Sun 10.31 His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Sun 10.31 His Eye Is On The Sparrow

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26)
"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.So do not fear;
YOU are more valuable than many sparrows.(Matthew 10:29-31)

Civilla Martin, who wrote the lyrics, said this about her inspiration to write the song based in the scriptures outlined above,
"Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair.
Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle's reply was simple: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me." The hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was the outcome of that experience.
—Civilla Martin

The song is inspired by the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible, as referenced by Mrs. Doolittle in Elmira, New York.

Sat 10.30 Just A Closer Walk(er)

Sat 10.30 Just A Closer Walk(er)

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

I am weak, but Thou art strong.
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Closer to Him in twenty-ten. That's my daily personal goal.
And for that to be evident in my life before I even speak a word!

In The Garden (And He Walks With Me)

Thu 10.28 In The Garden

Genesis 3:8-9 They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?"
Genesis 5:24 "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."
Genesis 6:9 "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God."
There are more. When I think about Adam, Noah, Enoch...Abraham...and Jesus and how much of their walk is characterized by how much time they spent walking with God
I want that, too.
I want to follow Him and to walk WITH HIM.
This song reflects God's promise to intimately allow us to always tag along.

Song:In The Garden (And He Walks With Me)

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

I'd stay in the garden with Him
'Tho the night around me be falling
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling

Refrain:
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Wed 10.27 I Need Thee Every Hour

Wed 10.27 I Need Thee Every Hour
Jer 22:16
He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD.

Song: I Need Thee Every Hour
I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
no tender voice like thine can peace afford.

I need thee, O I need thee;
every hour I need thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

I've been chewing on what parts of Catalyst and the Leadership Summit spoke to me most.
I am wrecked by the testimonies of the people who have been radically changed by seeing the AIDS crisis in Africa, Human Trafficking in EVERY country, even our own, and the numbers of unreached people groups who STILL have NOT heard the Gospel. When any leader speaks with power about how to really build community by BEING the church, by mentoring, in interconnected generations, my heart just burns and the tears come unbidden in affirmation of desire to see the Kingdom come on Earth and the bitter realization that unless we make radical changes it won't happen on our watch.
When truth is presented and it's so simple and clearly from God I can barely contain myself and I think, "God I wannna be part of that!" Then I return to my "reality" and He says stay close to me and you can. Songs like this one remind me that we need Him to accomplish His will. Sound logical but can't you admit you try to do it "for Him?" Instead of "with Him."

Songs like this re-affirm for me how it all hinges on His presence, minute by minute.
Like Moses it makes me say...
"If you don't go with us Lord, I don't wanna go at all!"

Tues 10.26 Gratitude

Tues 10.26 Gratitude

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.

Today I almost got crushed by another driver's neglect of the rules of the road, spent money on my car, became nauseous and spilled food on my shirt. But looking back, almost every time I thought " the dead can't do this thing" and "well, the Lord chose to spare me" so I still have more purpose to fulfill!"

I came home and although I am not posting a song today I am posting what makes us all sing...the reason for our joy and gratitude.

Take a moment and think of all the ways He has been good to you, small ways...then line those things up alongside how He was beaten, reviled, spat upon and then crucified to death. That was for you too. Your gratitude begins and ends with Jesus dead, buried and resurrected for YOUR salvation.

And that's something to sing about!

Mon 10.25 Rachmaninov Rhapsody

Mon 10.25 Rachmaninov - Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini
Ps 57:7-9
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.

This one's for me.

This excerpt from my favorite piece in all of instrumental music. The style is dramatic and yet emotionally profound. It sings, though no words accompany the score.

When I listen,
I remember... it is nostalgia exemplified.
I am filled, alive and there is Light,
and for a moment my soul is carried far above this world of flesh and bone.

Every. Single. Time.

I call it Rapture Practice. I can SEE the lyrics from a previous post...
"the clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend!"

Dessert for ears, the heart..and the soul.

