Intro to IHOP

Hey Guys!  Here's where you can find out about my journey to IHOP and read my blog posts along the way.   I would love to hear your comments and updates!   I will be covering you all in prayer, so please send me any prayer requests you might have for yourselves or loved ones.

Many of you have asked about my upcoming move.  Well first, let me tell you more about IHOP.  Ok, not the house of breakfast :) but the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri.  Very shortly, I will be moving there to begin an itinerary as a prayer missionary for a period of 3-6 months. I feel God is going to do some amazing things there, and work through me in ways like never before.

IHOP-KC is a missions organization that is committed to praying for the release of the fullness of God’s power and purpose as the church wins the lost, heals the sick, feeds the poor, makes disciples, and impacts every sphere of society (family, education, government, economy, arts, media, and religion).  Their 24/7 prayer ministry started in 1999 by a group of 20 intercessors. It is now a 24/7 house of prayer with over 1,500 full-time intercessory missionaries.  They raise their own support to work full-time reaching out to others from a lifestyle of prayer and worship. They invest 50 hours of their week going from the prayer room to the classroom, then to ministry outreaches and works of service.

We are all familiar with missionaries who focus on preaching or mercy deeds (providing food, medical care etc.), but the Lord also is calling forth a new type of missionary that is essential to completing the Great Commission.

WHAT IS AN “INTERCESSORY MISSIONARY”?
An intercessory missionary’s primary focus is changing the spiritual atmosphere over cities through “intercessory worship” (Ps. 149). This ministry provides one of the Scriptural requirements for God to release the fullness of revival. Scripture declares that God will orchestrate a mighty “intercessory worship” movement covering the earth in the generation the Lord returns.

An example of this type of missionary is found in Luke 2:36-38.  Intercession and worship is the means that God has chosen to establish His kingdom on the earth.  Prayer changes the spiritual atmosphere over cities and nations (Matthew 6:10, Psalm 149), and brings us into agreement with God’s heart. 

IHOP INTERCESSORS ARE MISSIONARIES IN 5 WAYS First, “intercessory missionaries” collectively pray night and day for the release of the Great Harvest (Matt. 9:37-38). IHOP is burdened with urgency to win the un-reached peoples of the earth to Jesus. Second, they provide vital prayer covering to missionaries currently on the field. Third, they train future “intercessory missionaries” to be sent out to other cities.
Fourth, they go on short-term mission trips (2 weeks to 2 months) to help establish Houses of Prayer in other nations. Fifth, they personally relocate to strategic places in the earth as long-term “intercessory missionaries.”
The majority of “intercessory missionaries” who will come to serve in IHOP-KC will remain short-term (less than two years). Here they will be saturated in the IHOP model as they team up with others to “plant” Houses of Prayer around the world.

The vision for IHOP is similar to other missions endeavors.  Loren Cunningham is a man who over 35 years ago had a vision of training young people to raise their own financial support as missionaries to go to the unreached peoples of the earth. He started a missionary organization called Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Over 12,000 missionaries have raised their financial support and are currently serving Jesus in over 150 nations with YWAM. Bill Bright started Campus Crusade for Christ over 40 years ago. He had the same idea of calling young people to live simple lifestyles as they raised their support as missionaries. Today, over 18,000 people are doing this in Campus Crusade.

When I was a teenager, I answered the call on my life to be in full-time ministry.  At that time I did not know what it would look like, but through the years I've been blessed with many opportunities to minister in different areas...from worship to media...young adult leadership to missions work in Mexico...it has been an incredible journey thus far.  God has a special purpose for me, and my desire is that every deed I do, every word I speak and sing would be used by the Spirit of the Lord to speak His Truth; impacting and changing things around me.  IHOP’s focus on intercessory prayer and worship would greatly add to this desire in my own heart.

I’m excited about the opportunity and experience that lie ahead. Going to IHOP is COMPLETELY a step of faith for me (those of you who know me to be a planner understand this!)...I'm totally trusting God for provision and for doors to be opened.  As you can imagine, a trip like this requires financial support.  If you would like to partner with me by monthly pledge or one time giving, I would greatly appreciate it.  Most importantly, I need your prayer support. Prayer is the fuel that drives this endeavor!

Donations can be made instantly through Pay Pal (hit the button at top of screen).  If you would like to make a monthly contribution, please email me.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please send directly to IHOP-KC.  Make out checks or money orders to “IHOP-KC Support” and include my name on a separate piece of paper as the recipient of the funds.  Do not include my name anywhere on the check otherwise they will not be able to process it for tax purposes.

