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Thursday, July 31, 2008

My Heart is Abnormal...Like I needed a Dr to Tell Me That!

Well the Doctor says that my hearts a little abnormal...hello...knew that.  But good news...it is nothing serious!  Yesterday I had the results read on all the gazillion test I've had done.  You see my heart has been fluttering almost every 4th beat...and its about to wear me out.  He said that I have an irregular heart beat and most likely due to stress...it has surfaced itself a lot more.  My heart got in such an abnormal beat that it couldn't get itself out of it.  He thinks I have had since birth...and gave a tiny pill to take every day that should have me back to normal in a couple of days.  Thank you all for your prayers and concern.  I can't wait to be back to normal...if that is such a thing for me!


Last night was great.  I had the privilege to speak at FBCW's Journey program for the Singles group.  I was plugging along until I had a complete loss of memory and forgot like 2 pages of notes I was going to talk about!  Oh well...guess the lack of oxygen to my brain is taking its tole! But none the less, the Lord was able to speak through me and I was able to speak to many friends and encourage them.  It was great.  Below is me speaking...I sure look funny when I speak.  Sorry...the picture is a little blurry!

What kind of face am I making here????  Anyhoo...many of you have asked where I am financially and I want to give a BIG PRAISE to GOD...I am at 98% of my support.  What does that mean?  Here is the breakdown:
  • Total amount to raise each month is $1933
  • I have $66 more per month left to raise 
  • That breaks down to:
Financial Supporters Amount per Month
4 people $20 per month
OR
7 people $10 per month

OR
13 people $5 per month

  •  I also need to raise funds for a car.  I have about $2000 to be raised before I am fully funded for that!
  • I need to have all this in to my headquarters by August 4th...this coming Monday.  If you would like to give a tax deductible gift...please email me at mary.wallace08@yahoo.com .
Also...many of you have asked me about personal items I would like to take on the field.  Here is a list of those. 

What A Girl Needs:
  • Generic mouse for my MAC notebook
  • Speakers for my MAC...to show video etc
  • A printer for my MAC
  • Microsoft Office for my MAC
  • Headset for my MAC (to use for SKYPE)
  • A USB Flashdrive
What a Girl Wants: (wish list)
  • R.E.I gift certificate
  • R.E.I gift certificate
  • ....okay...I have been told that the best way to travel around Europe is with a duffel/backpack that rolls.  I found one at R.E.I...it is about $250.  This would be a true wish list item!! :O)
Well that is all for today.  I will speaking this Sunday, Lord willing to a Sunday School class and then will be commissioned at the Sunday evening Service at FBCW.  If you are unable to make it...you can view it live on the website... www.fbcw.org .  Immediately after there will be a thank you reception in the Magnolia room that you are all invited to.  Please come and let me tell you goodbye.  By the way... I leave one week from this coming Monday.  I Yiiiiii Yiiiii!  

Love Mary

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

"BirFday" Dinner for a Good Friend...and you won't believe who showed up!

So my good friend Clay turned 28 yesterday and me, him, and his lovely parents, James and Sherri went to dinner to celebrate.  We had some yummy sea food...and for dessert Clay got some sort of bread pudding.  Dessert time was going great...and all was calm...until in walked a few people I know! Pastor Johnny, Ken and Cindy Lassiter, Charity Edmonds, and Dan Nuesch to name a few.  Let me tell you why that was so ironic and funny...

First let me tell you a little background information...several of you have been praying for me as I have been having some health issues over the summer with my heart.  For about the last week I have been having flutters in my heart on about every 4th heartbeat which has caused me to be dizzy and very tired.  Yesterday I had a meeting with AL McMillan at the church and I called to cancel because at the time I didn't think I would be alright to drive.  In the midst of my conversation with Al...I began coughing loudly on the phone...I couldn't help it...sometimes when my heart flutters it makes me cough. He was so sweet and concerned and said he would have the staff pray for me.  

