Peace instead of Planning.

Hello friends :)

This is something I would normally write in my journal, but felt like sharing. Hope it encourages someone, even if just one. 

My Jesus Calling today states :

"Bring me your weakness, and receive My Peace. Accept yourself and your circumstances just as they are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead, let thankfulness and trust be your guides through this day; they will keep you close to Me. As you live in the radiance of My Presence, My Peace shines upon you. You will cease to notice how weak or strong you feel, because you will be focusing on Me. The best way to get through this day is step by step with Me. Continue this intimate journey, trusting that the path you are following is headed for heaven."

Normally these short paragraphs speak to me on some level. Pointing out my very need for Jesus and inevitably encouraging me. Sometimes I may not remember to read it until I'm washing dishes at night, but even then I'm surprised how closely it spoke to my day. You see, I'm a planner and organizer. I say I like surprises, but deep down I'm not exactly sure that's true. I feel better as a person if 90-95% of my life is organized. Having things organized suggests I need control over everything in my life...(that's a different blog post!) So you can imagine the thoughts I have reading this tiny paragraph. "Don't plan?" Yikes! 

Over the last week, God has been speaking to me about how He is our provider. Recent job changes have put us in a position where we will fully rely on said provision. In all my years, I've always claimed He is my provider. And I certainly believe it. Having to actually live out of His provision, now that's another story. 

Romans 13: 11-14 says, "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts."

This is where faith comes in. I'm learning and re-learning so much about how we are to "walk by faith and not by sight". It might seem elementary to some, but it's all too familiar as of lately. I know He will "give me every desire of my heart" if I seek Him first. To know that He knows my need before I do is reassuring. Today I choose to wear His peace. 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6 & 7

Update: One year later...

I can hardly believe it's been over a year since I wrote a post. I re-read my last blog and it said, "This may be my last blog until Jubilee decides to come..." I didn't think that it would be 14 months later. Sorry. Well, let me back pedal and catch you up to speed :) 

In the early morning hours of June 4, 2012, my water broke thus sending me into labor 4 weeks early. At 3:31 P.M, almost 13 hours later, our little Jubilee Eliana was born! It was such an exciting moment. Because she was early, I felt as though I wasn't as prepared emotionally. Obvious joy and thankfulness, and a purpose I can't describe with words. I cried only tears of joy, as there wasn't much pain due to an epidural---modern medicine is something to marvel!  ;)---  She came so fast, only 30 minutes of pushing! I had my mom, my sister, and DJ to help me through labor. He was a champ, not even flinching when it came time to cut the umbilical cord! I believe that fatherhood came naturally to him. I watched that night as he transformed from a man into a father. He held her so delicately yet protectively as he sang to her and whispered into her tiny, little ears how much he loved her. It was beautiful! A Kingdom transaction happened that day. A deposit onto earth, if you will. "This child we have prayed for and God answered our prayer" (1 Sam.)  We weren't just responsible for ourselves anymore, God had given us this beautiful little gift. Even though bed rest was hard at times, it was so worth it in that moment!

Now flash forward! Jubilee is busy, busy, busy! I am loving being home with her! She keeps me on my toes, for sure! She is very hesitant to walk by herself, but loves to hold fingers and will go all day. We are working on stacking blocks and practice sitting in her little wooden chair from Nana and Popsie's house. She is starting to form words out of all her babbling, mostly Da-da, Ma-ma, Nen Nen (Aunt Jenny), Jo-Jo (Grandma Joan), meow, roar, and panting like a dog, to name a few :) Everyday she learns something new! We are also working on getting our bottom molars (teeth #'s 11 and 12!)! It seems they came in so fast, but not without times of whining/crying and much snuggling to be had. We just returned from our yearly girls trip to Clear Lake. This was Jubilee's first time camping and swimming in the lake. She is a little fish, even trying to go in face first! She doesn't like to play in the sand a whole lot, being dirty is not really her thing! There wasn't much relaxing trying to keep up with her, but it was a fun experience! We are so blessed to have her in our lives and thank God every day for giving her to us! 

