Girl With a Mission

A long due update...

2010-04-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Inasmuch as it has been freeing not to always be updating for the sake of my work in Norway, I realize that many of you are probably wondering what in the world is going on with this girl that said she would put up updates but never updates! LOL Sorry! Things have been hectic and busy but at the same time wonderful and going really well.

First of all, I have to say that after five months of intensely looking for a job, I FINALLY have a job! I'm working part time with World Vision in Monrovia, California (about 30 miles from where I live) as assistant to the director of Christian Commitments. Because World Vision works with many different church denominations and sometimes people of other faiths worldwide, the constant challenge is what we can do to keep the message of Christ uplifted in all our work. I had been looking for a full-time job, but doors were not opening anywhere. Out of literally 70-80 applications for work, I only got two interviews, which was extremely defeating to me. It was at that point I cried out to God and said, "Place me wherever You want me to be because I can't do this anymore." And only two days later, I got the job at World Vision! Of course, I would like to work there full-time, but I'm just trusting God right now to either increase my hours or to bring more work along.

Second, I was named the new youth leader at my church two months ago. This came as an unexpected surprise but rung with peace in my heart when I was offered the position. It is a volunteer position, but I LOVE working with youth -- I always have. This is the first time I have EVER been the head leader for a ministry. I have always served under other leaders, but I have never been THE leader. This is definitely new territory for me, but I really feel the past 10 years of ministry have really prepared me for being able to take on this ministry at this time. It is really interesting being the one with the visions and dreams and inspiration for a ministry because I have never considered myself to be the visionary -- ever. I have help as well; Jason one of the other pastors at the church is leading the youth together with me and has been an incredible help in brainstorming and planning everything, which has been a huge relief for me. Things are going well -- we have about 5 steady youth coming on Wednesdays and anywhere between 11-13 youth coming on Sundays. It has been really busy with planning events and teachings and activities but has been very fruitful -- so much so that 3 of the youth in the youth group are getting baptized tomorrow! So we must be doing something right... :)

This is my first Easter home in the States in the past 6 years. Part of me has gotten used to the Norwegian way of doing Easter -- 5 days of vacation for everyone, low key church services, "jail days" where you can't go anywhere because the bus isn't running, the first days of sun and life after the long winter. But at the same time, I have really missed getting dressed up in my Easter best on Easter Sunday, and REALLY, really having a huge service with music, dance, drama -- all to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Last night, we had a Good Friday service where we had music, Communion, watched a few clips from "The Passion of the Christ," and reflected on Jesus' death. It was a powerful time that brought me to tears... God is so good to us. He didn't have to send us His Son to die for us, but He did. I can never repay all He has done for me, so I receive this wonderful gift in faith!

And tomorrow is Easter, complete with baby dedication, baptisms, new members being received into the church, music, and celebration! I am so excited for tomorrow...

Well, I hope this update suffices for now and you all have a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Gretchen

Christmastime is here

2009-12-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't go to the job interview on Monday. I checked up on all the jobs Bankers' Life had, and they all involved sales or recruiting -- two things I'm terribly horrible at doing. It wouldn't have been a benefit to me or the company, so it wouldn't have been a wise use of my time. But I did set up appointments to meet with 2 temp agencies next week, so hopefully, I'll be working some temp jobs and eventually get hired on to a full-time, well paid job :D I'm still a firm believer in that God knows what He's doing, but it is easy to get discouraged in the job hunt. I'm applying for all these great jobs, but no one is "biting." It's the same with everyone, unfortunately. The more and more I talk to people, the more and more I realize it isn't just me, it's this economy and everyone wanting all the same jobs... But God knows best...

Tonight I was at a church Christmas dinner / party. We had a WONDERFUL time -- good food, great conversation, and fun gift exchange (though no one really "stole" any gifts! lol) We had the best table too -- Bob (from Ireland), my mom, dad, sister, Vince, and Jason; we had non-stop laughter the ENTIRE evening... oh man... like the craziest things we did in high school, our least favorite foods, and all manner of silly stories. I was so glad I was able to be there and connect with all kinds of people; it's usually really difficult on Sundays because things are so busy, so it was nice to sit down and chat with people and reconnect.

Well, tomorrow I'm playing on the worship team... or at least I think so! Should be fun. Last Sunday, our church put our worship band on a float and participated in the local Christmas parade, and we won first place in our category! Video to come.

I should get to bed now... early morning tomorrow morning!

Job Interview Jitters

2009-12-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is my job interview, and I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. It is with a company called "Bankers Life," and they offer life insurance and other services to senior adults. They said there were sales positions and management positions... I'm not too confident in sales and would never take a job in sales because that's NOT my passion. But I could be interested in management. In any case, they asked me to come in for an interview tomorrow, and I thought since they called me, it would be nice just to see what kinds of positions are available, and what they're looking for. It never hurts to try, and besides which, it's something to do...

Then I'll be meeting with my pastors tomorrow before the interview to talk about my future involvement in the church. I'm looking forward to meeting with them and seeing where I fit into the big pictures. I'm really excited to be back at my home church and serving together with the people I love so much -- my church family. They really are a great group of people, and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support group in them.

Well, that's that... on to getting things ready for the Christmas parade my church will be in this Sunday (I'll be playing piano on the float) and getting everything ready for my sponsor thank you dinner next Monday.

Gretchen

Life is good...

2009-11-30T21:38:00.003-08:00

Life is good, and God is good... I have a car coming my way and a job interview on Wednesday at 1:00. (I just found out about that one tonight!) Not too sure about the job, but at least it is a start!

Now, it's time to get ready for bed... good night!

Changing gears

2009-11-22T20:23:00.003-08:00

I'm doing well, but I'm changing gears... it's like I'm still trying to land from being in Norway for so many years. I'm trying to find my bearings and to learn how to live life all over again with my time here in the States. My room has been complete chaos the last week with trying to put everything away (and get rid of some truly OLD stuff to make room for my new things -- and I thought all of that was OVER!) -- definitely not up to "Gretchen Standards." And then I've had to make some MAJOR shopping trips the last 2 days to get all the basics to start up again -- everything from clothes to toothpaste to a new watch! And even then I still haven't purchased everything I need; I'm constantly remembering things I forgot to buy. And then I just had to buy a new cell phone (with extremely high rates compared to Norway!) because my Norwegian one has decided to suddenly stop working altogether. Then I'm trying to find my place again in my family and with my friends and my home church. And then there's a job and the American working life all over again... And my devotional life is also in the midst of change right now too! I'm reading from a devotional book right now and spending more time in prayer, and just trying to let everything adjust and settle down before I decide on a new devotional plan...

So many things are changing right now, and I'm glad I'm not working right now. I'm looking for jobs actively, but I'm taking it easy and trusting that God will provide a job at the time when I'm ready. All I can say is that everything is changing right now, and I'm not pushing myself too hard in anything right now. I need to take time to adjust and cool down and process. I know things will be difficult these coming weeks, and I will need my friends so desperately. I will need to just talk and PRAY with them and just release all my thoughts and feelings inside. It will be a big, jumbled mess for awhile.

Yet, I know more than anything that it was a good time to come home. God is up to something good. My family needs me. My church needs me. I need to be in LA with lots of sunshine! God is good... I'm sure my ramblings will continue on for many weeks, but ahhhh, it feels so good to get this all out right now. mmmm

I'm home

2009-11-19T14:44:00.002-08:00

Well, yesterday, I came home. The flights went by without a hitch, and my boxes came through safe and sound without anything missing, though a ribbon for one of my sweaters and one of my scarves managed to almost fall out of the one of the handholds on the box. I'm so surprised they stayed in there! LOL

It's so weird to be back in LA, and this be my home again after Norway being my home for so many years. I don't think it has quite hit me yet that I've moved home! I've been unpacking and trying to get my room in working order because I can't stand it being messy. I'm trying to figure out where everything should go and actually getting rid of stuff I don't need anymore here. I thought I was entirely done with the purging process in leaving Norway, but oh no, it is still going on. There are quite a few things I still need to get rid of here before I can fit everything I brought back from Norway into my room! LOL Oh well, at least I have some time this week to get it all done. I've decided to take off the rest of this week and start looking for jobs again next week. Everyone in Norway was so generous to both Tylene and I when we left, that I won't need to worry about getting a job right away. Of course, I'll be looking, but I have more than enough to get started here and survive at least the first month or so until I land a good job. :) That's exciting to me.

Otherwise, things are going well. It's super warm here -- just like a Norwegian summer and sunny -- a nice change when we had rain non-stop for one month in Kristiansand. I do miss everyone in Norway, and I know that it will take some adjustment to get back into the American culture. But I will be back to Norway for a wedding in the summer and am already looking forward to it.

Keep me in your prayers if you happen to read this. I will need them a bunch as I get ready to jump into the American culture again.

Until next time,

Gretchen

2 more days...

2009-11-16T12:47:00.002-08:00

2 more days, and I'm ready to go now. I've been a constant ball of emotions the last 3 days, and I'm just exhausted from saying "goodbye." It's all been so wonderful the goodbyes from everyone, and our going away party last night was WONDERFUL -- fun and sad all at the same time. We are truly loved by such a wonderful church and group of people here...

Tylene leaves tomorrow :( And then I say "goodbye" some more... and then early on Wednesday, I travel home. I'm excited :)

3 more days

2009-11-15T00:28:00.002-08:00

It's 3 more days until I travel home; things are winding down so fast. Tylene and I were antsy and excited to get home, but now we feel a bit numb. We've finally realized that we're going to be leaving without coming back for a long while... :(

We have our going away party at the church today; what a tearful night it will be! The tears are already starting to flow with people saying their last goodbyes and last visits and famous last words. It should be a wonderful night, and we don't know quite what to expect or who to expect to come, but surprises are always a little bit necessary here and there.

Pray for us today -- that it would be a wonderful time full of fun and memories of good times and of God's peace in this decision to come home. It's going to be one LONG day.

Gretchen

Why I'm Going Home, in a Nutshell

2009-10-31T04:20:00.002-07:00

The Lord spoke to me in 2007 that there would be a significant change happening in my life at the end of 2009. I wasn't too sure what it was, but I patiently waited on the Lord until He gave me clarification. It wasn't until the end of 2008 the Lord spoke to me strongly and clearly about moving back to Los Angeles, taking what I've learned in Norway back to the States. The States needs a touch of the Lord too -- now more than ever! This He spoke to me with the same level of intensity and urgency He spoke in coming to Norway. (For those of you who know the story of me coming to Norway, you will remember it took quite a bit of time for me to obey the Lord before accepting the call to go to Norway.) This time around, I knew the clear voice of the Lord and decided to listen right away. The Lord began to provide confirmation almost immediately, and it was then I knew I needed to communicate to my friends and family in Norway that I would be moving home.

So it was exactly one year ago, I publicly announced the decision to move. While stepping out in faith and communicating God's word to me, it took a couple of months before the Lord was able to convince my heart that this was the right decision because I love Norway, I love Europe, and it has been nothing but a joy and a blessing to serve John Henry and the staff here in Norway and all of my brothers and sisters in the Foursquare family worldwide. While being home for Christmas last year, I received even more confirmation through prophetic words confirming my move (from people who didn't even know that I had made the decision to move home) and also through an incredible sense of the Lord's peace and joy to move back while I was home. This was a marked contrast to previous visits home -- while I enjoyed myself I was extremely eager to get back to Norway. This time, my heart had changed, and I longed to stay in LA -- a change only the Lord could have brought about! His peace continues to guide this decision and becomes stronger every day that passes.

Yet at the same time, it will be very sad to leave everything and everyone behind in Norway, because it has been such a fantastic season in life full of incredible ministry and amazing friendships; I don't know how it could be better! But I do know and have seen that where we are obedient, God is able to bring about greater things in and through our lives, and I am expectant this new season will be incredible as well!

