Audra Krell

On Purpose

Archive for the category “Christianity”

08 Jan 2014
7 Comments

Not Earmarked for Erosion

I’ve seen lots of posts on “Five Things to Do If 2013 Wasn’t Your Year”.  Truth be told, I don’t even click through. Because every year could be considered “not my year” if I chose to think that way.

Some are better than others, I will concede. 2013 was filled with joy for me. Sure we had our share of heartache, loss and disappointment, but overall there were so many beautiful things that God did in our lives. I am able to continue my education, we have our health, we have each other and most of all a God who loves us beyond measure.

So it’s led me to wonder, what things should I do since 2013 was my year? How can I repeat another good year?

I can’t.

One thing I  know that I shouldn’t do, is make drastic changes. I don’t need to till up my life, pummeling and shoveling dirt, displacing the nutrient soil my roots are made to absorb.

Digging up dirt is just earmarking my life for erosion. Definitely not what we’re created for.

My plan for 2014 is to continue fostering my root system. Water, feed and care for my Spiritual life. Look to God and  do what He is asking me to do.

Love like He is asking me to love.

He has the opposite of erosion planned for my life. He has plans to save and preserve my life, eternally.

“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (New American Standard Bible)

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Posted in Christianity, Health, Purpose and tagged , ,
08 Aug 2013
11 Comments

Happy Hospital Dreams

Portrait of happy woman doctor

Only a few dreams haunt me. I remember with startling clarity a terrifying dream from my childhood and I have yet to decipher what it means. I suspect I never will. It’s so scary that I hope to never get acquainted with the meaning by living out the dream.

Then there was a prophetic dream five years ago, foretelling of a medical tragedy two people continue to struggle with today. (That is for another post as I can’t publish it here until after it’s hopefully published in a story compilation book.)

Last night though, I had a happy dream. I was the only nurse caring for at least 8 babies in a hospital. Which I confess is based off the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy. I realize the fact that I still watch that show is a confession I shouldn’t make here or really anywhere. But back to the happy dream of being the only caregiver in a stressful NICU, I realized this morning that I cared for the babies all night and was not stressed. I was happy. Blissfully happy.

During my run this morning it became clear that I’ve had many dreams about caring for people in a hospital. In every  one of them it was hard and exhausting work, but overall, I’m wildly happy in that setting. Wildly happy I tell you.

Further this morning it came to light, that God speaks in these happy hospital dreams. I’ve spent my life asking God to reveal my purpose, my direction, what I should do with my life. I’m certain that He has whispered to me in many dreams over the years. There is no doubt that the happiness I experience in dreams and especially in real life medical settings is a gift from Him.

Caring for all of God’s people is a calling, a purpose, an upward direction and definitely what I should do with my life.

If I can show the love of Christ with a smile, a nod of understanding and a gentle healing touch then I believe I’m at the center of His will. There is not a happier place to be.

Does God speak to you through your dreams? What has He revealed to you?

Posted in Christianity, Gifts, Purpose and tagged , , , , , , , ,
16 Jul 2013
4 Comments

Learning and Serving with Thanks

Learning and Serving with Love

Valladolid. Hundreds heard of our great God. Many chose to live for Him. All chose to love.

Thank you for your prayers and your financial support. We could not have done it without you.

3 John 1:4  reads ” I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” NIV

It is with the greatest of joy that I profess that we did just that.

We came alongside the underserved, took them by the hand and walked with them in truth.

Amen.

Posted in Christianity, Health, Mission Trip, Purpose, Respect and tagged , , , ,
07 May 2013
4 Comments