Send to: IHOP-KC Support, 3535 E. Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, MO 64137

Thank you for your love and support!

Stephanie
stephaniefountain@musician.org

What an awesome illustration of what Christ did for us! Watch this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUiEeM5TAUY&feature=player_embedded

He Is Waiting

There is nothing holding us back
Just give up, and give in
Hand over what you’ve got in your hands
Surrender and find your destiny
Walk into it
He is waiting for you
If you find it too hard to trust
He has already vanquished your foes
There is nothing too great for Him
He has already won
So you don’t have to feel lost
So you may step in
And find what you have been seeking
He is your strength and provider
Your defender
Your salvation

The only thing
Worth everything
Worth waiting for
Your great reward
He is Waiting

QUOTE of the Day!

“Despite a lack of natural ability, I did have the one element necessary to all early creativity: naïveté, that fabulous quality that keeps you from knowing just how unsuited you are for what you are about to do.”


– Steve Martin, Born Standing Up

One Thing

WOW what can I say about One Thing '09?  It was amazing.  It was a conference held in Kansas City, MO Dec 28-31 by the International House of Prayer Missions Base.  The football-stadium sized conference center literally jumped - the concrete moved as 20,000 worshipped and danced.  It wasn't just the services, the worship, or the environment.  What was so amazing was the Spirit of God in that place.  I was so encouraged to see so many young adults worshipping the Lord with true freedom and abandon - and with that, a renewed sense of purpose and destiny.  Many had been healed during the four days we were there.  I missed it when we left.  Honestly, if I don't do anything else, I know I can be satisfied by the Presence of the Lord.  Why do I settle for things of this world?  We are so afraid - afraid of what 'true abandonment' to God looks like.  Let me ask you this, what would it look like to let someone recklessly love you?  And for you to abandon yourself to that love?  If you've ever had a glimpse of pure love - it's pretty powerful.  That is God's heart for us.  Our life, our desire for prayer and wholeness... everything stems out of intimacy with God.

Should I post this?

Decisions, decisions.  I can be so indecisive!  It takes me forever to make up my mind.  I'm not sure why... I guess I just try to figure out what I like the best.  For instance, I went to a Tea house tonight with some friends, and we had a real Asian Tea service.  Very cool - we got to try all kinds of teas, along with Dim Sung (Chinese wraps and dumplings), and dessert.  We had these things called "mochi".  Kind of like a sweet, doughy ball.  We tried many different flavors and I liked them all.  I had a hard time picking my favorite.

When it comes to ordering at a restaurant, I take forever pouring over the menu.  I look at every type of food and try to figure out what I'm in the mood for.  I literally go through the "tastes" in my mind.  Like steak... do I want steak?  Chicken or pasta?  What if I order pasta and I'm really in the mood for steak?  I want to know all of my options before I pick, so I don't miss out on the best stuff. 

I eventually get to a decision, and usually the outcome is good.  I've learned that yes, I can be happy with most decisions I make.  However, the lengthy process before I get there makes me wonder.  It's like I don't want to just stick with one thing, I like to keep my options open.  I like variety, and I don't want my tastes or experiences to be defined as one thing.  Is that weird?  I want the ability to change often.

If I do make a decision, I want to make sure the outcome is good.  But this is nearly impossible!  I can't control the numerous outside forces that effect outcomes for better or worse.  So all I can do is just make the decision... jump... and hope for the best!

Does anyone else ever feel this way?

Adele - Make You Feel My Love [Live]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jpzBEiARaE

Rags

I had many 'wow' and 'aha' moments this weekend at the Healing the Wounded Heart Conference.  This is one of them:

God's ultimate desire is to bring us closer to Him, to establish a relationship of intimacy.  We can walk right up to Him with our baggage and dirty rags, and leave a changed person.  He rebukes our accuser and proclaims that we are clean and we are His.  He orders our filthy rags to be taken off and to be replaced with a beautiful robe, one that is only given to a son or daughter of royalty.  This is because we are changed IN His presence.  We don't have to strive to make things right before we get there.  He's waiting for us, because no matter how hard we try, we cannot take the filthy rags off ourselves.  Only He can.  He does not want us to come for healing, and then leave.  He does not want us to listen to His word, and then leave.  He doesn't want us to sooth whatever qualm we are in for the moment, then leave.  He wants us to stay and visit with Him - to simply feast on His love for us.  How long has it been since you've done this?  Just feasted on the Lord's presence?  It's simple.  Meditate on the picture above and put yourself in it.  How do you feel?

