The Holl Story

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-15T22:08:00.001-07:00

RETREATS: The Chapel/House Retreat went really well, except for the bus breaking down on the drive there, causing a 90 min. delay. It was a long time sitting for me, but God provided 2 seats so I could stretch out and the hours of fellowship were good. The hot tub was a highlight and helped my back with all the sitting. Also enjoyed the Gorge and seeing all the amazing snow and icicle formations. The messages on Discipleship were stimulating, and I enjoyed being on the receiving end. I had good talks with several women in my studies and felt I got to know several people better. The Cadence Europe Staff Conference is next week in England, and I’m looking forward to the break.

TEACHING: I’ve been pushing pretty hard to write the weekly study on Mt. 5-7 and revise my Discipleship study on Thursdays. On top of that I spoke last Friday night at the Hospitality House in Baumholder on the Parable of the Talents, which was fun to share again. I’ll also be speaking in March on Jesus as our Bridegroom, a study from 3 years ago that was encouraging. I’m learning much as I study, but feeling a little tired and overwhelmed at times and some enemy oppression in my thoughts, so your ongoing prayers are appreciated that I’ll stay faithful and persevere. I’ve met one-on-one with several ladies, and we’ve had good discussions on spiritual issues. I’m getting positive feedback from all 3 classes on all they’re learning and applying, so it’s encouraging to see God working.

MOVIE NIGHT: I had a nice evening with 3 ladies who came for dinner and the movie Courageous last week. It was enjoyable to have a smaller group and to discuss the powerful themes of the movie, which were very timely for one of the women dealing with an issue requiring risk and courage.

HEALTH: I’m grateful that a calcium supplement seems to be helping me sleep better at night. The 2 weeks of unusual daily sunshine due to the frigid temperatures has been a boost too! I’m still battling some pain in my wrists and now foot and ankle pain for no apparent reason. I’m hoping it won’t inhibit getting in some walking exercise at the conference.

Kingdom Life

2012-01-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

I hope your New Year is off to a good start. I’m thankful to be through a challenging year health-wise, and I know I’ve grown as a teacher too. It was good to spend 3 days away with good friends to review the year and pray in the New Year to a cacophony of German fireworks!

Some answers to prayer:

After 2 weeks with a rental car and off/on apartment heat, both issues are fixed for which I’m very thankful
My speaker’s application was approved and my biography is now listed on the PWOC International website as a resource for Europe.
Time at the Ramstein Terminal giving out drinks and snacks with Project Rudolph was a good chance to personally thank those returning from downrange.
Christmas was a time of great joy personally and good fellowship at Chapel and the House with about 75 attending dinner.
Both the Kingdom Life and Discipleship studies are off to a good start, with record attendance in both classes last week.
The House trip to take food and clothing to the Hungary Orphanage went well and was an encouragement to all the receivers and givers.

I’ve been immersed in studying the Sermon on the Kingdom. 3 weeks is not enough time to write a new study, so it’s been challenging. I’m still trying to get to know new ladies. I’ve had several one-on-one meetings to discuss issues re: decision making and forgiveness. This weekend is our Chapel Retreat to Garmisch with about 120 people. We’re all going in buses, so we should have good fellowship on the 6-7 hr. drive and on our free day Sat. Our speaker is a missionary in S. Africa talking about spiritual disciplines.

Prayer Requests:

I’ve felt a bit stressed and overwhelmed creating this new study, so pray I’ll have balance and make good choices, not neglecting relationships.
For spiritual growth this weekend, good worship and time with the Lord, and significant spiritual conversations.
Still trying to find good resolution for my mid-life sleep issues, and helps to avoid carpal tunnel (wrists have been hurting more). Ability to sit for 6-7 hr. bus ride this weekend and no back pain.
Continue to remember the woman deployed and my friend who is still healing from surgery.

Merry Christmas - Ministry Pictures

2011-12-21T12:08:00.001-07:00

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-17T01:07:00.000-07:00

‘Tis the birthday of our King! I’ve been pondering this.

What does it look like to give gifts to Him instead of expecting gifts for myself or giving obligatory gifts to others?

Before our last study of the Parable of the Talents this week, I glanced through the verses following it in Mt. 25:35 and began to chuckle as God so faithfully answered that prayer:

^“For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat,

I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you invited Me in,

I needed clothes and you clothed Me,

I was sick and you looked after Me,

I was in prison and you came to visit Me.”

