On Mission for God, Part 4 ~ The Birth of the Call

At a recent Mission presentation at a local recovery meeting, I spoke about how my call was birthed while praying in Spain last summer. But the seeds for Celebrate Recovery (CR) in Spain were planted two years prior. I was flooded with emotions as I prepared for the presentation and pieced together all of the events and circumstances that led me to this time in my life.

The First Meeting

Friday, October 7, 2011—I sat in a Starbucks coffee shop meeting Marvin and Lisa Klein.* They were missionaries from my church who were serving in France. We had never met before, although my children had donated to their mission years ago when they were in Sunday school. The Klein’s were on sabbatical for one year in the States. They were forming a leadership team to launch Celebrate Recovery at my church, heard about me and my experience with CR, and asked to meet.

I knew going into this meeting that the ultimate intent for the Klein’s was to get experience so they could launch CR in Grenoble, France, their new home. I told the Klein’s about my Spanish connection with Pedro, the exchange student who stayed with us the previous two summers. I told them about my desire to visit Spain one day to meet Pedro’s mother Rosa, and their family. I told him a bit about our family’s story, which at that time in my life God was calling me to write and have published.

Marvin told me that I would one day share my testimony in France. I was flattered, and excited about the prospect, but only took him half seriously. I was more interested in sharing the story in Spain. However, with a Protestant population of only 1%, it seemed that would never happen..

An Education in Religious History

It was after that meeting that I started to get an understanding of the spiritual climate in Spain. I didn’t realize that the Protestant Reformation had never made it to Spain. I heard from some that any church outside of the Roman Catholic Church was considered a cult. Those were shocking words to me. I had a wonderful relationship with my Spanish family. We had a mutual acceptance of each other’s faith—Catholic and Protestant. And in fact, it was our faith that bonded our families with the painful passing of Rosa’s and my mothers, who were both practicing Catholics.

After those conversations I never really considered that CR would ever launch in Spain. I just knew that I would someday visit Spain and meet Rosa. Marvin and I went on to serve together on the team that launched CR the following year. The Kleins’ returned to France in preparation to launch CR at their home church in Grenoble.

Since that time I’ve studied more about the Protestant Reformation and the history of the Church in Spain. I also experienced the difference in the spiritual environment firsthand while traveling there for six weeks last summer. All of this eventually (and quite unexpectedly) led to the mission in the fall and the partnership with Marvin to teach CR in Rivas, a suburb of Madrid.

Expanding the Call to France

I had originally hoped to visit France last summer and give my testimony in Grenoble. When that didn’t work out, I gave up the thought of ever going to France. One year later, the Lord has made provision for me to speak in Grenoble. And I don’t know any French—now that is scary!

As further confirmation of my call, Marvin is working on the French translation of my published story, “Walking my Mother Home.” I will be providing complimentary copies of the novella to members of the Kleins’ church when I speak there later this month. That is very exciting news indeed!

The view from the Klein’s home in Grenoble, France.

The seed for planting CR in Spain (and my speaking in France) was planted when I met the Kleins’ at that Starbucks in Redmond, WA, three years ago. It had to lie dormant before it could germinate and see the light of day. On October 7, 2014, exactly three years later, Marvin, Lisa, and me will all be in Madrid, and have plans to celebrate at a Starbucks there.

It just goes to show that you never know what door God is going to open next or how He will use you or your story. I’m learning to never say never, and to dream BIG, because God is always bigger than my never.

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20, NIV)

Only 3 more weeks until I leave on my mission!

Mission Update

I’m so grateful for the continued receipt of donations for this mission, including an offering when I spoke at the local CR meeting. I’m sharing the call again later today at the PLCC Mission Board meeting.

I’ll be stepping on Spanish soil with my French missionary partners one month from today, so it’s not too late to support this mission. In fact, now IS the time to help put me over the top in my fund raising goal of $3,000.

To donate to the Celebrate Recovery mission and plant new seeds of hope into France and Spain, click here. To be added to the list for prayer updates, fill out the contact form on my site. Thank you so much! Every little bit helps.

*For more information about the Klein’s and their ministry in France, check out their latest missionary newsletter.

1 Comment

by ardisanelson on September 2, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Faith & Hope, My Mission to Spain

Tagged Catholic, Celebrate Recovery, following your dreams, France, God's timing, healing, Journeys to Mother Love, My Spanish Connection, Spain

Posted by ardisanelson on September 2, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/09/02/on-mission-for-god-part-4-the-birth-of-the-call/

Reflections on a Writing Journey

This week marked the 2-year anniversary of the release of my story, “Walking My Mother Home,” in Journeys to Mother Love. It passed without any promotional fanfare. Except for one or two friends, I didn’t even mention it in passing. However, as I age, these sorts of milestones seem to carry an emotional marker that internally surfaces and causes me to pause and take note of their significance. So naturally, as a writer, I am writing about it…

Toasting to the release of Journeys to Mother Love, August 2012.

So You Want to Write

I could tell you lots about what I learned in these past two years about publishing, yet I’ve only scratched the surface myself in my knowledge. I know the dos and don’ts and the ins and outs of blogging, social media, etc. However, I don’t read much about it anymore. (Michael Hyatt and Chip MacGregor are two of my favorite publishing bloggers.) Instead I have turned my attention to helping and encouraging others in their writing and blogging quests.

Each published author has a very unique story to tell of how they got their first book published—all fraught with rejection and perseverance, and generally being at the right place at the right time. I’ve written about my journey into publishing on my site in the past. (Check out the “My Writing Journey” category on the right sidebar.) Today I’m sharing with my readers how this journey has affected me and why I continue to pursue my writing and publishing dreams.