Songwriter's Showcase at the Smithsonian

I recently joined a great group called the Songwriter's Association of Washington (SAW). They have concerts, events and seminars all year long in the DC area for songwriters, artists, or just people who love music :)

Tomorrow night they will host a Songwriters Showcase at the Smithsonian!  For those in the area, it will be a treat.  I will not be able to go (I know-what horrible luck!), but I wanted to share the featured songs with my friends to check out.  SAW has chosen the 12 selected performers and 16 finalists from 250 submissions in the Adult Contemporary, Pop, R&B, Jazz Vocals, and Young Artist categories.

These are good so listen and enjoy!  Who is your pic for "People's Choice" award?

Performers for Smithsonian/SAW/BMI Showcase

"Sure Feels Real"- Doug Stanglin (co-writer Janet Devers)
http://www.%20myspace.com/dougstanglin
www.myspace.com/janetdevers

"Like It Like That"- Yvette Barnes
http://www.mystylemusic.com/

"Kindness Don't Rest Easy" - Laura Baron
http://www.laurabaronmusic.com/

"Let's Get Down" - Sol
http://www.sol-roots.com/

"Spend My Life" - Markeisha Ensley
http://www.markeisha.com/
http://www.myspace.com/markeisha

"Whole Wide World"- Talia Segal
www.myspace.com/taliasegalmusic

"Spin Like A Top" - Susan Greenbaum
http://www.susangreenbaum.com/

"Where I'm At" - Dumi Right (co-written by Akim Funk Buddha)
www.myspace.com/ZL
www.reverbnation.com/dumiright
http://www.funkbuddha.org/

Young Artist Performers

"Wake Up" - Adam Swink
www.myspace.com/adamswink

"Runnin' On Empty" - Jamie Kathleen Boyd
Toastnjamababe@aol.com

"What's Good" - Paul Spiers
www.Myspace.com/crucial202

"Hold On" - Margot MacDonald
http://www.margotmacdonald.com/
www.myspace.com/margotmacdonald

Finalists for Smithsonian/SAW/BMI Showcase

"Maybe It's Peace" - Anne Heaton
http://www.anneheaton.com/

"Gravity" - Joanne Juskus
http://www.joannejuskusmusic.com/
http://www.telesmaband.com/

"Winter" - Rebekah McLeod
http://www.rebekahmcleod.com/

"Glass" - Ross Cooperman
http://www.rosscopperman.com/

"Super Girl" - Christin 'Cool' Henderson
http://www.myspace.com/coolhenderson

"Diggin On U" - Mehnlehseh Boayue
http://www.mehnlehsehboayue.com/

"Over and Over" - Lynnell Randall
http://www.lyricsmessage.com/

"Is it You" - Darrell Russ
http://www.darrellruss.com/
www.myspace.com/darrellrussmusic

"Last Call For Love" - Patty Reese
http://www.pattyreese.com/
www.myspace.com/musicianpattyreese

"Baltimore" - Renee McCullough
www.myspace.com/reneemccullough

"Blue Storm" - Barbara Martin
http://www.barbaramartinmusic.com/

"Kaleidoscope" - Greg Trafidlo (Co-written with Barbara Martin)
http://www.gregtrafidlo.com/

Young Artist Finalists

"I Can't Breathe" - Katherine Thorsey
www.Myspace.com/katherinethorsey

"The Cure" - Ryan Maher (Band Members associated with song : James McKissick, Daniel Taylor)

"Your Face" - Alex Blizniak
http://www.sonicbids.com/alexblizniak

"If It Weren't For You" - Colin Nagle
http://www.colinnagle.com/

Produced by The Smithsonian Associates
Songwriters Association of Washington (SAW) and BMI
Supporting Organizations - WAMA, NSAI, BSA, DC Cabaret Network

On-line purchase: http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?performanceNumber=218735. Hit the "purchase tickets" button and then register as "First Time Visitor" (far right side of screen).

It is Impossible to Please God Without Faith

I heard a speaker share this message recently... if you are feeling weary today please read this!!

"It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who comes to him must believe God exists and he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Noah - Obeyed God who warned him about things that never happened before.
Abraham -Went to another land, without knowing where he was going, and lived there by faith.
Sarah - Believed that God would keep his promise, although physically it looked impossible.
Isaac - Abraham believed that God would keep his promise, and even if he sacrificed Isaac, God was able to bring him back from the dead.
Moses - By faith he shared the oppression of God's people instead of the fleeting pleasures of sin and treasures of Egypt, not fearing the King's anger, keeping his eyes on the One who is invisible.
Rahab - By faith she welcomed strangers in to her house, and was not destroyed along with her city.

By faith people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God promised them. They shut mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death. Their weaknesses were turned into strengths. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. They received loved ones back from the dead. Others were tortured, refusing to turn from God to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, backs were cut open with whips, chained in prisons, stoned, cut to death. Some went destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were to good for this world. All these people earned a good reputation because of faith, yet none received all that God had promised. For He had something better in mind for us... they would not reach perfection without us!

We are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith! So let us strip off every weight that slows us down, and the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run the race God has set out for us. We do this by: keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion! He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you won't be weary and give up! You have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

Loneliness and Dark Places

I wrote this sometime last year, when I was going through a rough time:

We go through loneliness and dark places sometimes. Places where others cannot always go with us. I went through a time of depression recently, mainly a time of spiritual wrestling. I kept it to myself for awhile, then saw a counselor for it. I also kept in touch with trusted friends over the phone who I knew cared about me and would be there in a heartbeat. I also discovered the hurt of the friends who weren't there... or people who saw me daily but didn't know the extent of the battle I went through. I realize sometimes in myself, I run desperately to other sources, to other people, rather than running to my Lord. The only one who can really free me and meet my needs. In my hurt I am desperate to run elsewhere. Why? Part of the reason could be that I was angry at God. Unsatisfied with where I was at, and blaming Him. Then I realized most of it was being upset at myself, and allowing lies of the enemy to infiltrate my mind. It is so true when the Lord says to seek Him first, and everything else shall be added unto you. When I sought the Lord, really sought the Lord, He heard my cry and He began a process of healing me. I began to write all of the things I had learned and been through since I was a child. And I had seen through each step in my life God had brought a new healing, and new blessings. I realized that there was a lot of mental pain and anguish I had experienced over the years, and how God was healing me wound by wound, bit by bit, until it affected the whole. I had to gain a renewed sense of His presence, and my deep need for Him to saturate my soul (That is a song by Darlene Zschech). My mind was going through so much turmoil, so many emotions and doubt. Seeing the darkness in myself and desperately wanting to be free. Wanting to end this cycle of perfection, striving, guilt, shame, fear, and worry. Jesus, you are still healing me. You have already proclaimed it over me - my healing and deliverance. Let me trust your promise and walk in that. Walk in the fullness of freedom. Today in church they said Christ is constantly praying and interceding for us in Heaven's throne room. Even when we are not praying for ourselves, He is praying for us. He wants my healing and to see me whole as much as I do. He brings us through the fire and through the dark times. He takes us out of those periods of doubt and mental confusion, so that He may refine us, and we may then be made whole.


Welcome In This Place
Darlene Zschech

Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
Comforter Counselor here

Holy Spirit sent from heaven
The God of all glory is here

Rise up within me
Living Water
Spirit of God in me

You are welcome in this place
You are welcome in this place
God of power love and grace
Saturate my soul

You are welcome in this place
You are welcome in this place
Holy Spirit guide my way
Saturate my soul

Closest friend
Here in Your presence
Is fullness of joy overflowing

The Weight and The Glory - Justin Rizzo

So prone to wander
So prone to stray
So prone to lose heart and lose my way.

But I will not despise the sowing of seeds
For I know in due time I will reap.

For I know in due time I will see
The fruit of my labor for all eternity
So I give myself wholly to thee.

There's a reason why I told you to set your eyes on things above
There's a reason I told you to set your eyes on me.
For nothing in this life will ever truly satisfy
The desires of your heart.

So see the weight and see the glory of what you're doing
With every single choice that you make.
It is affecting your forever.
This is Eternal Life.

trésor chéri

The name of this site means cherished treasure. I had a revelation recently of how cherished we are as sons and daughters of God, and how each of us has treasure hidden within us -something that needs to be expressed. Please enjoy the ponderings, whims, observations, and revelations in this blog.