To make a long story short...an email was sent to all staff to pray for me with my condition...and they did! They are so faithful!  Anyhoo...I guess most people begin to think I was in a very bad condition and I started to receive LOADS of phone calls by well wishers.  I did start to feel better and didn't want to miss my friends Birthday...so off to the restaurant I went.  Who walks in...but Pastor and Ken... "Well look who we've been on our knees praying for all day and here she is out playing around!"  "I was about to clear my schedule for a funeral".  Needless to say I was so embarrassed.  I felt as if I was playing hooky or something!  We all got a good laugh out of it!  I just chalk it up to the power of prayer!!!! By the way...I will be getting my test results this morning at 10am.  Thank you for your prayers!!!!
Happy "BirFday" as Pastor would and did say... to Claybird.  Above are his lovely parents...Jim and Sherrie!

Monday, July 28, 2008

A Proper Send Off!

Over the weekend several of my friends celebrated with me and sent me off properly! There was good food...good fellowship...games...surprises...and of course talk about Ireland. Above...my sweet friend Jonelle made a cake just for me...it was yummy.
Here I am speaking about the ministry in Ireland. I am so afraid that people are going to get sick of hearing me speak...but am greatful for the opportunity. I also premiered our new Ireland DVD to my singles group...it got a great responce.
After I spoke...my friends prayed over me. It was so sweet and heartfelt!
Here is the crazy group. They also presented me with several "must have gifts" for Ireland. Things like lucky charms (which they don't sell in Ireland...hello???)...Irish Spring so that I smell good for any future potentials. My girlfriends have threatened me that if I don't come back at least dating a Irish man...they will do bodily harm to me. They are crazy about the accent...and the movie P.S. I love you...made matters worse.
My sweet, sweet friends...Kelly and Rebekah. The two responsible for the great send off! I sure do love these girls and will greatly miss them!

The Coca-Cola Corporation, Ireland, and Carrie Underwood...the connection!

Well after heading home from Alabama...me and my family spend the day together in downtown Atlanta.  We were invited to visit the Coca-Cola corporation by my good friend and (SMP Leader...tell you more about that in my upcoming newsletter)...Steve Hyland.  Above is inside the corporation...where they do not have tours...but we had an insider...Steve is the VP of marketing for COKE. Above is the grand entrance...where each day they switch out the "customer flags" to represent the exact customer who is coming in that day for a meeting.  Pretty cool huh?
Here we are with Steve Hyland in his office on the 17th floor!  It had a beautiful view of downtown.  It was so neat to see where all the marketing action takes place.  Steve is so influential in his company...not only because of his position...but because he is so open and passionate about his Faith.  He leads several prayer meetings each week as well as sends out daily devotionals to the staff.  He is a true man of Faith...and loves Jesus!  That is why we love him!
Me and Steve at the Coca-Cola folk art exhibit.  Countries from all over the world sculpted their version of the Coke bottle...unique to their place in the world.  Above is Ireland's representation!  
This is so cool.  Above is inside the World of Coke...the museum of Coke...just down the street from the Coke corporation.  The couch you see above is the season 4 American Idol couch...the very one that Carrie Underwood sat on each week!
In one of the display halls...we came across Coca-Cola and sports merchandising.  Above is the official jersey for Ireland's "football" team...or for those of us in the States...their soccer team.  

Shoal Creek Church...Ribs, Health care, and deer targets...what do they all have in common?