In sitting down to write this post, a quote by Louise DeSalvo came to mind, from her book Writing as a Way of Healing: “ …if you want to write you must follow your desire to write…if you want to become a writer, eventually you’ll learn through writing—and only through writing…if you want to write and don’t because you don’t feel worthy enough or able enough, not writing will eventually begin to erase who you are.” I wrote about this quote back when I started writing in a post called, Why I Write.

Why I Write

Back then, I did struggle to feel worthy or able enough to write. I can vividly remember my first Christian writer’s meeting I attended with a good friend who was further into her publishing journey (and is now published). It was a bit intimidating to attend that meeting (3 years ago next month), meet authors, and share the intense call I felt to write. The other pre-published and published authors were very encouraging and helpful. So I just dug right in, starting my blog (also 3 years ago next month), buying writing books, subscribing to writing blogs, and becoming a member of the writer’s association, NCWA.

Now writing is an integral part of my life. I CANNOT NOT WRITE. I consider it my ministry for others (my 12^th Step—giving back), but it is also a way I embark on my own self-care. Along the way, my writing has helped to ground me in my faith and to claim my identity as a Child of God. My writing has given me a voice that was long ago minimized and criticized, and it has prevented the ‘erasing’ of who I am.

If you’ve followed me along my blogging journey you may note that there are times when my writing may not seem very inspirational, directly point people to Jesus, or have a purpose other than to document what is on my mind or going on in my life. Regardless, I am a Christian writer—and sometimes it looks like I am a writer who just happens to be a Christian.

After three years, I see most of my life through the lens of a writer; and I love it. It has given me opportunities to regularly write for other venues like my publisher’s site, JourneysToMotherLove.com, and the ministry site where I serve, CelebrateRecoveryOnThePlateau.org. This summer I added guest blogging to the mix for ChristianMommyBlogger.com and UnomaNwankwor.com. (Unoma is the Christian fiction author I met at Pedro’s movie premiere.) I serve as the editor/blog servant for Reclaim Ministries. And finally, my writing also gives me a front row seat to Pedro’s pursuit of his music dreams in the film industry.

So I am continuing to write. I haven’t given up on my dreams of publishing the full-length book, Emerging From the Cocoon (tentative title). At the moment I’m too busy living the sequel (title unknown) and watching as God heals me or others on my path. Most assuredly, the sequel will include my Spanish connection.

Journeys to Mother Love Turns 2

And what about my story, Chapter 8 – Walking My Mother Home, in Journeys to Mother Love? In a nutshell, it remains the foundation of my message, my healing, and why I write. It was my first born baby and my love child.

This second year hasn’t been about marketing and selling it so much as it has been about sharing the story in the right context. And sometimes it was about giving it away to people who made an impact in my life over the years. My story continues to be a vehicle for me to show others the love of our heavenly Father and how when we embrace healing and forgiveness, Jesus turns it into Hope.

Having said that, I’m happy to announce that I will be giving it away in bigger ways very soon. But the details of that announcement will have to wait until another time.

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a gallery of authors and recovery contacts who recently acquired my book while in LA. My hope is always that my story inspires them as their writing and teaching has inspired me.

Cheryl Baker, co-founder of Celebrate Recovery

Jana O’Guin, Director CR International

Dr. John Townsend

Dr. Henry Cloud

Thanks to everyone who has purchased my book, written a review, sent me a personal note, subscribed to my blog, liked my Facebook page, or supported my writing through prayer and other means. It has meant the world to me.

God has turned my healing to hope…just like He will yours.

A Question of Sanity: Mental Health & the Church

A week after the sad news that actor and comedian Robin Williams took his own life, the shock has worn off. His suicide has brought a lot of talk to the forefront about mental health issues. That’s about the only good that can really be said about something as tragic as this.

Questioning Our Sanity

It also goes to show that you never know what will drive a person to take such a drastic and irrevocable act. I’ve had moments in my own life when I’ve wondered how I was going to get through another day. I’ve also had periods of severe depression and questioning my own sanity.

In those dark moments, what has made the difference is my relationship with Jesus. I long to be with Him, but not at the expense of what it would cause my family. That is what I think in my rational moments.

When you suffer with mental illness or depression it is easy to get caught up in negative thinking and feeling like there is no way out.

Over the past few years since the healing of my mother wound, I’ve become free of a lot of the ‘demons’ and internal voices that wanted me to believe I was not sane, too different, too emotional, too whatever.

A Change in Perspective

As I came to understand that some of my own compulsive behaviors were not necessarily defects of character, but were symptoms of my ADHD, I started to give myself more grace. And eventually I turned to medication—something I never could’ve done in the past. I watched what medication did to my mentally ill mother. It scared me and scarred me.

I’ve been on medication for my ADHD for over eight months now. It isn’t a panacea, but it has made a difference in my life. Better yet, my son’s successes with medication for his ADHD have turned his life around. Because of our experiences, I am now a believer in the need for medication. No more white-knuckling it for us.

Mental illness, depression, and yes, ADHD, are real health problems in our society. They have carried a stigma for far too long. Isn’t it time that changed?

Mental Health & the Church

I’ve been blessed to be a participant in and serve in Celebrate Recovery (CR), a Christian 12-step program that helps people deal with their hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Those hang-ups are often thought of as addictions like alcohol and drugs.

Unfortunately, the general public commonly believes that CR is a program for ‘those people.’ Being in CR has shown me that we are all ‘those people’ because we all have some sort of struggle that we need Jesus’ help to overcome—including depression, anxiety, rejection, and struggles with shame and worthiness.