Sun 10.24 Moving Forward

Sun 10.24 Moving Forward
John 6:63-68 "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit & they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe...This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."-(Jesus)

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him,
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

Moving Forward-Lyrics
Request: Angela Walker (sis)

What a moment You have brought me to?
Such a freedom I have found in You
You're the healer who makes all things new, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead
I'm here to declare to You my past is over in You
All things are made new,
surrendered my life to Christ
I'm moving, moving forward.

You have risen with all power in Your hands
You have given me a second chance
Hallelujah...Yeah...
You MAKE ALL THINGS NEW

Sat 10.23 It Is Well

Sat 10.23 It Is Well
Isaiah 48:18 If only you had paid attention to MY commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

Request:Scott Hrinko
A Modern Psalm Project:1Song1Voice
Until FRANCE http://Ricardo33AD.blogspot.com

I can't even say much about this verse because it speaks, powerfully and simply, a truth we have no trouble understanding and too much trouble obeying, living out. Here's how the modern psalmist described that peace in this well-loved hymn:
I love especially the 3 verses below.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!


And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Follow this link to David Phelps amazing rendition of the last verse and see if you don't get caught up when he sings about the trump resounding when Jesus returns!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPFVijGcLtI

Here's my attempt.

Fri 10.22 On The Road To Beautiful

Fri 10.22 On The Road To Beautiful
Request 2: Shannon Kipe
For Ellie Seymour
For Ben Lee

Psalm 84:4-7
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

I heard a great teaching about how when you pass thru the valley you should dig wells...a metaphor for letting it build character and reserves of and faith and strength. It struck me as the way for what is meant to harm us to actually benefit us. Our weakness brings God glory but so does our perseverance thru trial.

Clearly the passage is the basis for a powerful lyric in the song...
"My heart is set on a pilgrimage to heaven's own Bright King, so in faltering, in Victory, I will always sing!"

My pilgrimage continues in December 2010 when I head to Brie, near Paris, and to Auch, near Toulouse to meet the two UWM teams in France and to see where calling and chemistry lead.

Then the pilgrimage becomes real In February 2011 as we depart Myrtle Beach for pre-field training.

Praying we " go from strength to strength, till [we appear] before God in Zion!"

Thu 10.21 Starry Night

Thu 10.21 Starry Night
Colossians 1:15-16,19-20
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 19 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.

Request:Shannon Kipe
I've loved this song since the first time I heard it. It reminds me of Autumn Leaves, Les Feuilles Mortes in French, a French Classic. I love the lyrics and the musical style. It's a perfectly well-written psalm. This song brings to mind the verses quoted above. Jesus is the focus and goal of all of creation. I will give my heart to nothing less. He is all we are looking for even if we don't know it!
Shannon is like a sister to me. We often talk about Abby and Layna and making time for them to know me while they are still young enough to forget me when I move. We both get a little teary-eyed when we think about the fast-approaching departure date. Part of your heart always knows that you never have as much time as you wanted with those you love. So we make every moment count.
My deepest prayer is that God will take the offering of time away from loved ones in a foreign culture and plant it as the firstfruits of a harvest of friendships and adopted family linked by our love for Christ and for each other.

Wed 10.20 LOVED

Wed 10.20 LOVED
Song: She Will Be Loved-ish
Colossians 2:1-3
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

I really identify with this verse when I think of France instead of Laodicea. I long to see thriving churches all over France that don't necessarily look like church but totally delight God's heart. I've been making arrangements for the Vision trip later this Fall to meet both teams. It's exciting to actually book the flights!

There's still lots of work to do but keep praying for us as we branch out and contact more potential partners. I'd like to especially ask you to pray about becoming involved if you aren't already or about hosting a dessert party with one or two close friends whom you believe would be interested.

Tue 10.19 Blessed

Tue 10.19 Blessed
Nehemiah 9:5 "Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise."

Song Blessed Be Your Name

This song has been a constant friend. There are days when I feel like Job but then many days I just want to sing His praise with all the joy inside that I cannot contain because He has been so good! What Jesus did for me is a constant source of joy and gratitude!

Mon 10.18 Some People's Lives

Mon 10.18 Some People's Lives

Is 59:15b-16
"Now the LORD saw,and it was displeasing in His sight
that there was no justice.
And He saw...and was astonished that there was no one to intercede"

Does our Sunday match our Monday through Saturday? Can the world tell the difference? Are they part of our experience of God's heart? His heart is not just for the saved?