The Talents stressed what we’re to do in our Master’s absence: increase His Kingdom/possessions which He’s entrusted to us. These verses indicate how to bring about that increase.

Giving gifts to Him looks like meeting the practical needs I’m aware of in those around me!

And the context is that this will be a focal issue when He separates true believers from unbelievers at His return. It has caused me to do some re-evaluating in several areas.

The Talents Parable has been challenging me for the last 4 months since I’ve taught it 3 times now. One resulting application question has been:

Do I struggle more with the aspect of hard work or risk that’s involved with pursuing increase?

For me, it’s risk. So... I’m seeking to take some small steps of risk to pursue more opportunities to use what’s been entrusted to me to increase His Kingdom.

I have submitted my application to be added as a PWOC Europe Speaker to the PWOC International website

I’m seeking God’s direction regarding making my studies more available.
I have agreed to teach a lunch study again in January.

Please pray with me for:

my Speaker’s application to be approved and for God to continue to increase His Kingdom through me
the Kingdom study to bear fruit in the 25 women who studied it
my preparation in writing the January Bible study on The Kingdom Life from Mt. 5-7
the House trip to the Hungary Orphanage this weekend to deliver much needed food and clothing (they’re only able to serve 2 meals a day because the gov’t cut funds)
one of our women deploying Dec. 25, and transitions for the families of those returning as the war winds down
that we’ll encourage returning troops at the airport Dec. 23 as we pass out Christmas stockings with Project Rudolph (http://projecttlcserves.org/index.html
for all the events on Christmas Day: our Chapel service, House brunch for the singles, and big Christmas dinner in the evening

Praise God with me:

my friend is healing from her surgery though still in a little pain
for 3 fun events with chances to talk with women (a baby shower; making stained glass angel ornaments; a Christmas Tea)
one woman said: “Thank you so much for teaching this study!! I have learned so much about the Kingdom and about myself. I am so glad God led me to this PWOC and to someone like you. I have truly been blessed with this study and I can't wait for the next. Thank you.”

Because He came and gave the greatest gift...

Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T23:27:00.000-07:00

THANKSGIVING

We had about 75 people at the Hospitality House for Thanksgiving. It was a good time of fellowship with football and Macey’s Thanksgiving Parade playing on AFN in the background! We had lots of turkey and ham and fixings and about 25 pies! I was able to spend some good time talking with 6-7 women, catching up on their lives. I hope you had a heart of gratitude and a good celebration too! Each of you were among my thanks for your ongoing friendship, prayers, and support. I love partnering with you in His Kingdom’s work and seeing the impact we’re able to have together.

TEACHING

Wow, it’s been a very busy and rewarding two weeks! I had to prepare 3 Parables the week of PWOC Europe Conference (Nov. 18-21). I was pretty exhausted but excited by the time my co-worker Cathy and I left on the 5 hour drive. We had good weather and a wonderful time encouraging each other. It’s the first extended time we’ve had together in their 3 years here. The weather was great, no traffic jams, and a fun time with 450 women at a different location this year with our theme of “Your Kingdom Come.” The worship was meaningful, as well as meal times getting to know different women from my studies.

My class on the Parable of the Talents went much better than I expected. It was at 3:15, the most tiring time of day for me, but the Cadence ladies prayed for me, and I felt energized and excited. 12 women and I explored the text and had a great time, even acting the story out. I had feedback from several afterwards about how God spoke through His Word, which was encouraging. I was also able to support one woman recovering from an internet affair who is wrestling with issues of boundaries, guilt/condemnation, healing, and forgiveness.

* Praise God for answered prayer re: the conference, and pray for the ongoing application of what God spoke to each woman.

* Pray for my friend to see victory, healing, and growth in her life.
* Pray for special protection over my Tuesday night class as there has been an issue of potential concern requiring discernment and prayer for the last month.
* Praise God for answered prayer regarding what to teach in the Spring. We’ll stay in Matthew and focus on the Sermon on the Kingdom, Mt. 5-7, and what the Kingdom Life looks like.

THE WOMEN

One of my disciples is growing by leaps and bounds and is at a crossroads of taking a deeper step of commitment. I’ve been able to support her in her recent surgery, driving her to the doctor, getting groceries, and jumping her car. I invited her for dinner on my birthday, and we had a lovely time talking about the Lord for several hours.