When I move home, I plan to live with my family and am actively seeking a job so that I can get back up on my feet again financially, buy a car, and eventually move out to my own place :) I also plan on serving in my church in my free-time. This is a bit different after serving the church full-time for close to ten years, but I am excited to be a missionary for Jesus in my workplace and home country.

Thank you for all your love and support the past six years. Without you, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to serve in Norway!

Hvorfor jeg skal hjem i et nøtteskal

2009-10-31T04:17:00.004-07:00

Herren talte til meg in 2007 at det ville være en stor forandring i mitt liv slutten av 2009. Jeg var ikke helt sikker hva det betydde, men jeg ventet på klarhet fra Herren. Det var ikke før slutten av 2008 at Herren talte til meg veldig sterk om å flytte tilbake til USA, og at jeg måtte ta det jeg hadde lært her i Norge tilbake til USA. Statene trenger et glimt av himmelen óg – mer enn før! Dette talte han til meg med den samme intensiteten og inntrengende følelsen han hadde brukt for å kalle meg til Norge. (For de som kjenner historien bak mitt kall til Norge, ville dere huske at det tok meg en del til før jeg lydte Herren). Denne gangen, visste jeg at det var Herrens røst og bestemte meg for å lyde Ham med en gang. Herren ga meg bekreftelse nesten med en gang, og det var da jeg kjente at jeg måtte kommunisere til min familie og venner i Norge at jeg skulle flytte hjem.

Det var et år siden da jeg offentliggjorde denne bestemmelsen. Mens jeg gikk i tro og kommuniserte hva Guds ord var til meg, tok det meg et par måneder før jeg ble helt overbevisst at det var riktig, fordi jeg elsker Norge, jeg elsker Europa, og det har vært en stor glede og velsignelse til å tjene John Henry og staben her og alle mine ”søsken” i Foursquare verden rundt. I fjor, mens jeg var hjemme til jul, fikk jeg enda mere bekreftelser gjennom profetiske ord (fra folk som hadde ingen peiling at jeg hadde bestemt meg for å flytte) og gjennom en utrolig følelse av Guds fred og glede i å flytte hjem. Det var et merket forskjell fra forrige besøk i Los Angeles (før hadde jeg lengtet etter å være i Norge selv om jeg hadde en god tid i USA.) Denne gangen, hadde hjertet mitt forandret seg, og jeg lengtet etter å være i LA – en forandring bare Gud kunne har gjort! Hans fred fortsetter å veilede hele prosessen og blir sterkere for hver en dag som går.

Samtidig, kommer det til å være trist å reise fra dere alle i Norge. Det har vært en utrolig periode i mitt liv fyllt med tjeneste og gode og dype vennskap; jeg vet ikke om det kunne har vært bedre en dette! Men en ting jeg vet og har sett at når vi lyder Gud, er det mulig for ham å gjøre ende flere ting inni og gjennom oss. Jeg forventer at den kommende periode blir utrolig óg!

Når jeg flytter, skal jeg bo med min familie ei stund og skal søker etter en jobb så at jeg er i god stand med økonomien igjen så at jeg kan kjøpe en bil, og etter hvert flytte til min egen plass. Jeg planlegger også om å tjene i hjemmenigheten min på en frivillig basis. Det er litt annerledes for meg etter at jeg har tjent i menigheten i en hel tids stilling i nesten 10 år, men jeg er spent om å være et misjonær for Jesus i min arbeidsplass og mitt hjemland.

Takk for deres vennskap og støtte de siste 6 årene. Uten dere hadde det vært helt umulig for meg å være i Norge!

Feeling better...

2009-10-31T04:10:00.002-07:00

But ugh... I'm stressed! I missed a lot of time this week, and I'm excited and nervous about coming home, and I'm stressed about getting everything done before I move... God keeps reassuring me that everything will get done, and that I have more than enough time; it's just that I'm thinking about all the last minute stuff that has to be done. I'm really glad I got so much done up until now, or else I would be sick from stress. Ugh...

I'm still a bit under the weather, so I decided to not go anywhere today. I need to kick this virus before this coming week, so I can place all my energy into people and last minute preparations to leave. It'll be here before you know it! 18 days and counting...

Blogging again... a new chapter in my life

2009-10-30T11:35:00.002-07:00

So, I decided to start blogging again... not that I really haven't been blogging before on my home website or on my Xanga years ago. Then, of course, there's Facebook, but all of the posts are short and not in depth, and do I really want 400 "friends" seeing everything I think and feel all the time? Granted, there are a whole lot more people that could see this blog, but the chances are very slim, and I want only those who really know me to be able to glimpse into my daily world, without people "staring down" my every move...

I've missed blogging. I've missed being able to pour out my heart and my daily thoughts. It's been a long time -- a really long time. I love to write, and I love reading what I write. It causes me to reflect and think about all the good times of the past and in doing so prepares me for the future. Funny concept, huh?

I leave Norway in two and a half weeks. It's bittersweet for sure. I never thought I would be leaving after being here for almost 6 years, but God has called me back home. I can't deny it, and He has given me such peace about it all. A year ago, I wouldn't have even thought about moving back to LA, so I know it is God who has changed my heart and prepared me for what is next. It will be sad to leave all I love here, but I know that God is bring about yet another incredible season in my life. I am greatly anticipating all He has for me. God is good!

When I'm back in LA, I'm going to be looking for a job and buying a car. Highly practical things to do, but I really feel this is what God has called me to for the moment. Also, I want to serve in my home church. I want to give back all they have invested in me these past years while I've been in Norway. And I know God can work through me as a missionary wherever I go, so I know His hand is upon me in this process of moving back home.

I've already been looking for jobs, and I am hopeful. Even with the tough economic times lately, there are still jobs in administration -- tons of them! I am just praying for a job with a good salary, that I can get to easily (because I have no car), where I thrive with my work and co-workers, with good benefits, and good vacation time. I will, after all, be traveling back to Norway next year to attend a good friend's wedding. Date and time are still to be determined, but I am set on coming back for the wedding. It is one I would never dare miss!

Oh... so many things still yet to do and prepare and get ready to go. I've been sick all week and not much has gotten done. This has been an incredibly inconvenient time to be sick, let me tell you, three weeks before I go. I am extremely grateful that I got as much as possible done over the past few months. Stress is almost non-existent, and I keep chugging along, getting things done. Soon, everything will be over, but until then, I strive to get things done with the little energy I do have being sick this week.

Well, this post turned out to be longer than I expected, but it feels good to pour out my heart and emotions and life stories again in a blog... hopefully this will happen more often. It's a good release and a good place for me to keep writing.

Until next time,

Gretchen

Life's twists and turns...

2007-04-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I have been incredibly busy the last month really. My best friend Kendra came to visit me one month ago for two weeks... I came back to the office fo 3 days, then Easter came, which is four legal holidays in Norway. Then I was back at the office for another week and it was off to Estonia for six days where we had a Bible Study Intensive led by Daniel Brown from the Coastlands church in Santa Cruz, CA. There were 20 leaders from Northwest Europe and Russia combined, and we had a fabulous time studying the Bible together and really getting to know each other. Also, the Sunday after our Bible Study intensive I was able to visit one of our churches in Estonia located in Pärnu (we were in the capital city of Tallinn... Pärnu is 2 hours south of Tallinn) and spend some time with its pastors, Sven and Karin Veedla along with Kenneth (as Sven says, he's the crazy Norwegian guy from Stavanger that came to Estonia and has been working with their youth group for three years now... so cool :) )
Sven and Kenneth gave me a tour of the city and the beach because Pärnu is the summer playground of Estonia, and they kept telling me about the outreaches they have done in the city, the portions of the city they are claming as theirs for Jesus, and all the different places they have big dreams for... The youth I met in the church are really on fire for Jesus... The whole trip really inspired me to give everything I have this coming year to the youth group. I had started to really get bogged down in the daily stresses of life and had somewhat of a lackluster approach in the past few months when it came to youth ministry. Sven and Kenneth's passion rubbed off on me, and now I am more excited than ever to see growth and changes in each one of our kids here in Norway. So much so that not more than 4 days after I came back to Norway, we had another "storsamling" (big meeting) of all the Foursquare youth in Norway, and God really did a lot in and through me while there.

For the storsamling, we focused on our relationship with God and our relationship with our parents. After the message on our relationship with our parents, I was able to pray for three of the girls and talk with one about their relationships with their parents. We prayed for healing and for them to get closer to God and to see their situations with new eyes. It was really incredible because even after the message was over, well into the night, kids kept coming up to all the leaders and asking for prayer. God really moved and really healed and really helped each and every person who received prayer to be touched. The energy of the kids and the intermingling of the different youth groups was so strong, that I felt like I was at good old Camp Cedar Crest again. Everything was fresh and new and exciting for me again. And I have really built a great relationship with all the youth, so much so, that they can tease me, and I can tease them back, and I can tell they love to see me and I have gained their trust. And God showed me that I have done a good job with the kids while I've been here in Norway, and there are many who are responding to God's call in their lives, and I have been a part of encouraging that call within their lives. In my life, I will always be called to do two things, no matter where I go -- youth and worship.

All of this gives me so much peace... peace that whatever happens and wherever I go in 2008, I can know that I have done a good job and fulfilled all God has for me here, so that I can move on to whatever is next. Who really knows where I will be, but I am open to what God has. In the midst of uncertainty, I feel His peace in my heart. I feel such an unspeakable joy that hasn't been in my life since I really don't know when. I look forward to my future with great anticipation knowing that to follow Jesus may mean I am on the move constantly and that I will need to leave behind the things I have established in Norway to follow Him. But that is the greatest joy and adventure of all -- to see that I have done what God has set me out to do, and now, I can move on with his peace and His joy. God will provide.

I greatly covet everyone's prayers right now for clarity as I step into the next season of life. I need God's direction and to hear His voice like never before!

Until next time,

Gretchen

And it's off to Estonia!

2007-04-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

I have been bored... INCREDIBLY bored today. We've had 4 days off for Easter, which are 4 legal holidays, and since I was JUST on vacation, more vacation is driving me to boredom. Literally... Yesterday, it snowed, and today, it is raining. So there's not much to do outside. And, of course, I have things to do, but I just don't want to do anything but everything. That's what boredom is: Not wanting to do everything but everything all at the same time. Gretchen's definition for the day!

So I am going to Estonia with John Henry and Tylene on Wednesday through Monday! Very exciting! We will be there for a leaders' seminar led by Foursquare pastor Daniel Brown. The seminar will be about how to study the Bible. Should be really, really good and very interesting. I have never been to Estonia before, so I am looking forward to it!

Well, I am going to make some dinner and try to get my lazy self into doing something productive with my day. I should write an e-mail newsletter, and I should pack for Estonia... but I am bored, so I don't want to do that stuff! ha ha

God påske!

2007-04-08T14:23:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

Silence...

2007-04-04T03:16:00.000-07:00

Has been long, but it has come due to vacation for the past weeks and getting back to routines and answering e-mails has caused there not to be an update here in quite a while. All that aside I had a wonderful vacation! Kendra and I had a great time together... She got to see Kristiansand. We got a killer deal on a trip to Denmark - 4 people, 4 bikes, round-trip ferry ride, and 2 nights at a water park hotel where our room was a small apartment and our ocean view amazing -- all for $50 a person! So we took a 14 mile bike trip one day and had an absolutely fabulous time together! Then we went to Oslo where we originally planned on sightseeing and visiting a good friend of mine and her family, but God changed our plans and used my friend's father (who didn't know us!) to prophesy healing and direction into our lives which kept us up to all hours of the night and caused us to miss one of the only trains back into downtown Oslo. But all that said, God totally blessed our time together more than we thought he would... We knew that He would do something awesome in our time together, but we didn't realize how huge it truly would be!