5 Ways to Support Our Medical Mission

IMG_1854
Keegan and I are deeply blessed to be going back to Valladolid, Mexico in June. We’ll be serving with International Medical Assistance and working in the same hospital, Centro Medico San Lucas. This is IMA’s biggest trip of the year. Our team will perform hundreds of surgeries over 5 days, as well as 300 dental procedures, build an eye clinic, and see hundreds of children in the villages. We will play with them and run medical clinics. And best of all, every patient will hear the gospel. We will love and care and support and come alongside the sick and the poor. We plan to once again, give our brothers and sisters everything we’ve got.
A few significant changes are happening this year though. Keegan is coming back, but in a medical capacity. The trip touched him so deeply last year, that he changed his major at U of A and is pursuing a Family Studies Major with a pre-health minor. His ultimate goal is to become a pediatric oncologist. I came back to the US and went back to school. I’m now a Licensed, Certified Nursing Assistant and plan to pursue a nursing degree. Can’t wait for pictures this year as Keegan will be in scrubs too!
We must thank all of the donors from last year, who made the trip possible for us. As you can see it has changed our lives. Our only desire is to continue to serve those who need our help while continuing with life-long learning. Keegan and I are committed to assisting people at the highest level.
We have raised a good portion of funds this year, but as you’ll see below, we have a little gap to fill. We appreciate in advance, any and all support. We love you all and look forward to partnering with each of you to get our boots on the ground in Valladolid.
5 Ways you can help:
1.) Pray for provision in every way, for the safety of our team, and for those supporting us from home.
2.)Donate readers. You know those cute reading glasses from Dollar Tree? There is a desperate need for those and we’d be more than happy to take them to Mexico.
3.) Donate Advil, Tylenol or other pain killers. Please note, we cannot take expired medication into Mexico.
4.) Donate airline funds. Keegan and I are using points to purchase our airfare and are one round trip ticket short. Airline tickets are about $850.
5.) Donate to our individual trip fund. If you give to Scottsdale Bible Church it is tax deductible. Keegan and I are $350 short (total) on our trip fees.
Instructions for online giving are as follows:
Click Online Giving
On the right side of that screen click on Mission Trip Giving
In the drop down for Trip/Project select the team (Mexico, Yucatan #756)
In the individual drop down select Participant-Put name in memo (Audra Krell or Keegan Krell)
The donor should type in the team member’s name in the memo box
Hit next and complete steps for donation
We are truly grateful for your precious friendship. Thank you for your prayers, we couldn’t do this without you.
Posted in Charity, Christianity, Health, Mission Trip, Purpose, Respect, Travel and tagged , , , ,
23 Jan 2013
12 Comments

On Patience and Mustard Seeds

What is freeing you?

In these trying times, it’s easy to recall the ties that bind. Politics, guns, money, war, jobs, resolutions, health and family obligations. If you let them, that is, if you so choose, each one will choke the life right out of you.

In an effort to be intentionally peaceful, I think of not who I want to be, but who God is asking me to be. He allows me to make a choice and to immediately live out an answer, by simply doing the next right thing.

It frees me to realize that I don’t have to worry as much about my attitude toward others, as I do about my disposition before God. Sometimes I get those backwards.

I’m free in knowing that when I stand in the light of God’s love, my attitude toward others will follow. But, if I choose to focus on others before God, I stop short of all He calls me to be. I forfeit the good gifts He so freely gives.

Patience is a good gift He gives. Lately I’ve seen patience as small as a mustard seed, pay off in the form of a forest.

Patience and mustard seeds and godly disposition free me and they’ll do the same for you.

If you so choose.

Posted in Christianity, Gifts, Purpose and tagged , , ,
24 Sep 2012
10 Comments

Even WowWow is A Boy

Candi Card Williams

My sweet friend Candi had a wonderful response to my posts last week and her thoughts are too good to keep to myself. She’s an amazing mother to a beautiful 5-year-old boy and wife to a hard working and godly man, Tim. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, I’m so glad she got out of the humidity and now calls Scottsdale home. I also love how she calls me Ms. and always offers one of her southern hugs. I’m just better whenever I’m around her. 

Ok, Ms Audra!!

I am loving your new series!!!!

I have had to wipe back the tears at some points and then at others jump up and say “Preach it Sista!!”

You and I have a lot in common. I was raised by a single mother with 3 older sisters – no boys in my house.

Now, I am the only girl – even my cat WowWow is a boy – well he used to be . . .

I read your last article and thought how gracious God was to give you a great husband and THREE sons!! And how thankful I am for my Tim and Wesley (ok and WowWow).

I think it’s really cool that what the Enemy intended for evil, God will turn out for good. Follow me on this . . .

I can’t speak for you, but for me, the Enemy broke apart my home of origin, yet God in HIS wisdom gave me a son. My prayer is that the generational sin stops with me and Tim, and that we are now ushering in a new generation of blessing with our LITTLE MAN.

I see your family and read your posts – what the Enemy intended for evil, God is turning to good. You and your husband are ending generational sin and ushering in a new generation of THREE YOUNG MEN that love our Heavenly Father.