Because of my passion for spiritual and emotional healing and my affiliation with CR, I was particularly pleased to hear about a bigger movement in the Church to address mental health issues. In March 2014, the Gathering on Mental Health and the Church, involving Catholic and Evangelical cooperation, was hosted at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA.

Celebrate Recovery: A Safe Place to Share

Saddleback Church is also the founding church of Celebrate Recovery, where I recently attended the annual CR Summit. Just as CR has been one of the signature issues at Saddleback, Senior Pastor Rick Warren is also taking on the role of mental health in the church as a signature issue there. And John Baker, founder of CR, is developing new teaching materials to address mental health issues.

I’m excited to see the implementation of this new information in our teaching materials. CR leaders are not trained counselors or medical professionals. As facilitators of spiritual and emotional growth, we are also keenly aware of how emotionally empty, depressed, or alone people can feel when they enter recovery. (We’ve been there ourselves.) We are on the lookout for suicidal tendencies and refer people to the help they need. Our chief focus is to provide a safe place for people to share their struggles, to feel accepted, and to know that they are not alone.

Depression feeds on isolation.

After a personal testimony was shared at the conference in March, Pastor Rick Warren commented to the presenter: “Your chemistry in your brain is not your character and your illness is not your identity. You are a follower of Christ who struggles with mental illness, but your struggle does not define you… Jesus defines you.”

Overcoming that kind of stigma and identity struggle is just one of the ways Jesus shows up through the ministry of Celebrate Recovery. It gives hope to the hopeless.

Looking for a Celebrate Recovery program in your area? Click here to find a meeting near you.

For more information about Celebrate Recovery or to read recovery related blog topics, check out CelebrateRecoveryOnThePlateau.org.

2 Comments

by ardisanelson on August 21, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Healing & Recovery, Identity

Tagged 12 step, adapting to change, addictions, Celebrate Recovery, God, healing, hope, identity, mental health, relationships, Robin Williams, struggle

Posted by ardisanelson on August 21, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/08/21/a-question-of-sanity-mental-health-the-church/

On Mission for God, Part 3 ~ Not Standing Alone

I just returned from the 3-day Celebrate Recovery (CR) Summit at Saddleback Church in Southern California. The worship songs are still running through my brain. I am totally fired up and excited to move forward in serving in this ministry. I venture to guess that there isn’t a single person out of the 3,400 attendees who doesn’t feel similarly. The Summit is like CR on steroids with thousands of people who all want to bring or advance this ministry of hope and healing at their churches.

On the Saddleback campus

International Mission Focus

This was my third trip to the Summit in my ten years of recovery. My previous two trips were with leader teams from two different churches. This time I traveled alone, representing Pine Lake Covenant Church (PLCC), where I now serve as a CR leader. I was sent as an envoy for the international mission I am leading to Spain in the fall.

My focus for this Summit was to meet other CR leaders who run this program in foreign countries and learn as much as possible about their unique obstacles and cultural differences. Although I’m an introvert by nature, for this 3-day Summit, I was a woman on a mission with a razor sharp focus–meet international leaders.

I attended the session on International Mission Strategy and a late night connection event with international leaders or others going on short-term CR missions abroad. I hung out daily at the international tent meeting representatives from other countries. On my last day at the Summit, I had a one-on-one meeting with the new director of International CR, Jana O’Guin.

Hoping and praying that Spain will join this list soon.

UK Reps, pioneering for 15 years.

Norway reps, 7 years of serving

Meeting with Jana O’Guin, CR International Director

Other Summit Activities

I am grateful that this wasn’t my first time to the Summit. I knew the lay of the land: my way around the Saddleback campus, my way around Orange County, the 3-day schedule of events, and the line-up of speakers. Even with all of that though, the information never felt stale or boring. It was all inspiring and encouraging with multiple sessions of daily worship, powerful testimonies of redemption, and a chance to laugh at ourselves through the biblical wisdom and wit of The Skit Guys, like “God’s Chisel.” All of this time and money was a great investment in advancing God’s Kingdom abroad.

My favorite times were the few times I got to unwind a bit with some CR leaders over dinner. One night it was with a group from a local CR that I met on my flight to California. One of those leaders is also going on a mission next month to China. My last night in California, I had a relaxing dinner with a friend who moved to California shortly after we met in CR at PLCC last year. These recovery-related conversations served up good food for thought and were a welcome time of fellowship.

While at the Summit I also took time to meet with my favorite authors: Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. I have been a big fan of their work since I first read “Boundaries” and “How People Grow” early on in my recovery journey. We’ve met several times over the years. (They’ve spoken at every Summit for the last 18 years.) I could easily write a post just about each of their presentations.

Rick Warren ‘preaching it’

Nailing ‘it’ to the cross

Dr. Henry Cloud

New CR friends

Renewed friendships

With Dr. John Townsend

The Skit Guys

I Don’t Stand Alone

My biggest takeaway from the Summit was that I am not alone in my Call to bring CR into another country. Jana has been on over 25 mission trips into places like South Africa and Rwanda. CR materials have been translated into 28 languages.

When I first started to tell other international CR leaders about my short-term mission to Spain, they eagerly suggested connecting my missionary partners in France and Spain with them. These international CR leaders are pioneers in Christian recovery across the globe. They have persevered over the years to break ground in their native country. Often times they had to fund the translation and publishing of the CR materials in their native language as well. Now it is Spain’s turn.

This is not an easy task. It is not a ‘parachute’ ministry. It will take follow-up trips to Spain by me, my missionary partner from France, or others who are experienced in CR and called to share this Good News abroad. I’m grateful that I’m not alone; and I’m grateful that the path has been blazoned before us. We’ll do our part; the rest is up to God.