* Pray for her spiritual growth that as she counts the cost, she’ll choose to obey. Also pray for her physical healing and recovery.

* Pray especially for one woman who’ll deploy on Christmas Day with 30 men and one other woman. Pray for protection from the enemy but also from advances from regional men who have a different view of women. She’ll have a bell on her door and a weapon by her side 24/7, but she asks for prayer.

I’ve been feeling much joy lately, and I can see my mind being transformed as I see Kingdom issues with more clarity and have more of an eternal focus. But I am feeling tired. Pray I finish this class well in the next 2 weeks and then have wisdom on when to take some down time over the busy holiday before teaching starts again in January.

Fall Update

2011-11-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

TEACHING

Our Parables study is giving us many new insights and helping me understand the present, earthly, spiritual Kingdom much better. It’s enlightening to study these passages in their context. I’m getting positive feedback from many of the 30 ladies on the impact the Word is having in their lives, including last week’s study on forgiveness. One lady shared that she felt drawn to take my class and each week God has given her specific direction and an answer she’s seeking. It’s sure encouraging to hear that!

Thank you for praying for my talk on Mary Magdalene at the Hospitality House last Friday. I felt more relaxed and managed to multitask the Power Point slides. I’m grateful for these opportunities to grow as a teacher, and I feel I’m learning much. I wanted to clarify the misperception that she was a prostitute or adulteress and focus on her healing from 7 demons and the only one named at the cross, burial and resurrection. The frequent comment afterwards was “No way! I always thought she was a prostitute!”

Our annual PWOC Fall Worship and Study is Nov. 18-25, expecting 450 women, and I’m leading a class on The Parable of the Talents. Your prayers are greatly appreciated that God will draw to the class those He desires, that I’ll communicate well, and that God’s Spirit will instruct and convict, and that each of us will reevaluate the “talents” we’ve been given and how we’re using them to increase His Kingdom.

WOMEN'S EVENTS

I had our monthly dinner and movie night last week with 7 ladies, including 2 new women. As always, it was a wonderful time of sharing and bonding. One lady said the movie was used to give her an answer to an issue, and she can see God moving in our community.

The House sponsored a women’s event so one woman could teach 15 of us how to make tortellini! She did most of the work, but we all pitched in to press and cut the dough, chose fillings, roll and cook them, and then eat them! It provided an ideal time to talk, share stories, testimonies, growth and challenges as we hovered over the table in our labors!

I’ve had lunch with several women, trying to get to know some of the new ladies, and I met again for my monthly visit with my German friend. We began to talk about the book Changes that Heal and the whole issue of bonding. She recounted all she’s learning from her beginning classes in counseling and how it’s impacting her abusive past.

The House had a wedding reception for my co-worker and her husband. And this week, for 3 days, I hosted a woman who is interested in joining our Women’s Ministry team and wanted to observe my ministry. Pray for affirmation of her desires and then orientation and support raising. Pray for my friend who has been in my ministry 5 years, as she has surgery next week.

As the holidays begin, there’ll be many ministry opportunities with so many missing home. We’ll be having a big Thanksgiving dinner at the House on the 24th, a visit to some Christmas Markets, and I may be hosting a women’s event that weekend.

Thank you, dear friends, for all your love and support. I’m blessed to have such great partners!

October Update

2011-10-16T10:01:00.001-06:00

Staff Conference

It’s been a busy few weeks, starting with our Cadence Europe Women’s Staff Retreat to Spain. The weather was perfect in the low 80’s and it was a good time of rest. I had some personal insights and direction for growth, and also guidance on a particular issue I was praying about.

Teaching

Both of my Parables classes went well in my absence with so many new women in the morning class, we had to move to a larger room. After 4 weeks, we’re understanding so much more about this interim spiritual Kingdom of the Heart that Jesus’ introduced and what this era between our King’s first and second coming is like. Please pray for our understanding and insights into truth and for protection over these classes.

My talk at the Hospitality House on Hagar last Friday went well in spite of my initial nervousness. I gleaned new insights, and it was an encouragement to focus on our great God who reveals Himself as the One who hears and sees us in our trials and makes Himself known. Please be praying as I prepare my second talk on Mary Magdalene for Nov. 4.