DJ is busy as always! He and his best friend, Tony, have started a painting business called S & R Painting and Staining. They are enjoying it very much and have expanded their clientele very quickly. Their goal is to run the business until the Lord brings them into what they hope to be the next phase, life coaching. This is something DJ has wanted to do for awhile and now the Lord is starting to open doors and almost daily shows him something pertaining to this passion of his! He continues to volunteer at Wind and Fire Ministries with several different programs, including the Safe Lane within Client Services (formerly known as CRTEC- Center to Restore Trafficked and Exploited Children), fund raising for the TIP-ID National Training Center building, and teaching internship classes starting in September. He has many other exciting things stirring in the pot! I have just loved watching him grow and change over the last 6 years and I'm eager to see what the Lord has next for him!

Like I said before, I am staying home with Jubilee and loving it!! Truly an amazing opportunity! We like to stay busy whether it be at home or out with others! We like to spend time playing with cousins or friends at parks and splash pads. It seems like there is always something to do! Other than being a Mommy, I participate in as much as possible with WFM. My favorite this summer has been helping with the CSA program picking vegetables in the high tunnel. I have loved learning new ways to grow and the many different varieties of vegetables. I am looking forward to expanding my horizons this fall by canning and teaching myself how to freeze, dehydrate, and juice the harvest that comes in! I'm thankful for a chance to pursue my creativity in a business with my sister in law, Danielle, as well. Combined with my love for administrating and social networking and her craftiness with a sewing machine, we formed Lily Bean: Restoring Old to New. We are looking forward to expanding from restored sweater mittens to many other crafty projects as time sees fit! Our goal is to take some product to some craft shows this fall!  I also have some other adventures ahead and will share as they come about! 

Thank you for sticking around and sorry again for the length of time it took to get back on here! I have really missed sharing! Blessings to each of you!

The Steens- DJ, Nicole, & Jubilee

Remembering the beginning...

  With the beginning of June soon to come, I quickly realize that means July 1 is one month away, only 35 days until we meet our daughter! It seems like just yesterday that we were in Israel finding out we were pregnant! I was sitting on our room's balcony, feeling so full of life, wanting to scream it at the top of my lungs! DJ and I chose to keep it between us for the first week we were there and it was something I'll never forget. Being able to look DJ in the eye and he'd have that twinkle, that only we knew why it was there. Knowing there was life growing inside of me that God chose to allow with His very perfect timing and knowing how very significant it was that we find out in Israel. 

  After deciding to let the others in on the big secret, I had those that wanted to pray and bless the pregnancy. I'll never forget the day that the group gathered around us on top of Mount Carmel and prayed for our little one. Words such as "warrior"and "double portion"  came over and over again. And the Lord spoke to me. He said," This is my pregnancy! Trust me!" Since that day, I've had peace with every part of this pregnancy. Even now, I look down at my belly and I can't help but smile...it's been 8 months of ups and downs, but we put our trust in Him, knowing that He would guard and protect our precious gift. And now as we face the 35 wk mark, I am undone with blessing, joy, and peace. God is good and He truly gives us the desires of our hearts!
                        *     *     *     *     *

  Now we are in preparation mode, acquiring last minute necessities, packing hospital bags and the baby bag, and working on relaxation and breathing methods (more me, than DJ). I've always been the type to feel more comfortable in a situation having already experienced something similar to it. This will be mostly all new to me. Therefore I'm doing what I can to prepare, hoping I remember when I'm actually in labor! :) Depending on when she decides to come, this may be my last blog until after she is here! I'll post on Facebook best I can! Thank you for your continued prayers! Blessings!!

Stir Crazy!