Countries where Celebrate Recovery is established, developing, and has been introduced.

Mission update

This week I got approval from Timberlake Church, Redmond, WA to fully fund the start-up materials for several Spanish churches and for the seminar this fall. That was welcome news on this joint church partnership with PLCC.

Only 6 more weeks!

I’ll be leaving in six weeks, and the mission is not fully funded yet. Won’t you please consider giving to this mission of hope and healing—not just for Spain, but to share the message in France as well? Click here to donate online or fill out my contact form to support the cause through prayer.

If you live locally, I’m inviting you to hear me speak on Monday, August 18, 7 PM at Pine Lake Covenant Church in Sammamish, WA. I’ll be casting the vision for the mission and sharing more about CR International endeavors and my Call to Spain. Hope to see you there.

4 Comments

by ardisanelson on August 14, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Healing & Recovery, My Mission to Spain

Tagged 12 step, boundaries, Celebrate Recovery, Christianity, France, God, healing, Henry Cloud, How People Grow, John Townsend, Mission to Spain, recovery, Spain

Posted by ardisanelson on August 14, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/08/14/on-mission-for-god-part-3-not-standing-alone/

Tempting Fate in Houston, Part 1 ~ On the Red Carpet

When I last wrote about Pedro’s Tempting Fate* premiere in Houston, we were en route to the theater. No limousine treatment for Mr. Pedro González Arbona. That was reserved for the cast arrival later. I was Pedro’s chauffeur for the night, and he was stuck with me. No chauffeur’s cap like he suggested, but I bet I was the best dressed chauffeur at the event. (His real limousine ride will happen in due time.)

Pedro arrives at the theater for his American composing film debut.

I had many roles for Pedro that weekend. I was his image consultant, his photographer, his personal biographer, his publicist and his manager. Best of all, I was his friend. At any given moment it was hard to separate which role I was playing. As his benefactor and producer of his first CD, I was grateful to be there for his American movie debut. It was all in God’s timing, for sure.

At the Keyboard

We arrived at the venue for the sound check, before all of the festivities started, and in advance of the other cast and crew. Our first introductions were to Doyin Fashakin, the event planner (Events By Doyin). It was her smooth talking and quick maneuvering that got the keyboard at the event on such short notice. (Muchas gracias, Doyin!)

Pedro turned on the keyboard and started to practice, but there was no sound coming out of the auxiliary sound system! I prayed silently—no more problems in Houston. He fiddled with the cable connections a bit and music soon wafted through the theater reception area. (Answered prayer, thank you, God!)

A musical temptation straight from Madrid, Spain.

What a delight it was to watch him play some of the soundtrack songs I’d been listening to for the last several months. At one point, he threw in a sentimental favorite, Seattle, from his first CD. No one was the wiser except me. I proceeded to take plenty of photos and some video of Pedro performing.

On the Red Carpet

I didn’t know what to expect at this event. I’d seen Hollywood premieres and red carpet events publicized on TV in the past. It always looked so glamorous. It seemed to be reserved for the biggest stars, and the beautiful people in Hollywood. But here we were.

This was Pedro’s opportunity to bask in the limelight and to be acknowledged for his fantastic movie soundtrack. I wanted to make sure that I fit in with the crowd as well. Like most Hollywood actresses, I spent hours shopping for just the right dress, jewelry, shoes and so on. After all, it was my fairy tale moment too.

On the red carpet with Pedro at the premiere of “Tempting Fate”.

At the first break in Pedro’s music, we were asked by some fans to have our picture taken with them. Those were posted on Facebook within minutes; and that was the start of the social media frenzy that ensued for the movie. I was too busy with my digital camera to post online that night. However, I did get some photos back to Pedro’s family in Spain. I was also proud to be handing out Pedro’s business cards and pointing people to his Facebook page. Like, like, like.

Then we strolled over to the red carpet area. The red carpet was laid down on an area between a row of life-sized movie posters to the left and a row of photographers and videographers on the right. As you exited the second floor elevators into the event reception area you would walk right onto the red carpet and right into the line of paparazzi. There are photos all over Facebook at Tempting Fate and Simon’s Aperture.

Pedro's interview with Unsenika Usoro from Afro Centric Television Network.

Pedro’s interview with Usenika Usoro from Afro Centric Television Network.

Media Interviews

We plunged into the fun and had our photos taken together. Sky Houston, from Majic 102.1 radio station in Houston was on the red carpet interviewing people. She asked Pedro how he heard of the event. When he said he was the soundtrack composer, she interviewed him on the spot. I introduced myself as well, but let Pedro do all of the talking. He later said he was nervous, but it didn’t show.

Pedro’s second interview was with Usenika Usoro from Afro Centric Television Network in Houston. Again Pedro did all of the talking, as I graciously walked off camera after our initial introductions. That gave me the opportunity to get photos of Pedro during his interview.

Cast Arrival at the Meet & Greet

Pedro performed on and off during the ‘meet and greet’ portion of the event. People mingled and munched on fine appetizers and drinks in advance of the movie screening. The Houston sky turned dark and a deluge of rain, thunder and lightning swept across the region just as the limousine carrying the actors arrived at the theater. We watched from the balcony above as they did some publicity photos in the main theater lobby.

Watching overhead as the cast and crew arrive.

As luck would have it, the storm caused the power to go out to some of the theaters, but it did not affect our reception area. It was also at this opportune time that the elevator lost its power and some of the actors were stuck between floors. “Satan really doesn’t want this movie to get out,” I thought to myself as I sent another prayer up above.

Pedro meets John J Vogel, who plays Detective Travis in the movie.

When the power was restored and cast members started to have their turn at the red carpet treatment, the atmosphere turned more energetic and full of anticipation for the movie screening. The cast had spent two weeks together filming the movie ten months earlier and now they were reunited. They had formed a bond over the project. They were like family, and the celebration certainly had that sort of feel to it.

Pedro on the other hand had watched the movie many times as he synchronized his music to the scenes. He intimately knew the lines and the characters, but he never met the actors. He was like an invisible collaborator, working remotely from Madrid. He was very excited to meet everyone.

Kevin Nwankwor, the producer/director of Tempting Fate, is interviewed by Sky Houston, Majic 102.1 radio station.

We watched from the sidelines as the actors and producers were interviewed by the media. We had some brief opportunities to meet some of the cast. They all knew who Pedro was and heard rave reviews of his music. Pedro also finally met Kevin Nwankwor, his producer, face to face after almost exclusively communicating via email over the last ten months.

We were all here for the same reason. We were eager and excited to see the VIP screening of Tempting Fate. Stay tuned for the next post on Pedro’s musical pursuits to hear about the Tempting Fate movie.

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*Wondering where you can see this movie for yourself? Tempting Fate was produced by KevStel Group, an independent production company based in Atlanta. They are seeking distributors for release in 2015.

UPDATE 07/05/2016: Tempting Fate premiered in Lagos, Nigeria, during an all-star red carpet event in July 2015. It ended up being one of the top 10 Nollywood movies of 2015. (Nollywood is the Nigerian movie industry, based in Lagos.) The movie is one of the top 25 movies of all time in the Nollywood film industry. The movie is available to rent or purchase on Amazon or other streaming movie site. Pedro’s music and other beautiful music from the movie is also available on Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, and other music sites.

7 Comments

by ardisanelson on July 31, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged Christian movie, following your dreams, God's timing, KevStel Group, movie composing, music, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, piano compositions, prayer, Seattle, Tempting Fate

Posted by ardisanelson on July 31, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/07/31/tempting-fate-in-houston-part-1-on-the-red-carpet/

On Mission for God, Part 2 ~ Surprise Me, God

In Part 1 of this series on my mission trip to Spain in the fall, I wrote how I was taking a leap of faith with my public announcement and asking for donations. I’m happy to report that my prayers were answered; I am walking on solid ground.

Actually I will be flying through the air nine weeks from today, on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. (I’m starting my countdown calendar on the right sidebar of my site.) However, I won’t be flying to Spain, not directly anyway…

Counting down–9 weeks until I leave on mission.

Praying for the Mission

My prayer all along has been to align my will with God’s will for this mission, for spiritual revival in Spain, and for the timing of the mission to align with His timing. As a person who used to earn my pay as a project manager, it is often hard for me to let go of control when working in ministry settings.

In early June, I sent out an appeal letter to friends and family to support my mission, as well as emails, and the public announcement on my blog. Then I was inundated with family commitments and travel that pushed all of my preparations for Spain on the backburner.

I know that was God’s way of building my trust muscle. Not only that, I chose to take myself out of the reporting of any updates on who was contributing to the mission and how much. I didn’t want my attention on any mission planning or obligations. I released it all to Him and began to pray a new prayer: “Surprise me, God!”

I wanted and NEEDED God to surprise me. Surprise me He did…in multiple ways.

God’s Amazing Surprises

My first surprise was how God has already provided a large portion of the financial provision needed for the mission. So far, donations are $2,125 including the $1,000 match by Celebrate Recovery at Pine Lake Covenant Church, who is sponsoring the mission. That was truly welcome news—allowing me to purchase my airfare last week!

I also received word that the 10-day organized prayer journey segment of my mission was postponed until 2015. As a prayer warrior for Spain, that came as a bit of a disappointment to me. However, when God closed that door, He opened another—a really BIG surprise.

I was able to accept a long-standing invitation to speak at a church in Grenoble, France, where my mission partner (and American missionary), Marvin Klein, lives. I will arrive in France one week before the CR conference in Spain, giving us time to prepare for the conference and to travel together with him and his wife to Madrid.

Revised Mission

While the second surprise dramatically changed the physical itinerary of the mission, it did not change the timing or focus for the CR conference in Spain. In fact, it supplements it and builds on that in new ways. Not only am I and PLCC CR investing in a partnership with Spain, we are also building on our relationship with Marvin, in France, and possibly other areas where he has global connections.

The revised itinerary also provides more dedicated time at the church in Rivas, with leaders and at prayer meetings. While I prayed globally for unity in God’s Church in Spain last summer, and for spiritual revival in their country, I didn’t have opportunities to pray one on one with people. I know the Lord is answering that desire of my heart through this new avenue—His surprise for my time in Spain.

Next Mission Steps

In preparation for the mission I am attending the annual Celebrate Recovery Summit at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. I will also be speaking at the CR meeting at Pine Lake Covenant Church on Monday, August 18 at 7 PM. I will share more information about my Call to Spain, provide a mission update, and share new training information from the Summit.

Click on above image to donate to the mission.

This mission is still not fully funded. With the revised itinerary, the new donation goal now stands at $3,000 (a reduction of 25% of the original estimates) to cover travel, meals, and materials to hold the conference. Won’t you please consider giving to this mission of hope and healing—not just for Spain, but to share the message in France as well?

Please Join God’s Work Abroad

The easiest way to donate is to use the secured giving link that directs all monies to the church for the mission. All donations through this link or mailed directly to the church (information here) are tax deductible.

