August Rush-One year down...more to come!!!!!

Pictures are courtesy of official TS page.

Mass eating location

Net groups where teens shared each day about how struggles and also to encourage each other how to walk by faith

Outreach day...where teens collected recycled glass and shared the Good News!

Main Stage

Josh Walker sharing from Main Stage

Cool Lighting

How do you feed 3500 people at one time...with long lines!

Backstage area where I slept in one of these cubicles for 16 days!

Main stage pre event

Well I can't believe that the month of August is half way over! WOW...my how time has flown. There is so much to tell you all about what has happened in recent weeks so lets begin. First of all as of today I have been here officially for 1 year! Praise God that He directs and guides us through life. Two years ago I would have never guessed I would be working and living in Ireland! I am reminded that we are to recklessly abandon ourselves and obey His call when it comes...because for me if I would have thought about it more in my feeble mind, I would have most likely not taken this giant leap of faith and missed out on SO much blessing!

So what has happened this month...First I was blessed to be part of OM's annual event TeenStreet in Offenburg Germany. Over 3500 teens from all over the world gathered for a fun and challenging week to walk out their faith and what that looks like. I was the only non German on the logistics team and learned very quickly that Germans are very task oriented. That is not a bad thing...but I also made sure we had a little fun time as well. I kept them smiling with my "Americanisms and sayings"...so it was all good.

What a refreshing time it was as well for me. The weeks leading up to the conference I was stricken with shingles as well as feeling very low. It was a very dark moment in my life where unfortunately I had to strain very hard to hear the soft spoken voice of the Lord saying follow me over the loud and obnoxious voice of the enemy and his lies. Thank you so much for those who prayed for me...and things are looking better...God truly stepped in and your prayers were answered.

Check out an article on the TS blogsite where I was interviewed about my role there. Did I ever tell you that it is awesome that I "GET to do" what I do for the Lord?!?!?

http://germany.teenstreet.om.org/en/home/119-more-than-just-an-event-.html

Breakaway Conference...Ireland Style!

Leadership Team and IMPACT Ladies...they were all such fabulous support!

Leena and Andrea led worship...it was great!

Tea Time...it just wouldn't be Ireland if we didn't have our tea!

Rahel..helping us out over the summer...I will miss her terribly when she leaves!!!!

Many of you have been praying over the first annual Breakaway conference here in Ireland.  I wanted to update you on what all happened and show you some pictures.  First of all...about a year ago the first of such events was launched at FBCW (my home church) and was a chance for single women to come and sit at the feet of women who were a little further along in their walk and learn from their wisdom on general topics....everything from missions to being a wife and mother!  It was amazing and both the single women and the speakers learned a lot from each other

A few months ago a local pastor's wife asked me to speak at their annual women's outreach in their church. Of course I accepted and was so honored that she would ask me.  But there was part of me that felt this could be something bigger than just a one time thing.  So I told her all about the Breakaway conference we had at my home church and how much it encouraged the ladies.  She agreed to pray about it and came back saying she was in...but let's start small and then grow bigger as time goes on.  Keep in mind the average church here only has about 10 ladies in it!  

The evening was beautiful...the decoration...done by some of the OM staff wives looked fabulous!  The Lord used the night to speak into the hearts of the women and one young single mother ended a long struggle with fighting against the Lord and prayed to receive Jesus into her life!  Praise God!  

The greatest moment for me personally was seeing my neighbors come walking through the doors.  These are sweet women who have become dear friends.  I know that God has a plan for their lives and pray that we will continue to be a witness to them!  It was so encouraging to see them show up and even ask questions the next day.  God is working in their hearts...please keep praying!

So enjoy the pictures and know that I am so grateful for those of you who are faithfully standing in the gap as my prayer warriors! Please continue to pray that the Lord would use this conference as a catalyst to many more opportunities to share with the precious women in this local area and all over Ireland.  Please let me know if there is anything I can pray about for you as well!.  

July Update: A Ship, An Opportunity, & God's LOVE!

God's Love is SO Amazing...Oh...and so is a cappuccino!

Our team sat on the quay side awaiting the arrival of the Logos Hope.

