Nancy’s Kitchen

  I turned 60 this year (2007). I just held my sixth grandchild. I have raised three sons and I would compare them to anyone else’s…and win! I have struggled and fought to see who I am and what I am to be when I grow up. And you know…I found it…I am going to be me!

I know that may sound silly but living it has been anything but silly.
I thought I had to do something to have value. You know…write a book, perform before many people, be an influencial public speaker, what ever it took to get recognition publicly. Yet through the struggle I have found that I have a big heart and I care. I care about the poor, about Gypsies, displaced people, about being able to reflect what I believe about God, His son, Jesus and the purpose He has for my life.

As I have worked to find myself, I have attempted to listen and follow what I have heard God say to me and been confirmed by several independent sources. I have gone to Eastern European Gypsies in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey; I spent six weeks learning to teach English to speakers of other languages; took sign language classes so I can “speak” to two of my granddaughters.

Over all this time God has lead me and continually encouraged me that I was moving where He wanted me to go. Looking back at my footsteps I see that teaching my children was out of love. Going to Russia with Steve’s family, our oldest, to adopt their second daughter was out of love. Three trips to the Gypsies were out of love. Going to South Africa and assisting in a hospice for AIDS patients was out of love. Spending my time in Texas to learn to teach English was out of love. Supporting women locally with various life issues is out of love.

I have been made to BE in love. There are many scriptural references to loving the lost and BEing a light. As I read them I hear God gently encouraging me to see that this is who I am, this is who He made me to BE, this is who I like to BE and feel most comfortable BEing. I am beginning to REALLY like me!

This is the basis of my next step. I am going to Israel and Palestine in February. My group will do some sightseeing but our purpose is to serve and feed and pray for poor Palestinian refugees in refugee camps, and persecuted Palestinian pastors and leaders. I will BE loving them. We will host and lead conferences in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Before I made this commitment I discussed and prayed with Richard and I sought other counsel. It surprises me that I am not alarmed by news reports. I am doing what I am made to do…BE! You are part of my family. I am asking for your prayers, letters of encouragement or warning, and requests for pictures I can take for you while I am there!

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“And now Lord, with your help, I shall become myself.” –Soren Kierkegaard

Sometimes a morning can feel like a poem! I awakened feeling happy and free this morning. The weather was beautiful and I had slept with the windows all wide open! How lovely!! I opened my eyes and was met by a beautiful bouquet of Crépe Myrtle blossoms! Opening my window and leaning out, I find this beauty!!

Leaning out through the window, my camera found this luscious cluster of this wonderful southern flowering bush!

Enthused with the morning discoveries of beauty, I and my camera proceeded downstairs and out the back door! There we found more worthy subjects to share with you!!

The Rose of Sharon dressed in sunlight & lavendar skirts, and dancing in the breeze!

A quiet, happy cat;             A regal cat                     King Cat!         Faithful Guardian of All

I am noticing that taking offense from what others do is counter-productive to my peace.  This is not a new concept to me, as I recall a past mentor talking about this.  He said that we have time, even if only a split second, to choose how we will respond to people and situations.  He emphasized how important it is that we not lose or yield our peace when people and events don’t go our way.  I discovered that he was right!  However, as time goes by, I seem to forget what I’ve learned.

A few weeks ago, some friends commented that they had committed to not take on offenses.  They have many opportunities to take offense, but instead of picking them up, they turn the opportunities with prayer over to God.  This is very hard at times, easy at other times.  People have sensitive hearts that are easily wounded.  But picking up the Shield of Faith protects us from firey shrapnel spewed in our direction.  As we watch the offenses fall to the ground and fizzle out we can rejoice in God our Savior who is always with us.

Some offenses are much harder to get deal with than others.  Wounds from our childhood, wounds from last year, wounds from yesterday… these all hurt!!  But we still have the choice of whether or not we will take offense and harbor the wounds in our hearts.

I appreciate this wise advice:  “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Also this:  “Be angry, yet do not sin.”

Anger today only reveals the wounds and offenses of the past.
May you choose wisely how you will respond.

In visiting Steve, Jodi and Adelina with Julia, and conversing about child-rearing, we discussed the need for – within limits – children to work things out for themselves. It occurred to me this morning that adults as well as children need to learn to get along together, to be considerate of and respect others as persons. Adults need to remember and understand that other adults also have needs, desires, preferences and agendas. Adults get their feelings hurt. Adults need to be affirmed. Guess what? So do kids! Kids have needs, desires, preferences and agendas. We as adults have the responsibility to help our children explore their world and learn what their own needs, desires, preferences, and agendas are, and what limits are necessary and good. We need to respect and honor each other as persons of worth, which we all are. Families and communities, places of employment and worship are all good places to practice this.