This mission is also in need of prayer support. To pray for the mission now and while we are traveling and teaching, fill out my contact form on this site. My on-going prayer request is for the remaining financial provision to be secured in advance of the trip, for protection and safety for our travels, and for receptivity to the CR materials and spiritual revival in Spain and France.

Surprise me, God! Surprise us all!

I invite you join God in what He is doing in Spain and France by supporting and praying for this mission, and you too can plant seeds of change across the world.

Now the Lord had said to Abram, “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1, NIV)

1 Comment

by ardisanelson on July 23, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Faith & Hope, My Mission to Spain

Tagged 12 step, adapting to change, Celebrate Recovery, conference, faithful, France, God's timing, healing, hope, Mission to Spain, prayer, public speaking, Spain, spiritual journey, trusting God

Posted by ardisanelson on July 23, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/07/23/on-mission-for-god-part-2-surprise-me-god/

Houston We Have a Problem

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two weeks since traveling to Pedro’s Tempting Fate* movie première and my (his) so called fairy tale moment that I last wrote about. I’m back to reality in Seattle—integrating what feels like another major milestone and its emotions into my life. Pedro is back in Madrid celebrating his milestone with family and friends while preparing for the annual family holiday period on Mallorca—a place I got to experience myself last summer at this time.

However for 3.5 days in Houston I had the honor of watching the dreams of Pedro González Arbona come true—American style. Since I know friends and family are waiting to hear about the experience, I’m sharing it here without further delay. Please humor me as this is not my typical post, and is longer than usual.

The cast & crew of ‘Tempting Fate’, produced by KevStel Group, at the Houston premiere, July 4, 2014.

Let me start by saying that while the evening and the weekend was a big success and we had a fantastic time, there were also many challenges that we had to face—separately and together. But like most dreams, there is a fair amount of work and determination involved to achieve them.

Destination Houston, U.S.A.

Getting Pedro to Houston was no small feat. For months we had been anticipating the Tempting Fate VIP private screening. Since Pedro was coming from such a long distance of 5,000 miles, the producer tried to get his flight sponsored by an airline. When that didn’t pan out, I lent my support by contacting people I knew in the travel industry. Unfortunately, none of that materialized into a ticket for Pedro either. He eventually got the funds on his own.

When it came time to purchase my tickets, I deliberately chose a flight that would arrive shortly before Pedro’s. I wanted to be at the gate upon his arrival and take photos as he departed the plane—to play the role of his paparazzi, an ongoing joke between us. Besides how often do you get the chance to actually meet someone at the airport gate anymore (post 9-11)?

As I boarded my flight in Seattle, I knew Pedro was on the ground in Philadelphia waiting for his connecting flight to Houston. His flight was going to be slightly delayed. No worries, I thought—that just gives me some time to catch up on my writing.

When I landed in Houston and turned on my cell phone, my heart sank at the news that awaited me. His flight was cancelled due to hurricane Arthur; the airlines had put him up in a hotel, and he would arrive at 2 PM the next day—a mere four hours before the movie premiere. I was disappointed and deflated.

Navigating Houston on my Own

As I finally headed toward the baggage carousel at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, I was reminded of my travels from Mallorca to Barajas (Madrid) Airport last summer. I was expecting to be met by a mutual friend in Spain to help me with my luggage and checking in for the American leg of my flights home. He was a no show, and I was alone, just like I was now.

On this trip, I had been looking forward to Pedro’s help navigating through Houston to our hotel 40 miles away in Sugar Land, Texas. As I left the baggage claim area and walked out into the night air, I was hit with more reminders of Spain. The late night heat in Houston was thick with humidity and made my clothes stick to my skin. Then, even with the aid of a GPS, I was frustrated and lost within minutes of leaving the airport in my rental car.

Grounded Planes, But Spirits High

That night my sleep was interrupted multiple times with ‘pings’ from international text messages by Pedro’s parents and eventually from Pedro as well. When I went to bed the night before, I was ignorant to the havoc that hurricane Arthur was making along the East Coast.

I didn’t realize that the entire Philadelphia airport was closed down!

Within minutes of communicating with Pedro that morning, my adrenaline kicked into overdrive and I got out of bed to start researching flight activity at Philadelphia International Airport.

“What if they cancel my flight again and I’m too late for the premiere?” he asked me. “Pray everything is solved.”

“Of course,” I said trying to reassure him and calm his nerves. I was already multi-tasking in my mind, praying while texting him, and looking online for flight updates.

Flights were back on schedule at Philadelphia International Airport.

“Thank you, Lord for your mercy and your ways. Help us to lean on you and see you in the midst of our challenges. Give us peace. Clear the skies, literally, part the weather, and bring Pedro to Houston safely.”

“Amen,” he texted back.

Surprise Me God!

As soon as Pedro ended the chat, I was on my knees praying. “Surprise me God” has been a recurring prayer request lately as I let go of my expectations and give God greater freedom to work His ways and His will in my life. In the midst of the challenges we were facing, God managed to surprise us over and over again.

Tap, tap, tap was the noise I heard on the door, interrupting my prayers. It was Pedro’s producer. Wouldn’t you know it that for our first meeting I was in the hotel hallway in my robe and pajamas! Ok, that was a funny surprise God! But work was to be done.

For months Pedro and I waited for confirmation on whether he’d be able to perform at the premiere. His producer explained that the event planner was still trying to secure a keyboard for the event. That was another God-sized surprise, but no expectations on my part. After all, it was the 4^th of July! How were they going to rent a keyboard on a holiday?