Me and some Sisters in Christ!  Love how OM is so International...a little taste of what Heaven will be like I think!

Sorry for the tiny picture:  But this is a picture of the ship at the Cork port. Check out the website for better pics (www.logoshope.org)

Well it just seems like yesterday I was packing to come to Ireland...and now I have been living over here  for almost a year...and can actually say that this feels like home for now!  I am so thankful and in awe of what God has done for me.  His love just amazes me!  

A little update...I just got back from an amazing 2 weeks of being on board of OM's ship the Logos Hope (www.logoshope.org), where I was able to share about what God has done in my life.  We were primarily stationed on deck 4 (The Visitor's Experience).  People were able to come on board and get a picture of what the ship does "Bringing Knowledge Help and Hope" as well as learn about how to get involved at a local level...that would be us...team Ireland!!! Ultimately our goal was to share with as many as we could the love of Christ and how He changed our lives.  Our motto for the week was "Everyone has a story...so let's share it!"  

We were in the city of Cork which is known as the rebellious city here in Ireland...and you saw the evidence of that through the people.  The minute the ship opened it's doors to the public...people came in looking to express their anger for God and their flat out wanting to pick a fight because I believed what I know to be truth.  But God can use everything...and the very candid conversations led many people to be softened and even receive Him as their personal Lord and savior!

God reminded me of Ezekiel 2:  4-7 "The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, "This is what eh Sovereign Lord says," And whether they listen or fail to listen-for they are a rebellious house-they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words.  Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house.  You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious."  

One cool God story...as they say on the ship...did not happen on the ship but out on the streets.  Me and my friend Andrea were wanting to get off board for some fresh air and dinner in the city.  We could not find anything that suited our tastebuds or that would allow us to get back to the ship for our shift on deck four in time...so we eventually settled on a sandwich shop....which turned out to be a divine appointment.  As we were ordering I noticed a man stumble in through the door. As he fumbled through the shop my heart sank.  I was reminded of how just much alchoholism effects this country.  We took our seats outdoors and sure enough...here comes this man and sits right next to us.  I could smell the alcholol off this man and as he began to speak to us in mumbled words I could not even understand...I felt the need to lean over and just tell him "Sir, God loves you"!  He responded with "I doubt that".  I said it again...just those simple words.  I would like to say that he looked up and said "Well praise Jesus...this is what I have been wanting to hear...tell me more"! But instead he choose to make fun of what I said and even went so far to tell us to leave.  Eventually we did after praying over him...and as we were walking back to the ship a song came to mind that I couldn't get all the words to right away. It was Here I go Again by Casting Crowns.  There is a chorus that goes "Here I go again...talking about the rain...mulling over things that won't get past today. And as I dance around the truth, time is not his friend...this might be my last chance to tell him that you love him!"  That last part..."this might be my last chance to tell him that you love him...it just was like a light bulb coming on...and I really felt God had me there at that shop at that time if nothing else...just to tell him that simple truth.  Me and Andrea walked back with a little extra pep in our step after that encounter and were praising God for just how GREAT He is!

So needless to say...it was an AMAZING 2 weeks. Now I am back home and preparing for an event in which I have been given the opportunity to speak at a lady's outreach at a local church on the 15th of July. I am speaking on "A Poured out Love"...studying the story of the sinful woman who washes the feet of Jesus with her tears.  Please pray that the hearts of these women will be open to hear God's love for them and their need for a savior.  I plan, Lord willing to have a response time and just ask God to speak ONLY His words through me.  I am excited to say the least and in such amazed that He would allow me to speak into the lives of others...did I mention that I love that I "Get to do" what I do for HIM?!?!?!?

So what is next?  I will be heading out to Germany in 2 weeks to help coordinate our TeenStreet event...where about 3000 teens from all over Europe come for a week of challenge from God's word and opportunities to share their faith with others.  I will be primarily in charge of the set up where we take a site about the size of the Georgia State Fairgrounds and turn it into a little town...equipped with huge tents for sleeping, meals, and worship.  Also places like prayer street...kids street...etc.  This is my first year and I am so excited and honored to be asked to be on this international coordinating team!  Please pray that the Lord would use me to be a blessing and encouragement to those around me and that I would be a help and not a hindrance...as I am unsure exactly what all I am to be doing...but thank God He does!!! :)

I am also learning a thing or two about Love...and more to come about that subject in my August update...I promise!  Please continue to pray for the Lord's guidance in every area of my life!  Please feel free to write me a quick note as I would love to hear how you are doing (mary.wallace08@yahoo.com).  