  The time is drawing near for this little one to come...8 weeks to go! I can hardly believe how soon we'll be holding her and doing all the things a new Mommy and Daddy get to do! Although it seems to have gone somewhat quickly, I'm in awe that I've been able to make it 3 months on bed rest! Today I am definitely feeling STIR CRAZY! It's a beautiful day outside and having company come and then watch them leave was hard. Being able to just go grocery shopping or go on a walk or a road trip with DJ...the simple things that I once took for granted. I am so longing to be able to do simple things again! I have been so thankful for a schedule that would allow me to be on bed rest and a husband to be here to help me through. I have had some moments of stillness that I enjoyed, but today...I AM STIR CRAZY! 

  I think what I have learned is to not hold emotions in, but communicate with DJ as much as possible what I'm feeling. Even if I feel it might sound sillier outside my head, just getting it out really helps. I've also learned that it's okay to cry. Sad, happy, mad, irritated, nervous, etc. With all these extra hormones, it's bound to happen. I've appreciated DJ letting it be okay and offering up his shoulder to cry on. Don't get me wrong, we laugh and plan and dream. There are many, many good days. Not being able to lead a "normal" life and sometimes being alone during the day catch up to you.

  If I could offer advice to anyone on bed rest, it would be to fully rely on your husband! Make him part of your day and make an effort to have conversation not having technology in the background. I think it's so important to open up and reveal those things that seem to get pent up so easily.

I would also say that keeping date night is so important! It may not be much, but putting a movie on and eating something a little nicer or out of the ordinary really breaks up times and meals that have become routine. 

All in all, I must go all the way back to the beginning of this pregnancy and remember what God told me in Israel. He said," This is my (God) pregnancy. Trust in me." So...here starts my 8 week countdown to July 1!!

They say it tastes like orange sunkist pop...

DUNT DUNT DUUUUUUN! The week of the glucose test has finally arrived!! I haven't been looking forward to the test, but I am pretty excited we are at 28 weeks! I don't know if people who have gone through it really think it tastes like flat orange pop, but we shall see! I think I've been pretty determined to not have gestational diabetes, so I've watched my sugar intake. But when you crave something sweet, you have to eat it!! :) 

In all my magazines and books, they've announced the final decent of the pregnancy: THIRD TRIMESTER! For the past two trimesters, I have coasted on good reports and ultrasound pictures showing me glimpses of my baby girl. And now, all of a sudden, we are almost done! Exciting, but a bundle of nerves. Watching and paying total attention to how I feel with every braxton hicks contraction that passes. I've registered with the hospital, made my hospital/baby bag list of things to pack, and have learned a little bit about how to breathe during labor. Because we've chosen to have baby showers after Baby Steen is born, I think it feels like her arrival should be later. But we only have 12 weeks left!!!

We are all moved over from our house and DJ continues to finish little projects there to be ready to show it to potential buyers! When all is said and done, we are glad we moved. BUT transition is difficult, especially when I don't do particularly well with changes. Momma just wants to NEST here people! :) :)

Thank you to everyone who has visited and sent cards and goodie bags! It has really made this time pass by a little more quickly than I anticipated! When Baby gets here, watch out, cuz we'll be knocking on your door! No laying around for this Momma!! :) 

BLESSINGS!!!

You are my hiding place...

"You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance...Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" Psalm 32:7 & 11

I was reading this morning and this scripture really ministered to me. I feel like sometimes I can get down and feel sorry for myself about being on bed rest. But knowing what I'm fighting for encourages me and gives me that much  more gusto to get through one more day! I've been trusting in the Lord to give me strength and comfort each new day. It's not easy, but I will continue to press on :) 

I can't believe it's been 8 weeks already! We are between 26 and 27 weeks now and baby is measuring right on and weighing 2 lbs. She has been very active! I just love feeling her move around! Visitors have been able to feel her movements as well, which is fun! 

We are moving this weekend to a new home. It has been kind of hard not being able to help, but I have AMAZING family that help selflessly! I can't even imagine what we'd do without them! I'll be posting pictures as I can take them!

We are very excited to start this new leg of our journey together!

Be blessed today! 

My cup is full!

3 WEEKS DOWN!! AND INTO WEEK #4!

We are into our 23rd week now! Bed rest has been going well. And surprisingly I've stayed pretty busy! I've had several visitors, two who have brought their babies! It filled my baby cravings! Thank you friends! 

