We're moving!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW HOME! ~ EDEN HOMESTEAD

You heard us right! We are now proud owners in the middle of the country!

 

We've been talking about moving now for a while, along with farming, homestead living, and living communally. We've had a house church in the city now for about 2 years and the love for community has continued to grow in our hearts for some time now. We never knew how the Lord would really move us out in this way, we just trusted He would, in His time. Here's a picture of the property! 12.4 acres, two houses, over 7,000 sq. feet of living space, 10 bedrooms, 4  kitchens, 7 full baths, and a whole lot of space ready for lovin'!

 The story behind this property is divine! There is no other explanation other than God hand-picked and made provision for it. Appraised at close to half million dollars, we were salivating with the potential when we first viewed the house. Brought to our attention by a close friend who knew we wanted to live communally, we went in hope to hear the Lord if this was "the one". The moment we enter the property line, with several confirmations along the way, our spirits literally filled with joy with the presence of God! Barely able to stand, we realized this was it! We had looked at other properties, but never with this much assurity, this much witness in our spirits. At this time, the price had just been reduced to about half of what the property was valued at. Though a steal for anyone, it was still out of our budget. So we waited, sought the Lord, and waited some more. A couple months after we viewed the place we decided to ask the owner if she would be interested in "rent to own". And to our disappointment (at the time), our realtor suddenly tells us the owner can't because she has decided to put the property up for auction that weekend! We were really crushed. Had we heard God correctly? Was it in our own heads? Is it not time? So many questions along the way, but continued to trust God. So we continued to believe the property was ours, despite the circumstances. Brandon even went out to the property just to seek the Lord and, again, he falls under the Spirit of God! We knew God was going to do a wonder, it was time to stand on what we were hearing.

 

The day of the auction we were nerved! I never had so many butterflies ever! It would be nothing short of a miracle for purchasing the property, especially since we could only afford about 1/4 of what the property was valued at. We had no back up plan, we just waited it out. There were only two other buyers at the auction, and a few people from the neighborhood spectating. We had heard later on how there were others wanting to be there for the auction, but for whatever reason, out of town or whatever, could not be there. I believe it was all God (big grin). Well, by now you know who the highest bidder was that day! You bet! Here's the best catch - because it was an auctioned home we also inherited it completely furnished! God had the plan; He made the way. And once again, God proved himself in the BIG dreams! Dream big with God and watch Him do incredible things!

Here's a picture of a couple of the rooms in the big house. There will be some work that needs to be done in the large home, but the rooms themselves are in beautiful shape. The chalet is completely redone and needs no work! The best part about the chalet is its solar paneling that powers all the heating/cooling fans. There's also a beautiful wood burning stove in it. LOVE!

 

Here's the phenomenal backyard. Great for company, bon-fires, connecting with God, or even hunting! There is a lot of foliage and woods, along with two creeks that run parallel to one another through out the property. This place is beyond therapeutic! Which is why Brandon plans on using one of the back sun rooms as a massage therapy treatment room.

And here is the most exquisite sight of Lake Canandaigua, right in the front view of both the homes. There's several porches that lead to the enjoyment of this spectacular outlook. The heart of Naples right here - wine country, seven minutes from Bristol Mountain, surrounded by beauty and bliss everywhere - this place stole my heart!

A side note! Covenant Home (the house church in the city) continues to meet and plans to continue sowing into the city of Rochester. We do not see this move as a means of closing a door in the city, but as God's means to expanding us beyond the city! A lot of love in this heart!!!

Blessings to all our good family and friends following our adventure! We love you so much! We know some of you think we're a little crazy, but you continue to believe in us....and to us that means the world! XOXO

Put on Love

Putting on Christ means putting on Love. 

Nothing holds things more together than love. Its what spoke into our existence. It's what put value on you and me. Its what makes life worth living. Life without love is empty, controlling, filled with fear, worry and regret. But a life filled with love brings purpose, complete fulfillment, security and release into freedom, giving the lover and the loved the ability to dream and live beyond themselves. Choose Love. Its the better way.

