yeah....take my pride, take my life, take my time.....but then it comes down to the actually actions of God dwelling in you....lifting your hands, praying out loud, crying, dancing, standing, lying on the ground, going up humbly for prayer....and you wonder............did that person who is weeping bitterly in front of a thousand people know she would do that when she came today? Of course not. I know because she is Norwegian. For some reason I actually believe charasmatic responses to the gospel in Norway.....because a Norwegian under the spirit of the culture would NEVER do anything that put themselves apart from the others.....because of reputations.
So what happened? I think that the presence of God is so heavy....and so real....and when it comes to the choice, will you make it? Will you choose God or will you choose your reputation? This is what I am talking about people! Reputations die. God does not.
So what I think happened was that this lady desired in her deepest of deepest places to welcome God in and made the choice to lay her final sacrafice on the altar, her reputation. And the peace that comes in the MOURNING. The freedom in faith not for a response or reaction to God....but a body offered as a living sacrafice to God.
That's what he is looking for.
What would you choose?
I am honest and say that I just watched this circus that looked a little like heaven. The women being touched by God and I just watched and stared. God was putting a peace in my heart...but a compassion to understand in my deepest of deepest places.....enticing me.
'Erika, do you want me to fully place my heart in yours? Do you trust me enough with your life to give up your reputation for my plan? You wonder if they will still love you? You know that answer, it doesn't matter if they love you....when the cold wind blows all around, and no home on earth can be found I will still love you!!"
That sacrafice. It looks like a cross.
The Women's Conference in Kristiansand
Well, it was crazy in many ways that I should just start to expect as I walk from day to day in my life here on earth. I am not supposed to understand the ways of God and this weekend helped me see that I can not understand it!
So. What happened. Well you can almost imagine what might happen when a thousand women get together without the normal life around them to hinder the communication with God. The Lord does a crazy thing with thier hearts....in freedom. It's something worth remembering to see women over 50 deciding for the first time to follow Christ with thier lives and hearts. Its something crazy to try to put myself in the shoes of an 88 year old lady who hears the voice of God tell her to take a blue worship flag and walk up and down the aisle blessing us all in intercession and prayer. Its something like a circus that looks like heaven.
It brought tears to my eyes to see perfectly refined women surrendering thier wills over to the Lord and to go dancing like a little child before the rest of the group. What kind of desire to actually want the presence of the Lord to follow you and be in you must come before you put your reputation down on the line?
Reputations......aren't those the last things to get laid down. Yeah....take my pride, take my life, take my time.....but then it comes down to the actually actions of God dwelling in you....lifting your hands, praying out loud, crying, dancing, standing, lying on the ground, going up humbly for prayer....and you wonder............did that person who is weeping bitterly in front of a thousand people know she would do that when she came today? Of course not. I know because she is Norwegian. For some reason I actually believe charasmatic responses to the gospel in Norway.....because a Norwegian under the spirit of the culture would NEVER do anything that put themselves apart from the others.....because of reputations.
So what happened? I think that the presence of God is so heavy....and so real....and when it comes to the choice, will you make it? Will you choose God or will you choose your reputation? This is what I am talking about people! Reputations die. God does not.
So what I think happened was that this lady desired in her deepest of deepest places to welcome God in and made the choice to lay her final sacrafice on the altar, her reputation. And the peace that comes in the MOURNING. The freedom in faith not for a response or reaction to God....but a body offered as a living sacrafice to God.
That's what he is looking for.
What would you choose?
I am honest and say that I just watched this circus that looked a little like heaven. The women being touched by God and I just watched and stared. God was putting a peace in my heart...but a compassion to understand in my deepest of deepest places.....enticing me.
'Erika, do you want me to fully place my heart in yours? Do you trust me enough with your life to give up your reputation for my plan? You wonder if they will still love you? You know that answer, it doesn't matter if they love you....when the cold wind blows all around, and no home on earth can be found I will still love you!!"
That sacrafice. It looks like a cross.
10.19.2007
Ashamed
Why should we be?
It says in Psalm 34:4-5
'I sought the Lord, and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him will be radiant, their faces are never covered with shame.'
I have often been ashamed. I am trying to figure out why or when it all started. I think it's crap. It's a lie actually. And the fear of shame has no rule in my life...only the victory of Jesus who took shame upon himself has rule here.
Often I find myself doing things that I think I need to do....and not the things my heart is telling me to do. Often the heart things are the things I want to do...like spend time with God, dance, write music, paint, ride bike, have relationships....but I choose something different and less satisfying because of some shame I carry. That I am ashamed to see my heart be extremely encouraged by doing what I know I should. Doesn't that sound strange.
This weekend I am going to Kristiansand to play violin at a women's conference. I have a feeling there will be many women there.....and encouragers too! Talk to you never....shame!