Okay...so I am one of those people who is terribly late for updating her blog...sorry about bombarding you today...but hope you enjoy! Well...its been an exciting week since we last spoke. Myself, Rebekah Edwards, and Ludie Creech all headed to "Slap Out" AL last weekend where me and Ludie shared about the ministry of Ireland to the congregation at Shoal Creek Church. Pastor Shane Russelle and his lovely wife Shannon were there to greet us and prepared a home cooked meal...Alabama style. It was full of every buttery...tasting great...thing you could think of...along with some falling off the bone ribs. Believe it or not...I had never eaten a rib before that night. I think they broke me in good...don't ya'll??? Above...Mary eating her first rib!
Here I am speaking in front of the Congregation...about 200 people...and a very sweet church. Before service I was able to speak to a senior adult class. They were so cute...and a hoot! During question and answer time...the majority of the questions I received were about healthcare in Ireland and would they be covered under medical insurance if they were to come over there. They were a sweet group and are excited about the work being done over in Ireland!!!
Okay...so my friend Shane LOVES hunting deer. Actually that is an understatement. Shane and Shannon have 3 boys...who all have been taught the most important things in life...GOD, FAMILY, and of course...HUNTING! In their back yard they have a deer target practice spot. I just had to get a picture of us in front of it! Above...Ludie Creech, me, Shannon, and Pastor Shane...and of course...poor Mr. deer! PS...for all you moms out there who know Shannon...you MUST ask her about her "super hero" experience with her boys!!!!! You will be in stiches!
I just had to put this in...me and Rebekah...my good friend who went along for the ride...and guess who is peaking around the corner...Mr. Deer. Talk about a deer in headlights...look at his expression!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO COME..


Okay...many of you may have heard the song "God of our City"...which Chris Tomlin has recorded. But did you know that it was originally written by a group called Bluetree...from Belfast Ireland. They wrote it with the intent to cry out to God...their prayer and hope for the country of Ireland. My friend Pete Hixon found the story behind the song...its amazing...you must read it below. Also...make sure to click on the link below to watch the original video for the song...with pictures of Ireland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqQhZKpZVCo

Also check them out on myspace...to listen to more great music....espeicially "Life's Noise"
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=85624324



God of this City - Bluetree
I heard an amazing new song this weekend written by Bluetree, a band out of Belfast Ireland. Although the super version I heard was performed by Chris Tomlin and his band (see my sidebar for a link to that album) the most beautiful thing about the song was the story about how it came to be. Here's an excerpt from an article done by Cross Rhythms:
One of the key tracks on the album is "God Of This City" from which the phrase 'Greater Things' which gives the album its title is taken. I ask Aaron about the song and as he recalls the circumstances his voice breaks and he begins to cry, still moved by the events he's describing. "There's a couple from Carrickfergus, Ian and Leslie, and they moved out to Thailand to a place called Pattaya. We got asked to go and be part of an event called Pattaya Praise. Pattaya is a seaside town/resort place, and physically, it looks to be like the darkest place you'll ever go to. And spiritually, it is THE darkest place we have ever been to. You just feel the evil. You just feel the enemy all over that place. It's a very small place; in Northern Ireland we have a coastal town called Bangor and it's very much like that. But in that small area there are 30,000 prostitutes and that figure excludes kids and excludes anything that's outside of the range of, say 18-30, and who are female. You probably hear of ladyboys and all those kinds of things? It's got a ladyboy community and all this kind of stuff, and 90 or 95 percent of Thailand's income comes from the sex industry."

Aaron continues, "Part of what we were asked to do was to go out and be part of an event which runs for four or five days. It had things like 24/7 worship and prayer and social action going on helping the people who clean the streets every morning. We played in a school and ministered in an orphanage and tried to get a heart for that city. As a band we were getting cold feet because we had four days in Bangkok to start, and in those four days it was great. We'd be quite hyperactive, and it was flat-out, four days; not an hour was lost to sleep in those four days. On the Sunday we managed to play in one church and it was brilliant, but we wanted more. And then when we got to Pattaya we kind of felt like: okay, we're going to a school one day, two-days rest, we're gonna go to somewhere else; two-days rest, we're gonna go to somewhere else - we were there for nine days. So we chucked out the idea and we said, 'If you can get us anywhere else to play, anywhere, we want to play. We just want to do what we do in the middle of somewhere and just go head-on into it."