In a culture that fights for justice and fairness, it's extremely different putting on an attribute that our society (almost) looks down upon. But Jesus paid the most ultimate price for Love, and He did when He was innocent. This is the most unjust act in all of history, but its the act of Love He is all calling us to. 

I can hear it now....."but Jesus doesn't want us to be treated unfairly! We should fight for injustice! We should have recompense for evil!" Fighting for what is right in the right heart is different than fighting for what is right with an impure motive. For many of us, we rarely fight because of love. For most of us, we fight for something when we feel betrayed, hurt, misunderstood, or offended. 

But Jesus fought for us through his act of love on the cross. Romans 6 paints a picture of us, too, as believers being co-buried with Christ. What does this mean for us as Christians? What was He trying to say? He was showing us that we, too, could also lay down our lives in the same manner. He was saying our old nature was put on the cross with Him. Just as Paul said, "it is no longer I who live, BUT CHRIST, who lives in me." Do we believe these words? Are we willing to be co-crucified, co-buried and co-resurrected with Him? This is what it means to put on Love. It means to be made one with Him in all things, because in that He has perfected all things. He who is Love, not a mere emotion or feeling, laid His life down. Romans also says no greater love than this.....he who lays down his life for a friend. But Jesus not only laid down His life for a friend, but also for His enemies! What a life of love we are called to! That Jesus knowing that Judas was to betray Him, still washed His feet! What a beautiful picture of Love.

And this is what it means to put on Christ. It is to walk in the reality that we have been made one with Him in all things. Ever hear people say, "Jesus is alive still today!"? Well....He is! He is alive, breathing and living through you! So put on love and surrender to His Spirit that is living in You today! He wants to be let out! Love like life counts on it.....because it does.

India and Israel trip this Spring!

As I (Brandon) look at my passport I can only dream of the adventure that lies ahead. Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Calcutta are a few of the cities we will be traveling to. For years I have anticipated this moment. This Spring this dream is coming true! From May 7th through the 16th I will turn away the riches of America, embarking on a journey into the slums of India. This may sound bizarre but I’ve always wanted to immerse myself in a culture of widespread poverty and famine. Lately there has been an increasing measure of discontentment within my heart. I can't explain why I occasionally feel remarkably dissatisfied while living in one of the World’s wealthiest nations. We have access to an IPOD, ITOUCH, IPAD, or an IPHONE. But in a culture driven with “I” “I” “I” we may have acquired nothing more than being ISAD, IMAD, IBAD, and I-solated.

I’m reminded of the passage of scripture when Jesus gathered His disciples and said, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36) Historically the United States of America, and to some extent, presently, is the wealthiest nation in the world. It’s been said statistically, “if an individual grosses $32,000 a year they are in the top 5% of the World’s most wealthy. If their gross income is above $54,000 a year they are within the top 1%. When taking this knowledge into consideration, being an American citizen, I can’t help but hold myself accountable. I may not be living in the top 1-5% bracket but I know among the human race I’m in the top 10% richest in the world. As I travel to India I anticipate areas of my own selfishness to be confronted with the world’s poorest. My prayer has now become, “Search me O’God and know my heart, try me and know my ways, see if there be any wicked way in me.” (Psalm 139)

While our feet trek across the land of India I’m excited to minister to the poor, broken and hungry. However, to be honest and transparent, my true desire is to become more broken while I’m there. A broken and contrite spirit my heart desires. I don’t want to walk through life numb and desensitized to the needs of men. I don’t ever want to eat a meal unappreciative, nor take for granted a closet full of clothes and a house full of belongings. I’ll be the first to confess I have many possessions and could give more than I do. The Word says we will be held accountable to every idol word we speak. Do you think God will hold us accountable to every idol dollar spent?

