http://lisablack.myadventures.org "I have done what is mine to do, now you do what is your to do" St. Francis - a blog by Lisa-Marie Black en-us Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:03:43 GMT 30 http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=life-the-missionary-challenge http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=life-the-missionary-challenge From Gary's Blog: Last week the Gazette Telegraph, our local paper here in Colorado Springs called me and asked if they could interview my family about how the drop in the US Dollar affects our mission efforts around the world As we continue to raise personal support work a few jobs and raise money for Nsoko and our other work around the globe; its good to know that people are aware and that we are in this together. Pray for the missionaries and organizations that send them you Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=devestated http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=devestated Sitting in our home office, reading the blogs of the World Racers, going over all our travel plans for the next six months to teach and counsel all over the world. All of this for one purpose, to raise up a generation of broken, humble, men and women that want the Kingdom of God to come to earth.  Suddenly, I am interrupted by the sound of our seventeen year old daughter screaming, Mommy, Mommy as she burst through the front door of our home. I knew something tragic had occurred, I kn Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=laying-it-downagain http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=laying-it-downagain Several years ago I was working as a counselor, at a center that I loved. My supervisor approached me about revamping one of our programs, and made me the project manager, along with a wink, wink from her that said, This will likely be a promotion to run this program as well.  I worked tirelessly, every spare moment I invested into this project, it was truly a labor of love. They accepted all my ideas, thanked me for all my hard work, took my proposal to start implementing it immediatelyPer Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=recovering-and-blessed http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=recovering-and-blessed They say hard times show you who your friends are, well, this past week I was reminded again of the blessings I sometimes take for granted. I really did not want to advertise my health problems, or discuss my surgery with the world. My husband, however wanted prayer and support, and so he has discussed this with pretty much EVERYONE. I am much more private than he is which is a continual place for us to disagree. This also puts me in a difficult position, one of dependence on those around me, wh Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=slow-down-and-be-a-family http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=slow-down-and-be-a-family The resent and tragic death of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter brought me to my knees.  Not because this family is considered celebrities, or because their little girl was an orphan. The simple reality that this accident could have happened to any of us, brought that familiar "punch in the gut" feeling, followed by prayerful tears.       Just two weeks ago we sat down as a family for a quick reality check, brought on by a re-occurring nagging maternal insti Sat, 24 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=somebodys-baby http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=somebodys-baby Ever left your crying toddler in the Church nursery, or your kindergartner on the first day of school, or even a pre-teen at a summer camp? They look up at you with "Please don't leave me, Mommy" tears brimming, lower lip protruding, arms reaching out to for you to pick them up. You know there is nothing you can do; the time has come and you have to leave, but you feel a little nauseated. And the second you get to your car, you let the hot tears flow. My last week in Nsoko felt just li Thu, 8 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=just-the-truth http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=just-the-truth People keep asking me, "why have you not finished your book," the truthful answer, because every time I finish a chapter, God tests me in what I have written.It is painful but true, I am frustrated, and thankful, I have often said, "You can schedule me to speak, but know this, I will not speak, preach or teach on what I do not know".a costly prayer, Tonight I accompanied my husband and my dearest friends to a wedding.  To most it was a quaint affair, an orphaned Russian girl marrying her Mon, 5 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=tangible-help http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=tangible-help This is from Gary's blog today... will you please fight with us, this community is living and breathing because you care... James 1:27 - we are living it!I have had many people ask me for specific ways in which they can tangibly help in Nsoko, Swaziland, and many have sent money for clothes (see my blog).Here is a list of what we need urgently and what will help us start educating the children and producing our self-sustainability projects... Most of Phase One is done - the church is plant Wed, 9 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=clothing-the-children-of-the-dirt-with-love http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=clothing-the-children-of-the-dirt-with-love Over 300 brand-new outfits, complete with underpants, and sandals, This last week has been one of the most memorable ones of my life thus far.  Alexis, Emily and I along with three team members, Heather, Caitlin, and Becky lived in the bush to handout all the clothes to the children at 6 different care points in Nsoko.  My instructions to my team of beautiful young women were this:" take your time, pray constantly, and listen to the whisper of the Lord."  Africa does not need mor Sun, 6 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=oh-jezebelwe-laugh-at-you http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=oh-jezebelwe-laugh-at-you When Jezebel rises up, you know you are on the verge of great victory!!   If you don't believe in spiritual warfare, hangout in my world for awhile, live in a country that does not have the covering of America, or just read the Bible. A resent blog  of mine on Good Friday was a celebration of freedom from the weapons of the enemy, and the knowledge that Jesus gave US the weapons to fight the enemy with.  