Aaron explains what happened next. "There was a bar called The Climax Bar - on a street that's about 10 metres wide, it's a kilometre long and it's filled with everything you can physically imagine. And I promise you, as a red-blooded male, to keep your head in the right place you've got to look down at the ground and walk down that street and pray because it is just so in your face. People hit you with menus about everything, flashing lights, just everything you can imagine goes on in that place. You see kids as young as eight, nine, 10, just selling themselves, you know?! You see 60-year-old guys walking down the street with two 13 or 14-year-old girls. Forget about the Christian thing, you just get raging! You properly get raging when you see that happening, you know?!"
He pauses to compose himself and continues, "But we got the chance to play in this bar, a two-hour worship set in this bar. I don't think the people in the bar spoke a word of English but we basically got to go in. The deal was that we play and we bring a following of people with us; so we're there, set up, really good gear! Amazing drums, the biggest drum kit you've ever seen in your life. I walk in and my dream amp is sitting there! Walk in and Rick's big Mesa Boogie stack sitting there! I was like, 'Woah!' So we all set up and there was like 20 Christians all standing in front of us, and the deal was we play, they buy lots of drinks, alright? I don't think the place has ever sold so much Coke in its whole life in one night!"


He laughs and describes the scene, "So all the Christians are all sugared off their heads on Coke.that's Coca-Cola by that way! The drink! And we got to play for two hours. And just the way the band set up, we like using loops, and at one point I just started singing out. I started singing "Greater Things", something along those lines, almost prophesying over the city. And without going into the band dynamics, slowly this groove emerged from this thing. And long story short; we walked out of that Climax Bar with pretty much a nailed song, as strange as that sounds. Then we were on the way home. We were all. . .it was that tumbleweed silence, you know? It was like, 'What actually just happened in that time?!' It was one of the most powerful worship experiences we've ever had. I actually remember looking out, and you're looking down a wee alleyway, into the street, and it was just 50 or 60 probably British tourists and they're just sitting there listening going, 'What is this all about?' Coming from The Climax Bar which is pretty much a strip club. Just, here we are singing about Jesus in the middle of this. You've got a German guy who's completely wrote off, with a prostitute on each arm and he is just like your Number One Fan! It was one of the most random experiences but it was a God thing, God was there."


God of this City (Greater Things)

You’re the God of this city


You’re the King of these people


You’re the Lord of this nation


You are

You’re the light in this darkness


You’re the hope to the hopeless


You’re the peace to the restless


You are

For there is no-one like our God


There is no-one like our God

Greater things have yet to come


Greater things are still to be done


In this city

Greater things have yet to come


And greater things have still to be done here

You’re the Lord of Creation


The Creator of all things


You’re the King above all Kings


You are

You’re the strength in our weakness


You’re the love to the broken


You’re the joy in the sadness


You are

For there is no-one like our God


There is no-one like our God
Greater things have yet to come


Greater things are still to be done


In this city
Greater things have yet to come


And greater things have still to be done here

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

UGLY MARY

Ever had one of those days where you just didn't "feel" like putting on the effort to go and meet with people? You feel like a heal...but you really just would prefer to sit at home...in your pjs and watch a great crying movie?

To make matters worse...when you do meet with your friend...you find out that you have offended them...and are brought into accountability over that. I know...most of your have never experienced a day like this...but just for the few of you that have...let me tell you...its not a good feeling.

That happened to me today...I was forced to see the UGLY MARY that I am inside. At first I was embarrassed and hurt...and after a tearful apology...I became overwhelmed that the God of Creation loves me no matter what. He is faithful...when we are faithless. I just wanted to "air" this and see if anyone else has been in this situation...and has any praises for God's love...despite us.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

When God guides...He provides!!




Well today is 31 days and counting until I leave for Ireland. For those of you who might not know by now...I am going to be serving with Operation Mobilization Ireland for the next 2 years...Lord willing, as their field event coordinator. I will be handing all events that happen at our new ministry property (Lacken House) including short-term teams and their activities, youth camps, conferences, and concerts. You can see it is going to be a lot of work...but I can't wait to get on the ground and get started!