I don’t say this to shame us, but I say this to FREE us! Because where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. I want to be free from the cares of non-eternal possessions! I believe God is sending me to India because He is circumcising my heart. I’m holding back tears writing this because I’ve entered into the reality that the gospel will cost me everything. “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” (Mark 8:34-35)

Would you partner with me in raising $3,400 to go to India? This may seem like a large amount but it’s so small to the Lord. Think of it in these terms: If 16 people simply invest $200 dollars then we will be at our goal. If 32 people generously sow $100 or even 64 people cheerfully give $50 dollars, our goal will be achieved. Or come along side us and partner monthly with Burn 24-7! Regardless of the amount there is no small offering in the eyes of our LORD. Together let’s give with a cheerful heart and together we will reap a harvest!  

Endless Love,  

Brandon and Crystal

If you want your gift to be tax-deductible you can make checks payable to: Elim Fellowship with Brandon Jackel/India in the memo. Please mail to Elim Fellowship, 1703 Dalton Rd., Lima, NY 14485 Thank You! Or give right Elim ONLINE: make sure you put under directions/other contributions who its going to. ;-) Donating through Elim allows us to be tax-exempt. Otherwise you can also give here.

P.S. As the Lord leads, I (Brandon) will also be going to Israel directly after India for about a week. The price was really good going from India to Israel, so my plan is to sync up with Living Bread Ministries while in Israel and serve along side them during the week of Pentecost. 

Join the movement: www.citytocityrevival.com; www.burn24-7.com

what is love?

What is 1 Corinthians 13 really saying?!

1 Corinthians 13 is the most commonly known verse about love, and is the most popular verse chosen at wedding ceremonies. And though the Church as a whole as seen this love chapter through the lens of marriage, it wasn't written with that being the only regard. Paul originally wrote them to address a specific situation which many of us today miss.  Paul was addressing the appropriate use of spiritual gifts to a body of believers that was divided on many issues. Above all, love was what Paul was compelling the Church to do. It wasn't only something married couples were called to, but we as a Church whole are called to walk....above everything.

Here are some of Peterson's (author of The MESSAGE translation) thoughts and my own together. Its piercing to read this in context, and absolutely life changing to read it as one who is called to walk in love (equivalent to walking by the Spirit).

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power and authority, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain and simple, and if I have faith that moves mountains, but have not love I am of no value. (Not your worth value, but what you so has no value.)  If I give everything I own to the poor and die as a martyr, but I die without loving, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up. It will not fail you ever! It supersedes all things, in every situation, in every circumstance.

Love cares more for others than for self. It chooses to be selfless even when you feel taken advantage of.Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut; its not out to prove something. It is not competitive, but allows others to rise above themselves.Doesn’t have a swelled head and is not arrogant or haughty. It doesn't pretend to always have all the answers.Doesn’t force itself on others, it is sincere, considerate, and slow to  accuse.Love isn’t always “me first,”and it doesn’t fly off the handle. Love learns self-control and knows when to ask for forgiveness. Love doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, or measure one's sin to another.Love doesn’t revel when others grovel, or say "I told you so" in someone's mistake. It doesn't condemn, but brings life.Love takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, and makes it ok to make mistakes, learn and then grow.Love puts up with anything, even when you may be hurting. It pursues even when you feel betrayed.Love doesn't put trust in man, but trusts God always,Always looking for the best,Never looking back,But continues to go to the end. Love is the eternal treasure that cannot be taken from you and continues to grow into all eternity. 

Love never dies. Self-help and motivational speeches will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes (the unknown) will be canceled. And what will be left is love.

And isn't this what Christ did for us? When you examine the life of Jesus, He fulfilled all these things! He was the beautiful example of Love. If we need someone to lead by example, He is it! And its because of His grace that we can love the way He did. And He still loves this way, but now its through us. Let's be compelled to love today.

naturally supernatural

I have often heard men (and women) from the pulpit talk about how they observe miracles happening in third-world countries, but there seems to be none happening in America. Then they usually make conclusions based on that observation by saying, "it must be that the third-world demands the miraculous while Americans have other avenues such as doctors, medicine, counseling, education, etc.) Though this answer may be one part in searching out reasons why Believers are not experiencing supernatural signs, wonders, and miracles everyday, I do not believe it is the very reason. In fact, contrary to what many say, American believers ARE experiencing the supernatural daily, but you will need to just search a little harder on where these men and women are, and what communities are embracing this aspect of supernatural life. I think the difference lies in what we believe.

