#sosl2013

[amythesmith]

Downside Up

In the midst of confusion and turmoil, I made a decision that changed my life forever. I decided to go to the School of Supernatural Life at Grace Center. Ever wondered what it is like going from a dark green room to the light of full stage? Well this was not that experience. Looking back, it seems like an extreme transition, but going through eight months of inner healing and renewal felt more like smelling something yummy baking in the oven and knowing that one day I would get to taste the dish. I took it out a few times during the year and burned my tongue on the hot, meaty food that wasn't quite done. So I put it back in the oven and let it cook some more. And whatever happened to me in England, whatever was started in the months before, it has made all the difference. I can point to a few pivotal moments that felt like jumping into a cold and refreshing lake after roasting in a sauna, but most of the change before, between, and after those moments has been the gradual turning of my heart from internal despair to seeing the face of my Father happily looking at me, cooing even, as he beckons me to take my place in His presence, to know myself as living in and from His heart. It is nothing short of miraculous, the work He has done in me. A year ago I was praying for Him to take my life, to restore me to my poor miscarried child in His courts of praise, but today I can look at my life and say confidently that He has been good to me, that I am happy where I am. I am glad to live in a sketchy part of town, next to a bridge that houses the homeless and a hospital that tries to free the sick from their burdens. I gladly take my helpless dog on a twilight run down my busy road, and I joyfully watch the glory of the setting sun over this land, brilliantly declaring His handiwork as the giant ball of fire rises on another side of the planet. I am glad to be me, and I've finally realized that is something worth rejoicing over. So God, I'm in. Whatever You have for me, whatever You are planning, wherever You are taking me, I'm in. Let's take this meat pie out of the oven together and enjoy the fruits of this year. Come join me at my table, Father of Lights, as I savor Your untold goodness and dream of the days to come. :)

[sosloutreach]

One Last English Lesson

Lead = leash One stone = 14 pounds...as in weight A fringe = bangs Quid = a pound...as in money Trolley = cart/buggy Gone off milk = sour milk Froobs = gogurt Sapon = joke is on you! Broth = thin soup with stuff in it...not just the thin stuff Mocha is pronounced MAHKAH. Well, this trip has concluded and so have my contributions to this blog! We are home safely and are bathing in our thoughts of England and ponderings of the future. Adventures await. Until then, wordfully yours, Amy M Smith

[sosloutreach]

Home again home again!

The time has finally come, the finale of one chapter and the beginning of another! Today, team UK made the long journey back across the pond, remembering with fondness our English thoughts and moments, and looking forward toward what lies in store. No doubt, by now all of our team members are nestled deeply in their beds, dreaming sweet dreams and smelling familiar scents of home. Hats off to Danielle and Sarah Jean, our fearless and patient leaders, soaring where no pioneer has gone before! Thank you for leading us always in the direction of life and wholeness. You two lived the message. Thank you #hop_e for teaching is about family and community. Thank you for your culture of holiness and honor and for bringing us into your family in a loving and seamless transition. Thank you Papa for this trip and the different seeds you have sown in your children. And now we say come spring rain! Douse our seeds, and may they grow and bear good fruit! Sincerely, Amy Smith

[sosloutreach]

Today's English Lesson

Orange juice with bits = orange juice with pulp Supply = substitute teacher Canny = good (in Jordy) “Are you dead canny?” = are you nice to get along with (Jordy) “Are you coming with is to the bathroom?” = are you coming with me to the bathroom? (Jordy)

Jordy is a certain dialect mostly spoken in Newcastle.

-Amy

[sosloutreach]

Pancakes

The past three days have been pancakes of the goodness of God, cooked with treasure hunts, sprinkled with salvations and healings, and doused in Holy Spirit goodness. People have been getting saved, healed, and encouraged through the words of our testimonies! We spent most of today bringing life to the streets of Durham, and tonight we dove into the river at the Ignite meeting at the HOP (house of prayer). God is good, and, just as we set out to do, we are spreading his love like thick butter on a crispy crumpet ripe for the harvest. :)

-Amy

[sosloutreach]

Life to Blackpool!

We brought life with us downtown today as we encouraged the people and sought out treasure in more treasure hunts! It is exhilarating experiencing things like this with God, knowing fully that He is good and getting to enjoy being His children and freely giving love away as He freely gives it to us. I eagerly welcomed each step of finding clues and praying for people to receive blessing and healing! Tonight I spoke on UGBs at the Ansdell church, and it was so cool to see people receive freedom from lies they had been believing about themselves. Recognizing His truth and learning to walk in it is like stepping out of a dark freezer and finding that the world outside is in the full bloom of springtime. There were birds in the air, but I never heard them singing. No, I never heard them at all 'til there was You! Ah, until next time, all my friends on the interwebs from different continents, Yours, Amy

[sosloutreach]

Today's English Lesson!

Burger with salad = burger with lettuce and tomato…don’t make the mistake of trying to change the salad for chips, because they won’t know why you want chips on your burger. Take away = take out Jacket potato = baked potato Cutlery = silverware Yodeling to the porcelain = losing your cookies in an unpleasant way Builders tea = tea so thick that a spoon will stand up in the middle of it, according to Bob our Ansdell host dad. :) Wing windows = side mirrors of a car

-Amy ;^{ )