Christmas: Passengers Stranded, and my Story of Shame

Hi from Boston!
Trust you had a warm memory making family Christmas?!
I was blessed to be here in Boston after only one night sleeping in the Seattle airport. There were so many heart wrenching stories at the airport that my heart had tears. Like the father who was trying to get home to spend Christmas with his 3 young children (after working up North for several months), and the seniors who were sleeping sitting up and the one man whom I noticed had trouble breathing and I called for help. There was the three brides maids that were informed there was "no way there plane could take off" and they missed the wedding. And so many that had been 3 days waiting for flights!
But here is the sad story of my own personal shame. I was in a long line, trying to change a ticket, and a lady, in her late 60's butts in front of me. This long slow moving line (with only two agents serving the entire line) allowed lots of time to chat with others. The women continued to stand in front of me after the gentleman directly ahead of me told her that I was next in line. She spoke broken english and had reported to him that she
was going to see her daughter in Newfoundland. That she was from Russia. I began to study this poor women and noticed her coloring was NOT good. Then I decided the right thing to do was to let her go first,and so I did. But as I waited I noted the attendant was raising her voice and at her and informing her that "a supervisor was coming" to "step to the side"...which she did. The attendant did not proceed with the next in line (me) but waited for the supervisor too. This Russian women then came to me and pleaded with me to use my credit card to buy her an airline ticket and that she would pay me "more cash than the ticket". I paused and my heart leapt to do it, but my head said, "this could be a scam", at that moment the Supervisor arrived and upon hearing the story assured me the women could purchase a ticket with cash. And so I was served then by the other attendant. As I finished my transaction I glanced over and noticed the Russian women approaching someone else to buy her a ticket with their credit card! I quickly ducked passed her and rushed through security. Once safely at my gate I pondered this situation and felt ashamed of how I had dodged her. I spoke about this Russian lady to the traveller  next to me and she too had been approached by the same women. Only she heard the women's daughter in Newfoundland was very sick! Now I felt worse, so I went to speak with the agent that would call us to board the plane. And she informed me they too knew of this women and that she had been over night in the airport and that they could not understand her and had no one who could speak Russian. I asked her to inform the airport security because there must be someone that could help this desperate women and I said "her coloring isn't good, she looks exhausted".
Within 20 min the West Jet attendant came back to inform me they had found an interpreter and sold the women a ticket to Newfoundland. And by the way she added, "you were right in noting her coloring, she has a heart condition". Sigh.
I pondered my behaviour, and asked God to forgive me, and to give me spiritual eyes. To be sensitive and remember to think about "what would Jesus do?" I arrived at the Seattle airport, where the vending machines were reported to be empty, an elderly gentleman limped past me pulling a wagon, shouting "Free soup and beverages for hungry stranded travellers", I smiled, now that is what ...Jesus would do.



-
Maralee Dawn Ministries
maraleedawn@mac.com
Toll Free 1-866-930-1333
Ph. (604) 930-1333

---

Visit messengerbuddies.ca to find out how you could win. Enter today.

New baby Jaxsen and Jordan 8, Jacob 5 and Aliyah 2

Sent from my iPhone Hi here is Jaxsen's first day home yesterday!!
I am flying to Toronto tomorrow morning and will miss all of them! Today I flew to Vancouver,it was a marathon day with snow storm, frigid weather and delayed flights but I made it, on a wing and a prayer you could say! Or many prayers. Sigh.

Jaxsen has arrived...12-12-2008

This really is a year of "new beginings"! our newest grandson Jaxsen arrived yesterday and I held him for the first time today, he was so sweet,with the aroma of heaven and a big boy at 9 lbs! My eyes were misty as I snuggled him close and I felt so very blessed. Each new person, a baby from heaven or a child through marriage, are very precious in our family circle. I stand in awe as I watch it grow, in God's way and in His time. Some of the changes come with great delight and are embraced with joy. And other transtions in our family circle are pure agony ...yet they too are precious gifts that God uses to develope character in us and color in our family unit. Such a work of art, all the threads of pain and joy make the beautiful tapestry we call family. Smile. Big smile. This year ends with...new beginings, joyful new beginings. I will celebrate.

Waiting for a Precious Baby boy to Arrive...

Here I am ready to hope into bed ...but I have my bag packed and ready sitting at the foot of my bed...just in case I get the call tonight. My grandson is due any time now, well actually he is over due! They may call me to come to care for the other 3 children if they need to go to the hospital.So I am on call at anytime!
The first 9 months of this pregnancy the wait seemed like a piece of cake compared to the last about 3 weeks. All the signs were there, that he was coming and then nothing. It was another false alarm, We keep waiting and watching. The close it gets the slower time moves!
It is so much the same as the return of our Lord Jesus. We become disenchanted and desensitized...its so near, but like this baby it seems to never really happen. Yet believe me it will! It won't be long now and we will celebrate the new birth...and on the other hand it won't be long and we will celebrate Christs return The signs are here and the time is soon, and very soon.

The Seasons in our Life

I traveled through the mountains today, 12 hours and three lovely seasons. Left Langley , BC after a funeral, which was the celebration of Bernice Gerards amazing and exemplary life. It was wonderful! The Vancouver Sun called her "Nobody's Child".
It was a passing of the torch, the most outstanding thing to me was when they said Bernice had said "we don't stand up for things because we are going to win (ie pro life, etc) but because it is right to stand up. I know God is calling me to "stand up" and not be silent. I pray I will have the courage.
Langley was summer like, with roses and my summer flowers still in Bloom, Kamloops was fall with colors still changing and yet lots of green still. But Golden and on ward was full blown winter with road sanding crews etc. The snowwy mountains and frosty trees were magnificiant!

I almost forgot my friend (also a Texan) helped me off and on all day to get a printing project done...and yes that is his 'real name' , I quite like it an dhave gotten used to it now, he suits it too. He is a young dad and I am certain his kids talk about how their daddy gives them 'bear hugs'.
What  a blessing to me to know bear.

My Special Day

I am here in Dallas, Texas basking in the warmth of the sunshine and the warmth of the people! Some of the friendliest people in the world live here and they reach out in such kindness and hospitality that you feel right at home. Like wearing comfy slippers. Today was an amazing day full of sparkle and surprises. Starting with Suellen my hostess who brings me tea and breakfast in bed every morning! And her husband Jimy who clears away the dishes after each meal, its embarrassing to be waited on like this! My dear friend Mark arrived from Oklahoma (we met at the boot camp 2 years ago) and he took me for an delicious Mexican lunch and desert (which I can't recall the fancy name for but its a puff pastry with honey drizzled on top).Yummie! Marks daughter Erin and her Texan friend are working on an Apple upgrade for my Mac for me. And thats not all, Mark took me shopping to the Apple store and purchased several special things for me...including a new mouse that I ahd been needing and wanting for a long time (who would have thought the day would come when we would all long for a mouse in our house? Big smile. And then...I arrived home to find new pj's rom Suellen on my bed! And last but not least an e-mail invitation from another friend inviting me to come spend Christmas...all expenses (including airfare) paid. Sigh. This has been an extraordinary day of blessings showering down on me. E am so blessed, thank you Lord for all the sweet friendships and people ou bring into my life.

Our Friend Has Cancer and This is What she Wrote...