It says in Psalm 34:4-5
'I sought the Lord, and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him will be radiant, their faces are never covered with shame.'
I have often been ashamed. I am trying to figure out why or when it all started. I think it's crap. It's a lie actually. And the fear of shame has no rule in my life...only the victory of Jesus who took shame upon himself has rule here.
Often I find myself doing things that I think I need to do....and not the things my heart is telling me to do. Often the heart things are the things I want to do...like spend time with God, dance, write music, paint, ride bike, have relationships....but I choose something different and less satisfying because of some shame I carry. That I am ashamed to see my heart be extremely encouraged by doing what I know I should. Doesn't that sound strange.
This weekend I am going to Kristiansand to play violin at a women's conference. I have a feeling there will be many women there.....and encouragers too! Talk to you never....shame!
10.13.2007
a visitor from the east
I took a vacation from Skien. I threw my Norwegian sweater in my bag and jumped on my boat and just threw caution to the wind. No time for planning. Where would I end? Perhaps in Kopervik on the west coast. If you do geography you know I can't get to the west coast on a boat. so that was a lie. the norwegian sweater is not even mine. oi. Let me tell you the story.
I am visiting Espen, Anne-Marit, Benedikte, and Hanna Pedersen in Kopervik. It is an island off the west city of Haugesund. I took the midnight bus and arrived at 7:15 am. They picked me up and we began the day. What a long day! It was like I had never been sleeping the day before or anything. Hmmmm.....oh yeah i didn't.
I met this lovely family when they came to skien to spend three weeks at the end of the summer. They are worshipers and so great! Benedikte has warmed up to me now....where as before she would say, 'DON*T DO IT' . Now she includes me. in this photo we have just taken a quick tour up the mountain looking down on the shore. Anne Marit's mom was preparing middag mat (afternoon food, usually the warm meal)--this is where Anne Marit grew up.
If you want to have a hissy fit...then do it, but otherwise rejoice with me as I tell you that this in the picture was our middag mat...whale. Yea! it was so exotic that i needed to capture the moment forever. It tasted like rump roast! We also had plum jam and carrot roots. I made puppy chow and chocolate chip cookies for the worship night we have on Saturday. Rice porridge potluck---i love the west coast!
Would you still love me if i tucked my pants into my socks? Espen thought he was real helpful to teach me how to tight roll the pants...I felt I betrayed everything I held at high fashion regard. Sorry life, sorry reputation, sorry popularity, sorry pride...but my pants were dry!
Looking out from Anne Marit's parent's house. We took a boat out to fish...and caught nothing!!
Benedikte is so cute! They call her a 'little sweet clump' sounds funny.....'litten søt klump'
I am visiting Espen, Anne-Marit, Benedikte, and Hanna Pedersen in Kopervik. It is an island off the west city of Haugesund. I took the midnight bus and arrived at 7:15 am. They picked me up and we began the day. What a long day! It was like I had never been sleeping the day before or anything. Hmmmm.....oh yeah i didn't.
I met this lovely family when they came to skien to spend three weeks at the end of the summer. They are worshipers and so great! Benedikte has warmed up to me now....where as before she would say, 'DON*T DO IT' . Now she includes me. in this photo we have just taken a quick tour up the mountain looking down on the shore. Anne Marit's mom was preparing middag mat (afternoon food, usually the warm meal)--this is where Anne Marit grew up.
If you want to have a hissy fit...then do it, but otherwise rejoice with me as I tell you that this in the picture was our middag mat...whale. Yea! it was so exotic that i needed to capture the moment forever. It tasted like rump roast! We also had plum jam and carrot roots. I made puppy chow and chocolate chip cookies for the worship night we have on Saturday. Rice porridge potluck---i love the west coast!
Would you still love me if i tucked my pants into my socks? Espen thought he was real helpful to teach me how to tight roll the pants...I felt I betrayed everything I held at high fashion regard. Sorry life, sorry reputation, sorry popularity, sorry pride...but my pants were dry!
Looking out from Anne Marit's parent's house. We took a boat out to fish...and caught nothing!!
Benedikte is so cute! They call her a 'little sweet clump' sounds funny.....'litten søt klump'10.10.2007
Would you still love me if I was what God wanted me to be?
So this is where I sleep. My jail cell. When the day is done and I come to my bedroom it is as peaceful as the warm sun on a Iowa night (the kind without humidity and bugs in your ears). I got the bed spread on sale for 12 dollars, the map was from my room at home and I have all you alls picture tacked up on it for my people here to see how blessed I am to have you! The tree......isn't it cool. It was there when I came. A daily reminder to be a tree planted by water of Life! I often sit in my room using my pilates ball, journaling about the day, or just listening.
