"I know the plans I have for you."

Do you know the story of Corrie ten Boom and her family?  Oh, I hope you do.  If not, there is both a book and a movie about the Boom family called, 'The Hiding Place."   They were both released in the late 70's and I had the privilege of hearing her speak at my church in Denver as a very young Christian.

In short, the Boom family were Christians.  During the Nazi occupation of Holland, they hid Jews in their home, as well as helped many others escape through the underground network.  Corrie was considered the Ringleader.  After two years of this work, Corrie and her family were captured by the Nazis and put in prison.  She and her sister Betsie ended up in Ravensbruck, one of the worst concentration camps in Germany.  While in prison, Betsie and Corrie were used of the Lord to share HIS good news to the women in the camp.

So, today, after my visit, I had this thought, "God truly has a plan for our lives.  He is in control (even if we can't see it or understand it.) One of the things Corrie always said, as she traveled the world, (for nearly 45 years after she left Ravensbruck) was, "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still."  So, I got to thinking--

1) It was not a mistake that Corrie & Betsie ended up in the concentration camp.  God allowed it so that hundreds, if not thousands, of women got to hear the Good News of Jesus right there in the camp. God met them there.  He strengthen them each and every day.  They felt God's love even in the worst pit of hell on earth.

                                                 Was this Corrie's life's purpose?

2) Not completely--though God used it.  It was from this pit of hell that Corrie became known as the "Tramp for The Lord."  After being released from the prison, doors opened up to her from around the world, about 90 countries in all; people wanted to hear her story.  

There was a pivotable moment in her life when she came face to face with one of the prison guards.  She was speaking to a large crowd on the subject of forgiveness.  She saw the man and recognized him as he approached her after the lecture.  The Lord told her that she must forgive him and she did. (She writes that this was not of her own strength--but that The Lord in her--gave her the strength to do it.) 

She spent 45 years, after her encampment, spreading the good news about Jesus as well as the power of forgiveness.  Thousands, upon thousands of people heard her speak (along with me)--and lives were changed for HIM (including mine).  She wrote many books, which are still in print, and are changing lives today.

                                                   Was this Corrie's life's purpose?

3) Not completely--though God used it.  As I sat in the, "Liberation Room" a.k.a. the Parlor Room, today, I was expecting to hear HerStory.  The story of Corrie, her family, and the hiding of the Jews...and we did.  BUT first we heard mostly, HisStory.  It was first presented along the lines of hearing about her brother, his theological studies, and his desire to share the Good News.  This sweet volunteer gave the Gospel message in about 10 minutes and then shared the story of Corrie and her family.  Thousands of people come every year, Tuesday through Saturday, to hear about the Ten Boom family.  How many lives have been changed and touched?  Oh, I know that not all are happy about this.  A couple, who arrived late, left as soon as they could....they didn't want to hear....oh, but how many hear?  How many lives are changed each day as they step inside the Ten Boom home?

How amazing a life this little lady led...and it all started when she was about 53 years old!  No pit kept her from doing what God had designed her to do/be...HIS plans for her continue to be at work...years after her death (25 to be exact).

  Corrie's Life's Purpose was through it all..every circumstance....and it still continues even to today!!!!

4) So, I thought..."It's NEVER to late to do what God has designed me to do."  "There is NO pit so deep that God's love is not there--nor a plan HE wants to use from it.  How about you?

*What pit might you be in?  Divorce, singleness, poverty, loneliness, joblessness, illness?  There is NO pit that is SO deep that HIS love is not there with you.

One last thought, a quote from Corrie, "So many times we wonder why God has certain things happen to us. We try to understand the circumstances of our lives and we are left wondering.  But God's foolishness is so much wiser than our wisdom (1 Cor. 3:19).  From generation to generation, from small beginnings and little lessons, He has a purpose for those who know and trust Him. God has no problems--only plans!"