And to top it all off we got to share the Gospel with some people, AND I spoke in Danish for the first time while we were in Denmark. Since Danish and Norwegian are very similar to each other Danes and Norwegians understand each other. At the same time, the Danish people sound like they have a potato "stuck" in their throat when they speak, and it is extremely difficult to understand them sometimes! I got the potato stuck in my throat and the pronounciation of the Danish "As" and "Æs" down as much as I could, and I explained to the waiter at one of the restaraunts how we wanted to order our food and how we wanted to split the bill since he didn't understand English nor Norwegian, as he was an immigrant. I was really in complete shock at how easily the Danish flowed and wondered how this strange language was coming out of my mouth. Then I was amazed at how much easier Danish is to speak! ha ha Good times... It was a proud and fun moment for me.

Well, I am off to finish working, since I have been on my lunch break typing this up to everyone. Easter vacation starts tomorrow and lasts until Monday. The sky is blue, the weather perfect, and I am content. Have a Happy Easter, and be blessed!

A Good Day with a Funeral

2007-03-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

It's such a paradox to think that a day with a funeral could be a good day, but I am here to say that it is such an untrue paradox!

The day began with some very good news -- Kendra got her passport! I felt that yesterday I should pray and fast that she would receive it. When I prayed about how long I should fast, I felt that I should break it at 3 p.m. When I prayed for Kendra, I was praying very boldly, and all of a sudden the words came out "God let her receive it in her hands by three p.m. today!" So at 11 p.m. I sent her a text message asking how it was going. She mentioned that the passport was sent from N. Carolina on Friday, so she should receive it either Monday or Tuesday. At that moment, I was disappointed that she hadn't received the passport because of the faith that I had that she would have it at 3 p.m. But then God gave me peace and said, "Don't worry. She'll receive it within the hour of 3 p.m." And I woke up this morning, she had received it and received it at 3:40 p.m.!!!! Isn't that miraculous and so like God to do that?!?! Wow!

So the funeral... There was a lady in the church that died last week -- 81 years old and a VERY STRONG believer in Jesus. She was a prayer warrior, a servant, and such a compassionate woman. It was like she was everyone's Danish grandma (she was originally from Denmark but moved to Norway). When I got the call at the office from one of her sons last week that she died, I was so sorry that she died but at the same time I was soooo joyful because she is now with Jesus. I have never been so incredibly joyful about the passing on of someone before, but because she was such a saint of Jesus, it was nothing but joy I felt the day she died. Of course, I cried at the funeral here and there, but it was one of the most peaceful and special and joyful funerals I have ever been to.

Then I met with one of my closest friends here and accountability partner Maja for a cup of coffee. We meet weekly to pray for each other, confess sins, etc. While, we were in the coffee shop, a dear friend of mine, Mari comes in with her brother Åsmund. The four of us had a FABULOUS time talking about God and what He is doing in our lives... SO MUCH FUN! I didn't want to leave from our time together. So much fun! But then after the coffee shop closed, we went outside and talked for another half-an-hour until we got cold. So then Maja and I went to the church office and confessed and prayed for each other... we prayed such powerful and prophetic prayers over each other. Then while I was on the way home on the bus, one of the girls from youth group came on the bus, and we talked about what God is doing in our lives. God answered a big prayer she had on Sunday, and I told her about my really incredible, awesome and God-filled day!

I don't think I could ever get tired of all the wonderful things God is doing in my life. He is SO FAITHFUL. He is SO GOOD! A relationship with Him is so meaningful and life giving and when we cling to Him, there is always hope. There is always breakthrough. There are always miracles. He is the one we cling to in the difficult situations that brings us through as more than conquerors. God is SO GOOD!

With that I sign-off to get ready for Kendra's coming... Look out world, God is going to do some spectacular things the next 2 weeks!

I love comments!

2007-03-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hey for all of you blog readers out there, you can leave comments! I love them... it also helps me to know how many are reading these updates I so painstakingly try to do weekly! Give a girl some love :)

Anyway, it has been crazy busy here the last 10 days... we've had a construction team from the States working at the church and staying at the WorldBase... so that has taken quite a bit of energy and time. But they were a great blessing to everyone, and they traveled home today, giving me a moment to update. You should check out www.worldbase.no and see pictures and Blog updates. (By the way, I have been updating the WorldBase website a lot lately... you should check it out!)

This Wednesday, one of my best and closest friends from the States, Kendra will be coming to visit me for two weeks! Can you say, "EXCITED"?!?!? She still hasn't received her passport even though she ordered it eight weeks ago! Pray that she would get her passport TODAY!

I have fallen in love with Norway again... in the stress of the last two years, I was just here working, and the call is what kept me here. But now, I am in love again, like I have just gotten here. I had my three year anniversary on the 6th of March and what a glorious time to have an anniversary when you are falling in love all over again with the call and with the ministry and with the country. God is good!

Snow's the Story

2007-03-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

Well, to make a long story short... a whole five days of snow equals over 6 feet of snow and endless shoveling. The road conditions were terrible, there was no where to park downtown or here at the house, houses lost power, the freeway was shut down, stores began to run out of fresh goods. Now that the snow has stopped, it doesn't mean that there is any lack of shoveling! We have been shoveling away the snow a little bit every day, not to mention the many feet of snow that have just fallen off the roof into the most inconvenient places! Think about walking over a five foot hill of snow to get into your house! That's what we had to do yesterday when the snow fell off the roof in the driveway! The romance of this California girl snow-shoveling is long gone. And in these days of rain and meltage, the snow turns into heavy slush which is still more difficult to shovel and incredibly inconvenient to walk in... Yup, for all its trouble, it is still beautiful to see, but don't be fooled for a second that it is easy work to clean up after such a huge storm... We'll be shoveling for another 2-3 weeks at least, IF it doesn't snow again. ha ha Well, have a good night!

Still snowing...

2007-02-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it is still snowing here! The winds are high, the temperatures are frigid (15-18 F), and the snow is falling. We've had close to 3 feet in 2 days. That's a lot!

I am still sick with the flu that has turned into a cold... I guess it's better than having the flu, but I hate the sneezing and congestion and eye watering. Gets old. Being outside right now makes me cough and the cough hurts my lungs, so no snow shoveling for me for a while.

Talk to you all soon. Keep praying for wellness and the safety of everyone in the snow!

Still...

2007-02-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

Still sick with the flue for the second day in a row. I woke up this morning at 4:18, and I couldn't sleep. I was feverish and had pain all over my body. So I took some Tylenol, tried to watch some I Dream of Jeannie in my room, but I moved downstairs to lay down on the couch and watch some old movies. I was really out of it and ended up fallling asleep. I had to go to the office for a couple of hours to send in some forms for the youth summer camp, but then I came home right away and ate and slept and watched more movies and had a fever here and there with the painful cough. Oh how I hate the flu!!!

Well, it's snowing again outside... nice! Keep me in your prayers!

Again?!?!

2007-02-19T03:26:00.000-08:00

Well, my record for not being sick is four months. I woke up this morning with a deep seated chest cough and aching all over my body. Yes, I think it is the dreaded flu. Right now I'm feeling OK enough to blog, but earlier this morning I was just out of it. It's not that I'm flat on my back sick, but bad enough to just be home and watch movies and TV.

Anyway, we had another good Friday. Adam spoke about dating to the kids. We had fifteen kids. This next Friday, we are going to start a "kiosk" -- a place where we can sell food for the last hour we are together (from 9-10 p.m.), and I will be leading the kiosk. I am excited about it -- we bought pizza baguettes, hot dogs, Oreos (difficult to find for a good price here, but we found them!), candy, and soda.

Yesterday, I spoke to the 6th-10th graders about prayer for the second week in a row. Last week, I spoke to them about boldness in prayer (using the parable from Luke 11 about the friend at midnight), and this week I spoke to them about persistence in prayer (using the parable from Luke 18 about the unjust judge. It seemed to go well... I got a nice comment from one of my friends in the church yesterday. I told her that I taught the kids yesterday, and she said, "You know what? I was talking with some of the girls, and they said it was so much fun whenever you taught, that you really take part in the games, and are just a lot of fun!" I thought that was so nice to hear because sometimes I doubt if I am making an impact, but it looks as though I am!

Well, I'm off to rest now... prayers for continued health are much appreciated!

Wow!

2007-02-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

Last night we had 23 kids at youth group! 23! That's a new record. I never like to base success soley on numbers, but it is definitely a sign of success... the kids are inviting their friends who are inviting friends. So exciting!

Please pray for three of our youth -- they need to be saved. One is VERY close to being saved. Pray that the Holy Spirit would move on their hearts to be saved and would protect them as they make the decision to follow Jesus.

Blessings on you all and good night!

And so things get easier...

2007-02-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

Things do get easier over time when love is lost, but at the same time it is still difficult because I thought I would be over this all a lot sooner. But I just need to allow myself to process every thought and emotion and bring it before the feet of Jesus, so that He can bring me to great victory through it all. It is like He is taking the broken pieces of my life and placing them into a beautiful mosaic -- which can't be seen unless I am able to stand back and look and look at each and every painful situation in my life through His eyes. Objectivity doesn't come quickly. It takes time. And I need to allow myself to feel the pain and at the proper moment to move on.

Well, on to other things... I have put up pictures of the Lighthouse Pizza party. You have to go to http://gepik.photosite.com and click on "Lighthouse Pizzakveld." (Sorry the active hyperlink isn't working.) Enjoy!

And so it is with love and all things surrounding it...

2007-02-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

Unrequited love is painful when experienced. I've found it is doubly hard when everyone expects the best to happen, and it doesn't.

I am puzzled. I am hurt. I am wounded. I am human even though I am in minstry. Having God with me in this doesn't make the pain any easier, but He gives reason to hope and breathe and even love again.

For now... I sit and cry and come to Jesus... it's all I can do.

Lighthouse pizza party!

2007-01-29T13:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't been so good at updating lately -- life has been really busy, and at the end of a busy day at the office, the last thing I want to do when I get home is be on the computer. But anyway we just had a Lighthouse pizza party! Lighthouse is the group of youth from 6th-10th grade that meet every Sunday and serves as a bridge between the children's ministry and youth ministry and between the youth ministry and the church through serving. David and I are leading Lighthouse right now. We saw that there was a need to get the older youth used to the younger youth, so we decided to have purely a social evening with homemade pizza and tons of games and competitions and film making. Our goal was acheived -- the interaction was superb between the age groups and every one had a really fun time. I am really tired though because I have had kids at the house since 4 p.m. today to start preparing for the party, the party started at 6p.m., and everyone left at 9 p.m. But anyway, yes, we had a REALLY good time together, and I am glad we had such a wonderful evening. Pictures to come!

Blessings and good night... Also another fun piece of news, one of the boys that has begun attending church and youth group over the past month has come back to Jesus! He was invited by one of the kids that was saved in the summer, and now he has turned back to Jesus. So exciting! Good night!

A long while

2007-01-22T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hey all! It's been a few days since I last updated, and to be honest the last thing on my mind is to update the blog, BUT shame on me, I need to keep you all updated.

Last week, we had our first OFFICIAL snow of the season. And yesterday, we had our first OFFICIAL day of snow where it didn't all go away in a matter of hours. And it is pretty cold out here right now -- about 25 degrees outside, and we are getting ready for a VERY cold week, with the temps not going over 25 degrees. So, here are some pictures of the first official snow that stuck!