I am heading to "Slapout" Alabama today along with my two friends Ludie Creech and Rebekah Edwards. We, me and Ludie, will be speaking to Shoal Creek Church tomorrow (Sun July 20th)...and I am SO EXCITED to meet up with my long time friends Pastor Shane and his wife Shannon Russelle. Shane Russelle was the first gentleman to ever talked to me about joining the Ireland team on a short term mission trip.
That was 2005 when I went on my very first trip...where we were going to do a baseball clinic...which I knew nothing about. Here I am so frightened and not knowing how I would be able to make a difference. But I leaned in on my Father and He did a great work in and through me. In arriving to Ireland...we found out that the field we had rented pulled out on us. So we basically had 2 days to plan an entirely new event. That is where My God used me and the skills He gave me!!!! I was able to let go of myself and my own expectations and allow my Father to show me His greatness. We had a great time...and were able to share the love of Christ with many!


It's been 3 years since I went on my first trip and now I am heading over there for a 2 year term!!!! I KNOW...KNOW....KNOW that my Father has called me to Ireland for a time such as this. I have taken a step of obedience and left my job at my church to pursue this full time. I am currently in my support raising efforts...where I praise the LORD that I am at 83% of my funding. But I still have a ways to go. I still need monthly on going comittments that add up to $373 per month. I also have a huge need of purchasing a car over there. The cost estimated for that is $4800. And all of this needs to be into my headquarters by August 1st!!!! You may ask yourself...how can she be so calm with all that is going on? Simple...a sweet friend gave me a plaque when I left my church position that states "WHERE GOD GUIDES...HE PROVIDES". I have that hanging on my wall as we speak as a daily reminder that I may not know how or when...but I just need to trust that He WILL provide!


"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. -Psalms 43:5


We can all learn a lesson from this great word...no matter what the circumstances are around you...know that you are special to God and He is watching after you. And that gives us HOPE! Well...I can't wait to upload pics from "Slapout". Signing off until Monday...


Mary

Friday, July 11, 2008

One month and counting!

Well it is one month from TODAY that I will be getting on a plane and heading to my new home...for the next two years...IRELAND! Lord willing...all the loads of stuff to be done before then...will get done. One of the "to dos" is my upcoming newsletter. Every quarter I will be sending out DOCHAS...which means hope in Irish. I would love for you to receive it...so if you would like to do so...please email me at mary.wallace08@yahoo.com and I will be sure to put you on the list. Look for it to arrive the end of July. "Hope" you enjoy it!!!


Wednesday, July 9, 2008

VL is awesome!!!!





Well I was invited to the wonderful church of Vinings Lake to speak about the Lord's ministry in Ireland. I was a little nervous to say the least...but I was so encouraged by the responces of people interested in knowing more about Ireland. Just goes to show you that no matter how we "perform" or don't "perform" in a situation...The Kingdom is UNSTOPPABLE!


While there...I was given a nice little surprise...a new MAC NOTEBOOK!!!!! Pete heard of my need for a laptop...and the church provided it!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

If you are looking for a great church in the Vining's lake area...check them out on the web: http://www.viningslake.org/


Above is a picture of the Vinings Lake Worship team and me and Pastor Pete!

Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Well as we were heading off to the southern coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio...we stopped to see some wildlife. Above is a picture of their famous green frog with red eyes. Well after I got this close to take the picture...the gentleman at the park informed me that this little guy has enough poison to kill 8 humans!!!!
One thing we did while in Costa Rica is eat...and eat we did!!! Above is a dish called "typico"...meaning a typical Costa Rican dish. It is chicken, beans, rice, eggs, salad, and plantians...my favorite!
Well...we finally made it to my favorite part of the trip...the beach. Growing up in California and living on a beach in Florida for a while...I am partially fond of sand in between my toes and the smell of salt water!
One day while eating lunch...a monkey decided to join us! They were very curious and not afraid of humans at all. They were very tiny (about 3 pounds) and were great acrobats. They would swing from branch to branch with their tails!!!!

Awweeeeeeh! Manuel Antonio National Park. Beautiful! Lots of wild life here...from iguanas chillin in the sand next to you...to monkeys, spiders the size of my hand...and birds. I truly felt as if I was in paradise. My friend Carrie said that this was the closest we will get to Heaven this side of the veil. But it was getting late and I decided to walk back to the park entrance myself. Before...there were lots of people passing the path...so I THOUGHT it would be no big deal.