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Today I ran across a meditation in my notebook from March of 1996. I think this is a result of some discussion with my friend, Walt Wissinger. For me, it is God’s message to me, and perhaps to you, too. It is as fresh to me today as it was back when I wrote it. May you receive blessing and wisdom and understanding as you read on and ponder these words. Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you.

Psalm 37 – “Rest,” “Do not Fret”

Verse 1 “Do not fret because of evil-doers, …be not envious of wrong-doers.”
Verse 3 “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.”
Verse 4 “Delight yourself in the Lord”
Verse 5 “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”
Verse 7 “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of…”
Verse 8 “Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evil doing.”
Verse 27 “Depart from evil and do good.”
Verse 34 “Wait for the Lord, and keep His way…”

Fretting and God’s Answer to Frustration

Fretting is meditating upon a matter in a negative way. It often has to do with a matter that is at least partially out of my control. It also involves a degree of anger, whether in as low a degree as frustration, or as high a degree as rage. This lack of my own control over a matter produces frustration (which may escalate to full-blown rage) and consequently evil-doing. It is this process which Psalm 37 addresses.

Meditating negatively (fretting) leads me to lose Godly perspective and concentrate progressively more intensely on the negative, therefore seeing the matter as hopeless or disastrous (evidenced often by panic) unless I become integrally involved in the solution. This premature involvement is called “taking matters into my own hands,” and this is precisely what the Scripture implies is “evil-doing.” This is because evil-doing is the natural result of the negative energy produced by fretting. Therefore, the person enacting his own solution will often resort to violence (physical, emotional, or verbal) against someone or something.

Again, there are varying degrees of violent reaction. The degree of violence may range from wishful thoughts of harm toward someone or something to outright physical destruction of property or person, including murder and suicide. This is why Jesus says that to hate in my heart is equal to murder. Both are the sinful result of not trusting a matter to God for His judgment or solution. Psalm 37 repeatedly explains that God will indeed act on my behalf, and even what those actions will be.

A not-so-obvious result of fretting, because it appears to be positive action, is an intense, take-command attitude. However, if my positive action issues out of the fretting, the negative side will become apparent as people and things “get in my way” or “slow me down” or “don’t cooperate” with my self-made solution.

An underlying problem here presents the need to constantly keep my perspective, my mind on God. Because this is an imperfect world, impacted as it is by sin, people and situations will inevitably present themselves as impediments to a solution even to God’s solutions. If I resort to finding my own solution, i.e., “figuring it out,” the results will always go in the negative direction, leading to evil-doing.

Psalm 37 also tells me when offended or frustrated, what I am to do about it, which is first and foremost to not fret, and to trust God and do good. It is the turning over of a matter to God, and sealing that transaction by doing good, that enables me to gain and maintain God’s perspective on the matter, and thereby cease from anger and avoid evil-doing.

How do I turn a matter over to God? The most effective and direct way I’ve found is to “Stop, Look, and Listen.” “Jesus!” I say, “Please help me see this person and this situation from Your Perspective.” Then I “look” again, and listen to Jesus’ words to me about it. These words come as a quiet voice in my mind, or a sense in my heart, or a Bible verse. How do I know if it is “God and not my own thoughts?” The answer will always be consistent with God’s character as revealed throughout the Bible. The quick and easy answer is the revelation of a new feeling in my heart, a new, positive perspective, a new way of seeing. I call it “seeing with God’s eyes.”
So now I finish with this thought…
Am I fretting?
STOP! LOOK! LISTEN!
Jesus is always near.
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

I am sitting in my husband’s office, web-surfing. As I read over some posts from our Gypsy trip this summer, I see something that strikes my heart. I quote it below. I have to ask again, HOW can people be so cruel to each other? I mean, the people meant well to the Americans, but what about God’s beloved Gypsies? Lord Jesus, please forgive us all… some of us don’t know what we’re doing, some of us do. We ALL really need Your forgiveness and changing grace.