This song is about what happens when we, The Church, don't show up. When we ask "why" they are lost and broken instead of doing something about it.

Song:Some People's Lives
Some people's lives run down like clocks.
One day they stop, and that's all they've got.
Some lives wear out like old tennis shoes
No one knew. Well, It's sad but it's true.

Didn't anybody tell them?
Didn't anybody see?
Didn't anybody love them
Like you love me?

Some people's lives fade like their dreams,
Too tired to rise, too tired to sleep.
Some people laugh when they need to cry,
And they never know why.

Didn't anybody tell them
That's not how it used to be?
Didn't anybody love them
Like you love me?

Some people ask if the tears have to fall.
Then why take your chances? Why bother at all?
And some people's lives are as cold as their lips.
They just need to be kissed.

Doesn't anybody tell them?
Doesn't anybody see?
Doesn't anybody love them
Like you love me?
'Cause that's all they need.

Sun 10.17 All Things New

Sun 10.17 All Things New
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And He that sat upon the throne said,
Behold, I make all things new.

This song is a request by my sister that I am still trying to wrap my musical mind around. But I thought you would enjoy it as much as I do.

Moving Forward by Israel Houghton

The bridge leaves me undone because it quotes the scripture above
AND takes me back to the most powerful moment in the Passion of the Christ.
Jesus looks at His mother and says those words.
With Blood dripping from His brow and
dragging the cross and shame of all our sins forward to His atoning death!
For me. It. Wrecks Me!

And there is this tension and irony everytime I hear those words because I AM a new creation but oh how much new-er I NEED to be.
Praying God would open our eyes and hearts, cleanse us and make us all new. That He would make me new for His glory before a people who need renewing!

Sat 10.16 Hallelujah

Sat 10.16 Hallelujah

Request:#2-Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah
by Julie E. Clardy (in her own words)

Okay, so I'm not sure if there are supposed to be reasons as to why these are the songs in which we choose...But here is my explanation as to why I chose [this song]...
I know it is an odd one & this song in fact took me a while to meditate over.
Why? Because I know there are times when it is seen so much in the secular world that the meaning is questionable.
Is there such a thing as a broken Hallelujah? In my heart I know there is not. A Hallelujah is a Hallelujah. However, there are times when I (and maybe I am the only one in the world who has ever felt this way), feel as if I am so broken from earthly things that all I can do is say Hallelujah.
Is it broken(Hallelujah)? Absolutely not. Am I broken? Absolutely yes. There are times in our lives when we are so broken that we reach inside of ourselves to find God and find who we are. In those times when we search so deep to find a voice to reconcile it all and all that manages to come out is a Hallelujah.
Not a broken Hallelujah, however, a Hallelujah from a broken person.
David loved God with all of his heart and soul, but there were times when he too, was broken. Through the brokenness we reach to find the voice that cries out Hallelujah.

I apologize for the lengthiness. Love you & still can't believe you will spend the rest of your earthly life testifying in France to what Christ has done for you, for me, for us."

I, Ricardo, absolutely agree. It's interesting how much this song has in common with Amy Grant's Better Than A Hallelujah. Both really point to the state of the person singing the Hallelujah and the way they are reaching out for healing in their brokenness. That's me sometimes too Jules.
Thank you for requesting and for reminding all of us what we, the French, you...me,and all the unreached need most-to reach out to God no matter what our circumstance and have faith that He will hear and understand even a "broken" Hallelujah.

Fri 10.15 We Must Go

Fri 10.15 We Must Go
1Th 2 6-9
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us...we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

I am so so so grateful for supporters who have stuck with me for so long. Stay with me. Just a few more months and your faithful prayers and sacrificial giving will result in what we've waited so long for. I can see the Light at the end of the tunnel!

I feel like Paul in talking to my local friends about leaving. I feel like I've been so involved here. I've given so much of my life to the community here that I have a hard time pulling up roots to actually leave. Will you pray for me to be able to wean myself from ministry and commitments in a graceful way.