Loving that I "Get to do what I do for Him"!!!!! -Mary 

Summer Time In Ireland

Team OM IE enjoy a cook out in the beautiful weather!

Grassy area makes for a quick game of "football" as well as water gun fights!!!

Our Big Red Bus has been going out on these summer evenings (where it may not get dark until 11:30pm!)  

The poor sheep are so not used to this warm weather...they look for shade where possible!

Early morning picture of Lacken House

OM Ireland Team Members sailing on the Logos Hope

Steve and Al come for a visit!

Crazy OM Ireland People...in Dublin  with our ship.

My favorite place..."The Point"...love reading a good book and watching the sun set!

The "Girls" of OM Ireland...for some reason our ministry is full of single gals...hey guys...where are you??? :)  Two of our newest members are from Germany and Switzerland.  

Okay...I am so guilty of neglecting my poor little blog!  But Summertime is here in Ireland...and when the sun is out...you want to be out in it and not stuck on a computer...so can someone please give me some sympathy points here!?!!?  

Well just a quick update...the weather is GORGEOUS here...it has been mostly sunny with little rain and about the average of 65-70 degrees each day which is unheard of for here!  I have enjoyed my times outdoors and have taking a liking to a particular area called "the point"...which is a quaint place just by a local river.  Very peaceful and a great place to watch the sunset.  

We also celebrated our newest ship's arrival to Ireland... The Logos Hope...where we were able to sail from Belfast to Dublin.  Let's just say that Mary found out that she has NO sea legs what so ever!  But it was all worth it.  We spent 2 weeks in Dublin and are about to go head back to the ship which will be sailing into Cork Ireland.  So many great opportunities to share the Gospel presented themselves and even though it was a draining time physically (there were about 10,000 visitors to the ship)...I would have not traded it for anything!  There have been many great things happening for the Lord here...times are tough here economically and many have lost jobs and homes...so many hearts are open to hear about God's love!  

I also had the honor of being visited by the world's best SMP leader (Steve) and my missions pastor, Al.  They were here on a vision trip to see how our home church might better partner with OM Ireland.  It was such an encouraging time and also a blessing to see just how much God has graced me with such God Honoring people in my life.  

So what is next for Mary...well I am heading into a busy summer season full of many programs...but am so looking forward to them.  First I will be heading to Cork to help with a evangelistic event called Summer Fire...a week long event of speakers, musicians.  Then I will leave from there and go to the Ship where I will be representing OM Ireland as the field representative.  From there I will head back to Lacken House where we will be hosting around 50 participants from all of the world for our biggest summer outreach IMPACT Ireland.  

Then in August will leave and fly to Germany for 2 weeks to be part of a coordinating team for OM's largest event...TeenStreet...where about 3000 teens from all over the world come for a week of learning and challenging!  I am so honored to be part of this international coordinating team and ask for prayer that I will be able to learn my role quickly and actually be a help and blessing to those around me. I will be primarily over the set up week where they take a large grounds area (kind of the size of Georgia State Fairgrounds) and turn it into a little village.  I will also be over the kidStreet ministry...just making sure that those in charge have everything they need logistically speaking.  So WHEEEEWWW...I have a lot on my plate...but I am so excited!  

One more thing...that I will wait to announce officially in August (Lord Willing)...but there is something that the Lord has brought into my life...that I am just AMAZED at!  I am really looking forward to August in many ways...but in particular...especially for one particular reason. I can't tell you more than that right now...but please pray for God's continued guidance over me!  

I am so grateful that I "get" to do what I do for the Lord...and want to take the time to THANK YOU personally...all of you who have prayerfully and financially got me here.  I can't wait to tell you all that has happened through these programs and truly believe "The Best is Yet to Come!"