Girl Time

One of the women who used to be stationed here is back for a few weeks, so I’ve enjoyed some one-on-one time with her again to reconnect and encourage each other. I’m also getting to know several of the new ladies and introduced one to strawberry spaghetti eis (fresh strawberries over vanilla ice cream). Yummy; my favorite!

Another friend and I went to the English Theater in Frankfurt to see the play The Importance of Becoming Ernest. We had a wonderful time of fellowship over dinner and lots of laughter during the play, which felt so good after all the studying I’ve been doing.

Next week, I’ll be meeting with my German friend to discuss Changes That Heal. The first chapter on bonding has been very helpful and insightful.

Finally, please remember my co-workers whose 18-year-old niece died suddenly and their family is grieving.

Fall Kickoff

2011-09-23T01:49:00.000-06:00

KICKOFF! It’s been a busy month creating 13 Parable studies and 2 of my upcoming 3 talks. I began teaching 2 PWOC classes on Matthew’s Parables of the Kingdom, and 22 women came with half of them new. The Wise and Foolish Builders showed us that entry into the Kingdom means wisely planning for the future by building on a solid foundation; being a hearer who puts into practice Jesus’ words. I’m looking forward to some rest and sunshine next week as the Cadence Europe Women gather in Spain for a retreat.

* Pray for the impact of the new study, and the 2 ladies leading in my absence as they tackle 3 short Parables. Pray for some good time to rest, be refreshed, and listen to the Lord on a specific issue for which I’m seeking guidance. Praise for direction to teach the Parable of the Talents for the Nov. PWOC Conference and pray for my Oct. 7 talk on Hagar.

GOODBYES! New arrivals mean some have PCS’d and that’s always hard. We had a dinner and goodbye party for M. who has been in my studies for 5 years. It was a wonderful time of sharing with her the Christ-like qualities we see in her and praying for her. Her absence is already felt. Another woman was in the German hospital twice, and I visited her several times and drove her home when she was released.

* She has ongoing serious health issues and would appreciate your prayers. Also, pray for M. transition back to the USA, and a medical issue.

I had my monthly meeting with my German friend who wants to read through the book Changes that Heal for our next meeting. It’s exciting to hear how the Lord is healing scars from an abusive past and transforming her thinking with His Word.

* Praise God for her spiritual growth and pray we’ll both learn what God has for us from this book.

HEALTH. I was finally able to take advantage of our Indian summer and ride my bike several times before snow sets in! After 11 years, I didn’t forget how, and it’s such a delight for me. Thanks to my dear friends for their thoughtful gift!

* Praise that my groin pull is healing. Pray against carpal tunnel as my wrists/arms have been hurting from so much typing lately.

COLORADO FRIENDS. Cadence Associates is launching it's inaugural chapter of volunteers in the Colorado Front Range to help the staff at the Colorado Springs Military Hospitality House. There will be a banquet on October 29th at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs to celebrate this exciting news and raise awareness and support in the community. For more information visit:
http://cadence.org/coloradosprings2011

Poland Excursion

2011-09-03T07:05:00.001-06:00

Aug. 15 was a very busy ministry week. I went to the hospital and met the newest member of our group weighing in at 9 lbs. 2 oz. Both Mom and baby are doing great and came over last night for dinner. Thanks for praying. It was a week to eat out too, including a birthday dinner, a discipleship lunch, dinner with a couple from the House, a lunch after helping one woman with health challenges run some errands, a Hospitality House dinner at the Park, and an outing with two women from the House.

Thank you for praying for my early birthday trip to Auschwitz & Krakow Poland last weekend which was sobering but good. It was informative to see and hear things from the Polish perspective, and the Oscar Schindler Factory Museum was one of the best I’ve experienced. It was a time of ministry too as I had in depth time with my traveling companion who is in my Tuesday study. We had some good spiritual discussions.

Our Tuesday study continues to stretch our thinking. This week Bruce Wilkinson had us “chew” on the idea that we will want to serve the Lord more in Heaven because words/singing are never adequate and we want to “do something” for those we love. And the level of service we’ll be able to perform will be tied to the amount of rewards we receive for our actions here on earth once they are tried by fire (1 Cor. 3). The more rewards, the greater our level of service and responsibility. It’s thought-provoking, and we’re all searching the Scriptures he gave as good Bereans. I’m still unsure about what to teach at the PWOC Conference and ask for your continued prayer for God’s direction. But I’ve started working on my Oct. 7 talk on Hagar for the Hospitality House series.