Thu 10.14 Give Us Clean Hands

Thu 10.14 Give Us Clean Hands

Request#2: For Heather Keehn
Psalm 24:3-6
3Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
And who may stand in His holy place?
4He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive a blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face--even Jacob. Selah.

I can't speak for Heather but I love songs, like the song she requested that take scripture and just sing it back to God as the cry of our hearts...
Begging Him to make us desire to be pure inside and out like His Son.

These kinds of songs that are almost verbatim scripture are always powerful and easily reduce me to tears of joy over how far God has brought me
and of grief with how far I am from who I will become...

Tonite I am singing a litle softly because of my neighbors who are sleeping in the suite next door. Softly but with all my soul nonetheless!

Psalm 24:3-6
3Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
And who may stand in His holy place?
4He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive a blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face--even Jacob. Selah.

Wed 10.13 You Are For Me

Wed 10.13 You Are For Me
Request for my Sister Angela Walker

My sister wrote me this a few months ago:

"You are a blessing to me!!! When my heart is longing and my mind is whirling and HE reminds me of worship. Your voice, the way HE allows you to usher us into HIS presence!!! Thank you for being obedient I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH N MISS YOU the same."
She had been watching the video blogs here.

Then she sent me this message about this song:

"Kari Jobe- you are for me! You must check this out! Lov lov lov!!!"
July 4 at 10:57pm

When I asked for requests this was her first choice.

This song I sing and I have to let the words sink in because my experience of lie is that I often feel alone and that no one but me is standing up for me. Especially in the support-raising process. I crave help and partners and supporters to say "we believe in what God is calling to do and we'll stand by you BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU!"

The truth is God is saying that, all along, even before I came to know Him, He was FOR me, working things out so that I would have the opportunity to receive Him and then grow to become like His son Jesus.

My earnest desire is to be Jesus with skin on to this generation of French families and young adults so that they will come to know Him and then share Him with their friends and families.

Would you be willing to support that? If so, here's how:

1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)

2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),

3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),

4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.

5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Tue 10.12 Happy Day

Tue 10.12 Happy Day
Request for Sabine Marcotte

John 5:21-24
Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life,
even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
Moreover, the Father judges no one,
but has entrusted all judgment to the Son,
that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.
He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

This song makes me remember the joy of my salvation...that first day and many of the days since when I love Him with abandon and understand how He loves me.

Here's what Sabine said...
Sabine Marcotte October 6 at 2:30pm
Hi Ricardo , this is in response to the Pick a favorite Song by you , I can not for the Life of me remember but you sang it when you came to Martha Circle at my Church ....????? I know .....I must be crazy for even asking you if you remember , but I will give it a shot anyways , it had to do with you being a missionary and willing to go into the world for the Lord , (send me ???????/)

The song is pure evangelism and it rings in my soul when I sing it. Thank you Sabine for supporting this vision for France with your prayers fueled by your joy in the Lord. It's contagious!

Mon 10.11. UWM Mission Statement

Mon 10.11. UWM Mission Statement

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

Proud of the refined Mission Statement that came as the fruit of feedback from those already making disciples all around the world with United World Mission.

Eager for my time in training Wed-Fri in Charlotte. And a little anxious. Will you pray with me..and watch this?

We Are UWM from Go2819 on Vimeo.

Sat 10.9-Sun 10.10.10 DANCE

Sat 10.9-Sun 10.10.10 DANCE

Ps 37:3-5 "Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land & cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;& He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,Trust also in Him, and He will do it."

Dance. Risk. Trust. Faith.

They are almost synonyms in what has become one of my favorite songs. Ever since Stephanie, and Annorah+Mel, Phillips suggested it I have been wrestling with how appropriate the lyrics are for how our hearts SHOULD want, as our Father wants, all peoples to trust Him...to risk putting their faith in Him.

Song:I Hope You Dance
The song so forcefully pushes me to live, experience and do all the great things that are possible with god as long as we don't "sit it out"...as long as we take the leap of faith to not just walk with Him...but to Dance.

Here's what Stephanie said" One of my favorites is 'I Hope You Dance' by Leanne Womack :-) It's a great song with lots of meaning. She wrote it for her daughter when she was born."