I appreciate everything that has been provided for my never ending entertainment!! What a blessing to have such amazing friends and family!!

Things I have begun to appreciate more:

1) A full water bottle

2) A warm shower

3) Clean comfy pants

4) A chocolate stash within arms reach

5) Internet- that is always working!

6) A charged phone (phone calls, texts, and Words with Friends tends to drain it!)

7) Clean comfy pants! (Did I already mention that??)

8) Friends/Family visits...means more than you know!

9) Pinterest & Netflix

And last, but surely not least...

10) My husband!! Over the last month he has acted selflessly to make sure that all my needs are met, like the cravings that require him to leave the house even when he has just arrived home! I am so blessed!

We have a doctor appointment next week! We'll have an ultrasound to see the baby and will also be scheduled for the steroid shots for the baby's lungs development. Please be praying that this week goes by with ease and that I'll remain peaceful and joyful! Each day is a gift and I'm treating it as such...especially when this little one is bouncing inside of me! 

Thank you for reading! Blessings!

Definition of Bed Rest..

Rest: Cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.

Before being pregnant, I would think about what it would be like to be on bed rest..."Time off" or "I could catch up on so many things!" or "I can sleep in every day!!". As I lay here (one week and one day having been on bed rest), I feel as thought those answers have changed quite a bit! 

I went in for a routine checkup and ultrasound, baby cooperated and was able to show the tech if she were a boy or a girl and I was ecstatic! The doctor came in and said that my cervix was shorter than she'd like to see and that I would need to start bed rest as soon as I arrived home. BUMMER!!! None of those feelings of having time off or being able to sleep in every day crossed my mind! In fact, it was quite the opposite. I began thinking about everything that I would be missing because of being laid up at home. Coffee dates, pedicure/lunch dates, and possibly even my own baby showers! I had to have some time to process everything and it came down to this: DJ and I would do anything for our baby, and that even meant being on bed rest for the entirety of the pregnancy! My quiet times since then have consisted with prayers of protection and life. That I would keep my gaze fixed on Jesus and continue to steward an atmosphere of peace and love. And that I would take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 

Last Saturday we had our family over and partook of the amazing cake pops (Made by Crystal Lynn!!) to reveal our baby's gender...we are having a baby GIRL!!! It was such an amazing experience finding out that way!

Since then we've been praying and anointing the belly mostly every day and just watching it grow and grow! She has been VERY active, moving around all the time. It's one of the coolest feelings---I can't wait for the kicks!!

So, is bed rest all that bad?? No. I am still able to enjoy friends and meals. And I do get to sleep in some. Ultimately, I am a mother and I will do whatever I have to keep her safe and sound until it's time for her to come out! 

You can be praying for extra miraculous results of our ultrasound next week and a good report! We believe in a BIG God and are trusting in His promises!! Be blessed!!

Time flies when you're expecting a baby...

I'm noticing that as time goes by, it's going by quickly! I was going over some old blog posts and read the one where we announced being pregnant. It just seems like yesterday that we found out, now we are almost 19 weeks already! For as excited as we are, I wish time would slow down a little too. We have so much to look forward to, showers to attend, registries to create, and decorating- I'm trying to take each moment and savor it! 

All my life I've wanted to be a mother and I'm so close. It brings me to tears thinking how God would be so trusting to place a tiny seed in me to want to be a mother and then to be so faithful to allow it to come to fruition. He is good and He is truly the giver of good gifts! 

As I said before, we are about 19 weeks and things are really starting to change. It seems my belly popped out over night! I notice now that bending over is difficult and sleeping at night is becoming a challenge. I don't feel sick anymore, just the occasional craving. I feel movements constantly, which is reassuring and encouraging. I have an ultrasound this week and will possibly even be able to find out what the baby's gender is! Very excited!! We will likely announce it within the next couple of weeks! 

Feeling so blessed today! Give God thanks! :)

I'll do whatever it takes...