For someone who first goes to his doctor for medicine to heal his sickness before trusting and seeking God, this ultimately is rooted in what the man believes about God and about himself. It doesn't make it wrong. It just means we can figure out what we believe but how we respond and live life. There are indirect beliefs we have that we don't even know we have, but our actions can clearly show us what is in our heart. From my own experience of being a part of global missions around the world, several different believing communities, and hearing many many teachers in the Body of Christ teach, how we live our life is a direct result of what we believe. Almost every community that embraces the grace message of the mystic union we have we Jesus (John 17), usually walks in some aspect of the supernatural. In fact, its then the supernatural becomes our natural, and the abnormal our normal, the radical our life. It is then it becomes the way of life.

The Greek word for spiritual gift is charisma, which is derived from the Greek word charis, which means grace. It could be better translated that we have been given spiritual graces, rather than spiritual gifts. Gifts imply a sense of personal entitlement, while grace implies the concept of love and mercy given to us by nothing of our own effort. Why do we care? While many people forbid the demonstration of the "gifts" of the Spirit, it is my conviction that to deny the gifts of the Spirit is to deny the same source of Grace (as a person) that is responsible for reconciling humanity. If you cannot find spiritual relevance for daily demonstrating the graces of the Spirit, which Jesus defined would heal the sick, raise the dead, and deliver the oppressed of demons, I would question the premise of what you might understand the fullness of the grace of God to be.

For many of us we looked at grace as being the unmerited favor that allowed us to follow the law (Old Covenant). We rarely see grace as the person the Christ, we usually see it as the outcome of Christ's death and resurrection. But through the Grace of God, which is Jesus Himself, we have been crucified of the flesh so that HE MAY LIVE! Grace allow us to enter into a new, and better covenant than before (Hebrews 8:6). "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) For many of us as believers we choose to not walk in the supernatural because of fear (fear of failure, fear of the outcome, fear of people, fear of rejection or even fear of self- insecurity). And fear is the result of living under an Old Covenant mentality. Sometimes we don't even realize what we believe until we are confronted with it in our own actions. Under grace and love, there is no fear anymore. Jesus died, so that we may live, more importantly, He may live through us. When we walk in the reality that Christ is breathing, actively participating living life through us, we no longer fear the supernatural. The supernatural was never based (same as grace) on what we do. Its the outcome of walking in who we are! When we walk in our truest nature (which was His intent from the beginning) as the fullness of God living in us, we can not help but walk in the supernatural. It will be the inevitable. 

If your desiring to be naturally supernatural, begin to evaluate what you really believe. How do you view yourself? How do you view God? Do you see the nature of Jesus and the nature of God different from one another? If you do this could reveal a dual belief system. For years, we take what has been passed down and taught to us as truth without challenging it. But we see, even around the world, when a new believer comes to the Lord without any aid but the Spirit of God and their Bible, they have a greater truth of the grace of God than any "churched" person I've met. We must be willing to be challenged in this area, especially for the American Christian Church. The face of Western Christianity is changing. And as believers we have to make choices to be ok with learning that maybe we don't know everything. Maybe there is something about my life that could be more. Why settle? Why be mediocre? Why be a nominal Christian when you can walk in so much more!? 

it pays to not pay

I really don't love going to our public market in the winter.

But with the savings I have with going, its worth it! 

Check out what I got today all for $35!

It also pays to go local (even better when you save $)

Not everything here is local, but it will help support local businesses. 

The more we choose to shop local, the better it is for small farms.

And EVERYONE has something local by them. 

It only takes a little research to find out where to go. 

You could always check out Local Harvest for a farm near you!

Or there's Farmers Market as well.