Can you pray Ezekiel 11:19-20 for me and for the French as I pray it for you and your family?
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Will you pray for the next few months for financial doors to be flung wide-open as I continue to seek monthly partners to support the ministry UWM has planted and which I will join by His grace Feb 9th, 2011?

And will you pray about supporting it financially yourself?
When you decide to give, here's how:
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)

2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),

3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),

4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.

5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Fri 10.8 LISTEN

Fri 10.8 LISTEN

Psalm 34:8,11
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Guest Blogger-Julie E. Clardy
(in response to me asking her to submit suggestions for the VLog)
In her own words...

Dear Ricardo,
Here [is the song] I would like to hear you sing-
David Crowder "Come And Listen"

It was a no brainer for me.
I have always told my closest friends and relatives
that when I die I want this song played at my funeral...
Well here's the thing.
All of my life I have felt as if Christ
could have left me where I was.
However and for whatever reason, unfathomable to me,
He chose to save me. Not only did He save my life,
He changed the course of MY history.
Everyday since my salvation has been a new challenge.

Some days are filled with so much joy my eyes well up with tears.
Yet, there are other days (more of them lately than I would like to number), that I feel like throwing in the towel.
But in the end I have been blessed beyond what I deserve!

Therefore, "come and listen, come to the waters edge all you who know and fear the Lord"
(and the next line is my favorite)
"Let me tell you what he has done for me. He has done for you. He has done for us."

Without the Cross and what He did for me, for us, I would not have the life that I have now.

"Lord let me live my life in such a way that I accomplish at least one thing that will out live me and last for all of eternity."-Vernon Brewer

Thank you Julie and Mike Clardy for friendship and praying for and believing in this Mission to France.
If you'd like to support this ministry the way they do...

Here's the easiest way.
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)

2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),

3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),

4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.

5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348
And thank you so much again.

Make sure to put an email address so I can keep you updated. : )

Thu 10.7 CATALYST

Thu 10.7 CATALYST
cat·a·lyst noun \ˈka-tə-ləst\
-someone or something that accelerates or helps bring about a change without being permanently changed itself.
-an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action

It seems appropriate to me that only the Holy Spirit of the Sovereign God fits can cause eternal change while remaining Holy, pure and unchanged.

It's why there is healing and transformation in God's presence that can't be found anywhere else!

Song:Here In Your Presence

Acts 2:17-21
17" 'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

Wed 10.6 STILL

Wed 10.6 STILL

Psalm 46:1-2.10

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
10 "Be STILL, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

Request: Arms That Hold the Universe by FEE
For Mike Martinale
Mike said "Really ministering to me right now and He will hold you up as well through this journey."
I'm grateful to Mike and other friends like him who know how to encourage and how to get a prayer through to heaven. Here are the lyrics:

I know it seems
Like this could be
The darkest day you've known
But believe you me
The God of strength
Will never let you go
He will overcome, I know

And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It's gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be STILL and know He's in control
He will never let you go

Tue 10.5 Better Than a Hallelujah

Tue 10.5 Better Than a Hallelujah

Request-for Heather Saponaro Keehn
(and her 3 men)

Heather is a former Refugee and leader of that young adult ministry at CUMC for a time. She has supported my call to France from the beginning in prayer and encouragement and now financially with her family! She said,...

"I like that no matter where we are, the Lord loves us and will meet us there. We don't have to be super spiritual all the time, but just realize our need for Him,,"the honest prayers of breaking hearts" I guess I just identify that it is not always hallelujah coming out of me...but He loves me through it. I feel like it's honest. Also, for some reason it really makes me reflect on and thankful for my salvation."

I absolutely agree! I could not have said it better!
Here's how David, the Psalmist, said it in Psalm 6

1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.

2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.

3 My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, LORD, how long?

4 Turn, LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.

5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
Who praises you from the grave?

6 I am worn out from my groaning.
All night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.

7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.

8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.

9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.

Wanna support the ministry?
Here's the easiest way.
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)

2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),

3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),

4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.

5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348
And thank you so much again.