  We are so excited at how well the pregnancy is going! I'm halfway through my 13th week now and things are definitely starting to change and grow (my belly!!). I've seen my doctor a couple times now and have had 2 ultrasounds. The last ultrasound, the baby was bouncing all over, waving it's arms. It's such an awesome reassurance to see hear that little heartbeat (160 beats per minute). 

  On January 4th, I will be going to the hospital to have a procedure done called a cerclage. In this procedure they do a little purse string suture across the opening of the cervix. Mainly precaution for when the baby gets heavier and puts pressure on the cervix. With Miracle, her weight at 17.5 weeks was just too much causing me to dilate and deliver prematurely. This time around I will do whatever it takes to go full term. 

  I'm very optimistic! My doctor has done this procedure before and she is confident that I'll respond well. When I hit 36 weeks, they'll remove the suture allowing me to deliver naturally whenever God wants this little one to come! 

  Right now, we are preparing mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially for the baby. Planning showers and talking about registering for baby stuff is so much fun! I will wait a little while before choosing nursery colors and decor, even though it's so tempting to start now! I have some fun ideas that I'm looking forward to  trying out for the nursery! (Will post pictures!)

  DJ and I are taking it one day at a time, communicating when there are odd feelings or fears. Praying and believing for a healthy, active pregnancy and child. And just enjoying the pregnancy (as Nick Canuso prayed over us in October). Thank you for all your prayers, support, and encouragement! We are absolutely excited and cannot wait to meet this little one! God bless!!

Journey to Israel

       On October 23rd, we traveled to Chicago to start our journey to Israel. With a couple long flights ahead of us, we laughed and joked and prepared our hearts for what was to come. After arriving, we met our new group of friends, people that we would be seeing day in and day out for 2 whole weeks. Our group leaders, Dennis and Tirtzah, greeted us and we spoke shortly of what was to come for our trip. I went to sleep that night with great expectation and an empty camera card! The days started to fill up with amazing sights and Bible courses spoken in German. I enjoyed learning a new culture, but there was still something missing. After a couple conversations with group members, I came into a new light about Jesus, Jews, and Gentiles and how they come together. It's still something I need to learn more of, but there is no longer a big question mark in my heart when I think about Israel. A few of the trips we went on while in Israel: 

                                                                     

                                              Jerusalem

                        

  The Western Wall (The Wailing Wall):                        

                    Sea of Galilee

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                      The Jordan River

                                                                                                            Mediterannean Sea:

Caesarea:

Our fondest memory of Israel, was finding out that we are pregnant! God truly gave us an amazing gift and feel so blessed to have found out while on the trip! This picture is the day we told the group the great news. We had traveled to Mt. Carmel (which means "Fruitful") that morning and the group lifted us in prayer and declared life and protection over the baby on top of the mountain! We are so excited and will thank Him each day for this amazing opportunity! 

God Bless you, Friends and Family! We are so blessed by your prayers and encouraging advice! :)

Annabella

Let me tell you about a little girl I got to meet a couple weekends ago...Annabella. Anna means "Favor of God" and Bella means "Easy to love". She had dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, cute little button nose, and the cutest little smile you ever did see. Something about her resembled what I imagine our little Miracle to look like. Just beautiful, sweet, innocent...

The moment I saw her little face, I felt a warmth in my heart that brought me to tears. I got to hold her for a short time and even though my unpracticed arms fell asleep, I could almost not bear to hand her back to her beautiful mother. I heard the still small voice of God say,"Please don't be sad, keep your eyes on me, I love you..." 

I've managed to be strong and trust in Him through this whole chapter, but I have days that I remember Miracle and the journey that only just started when we lost her and it makes me sad. But I am hopeful and am clinging to His promises, that He is good. And just. And makes all things new. 

Annabella, thank you for giving me that moment to hear from the Lord and relish in His love for me. You are truly a blessing to everyone you come into contact with and God uses you, even now, as an infant! Mommy, please give her a squeeze for me...love you!