The first weekend of DTS, September 20-22 I joined the students on their actually sort of grueling wilderness trip . We packed up our bags for three days and two nights in the wilderness. We hiked for more that 5 hours everyday and made camp with tarp and rope on trees. I used my outdoor mattress and my sleeping bag and warm woolen clothes I thankfully bought the day before (on a whim...'oh I might need these'...boy did I ever!!!!) Freezing at night on the cold ground. We chopped chicken heads, plucked them and made soup, and got all nasty and unshowered as a nice way to get to know the new students.
We really did do some serious hiking. I am not kidding you. Norwegian terrain is challenging at times. The students didn't know how long we would be out, we kept info from them. That's what good staff does!
So does this photo look funny? Is Ragnhild really dressed for tundra? Is Andreas really dressed for a quick dip in the pond? Yes. Ragnhild was not exaggerating, and Andreas was put up to the challenge to swim across the frigid pond. In this relay...my team won. Oh wait, my team always won this weekend! Awesome..we were!
Einar? Norwegian leprechaun spotted in the distance!
This is the winning team! Team 1, actually it is a fitting name. Shall I introduce you them?
DTS Leader Markus in the blue jumper, my little brother Eirik looking adorable, bending awkwardly is Tina (Itsy Bitsy) , championing the three fingered smile in bright neon green is Jonothan, the beautiful Ingebjørg in whom I visited a month ago in Voss stands before us in black, then Ragnhild (DTS staff and was friends with Danny Klaver in Los Angeles) , me...president of the weirdo club, and behind me--Natasha our Russian mystery!
Erika Amerika and Redheaded Rags
This is the winning team! Team 1, actually it is a fitting name. Shall I introduce you them?
DTS Leader Markus in the blue jumper, my little brother Eirik looking adorable, bending awkwardly is Tina (Itsy Bitsy) , championing the three fingered smile in bright neon green is Jonothan, the beautiful Ingebjørg in whom I visited a month ago in Voss stands before us in black, then Ragnhild (DTS staff and was friends with Danny Klaver in Los Angeles) , me...president of the weirdo club, and behind me--Natasha our Russian mystery!
Erika Amerika and Redheaded Rags
I am not alone in my endeavours to be myself. I have found fellowship with the Wallace and Grommit folk. 'Grommit, we forgot the cheese!' Jonothan does a great Wallace!
Redheaded Rags in the tree picking apples for the road. Seljord has great apples...delicious!
Therese (who reigns over the kitchen at the base) sees an rotten apple as a possibility, not trash.
Guess who is playing the violin more than ever these days? So many hours of practice makes some crazy callouses on the fingers. Here I am in this photo...in the middle of a jam out session with a man named Steinar. It's a funny name because in Norwegian it means 'stones'. From the moment I met him I called him Stones. I think he liked the name too much I have to wonder.
Einar and Brad fashioning the Bocca balls. We have a club like I have told you before. Yeah well the present champion up to date is still me! We played on Saturday this last weekend with 6 people...double teams and my team STILL won. Sorry Einar you can't stop me!
Perhaps I have introduced you to my mentoress.....the beautiful Hild Mari. She is so great to talk to on Thursdays. We chat about everything and anything. God has big plans for her and I get to see Him develop her heart as she is trying to mentor me. It's a funny two way street you know. I love it. She and her husband Sigfred are my small group leaders. We meet on Mondays once a month. Hild Mari is a great hostess and killed us this last Monday with a delicious carrot cake with lemon frosting! Wow!
The Pederson's, these folks are receiving me into thier home tomorrow. I will travel to the West Coast starting tonight at midnight on the bus. They will pick me up from Stavanger at 7 am and we will start a wonderful weekend of hiking, swimming, eating smoked salmon, and being refreshed. The little one....Hanna, the not so little one...Benedikte (who always says 'Don't do it!' in Norwegian), Espen, and Anne Marit. I look forward to our weekend on the beautiful coast city of Kopervik.
The Pederson's, these folks are receiving me into thier home tomorrow. I will travel to the West Coast starting tonight at midnight on the bus. They will pick me up from Stavanger at 7 am and we will start a wonderful weekend of hiking, swimming, eating smoked salmon, and being refreshed. The little one....Hanna, the not so little one...Benedikte (who always says 'Don't do it!' in Norwegian), Espen, and Anne Marit. I look forward to our weekend on the beautiful coast city of Kopervik.
And of course my friend Danny Klaver who has nothing really to do with Norway except that I received a great and suprising phone call from him the other day. He found out my number and just called. I think this is a great thing. You can also call me when you want. Let Danny be a role model for you. Just email me and I will get you the number. We might have to work out a time that suits, but we can try.
That's it for now. But check back often...especially this weekend for more pictures from the west coast. Love you all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