Friday we had Uturn again with 17 kids! It hasn't fallen below 15 for the past three months. Febe, our national youth leader came to teach on the importance of living good, loving, and encouraging relationships with each other. Then on Saturday and Sunday, we also had the national youth leaders' meetings for Uturn Norway. There were six adult leaders and six student leaders (youth from the youth groups). The meetings were in Kristiansand. Febe spoke to us about our relationship with God and challenged us to spend time with the Lord. John Henry spoke to us about the qualities each leader needs to develop. Febe also challenged us to love others more than we ever have before in the year 2007. She gave us the assignment to spend 45 min. with the Lord and write a Psalm to God about our current state of life. Then we shared what we wrote. It was a heavy atmosphere but reassuring knowing that everyone is going through something or has gone through something, but God is there with them through it all. Saturday night, we went out to dinner at Mother India, (with what other kind of food than Indian!) and I had a very good time talking with Idar and Julia, two student leaders -- maybe I had a little too much fun! I felt completely comfortable with everyone and in my Norwegian speking skills. Wow! It's amazing how much fun I had esp. now that I know those on the youth leadership team better now and have a very good handle on the language.

Other than that, my week is pretty quiet and not much is happening. I will be meeting tomorrow night with a friend of mine from church that just joined the worship team. We're going to sit at the piano, and I am going to go through a bunch of worship songs with her. Will update when I have another minute. Until then, God bless!

Lazy days...

2007-01-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

Today has been somewhat of a lazy day... Tylene and I had the opportunity to go to Oslo this weekend with John Henry and Lisbeth, who were going up to attend a wedding there. So we took the opportunity to go with them and spend all day Saturday sightseeing. We had a really good time, first of all because it was the two of us, second of all, because it wasn't hot out, and third of all, because there were barely any people at the museums. We came back last night from church about 8:00 and were both really tired. I got up late today because I couldn't get up any earlier! I had to go back to sleep!

The fellesmøte went well last week. I thought there would be more of an evangelistic thrust to the meetings, but what I saw the Lord do in the meetings that I went to was phenomenal. I was only able to attend the first two meetings. The first evening the speaker spoke about how we need to be honest with each other when we are going through difficulties, so that we can support each other and be victorious. The second evening, he spoke about how we need to let God take care of our pain, so that we can let go of bitterness, forgive, and move on. I heard that on the third evening, he spoke about how we need to encourage each other and work in the gifts God has given us that we could be a healthy church body. All in all, what he spoke about is “right on” with many Christians I know in the city – how they need to let go of their pain, be healed, and start doing what God has made them to do. And if we have a healthy church, we will have a healthy focus on evangelism! Thank you for your prayers. I could sense that the Holy Spirit was very strong in the meetings I attended.

Next week, I will be on a live webcast to my home church, Pathway Christian Fellowship! I will be there for both services for a few minutes... It should be a ton of fun to see you all! Talk to you soon... Gretchen

2007-01-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Well, things keep right on rolling here, and God is good! My very red eyes, which were a cause for concern the last few weeks were no more than just irritated. We had 16 youth last night and spoke about being "A Living Fellowship" -- about the importance of being there for each other and serving each other and looking out for each other. We spoke about how proud we were of the kids -- about their service in the church and how they look out for each other. It really put a good feeling in their hearts, and when it came time to clean up afterwards, the kids were quick to jump in there and help! What a great atmosphere. One of our newer girls to the youth group brought three of her friends last night! THREE of her friends... soooo exciting!

Then next week, we will be having “fellesmøter” for the entire city. (Fellesmøte means “together meetings). This is an annual event when all the churches in the city come together at the big state church and worship and pray together for the city. For the entire week there will be meetings every evening, and I am truly looking forward to these meetings – to praying for the salvation of the city together, worshiping together, and meeting new people in the city.

God is so good, and He is moving! I will keep you all updated!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-01-01T05:09:00.000-08:00

"One minute to minute to midnight... one minute to go... one minute to say goodbye before we say 'hello'!"

Well, goodbye 2006 and hello 2007! Last night Tylene and I went to the Temmeruds to celebrate the evening. We ate and ate and ate AGAIN (good thing I am taking up ballet again!) and waited until midnight where everyone in the neighborhood set off the largest "home" fireworks I have ever seen in my life. It was literally a war zone of booms and pops and bursting light in the sky. There were a group of us extremely frightened onlookers that would huddle under the eave of John Henry and Lisbeth's house everytime someone would light anything from a sparkler to a battery of fireworks. It was quite pretty, but very dangerous all at the same time. All I had to say is that I was glad I wasn't downtown where drinking and fireworks cause even more dangerous situations.

I am looking forward to this coming year... I am ready to move on from last year -- from all its stress and challenges and ready to move on in discipline and following the Holy Spirit at His every move.

It will be a good... wait, no a GREAT year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Romjulsfest

2006-12-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

There's a season of time between Christmas and New Year's called "romjul" in Norway. It is the time "around" Christmas. Last night we had a Romjulsfest (around Christmas party) with the youth group. Sixteen youth were in attendance, we had Christmas carols punk style, dancing around the Christmas tree, gingerbread house making and eating competitions, and a white elephant gift exchange. The kids had a great time, and I saw three kids last night that had never been to youth group before. I'm having a good time working with the youth.

You'll see some pictures in this post of the romjulsfest. Enjoy! More pictures to come on my Photosite . It's not uploading right now, so I will have to sit tight a few days before I put anything else up. BUT you can see some pictures from Christmas on my Photosite! Enjoy!

Christmas time is here!

2006-12-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a GREAT Christmas! On Christmas Eve we went to the Temmeruds' house (the neighbors') and ate Christmas porridge with the almond hidden. Guess who got the almond AGAIN? Me! I won a bag of chocolates this time. Then at 3 p.m., we went to the Hagenes family (from church) for dinner. Since Christmas Eve is the official gift opening day, it was a great honor to be invited to their house. We ate pinekjøtt (salted and dried lamb ribs steamed for a few hours before eating) with bolied potatoes and mashed rutabegas (sooooo good!). We ate until we were full. Then we had cloud berry cream for dessert. Afterwards we opened presents. Then we ate some more dessert. And we ate and ate and kept eating and talking and watching TV movies. Then Tylene and I came home late and got up the next morning at 6 am to get online with our families and open presents. It was great to be able to see my family over the webcam, and they could see me as I opened the gifts. It made not being home for Christmas a lot easier. Then yesterday (Christmas day) we went to David Husefest's family for dinner and to stay overnight. We ate pinekjøtt again and dessert and ate and played games and ate some more. It really was a lot of fun. Now we are finally home and watching Christmas movies. My feet are cold as ice right now though it's not extremely cold outside :) Ahh but it's good to be home and relaxing for Christmas. I have the rest of the week off, so I am looking forward to being able to hang around the house and sleep and read and do the things I don't normally get to do!

Have a wonderful day!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2006-12-24T00:11:00.001-08:00

Sending you greetings from Norway for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I am so blessed to know each and every one of you!

Though I am not in the States this year for Christmas I am overwhelmed by the love and generousity I have received from everyone here during this season. I miss my family terribly, but I have a huge family of friends here that have made this Christmas very special! I feel I am truly living the twelve days of Christmas but multiplied into an entire month! We have had Christmas parties and dinners and lunches almost every day not to mention advent gifts every day. I have eaten so many sweets that I think I will have a huge headache at the end of the month! And when it comes to Christmas, there are three official Christmas days -- Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and the 2nd Christmas day (26th). Then there is "romjul" (around Christmas) which is the week between Christmas and New Year's that is often filled with celebrations and parties as well. I am really looking forward to this entire week!

Til mine norske venner: Takk for at dere har hjulpet å lage en fantastisk jul for meg! Jeg føler meg velsignet å kjenner dere alle og det er lettere for meg å være langt vekk fra familien min dette året på grunn av dere! Setter en stor pris på dere og ønsker dere en kjempe god jul og et godt nytt år!

I pray for all of God's blessings for a wonderfully joyous Christmas season!

With love,

Gretchen

2006-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

So here I am at the church right now getting ready for a worship team Christmas party! We will be practicing some songs and eating the traditional Norwegian Christmas rice porridge called "grøt." You hide a blanched almond in the grøt and whoever finds the almond wins a big, pig-shaped piece of marzipan. Marzipan in Norway is really, really good for all of those who HATE marzipan in the States.

On Sunday I taught the youth kids from grades 6-10 for the last time this year. We finished up our study of Philippians. Then at the second service on Sunday THIRTEEN kids from the youth group came to the service. Thirteen! We haven't forced them to come or even said anything at youth group about coming. They've been coming of their own free will. We don't have anything planned for them in terms of a separate youth teaching or anything on Sundays, so they sit in the services. A pretty large crowd from the youth group has been coming for quite a long while now, which is very impressive. Also, at the second meeting, two of the kids decided to become members of the church. Wow! Their families aren't members at the church, but they decided to become members of their own free will. I am so proud of the kids and so excited that they are growing in the Lord and taking steps toward Him. Just when I think it couldn't get any better with the kids, they just keep growing and living for Jesus. Praise God!

So I leave you now to go and taste the julegrøt. Have a fabulous week!

And finally...

2006-12-16T07:51:00.000-08:00

I didn't write yesterday because the rain stopped... Today it was a beautiful, sunny day, and at about 4 p.m. it started raining AGAIN! Argh, I am a little frustrated, BUT we're supposed to have clear weather the rest of the week. We'll see how that goes. ha ha

So last night, we had a "Storskjermskveld" which is simply "Big screen evening" at church. We rented "The Polar Express" and invited everyone from the church for a free movie night with popcorn, candy, soda, and coffee. Nine of our youth came to help. The girls were dressed in black pants and white tops, and they went around serving the guests popcorn and candy from boxes hanging from their necks. The boys, dressed in black suits, handed out free tickets at the bottom of the stairs, and at the top of the stairs they tore the tickets and guided guests to their seats with flashlights. We had only about thirty people in attendance, but it really did feel like a movie theater, and I really hope we can have the same thing next year at this time (with more people coming, of course!) I was helping direct the kids as to what to do last night, and what I was really impressed with was that the kids took their responsibilities seriously and did a fantastic job (while still having fun!). At the end of the evening, I said goodbye to one of the newer boys that has been coming, and he again gave me a hug! It really warmed my heart to see how much he loves to come to youth group, and how grateful he is at the end of it all. Those are the moments where I really realize how important it is for us to minister to the kids and the difference I am making in each of their lives even though sometimes I am just doing small, seemingly "unimportant" things. God is good!

Have a wonderful evening!

Falling, falling down

2006-12-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

I decided to keep a journal of how many days it has rained... this is day #2

And the rain keeps coming...

2006-12-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

I am a little pessimistic these days about the rain. It seems like it has been falling consistenly for eight weeks or so with little or no break in between. I think in the last two weeks, we have had one day of sun. One day! Combined with the darkness -- the sun comes up at 8:45 a.m. and begins to set at about 3:30 p.m., it makes for some pretty dreary days right now. Thank God for Christmas, music, and friends to keep you going in this season. It truly is, how do you say, annoying with all this rain and darkness. I have a little confession to make -- I have been praying for snow. At least it would brighten up the grey days with some white. Dear Jesus, please bring some snow!

Otherwise, I am quite tired with the busy-ness of the season. Tonight, I am glad just to sit down and breathe a little bit.

Talk to you soon!

Christmas time is here...

2006-12-10T23:40:00.000-08:00

Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call their favorite time of year...

There's something about Christmas that breaks up the monotony of darkness and wetness that we have in Norway right now. The sun comes up at 9 a.m. only to start going down again at 3:30 p.m. Coupled with rain almost every day for the past four weeks, it makes for a pretty dreary day sometimes. So it is nice to have Christmas! Downtown, the streets are decorated to the max with lights and Christmas trees. I would go downtown every night if I had the chance just to look at the lights. Then you have the baked goods all around along with julegløgg (Norwegian cider). And then you have candles EVERYWHERE. What a nice treat in the middle of such gloomy days. I am even starting to pray for snow (don't tell in the others in the house though -- I've been begging them not to pray for snow because I don't want to shovel it!). It would really take the gloominess out of this weather, that's for sure. As long as it's not as much snow as last year, I'm OK.