Be encouraged today that God has big plans and that He has great love for you!

Empty, but simple

It doesn't seem like very long ago we were saying goodbye to Iowa. But we are back and I must admit, it feels great to be home! A friend in California told me that we'd get home and have this new perspective on how we live life in Iowa...and as we get further along in time, I am seeing this to be true! 

We have been waiting for our moving truck to arrive with all our belongings today, it has been forever since I've seen my possessions and slept on my bed (although we have been able to sleep on a comfy air mattress- thank you Lynn's!) 

We've come to live simply the last couple weeks and after some conversation on the matter, we both agree it's been nice. (I see a garage sale in the near future!) Empty walls have been a little depressing at times, so I'm looking forward to filling them with some new photos. And I think mostly we are excited to house people in need of a roof over their head. We have the room and the Lord has really put it in our hearts! 

God has also been speaking to us about our finances and to let Him be creative in where we work and how He provides for us. We believe in supernatural favor and are trying to walk in faith to receive all that God has for us! We have felt like this is a new chapter for us and are looking forward to being apart of something very great! 

This summer I am going to learn how to can veggies and fruits and I'm looking forward to spending as much time as I can in my families gardens, earning all those veggies that I'll be canning! I've been searching high and low for shelving that people are not using anymore or getting rid of. I'm also checking Craigslist many times a day for "treasures" that are being given away! Currently we are looking for a desk for DJ, 2-3 wooden bookshelves, living room furniture (chairs and ottomans), a full size or queen bed for our guest room, a queen bed frame, metal shelving for my potential, growing pantry, and chairs for our dining room table! We had to leave so many things in California when we left that we are kind of starting fresh and believing for the Lord to provide! Spread the word! :)

If I can find the time this summer, I'll be posting my canning adventures---should be a lot of fun learning!!

God Bless and THANKS for reading!!

Let the packing begin!

As I sit with my windows open, watching the palm trees lean back and forth in the warm, California breeze, I begin to think of all that we've accomplished here and were able to enjoy on this part of our journey! I remember in the times of loneliness, God brought us lifelong friends. I remember in the times of sadness, God brought peace and joyfulness. I remember in the times of plenty, God showed us to give as freely as we have received (and were blessed!). I remember all the times of laughter and learning we had and what great memories were created!  We have been so blessed to come along side and collaborate with some of the most generous, loving, and supporting people and organizations. They have welcomed us with open arms and even though it's hard to leave, they are letting us go, expecting our visits aren't too far and few between! (I agree gladly to visit ANY time!) 

Some of our favorite times have been welcoming Iowa family and friends into our home and showing them the beaches and downtown Hollywood, driving up and down the Pacific Coast Highway, being able to visit with my aunt (she gave DJ the great adventure of kayaking on the Pacific Ocean, which he loved!) camping on Thornhill Beach with my father, seeing our favorite comedian, Brian Reegan, live in San Diego, riding the carousel on the Santa Monica Pier, and living in the foothills of beautiful mountains! There were SO MANY great memories made and lots of pictures to look back at! We've also met some amazing people of God, whom we foresee running along side in this fight against human trafficking for years to come!

We are looking forward to moving back to Iowa for many reasons! Other than the most important of being around our family and friends more, we look forward to living in our house again (also repairing, "renovating", and updating the house!), starting new jobs, seeing the ground breaking and opening of the National Training Center at the Midwest Prayer Center, and so, so many other things! We have great expectation of what the Lord will do and can't wait to see His promises come to fruition!

We will keep you posted on the who's, what's, and when's...until then, please keep praying for our safe travels home, CRTEC (Center to Restore Trafficked and Exploited Children) and all that's ahead for the organization, and us on our journey to become pregnant again. We are so thankful for your prayers, love, and support! God Bless! 