After the big group left, Niki and I (Karen) stayed behind in Istanbul for a few days with Georgian and Winnie, Sandy Sandifer, Pastor Zhoro, and our Gypsy Pastors: Mitko, Altunka, Peter and Effise, and Angel. It was very interesting to be able to witness firsthand the outright blatant discrimination that exists against Gypsies, which we were unable to see when we were in such a large group. Constantly policemen and different shopkeepers would pull us aside and caution us to be very careful, explaining to us that Gypsies are very dangerous and that we shouldn’t be with them. Also in restaurants we saw the disdain of the waiters. Even though I already understood that this happens, it made me realize even more how much of an impact the loving hugs and smiling kisses that Jesus used with our ‘European faces’ had on all of the Gypsies as we came into their cities.

Because of You, I live.
Because of You, I have Joy.
Because of You, I am healing.
All because of You, Jesus.

Because of You, I walk.
Because of You, I think.
Because of You, I write.
All because of You, Jesus.

Because of You, there is Richard.
Because of You, there is Steve.
Because of You, there is Sean,
Because of You, there is Bob.
All because of You, Jesus.

Because of You, there are Mom and Dad.
Because of You, there is Jodi.
Because of You, there is Amy.
Because of You, there is Suzy.
All because of You, Jesus.

Because of You, there is Julia.
Because of You, there is Adelina.
Because of You, there is Andrew.
Because of You, there is Jesse.
All because of You, Jesus.

Because of You, there is Happiness.
Because of You, there is Sunshine.
Because of You, there is Bravery.
Because of You, there is Grief.
All because of You, Jesus.

Because of You, Joy displaces sadness.
Because of You, Sunshine displaces darkness.
Because of You, Bravery displaces fear.
Because of You, Grief displaces sorrow.
Because of You, Life displaces death!
All because of You, Jesus. Thank You.

(c) 2006 Nancy C. Ivy

Scarlet Cord, Red Light District

Why Scarlet? The Blood of Jesus. We ALL need the saving Blood of Yeshua.

Perhaps, as the Scarlet Cord of Rahab was a plea for Mercy from the advancing Israelites,

Perhaps the “red light” of the prostitute is not merely an advertisement for clientelle, but also a plea for Mercy, for healing and relief from abuse.

May we always see the Blood of Yeshua offered to “the least of these”, and extend His Mercy to them, to us.

Here’s my Trip Journal. It’s long, but so was the trip! God really blessed many people on and through this journey. Rejoice with me!

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 – Traveling – Portsmouth to DC, DC to Frankfurt, Germany, Frankfurt to Bucharest, Romania.

Thursday, June 01, 2006 –
Photos: Frankfurt airport & bus ride into Bucharest #001-012
Gypsy village at dump in Bucharest #013-056
Outreach was good. Socializing, then general prayer to receive Christ, then individual ministry.
Dani, a young lady, took Rosa (my roommate) and me to show us her house. She showed us her medications, too – physicians’ samples. Why? Could have been to get money to buy more medications. The team did not give away any money or our personal items.

Friday, June 02, 2006 – Lord, You have Your reason, don’t you? Here I am, wondering, “Why me, Lord?” and You know! Breakfast chatting this morning, another lady, U__ from USA via Austria, said she still doesn’t know why You have her here. Lord, I ask You to keep me focused. I choose to pray, to intercede. Let me not be distracted by taking pictures even! Teach me to pour Your Spirit out on others. Let me not be distracted from prayer, hands on prayer! You are taking care of my foot, my energy, my all. Steep me in Yourself, Lord, and flow from me, through me. Lord! You are my All-in-All. Give me a word today. Yesterday, Georgian spoke of sacrifice. So, Lord, keep me mindful of Your sacrifice!! And to not shy away from my own!

Today we cross from Romania to Bulgaria over the Danube River. This group has prayed God’s blessings to be carried to Romania over the Danube for years, but this is the first year they’ve gotten onto Romanian soil. Thank You, Lord! Let Your Word reach throughout Romania & Europe through the Gypsies! Save Your People, Lord!

This afternoon we go to Varna. Use me, Lord! Leave the camera behind. Pray, pray, pray. Take stickers and pray. Lord, I pray your blessing with each sticker. Like the hem of your garment, like Paul’s handerchiefs, and Peter’s shadow, Lord, let these little stickers carry Your anointing of Love and Grace to the Gypsies, children and adults alike!