Also, word of mouth is some of the best ways to find out what's near you! :-)

I recently watch a documentary that I {HIGHLY} recommend!

FARMAGEDDON 

It really is a "must-see"!

It will change your perspective on health, on the farming industry, and food integrity.

what love looks like

Joshua Tongol's been here teaching our community on visualization and the power of our mind! I'm like blown away here! I can not believe how much of the supernatural REALLY is suppose to be EASY, SIMPLE and FUN!

So ever since Tongol taught on visualization and the power of the mind I've literally just been thinking positive....about myself, about every aspect of life. It's making a huge difference as a mother, and even better in the gym! I've been speaking words of life over myself that have made me accomplish more in my day! It's nuts. In addition to that I had two accounts and one healing in the last two days that visualization aided in bringing things to pass. They were so small but so significant for me.

Yesterday, brandon and I ordered a dessert, and by faith I just said she's gonna bring us two orders (we only ordered one) and then I visualized it in my mind, her bringing us two orders of baklava. When she brought the dessert over, one for us to eat then, and then a SECOND one wrapped to go!!!! And we didn't have to pay for it...just being blessed with it! 

The Great and Beautiful Commandment

The second time was when I went to the YMCA today. Parking is always awful for me and then trying to get three little ones to follow me is harder. So today I visualized a parking spot right in front of the doors, and BEHOLD there it was when I arrived....right in front of the doors! It was blowing my mind! THEN, this is the BEST part.

I see a woman in the locker room who is in obvious pain. She's got exaggerated breathing, frustrated sighing, walking as in pain, getting dressed very slowly. As I'm getting ready I just sense The Lord so I walk up to her and ask if she wants to be healed. She asks me, "are you into alternative medicine." And I'm like, "we'll yes I am! Can I heal you?" And she says, "absolutely!" This women later tells me she has had cancer three times, fiber maloscia (spelling?), lots of stress, arthritis, and joints all a mess. she walks me over to a private area and I just begin to touch areas of her body and say IT IS DONE! I ask her to VISUALIZE with me that she is completely healed until she feels the reality of it. No pain, walking straight, breathing easy, etc . She said she felt electricity come out of my hands and felt fire every where I touched. And BAM, HEALED!!! She was walking different, bending different, and she had peace all over here. I told her that Jesus was the fire and electricity coming out of me.So now she wants to come and worship with us all on Thursdays! Here's the crazy catch! She afterwards tells me she is a witch and her husband is a transsexual and then asks me "does that matter?" I almost broke in tears of joy! Seriously. I said NO! We love you! Come and worship with us. Then she says, I know it's Jesus who healed me. I want to give you my contact info! Needless to say, I am smoked by the goodness of God today! I had love that couldn't be contained.....I never felt before! Jesus IS real! Come on!

What if we love people the way God loves them? How much more can we change the world by loving others into the truth of His love and grace! I challenge us to love like He loves.

City to City Revival

Natural family planning

Can you relate?

Yeah, we can too :-)

If you haven't heard my story, you should check it out. God's done quite the deep work with my heart since I married my hubby (almost) 6 years ago.

But God's been challenging me EVEN MORE! Last January Brandon and I went to Israel with Burn 24/7. There was a powerful prophetic woman there and she began to talk about children and the conviction of believing the Word of God and what it says about children. The Word is constantly pointing to the next generation, always pointing to family and expansion. With zeal in her heart she began to say how she saw pro-life very differently than most. Many advocates will condemn abortion, whole refusing to allow God to number their own children. It really struck me to the heart. I've always preached this myself. Lord, whatever your will. But many times it's....whatever your will, BUT not my womb Lord! We want to give Him our lives, but we don't want to give Him our womb. And she continued to express, that pro-life to the Lord is exactly that....you are FOR every life He wants to bring through you. Wow. What conviction! What revelation! What a challenge!