Well, I will finish my Christmas shopping today and get gifts sent home. So excited!

Youth group went well on Friday night. We had fifteen kids and the youth pastor, Kenneth, that works at one of our churches in Estonia was with us (and Adam, our youth pastor was in Estonia working with Kenneth's youth group at the same time. Fun huh?) Kenneth's a Norwegian from Stavanger, working as a missionary in Estonia. He brought a couple of the kids from the youth group he attended in Stavanger -- one led worship and one gave his testimony. Kenneth shared a great message about serving God while you're young. It was good time, and I really believe the kids got a message that sunk deep into their hearts.

Well, I gotta go now. Blessings to you all,

Gretchen

Life has been busy and great

2006-12-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a bit since I last updated, but fear not, I have not died nor have I gotten sick again!

Last Friday we had 19 youth-- yes, 19 youth! The kids are inviting their friends and their friends are inviting friends, and it is just so much fun. The kids are getting fed a lot of truth, and they're loving it (though I don't really think they realize why they love to be in youth group... we know why!) I am looking forward to Friday. Should be fun.

On Monday, we took a little excursion to the zoo with everyone living at the WorldBase right now... The WorldBase is like a boarding house, where we have separate rooms (or share with the same sex) and common living areas. The boys live downstairs and the girls live upstairs... we have strict rules about it all! Right now there are three guys and two girls, and we have a blast together. Let's just say that we can't get through any dinner together without laughing our heads off like crazy.

Anyway, it was rainy and dreary and boring outside, which was a GREAT reason to go to the zoo. It was really a lot of fun because there was almost no one there, and the animals were really lonely, so everytime we came up to an exhibit they would just come out and do stuff for us... I have never, never ever liked monkeys before in my life, but I had to admit that they were really cute... but it's only because they were lonely! ha! It was quite funny -- five 20 year olds wandering through the zoo We then went to the mall and went shopping, shopping, shopping and then went to the grocery store for food. It was like we were this little family... LOL Tylene (the other girl) and I sent the guys home with the food, and we walked to the bathroom store to get some repair parts for our showers in the house. Let's just say we came home really cold and really wet because it was raining and windy and the bus we wanted to take never came... then when we finally got the bus from the mall we had to stop at the college and wait outside again for the bus that took us home. I was ecstatic to sit by the heater when we FINALLY got home.

But the highlight of the day was when we left the zoo to catch the bus to the mall, and at the last second we found free Norwegian gløgg at the reception desk to the zoo (it is like Norwegian Christmas cider). We all ran to grab some... but lo and behold the bus comes and we all had to run to the bus. Bryan was at the bus stop. I was not to far behind, realizing that we can't take the gløgg on the bus, so I frantically tried to drink as much as I could. I threw away my full cup of gløgg, so I could get on the bus. Then Tylene and Andy come running behind. Tylene gets only one sip of gløgg before throwing it away. Andy in a desperate act of trying to finish his gløgg tips his head back and tries to drink it all, and it spills all over his face.

And the best part... the bus didn't leave for another four minutes! LOL Joke was on us...

Talk to you all soon! Leave comments!

Culture shock

2006-11-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

Well, if the news isn't already out, I will share it here... I won't be home for Christmas this year! I am sad that I won't be able to see you all, but at the same time, I am excited to see what a Norwegian Christmas is really like. I want to be here for at least ONE Christmas!

Last night I had a wave of homesickness that was entrenched in some culture shock. Last night we practiced about twenty different Norwegian Christmas songs for church, and I knew only about three of them. I couldn't follow along with the music much less the words to try and sing the songs. I was REALLY longing for the old, familiar Christmas songs back home as I sat at the piano confused and frustrated that I couldn't get the hang of it all.

Then on the way home I heard a few songs from the Nutcracker ballet on my Mp3 player's radio... homesick again... My family and I almost every year have gone to see the Nutcracker ballet with a live orchestra. (sigh) I will really miss Christmas this year. This is the first time I have ever been gone for Christmas, so it will be a bit challenging this year, but I know that it will be a lot of fun here and of course, God is with me through it all!

And again...

2006-11-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry that you haven´t heard from me in a while folks! Again, this past week, I was sick with the stomach flu. That marks my third time being sick in one month and sixth time being sick all year. As of now, I have begun taking my vitamin supplements regularly AND will be staying with my sleeping habits... that should knock out all sickness and build up my apparently weak immune system again. My body is on the mend. I am still not able to eat much nor do I have a huge appetite. Thank God the nausea´s gone though. I am still quite fatigued -- just hoping it won´t last for long!

In a burst of energy today, Tylene and I decorated the house for CHRISTMAS! The other day Julia, John Henry´s daughter, thought we were just really weird to decorate for Christmas in November. "It´s after Thanksgiving, and it´s almost December, so why not?" is my thought. I received a nice-sized box of decorations from my parents that I still have yet to put to good use. I think we´ll use it to decorate upstairs. :) Too bad the boys won´t be able to enjoy the girl´s decorations! he he

Well, thank you for your continued prayers. Please continue to pray that I get well quickly and that my immune system builds up again.

All is well that seemed to go well...

2006-11-20T01:54:00.000-08:00

The teaching time last night went well I think! I struggle sometimes with my Norwegian, and last night was one of the nights I struggled quite a bit to express what I wanted to express. I spoke about running life´s race -- our goal is Jesus, we need to leave behind all that we did before, and we need to not give up when things are difficult. The kids said they understood what I spoke about, so I pray, dear Lord, that it all sunk in and made an impact on their lives.

Lighthouse (the meetings we have on Sunday evenings with the youth from 6th-10th grade) has mainly become just those in 6th grade which can be a good and a bad thing. The older youth would rather be up in the Sunday meetings instead of being with the younger kids which is a bit of the goal we have in mind, is that the older kids attend and are part of the evening meetings. At the same time, it means that we are a small group of kids on Sunday evenings and we have less discipleship time with the older kids. Sooo, with all that said, I think David (the other Lighthouse leader) and I will need to pray and discuss about the direction for Lighthouse in the future. Please pray that God would give us vision and mission for the next 6 months to one year.

I am on to my devotion time now and perhaps a cup of coffee or tea later with my good friend Maria.

(As the rain just keeps falling outside)

Uturn again was super!

2006-11-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

So last night we had 15, yes 15! kids at youth group. Two of the kids were new last week and came back this week. So cool! And the kids learned about being bold for Jesus. God is moving... :)

Tomorrow I will be teaching the youth about pressing on the goal for the prize in Jesus (Philippians 3:14-16). I am excited! Please pray for God to work through me tomorrow.

A little old-fashioned or the real deal?

2006-11-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

I decided today that keeping my "To Do" list on paper is SO MUCH more psychologically pleasing than to keep it on the computer.

Ever since the entrance of my new Mac PC at the office, there have been some way cool changes in my time at the office. Things just get done more quickly and efficiently. It is fun to be on the computer again. One of the little nifty inventions that came along with the Mac is a program called "stickies." It is virtually Post-it notes for your PC desktop. Stickies are great when it comes to short notes, but when it comes to a to do list at the office, it just doesn't work for me.

There are constantly things to be done at the office, which I don't mind at all! When I use stickies, I put the tasks on a note. As I receive more tasks throughout the day, the note gets fuller. When I finish a task, I delete it off the note, and all the other tasks are still there.

Here's the problem I found: I don't like stickies because I can't physically put a cross out line through it. I just have to delete it off the list. And I actually don't see that something has been done. I just see all that I still have to do. I became frustrated that I didn't feel I was getting anything done.

So I went back to paper today, and life is just a little bit better. I look back and see ALL that I actually did accomplish today. Praise God!

And to top it all off, my cold is much better! Thanks for the prayers... until next time, Gretchen

Life just gets better...

2006-11-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

I had a great day... It was a little crazy at first. It just seemed like anything and everything begged for attention at the present moment and that everything was flying around my head not finding any place to land. BUT I was able to laugh the entire day and not stress too much. Then I met with my AWESOME accountability partner. She is truly a gift from God, and we just had an inspiring time of prayer and warring in the Spirit for each other in our weaknesses! God is so awesome, and I am so grateful for my accountability partner!

I am doing much better today. I still have a cough and a bit of a sore throat and infected eyes, BUT again, I am much better. Thank you so much for my prayers!

Until later -- Gretchen

Please pray!

2006-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for a week now! I am coughing like a madman without any throat lozenges, and I have little or no voice. Then to top it all off, I have pink eye... so please pray that I would get well quickly! Thanks!

Went to the doctor

2006-11-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for praying for me. I am so grateful for all of you. Yesterday, after the cold had turned into a sinus infection I got pink eye! Crazy! So I went to the doctor today, at the prompting of the Lord, and I have a basic cold (with congestion, larygitis, and a cough -- I can't even laugh without coughing!), but my eyes definitely are infected. So I received some eye drops, eye salve, and decogestants from the doctor. I am glad I went even though it was quite a hop over there. So yes, I hopefully will be getting better quickly. Continue to pray for me and for all the others who have been smitten with this horrible cold!

Still...

2006-11-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am still sick :( Please pray for me to be better! It feels like I have a bag of rocks in my throat, and today (day 5) by far has been the worse day of sickdom!

I survived!

2006-11-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Well, with pain in my throat and congestion in my nose, I survived all day today at the office and all night at Uturn. My battery was running pretty low at around 3:30 p.m. today and wasn´t back up again until Uturn. But, God was faithful and said that He was going to be with me when I spoke tonight and was He ever! I spoke about 1 Tim. 4:12, the verse that says, "Don´t let anyone look down upon you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." In the Norwegian Bible, the translation is a little more unique, "Do not let anyone look down upon you but set an example for the believers in words, in behavior, in love, in faith, in spirit, and in purity." I really spoke deep tonight and said that people see teenagers as lazy, inconsiderate, disobedient people. Teens like to rebel against their parents and against society. But they can change the way society sees them; they can be rebellious against what society labels them as by being an example to others around them of what a Christian should truly be. They are responsibile to make the change, not the adults aroundt them, not others, but they are responsible. And I said we need to be an example in our speech -- are you swearing? are you breaking others down or buidling them up with your words? Our behavior- are we obedient? Do we respect each other? Our love- do we love with the love of Jesus to those around us who need it? Our faith- do we believe in New Age "out there" theology, or do we truly believe in Jesus, the only way to Heaven. Our spirit- are we doing things with a glad heart? Our purity -- are you taking drugs? Stop! Are you drinking? Stop! Are you having sex? Stop! Are you looking at pornography? Stop!

We need to live lives so that people will not have any reason to look down on us. We need to live lives so we can gain others´trust and respect. The kids want to show that they are mature enough to handle life, well, they need to step it up.

It was a VERY strong time. One of the other youth leaders said "Gretchen that was truly a power teaching tonight!" God was truly with me because I didn´t feel capable at the moment at all. I am so amazed. You should have seen the conviction He brought into the room tonight. The kids were quiet and were thinking a lot. He was truly speaking and dealing with very deep issues tonight. When I brought it to a close, the kids had a minute to confess to the Lord what it is that they needed forgiveness for and asking Him for help to live lives that are pure for Him. I am so glad that He was there, and that He spoke through me because I am feeling so sickly right now!

THANK YOU everyone for you prayers. I know that you were truly there with me fighting in the spiritual realm. God bless and good night!

Sick again!

2006-11-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, so after the youth weekend, I got sick again, this time with a headache, sore throat, fever, and runny nose... I would like to call it "the Asker flu."

Tomorrow I am teaching the youth group again. Please pray for me as I prepare my teaching tonight! I will be speaking on the passage "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young..." I don't want to be sick tomorrow!