Praise be to Jesus!!!

Hugs and keep the posts coming!!!

Candi

Doesn’t she just crack you up? I love the line that “WowWow used to be a boy”….hysterical. And Candi, you can speak for me anytime sister. You are right on. I was deeply inspired by your words, and it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about being intentional about ending generational sin. That God would give us a chance to help raise boys who will be a blessing, who will help not harm, who will love not hate.

And just so you know, we’ve got your little girl in mind. We want to raise boys who are tough but tender when need be, real men who know how to love and respect a lady. We’re praying for a generation of blessed young women to rise up. Women who want to be co-creators the way God intended, women who want to walk worthy and walk beside a good man.

So what’s your story? Is God showing you a new way?

Posted in Abandonment, Boys, Christianity, Men, Purpose, Respect and tagged , , , ,
13 Jul 2012
8 Comments

On Distraction

For 26 hours I rode the roller coaster, eyes closed, hands in the air, nausea and all. I’m in the final stretch of preparations for our medical mission trip to Valladolid.

After feeling ill all week, I went to the doctor yesterday. I was frustrated that I had to go and sent a text to a couple of girlfriends regarding how distracted I was by my physical problems.

After talking for a bit, the Doc asked if I could be pregnant. I almost snorted. “Um, No.”

She raised her eyebrows, burrowing into my eyes.

“Really. No chance.” I assured her.

“I want you to take a test anyway.”

10 minutes later she opened the door and dropped a bomb or several. The test came back positive. And, I was having a miscarriage. And, if the pregnancy was ectopic, I would be having surgery. And, I wouldn’t be going on the mission trip.

The rickety car flew around the old wooden tracks faster and faster as the bottom fell. The ultrasound was scheduled for today and I made my way home. I felt lousy, was consumed with a need for answers and in shock. Collapsing in bed, I prayed for direction, healing and answers. Fever and chills ruled the tunnel of night and the car began another steep decent as daylight dawned.

Finally we bumped to a stop about 10:00 this morning. Blood work showed no pregnancy, ultrasound was great, no explanation for a host of unusual symptoms and a positive pregnancy test yesterday. I do have an infection, but that’s a different distraction which has nothing to with the original problems.

I’m baffled by the events of the last two days. I don’t have answers and I have more questions. But what I do know, is that God is good, He’s got this and He will lead me away from the tracks.

My job is to stay the course now. This isn’t about me and I won’t be distracted from serving the marginalized people of Valladolid. I value my health and I will take care of myself, however I won’t lose my ability to pay attention to what I’ve been called to do.

You can easily see what to pray for and as always, we deeply appreciate the power of standing tall together, on our knees.

What about you? Ever had a time of deep distraction from the things God was calling you to? What did you do?

Posted in Christianity, Health, Mission Trip, Purpose, Travel, Women and tagged , , ,
09 Jul 2012
18 Comments

Flip Flops on the Ground

A quick update on where our son Keegan and I’ll be, this time next week.

We leave Saturday for Valladolid, Yucatan, MEXICO. Sleep is elusive, as I’m so excited. Keegan is serving on the music team and the band will lead us in morning devotions and put on several open air concerts. I’ll be working in pre-op at the hospital in the picture. I’m most looking forward to helping ease the pain and suffering of our Mayan brothers and sisters, in Jesus’ name.

To those who have supported us financially and spiritually, you have made a huge difference in many lives already. Truly, we would not have been able to go if hadn’t been for you. We look forward to putting hands, feet and voices to your prayers as well your dollars.

I discovered tonight that the hospital has a Facebook page. Check it out HERE. I don’t know a lot of Spanish, but enough to see that they are excited about us coming and they have been praying for us. That humbled me to the core.

I can’t wait to get my flip flops on the ground in Valladolid as Keegan and I both will be rocking it for God’s people.

We covet your continued prayers.

Valladolid, Yucatan

Posted in Christianity, Health, Mission Trip, Purpose, Travel and tagged , , ,
17 Apr 2012
7 Comments

Partnering with the Equipped

On July 14 Keegan and I will be traveling to Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico to serve on a medical mission trip with Scottsdale Bible Church. We will travel with an incredible team of Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Musicians and Outreach experts.

At this point, I will be working in the hospital, in pre-op. If you know me at all, you know this isn’t a case of God calling the equipped. I know though, that He has indeed called and will equip me. I’m most excited about being able to show God’s love to a literal, physically hurting people. Through an interpreter and my actions, I will show each patient how important they are, how much they are loved by God.