All the enemy has is words, threats, intimidation, and lies, Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=nsoko-vision-trip http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=nsoko-vision-trip We are very excited to announce our first vision trip for Nsoko, Swaziland. Since we arrived in Swaziland a year ago we have been focusing on this rural area which is consumed with great need, as well as some of the most amazing people you will ever meet. One day, Gary was showing some of the World Racers an area an hour and a half from our home. They stumbled upon a group of starving children; we have come to refer to as "Children of the Dirt."They had not eaten in weeks, and the Go Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=a-very-good-friday http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=a-very-good-friday   There are moments in life that define your journey, moments and days that are seared in your memory forever.  This last "Good Friday" was that kind of day for me.  I had been praying for some very specific things from the Lord for a few weeks, I was fighting a heaviness that I knew I had to release.  The World Racers have been in Africa for a few months.  They have come and gone out of Swaziland, and some teams have stayed here the entire time.  They have become Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=when-a-boy-becomes-a-man http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=when-a-boy-becomes-a-man            I became an instant mother to three boys eight years ago, ages two, six and eight.   I was captivated by their energy, and charmed by their wild ways. Although I did not get the honor of carrying them in my womb, I could not love them more. It was pretty much, love at first sight.  Tyler, the oldest was precious in everyway.  He was mature for his age, and cared deeply about all people.  Through the yea Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=new-clothes-for http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=new-clothes-for Don't you love it when things just work, well sort of.   I was going through all our donated clothes, and sorting them.  Final verdict: we have lots of clothes for infants, and adults, and nothing for boys or girls ages 2 to 14.this of course is the age group we work with at the care points and these kids are in rags.  I prayed, went to bed, and woke up to find an email from one of our FYM girls that had visited Nsoko a few months ago.  Catherine had been speaking at church Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=rage-and-joy http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=rage-and-joy Gary and I met for coffee in town to discuss the numerous text messages coming to us from our team in Nsokoeach one more serious than the one before.  I had already been feeling heavy for a few days, and finally just cried, HARD.  The abuse, disease, abandonment, and poverty these precious children face everyday, is just too much.  After an hour or so of venting, praying, and weeping I pulled myself together.  Gary kissed me on the forehead and left in our car, I started walk Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=what-raising-boys-has-taught-me http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=what-raising-boys-has-taught-me Raising four wild men, 16, 14, 10 and 5 in Africa is a lesson in life that all women should be blessed with. I have to laugh at some of the conversations I overhear from the men in my houseall five (the fifth being the 41 year old trouble maker) of them are a source of joy, laughter, messes, and smelly socks shoved in my couch cushions. However, I now know certain "truths" that I would have never known if I had not had the honor of mothering them It is physically impossible to NOT play Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=who-you-were-created-to-be-emilie http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=who-you-were-created-to-be-emilie Emilie Elise Black is 15 years old today.(Feb.13)  Her brothers tease her that she can still fit into the same life vest she wore when she was learning to knee-board  when she was seven.  Caleb (10) and Michael (14) call her their "little sister".  She has  gotten taller, but she is still a tiny thing, but don't let her size fool you, this girl is a powerhouse!  Right now she is living in a tent in the bush next to 2 lions, (don't freak out Grandma's the lions are b Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=the-difference-between-brothers-and-buddies http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=the-difference-between-brothers-and-buddies A few weeks ago I watched my husband carry a heavy load; he was tired, frustrated, and discouraged. I tried to encourage him, with a kiss and smile, but I had a sense that this was not something a wife could fix. He left for the office, and I prayed that someone would reach out to him. Several hours later Gary came home smiling and full of life. Turns out his friend Robin had felt an urging to call him,(from the States) and then proceeded to speak life, encourage and proph Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=please-dont-say-you-are-just-not-going-to-vote http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=please-dont-say-you-are-just-not-going-to-vote     It is difficult to get any news here, dare I say it is difficult to get any truthful media anywhere in the world?  Tracking this presidential election from a third world country has been very enlightening.    The first presidential election I could ever vote for was Bush Sr.vs. Clinton.  I was so depressed after the results I was in a funk for about 3 months.  I was only 21 years old at the time, and immature in life and in the spirit.  Anyone who Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=healing-is-here-part-5 http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=healing-is-here-part-5 If you are not sick enough of your present state, you probably will not do the work, but know it is costing you more than you can see through the fog of pain.  Know that the price is very high for staying there, and it will get worse. Okay, so we admit it, we need helpnow what? I am a big believer in prayer, and a bigger believer in praying scripture.  I have prayed specific scriptures over my husband and six children for years, and I have seen miracles.  