I had to post this precious letter (with out the name) because it touched my heart so deeply. That this friend, S, would be "praying for me" (in fact praying for all of us that are part of producing and broadcasting Maralee Dawn and Friends) while fighting her own battel with canceer, has inspired me! Will you please stop and pray for her right now? Thank you. And read on ...

Maralee dawn

 

Hi how are you doing? I am doing pretty good, but i,m real tired from the Chemo Treatments that i`ve been going through now. I will be getting a power port in a few weeks, I have a special hero to they are my doctors and nurses to help me with my type of Cancer that I have. I hav`nt been sick or anything, but I lost my hair,and had a few infections here and there, But i,m doing really well.

I have enjoyed your TV show today on respect of other properties.

I want to thank you for the prayers,and I have been praying for you too.

with love

s

 You may read my response to her following (I try to repond to all the letters and e-mails we recieve personally. Please pray for me as I do and that the Holy Spirit will use me in this way as well.

Our Special Friend has Cancer...my Response

My heart went out to a special friend who watches our Maralee Dawn and Friends TV series every Saturday. She recently wrote about her cancer, I will not use her name just the first letter "S". Here is what I wrote back, perhaps you have a friend with cancer? This might encourage them too...feel free to use it. We are all part of the same family, and we need to "ber each others burdens".

My dear S,
I was so very happy to get your e-mail this morning (Nov 02)! Thank you for remembering to pray for me sweet friend. I am sorry that you must take this chemo, but I am proud of you. You are so brave and courageous! I am delighted to know that you are getting better and that you have great Dr's and nurses! I will pray for them too. Do you have a wig now? I wear a lot of different wigs on my shows, did you notice? I have about 15 wigs!

Did you hear the story about the little 3 year old boy who had memorized the 23 Psalm? Have you ever memorized a verse before> This little boy stood up in church to recite his verse for all the people. He looked out and got a little frightened, and had what you might call "brain freeze'! He took a deep breath and said "The Lord is my shepherd...then silence, and then he said "thats all I know and thats all I need to know"! Big smile. I can learn from the little boy and so can you. A shepherd looks after His sheep. He uses his staff to chase a way the big bad wolves! And the hook part on his staff is to reach around a little lamb to use a hook when a lamb falls down, sometimes that get stuck in a crack in the rocks and he can use the hook end lift it out. He cleans there sores and and pours on something like wine to clean it (and that hurts like stink!). But He must clean it because you know how bad it is infection gets in there right? And then the great shepherd pours on oil, the healing kind, and that feels so good. The shepherd loves his lambs and they recognize His voice. he knows every lambs name and calls them by their name. He knows you Shelley, and He loves you so much.

We Love you too!
Maralee Dawn, Butch and Suzi and friends

Heb13:8

Living Your Dreams and Embracing Your Passion

Living your dreams and embracing your passions, now how exciting is that? I am so motivated to write this its like the Holy Spirit is prompting me. There are so many things but where do I start? It's coming to me like a super sized load of towels tumbling out of the dryer. Let me see if I can do one towel at a time.

The pursuit of my dream began when my friend Cheri and I attended a conference in Boston this past year called, God has a Dream for Your Life, and the more I listened to the keynote speakers talk about their "God Dreams"  the more I disconnected. I could not relate to the dream thing. I had no dream. There have been many times that I have had dreams as a child and youth and I was blessed to see most of them come to pass. But there I was, and here I am, in transition, without a dream.

 Two weeks ago I was in Washington, DC standing on the stairs near the White House, where Martin Luther King stood, in fact right on top of the very words, "I Have a Dream", imprinted in concrete. I lifted my face to the starry sky and said " God I don't have a dream. Why don't you give me a dream"? I thought of the verse ..."with out a vision (dream) my people parish."  And being a type 'A' personality I needed a dream, I felt like I was dying, surely God knew that, He created me!
 And now it is all coming together, like a revelation, but in little bites. There was my devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, Aug 05, The Baffling Call of God, it caught my attention because I am writing my life story and the working title is 'The Call'. So I read what Oswald had to say "God called Jesus Christ to what seemed unmitigated disaster...He [Jesus] led everyone of them [the disciples] to the place where their hearts were broken" (now I could relate to that)! ..."The things that happen do not happen by chance, they happen entirely in the decree of God". And now here is the crux of the matter, "If we are in communion with God and recognize that He is taking us into His purposes, we shall no longer try to find out what His purposes are...we are less inclined to say - Now why did God allow this and that?"  Then there was a bite that came from Rev Claire Stevens who said "God is not a distant deity. He is here." Claire chose his text from the book of John (the book that I instruct new believers to read because it teaches us who Jesus is) and John uses the word 'believe' so many times! And then as I turned the pages in John my eyes fell upon the notes from Kay Arther, when she addressed us (Women in Christian Media) in Nashville earlier this year. Kay challenged us with two keys, #1 You; meaning you knowing your God, and #2 Your body a living sacrifice! And Suellen Roberts prompted me with "your call (dream) is likely the thing you do with ease, what brings you the most peace"? I pondered that question (yes like Mary) and I couldn't answer it. It is like asking a person, with multiple talents, pick your favorite instrument. I like them all! 

 While I was in Spring Field Mo, searching for my dream, Dr Debbie Gill my host, encouraged me with her teaching to fast and pray, to know Gods will and plans/dreams for my life. We attended the Inaugural Lecture of DeLonn L. Rance who spoke passionately about "Fulfilling the Apostolic Mandate in Apostolic Power" and I wept. Then we sang the old time hymns that I haven't sung in a decade or more, the ones I sang out at the top of my lungs as a teen whom had heard 'the call"; I will go where you want me to go dear Lord.." and the second song was just as powerful "Take my Life and Let it be... wow, what an impact. Now if only I had "A Dream". Dr Cathie Kroeger prayed with me and encouraged me but still ...no dream. Rev Carol Griffiths fed me the next bite; "I am giving you a "special assignment", I was ready for any assignment, "go into all the world and preach the good news, and I give you my authority, my presence and Holy Spirit power!" Thats it? That is the assignment? Some how it all started to come together for me, like the final pieces in a puzzle.

 I get it. Gods dream for my life is in the here and now. He is here, and His dream for me is that I trust Him here and now without reservation. I need to focus on the present, all of the above divine appointments were imprinting my life. They were all God orchestrated. I am living His dream for me as I walk with Him, hand in hand, day by day. Knowing Him is his dream for me. Intimacy with Him is His dream for me. I am living my dream and only now, today, I realized it. The journey I am on is... "His dream journey for me"! I was looking to the stars, the prophets, my teachers and longing for "A Dream", something big, a vision for the future type of dream. And Gods dream for me was here all the time! Big smile. I have been living "the dream" all along. The here and now with my Jesus. LOL. How funny is that? I am passionate about every person I meet, every e-mail I send, and every divine appointment. They are God's dream team for me! I am highly favored, deeply loved, and very, very blessed. I am free from the intense pursuit of finding my dream. I am living my dream, His dream for me, and embracing my passion to proceed with "my special assignment" here and now. I am free. Smile. Yes free indeed.

Rule of Thumb

Dr Debbie Gill told me this saying comes from England and the meaning was intended to be instructions for men. They were allowed to beat their wives with a stick, so long as it was no larger in circumference then their thumb. Thus we have the expression "rule of thumb". I think this is one phrase that I will drop from my vocabulary! I could laugh and say "be sure to marry a man with small hands, or at least a skinny thumb. Preferably no thumbs"! However facts tell us that abuse is prevalent today. For example, what do you think the #1 reason for women visiting emergency rooms is? Dr Nancy Nason Clark and Dr Cathie Kroeger have done the research and the answer is ...partner abuse. Sigh. Must break the heart of our creator, my Lord and my God. And... Jesus wept. #end

Publish Post

Home Sweet Home

It is good to be back in Langley and to reconnect with family and friends. I spent the day helping my son and his daughter Erica, moving. It was a long hard day but a joy to see them settle in to their new place. Transitions and changes are hard and often come when you least expect. It seems as I plowed through with them today, I was reminded of my many moves. Who would have imagined I would be where I am today. Impossible! I try to sit still and listen, I am blessed because I'm learning to "be still and know that I am God". Yes I know, because I know.#end

Noah and the Ark

I was in Spring Field, Mo and met with amazing scholars at the AG offices there. My hostess, Dr Debbie Gill was amazing and I was so blessed and honoured. She even met me at the airport with flowers in hand! I was treated like a queen. God is so good to me. Dr Gill teaches Greek and did you know that in Proverbs 31 the translation for Virtuous women was not correct. The original greek word is 'valient women'. Yup. But it got changed in the translation. It is good to go back to the original. She taught me many things. Oh yes and the expression "rule of thumb" do you know what that means? Check this site tomorrow and I tell you, smile, or the next day or so in case I don't blog right away. You can also check out Branson, she took me there to see the show Noah's Ark, it was so amazing, I have no idea how many real animals were on stage but dozens and birds too! It was incredible and a must see if you can get to Branson, not to mention about 100 theatres in the area!!
And now I am so blessed here in Milpitas, California (25 min from San Francisco) with Karen Mark and Travis. Please pray for the services tomorrow. Thanks...and blessings!

I Had a Dream...

Just two days ago I stood in Washington DC on the very spot where Martin Luther King said the words "I had a dream..." It was an ah ha moment and I felt a deep inner strength and I asked the Lord...what is my dream? What do you want for me Lord? Have you asked the Lord that question? I am trusting to recieve an answer ....soon. watch for it. Smile. And in the mean time blessings!
#end

Mr Rogers Neighbourhood

I had a wonderful time in Greensburg at the Alliance church and a highlight was meeting the many fans that have been watching our TV series! And the 6-7 kids that made decisions to follow Jesus!
And then there was my new friend Mary Ann who is a writer an article that was on the front page of the local paper. She also gave me heads up that Mr Rogers grew up and produced all his programs in Greensburg! She also let me know that the new Mr Rogers centre was having it grand opening while I was there. It was such fun to tour it and my host and hostess were so kind to take me. I hope to add some pictures.See more at www.fredrogerscenter.org
I am now in Boston with my friend, Cheri Guze, who has 3 girls undeer 2, she has 8 week old identical twins! I am loving it!#end

I am in America, can you please pray?

Greetings Friends!
I have arrived safely in Greensburg at 2:30 am this morning after 16 hours in transit and three flights, on missed connection (but it was for such a good price, I saved a lot of money)! It is an outreach with the Greensburg Alliance church, and a pro life rally, smile. I am so blessed to be a part.My hostess is a lovely lady and we are going to tour today, tomorrow is the show at 6:30 pm, please pray.
Here are the other events:
Sept 30-Oct 7 Boston, visiting with Cheri Guze (board member from the inception of this ministry) and her three daughters under two! (New born identical twin girls).

Oct8-Oct 12 Washington , DC - speaker at the conference PASCH (Peace adn Saftey in the Christian Home) www.peaceandsaftey.com

Oct 14-Oct 16 - Springfield, Mo in exective networking meetings with the National leaders of the Assemblies of God

Oct 17-21 San Francisco, Ca- ministerin at the church of my previous ministry assistance, Karen.

Oct 24- ministry luncheon meeting in Langely (very important please pray)

Thank you so much I will post November later

Intentional Love

I was up at the hospital to visit my grandma again today, inspite of the smells sights and sounds that repulse me. It was a step of intentional love. After all it was grandma who was there for me when I was a new born and she applauded my first steps! She applauded for me at my recitals, was cheering for me each new birth f my own four kids and busy was knitting and crocheting for each baby that I had. She pressed a silver dollar into each grand babies hand. And yes she was there when my kids grew up and had their own. Always placing a box of chocolate rasisns in there little fists as their eyes danced and one of their first words was "gama". Precious years gone by and now my kids have kids and grandma is starting her journey to her final resting place. I want to be there for her. I want to be in the wings cheering her on. I enjoyed applauding for her tonight. When groaned about how I messed up the knitting project as she patiently showed me how to cast off, she looked at me side ways and said "A blind man would love to see this". We laughed. It was important for her to have a little bag taped to her tray to drop her garbage in, she so appreciated me getting one for her. She thanked me several times for coming to visit her and said she wished the family would come. I reminded her "I am family" and she said yeah but I mean the real family like Rita. Sigh. Everyday she says that to me. We repeat a lot of the same things. She struggles to remember what she can and tests me as she wants to be sure she is not losing more. "If I had my books and pictures around me I could do better" she would say and then reach for a family photo and begin saying each childs name. She loves to practice that each day. And I applaude. When its time to leave I ask if we can pray and then I recite the Lords Prayer, and each and ever time after I do she thanks me and then says "I don't say fancy long prayers like that I just say the one my mother taught me and she recites it for me in German and translates it in Engish. Forteen angels at my bed, two at my feet, two at my head two to wake me when I sleep and two to cover me with their wings and two to lead me home...something like that. And we say goodnight two or three times and I leave as she says I am very lucky to have these people to take care of me.. And I am very thankful you came to visti...now who are you again?
And I smile and we hug and kiss and I think I am so lucky to have the privilege of applauding my grandma. Because it is me ho is most bless of all when I visit her. And I will continue as much as I possibly can, not out of duty or respect, though they are important too, but our of pure joy. It was a delight to be with her and I left feeling so blessed. Yup its me who leaves so grateful ad so blessed! And all of heaven applauds because...love should be, can be, no it must be intentional.#end

An Eagle named Spirit

I was in Coledale Alberta yesterday at a bird sanctuary and was surprised to find they were keeping a stately Eagle latched to a pin in the ground with a leather tong around its ankle. The Golden Eagle, Spirit, just sat there turning his regal head from side to side as we all called out to him. My three grand kids were amused and the eight year old was busy taking photo's of Spirit. A volunteer bird keeper told us that Spirit was blind. It wasn't really noticeable until you studied the bird closely then you could see the right eye was a little glazed. Birds rely on their eyes, they do not have a sense of smell. In order to get Spirit to eat staff needed to press the food to his beak, right into his face. I pondered as to why they would keep that bird alive, force feeding a blind bird seemed a little confusing to me. At the end of the adventure we entered an exhibit hall with a slide show that displayed photo's of Spirit when he was brought in by a rescuer, dazed and wounded. He was sitting up, like any passenger would, in the back seat of the van his rescuers delivered him in. They thought he had been hit by a car as his head was so badly swollen. But the vet was shocked to discover that Spirit had two bullets in his chest and two in his head. One entered through his right eye and settled in his skull. That was what blinded the right eye, infection set in and took the vision from his left eye. I sat in awe looking at the x rays on display. How is it that this bird is alive? And who would shoot an eagle? The lasting impact Spirit had on me and all three grand kids will go on for years to come. Spirit is an ambassador. Now I have full comprehension as to why he must stay alive. People need to hear his story. Perhaps one by one we will see changes made in peoples behaviour because of this survivor.
Our God who see's each sparrow fall cares about this Eagle, and He cares about you and I. We can learn from nature. A deeply wounded and damaged individual is precious and most valuable. They too are the greatest ambassadors we have. Let us ponder this message, deeply.

You are Going to Hell!!

Have you ever had someone shout those words while shaking their finger in your face? That was my experience this past week. First time in my life (and hopefully the last)! I thought my response would have been anger, or perhaps a feeling of being crushed to the point of tears (that was me in the past) but it wasn't. What would your response have been? I was surprised to find I had a deep inner peace, a serenity. Like the psalmist said "draw water from the well of your salvation". I know in whom I have put my trust and so I answered my assailant with a calm reassuring voice. A soft answer turns away wrath, right? In this case it didn't seem to, I believe my response fell on deaf ears. However, following the incident God did speak to me in a sweet way through an unexpected source, I had an unopened letter tucked in my purse from a prisoner. When I read the only words printed with shaky hand writing on a recipe card inside it said "Satan is no match for our God". I was strengthen. I had just preached on temptation, how satan is the accuser and the different ways He accused Jesus. So this is my test, and it is the one that often breaks me, accusations, the enemies weapon in my life. Sound familiar? And so just as Jesus answered the accuser so did I ...saying "It is written..." I live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, and I believe and receive His love. His mercy is new every morning! Thanks be to God. I will get in my car now, and drive for many hours to my next destination, Edmonton. I be will singing on my journey, likely a song like "I am blessed..." God is good is... all the time. Did I mention that about 25-30 committed their lives to Jesus this week? And others felt God call them to full time service, and many others rededicated their lives. Yes I am blessed!

Its Time to Say Good Bye

My time here in Grande Prairie is nearing an end with only two more nights. I am believing that the best is yet to come! But this morning it was time to say Good Bye to my two grandkids and my daughter in law Kristi who have been such a huge support and blessing to me. Last night my heart over flowed with sweet joy as a group of children knelt and prayed to receive Jesus ...and with them was my 9 year old grandson Colton. His small step toward God made for a big celebration in heaven and in my heart! Smile.
Another gift from God, came yesterday morning as I ministered at a Day home type facility here for the severely disabled. Carla, one of the caregivers, came over to welcome me and shared with the group how she had been at the Alberta Beach camp as a little girl and met Butch and Suzi (and me) way back then. That blessed me. Then the clients warmed my heart with their unreserved laughter and spontaneous applause. Outwardly they were "differently abled" with every thing you can imagine, down syndrome, severe autism, etc but oh how they loved me and the puppets. They embraced Butch and Suzi, held the door for me coming and going and one lady came up at the end of the show almost in tears. She didn't get to hug Butch. I offered for her to hug me instead, reminding of how difficult it was to get Butch to go into his suitcase. So then she said "what about Suzi, could I hug her?". I added that I was sure Suzi would be sleeping and volunteered for her to hug me this time, and perhaps another day hug the puppets . She reluctantly agreed. Sigh. It was sooo precious. I pray the Lord will keep me child like and tender hearted, like those sweet new friends. And early this morning this verse was sent to me...

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 Big smile!

In the park at Grande Prairie Alberta

Last night it was so cold in the Park, I think about 8 degrees with a forty mile wind. I didn't expect anyone to show up but about 200 people came out! They sat and watched the show wrapped up in blankets, smile, quite a sight to see. My daughter in law Kristi and two grand kids were center front and cheering me on! At one point the wind nearly blew over speakers that were standing tall on poles ...but the audio technicians saw them sway and ran over and caught them and laid them on the ground. They may move the show indoors tonight. My hands were so cold after the show that I would welcome the move! But there are so many things to consider, like the people who show up at the park because of the advertisement, like the man named Rasco who was there the first night. He raised his hand along with more than a dozen others to receive Jesus. He came forward at the end and wept telling us that he was raised by his praying grandmother and was now living on the streets and his life was centered around drugs and alcohol. Please continue to pray that the good work that was started in him would be completed,that the miracle cleansing and changing power of our Saviour would rescue him from the prison he is in, may the chains of addiction be broken! There were many more decisions last night too. Gideons have provided us with Bibles, it is such a joy to hand them out to people who have never owned one... in fact some kids have never seen a Bible and are literally holding one for the first time in their life! Hard to believe isn't it?
Today I will minister at a home for people with special needs and then tonight another big rally. Please continue to pray for us. The People at the Grand Prairie Alliance church are working so hard to host this event and are a delight for me to work with with, a real blessing! One more thing...
My moms sister Rita, who is the same age as me (and we are very close), lost her husband on Sat to pneumonia, the funeral is Thursday in Burnaby, BC. I was going to cancel my last show here on Thursday night and go to the funeral but Rita has asked me to remain here and that "the show must go on" so I will do so. It is such a hard decision my heart is with her and our family who will gather. Please remember all of us in your prayers. Thanks. Maralee

Sparkle in my Day

I thank God because "Today is a gift and thats why we call it "the present", my grandma made a plaque for me with that on it. I love it. And each day I look for a present from my heavenly Father, I call it "sparkle in my day". Today it was like fire works! I received an e-mail from a stranger that saw our show and said it was like "Mr Rogers" and they loved it and wanted to encourage me. Smile. Then my two sisters and I had a 'girls day' totally unplanned but I was in town (for the funeral of my cousins husband) and they both had today off. We had one of our best visits ever! We shopped at Value Village and found shoes for my puppets and cowboy boots for me. I need them as tomorrow I head to Grand Prairie to do a week of Western Shows in the Park each night. My sister Val helped me coordinate and organize all the costumes for the puppets and me...more sparkle! And at the end of the day I had a visit with my niece Amber that was very sweet. And an e-mail from senior friends of mine who are in a home now but wanted to encourage me and tell me they are praying. Last but not least I was reminded that the enemy of our soul, and believers, have one thing in common, we both underestimate the power of prayer!! Yikes... I need to change that, and by the help of the Holy Spirit I will!

My car hydroplaned !!

Driving through the mountains, at the worst place, the Coquihaula, I saw a sign "When slippery do not use cruise control" and I was in Cruse so I turned it off and in a few minutes I hydroplaned and my heart nearly stopped. Then a short distance down the road another sign high critical accident zone slow down" and I was only driving 90 k and it was posted at 110 but I decided to go down to 80 and within a few minutes I had another pool and found the car hydroplane again! I was thanking God for the warning signs (that may have saved my life). And for the supporters you are praying for me every day and especially for this trip. Early in the Morn I prayed with WCM (Women in Christian Media) via conference call and was so blessed. I started to recall our time on the phone and began to sing "Sweet Hour of Prayer...In season of distress and grief my soul has often found relief..." My heart began to break for Yvonne and her three year old twins, the funeral was today.
Once again reminded of the brief time we spend on this side of eternity, and the painful farewells to those we love. There are many things we wrestle with down here and one day the answers will come first hand from our Father above. Until then I am reminded not to latch on to the "why" but the "what can I do now to bring honor to the Lord in this situation". Yvonne was strong, and the funeral was blessed with humor, found memories and a sweet fragrance of the Holy Spirit's presence. My devotions talked about "no way out of the hard and narrow place except at the tope" which means we must die to everything and empty our arms of all we cling to, whether relationships, theology or preconceived pat answers, and with our empty arms embrace Jesus and all that He has for us. He will take us farther and higher than we ever dreamed. My granddaughter, Erica, had a sleep over two days ago and she made me a necklace that says, "Dream Big". In the hard places, we have no strength to dream, none at all. However i can embrace the dreams of my Lord Jesus, to seek and saved the Lost. His dreams are mine. Today I choose to die to the old and embrace the new. I struggle, I wrestle, but the angel told Jacob..."for as a prince you have the power with God and with men...", It was a critical hour of change, transformation and new beginnings. Let this be true for me today too. And for Yvonne Benson and her girls. Who would have thought new beginnings would be so painful? Like giving birth...the rewards are yet to come, it takes time.

Another amazing week of camp!

Everything was unfamiliar and I didn't think I would know anyone at this new Camp ...Camp Fatherst Out on Cowcahan river, Vancouver island. I was in for so ,many surprises/ The first women I met, in the washroom of all places, knew me when I ministered 30 years ago in Courtney BC! And remembered the songs we sang! Then I was to meet three more people that knew Calvin and Claire Farnel very well and also my friends Eunice and Ken. In fact one of them sits on the school board with Ken for the Christian school in Courtney. Such a small world. Then two 12 year old boys in my group met each other both boys had the same first same and were being raised by their grandma's! I will call them Colin (not their real name). It was amazing to have such a small group of about 15 kids ages 4 through grade 7. Several of the older children were exceptionally gifted, musically and other wise. One was a virtuoso on the Violin. Another wrote songs and played the guitar, I gave two of them Vent lessons. Another grade 3 boy had a photo graphic memory! there was also a precious down syndrome girl who was a bright ray of sunshine to all of us. t was a stretch for me to gel the group and get them working together as a team. But they sure did and worked hard on memory work etc. i was proud of them and especially proud of how they could pray, we even built a temple and had a 'wailing wall' like in Israel. Many serious needs were posted. One colin had to leave the camp early without sayig good bye. We were all sad. We prayed. Then the report came back. The Aunt who had been raising him prior to his grandma, had been rushed to hospital
with hours left to live. Colin asked to be left alone with her and took his Bible and lead her in steps of salvation. She received Jesus into her life! The miracle was that the morning that he left I had jsut done a puppet show with my grandpa Character saying how important it is for kids to tell their grandparents that going to church and reading the Bible can't get them to heaven and to explain the one and only way to be sure you are saved. The miracle was that grandpa character was suppose to be Friday buy at the last minute I changed him to Thursday, this was God's plan...no doubt. My fried Kim came out to camp to help me and what a blessing she was. God granted us so much favor.
I am blessed!!
Prayer for saftey I leave Wed to drive to Edmt *my niece has suddenly lost her husband and is alone now with twin three year olds_ I will attend the funeral in Edmt and then drive the next day to Grand Prairie for the VBS for the entire family every night at a dwon town band shel!!! I am so blessed. God is so good and so faithful.
Blessings!
Maralee
_________________________________________________________________

Another VBS and I am so blessed

I have just arrived back from Oliver, BC the wine capitol of the world ...so they say! It was a highlight for me to go with a vinedresser into the vineyards and learn more about the pruning process. I am the vine and you are the branches if you abide in me and I in you you will bear much fruit. That is whet I was feeling in my spirit. I need to be close to him abiding in Jesus is the only way.
I also visited in a home where they made the largest cherry pie in the guinness book of records. It was 20 feet in diameter, two feet deep and took 2,000 pounds of cherries (I think thats what he said). The pie plate was made by a welding and fabrication company and then they took it back after and reused the materials. I forgot to ask how they baked the pie crust? But perhaps it was as hot then as it was this week 38-40 degrees! I think it would cook fairly fast! What a blessing to be with this wonderful church and the people treated me like a queen. I was even taken to the exquisite gulf coarse for lunch! Peggy Graham my friend who is 104 had me stay in her home. It was a blessing to be there and to reminisce about the years she worked for Maralee Dawn Ministries and travelled with me too Especially the 6 month trip to Africa and 8 other countries. That was about 25 years ago and she was in her late 70's (and we thought that she was old then!) Smile. She loves to joke about that. I wanted to bless the church but I think in the end I was the one most blessed especially to see about 40-50 decisions. Big smile and thank you for your prayers!

We can Trust the Man who Died for us

My devotional streams in the dessert started with a quote from an unknown pastor who knelt and prayed those very words. And Romans 6:13 was the reference which urges us to surrender our lives to God as people "who have risen from the dead"
Wow that is where I want to start this first day of August. Oswald Chambers in my Uttmost says today, "as long as you will not obey you are in the way." He also says "when we are certain in the way God is going to work, that he will never work in that way...."
So here I am back to an issue of waiting on God with the right attitude, one of trust and obedience. This is where I begin my day. Bringing my requests before Him with thanks giving (now that is easy my friend Cheri has delivered identical twin girls yesterday, and I am so thankful for they are miracles on many levels). Its the stopping to listen what He wants me to do today, and then when I hear HIm the more difficult is to 'obey'. I fail so often because first the break down of 'trust', why do I hesitate to trust the one who died for me? If there is anyone I can ever trust it is Him! And second I get so distracted from what the Holy Spirit urges me to do. so, today, August first a new beginning in a year of new beginnings, I will pause, pray and obey. I will make the decision to trust today. And move forward one day at a time (like my son when he quit smoking cold turkey, he said he just put an x on the calendar and did it one day at a time). Smile. I can do this. And with a smile.

The Pope Has Ruled: Women are not Subordinate

For the first time in the history of CBE (Christians for Biblical Equality) held their conference in Canada, in Toronto, Ontario. I was privileged to be there and I helped man a booth for Dr Catherine Kroeger , the founder and past president of CBE, and now the founder and president of PASCH (Peace and safety in the Christian Home) I helped take care of the PACSH booth.
One of the highlights for me at CBE was attending Dr Kevin Giles lecture on "The Pope Has Ruled..." According to Dr Giles, for two thousand years the Catholic church has preached that women were in second place, based on the fact they were created second. But now apparently that is "forever changed". According to Dr Giles the Pope has recently made a statement which affirms the full equality and dignity of women. The Pope took a stand for "mutual submission". Dr Giles continued with important facts and transitions, not just in the Catholic community but many other Christian communities as well. He elaborated on the verse in Genesis that says "man needs a help meet:" often misquoted as a "help mate". The Hebrew word for "help meet" is not "second Mate" like in a ship command with a hierarchal system but rather a help "meet" is saying "man needs a helper like himself". That would be an equal partner. Smile. I like that. It make me think of something... did you ever consider the fact that "dog is mans best friend", but he can never be his "help meet", his equal partner. So God created women. Knowing that He created both man and women in his. God's plan is that both man and women would have unique giftings so that when they come together with equality and mutual submission in so doing they create something far greater then either have alone. I think we are finally getting it. And the church is finally getting it, sigh, and I am finally getting it! That must make God smile.

God has a Dream for Your Life

Last year on this day I was in Boston at a Women of Faith conference and that was the title...God has a Dream...and I had a dream for my life too! Smile. I went home from the conference and open my devotional My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers and my idea and lessons from the conference were crushed and the chaff was blown away and this is what all that remained...pieces of what Mr Chambers had to say...and I quote:

"We must never put our dreams of success as God's purpose for us. His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have an idea that God is leading us to a particular end, a desired goal; but He is not....What we call the process God calls the end. His purpose is that I depend on Him and His power NOW. God is not working towards a particular finish; His end is the process...It is the process not the end that is glorifying to God. God's end is for me to see that He can walk on the chaos of life right now...we do not pay sufficient attention to the immediate present: if we realize that obedience is the end, then each moment as it comes is precious.
Be blessed and splash it on to others, like a sweet perfume. Maralee

Time passes too swiftly

I have been so blessed by so many precious friends these last few weeks but also very busy. I made a new friend Nita, and she is so like me. It's like looking in a mirror! And we both love popcorn!

Did you know the Bible states that God himself picks are friends and neighbours? Today I pause to thank Him.

Friends and family are the richest blessing (gifts) we have or will ever have. I feel very rich and very, very blessed! How about you?

Maralee#end

Holy Land Experience more than I expected

It was indiscernible and absolutely astonishing to be at the Holy Land here in Orlando! Please check it our www.holylandexperience.com Not many can afford to take their children and or grandkids to the Holy land so this is the next best thing, It can be a life changing experience and it definitely brings the Bible to life! The actors and singers are superb and as you walk through the replica of Solomon's temple and sit by the reflecting pool the drama unfolds around you. It wasn't long before I too was greeting everyone with "Shalom"! I can't count the number of times I was moved to tears and celebrated the joy of my journey with Jesus as well as the Freedom we have in the Nations (Canada and America) in which we live. Many come to Orlando for Disney World but this experience is far greater and can leave an indelible imprint in the heart and soul of a child...of anyone for that matter! I can't wait to come back, it was impossible to take in everything in one day.

The Morning After...

Hi Everyone!
Here I am in my hotel room in Orlando, Florida the morning after...the International Christian Visual Media awards banquet. When I got to my room it was late and I was too tired to blog but now the l Lord and I are beginning our day and I am refreshed after a good nights rest! How blessed I was, and very grateful to receive recognition last night at on behalf of our team and all the hard work everyone did! We received the bronze award in both categories; Best Children's series for Maralee Dawn and Friends and Best Children's show for the show 'Hero's, a Cape and a big Fight', which is one of our new High definition shows in Maralee Dawn and Friends series. We are so blessed! I hope to blog some photo's very soon.

Today I will be going to the Holy Land Experience, www.theholylandexperience.com, owned by TBN our largest Christian broadcaster). They will be giving me a VIP tour and have invited me to perform there possibly some time in the future. This is a little Israel built close to Disney World and I am looking forward to being there. And then tomorrow I will fly home.
Thank you for your prayers I have been so blessed and so rested in my spirit.
Be blessed and pass it on...

ICVM (International Christian Visual Media) 2008

This is an amazing conference!! Today one of the key note speakers was Jim Green, the man who was commissioned by Dr Bill Bright of Campus Crusade to produce the Jesus film 30 years ago. Then a few years ago the Children's version, and now most recently the "Women's" version called 'Magdalene' which is the newest and is about Jesus love and affirmation of women! We saw a preview and it was very, very moving, it covers topics such as forgiveness and shame issues. Jim gave me a copy of the trailer I hope to share it next week in Toronto at the Christians for Biblical Equality conference which I will be attending.
Here are some other hi-lights:
Campus has a website called shorts.com and they are looking for ideas for short films to engage this generation that can be loaded on an ipod and will motivate people to ask questions and engaged in dialogue re the good news. They will pay $120 for an idea and $1,200 for a full script. They must be only 5-7 minutes in length. So check it out! ASAP
-Jesus was a master story teller. in every society story is the way we pass things on, ie grandpa with grandchild on his knee.
-Visual literacy is excel-orating. "Preach and print the gospel is something of the past but now we need to 'portray' the gospel". We need to use more visual to reach this generation then any previous generation.
- Harvard study said that 85% of US high school graduates said they never wanted to read a book again after graduation. And 45% of College students responded the same!! (they prefer the internet).
-Barna research talks about the power of the visual and this 'visually literate generation' and that his research shows that they are influenced mostly by; TV, film,internet, and music. And apparently he states they are least influenced by; parents, church and school (now thats a paradigm shift)!!
-this is a global media driven generation
-53%of the world is made up of youth
-young people watch an average of 120 films a year
-this generation derives their moral and spiritual moorings from the films they see
-Jesus knew all about the internet and film and that visuals engage the brain
-We need to think strategically and be intentional in reaching this visually engaged generation who are primarily oral learners
-Not one person trying to reach everyone but everyone trying to reach someone!
-Its always too soon to quit. (sigh, see I told you so, smile, and I told me so too) in fact it was just the other day I struggled with that.

Well dear friends that is it for tonight. I am blessed and encouraged...hope you are too. Yes I have an agenda, not to build up myself, or Maralee Dawn Ministries (which God has entrusted to me) but to be building the Kingdom, that is my agenda. And working together... I need you. Please pray 'for' me, and pray 'with' me as I seek God's mind for the task that lies ahead. I am ready to do my part in building the Kingdom and am standing on Is 40:31.

Today is day 7 of my 21 day Daniel fast. I believe God is preparing me for my next assignment. There is no more exciting life then this walk of faith, so glad you are waling with me dear friends. And with our hand in His I have ever confidence that we will finish the coarse! And may we bring many along with us., this is my prayer.

How many oranges does it take to make a 6 oz glass of juice?

What a privilege to be here in Orlando, Florida, land of sunshine and fresh orange juice! I love the juice here, I have no idea how many oranges they squeeze to make one full glass of juice but I did enjoy three fresh cool glasses of juice. It was a good thing for the first 20 min and then...well too much of a good thing is just too much. Smile. I will be careful the rest of the week! Do you think I drank a full bag of oranges? Perhaps 12?
My friend Janet Brann arrived today from South Africa and what a great blessing she is to me. We are sharing a room at the International Plaza Resort and Spa. Please pray for divine appointments for both of us.

Have You Been Robbed?

This was the question asked at the dominion conference by one of the guest speakers. He went on to askif the enemy has robbed us in any of the areas ie finances, family,children,grandchildren...or perhaps our joy or faith?
I identified several areas where I could see the enemy at work over the years that I have been walking out my faith. His attacks have been relentless, however I am grateful for the weapons God has entrusted me with. The one I use least...prayer is the most powerful. I am commiting to move forward in that arena. Starting today I will begin a 21 day sugar fast as well. Want to join me? I have done it before for 40 days and it is extreamly challenging the first 3 days and then you adjust and its very cleansing and healthy. Smile. Yes it means no sugar substitutes either (like diet drinks)!

---

Refreshing Rain at Last!

Have you had the heat wave that we are experiencing? Several days of plus 33 celcius! It feels so good to have the cooling rain tonight. But please pray for dry roads throught the moutains as we leave Lethbridge, Alberta to head back to BC tomorrow!
This conference has been a turning point for me, from mourning to joy!
Yesterday one of the lady speakers tlaked about having her grand kids over for a sleep over. They call it going to 'Grandma Land", smile. How fun. In Grandma Land if you can reach it, say it, point to it, its yours! And there is very little discipline in Grandma Land.
So if we could get a revelation of our heavenly father ...I think God loves us so much that He wants us to have that kind of intimacy with him where he cna just open the windows of heaven and rain down blessings on us. Like He did today for the thirsty flowers and trees. And are we not more valuable then they? Big smile. Lift your face to the sky friends and be blessed. The showers are here!

What an incredible drive we had throught the gorgous Rocky Mountains, with amazing sunsets (2) and a sunrise! We, Jamey the youth I am mentoring, and myself, left Langley BC on Friday night and drove until 1 am. Unable to find a hotel on the holiday week-end we hunkerd down in the vehicle and slept for about 5 restless hours. Then headed out again at sunrise. It was an arduous drive, 14 hours but we made it. Yes we saw wildlife too!We stopped in Banff and visited the famous fudge and candy store and arrived in Lethbridge Alberta in time for the kick off of the conference... proudly singing 'O Canada'. The last two days have flown by with early mornings and late nights (as you can see I am just about to turn in). Tommorow is the last day and then on Tuesday (July 01, Officially Canada Day) we begin our trek back.
Today was a 'break through' day for me and I will write more about that soon. Please continue to remember us in your prayers. Love to all.

We prayed tonight and Wow...

I was so blessed! Ten friends came, making time in their extremely busy schedules to meet with me was such a great gift! I am surprised how fast the time went they just left a short while ago (from 7 to 11PM). I didn't experience any bright lights, other than the glow on their faces. And there were no Loud cries, other than our prayers. No angels unless they were the hands and feet of these precious ladies that blessed me so much, like Jesus in the flesh...
Jesus extended to me. And my heart puffed up with in me, and my Spirit soared and my faith expanded as we prayed, and I thought to myself "when they all go home and I am all alone again how will I feel? Will this all be a distant memory. Is it powerful enough to last until tomorrow? And I am sittin g her alone, and I sense your presence, you are here with me just as you promised and than I listen, I am still at last and I hear
you say...'mind if I join you?" Smile. Thank you Holy Spirit for being here as my comforter. And I glance up at the photo on my wall, looking off in the distance and I hear you again and you whisper ..".be still and know that I am God'' And I now remember the little boy who stood up to recite the Lords Prayer and said "The Lord is my Shepherd...(pause) thats' all I know and thats all I need to know". Smile. Me too. i am learning.

_________________________________________________________________

Prayer, Sweet hour of prayer... or how about five minutes?

My friend Murial, in Toronto, did not know that tomorrow I am having a prayer meeting here in my apartment in Langley BC, with a group of ladies and this morning she sent me this link to visit a prayer garden. It was so precious to me and was another way, very visual, to connect with my Father in a sweet connection of intimacy and thought provoking prayer. Please take time to visit this garden, its only a few minutes to do so but it could be life enriching or life changing for you today. Enjoy the journey and remember its not about the destination.
Love to you all (as I continue to learn to love more).

http://www.prayerforthenations.com/prayergarden/flash.htm
Prayer Changes things.

I love the Gypsies

We had a wonderful time together at the park today, my camera is broken or I could have posted some wonderful pictures of the families that come. It was a good turn out and I was introduced to new food, new fun and new friends. Butch and Suzi were dressed in their western attire and talked about the Canadian Gypsy is a cowboy/girl...LOL. They loved it. Most of them were from Europe and spoke Roma. Butch learned to count to three and to say good bye in Check. We sang the Country Riding preacher sitting on the back of my PT cruiser with the speakers facing out into the park...it worked perfectly!
A touching moment at the end was when one little 5 year old boy ran up and hugged Butch so tight (almost pulling him off my knee)! And then a tiny two year old girl with big dark eyes and a head full of curls gave him a big kiss. It was a tender moment. But sweetest of all was when I told my story/testimony and we recited John 3:16 and then 5 of them prayed to receive Christ. The angels are celebrating and so am I. It was the highlight of my week. I am so blessed!# end
_________________________________________________________________

The Gypsies are coming...

Hi Friends
I will be ministering tomorrow in Surrey for an out reach to Gypsies in a park and need you to help me pray for Sunshine. This has been the coldest June in the weather records history and the clouds and rain are suppose to continue this week-end. We are still waiting for strawberries too, and friends that are farmers are counting on at least 3-4 sunny dry days so they will ripen. Other wise they may go mold.
Please pray for the possibility of me mentoring a young lady this summer and for her to accompany me to the camps I have booked. And on Wednesday night I will have a group of ladies here in my home for prayer, we are looking for a couple of big miracle, will share more later.
"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for hi friends" ...is the verse from my devotions this morning. Reminding us of how critical it is to "pray for each other" I need you to pray for me because prayer changes things! I am pausing right now to pray for you dear friends.
With all my heart...Maralee

The Gypsies are coming

Hi Friends
I will be ministering tomorrow in Surrey for an out reach to Gypsies in a park and need you to help me pray for Sunshine. This has been the coldest June in the weather records history and the clouds and rain are suppose to continue this week-end. We are still waiting for strawberries too, and friends that are farmers are counting on at least 3-4 sunny dry days so they will ripen. Other wise they may go mold.
Please pray for the possibility of me mentoring a young lady this summer and for her to accompany me to the camps I have booked. And on Wednesday night I will have a group of ladies here in my home for prayer, we are looking for a couple of big miracle, will share more later.
"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for hi friends" ...is the verse from my devotions this morning. Reminding us of how critical it is to "pray for each other" I need you to pray for me because prayer changes things! I am pausing right now to pray for you dear friends.
With all my heart...Maralee
_________________________________________________________________
Try Chicktionary, a game that tests how many words you can form from the letters given. Find this and more puzzles at Live Search Games!
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/207

My sister sent this to me this morning and I love it

do you need to be inspired, encouraged or blessed? Read this and you will be. Smile. Yes I am sure. I know its a little long for a blog ...but...worth it.
Psalm 55:22
'Friends are God's way of taking care of us.'
This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician:

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the 'quickie mart ' building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying ' don't want my kids to see me crying,' so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, 'And you were praying?' That made her back a away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, 'He heard you, and He sent me.'

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her truck completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, 'So, are you like an angel or something?'

This definitely made me cry . I said, 'Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people.'

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22 'Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall ne ver suffer the righteous to be moved.'

My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God to bless, especially for the remaining months in 2008 , and I picked you.

Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed and a copy back to me.

Here is the prayer:

'Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren friends, relatives and e mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen. '

I know I picked more than four -- you can, too.
When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, Jesus, could You please get that for me ?

_________________________________________________________________
Find hidden words, unscramble celebrity names, or try the ultimate crossword puzzle with Live Search Games. Play now!
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/212

I am a friend of Jesus

This morning I was encouraged when I read these words in my devotional 'My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers.
The challenge was in the question "are you willing to lay down your life"? I always took that to mean are you willing to die on the mission field. And my answer an infatic "yes"! However it turns out that its not so easy as just being willing to die, but the questions probes to a much deeper level and a greater sacrifice, at least in my opinion, it is challenging us to daily "lay down our desires in life, our lust of the flesh, pride of life kind of stuff, and follow Him. In other words make Jesus the center of every single decision of our day. Jesus did exactly that for 33 years, setting the example for me. Sigh. And I struggle to do it, throughly, for one day. But but the mercy of God and the supernatural strength of the Holy Spirit I am determined to do it "today". How about you?
PS the meeting was great yesterday, the church name was actually Langely Full Gospel. The attendance was low do to Fathers Day, but that was OK the Holy Spirit was there in power...and it was "ME" who was ministered to most of all! Now that was a surprise. God is good.

_________________________________________________________________
Try Chicktionary, a game that tests how many words you can form from the letters given. Find this and more puzzles at Live Search Games!
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/207

It's a sunny Sabbath here in the Vancouver area!

i woke up with a song on my heart this morning and Jesus on my mind. And th=
en I thought about you, all my friends who have been walking with me these =
days and praying for me. I need you to pray today as this afternoon, Father=
s Day and a Happy Fathers day to all you Dads reading this) as I fo to mini=
ster in a needy community here in Surrey, BC. Please pray that s lost Dad w=
ill find his way to our heavenly Father. Pray that some Mothers son will co=
me home to His Father. Pray that some fathers weeping hearts cry for His ch=
ildren will be answered to day as a child or spouse bows there knee to King=
Jesus. Pray for healing in bodies, minds and especially in Spirit.

_________________________________________________________________
If you like crossword puzzles, then you'll love Flexicon, a game which combines four overlapping crossword puzzles into one!
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/208

Hi Maralee,

CONGRATULATIONS on the ICVM Award! We are all very proud of you and the project.
Have a great time in Florida on July 12th.....wish I could be there to see you so honoured but will definitely be thinking of you.

Cheers
Susan x

_________________________________________________________________

Canadian Children's series up for prestigious International award!!

Master Ventriloquist Maralee Dawn and team will receive an award for the 'Maralee Dawn and Friends' Best Children's Series 2008 at the ICVM (International Christian Visual Media) conference, www.icvm.com, in Orlando, Florida on July 12. Maralee Dawn and Friends was filmed in High Definition by the leaders in the industry HDTV based in Calgary Alberta. Doug Munrow, one of the owners of HDTV, was one of the first in Canada to jump on the band wagon filming in HD and is known as a guru in the industry. Maralee Dawn's studio is located in Lethbridge Alberta at the Miracle Channel and the partnership with HDTV and the MC crew and staff was excellent according to Gord Klassen the VP and Jon Koopman who were both a part of the production. Producer Drew Martin, was ecstatic with the results and was the liaison with the AFD, Alberta Film Development, to procure a grant to complete the project.
Credit goes to Christopher Bessett, director extrodinaire from Niagra,Ontario (terrapin-point.com) who was with the production from inception. Barbara Varrin, Edmonton, Alberta, who spent endless hours in Pre production organizing all the diverse elements of the shoot and was able to cram everything into sequence so that we stayed on budget and within our time frame...nothing less than a miracle! Marnie Wooding, writer from Vancouver, BC. Eclipse, the award winning set designers (Vancouver) and the gifted Lois Melnychk (Surrey) who wrote dozens of songs. Hilde Stevens was the children's wrangler (over 500 kids) who orchestrated clusters of kids for in studio recordings pre production. Blue Lion Studios, with Dean Maerz engineer pre mixed all the music and taught the puppets how to sing! Aja Jade Beattie, make up expert, (able to make Maralee look by at least 10 years younger) smile. Susan Llemann was the choreographer and puppet wrangler who practiced her skills, in previous years, in productions with her friends the late Shari Lewis and Lamb Chops. Carol deJong (Langley) the wardrobe expert, seamstress and green screen extra. There were multitudes of guests, too many to name; including the children, Indian Chiefs at Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, a man who climbed Mt Everest, dancers and a ride in a Hot Air Balloon with Dale Lang (whose son was killed in a High School shooting in Tabor AB). Every show had a segment shot at the Eagles Nest Ranch, in Medicine Hat,(enr.ca) including break dancers, skaters, rock climbing, horses etc. There are exotic and fascinating animals filmed at the Singapore Zoological Society in Singapore and Mountain View Conservation Society, (mtnviewconservaton.org) the dream of rescuing and breeding endangered species, is that of Gordon and Yvonne Blankstein of Langley. A great deal of gratitude to the MDM staff who went over the top volunteering hundreds of hours, Albert Yakielashek, Jeff Coomber and Lorraine Lance. As well as the family and friends who shuttled, fed crew and filled in anywhere and everywhere they were needed!

In Canada... CTS Calgary, Edmonton, and Burlington/Toronto area are pleased to be broadcasting the Maralee Dawn and Friends show on Saturday mornings. The Miracle Channel broadcasts Maralee Dawn and Friends nation wide. The largest markets for the series are in America with broadcasters such as TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) which is considered the largest broadcaster of Christian programing in the world. Through Smile of a Child Maralee Dawn and Friends is seen via satellite around the globe. Christi Legg, VP of I-life TV boasts that Maralee Dawn and Friends is their flag ship show and is shown daily.
Each show is focused on teaching a leadership quality, such as the value of international friendships, planning ahead and journaling. In fact every show concludes with the puppet characters in their jammies journaling the events and lessons of the day, often ending the show with a blast of humor! Thus the logo; loving, learning and laughing. No wonder the kids assimilate the leadership qualities as naturally as eating ice cream. LOL.

The Daily with Laura Lynn and Mark Washington

This is a photo of Laura Lynn and Mark Washington (a BC Lions football player) and the Premier of BC on the set of The Daily.

The show is broadcast daily 6 am, 3 pm and 10 pm. Please go to their website www.thedaily.ca to check for the call letters so you can watch it in your area.

I will be the guest on July 25.

Blessings!

Dynamite!

It was a blessing to share my faith and passion on AM 9:30, The Light, in Edmonton this morning.

Allan Huntsberger, the Host and myself shared some special things in common. Both of us are child believers (as Barna states over 85% of adult believers first came to faith before age 12) and both Allen and I were baptized in the Holy Spirit very young (age 11).

I shared that in todays devotional, My Utmost For His highest, Oswald Chambers states 'god not only expects me to do His will but He is in me to do it." and he also spoke about dynamite... "Dynamite is obedience to the Holy spirit".

I want more dynamite in my life...how about you?

New blog site

Tomorrow, Friday June 06, I will be on the air (radio) live (via telephone) on CJCA in Edmonton from 7 am-8 am MST,with Bob Gall and Al... the emphasis is 'Missions'. I would love for you to listen in and or join me in praying that many will be inspired as I share my stories. And that many listeners will be motivated to pray, send or go to the 'white fields'! Smile.

Yesterday I was a guest on THE DAILY a new show taped in Vancouver and broadcast on Vision TV. Check it out its great! My segment, with Laura Lynn Tyler Thompson will be airing on July 25, my Mom's birthday, it will be broadcast three times that day.

"The harvest is great and the workers are few, pray that the Lord will send workers into His fields" Math 9:37-38 Be blessed and remember that prayer changes things!

Welcome!

Here's the place to keep up with news about Maralee Dawn and Friends!