Make sure to put an email address so I can keep you updated. : )

Mon 10.4 WINTERSONG

Mon 10.4 WINTERSONG

Romans 4:16
"For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace,
so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17(as it is written, "A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU")
in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God,
who gives life to the dead AND CALLS INTO BEING THAT WHICH DOES NOT EXIST."

Today is just to make you smile:
I officially declare the end of summer and invite winter to waltz in ahead of schedule.

So come on in Winter, make yourself at home, Please!
...goodbye Summer my stalker friend who does not know when he has worn out his welcome. We speak it into existence and believe in the longevity of the coolness!
For Jesus,lol.

Jokes aside I am believin more and more that God can do more than I imagine and that He doesn't even have to lift a finger to do it. So we gon pray for 100% funding and we gonna ask that we get there asap before February 9th. Tomorrow would be nice, lol.

Enjoy the rest of the week...it's All Request week. I've invited everyone who has been watching to submit suggestions which I will cover until I'm done.

Would you pray for economical travel and accomodations for the Dec 3rd Vision Trip to France. Even more than 2 months away prices are not where they should be. All told this trip will still cost about the same as our trips to minister in the Dominican Republic.

Song: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Sun 10.3 WELL

Sun 10.3 WELL
Luke 5:12-13
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged Him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.

There is nothing He can't heal, and He is willing. Our hearts are sick. Are we willing to be WELL? What will it cost us?

Song:It Is Well With My Soul-David Phelps

Wow.Everytime I hear it this song blasts my socks off...
"And Lord haste the day
When my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll!!!!

The Trumpet shall sound
And the Lord shall descend
Even so it is WELL with my soul!"

I'm finally gettin used to schedule changes. I actually woke up early this morning and had time for QT and to Blog...a rare occurrence. The reason is a peace and trust that God has planned my every moment, joy and trial to grow me in Him and to make me a living billboard for His strength and love. I fail at those last too more than I like to admit but I pray He continue to make our hearts like His.

5 new supporters this week! No numbers yet (they have not indicated what monthly amount they are commiting yet)
Details being hammered out for the Dec 3rd trip! I am so energized by the momentum. Will you pray that the energy and momentum continue? How can I pray for you?

Sat 10.2 Rainbow

Sat 10.2 Rainbow
Gen 9:8-17ish  
Then God spoke... saying,“Now behold, I Myself do establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you;...“This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. “It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud,  and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh."

The weather is finally changing and hopefully we'll see more RAINBOWS. But you can't see them without some rain. I love how Jesus is realistic and upfront when he talks about counting the cost before following Him. He doesn't promise us no pain, just peace thru the rain and to always be with us.
This song makes me long for that moment when we behold Him face to face. A nostalgic longing for my soul's home with Him. For the the reunion of the God-breathed part of me with the one who did the breathing.

Song: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Be praying for the December 3rd Vision Trip to France and for God to make clear with which team He would have me co-labor.

Fri 10.1 BREAKAWAY

Fri 10.1 BREAKAWAY
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

It takes a tremendous leap of faith to risk ridicule and rejection by BREAKING AWAY from what society pushes us to be and to rather become what and who God wants us to be. Especially if you don't keep your reasons for no longer conforming a secret.

The enemy will use the very people who accepted you unconditionally while your were "with" them to persecute and reject you if you let your life be a holy (set apart for God's use) offering to God. Especially in the US. Personally I am sometimes grateful for this tendency in our secular friends and coworkers because it makes caving in and falling back into who I'm not supposed to be very unattractive.

This song is an autobiographical piece for me. I broke away from a small town with a skewed traditional view of relationship with God. "Get em saved and you're done!"

It was a risk to leave all I knew to come to Myrtle Beach. But all of the best changes in me are BECAUSE I risked failure to Break AWAY.

Now I'm poised to do that again while remaining connected to my church family.
in just a few months.

Will you pray for the next few months for financial doors to be flung wide-open as I continue to seek monthly partners to support the ministry UWM has planted and which I will join by His grace Feb 9th, 2011?
And will you pray about supporting it financially yourself?
When you decide to give, here's how:
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)

2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),

3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),

4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.

5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348