The only way I have c Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=what-unforgiveness-looks-like-part-41 http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=what-unforgiveness-looks-like-part-41   Suddenly, I saw the faces of people I knew that were stuck in un-forgiveness, hate, bitterness or resentment.  They all looked older than they should have; their health and their relationships were not good.  I wondered how people get that way, and I knew I didn't want that for my own life...   All these people had started with a hurt or pain that was very real, but instead of letting God heal it, they had fed it. It starts by spending way too much time rehearsing the pai Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=part-3-time-to-get-violent http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=part-3-time-to-get-violent I have had several aquaintesses that were also personal trainers through the years.  All of their programs, education and theories were slightly different.  It seemed they only agreed on one thing, to get results, you have to shake up your workout routine from time to time.  I am currently half way to my  physical fitness goals and I have hit a major wall I have been doing the same program for months, and although I am sore and tired when I am done working out, I am not seei Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=are-you-ready-to-forgive-part-1 http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=are-you-ready-to-forgive-part-1 Week long series...   In the last several months I have experienced deeper levels of deliverance I didn't even know I needed.  I have waited to post this, to see if it was going to stick. This is vulnerable to share, but I have the sense I am not the only one facing this battle...   I have dropped the ball as a friend, a daughter, a sister, and as a wife, but my conviction over the life of my children is always been heightenedI am not saying I have not made mistakes, Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=are-you-god-part-2 http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=are-you-god-part-2 I realize now that during this revelation in my own heart, the Lord was really making me think about just what salvation means, and WHO Jesus actually died FOR... I realized I had made categories in my head of forgivable and unforgivable sinsIt was during this time that our World Racers were preparing to go to Thailand, and face in living color the horrors of child-trafficking and sex-slaves.  This is a subject that is so appalling, repulsive and horrifying to me, I struggle to deal with it Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=the-next-three-months http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=the-next-three-months Holiday season in Africa is very different than the States.  Everyone and everything basically shut down for 6 weeks.  The kids are out of school, businesses close, and everyone is chillin.  At first it is kind of cute, and then it is just annoying.  We are still American in our blood and can't wait to dig back in on January 2nd.  Starting next week we will have a house full of highly anticipated visitors as well as 26 world racers, for the next three months.  W Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=happy-2008-from-africa http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=happy-2008-from-africa I have been using this holiday break to work on my book so I have not been blogging much.  Coming up for air just long enough to enjoy my wacky and adorable family. I just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year.  We are praying this will be a year of spiritual breakthroughs for each one of you, and a million blessings for your families Thank you for all the prayers, support, love, and encouragement this past year, we would not be here without you, and we are forever grateful Dream Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=tea-for-20 http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=tea-for-20   The Real Life team was here ministering in Swaziland for December, and like most teams and groups we have about 90% girls.  I thought they might enjoy and afternoon of just being Women.  They spent their days in the dirt with little children or at hospitals full of people dying of AIDS.  Until just recently they did not have running water or electricity where they were staying.  I know that the heaviness of a place like this can really get to you, and if you Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=a-very-different-holiday http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=a-very-different-holiday Christmas is very different this year, but it is turning out just as it should.  We are sad to miss friends and family, but we try to just not think about that.this is the first year we haven't loaded up in the truck to go find the perfect tree.  It is the first time since Emilie was one year old that I have not dragged out the "It's a Wonderful Life" Christmas village.  The stockings the kids all made 7 years ago (that we pull out every year and have a good laugh) are stored away Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=party-for-200-of-the-most-important-people-on-earth-part-2 http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=party-for-200-of-the-most-important-people-on-earth-part-2 It was of course all worth it when we started washing down these sweet little ones, and placing fresh new clothes on their scarred and frail little bodies.  I felt that instead of just washing them the Lord was telling us to literally bathe them in prayer.  So as we wiped their faces we prayed that their eyes would be enlightened, and their little ears would hear the voice of the Father, we prayed for their hearts to know Him, and their feet to follow His path.  I am still struggl Mon, 3 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=how-to-throw-a-party-for-200-of-the-most-important-people-on-earthpart-1 http://lisablack.myadventures.org/?filename=how-to-throw-a-party-for-200-of-the-most-important-people-on-earthpart-1   We wanted to bless our children in Nsoko with a big Christmas party this week; somehow we pulled it off.  Our little "children of the dirt" each received  a new outfit, lunch and a cupcake, as well as a care package filled with fruit, soap, candy and a TOYIt was a great deal of work, but I would have to say one of the best days of my life.. Step one: in throwing a party like this is, first, you must humble yourself and pray, followed by a little, begging, groveling, and hardwo Sun, 2 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT