This one's for you, Mr. Fulkerson . . .

"I used to get bummed out when it rained, until I realized it was just God's way of washing off hippies."

~Unknown

Weekend at Lord's Land

This weekend Chris and I attended a "Healing & Restoration" conference out at the Lord's Land, a christian retreat center, located on the beautiful Mendocino coast of Northern California. The Lord's Land was built in the sixties, by an amazing German woman, when all of the hippies of that era were getting saved. There are wooden signs all over the property to look at, and other awesome knick nacks to enjoy! The purpose of this conference was based off of Neil T. Anderson's ministry, Freedom in Christ ministries, http://www.ficm.org/, a ministry designed to show people how to break negative thought patterns, control irrational feelings, and break out of habitual, sinful behavior.

We attended this conference with some members of our church, as well as Pastor Brad & Rhonda,Pastor Bob, and some of the members from our sister church, Cobb Mountain Community Church. We arrived late on Friday evening. It was rainy and dark when we got there, so we really couldn't see much of the scenery. We hung out for the rest of the evening in the main cabin and meeting area. We were then escorted to our cabin, which was labeled the "prayer and fasting cabin". (Each cabin had a different name) Our Ole' hippie friend, Jim Fulkerson & Tim Shellenberger were hanging out in our cabin when we arrived, as it was used during the day for prayer and worship. (Jim, I love the fact that you're still a Jesus Lovin', rockin' hippie, and Tim, well, I'm just glad that you are a Jesus Lovin' kinda guy!!!) Our cabin was very rustic, yet quaint. Our bed was in a loft where you had to climb up this wooden ladder to get there! On the ceiling above the bed were two huge skylights, and at the head of the bed there was a huge pained window. After drinking much coffee in the main cabin earlier, I had to tinkle. I inquired about where the bathroom might be; Good ole' Jim and Tim kindly responded by taking us up this short trek behind the cabin to an outhouse. On the door, were carved the words, "Love suffers long" and "Love is patient"! Funny stuff. The guys left and Chris and I were left alone. Chris urged me to use the primitive commode, and so I proceeded to do so with the door wide open, Chris staring at me, as well as anything and everything out in the woods!! I laughed soooo hard and got so nervous that I couldn't go!! (I got "stage fright")


"The humble commode" "Love Suffers Long"


The next morning, Chris and I woke up to soaring redwood trees, and the rain falling onto the skylight windows above our bed. It was a really cool moment, and we laid there in sheer awe, drinking in the beauty of God's creation. Wild!! Anyhow, we quickly got dressed and hiked up to the main cabin, where a grandiose breakfast awaited us! Dan the man, Lambeth, AKA - "super awesome chef of the year" was our cook for the weekend. Hats off to you Dan, you "brought it dude" and what a servant's heart; I don't think you ever left that kitchen!!


"Hangin' with the family of God" "Me and my girl Heidi!"

After breakfast, the first group of people went off to their "healing sessions" while the rest of us stayed and got our instruments out. We had an awesome time worshipping the Lord, and interceding for those in their sessions. By the time we were done with worship and prayer, lunch was done and those who were away at their morning sessions had returned. After lunch, Chris and I went our separate ways to attend our own personal healing sessions. I was scared at first, because earlier that morning, our leaders had given us these sheets to fill out about our personal lives. The sheets wanted you to be very specific about ANY & EVERY area of sin, habits and other shtuff in our lives that we wanted to be free of! It was good, but kinda embarrassing to have to expose some areas of my life!! What a relief though, afterwards, because God really healed me and set me free from a lot of bondage's and areas of sin that I was struggling with. I felt as though a heavy weight was lifted from my shoulders. By allowing God to "shed His light" into all of the dark places in my heart, it brought healing, restoration and freedom to release in my Spirit! Rhonda and Joan were my leaders in the session, and they were SO compassionate, gracious and understanding throughout the whole thing!!


Nervous to "Go into "The Session" (dun, dun don!) After "The Session"

After I was finished with my session, we headed back up to the main cabin for dinner. Awesome again, Mr. Lambeth!! After dinner, the guys all got out their guitars and I hopped on my keyboard, (not literally, of course) and we spent the rest of the evening in a beautiful time of worship and fellowship in front of the cozy fire.