After having our third at home, we decided to take a break. And, really, since the first time I decided to stop taking birth control, we family planned. I really wanted a 3-4 year break. My body was having a hard time adjusting to pregnancies so close together and my baby weight was coming off slower and slower after each baby. I didn't feel healthy, so I didn't want a baby. Sounds reasonable right? Not to mention all the things I wanted beforehand: more money, bigger house, more time, more help, more support, more, more, more...

Sure its reasonable, but I have to confess...I hardened my heart to hear anything outside of what my own plans were. I did what was practical, what felt right. It wasn't until a couple months ago when I had two back-to-back dreams where I had more children in them. Then it was followed by a dream my husband had saying we missed hearing God in this. Needless to say, I WAS UNDONE! And after seeking the Lord pertaining to it all, I felt a softening in my heart. It didn't mean we were going to start trying tomorrow, but the Lord was dealing with something that was in my heart.....an unsurrendered womb. Here I am telling others to practice what they preach, and the Lord is showing me how I'm not living out my own message.

What's the principle? I don't know when we're suppose to have another baby, but I know it will most likely be before I originally planned. My heart is open and my ears are listening, and that is what is important. I can't tell Him my life is His but reserve my womb for myself. And the truth is, when I look at each of my children I would not give them up for anything, even a little extra weight. They are diamonds in the Kingdom; they are a birthing of a movement; they are priceless gifts that can not be measured....and that is the truth.

choosing a protein supplement

It's been difficult choosing a protein shake that I really like with the quality ingredients I really desire. But since training for Iron Girl, I've really been trying to keep my eye open for a whole foods based protein shake that would be cost effective for our budget. Well I finally found one I love!

This one is:

vegan

raw

whole foods nutrition

low-glycemic

sugar-free and free of artificial sweeteners (sugar alcohols)

made with sprouted grain

provides probiotics and digestive enzymes

all its nutrients I can pronounce

So far I have only tried the vanilla, but I plan to try the chocolate next :)

As far as taste, I wouldn't say its phenomenal, but its doesn't taste bad. And for me, it does the job. It is sweetened with stevia.

I really loved the fact that this was vegan because I already have plenty of meat in my diet. I'm not against dairy, this just happen to fit what I needed. Our family sticks pretty close to a Paleo lifestyle, so this was a great addition to getting something I don't get on a normal basis. I usually have this after a work-out or as occasional meal replacement when I'm needing it. As a mother, that can come in handy! No more days where I forget to eat!

Protein is essential after a work out because it provides the building blocks of nutrients to help your muscles repair and recover. And on a personal note, when I do not get some sort of protein within an hour or 2 after my work-out I feel very slow and lethargic. But days I do, I actually feel more energetic than normal.

If your interested, I get my raw protein (and all my other supplements) at Puritan's Pride. I don't love all of PP's products, but I've been able to find the ones I do love for a reasonable price. 

Also, if this protein powder doesn't suit you, maybe your looking for something WITH dairy. There's also lots of great powders out there with quality whey protein concentrate. Dr. Mercola sells some (but their pricey). Either way, make sure when you're buying a protein supplement its whole foods based, there are not any ingredients in it you can't pronounce, and that its a concentrate NOT an isolate. Isolates are very detrimental to your health and you will want to avoid them AT ALL COSTS! Highly recommend you catch Mercola's youtube video on the differences between whey protein concentrates and isolates. 

What protein powder do you like?

Green and healthy-gut smoothie!

This is what I had for lunch today :-)

Ingredients:

Whole milk cultured yogurt 

Scoop of Triple Greens

Unsweetened Almond Milk

2 over-ripe bananas, fresh or frozen

Little raw honey to taste

Here's what I use for my triple greens:

The reason I LOVE triple greens because it really helps me to get nutrients from food that I wouldn't get otherwise.

And you can see why, just check the label:

If your wondering why probiotics are great for you, or just thinking maybe I need some help figuring out if I have enough "good" bacteria to help gut flora I recommend taking a look at this!

I have personally been having gut issues for many years without realizing it. I also have indoor and outdoor allergies, not extreme, but enough to make me uncomfortable. Probiotic have been ONE way I have had help in this area. 

