It’s November! Oh my goodness! Where has all the time gone?? If you would like to get monthly updates and stories about my new adventures, send me an email! I'd love to connect.

What exactly do you do?

It's been two months since I started working for Immerse and it has been an amazing ride! As Director of Ministries of Immerse’s ‘Effective Track’ (leader development), I meet with leaders 1:1, mentor, develop policies, and help lead lots of Prayer Resolutions sessions.

What is Prayer Resolution?

Great question, you! I've always thought you were incredibly smart and good looking

Check out this video for more information!

So after 2 months what do you think of your job?

I LOVE working with the Prayer Resolution tool! Oh my goodness, I may have been created to do this type of ministry. I get to use my gifts of encouragement, and my innate tendency to ‘dive deep’ with people. I get to watch God heal people every.stinking.day. I have the honor and privilege of crying with someone as they face things that have been done to them and then honestly look at what they've done to other people. I get to watch as Jesus uses the power of his sacrifice to wash them clean, make them new, and restore their minds and hearts!

It’s like watching people who have been dead come back to life! I honestly feel like I am standing outside of graves and yelling for people to come out, Lazurus style. The words I speak sound nothing like "Come back from the dead!" but more like "You're worth crying for. Your heart is important. That shouldn't have happened to you. Would you like to bring that to your Heavenly Father?" but the effect is the same.

Prayer resolution also provides an opportunity to see some of the deepest desires of my heart fulfilled. For as long as I can remember my heart has ached over the large issues in our world - poverty, sex trafficking, devastation from war, racial injustice, starvation, kids who have been abandoned, etc.. I almost got swallowed up by the ache when I was younger. Perhaps you can relate? Luckily, I’m starting to understand that I'm not asked to do 'all the things'. But I can work with God as he heals people so that THEY can become fully alive and equipped to be the lovers this world needs.

The numbers

For all you numbers folks, here's what that looks like:
372 hours total = 46.5 hour work week
189 hours of Prayer Resolution
60 hours of Effect Track Meeting times
64.5 hours of administration and policy writing
33.5 hours of individual meetings
25 hours of miscellaneous tasks

Partnership Opportunities

Would you like to partner with me in this life giving ministry? There are several ways you could participate!

Go to Substance Church’s monthly class on Forgiveness Learn more about the main building block of Prayer Resolution and how to apply this life giving tool

Become a Prayer Partner Would you like to pray for me and my coworkers? I cannot overemphasize the need for prayer support as we engage in the battle for people’s hearts.

Give financially Prayer Resolution is funded through donations. If you would like to give a spontaneous gift or set up a monthly donation, please visit Immersedisciplship.com or click the "Donate" button below. After signing in, please write "Melissa Lundquist" under special Instructions for the recipient.

It's Turkey Day. That once a year feast that Americans are so fond of where we binge in the name of plenty and toast our relations for being smart enough to connect their world to ours. Thanksgiving blogs will pop up like after dinner pie- sweet and served up to those already overstuffed with goodness. Some will count their blessings publically, some will have a patriotic flavor, some will point out hypocrisy and decry (legitimately) the problems with this holiday. This blog is not about that.

This is a blog for the broken hearted, the isolated, the silent. This is a blog for those that are sitting among family and friends and still feel alone. It's for those going to work today to hide the ache. For those who will plaster on fake smiles while desperately trying to hide behind the piles of stuffing and gravy. Feeling....less than thankful.

This blog is for you. You are not alone in the quiet. Here is what my heart has to say to yours today:

I. You don't have to be thankful. And you don't have to feel guilty about it. It's ok to feel the feels. Thankfulness has to do with gratitude and gratitude is difficult in the middle of grief and sadness.

2. Be kind to yourself. You are so important. Please treat yourself as you would treat a dear friend.

3. Allow someone else, the universe, God, to be thankful for you. You are a gift to this world, whether that beautiful, shining gift of you is recognized or not.

So dear one, whether this finds you among friends or in solitude, I pray that you would find peace and space to honor your hearts needs.

Love,

Mel

**If you are struggling with suicide or depression please don't go through this alone. There is help and there is hope. in MN call +1 (612) 379-1199 or nation-wide 1 (800) 273-8255.

Wings and Such

Monday, November 30, 2015

November winds a blowing ....and snowing...