Yeah...My Car Has It's Homecoming!!!

Lou Lou Boo Wallace

Kissy Kissy for Boo being home....finally!

Okay...so she still needs to be aligned...oops they forgot to do that...but that will happen soon...I think! :)

Sinead came along with me for the joyous occassion...straight from school none the less!

Mr. Bill gave me my final lift to the shop!

That's right...after 3 months of not having a car...and bumming lifts off of everyone...my little lu lu boo is finally back.  Feb 2 she and I had an encounter with a hill which is now lovingly called "Wallace Hill"...thanks Ludie!  But we are both all better now and ready to take on the world...or at least these Irish roads.  Yeah!!!!!

How Do You Know He Loves You???

Picture courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures Enchanted

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRYU4cqUAUs

How do you know that He loves you?  These are the words to a catchy tune from the movie Enchanted.  The question is basically asking...how do you know it's true love?  The Lord has been teaching me a lot lately about true love with Him.  I am only beginning to know the full extent of His love and most likely will never fully grasp it until I am on the other side of the veil.  In my research...I have gone to the greatest resource...HIS Word....which are love letters to us!

What does the Bible say about True Love?  

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  1 Corinthians 13:  4-7

We all know that God's love is unimaginable, undeserving, and constant...but do we also realize that love is a two way street?  Think about those closest to you for a minute...do you really truly love THEM?  I have to admit that I am not always patient which another translation says "long suffering".  When someone does something that hurts me...I usually have a knee jerk reaction and am ready to write them off.  But the Lord is teaching me about Grace and Compassion...which means that no matter how many times someone may hurt me...I need to still show them compassion and grace. Now this does not mean that we are a walking doormat. How I look at it is that there are MANY things I have been forgiven for and the Lord has been VERY long suffering with me...so I need to do the same. I am still in a very infant stage with this...but the Lord is good and takes me as He finds me...with all my faults and failures.  Praise Him!

Going back to those in your life...can you look at the different "do nots" of love and say that I don't show envy towards anyone...I don't boast about anything of me?  When I look into my own heart I can honestly say that I fall short on most of these.

So what would you say if the Lord asked you if you loved Him?  Last week our director shared a powerful devotion on Peter's focus and commitment to the Lord...referring to the passage in John 15-25 (Jesus Reinstates Peter).   When Jesus asked Peter "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"  We discussed that after Jesus death...Peter probably went back to what he knew...what made him comfortable...fishing.  Here walks up Jesus and tells them to cast their nets to the other side...and fills it with 153 fish.  You could imagine that Peter may have been a little discouraged after the death of Jesus...and was ready to give up his discipleship career if you will...and go back to being a fisherman.  

What was Peter's answer to the Lord? Peter answered,  "Yes, Lord, you know that I love YOU". Notice he did not say "You know I love you MORE THAN THESE THINGS!"  Big difference there.  Not only that...I could imagine Peter's brain being like a movie reel at that time...playing back memories...perhaps of the first time Jesus called him to be a disciple. That is where Jesus said..."Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.  AT ONCE they left their nets and followed him.  Mark 1:17-18  I am sure that Peter had such a pain in his heart when he was reminded of how his enthusiasm and trust in the Lord was so big back then...and now had dwindled to him leaving his calling.  It must have been heart wrenching. 

I can picture in my mind and heart all too well how Peter may have felt.  Recently I informed those closest to me that I have been suffering from discouragement (long winter without much sunshine...car accident...lack of transportation).  I am coming out of the dark cloud I was in...but I must admit that I was looking at the present and not remembering what all the Lord had called me to in the past. You see..these verses in Mark are the scriptures that the Lord used to call me to be in full time missions.  At the time of my calling, I was in the height of my ministry career...where I had many opportunities to Glorify Him.  Finally the Lord used this verse to convict me that the only reason I was not already serving on the mission field is because I had become comfortable. I can relate to that instant reaction of "I know where I need to be and know how to get there!"

I too was like Peter just recently...where I was so focused on my present situation that I had forgotten the confidence I had back then in my calling.  But praise God...He has reminded me...just like He did with Peter.  It has been heart wrenching to look inside and be asked..."Do you love me more than these things?" ...and for a second time none the less!!!  But I would not trade it for the world.  