“Surprise me God! And Lord, while you’re at it, just get Pedro here safely and on time for the premiere.”

Our Airport Reunion

Saying that Texas is BIG is an understatement—likewise for the Houston airport. As luck would have it, I got lost at the airport trying to pick Pedro up. Although he didn’t check any luggage, we were to meet at the baggage claim area for his flight. What I didn’t know is that Houston has a baggage claim area for each terminal.

No broken bones, just a bruised ego.

Under normal circumstances it would’ve been comical, but not when time was so limited. I rushed through the airport tram system between terminals to find Pedro, falling and twisting my foot in the process. In pain, and almost in tears, all I could think and selfishly pray was “please let me be able to walk the red carpet with Pedro and wear my new high-heeled shoes tonight!”

Meeting Pedro at the airport was a surreal moment for me. It had been almost a year since we last saw each other—saying farewell at the Palma Airport on Mallorca. And now through a twist of fate and the Lord’s favor, here we both were in a distant location thousands of miles from home. I almost didn’t recognize him. But when I heard him call my name, I followed the sound of his voice to catch a glimpse of him smiling near the baggage carousel.

After the standard European cheek kiss, now my routine greeting with my American friends as well, we rushed through the airport, tram system and all, (I hobbled), labored over finding the car in the parking garage labyrinth, and collapsed in the car. But before we drove away, we pulled his suit out of his luggage so the creases could fall out. There was no hope for his shirt though—ironing that would be my first job back at the hotel.

The composer and his paparazzi, I mean manager, finally reunited on American soil.

No More Problems in Houston

As we settled into our familiar conversations about life and our travels, Pedro texted his producer that he arrived and we were on our way to the hotel. His reply was the icing on the cake of God’s surprises for the day. The keyboard was en route to the theater. We just had to be there early for a sound check and for Pedro to get acquainted with the keyboard.

It would be a tight schedule for us, but none of that mattered. We’d be there; we’d be on time; and Pedro would perform—one of his greatest desires for the event.

Pedro toiled on the Tempting Fate soundtrack for nine months. We both faced many challenges in getting to the Houston premiere. Over the last few months, the famous line uttered by Astronaut Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 (portrayed by Tom Hanks in the movie), “Houston we have a problem,” seemed to be a recurring and somewhat comical theme; but no more.

At the Space Center, no more Houston problems

Pedro with the Apollo 13 crew.

As I rushed to dress for this Cinderella event, I marveled how we overcame each obstacle to get to this point in Pedro’s musical career. I was not going to let any more problems in Houston dampen his night. Even the pain and swelling in my foot was going to have to take a backseat to the joy in my heart. God was faithful and surprised us at each step along the way. We persevered!

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:4, NIV)

Stay tuned for my next post about Pedro’s musical pursuits to hear about the Tempting Fate red carpet event, the movie screening, and Pedro’s performance.

Update 2/12/2015: The Tempting Fate soundtrack has been released and the movie premieres across Nigeria and Ghana in July 2015.

1 Comment

by ardisanelson on July 17, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Faith & Hope, Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged celebrations, Christian movie, following your dreams, God, KevStel Group, movie composing, music, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, perseverance, prayer, Tempting Fate, trusting God

Posted by ardisanelson on July 17, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/07/17/houston-we-have-a-problem/

Fairy Tales do Come True

I’m going to the ball!!! I’ve dreamed of this day for a long time. It’s not the fairy tale type of ball or romantic fairy tale type of dream. It’s the dream of seeing Pedro’s music come to life on the big screen. More than that, it is the night of his first movie premiere in America. I’ve been there in my mind many times since I first took Pedro González Arbona into the recording studio three years ago.

A Cinderella Moment?

None of this has been easy for me—my role in Pedro’s life—from 5,300 miles across the globe. It started as friendship with an exchange student in my home, moved to a deep bond with his mother, and eventually led to producing his first CD and putting it for sale online. From that point on he has considered me his manager.

I’m not going to spend time rehashing the details of the history between us or Pedro’s musical career to this point. You can find that elsewhere on my site. What I will share is that today, July 4^th, 2014, Pedro’s first full-feature film, Tempting Fate, with his accompanying soundtrack will be viewed at a private VIP screening in Houston, TX. There is no place I’d rather be tonight, alongside Pedro. It doesn’t even matter if I was his manager or not. I would still be there.

To me, that’s my Cinderella moment. No, I’m not meeting my Prince Charming (but beware young women, he is a Spanish charmer). And there won’t be dancing, although there is an after-party planned at a Houston nightclub.

For one night I will walk down the red carpet. I will wear something glitzy. I will meet the actors, the producers, and the press. (I’ll be sure to write about it and take lots of photos like the press too.) I will take it all in and show up in whatever capacity Pedro needs.

Believing in our Dreams

I can’t read music and have never played an instrument. However, I know how Pedro’s music captures and enhances the movie experience. I experienced it even before he started synchronizing his music to movies. I’ve also gotten glimpses from afar as his music has grown over the last few years.

One day last summer while in Madrid, he walked me through the composing and orchestration process. I was intrigued and blown away by his talent. I’ve gathered a plethora of information to write about his music, his life, and his journey to this major milestone in his life. Yet only a fraction of that has been published online. In time, God will reveal to me how, when, and where I’m to use it.

So today, while I had hoped to write a piece to promote his movie, I’m left with a post that expresses my desire for Pedro’s dreams to become a reality. As his benefactor, I’ve supported it, prayed for it, and believed in it from the start. Tonight I’ll get a front row seat to watching it unfold.