Balloon Fest

2011-08-14T10:40:00.000-06:00

Outings: The Hospitality House took a fun trip to Luxembourg to see a hot air balloon festival. There were about 40 balloons in a competition with all the “fest” trappings: bratwurst, crepes, ice cream, face painting and games for the kids, etc. It was on a lake, so we took a paddle boat out for a great view. I was able to spend some good quality time with 2 women and rode with a couple I knew from Japan, so that was really fun. It was a nice break from studying.

Ministry: We finished our 8 week Ruth study and are now watching Bruce Wilkinson’s “A Life God Rewards” DVD in preparation for our Fall study on Matthew’s Parables of the Kingdom. It’s been very convicting about living in light of eternity, investing and storing up there and not here, and that what we do here impacts our life there. It’s certainly made Heaven more real, and as a result, I was able to share the “good news” last week. I’m working hard on creating our Fall study, but I’ve also had more time to spend one-on-one with ladies, and I’m enjoying that. I’ve had some great conversations and meaningful times of speaking Scripture into issues in their lives.

Teaching: The House is studying men and women of the Bible this Fall, and I’ve been asked to teach on 2 different women. There’s so many godly women in Scripture, it’s a challenge to narrow it down! I’ve also been asked to teach at our Fall PWOC Europe Conference in November. Please pray with me for clear direction of what God would have me teach for each one. I’m unsure at this point. One of the young women in my study was also asked to teach for the first time. She’s asked for my help in preparing for that, so pray for wisdom as I seek to guide her.

Praise God that the woman in our study I asked you to pray for gave birth to her first son who was over 9 pounds! Both are fine, and I hope to see them tomorrow. I’m taking an early birthday trip Aug. 27-29 to fly to Poland for the first time with one of the ladies in my study. I’d appreciate your prayers for that and good fellowship as I get to know her better.

Prayer

2011-07-21T11:29:00.000-06:00

My responsibility in facilitating the Prayer study is over. It was stretching since I don’t enjoy leading someone else’s study. But the topic drew me as I continue to learn about prayer. My two prayer warrior friends invited me to watch a DVD on prayer, and we spent time praying together. We also prayed together during our monthly movie night. I’ve found myself praying more often and more immediately when a need arises. At our study, a woman asked for prayer as I was leaving, so we prayed right then. I’m enjoying this step of growth I see in me. Please pray I continue to respond to the Lord’s drawing.

I got to attend an off-base Church for the first time in my 5 years here. They focus on prayer, and it was a refreshing experience. They have pictures in front of the pulpit of people they’re praying for and believers come early and walk and pray by the altar. The overhead screens all say “Focus on Jesus” and all the worship songs are about Jesus and lifting Him up. Announcements on the overhead list people to pray for, and they spend 20-30 minutes of their 2 hour service praying and adoring the Lord. It reminded me of Jim Cymbala’s words that the Lord said His House was a House of Prayer not a House of preaching or singing or entertaining.

Our Ruth study finishes next Tuesday, and my 8 faithful women want to continue to meet in August! They spur me on with their faithful love for the Lord and commitment to learn and grow. The Lord answered prayer in redirecting me regarding the Fall study. The PWOC theme this year is “Your Kingdom Come,” so I’m going to look at the Parables of the Kingdom in Matthew. I like alternating between the Old and New Testaments, and I wanted to focus on a Gospel this time. So, I’m very excited, and grateful for the Lord’s direction.

Please pray for one of the ladies whose been in my study for 3 years; she’s to give birth to her first child in the next 2 weeks! And, thank you for your faithful prayers that sustain me and impact so many lives here! In the words of the Disciples, "Lord, teach us to pray!"

How to Pray for Your Missionary from Paul's Prayers

2011-06-08T01:37:00.002-06:00

Boldness – Eph. 6:19: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”
Acceptance – Rom. 15:31: “Pray...that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there.”
Open Doors – Col. 4:2-3: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message.”
Refreshment – Rom. 15:31-32: “Pray that I...together with you [may] be refreshed.”
Safe Travel – “Rom. 15:31-32: “Pray...so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy.”
Rapid Evangelism – 2 Thess. 3:1: “Finally, dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to pray for us. Pray first that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes” (NLT).
Protection: 2 Thess. 3:2: “Pray, too, that we will be saved from wicked and evil people, for not everyone believes in the Lord.” (NLT)