Congratulations to the new youth ministers at Family Worship Center, Decision Youth Group

Sometimes we forget to praise the Lord for the success stories, the answered prayers that come about even though there is trauma and drama in the family. Here's mine concerning our daughter Shiloh Tinsley Gaffka:

 I'm so proud of Pastor Brian and Pastor Shiloh Gaffka, the new youth ministers at Decision Youth Group at Family Worship Center. Y'all rock! Mentored by the very best: Pastors John and Cathy Mazza. That's one anointed mantle to pass on. May a double portion be upon them and the Blood of Jesus cover them.

 May the Lord answer you, Shiloh and Brian, when you are in distress;
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion.
 May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
 May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

 Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.
 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
 They are brought to their knees and fall,
    but we rise up and stand firm.
Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us when we call! Psalm 20 (NIV)

 

We are so happy this day has come in your life, that the hopes and dreams to fulfill your destiny in the Lord is here!

We are so proud of y'all and bless the Lord who put y'all together and continues to refresh your love and ministry.

May compassion for the youth and their families fill your hearts and strong wisdom come from our Lord Jesus Christ.

May He shine upon you both in every way, and give you wisdom beyond your years.

The threefold cord will not be broken and He will fulfill your innermost desires.

The Lord is good and His mercy is surely everlasting to Shiloh and Brian.

 

We love you,

Mom and Dad November 5th, 2017

Sunday blessings

A little this and that today as we thank Him for all He's done. Thanking Jesus for a great night last night when after church Shiloh and Brian came over and cooked us a deluxe steak dinner. With busy schedules, it's rare that we all get to sit down together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOJzZ5jocHo

Yes, I still dream of the day when all my children and grandchildren will be at my table, but I'm learning to enjoy what I have, when I have it for now. A day at a time. Uncle Rudy popped in with some notes for a story I'm writing about his love and care for Aunt Mary as she battled Alzheimer's. I think it may be one of the most poignant stories yet and am praying that it will get in Chicken Soup for the Soul. If not, it is something that I always wanted to put into words as I honor a man among us who took such wonderful care of his wife.

Last night at FWC they blessed the teachers with wonderful supplies for going back to school and the kids with filled backpacks. What a giving church, truly a beacon in our city. We add prayers today for Pastor Ray Dubois who has had some voice issues and is taking a rest for his vocal chords. With a gift for teaching as he has, I know that is hard to be on the sidelines. May the Lord send complete healing soon. It is always a wonderful privilege to hear Pastor Cathy Mazza  and last week Pastor John Mazza minister beautifully and so soul-felt, though.

Side note and something to make you smile, I did a little experiment at Isaiah's surf camp this week, where I decided I would do instead of WWJD what would Pastor Cathy do? She is such salt and light and says an encouraging word to everyone. So I made sure I greeted the teachers with an extra big smile, talked to the grandmother who brought her grandchildren to class, finding out some info about her family and spent some in-depth time with a widow raising three children alone, with all that entails. I left surf camp feeling better than when I came. Key verse from Proverbs 31:26 that describes Pastor Cathy, " She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." May her tribe increase!

Isaiah is getting blessed with an extra vacation with his parents and Aubrey as they explore Salt Springs this weekend and Devil's Den to snorkel tomorrow. He goes to try out middle school for his preview day on Thursday. Good times!

Plunging to the True Father

I must admit, Father’s Day is not my favorite holiday. When you have experienced abuse, abandonment and more at the hands of a “dad” it is often a long road home to trust.

Yet every so often as this day approaches it comes again—that longing, that wanting, that thinking maybe I will search again, maybe he is alive somewhere. And along with that is “Why?’ Why didn’t he search for me, why didn’t he try to save me from harm, why didn’t his parents, my grandparents ever show up? It was quite known that abuse of me was the reason my first stepfather went to prison. Did I not matter to him? Was I replaced so easily? Was my birth and the reminder of the little girl who thought he was a stranger who came every now and then with a doll or colored Easter chicks unacceptable to his family? Yes, I am from a flawed family and have reproduced dysfunction at times. But maybe because of the lack in my life I plunged to the Lord at a young age. He is my Father, my love and my strength. He is worthy and so very loving and kind. There is none like Him and I am in awe sometimes of His goodness and what He alone teaches me.

To my True Father, Jesus I give my love, allegiance and worship on Father’s Day!

I beg each person reading this to watch this movie; maybe it will help a Father learn, maybe it will spare a child some heartache and heartbreak. Man-up, Dads in Jesus name.

I believe the lack of true Fatherhood has brought about the pain of addiction in so many lives.

This movie will rock your world. Family Worship Center in Port Orange is having a whole weekend centered on it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9VT_NBIVfs

Worship, Sick Boys and Cat Fights

Before I could even bask in the awesomeness of the session of worship and praise at Immerse, last night the enemy was on the move at my house. Well, I call it the enemy, anyway. something to distract, change your plans or try to take your serenity away.
Isaiah threw up it seemed every 15 minutes for 5 hours took a 2 hour break and then again at 4:25. I slept on the couch so I could be near him. Well, it wasn't sleep. The cats hissed at each other all night near me. I thought they were going to jump on me fighting. One did jump right above my head and I knocked her off and then covered my head with the blanket. Isaiah threw up a little more a while ago. I think it is settling a bit now. Please join me in praying that there will be a swift healing. I've got a lot of comforters to wash although he did his best to use the bucket or make it to the bathroom. He is very sweet when he is sick, and kept saying, "I hope I'm not going to die." I'm hoping it was something he ate (although Ashley got sick also) and not the flu that Jordan had recently that was so bad.
I can't leave without saying how it "Does a mother good" to hear words of prayer and prophecy over her daughter, Shiloh, at the Immerse event. Pastor Ray ministered to the whole music team and it was so inspiring. The Spirit of the Lord was so sweet and I know that the Lord will continue to draw forth gifts of creativity in Shiloh as she has given her life to be used for Him. Influencer for sure and a calling to speak forth His words.
I join FWC in praying a blessing on the Music Ministry with Pastor John at the top of the list. It was a great night. There were many prayers of agreement and praise abounded.
Shiloh, I am so proud of the way you let your light shine through your ministry in music and as a Youth Worker.
Shine on!