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Prayer Answered

My prayers have been answered...I got a job today! I'm so excited because I will be doing something that I LOVE! I got the chance to meet the owner of the company, Stamp Out, tonight and I think we totally hit it off! She's very cool, easy going, and will be easy to talk to. I have a lot of freedom to use my imagination and creativity designing customized stamps! I'll also be helping with office tasks, organizing, and helping with the company's social media networking.  Thank you to those of you who were praying, I'm so blessed by this opportunity! If you're curious take a look at where I'll be...www.stampoutonline.com . Look for us on Etsy!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you!"

Relational Tithe: We Are Not Alone by Shane Claiborne

This video is narrated by author Shane Claiborne, who I have been reading the last couple of months. I have been greatly challenged by his writings, and convicted by the Holy Spirit to not just be aware of the poor around me, but to do something about it. Jesus didn't visit the poor and then go home to his ritzy house in a gated community. He spent much of his time with them, treating them like people who were special and important. People who were created. I hope this inspires and grabs you the way it did me.

Seen by God at the postal annex...

    Hi all! This is DJ, trying out my first attempt at blogging! Hope this is as encouraging to you as it was to us! When things aren't going well for me, it's sometimes difficult to have a clear perspective about God's role in everything, and where exactly He is during all this. There are times though, when God makes Himself very visible- and very close. A couple of days ago, I went to the Postal Annex for some stamps. I needed one hundred of them for our February newsletter and the guy who owned the place made a comment about me needing so many stamps. I explained that Nicole and I are kind-of-missionaries and needed them for our monthly newsletter .(The bill came to $49 and I only had $46 in cash.) But as he was ringing me up he says, "So your a missionary, huh?", and I tell him yes. So he punches some new numbers into the register and gives me a $3 discount so the new total is $46- exactly the amount I had. He tells me to keep doing God's work. I ask him if he is a Christian and he answers yes and says that he, too is doing God's work. I make a point of saying I am too, even though it may have been self-explanatory. I tell him thank you and walk out to my car.

     As I'm walking, my body has a weird feeling from head to toe and felt like the Lord was saying, 'Yeah, I see you.' I thought about the blessing I just received, and thought it was really neat that the discount he gave me was the exact amount of cash I had. And even though it was only $3 he knocked off the bill- I felt super special. And seen by God.

     

It may be a small part of our day for something like this to happen, but we are just doing our part to change the world...what can you do?

God Bless!

Steen February Newsletter

Hello Family, Friends & Partners!

It is with great pleasure that I announce to you that on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 the San Gabriel Valley Children’s Restoration Center Task Force had its inaugural meeting on the campus of Azusa Pacific University! We have a wonderful group of men and women assembled for the next three months.  Among our members are a social worker, a pastor/house of prayer leader who does outreach to prostituted women, a professor/missionary, a director of an anti-human trafficking organization, a pastor who specializes in fundraising, and a survivor of trafficking. We all work well together and have a Spirit of unity that was my biggest prayer leading up to our gathering.  We are meeting every other week through the end of April, when we will have a strategic business plan that will be used to implement the task force finding, and secure prayer partners and financial support.

                Two days after our first meeting, some members of our task force visited the Institute for Children’s Aid, a faith-based organization that deals with adoptions and foster care. (This is where our social worker works.)  They showed us an amazing interactive display that kids and adults go through that teaches about children’s human rights, child soldiers, poverty, and human trafficking.  Then, over lunch, we talked about ways we could work together.  Laura, the founder of ICA, said that we could use their state license to operate our restoration center under. This is a really big deal because it is very difficult to obtain a state license, and if you don’t have one, you have to obtain a separate license for every county you work in.  There are many details to be worked out in this arrangement but as you can see, the Lord is already moving on our behalf. 

                A week before our task force launched here in L.A., I flew to Terre Haute, Indiana to meet with a group from the Wabash Valley House of Prayer. This is a group CRTEC trained last summer and they wanted us to help them get ready to start their task force.  So some of our CRTEC staff drove in for a Saturday meeting where we answered questions and provided direction for them as they seek to establish their own CRC (Child Restoration Center).  It’s important to note that the task forces in L.A. and Terre Haute are the intended outcome of CRTEC’s TIP-ID (Trafficking In Persons- Identification) program. We train people in human trafficking identification, and then assist those who want to take the action step of putting together a task force with the purpose of establishing a CRC in their community. Since there are less than 100 beds in the United States for child victims of human trafficking, and over 100,000 victims every year, WE (that’s you and me) have a lot of work to do.