Also you can replace almond milk with coconut milk or raw grass-fed cow's milk. This is typically what I would do since this really helps me with my allergies, but our local farm doesn't produce from January to Spring. What I love about our milk is that I can make my own yogurt out of it without having to purchase from the store, that way I'm guaranteed live active good bacteria :)

The best part about this smoothie is that I was stuffed full! I could barely finish it and it provided a great amount of energy for a run at the gym! 

Life is a gift

Making family memories!

The holiday season is great. There is truly nothing better than spending time with family and friends while feasting on our favorite foods. Exchanging and receiving gifts while feasting more on our favorite foods. When the glorious New Year arrives we reflect back on the past with hope for the future, all while feasting on our favorite foods. After indulging on food, laughing hysterically, and giving hugs and kisses to those we love, we assuredly come back to the commonality of what every individual has been given: the precious gift of Life.

Some say life is simple. Others disagree and say life is complicated. I’ve heard life’s purpose is about gain and promotion and I’ve also heard it's simply about giving and sacrifice. Some people believe life is expensive, while others view life as being free. There have definitely been times and seasons where life appeared complicated and hard. I’ve also experienced my fair share of striving to gain and obtain while thinking life is not cheap. However, meditating on this last year and entering into a new year I realized how much my perspective on life is completely changing.

By: Cost of Discipleship Blogspot

I have discovered life is truly free and the most valuable commodities in life actually don’t cost a cent. Take time for instance. I’ve never had to exchange a dollar to experience another minute or hour. I’ve never had to work and labor in achieving an extra day or month. People are significantly valuable, yet I never purchased my wife, nor used a charge card to acquire my children. A check has never been written to change or create the beauty of winter, spring, summer, or autumn. Nor has it ever been costly to experience the awe of sunsets, rainbows, and starry nights.

Life is a gift. Life is simple, and life is free. I had a dream the night before New Years Eve and it freed me. I share it with you because I believe God is calling us as children, to enjoy the priceless treasures He has freely given us, simply in its purest form.

The dream unfolded with the scene of an enormous arena filled with hundreds of people from all over the world. It was an arena that reminded me of the American Gladiator Stadium but without the gladiators and there wasn't any sort of competition happening. Every individual was eager and thrilled to be part of this climatic gathering. Some people I recognized and others I’ve never seen before, but I felt relationally connected to all these people in my life. There was such an overwhelming sense of peace, love, unity and respect for one another, each individual’s presence contributing to this cocktail of brotherly love. Then we were filled with this explosive energy! This is what made the dream remarkably great. Every single person was filled with blissful joy as we ecstatically ran around like little children without a single worry, care, or concern in the world! People were leaping over equipment while others were jumping on enormous trampolines. Some were playing tag, while others were racing each other. Some people were climbing on huge rubbery, spongy equipment, while others talked and engaged in conversation. I was caught up in a swirl of cartwheels, summersaults, skipping, imitating, and laughing. In that moment I felt like the happiest kid in the world who had the greatest friends ever.

When I woke up from the dream I just laid there with a big grin on my face. It changed me. Every care in that moment was obsolete and I knew the Lord wanted to speak to me. I believe this year is going to be marked with delightful play and vitality, like children playing with their father. I believe the Lord wants to shift and release us from the weight of worldly cares to a Kingdom culture of eternal joy! Its is our nature to worry about non-eternal things, but its in His nature to remove those things for a heart that screams FREEDOM! It's the divine exchange! Our heart for His...

...because this life was meant to be a gift.

By Brandon Jackel

Homemade mac and cheese

Need a healthier version of your favorite childhood Kraft box of mac and cheese? Here's one that will keep the kiddos asking for more! And it's soooooooo easy! We don't eat a whole lot of pasta anymore, but my girls just love this so I do up for lunch about once a week.

All you need:
Bag of whole wheat macaroni
8 oz block of white cheddar cheese
Cup of milk
Tablespoon of unsalted butter
Tsp of garlic powder
Salt to taste

I only use half the bag/box of pasta and half the block of cheese.