Okay, God, take this 58 year old--I'm listening for your next assignment!!!!!!!!

Thank you all for reading and following along.

Castles, Stones & a Cute Tour Guide!

I had every intention of keeping a daily blog.  However, I run around all day long--seeing all the sights--and by night I'm worn out and get right into bed.

It's been an amazing last few days.  I've seen so many things and seen the blessings of God along the way. Example: Yesterday (Wednesday), my friend and I decided to get tickets for a bus tour of Windsor Castle, Bath & Stonehenge for today (Thursday).  The concierge informed us that he had just tried to get another person on the trip and couldn't--it was fully booked.  So, we decided to do a different tour.  At the last minute he said, "Let me check again."  Well, for those of you that have been following me on FB today,  you know we got our trip.  The concierge said to us, "You must have good hearts--that's why you got the tickets." To that I said, "Oh, no I don't, but I serve a God who wanted His girls on this trip!"  To which he didn't know what to say.

We had a great time, but during our last stop--Stonehenge--it finally poured down rain on us. We've missed out on the rains all week--so today I got to experience it!  I feel like I've now truly experienced Great Britain. (Check out the person with the umbrella in the far left bottom corner of the photo below.)

Hebrews 13: 15-16, "Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Tomorrow, Friday, is my last day in England. I leave early Saturday morning and will be traveling to the Netherlands. My good friend returns home.

I'm excited to go as I will be staying in the town that Corrie ten Boon lived.  I will be only a few miles from Amsterdam and I plan to visit that city as well.  It will be a more relaxing week as I've been there before.  I plan to sit in a cafe, drink some coffee, and begin a lot of my writing--especially about Corrie...I heard her speak once in the late 70's as she was a guest at my church in Denver.  I never will forget this amazing women of God who saw and experienced so much--especially the heart of God. Oh, what treasures will I uncover there?  What will God teach me?  Can't wait.

A friend suggested I rent a bike, and tour the city that way. I think I will.

Continue to pray for traveling mercies and safety.

Blessings,
Terri

God has a purpose AND a plan....

The weather was beautiful today in the Big Apple.  THANK YOU!  It wasn't humid or hot.  Just perfect!

I spent the day seeing two Broadway shows-one play (The Assembled Parties)--and one musical (Jersey Boys).  Both shows were fun to watch and filled with lots of laughter.  As usual, I was mesmerized by sets, staging and lighting.  Oh, ideas have filled my creative brain.

I also walked around some of the old stomping grounds of days gone by; days when I once thought I was going to move to NYC with my family.  My mind was filled with a lot of images of, "What ifs."  I ended the "tour" with this statement, "But God."

Psalm 57:1-2, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.  I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me."

Day Two & Three

I have spent the last couple of days walking Brooklyn and NYC. So many fun things to do and see here, even in the midst of a multitude of people. Hanging out with my son has been the most wonderful treat...Tired feet, body and all.

A very interesting thing happened today. While at the HUGE Apple Store, on 5th Avenue, my tired feet and body demanded to sit, I found an empty space near the stairs. As I was beginning to sit, a man turned to me and said, "Plenty of room--have a seat." I said, "Thanks," I sat and detected an accent from this kind and jolly man. Found out he was from New Zealand. We shared what brought us to NYC and where we were going from here. He is an Assembly of God Pastor on a speaking and mission's tour that is taking him around the world. I shared with him my story.

You see, in case you did not know, I am traveling to Europe to research and learn more about the Huguenots, Maria Durant and Corrie ten Boon. Lord willing, the research will turn into a book. As I shared my story with him, this man I did not know, laid his hands on me and prayed. Right there in the middle of the very busy Apple Store. Loved that. Loved his boldness. Loved that even though we did not know one another--God had set up a divine appointment for us to meet--and now I know of a brother in the Lord from New Zealand.

God always provides what we need--when we need. Amen!

Day one

Made it.  Thank you Lord for this great opportunity .  So excited.