                On April 16, an important event will take place in conjunction with Worldteam Foundation (the missions organization CRTEC is working with in L.A.). It is called Proclaim Freedom, and it is a major fundraising evening with the proceeds going towards CRC’s in Thailand and the one we are establishing here in Southern California. Madisen Beaty, who played opposite a young Brad Pitt in the movie Benjamin Button, will be the MC for the evening, and we will be presenting the vision for a CRC in the San Gabriel Valley. We covet your prayers over the next few weeks leading up to April 16, that those who attend would respond to the Lord’s call, and join with Worldteam in launching a place for children to be restored from trafficking.

                Here are some things we would ask you to join us in prayer for over the coming weeks:

1. We have many medical bills coming in from Nicole’s stay in the hospital in November-December and no money to pay them.

2. That Nicole would be able to find a job. She has applied to numerous places and nothing has panned out. It’s important for her to find work to help us cover our expenses.

3. For the task forces in L.A. and Terre Haute to be faithful to the vision the Lord has given them in establishing CRC’s, and that they would be successful in their endeavor.

4. For the Proclaim Freedom fundraiser event in April to be successful in raising money but also in recruiting men and women to join the movement to end modern day slavery.

                Lastly, I want you to consider your part the fight against human trafficking. What if you could play a role in helping boys and girls who have been sexually exploited receive the help they need to have a new life? You can start making a difference today regarding this issue by refusing to buy the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue or by assuming that all women and children in prostitution are not their by choice but are being prostituted. But I would ask you to also consider supporting Nicole and I financially, either with a one-time gift or on a monthly basis. This allows us to concentrate less on working to pay bills, and more on seeing this CRC become a reality. But supporting us also connects you to the children we help and I want you to become more aware and involved with protecting children around you in your own community. We have a mandate from God to take care of the exploited, such as Proverbs 31:8-9,”Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and the helpless, and see that they get justice.”

                So for those of you who are reading this and are standing on the sidelines, please pray about supporting us financially and/or as prayer warriors. And for those of you who are supporting us financially and praying for us- THANK YOU! We couldn’t be doing this work in Los Angeles without you. Whichever camp you may fall in, we love all of you and treasure your friendship. God’s richest blessings on all of you! 

                                                    In Him,  DJ &Nicole    

P.S. Please prayerfully consider supporting us online at www.crtec.org OR send check to:

                              CRTEC

                              PO Box 296

                              Hiawatha, IA 52233

Remember to pray for Los Angeles & Terre Haute task forces and our Proclaim Freedom fundraiser in April. And please help us out by reading the following questions about our newsletter and responding to nicole@windandfire.org with your thoughts and comments. Thank you for your feedback!

1. Do you read our newsletter? If not, why? (Is it too long? Are you too busy? Does the content not interest you?)

2. Has our newsletter moved you to action in any way? (Do you now pray about human trafficking? Do you talk about it more?)

3. What do you like about it?

4. What don’t you like about it?

5. What would you like to be better informed about?

6. Do you know of others that would be interested in reading and acting on this information?

A day in San Diego

 Over the last month, we've had the opportunity to take part in some really great experiences! For Valentines Day, I surprised DJ with a day trip to San Diego. Since we've moved here, we've wanted to travel down and spend time taking in the sights. We just happened to be there the same day they had a 100 year aircraft celebration, it was really interesting to see all the old, new, and really fast planes!

These fighter jets flew over and gave me chills! We also got to visit the San Diego harbor. There were so many people to navigate through, but we got some sun and fresh air before heading to change for dinner. I made reservations at the Operacaffe, an Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp district. After dinner, I unveiled my surprise to DJ...tickets to see Brian Regan, our FAVORITE comedian! We had a great day!!