On the last day, after the last group of people went to their sessions, two members of the Cobb church, Larry and Stephanie, got married on the retreat grounds!! We held a simple ceremony for them at around three in the afternoon. I had the honor of doing the bride's hair and make-up! (surprise, surprise ;) ) Despite the incredibly small amount of time that I had to get her ready, she looked simply ravishing, and the brief wedding ceremony was very touching. I'm not a budding photographer by any stretch, but somehow I became the "designated photographer" for the ceremony. I think I got some good photo shots of everyone, though! What a great ending to a perfect weekend!!








Outside the main meeting cabin Starbucks . . . On the way home . . . Alittle Grumpy . . .Waitin' for my Latte!!

***** AFTER THOUGHTS:

On the way home, Chris and I took this really cool "secret road" that goes over the mountain home; it is an alternate route instead of having to go over both mountains(St. Helena & Spring Mtns.) home from Santa Rosa. It's called . . . Shhhhh . . . . "Ida Clayton Rd." . . It is treacherous, it's daring, and half way thru not paved, but a hecka of alotta fun!! I held on to my "O' Shnikies Bar", all the way!! (ya know, that little handle thingy at the roof of the car that you hold on to?!) But lemme' tell ya, O' so fast of a way to get home!! It took us about twenty minutes to get to Middletown from the Calistoga area! Good times, Good times . . .

Thank you to Pastor Brad and Rhonda for such a wonderful time.




Good Ole' Pastor Bob

Pastor Bob, AKA - my Hermano Grande', you really DO look like Richard Gere (The actor)!! Thanks for pushing me to the limits in ministering unto the Lord this weekend. ;)

Jim and Tim, YOU ROCK THE HOUSE!!! Dan and Sally Lambeth, you are true servants - we are forever touched by your graciousness. . . Oooh, and Joan and Pam, I'll let you pray for me ANYTIME!! The neck and back are feelin' Oh so good; I'm going to measure my height - I'll report back to you!

**** Praise God for the beautiful family of God that He has blessed me with!

Say Goodbye

This is one of my favorite songs by my absolute fav. band, Skillet.

"Say Goodbye"

Things are changing

It seems strange and

I need to figure this out

You've got your life I got mine

But you're all I cared about

Yesterday we were laughing

Today I'm left here asking

Where has all the time gone now I'm left alone somehow

Growing up and getting older I don't want to believe it's over

Don't say goodbye

Cause I don't wanna hear those words tonight

Cause maybe it's not the end for you and I

And although we knew

This time would come for me and you

Don't say anything tonight

If you're gonna say goodbye

Do you remember In December

How we swore we'd never change

Even though you're leaving

That our feelings

Would always stay the same I

wish we could be laughing

Instead I'm standing here asking

Do we have to end this now

Can we make it last somehow

We both know what we've gotta say, not today

Cause I don't wanna leave this way

And if it's over

It hurts but I'm giving you my word

I hope that you're always

Happy like we were

Happy like we were

Yesterday we were laughing (if you're gonna say goodbye)

Today I'm left here asking (if you're gonna say goodbye)

And although we knew this time would come for me and you

Don't say anything tonight

If you're gonna say goodbye . . .

The Greatest Thing . . .

The greatest thing in life is to love,

and to be loved in return . . .

~ Father's Love Letter ~

My Child...

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1)

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)

I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31)

For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)

In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28)

For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28)

I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians (1:11-12)

You were not a mistake. Psalm (139:15-16)

For all your days are written in my book. Psalm (139:15-16)

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm (139:14)

I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm (139:13)

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm (71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. (John 8:41-44)

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16)

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (1 John 3:1)

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)

For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48)

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.(Psalm 139:17-18 )

And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)

For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29)

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)

For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation (21:3-4)

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Revelation 21:4)

I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23)

For in Jesus my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26)

He is the exact representation of my being. (Hebrews 1:3)

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. (Romans 8:31)

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (1 John 4:10)

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:32)

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (John 2:23 )

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-39)

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)

I have always been Father and will always be Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)

My question is...Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)

I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32 )

. . . Love, Your Dad

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2005 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

New Pics of the Family . . .

Family Photos (*Starring Allie-Grace Caldon)

Disclaimer!

So after posting my poem, "Omissions of a Weary Wounded", I have had numerous friends asking me if I was writing about them!! So, to clear things up once and for all, that poem was written about someone who is no longer in my life. Sadly, this person has so greatly distanced their self from me, that they won't even communicate anymore. So, rest in peace knowing that I love you my dear friends, and this fore-mentioned poem is not directed towards you!!! Grace and peace . . .
~ Nikki