Fairy Tales do Come True

Where would we be if we didn’t dream? Where would we be if others didn’t foster or believe in our dreams and our potential? Where would the producer/director, cast members and behind the scenes crew of Tempting Fate be if they didn’t follow their dreams and share the vision to create this film? For me personally, I know I wouldn’t be in Houston today awaiting Pedro’s arrival from Madrid.

If I didn’t have others who believed in my dreams and encouraged me these past few years, I wouldn’t be a published author or have followed my mid-life writing dreams. Now I have paid forward that investment into Pedro and his dreams. It has given me new dreams as well, and opened my eyes to new possibilities.

As a middle-aged woman who had her fairy tale wedding over thirty years ago, today will be the closest thing I’ll probably get to a fairy tale event again this side of heaven. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed. I’m sending prayers upward that this faith-based movie, the message, and the music will be positively received and reviewed by the media, and distribution secured for viewing across America.

Oh, gotta run. I’m also Pedro’s chauffeur. I have to get his carriage to the airport on time. I’m delivering one very special package to the theater tonight.

Because sometimes fairy tales do come true…it can happen to you.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Update 7/7/2014: The premiere was a wonderful success. Pedro’s music received much praise. He has a bright future in the film industry. Time to get back to reality and support him from 5,300 miles across the world.

On the red carpet with Pedro at the premiere of “Tempting Fate”.

1 Comment

by ardisanelson on July 4, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Faith & Hope, Identity, Pedro's Musical Pursuits

Tagged celebrations, Christian movie, encouragement, following your dreams, hope, KevStel Group, music, My Spanish Connection, Pedro Gonzalez Arbona, Tempting Fate

Posted by ardisanelson on July 4, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/07/04/fairy-tales-do-come-true/

A Letter on Leaving the Nest

For the parents whose children have recently left the nest…and to their children as well.

Journeys To Mother Love

He’s gone…my firstborn child graduated from college last month. Then we packed up his belongings and settled him into an apartment 500 miles from home.

The last several weeks have been a frenzy of activity, including his 21^st birthday. I had glimpses of the emotion that I knew would come. But none was as surprising as the wave that hit me when my son returned a letter to me I had written him when he left for college almost four years ago.

We were cleaning out his room, sorting what to take with him, what to keep at home, and what to get rid of. He isn’t the sentimental type and asked me if I wanted to keep the letter. Naturally I agreed. While his focus and attention remained on sorting his belongings, I snuck away to read the letter…and the tears came.

I was surprised by the things I…

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You Can’t Always Get What You Want

I borrowed the title for this post from the 1969 song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Not that the Rolling Stones are a source of spiritual wisdom or Godly counsel, but these words are in line with scripture. The song goes on to say “but if you try sometimes, you might find, you’ll get what you need.”

Click above image to view concert performance of this song by the Rolling Stones.

I have one simple example that has been running through my mind a lot these days as we transitioned our son Evan from college graduate to gainful employment 500 miles and two states away from home. It started when he was a senior in high school going through the daunting college admission process.

Playing the College Game

Evan had taken a very challenging schedule of AP classes throughout high school. Before that he attended the full-time gifted program offered in our school district. It was a place ripe with talk and preparations for students to attend the top colleges in the nation.

We, and my son, bought into that dream until just before the first colleges started to send out their admission decisions. We knew the odds were not necessarily in his favor, but we also knew how bright he was. After much prayer, I started to have an inner sense that he may not get accepted.

God’s Ways are Higher

The morning before the first decisions were to be posted online, my devotional reading was based on Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I knew God was preparing me for the rejection, which in turn helped me to provide guidance and encouragement to my son. The rejections and waitlist letters came one after the other. It was a difficult time for him, and for us. There was much disappointment.

Four years later, with the clarity of time and perspective, we can see how God turned that heartache into a huge blessing for my son. It started with an award of a scholarship and direct admittance into the department that he ended up majoring in earlier this month. That major was not something he had previously considered as a career. Yet this week he started a full-time position in his chosen field at one of the top companies in the computer chip industry.

A Lesson in Trusting God

Shortly after these events happened and while still in high school, Evan submitted an essay for a scholarship with the writing prompt of ‘trust.’ His essay quoted Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” While he wasn’t awarded that scholarship, his essay did reflect a humbling posture and ability to move on with a new sense of purpose.

I thank God that Evan didn’t get what ‘we’ wanted for him. Instead our son got the educational opportunities he needed to succeed. He (we) also got a valuable lesson in seeking God’s will and trusting Him. He learned firsthand that the Lord provides us with what we need, and not necessarily what we want (from Matthew 6:25-34, not the Rolling Stones). I hope and pray he carries that lesson with him as he launches into this new season of adulthood.

Congratulations Evan and to the Class of 2014!

This post is listed on Christian Mommy Blogger/Fellowship Fridays and Missional Women/Faith Filled Friday.

1 Comment

by ardisanelson on June 27, 2014 • Permalink

Posted in Faith & Hope, Relationships & Family

Tagged adapting to change, college, dealing with disappointment, goals, God's timing, gratitude, letting go, life's challenges, milestones, parenting, perseverance, relationships, success, trusting God

Posted by ardisanelson on June 27, 2014

https://ardisanelson.com/2014/06/27/you-cant-always-get-what-you-want/

WELCOME to my site!

I'm an author, writer, speaker, mentor & mom. I've struggled to find my voice all my life as I lived in the shadows of a mother with mental illness. Thankfully that was not the legacy that she handed down to me. It took a lot of recovery and deep healing work to rise above it.

I am thankful to God for Making Me Bold in the process. Now I use my writing and speaking voice to help others on their journey to turn healing into hope.
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