Blessings!

An INCREDIBLE weekend!

2006-11-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

This last weekend I was up in Asker (4 hours north of Kristiansand -- not too far from Oslo), and we had a youth weekend for all the youth groups in Norway. We had 65 total in attendance (15 kids and 3 adults from our church-- the largest attendance we've had from our church at any one of these youth gatherings.) It was an INCREDIBLE weekend.

We traveled up on Friday night. Some went in our 10 seat van. Others went in a car. And five of us (this includes me) took a 5 hour bus ride. After a series of failures to get a third car, we decided that we had to take the bus which was more comfortable than sitting in the 10 seat van with luggage on our feet! :) After we arrived, we had a session with worship and a message about good relationships between boys and girls. Then we ate "pizza boller" (pizza rolls) and hung out for the rest of the night. We set a series of rules for the kids from Kristiansand, which we called "The Big Four" (yes, taken from SC4Y camps...) and talked with our kids that night after the session about our rules. (Be where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there, no illegal stuff, respect others things, and no flirting!) And much to everyone's surprise, each of the kids followed the rules to a T -- we didn't have to talk with any of them about the rules. I was so impressed!

On Saturday, we had breakfast at 9a.m. followed with a short session of worship and prayer for the day. I was able to speak prophetically into one of our students' lives, and it touched her so much that she began to cry. Then it was time for the kids to break out into different workshops, such as worship, why it is so important to read the Bible, hearing God's voice, and our identity in Christ. In the afternoon we had what was called "naturisti" which is a very popular Norwegian activity. The kids were split up into teams made up of different kids from the different groups. The leaders of the Asker youth set up a series of questions / activities for the teams to fulfill in different parts of the forest in Asker. This took about 2 hours and afteward we had hot dogs roasted on the fire along with marshmallows! :) Afterward we went back to the church and had some free time. I was able to talk with a couple of the girls about parents and drinking and our Godly attitude towards these things. Then three other girls and I played a rough game of catch in the girls' room. Mind you, there were sleeping bags and mattresses on a linoleum tile floor, so it was slippery! We divided ourselves into two teams and tried to take the ball from each other. We often found ourselves falling onto the floor or being tackled by a member from the other team. It was such great fun!

After dinner that evening, we had another session. The Asker Foursquare youth band played, and the kids were wild with excitement. In the middle of the worship, about 10 guys cleared out the chairs from the middle of the room and jumped and danced. It was soooo exciting for me -- something I had never seen since the days of when I was in camp. I have never seen Norwegians so excited in worship before! Febe, our national youth leader spoke about holiness and making room for God in our lives. After her message, there was a time for the kids to respond and receive prayer from the leaders. I prayed for about five girls. One received physical healing. One received a prophetic word and emotional healing. One re-dedicated her life to the Lord. One wanted direction regarding an unsaved boy that she liked at school. The last wanted prayer for her spiritual life to be even deeper with the Lord. Other leaders that prayed for students saw some that were baptized in the Holy Spirit, some were saved, others were healed, and others confessed deep sins and made steps toward repentance.

God worked SO MUCH this weekend -- something I have not seen before in Norway. Thank you for all your prayers! He is truly turning this nation to Jesus!

Busy as normal!

2006-11-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

So it has been incredibly busy the last 2 weeks. I am completely better, and I do have to say that it was the quickest I have ever gotten over a cold in my life-- just 2 days! Thank God for friends that pray and for sleep! :) My advice when you're sick -- get people to pray for you and STAY HOME from work. It really does make a difference.

Last Friday, we had a Halloween party for the youth group. About 12 kids attended and almost all of them had GREAT costumes. My favorite costume was of one of the boys who wore a suit coat, a cap, and some sunglasses. He was a blindman without a walking stick. VERY creative, I thought! We had a wonderful evening with "gross" games, costume competition, food, and a movie. You can see pictures by going to http://gepik.photosite.com (sorry that the dynamic link isn't working.)

Sunday, I finished my month of teaching on Sunday by talking about the man Epaphroditus in the last portion of Philippians 2. The whole month, I have been teaching on Philippians 2 and really talking about serving each other and how when we serve each other, we are served in return because everyone is serving each other. And by our serving each other we are showing a good witness for Jesus. I really have such a fondness to teach the youth now that I have grasped the language so much better, and my heart for the youth has grown about 10 times more in the last month. There is just this boldness to speak the truth now and not to be afraid anymore that I might offend someone. These kids need the truth, and I don't want them to be destroyed by the enemy. So every once in a while I need to confront them with hard questions, but it is to save them from their lives turn into messes. It has gone well with the things I have confronted already. I am so pleased!

This weekend we are going to Asker (4 hours north) for a big meeting with all the youth groups in Norway. I am excited-- there are 17 kids from our youth group going which is the largest amount ever that has come from Kristiansand! Please pray that God would make us as leaders bold to speak into the kids' lives and that kids would be saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, and sent home on fire for Him.

I'm gonna go right now and post pics on the net of the youth Halloween party. And I am going to get cozy in a blanket or something... it's about -5 C here right now (about 28 F or so), so it is cold. And it did snow A LITTLE BIT last night... yes the winter is upon us.

Good night!

So yeah...

2006-10-23T02:35:00.000-07:00

So I was home all day yesterday, sick... and I have to say I was SO BORED. I must have watched every decent TV show in the planet on TV yesterday and movies and ran into some not so decent TV shows too. I am a little shocked what American TV shows are turning into these days. I won´t take my soapbox now, but I was really, really concerned to say the least.

So today, I am feeling a little better. I am so glad I stayed home last night because I steadily started to get more miserable and feverish and my sinuses were killing me. Today I am much more congested and have a cough. I am feeling OK right now, but who knows how I will be by the end of the day? Lots of water and vitamin C is my prescription!

Anyway, I am sitting here at home on the computer, and hopefully I won´t be so bored today, but there´s no guarantee about that! Have a wonderful day!

Sick!

2006-10-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, so the normal cold is going around here, and I knew it was a matter of time before I caught it. I don´t feel horrible, but I don´t feel 100% well either. I hate that feeling when you want to go somewhere, and you´re not quite sick enought to stay home but at the same time you´re not quite well enough to be out either. It is cold and wet outside today.

Anyway, I´ve decided to stay home today, so I don´t plague others with my cold and don´t get any worse by going outside and being in the rain, etc. This is so unusual for me to do because normally I would push myself to go and especially with it being a Sunday, but I´ve found every time I push myself, I get worse. Soooo, with all that said, I am staying home today. This is the first time in a long time I´ve missed a Sunday service, and I feel a little bit less than a leader because I am not pushing through and going tonight. But at the same time, I need to be mature and do what´s best for me and others -- stay home.

With all that said, I am so bored right now! I wanted to prepare a teaching for the interns next week today, but I don´t have the materials I need with me... So I need to find SOMETHING to do! LOL

Have a wonderful day... please pray that I would get well quickly!

Salsafest!

2006-10-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a church "Salsafest" or "Salsa Party." I have to admit, I was a little nervous to go last night because we were going to learn how to dance the Salsa, but at the same time, Norwegians are generally not inclined to dance very much, so I knew that we were all in the same crowd!

But it was an incredibly FUN time! There were 50 people in all including ten kids from the youth group (what a good turn out!) The youth had such a good time that they want to teach everyone at the big youth gathering in November how to salsa. I learned how to salsa, and by the end of the night could spin and do the ground steps. It was a lot of fun and more importantly a time to build unity within the church. In fact, one of our church council members was going all crazy and being goofy -- a side I´ve never seen in him before! ha ha

Today I visited with some friends that are Romanian who are aupairs. We had a cup of tea together. Now I am back home getting ready to put together my teaching for tomorrow. It´s raining outside and gloomy... not so much motivation to get my teaching done, but at the same time, I don´t want to be outside in the rain and cold weather.

Soooo that´s that! Will write again soon.

Out of the ordinary

2006-10-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

So yeah, I wrote yesterday that it doesn´t seem too much "out of the ordinary" happens on the ordinary days. It´s just the "ordinary" that happens on the ordinary days.

I was wrong.

Yesterday, while I was at the mall with one of my friends, we walked into a home furnishing store, and they were playing Christian music. That was just really cool in itself. But the cooler thing is that God did something for me in this store about a month or so ago.

At the blessing of John Henry and Lisbeth (our pastors here that oversee the house I live in) I was able to move into my own room -- not that I didn´t have my own room before, but it didn´t have my personality, and at the same time it had three beds in it. So I was allowed to move into a room with only two beds. I took one bed out, and I received permission to "make it my own." Well, I was "on the hunt" for a chair to put in my room. I looked and looked and looked everywhere but found nothing. Then in the very last store I looked in, I found a chair -- a bright green poolside chair that was on super sale for 50% off at 125 kroner ($18.55). It was a very nice looking pool chair, and I thought it might be a good alternative until I find something better. Then I thought I would maybe just go ahead and wait for something better and place my money into that. I walked to the bus stop and the whole time, I felt the Lord saying "Go back and buy that chair." I was arguing with God, thinking that it wasn´t Him speaking to me. Well finally, God said, "You need to go back and buy that chair because of the woman that is going to sell it to you." So I went back obediently and brought the chair to the cashier. And she said, "I just want to be nice to you and give it to you for 60% off instead!" So I paid 99 kroner ($14) instead! Wow, God was right!

Then I was in the same store yesterday, and the same girl was working there... Could it be that she listened to God to on that very day I bought the chair? Could it be that she was a Christian? Wow!

Then came today, another "ordinary" day... and I found out that one of my dearest friends here has been saved. GOD IS WORKING! I am sooooo excited!

Can you feel the anticipation in the air of what God is doing in Norway? Finally?

Just another Monday...

2006-10-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

It seems my posts revolve around Fridays and Sundays, but that´s where all the action happens in my life! Almost every other day is just a normal workday in the office, visiting people, working with the interns, etc. etc. etc. Maybe one day you will see a peek into my "day-to-day" life as well!

Last night went well. I had a little more difficulty teaching the kids this time around. I wasn´t able to practice -- so when I was teaching I kept stumbling over my words and saying things over again and getting stuck in what I wanted to say. But on the other hand, I really think God acheived something through last night -- friendship between the "new" youth.

On Friday nights we have what is called Uturn for grades 7-12 -- this is a chance for the kids to bring their friends and is more of an evangelistic meeting. On Sunday nights, we have what is called "Lighthouse" for grades 6-10. Lighthouse serves 2 purposes -- to build a bridge between the children´s ministry and the youth ministry and to disciple the kids in their walk with the Lord and in service to the church. Lighthouse has been successful in discipling four of our kids into service in the church so far. But now there is a new wave of kids coming in that are in 6th grade that are the "newbies," so we want to get them acquainted with the youth in the youth ministry and also bring them out of the children´s ministry because they are way too old for it now!

Last night, I had seven kids in Lighthouse during the first meeting, and I spoke to them about Philippians 2:5-11- having the same mind as Christ. When we have more and more of the mind of Christ, we become more and more like Him. We also played a couple of games which really built fellowship between the kids. I am really praying that they can all build good relationships with each other, so that when it comes time for them to come into Uturn, they really know each other well and are able to also integrate into the youth ministry without a problem.

Then there was the second meeting, and I was on worship team. I was having difficulties keeping time with Adam last night, and I felt bad! (I was playing the piano.) But the worship, again, was outstanding, and God was so present. Also 8 of our youth were in the meeting last night. Isn´t that outstanding???? And one of the girls I haven´t seen in a Sunday meeting in forever. God is continuing to do great things with our youth. And Terje spoke in the meeting last night about forgiveness. One of the best messages I have heard on forgiveness in a long time. It is right where our church is at right now. Many people are hurting because they aren´t letting go and forgiving. So it was a perfect message.