So how do I know He loves me?  Because "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."  1 Thes 5: 24.  He is patient or long suffering with me.  He keeps no records of wrong...even when I have so many wrongs in my life.  He is protecting me (my neck injury ended up to not be too traumatic).  He is EVERYTHING to me.  Now...I just need to continually check my own life and ask "Do I love you (God) more than these things?".  

Father God, please show us where we might be falling short of loving you more than the things in our lives...whatever that might be.  If you are calling us...let us have and keep that enthusiastic immediate response of obedience. Lord today...let me bask in that calling you have placed in my life and be an encouragement to others as well.  Thank you for talking with us this morning.  Amen

Mary Mary Quite Contrary...How Does Your Garden Grow?

I've had a few days off and have been planting flowers.  I love to garden...but it is hard work!

Love to have accessories..even in my garden!

Mary Mary quite contrary...how does your garden grow?  I can't tell you how many times I have heard this with my name being Mary.  If you think about it...it is not quite a compliment...but I must admit that sometimes it seems to fit the occasion.  The ones where I am having a pitty party with balloons and streamers...can anyone relate? I took the time to look up that word 'Contrary" in the dictionary and it means temperamentally unwilling to accept control or advice.  In the thesaurus some synonyms for contrary are stubborn and self-willed.  I thought to myself...how many times can I say that is true of myself? How many times have I refused to listen to God...thinking my way is the best...and only end up feeling defeated and alone.  Sometimes obeying God can be followed by many discouragements along the way from the enemy. Times where you stop and ask yourself...in my case...Lord...why did you call me here?  

Since my arrival to Ireland I have had to battle many discouragements including constant sickness, depression and low motivation due to lack of sunshine, and one specific major blow...a car accident.  This weekend has been in particularly difficult for me as I have all of the sudden become very homesick.  The emails and facebook statuses of friends and family laying out by the pool in warm sunny weather and having bar b ques...has really not helped.  I was reading my Bible...and praying to the Lord, but it seemed like nothing was helping...and I was having a very defeatist attitude.  I went to church this morning with a contrary attitude..I was temperamentally unwilling to accept the Lord's control over this situation.  

On the way to church I mentioned to my roommate that I was thinking back on our car accident for some reason and was very shocked that my neck healed as quick as it did..and that I have not had any complications since then.  I think I even said a praise God in there some where.  But then went quickly back to my bad attitude...wishing I was far far away on a beach somewhere.  Then comes church.  After the service as I was about to walk out the door when Pastor Dominic came after me and said..."Mary...how is your neck...is it giving you any problems?" I quickly answered and said that I have not had any problems since and as a matter of fact I healed about 4 weeks sooner than the Doctors told me I would (I had whiplash and a concussion).  

So I went about my business...and straight to a store to pick up a lamp I had ordered...a full spectrum lamp that stimulates your brain and makes you think as if you are in deed in the sunlight!  Exactly what I needed.  I had been waiting about 3 weeks to pick it up.  I go into the store only to find that they still do not have it in.  I just wanted to start balling right there in the store...but I kept my composure until I got home and put on my pajamas and curled up into my bed crying myself to sleep.  I know...dramatic...but hang with me here.  

I woke up and was talking with the Lord...and just instantly thought back to what Pastor Dominic had asked me "So Mary...how is your neck...is it giving you any problems?"  I remembered that the Lord had reminded me this morning about my neck and how He had healed it so fast...prior to Dominic asking me.  The Lord having the Pastor ask me was a confirmation that He is in control and is very aware of my situation.  He is a Big God that can protect me from things like whiplash and discouragement.  I started to rejoice with my Father thanking Him that He does care for me.  

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32: 7.

Our heavenly Father knows every hurt...every need that we have.  He does PROTECT us...even though sometimes we can get so discouraged and question that.  He is always there watching over us...and "our garden".  So how does my garden grow?  It grows because of Him and His glory...when I am out of the way.  May He always get the glory for how wonderful He is!  Praise Him!