Here is Your Word for me today:
John 6:37-40(NAS) “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent me. This is the will of Him who sent me, that of all that He has given me, I will lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

Lord, manifest Your Self through me, that all who see me, who look upon me, will believe in You, that they may also have eternal life, and that You, Lord, will raise them up on the last day.
Thank You, Lord!
Midnight, Friday night – 02/03 June 2006 –
We travelled from Romania to Bulgaria today. Budapest is such an oppressed city; it even feels sad & pitiful. Things did not “lighten up” until after we crossed into Bulgaria. I am not surprized that Jon & Ana’s family wanted so much to get out! I’m thankful they did.

My roommate & tour “buddy” is Rosa, from Ft. Worth, TX. She’s a sweetie, and 10 yrs older than we are – you’d never guess it, though! Georgian’s mom (“Mama”) has really taken to her! (She is 78 yrs old.)

I left my camera on the bus when we visited the Varna gypsies today. I felt the Lord told me to do that. I took my shakey and broke it again from just shaking it! I think perhaps we need to use a heavier gauge wire. Natasha (Gypsy worship team, Sofia) and the Sofia pastors (Zhorro & Marianna) joined us today. Lubcho & Mitko we will see when we get to Sofia. I can hardly wait! Natasha called my name out and I looked up – Pure Joy!!  We hugged and said, “I love you!” and “Jesus!” and both of us were so happy!! She is a precious jewel!

I prayed for a number of children Gypsies tonight – they liked my shakey, too! – and several adults. The last, a man named Ali, was so precious! You could see when he felt the power of the Lord! He looked a little started and smiled and said, “OK, OK.” He was really soaking it up! Such a sweet man! He kissed our hands and was SO appreciative! No guile.

Tomorrow we go to Dobritch to Mitko & Albena’s (& son, Christian) church, not far from Varna. Then after lunch we will probably go back to Varna and see the Gypsies again, as we were late getting there today. A small group of us will go to minister at the Gypsy church in Varna, pastored by Peter and Effize.

Comparison with last year:
o Last year, I played my violin on the rooftop. This year I was in the midst of the mob – OK, not dead center, but still very crowded! And so noisy! We had loud speakers for the music.
o Stickers, stickers, stickers! Everyone wants stickers! Pushing & shoving and hitting are not uncommmon among the kids! And “fini!” means “no more”. ASL hand sign for “finished” works, too!
o I was more comfortable last year, out of the crowd, on the rooftop. Several people have asked if I brought my violin, and were disappointed when I said no. They tell me that I played well! (I certainly didn’t feel like I played well, but I deeply appreciated their words.)

I went to use the bathroom in a private house this evening and decided I could wait!! It’s an attached outhouse with a stall-type wooden door, no light, and a porcelain squat-potty at one end. A hose transports water to it from an outdoor laundry sink. We won’t talk about the smell! But this might be an improvement over the little camp we visited yesterday in the Bucharest dump. There the people just went out into the field to relieve themselves. No, I think the field is preferable!

The Lord told me on the bus today to “Let My Glory show – don’t hide it.” I hope I am doing that.

Midnight, Sat/Sun night – June 03/04, 2006 –
We went to a great church service in Dobrich, BG, this morning! Small church, about the size of ours, maybe a little larger. Great Worship team! Steve (Ivy) would love it!! I bought some cd’s – their first ever. All original music. I hope some of what they did this morning is on the album. This church reminded me so much of ours! They blessed us with a fire tunnel at the end of the service – so much love!! Thank You, Lord!

My feet are swelling terribly – too much sitting on the bus, probably. They are not giving me much pain. Some, but quite controllable with the ibuprofen, 2-3 times a day.

Time for sleeping. Tomorrow we get the day in Nessebur, BG, on the coast of the Black Sea, then a night train to Sofia. J

Photos: Dobrich Church #57-98
Nessebur #99-149

I read this recently, probably in an email from Patriot Post. I thought it well worth posting!

“High up on my list of annoyances are references to the United States as a democracy and the suggestion that Iraq should become a democracy… I can’t think of a worse place to have a democracy—majority rule. Iraq needs a republic like that envisioned by our founders—decentralized and limited government power. In a republican form of government, there is rule of law. All citizens, including government officials, are accountable to the same laws. Government intervenes in civil society to protect its citizens against force and fraud but does not intervene in the cases of peaceable, voluntary exchange. Democracy, what the Bush administration calls for, is different. In a democracy, the majority rules either directly or through its elected representatives. The law is whatever the government determines it to be. Laws aren’t necessarily based upon reason but power. In other words, democracy is just another form of tyranny—tyranny of the majority.” —Walter Williams