We will bring healing to the sick, serve surrounding villages, put on open air concerts and perform up to 200 surgeries and necessary procedures.

Every person that is treated in the hospital will have the opportunity to hear the gospel. I’m so excited and blessed to be a part of this team.

I’m looking to partner with you; the very much equipped. There are 3 ways that we can team up and do this together.

1.) Prayer. Pray for safe travel, safety in the Mayan village, that we would bless people mightily and that the funds to go and serve would be generated in God’s perfect timing.

2.)Financial support: Total cost of the trip is $1800. Every donation in any amount is tremendously helpful. Your financial support is tax deductible and you’ll be provided with a receipt.

3.) Help us by purchasing items from the following list:

  • Flip-flops for children
  • Eye Glasses (2.0 and up) These are at the dollar store for you guessed it, a dollar.
  • Bottles of Advil, Tylenol and Children’s Vitamins
  • Glucose Test Kits
  • Pony tail holders, Head Bands
  • Soccer and Basketballs
  • Crayons, Scissors, Sharpies
  • Ziploc bags
Together, we’ll be a part of something much bigger than ourselves. I believe God calls us to that every day.
If you’re able to help would you indicate that in the comments? I especially appreciate your prayers.

 

Photo courtesy @NeverFarAway/tumblr

Posted in Christianity, Health, Mission Trip and tagged , , , ,
06 Apr 2012
13 Comments

Breakfast Club on Jazz

We attended closing night of the Phoenix Film Festival and saw Blue Like Jazz. The film opens nationwide on April 13.

Let me first say that I loved the book. God used it to change my life. Donald Miller gets abandonment. It was one of the first times I felt understood in my struggle with parental abandonment. Miller helped me to see that even though I didn’t feel worthy of people sticking around, I have a Father who has never left me.

In my ongoing heartbreak with subsequent familial abandonment, I return time and again to the truths I finally understood through Miller’s writing. God’s love lasts much longer than the stabs of current rejection. His love is the only thing that is eternal.

Now on to the movie. It’s not advertised for, nor is it appropriate for children or young teens. We took our 13 and 16 year old sons. I was embarrassed, and as mom to three teen boys, it takes some doing to make me blush. I also was uncomfortable with the mocking of Christianity. I get that for free every day out in the world, through all social media and especially on TV. My son lives it everyday at the University he attends, the other boys at their middle and high schools.

Some reviewers say the movie is a great conversation starter for Christian families and helps them transition their young adults to the next stage of life. I wonder where they think we live? Do they really believe all Christians live out in the country where the most violent act we witness is a calf being born? Where our biggest problem is what dress to wear to church on Sunday? No, Christians face the exact things the world does, on the same moment- by -moment basis. When I attend a film, I want to be taken away from the world, not forced to relive my college days in all their lewd glory.

Reviewers said the movie was going to have a hard time and comments like the one below tend to polarize viewers:

A challenging book to turn into a film due to its stream of consciousness narration, director Steve Taylor and crew have for the most part succeeded in turning out a generally entertaining film, but one that will probably be too centered on Christianity for those averse to religion and too “edgy” for those of the Christian faith who like their films Kirk Cameronesque. -Linc Leifeste, Smells Like Screen Spirit 

I agree, it was too difficult to turn Blue Like Jazz into a film. As a person of faith, an avid movie goer and someone who respects Kirk Cameron, I don’t prefer my films to be Kirk Cameronesque. I further don’t consider mocking Christianity for 95% of the film to be edgy in any way. It’s an effort to reach the masses with an attempt to entertain. Mocking anything is usually good for a sure laugh.

The central message of Blue Like Jazz the movie, is that every flawed creature is worthy of respect, which we know is the gospel truth. The film had the chance to go deep with that and ended up a glorified, modern day version of the Breakfast Club with a jazz soundtrack. Basically an “accept all sin now, just be certain to ask forgiveness later.”

I highly recommend the book, it’s a completely different experience.

Blue Like Jazz the Book

Posted in Abandonment, Book Reviews, Books, Boys, Christian Writer's, Christianity, Creatives, Current Affairs, Film, Jazz Music, Movies, Religion, Respect, Television, Writing and tagged , , , , , , ,

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