Well, I am off to town today with my neighbor Maria. Today is my day off, and I am so happy about it! I know it will be a good time.

Not much at the moment...

2006-10-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

There´s not much new to note at the moment. I am pretty tired because it has been a pretty busy day working around the house and cleaning and cleaning and cleaning... LOL I am just about ready to turn off the computer and get ready for bed... do some reading or watch a movie.

I have a bit of a wish list starting if anyone is interested in helping to supply with care packages :) I love old movies and TV shows-- DVDs of old movies or TV shows like "I Love Lucy, " " Dick Van Dyke" etc. are really a lot of fun for me to see. It is a piece of Americana that helps me to go "back to my roots" every once in a while. I also want a Pilates DVD so that I can exercise inside while the snow is falling, and it is too cold to go out and exercise.

Maybe I can continue to add wish list items as I think of them? What do you think!

Be sure to comment if you´ve got a free minute and also feel free to spread the word about my website and blog!

By the way, my website is http://gepik.home.comcast.net. It has just changed recently, so note the new address!

Have a blessed evening!

Monday, Monday

2006-10-09T02:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was complete CHAOS, but I survived "Church Coffee Sunday." I finished my teaching at 12:00. I started making lunch at 12:15. The guests came at 12:55. Lunch was at 13:30. We drove into church at 14:30. I cut my cake and set it up for church coffee, then we had group prayer, followed by an insane round of flyer stuffing. Then I had to run down to the basemet and grab one of the youth to help me set-up for the youth meeting. Quickly after it was time for the first meeting to begin. I taught the youth. We cleaned up. As I was finishing my cleaning and going back upstairs, one of the little boys in church decided to be cool and kick open the front door. What he didn't realize is that the glass in the front door would break when he opened it with his kung fu moves. So there was a sea of glass everywhere. So I ran upstairs for back-up and brooms then ran back upstairs to talk to some new international exchange students that I have responsibility for through the local Christian funding organization to third world countries. I finally was able to sit down during the second church meeting, and it was such a good feeling. Worship was incredible. I just wanted to sing at the top of my lungs but realized I couldn't after my voice kept cracking, I was singing so loud! I just felt the joy of the Lord in the midst of the chaos of the day knowing that I had done and accomplished more than I ever could have on my own. Truly the joy of the Lord is our strength!

I came home and just totally crashed, watching a movie and getting to bed early. I was soooo tired but filled with satisfaction knowing that the day was done.

And again...

2006-10-08T01:08:00.000-07:00

Today, is Sunday, and it is 10:02 a.m. Church is this evening, and things are already CRAZY!

There's this mystery we call "church coffee." In Norway, a very social thing to do is to eat cakes and drink coffee. Every Sunday, we have church coffee in between our two Sunday evening services. So if you are on a church coffee team, you make a cake and help serve and clean-up when it is your Sunday for church coffee. My team comes up every five weeks. EVERY TIME I have church coffee, it is this strange phenomenon, but I always have 500 other things to do on the same day. Church coffee is like this monster that only feeds on the days I am the busiest. It will never land on a Sunday where I have a halfway sane Sunday evening.

Today, church coffee has come to me, and I am BUSY today. I went to bed SO LATE last night because I was working on my update video, that against all odds, was not cooperating with me. So I couldn't get up any earlier than 8 a.m. this morning. But I went straight downstairs and made a cake. I have just come back upstairs to finish organizing the chaos in my room. Then we have guests coming in a 1 p.m. today, and I still have yet to finish making their beds. At 12:00 I need to make lunch for these guests. The interns could've made the meal today, BUT they are going to a church service downtown at 11:00 today, leaving me the sole provide for food today. Then TO TOP IT ALL OFF, I am teaching the youth group today, and I have still yet to write a teaching. I was planning on doing it yesterday, BUT my video was not functioning!

So, all that to say, I just want this day to be over right now, and it has barely begun! Please help me to stay sane in the middle of these "church coffee" Sundays!

Last night...

2006-10-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Was a great night again! Right now it is fall break for most of the kids, so we were missing quite a few, but we still had seven kids come last night. We had worship and Adam spoke about responding to God's voice. He keyed off what we talked about last week about how when we pray in response to what God says, things happen. So at the end of his message, the boys and the girls were in two separate groups, we shared prayer requests, and we prayed for each other. For some, it was the first time for them to pray out loud in front of others. I had the girls' group pray for the person on their right, and it was such a powerful time... I knew the Holy Spirit was there with us and He was answering prayers the very second we prayed. It is exciting to be discipling these kids and seeing them grow right now. God is good!

Last week, one of the girls came to me after Sunday service and said, "Gretchen, can I talk to you?!?" So we went into the church kitchen and she told me, "I was fine the entire meeting today, but then during the last song, I started to shake and weep. I don't know what's going on!" I told her, "Well, maybe the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you something!" So then I prayed for her and gave her a prophetic word, that she was going to make different choices than the others around her because God has set her apart. God is preparing her to minister to tons of people, and she is strong, not in herself, but because God has given her that strength. She said that it really resonated with her spirit what was said, and she had told a couple of other people that I had given a prophecy over her. Anyway, these people were like "Wow! You gave her a prophecy?" And I thought, "Yes, of course I did! It's only normal!" But perhaps there are so many people here in Norway that haven't received a prophetic word ever or just have had one in such a long time. I was just obedient to speak that which God asked me to speak. So maybe what I did will spark others to do the same. Who knows?

More and more I am realizing, like in the story of Queen Esther that I am here "For such a time as this." As I obey God, He continues to minister through me and bless people in that ministry. He is so good!

25th Birthday!

2006-10-03T13:44:00.001-07:00

Yes, another year has passed in this life of mine... I turned 25 this past Sunday.

It was just another normal day, and I would have forgotten the fact that it was my birthday except for the fact that so many people wished me "Happy Birthday" throughout the day. I wasn't really expecting anything except to have a nice day and crash at home after church on Sunday.

Well, we got home, and Morten our neighbor came over and said, "Do you want to come over to Sarah's for cake?" And of course, I went over to Sarah's (she and her husband are fellow missionaries from Los Angeles) for cake. When I walked into her house, it was dark, and I heard all kinds of whispering. I walked around the corner of the kitchen, and EVERYONE in the neighborhood was hiding in the house (close to 25-30 people), and they yelled, "Surprise!" This was the first actual surprise party I've had in my life, and I was so blessed. I had the best time and was laughing and crying all at the same time, and the biggest surprise of all was being blessed with a TV and a DVD player, so that I could have them in my room for my own "private life," so I don't always have to be with the other interns in the house (because sometimes it feels as if I never am able to come home from work) but I have time for myself.

It was such a wonderful day. And all the birthday greetings and surprises I received ALL DAY LONG really showed me how much I am loved and how much I love the people here. I guess it is a good witness to how much God has worked through me in my time here. I am so thankful to God for that!

Movies at Uturn

2006-09-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we had an incredible night at uturn again last night. We had 16 kids! 16! That is a large group. Again we spoke about hearing God's voice, and that the kids aren't too young to hear His voice, and when we listen to His voice, He blesses us! Bryan (one of our interns) did the worship and gave a message about how God spoke to him about missions and how he has followed that call. Again, the room was still, and the kids were listening.

God is working!

Then I led the response time, and the kids gathered in groups and shared what God was saying to them and prayed for each other. Way cool!

We had a break afterwards and ate ice cream. Marte, one of girls, led the entertainment portion, showing 2 videos that the kids have made along with 2 crazy big group games. Afterward, we watched all the movies we've made the past year with the youth group, and it was like showing our family movies. It was so much fun!

The best part of the evening is that the kids didn't want to go home. They all ended up hanging out at one of the kids' houses that night, watching a movie, and playing soccer until like 1 a.m.

All of what is happening with the youth group right now is what we have been praying and praying and praying and praying for over the last two years. God is really working! Thanks for all your support and prayers.... It couldn't have happened without you!

How the Spirit moves...

2006-09-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

I had such a funny opportunity to minister to someone the other day. A couple of the neighborhood kids have been begging me to play soccer the other day, so me and one of the interns went to play soccer on Monday night. I am not the best soccer player in the world, so I was happy that I was only play with a small group of kids. But then a huge group of kids wanted to play with us. And all these kids have been playing soccer probably since they were 3 years old or so, so they were all better than like 100 Americans combined, seriously.

I was playing defense, and I was trying to grab the ball from one of the kids I knew, and I kicked his toe REALLY hard. It hurt him so bad that he actually sat down on the side and took off his shoe. This kid is a trained soccer player, so these things happen all the time, so you know it hurts when he has to actually sit down. Anyway, I felt HORRIBLE worrying that maybe his toe was broken or something, so I asked him where it hurt. He told me which toes hurt, and I placed my hand over his toes and prayed a short prayer -- "Jesus, heal Snorre's toe. Amen." And that was it. About 20 seconds later, he was putting on his shoe again and back in the game.

I am a 100% convinced that God healed those toes because it went so quickly. And I know for a fact that this kid and his family are not Christians, so I thought, "What a testimony to the reality of God in this little boy's life." Isn't that cool the small moments God uses to minister to people? I like to think that this little boy will remember this moment for a long time to come.

God's blessings to you all!

Sunday service!

2006-09-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday service was really cool tonight. Worship was the best. There is one guy that is from Oregon that is an exchange student here for three months and found our church and wants to serve in our church as much as he can, and he is FAITHFUL! So cool. Anyway, he plays violin, and today was his first day on worship team. It was SO beautiful to have him playing the violin. And then another guy from Chicago was playing a conga drum. You could totally tell that the worship was coming from these guys' hearts because I just wanted to worship today with everything inside me. So cool!

Anyway, that's all I have to say. Good night! Be sure to comment. :)

Another great night of Uturn!

2006-09-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Uturn is going through some changes as of late in our church. Terje, our youth pastor, has stepped down, so that he can focus on the children's ministry, and Adam, fellow missionary from the States, has agreed to step in as youth pastor with the intention of training up a Norwegian youth pastor to take over the youth group. We are really going through some good changes. I think I have mentioned before that 4 kids have been saved in our youth group over the past 2 months and a fifth outside of the youth group has been saved through one of our youth group members. The kids are really hungry for more of God and for being trained up and discipled. Adam is all about getting the youth trained and discipled so that they have responsibility and feel the youth group is theirs and at the same time, they grow in Jesus. Today I began to disciple Hansi, one of the boys that has been recently saved, in taking the PowerPoint for youth group. He was really good, and it took him no time to figure out everything. Then Adam asked me to speak tonight in going along with the nature of things happening right now with the youth group -- about listening to the voice of God and being obedient to what He says.

I have to tell you that the Holy Spirit was soooo strong in the room when I was preaching tonight. I could really tell that He was dealing with the kids' hearts about being hungry to hear His voice and being willing to obey what He asks us to do. I have never had the kids so quiet when I've taught before. I have never preached so well in Norwegian. It is truly amazing.

God is truly at work with our kids. It will only be a matter of time before the group grows and more kids are saved and the kids are the ones leading the group while us leaders stand behind them and encourage them with everything we have. God is so good!

God's blessing to you all. If you read this, be sure to comment. Click on the "comment" link and click on "anonymous," so that you can leave comments without having to sign-up for a Blogger account.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and God bless!

Gretchen

Youth Leaders' Weekend

2006-09-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hey there! Well, yesterday I came back from a youth leaders' weekend we held at one of our churches in Stathelle (2 hours north of Kristiansand.) All the youth leaders of Foursquare Norway came together, along with the student leaders for each of the groups. We had a fabulous time and talked about the culture in our youth groups and building an environment that is warm and full of Jesus. We also talked about how we can get the youth to attend service on Sundays. In between the teaching and prayers and feedback we shared with each other, we also had a great time of fellowship, eating pizza together and playing silly games. I really felt like "one of the crowd" and in tune with the other youth leaders for Norway for probably one of the first times since I've been here. It is so good to know that you've broken ground and are accepted as a "Norwegian" in the Norwegian society. I am glad to know that every day I am more and more "Norwegian" and able to minister even more to the people here. Many other people have noticed the same in me as well which is a great encouragement.