Well, I walked for about 20 minutes without passing anyone. I began to panic and think of all those wild animals I saw pictures posted for on the entrance gate. Things like snakes, spiders, and jaguars! I also thought this would be a perfect part in a movie where the stupid American girl gets kidnapped for ransom money by some guerrilla war terrorists! My mind was racing and all I could think to do was one...run...and two...start to sing! So there I was in the middle of this jungle all alone...afraid...singing "then sings my soul, my savior God to thee...how great thou art!" I was reminded by what the psalmist said "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalms 32:7) I prayed to God that He would send a friendly face along my path.

Suddenly out of the corner of my eye I saw a dark figure. My heart stopped and I could not catch my breath...I thought for sure I was a goner. Then I began to look more closely. About 30 yards back was a small doe...looking curiously at me. As I began to move forward...it cautiously followed me. When I stopped...it stopped. I began to cry as I knew this was a sweet gift from my Father...telling me that He is with me always...don't be afraid! The little doe followed me until I was almost out of the park. There I encountered a friendly family from the Netherlands. As I was trying to explain to them what happened and to show them my companion...I turned only to see my friend was gone.

You see...God is with us ALWAYS. No matter our fear or obstacle we must climb...He is always there. So that's my story about a girl...her doe...and her GOD!!!!

From the Mountains to the Beaches...Costa Rica Part 2!!!!

Well after our week long conferece...we headed 5 hours north to the town of La Fortuna. It is the sight of an active volcano! Of course...we stayed on the "green side"...non active side. Here is a picture of me in front of the Volcano...the clouds are actually steam clouds!

Our beautiful accomodations...Arenal Green...owned by the sweetest family. Visit them on the web at www.arenalgreen.com. I HIGHLY recommend this place should you ever find yourself in La Fortuna. Great rooms, service, and breakfast is included...and it is so yummy! The fresh pinapple jelly is the best.
Well...we are off to one of my worst nightmares. Yes...I am a chicken when it comes to heights. But I did it! We did the world's largest, fastest, and longest zipline while in La Fortuna. Here is me and Carrie girl...geared up and ready for our first run.
Here is Kelly coming in for a landing. Some of these lines were over a mile long and you traveled over 40 miles per hour!!!!
Then we took a horseback ride down the mountains. I felt so sorry for the horses though...they seemed a little malnurished and tired! But eventually...we made it down to safety!!!
A team of 45 from FBCW traveled down to San Jose Costa Rica for the 2008 KOSMOS. We served as the registration team as well as the praise band for the conference. It was a full few days getting down there and ready for all the 600 attendees who were arriving. It was a great time of worship and challenge from some of the greatest pastors in the United States...and world. Johnny Hunt, Jerry Gillis, Randy Ray, Jeff Crook...to name a few...were all there to bring a word of encouragment and challenge to the youth who attended...about being on Mission with God. The biggest thing I took from the conference was Jerry Gillis' statement..."The Kingdom is unstoppable...no matter what we do or don't do. But why wouldn't you want to get in on that action!?" I loved working with the team as well and getting to know the folks a little better.

We did ministry at a local church, El Camino...yes like the car. It had recently moved into a new location...a former car repair shop. So needless to say, we had our work cut out for us with cleaning and painting their new building. We also canvased the local area inviting people to a movie night they were having...showing Facing the Giants. We were very thankful for our interpreturs!!! Carrie McDonnal went along and was a huge help with our registrtaion team. She also spoke at the conference giving a challange to the young ladies to follow God with all their heart...and be careful not to get "distracted" with boys....good word!!! She also started the "Mary Wallace fan club"! Check out her pin!!!!
Here is a picture of our team...getting ready to head back to the states. We got along so great...I really miss them! Kelly Davidson, Carrie McDonnall, and myself were ready to head up north for a few days of vacation...but wanted to get a quick pictures with our team!!!! Love you guys/gals!!!
Beautiful Costa Rican Sunrise...at 5:30am every morning!!!!!!