Have a wonderful evening!

Uturn

2006-09-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a great uturn night. We had 14 kids -- 14! Two of them were visitors. There were more girls than boys, BUT I believe that will change.

Tonight we announced the changing of youth pastors. Terje is stepping out of his position to be the children's pastor, and Adam our church worship leader and fellow missionary from LA will be leading the youth group. Adam's role is to lead so that he can train up someone to eventually take his place. We all really sense that this is totally God -- to hear how God was calling both Terje and Adam at the same time is so cool. It was a bit of a bittersweet time when Terje said that he would be stepping out tonight, but we are all genuinely excited as to what God is going to do in the future. Adam has tons of youth group experience under his belt, and I anticipate learning a lot from him.

Tomorrow I go up to Stathelle for national youth leaders' meetings. I can't wait. I should be fun!

Great blessings and good night!

Yes, it's late, I know...

2006-09-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

But I love to write in the moment something is happening or has just happened!

Tonight we had a "Piano Night" at the church. We need an electric piano for the church, so we thought it would be cool to have a night to fundraise money for the new piano. Everyone dressed in their best -- men in suits and women in nice evening dresses. And we had some wonderful food. We had some really fun entertainment like a "first round" Idol competition where everyone sings completely horrible, and we had totally mean judges too! I was one of the contestants -- a complete diva who thought she was something else and sang so well. It was so much fun! Also we had a video from our resident drama major which was hilarious. And, of course, John Henry "played" the piano. We just laughed and laughed. Anyway, we made a piano on some poster board, and people could buy a piano key from 50 kroner ($8) up to 2000 kroner ($325). And the best part is that when all the keys have been bought, we will have a drawing for people to win really cool prizes like a "culture night" for two in the city -- dinner and a play, or a weekend in Oslo, etc. Not all the keys were bought, but we raised over 13,000 kroner ($2,000) for a new piano... we're over halfway there! And only 33 people were there! So there will surely be many more at church tomorrow that will buy more keys. So exciting!

Then afterward, I was invited to Britt-Ellen's house for a movie with some other girls from the church. It was a really nice time. And so I have just come home and taken a shower and will go to bed...

I hope to get some pictures from someone from this evening because I didn't have my camera with me. It was SO MUCH fun!

Uturn and Obedience

2006-09-09T00:31:00.000-07:00

Hey there! Last night we had Uturn and had ten kids with us -- six girls and four boys. I was feeling really low on energy, but then when it came time for Uturn, I had all the energy in the world. We began with a video devotion. I forget the name of the video, but it was from Nooma publishers. It started by going through the door of a restaurant with really cool music and then it focused in on the speaker, who was sitting in a restaurant with all kinds of people eating around him. He then spoke a message about letting our lives be about loving Jesus and not about a bunch of rituals. It really was a great video, and the kids loved it. We had some good discussion right after the video. Then half of the group went with Terje to Harvest Cry -- youth evangelism meetings that have been going on this week in Kristiansand since Wednesday. (By the way over 100 have been saved because of these meetings! Praise God!) The other half stayed behind with David and me, and we bought some pizzas and chips and chocolate and soda. Without David or I directing any of the conversation, we suddenly found ourselves talking about the video we saw earlier or about being filled with the Holy Spirit and other things to do with God. Very cool. By the way, have I mentioned that two of our kids have been saved in the past year? Isn't that exciting?

In the midst of all of this, I am learning about obedience. I have been struggling and struggling and struggling to hear God's voice when He really is speaking loud and clear to me, I am just not obeying. I liken it to when Jacob was wrestling with God -- He wrestled and wrestled and wrestled all night until God put his hip out of place. It's like I have been wrestling with God so much wanting Him to speak to me, but all along He is speaking. I am not willing to stop and listen. So God I just need you to dislocate my hip and keep me here until I actually learn to hear and obey your voice! Hearing God's voice is two-fold- it is the listening and the obedience. If we aren't willing to obey what we've heard, then we will never hear God's voice. Often we are so distressed because we can't hear His voice. Well, then I think it is time for us to sit down and be honest with ourselves. Are we truly following what He says when He speaks?

As you go throughout your day, I encourage you to truly HEAR His voice. I am say the same to myself.

Jentekveld!

2006-09-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

That's Norwegian for "girl's night!"

I received a large shipment of American junk food about a week ago from one of my professors from Bible College. The story goes is that he sent it in April, and we thought it got lost in the mail. So he sent another package to replace the other one. Well, I finally received the first package, and it was packed full of all the American delights we have such as Doritos, Oreos, Ritz Bits, Chips o'hoy, etc, etc, etc... And knowing that another shipment was on its way, I thought, "I need to eat up this food so I have room for the coming shipment!" So I had the idea, "American junk food night!"

Yesterday on the way to church, I asked Julia, John Henry's youngest daughter, "I want to do an American junk food night with just the girls in the youth group. When should we do it?" And she said, "Um, TONIGHT!" I said, "It doesn't work, maybe another night during the week?" And she said," TOMORROW NIGHT!" haha She couldn't wait. So the girls in Uturn invited their friends, and there were thirteen girls at the WorldBase house tonight! That's more than we have on Friday nights in youth group sometimes. And three of them that came tonight haven't come to Uturn at all. Cool!

So we sat together, ate junk food, and I gave a devotion from Psalm 139, and said that God has made us, and we are all beautiful and that we need to encourage one another in that. Then we ate some more junk food and watched "Charlie's Angels." Girl power!

It was a wonderful night... no hidden agenda, just the love of Jesus and building a safe environment for the girls where they are loved and accepted for the beautiful creation they are. One of the girls said, "Gretchen, thank you so much. It was so much fun and just what I needed tonight." Mission accomplished.

For more photos see: http://gepik.photosite.com

Rudi Myntevik Concert!

2006-09-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

I just came home from a Rudi Myntevik concert. At only twenty-six years old, he is one of the most popular worship leaders in Norway. I have always wanted to go to one of his concerts, but everytime it was at either at a time I couldn't go or I didn't have the money to pay for the concert.

I don't remember how long ago it was, but I prayed, "God I would love to see Rudi Myntevik in concert. Please, next time he is in town, let it be at a time I can attend and something I can afford -- maybe even free if possible." Tonight I had no idea what we were doing for youth group since I've been gone the first few Fridays this Fall, and Terje came to me (our youth pastor) and said that everyone was going to the Rudi Myntevik concert at Filadelfia (local Assemblies of God church) tonight at 8 p.m. and that it was FREE! And come to find out, later Rudi said that he will be moving to London soon which means that we probably won't see him in concert for a long while.

Talk about an answered prayer!

I was feeling really tired though today after work, and I thought, "Maybe I will just stay home." But then I thought, first of all, I can't just not enjoy a blessing that God has given me in response to a prayer, and second of all, I can't just not be with the youth group because I am tired. Ministry happens even when you are tired!

So I took a nap and went to the concert. It was just FABULOUS! Rudi is a worshipper and his songs are simple and full of meaning all at the same time. One song tonight just swept me again... It goes:

Igjen og igjen og igjen og igjen (Again and again and again and again)
Kan vi synger (Can we sing)
Du er trofast (You are faithful)
Du er Gud (You are God)

Igjen og igjen og igjen og igjen (Again and again and again and again)
Ja vi sa (Yes, we said)
Du er trofast (You are faithful)
Du er Gud (You are God)

Then at another point, Rudi was just singing "Jeg lengter etter deg" (I long after you). And I broke. "I long after You, Father."

I was blessed tonight and brought a little bit closer to His heart.

Moving day!

2006-08-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

This summer has been filled with moving and painting and moving and painting, not only our own office space but countless neighbors' houses. Tonight I will help Adam and Sarah move to their new, big house from their apartment next door. But they're not moving too far... they're moving from next door to 3 doors down. (By the way, Adam and Sarah had their baby boy, Max a few days ago! He is the cutest and looks just like Adam.) Adam and Sarah mark the fourth move I have been involved with this summer. It's been fun though!

Have a wonderful evening!

Gretchen

Tired!

2006-08-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a hectic 3 weeks. My family came to visit 3 weeks ago for 2 weeks, and I was able to take my vacation. We traveled around Norway and enjoyed each other's company. It was hard to see them go, and I miss them a bunch right now. But the day after they left, it was full speed ahead in preparation for this past week. From Tuesday through Thursday we had Foursquare Europe meetings for all the leaders of the five regions in Europe. The leaders left on Friday morning and that evening we had a leadership seminar for the leaders in our region. Needless to say, it was not only busy at the office but also busy at home getting ready for a constant flow of new guests with cleaning the house and doing laundry. (Just to tell you how much laundry I've done, I have used the clothes dryer constantly the last few weeks. I NEVER use the dryer but dry everything on the clothes' rack. But it is just too much laundry to dry on the racks right now!) Anyway, things have calmed down significantly, and I am able to rest a little bit in anticipation for a new set of interns September 20th. God is with me, I know!

Being a leader isn't always easy...

2006-06-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts on leadership from the past couple of months:

Being a leader means that you sometimes have to make decisions that aren't what everyone wants, but what you feel best at the time.
Democratic leadership isn't always the answer.
Wisdom and knowledge are the two strongest keys to good leadership.
Leaders often do the things that people don't see and often take for granted.
Confront before the blood boils too high.
Learn to choose your battles. Choose wisely how you fight and shape character.
Pray for those you lead.
Remember to laugh!

Basking in the glory

2006-06-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days I stood in the house after everyone had gone to bed and just enjoyed the silence and enjoyed being the head of the household. I just basked in the glory of the Lord and knew that yesterday had been a good day -- full of joy and life in the house.

Today, I prayed for grace and wisdom in every situation encountered. There were SO MANY mishaps. I dropped my make-up foundation bottle and it cracked in a million pieces and put foundation all over the bath mat and the floor and also my pants. Had to clean that up in a rush. Then certain things people were doing or saying were just driving me up the wall, but God gave the grace to keep my mouth shut and let my anger subside. Then while baking a cake tonight in a springform pan, the cake began to drip out of the springform into the oven. What a mess! But through it all, I was thankful to God for providing me with the grace to stand through these things that could have really discouraged me. It was frustrating, yes, but I didn't let it ruin my day.

The best part of today was to see a rainbow in the spotted gray and red sky. The rainbow arched the entire sky and seemed to be right over our house. It was almost as if God were saying that His favor is resting upon this house.

I am satisfied.

2006-03-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

Herre ditt navn, hvor herlig det er
Herre ditt navn, vil vi elske
Det er en salve, og du er oss nær
Alltid vil du være der!
Immanuel, Guds offerlam
Vår konge stor
Vi tilber ham

Vi vil prise dette navnet og vi gir
All vår lovsang og vår hyllest til evig tid
Vi vil prise dette navnet med vår sand
Som en takk fra våre hjerter
Gir vi lov og pris til Jesu navn

Frustration and FTP service

2006-02-27T03:24:00.000-08:00

This whole FTP webhosting thing is driving me nuts... Honestly, I have tried everything to get it to work under my own website. I keep trying and my brains seem to want to fall out...

Onto more important things like finishing my webpage...

Checking out the view...

2006-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all, just checking out some new blog opportunities. This blog site is really nice -- not a bunch of crazy ads to distract.

I like it!

Will let everyone know which blog I choose with a link in a few days, if this isn't the one I choose. :)

Blessings!

Gretchen