1. Boil macaroni, strain and rinse.
2. Shred cheese. Add all other ingredients and continue stirring on medium heat until it all solidifies. Add milk if it seems too thick or to whatever creamy consistency you like :-)
3. Serve. Sometimes I add Parmesan cheese on top for added cheesy goodness!

So easy, right?! It really takes about the same amount of time as the boxed stuff but so much healthier!

Being a disciple

And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. And He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. (Luke 9:1-6 NASB)

What if we did this? I'm being completely honest when I say I haven't seen one individual (in America anyways) who lives this way. I don't live this way. And I know there are reasonable and practical excuses why I can't live this way....like you have a family, there's cultural differences from then and now, or even others saying its the principal, theoretical application....is not literal. But I can't get passed the fact when Jesus spoke it to His disciples, He wasn't being theoretical, he was being literal. He asked this because He knew it would take faith for one to live like this. And it was the measure of their faith that would take the gospel to the world. And it was their measure of faith that they walked out healing the sick. I can't help that the fact they were walking this radical and people getting healed didn't have something to do with each other. There is something about living radically that builds your faith. There was no dependence on self in Luke 9..... In fact being a disciple meant the exact opposite. Being a disciple meant dependence on Him....and this trust was tried and proven when the disciples had nothing.....at that point, trusting God was the only thing they did have.

I'm not saying I'm gonna go do this now, leave my family with nothing and not provide for them. There is a season for everything, and part of being a mother to my children is selflessly providing for them. Some must trust in the provision, while others are the means of that provision. It's important to know what season your in. But I can't help but be challenged with the principles of Luke 9. Abandoning self for the gospel is the reality of the life of a true disciple. What does that look like for us? I think it's so counter-culture that our identity can't be in outer things, not even in the fact that we are American. It's certainly a challenging thing. This is why Paul said, "I die daily." He understood what the cost was to be a disciple of Jesus. He didn't die to himself because he wanted to fulfill Christian duty...he did it because he understood the message of the gospel. He understood Jesus wanted all of Him, just like He gave to us.

What is a disciple to you?

Happy New Year!

....and I mean that! Honestly, there were moments in this last year that I felt so pressed, so burned, so tired. So, with excitement, the beginning of this new year marks a comforting change for me.

When it comes to my own struggles or challenges I tend to be a more quiet reserved person. So, for many, it could be surprising that I would even admit that this year wasn't easy for me. Of course, I also had many highlights from this year. Most changed my life and will be a bookmarking highlight I will remember for the REST of my life. Even in the mist of some incredibly low points, I also had life-changing high points this year.

Damascus Gate into Jerusalem!

I spent the beginning of this year in Israel with my amazing husband, Sean Feucht, and some other Burn 24-7 fam. The trip was amazing! ...life changing! Israel marked me forever, with a new passion and a zeal for the things of God. I can not trade that in for the world! I'm thankful for beginning this past year strong, encouraged, blossoming into the person I was created to be. I needed that for what was up ahead for me and my family.

When I look at this past year I am truly amazed! I'm not just amazed, I'm literally in WONDER!

Here is a quick look:

- Traveled everywhere bringing GOOD NEWS!: Israel, Ireland, all over the U.S.: Harrisburg and Philidephia PA, Detroit MI, Kansas City MO, San Franscisco CA, Austin TX, Salem MA, Washington D.C., and all over New York!

Burn 24-7 Ireland Crew!

 

Brandon's pinning ceremony

- Pioneered a house church, finishing the garage and turned it into an epic worship center! ...and taking more of an assertive role in discipling others.

- Mobilized Burn 24-7's on college campuses in Rochester, NY in conjunction to continuing to meet the last weekend of every month for 12 hours of non-stop worship and prayer.
 

- Brandon finished and graduated school in registered nursing!

- Spoke and lead worship with Syracuse Women's Aglow

Burn Leadership Summit

 

- Took all our Burn leadership on a summit and discipleship retreat.

 

- Was able to partner in worship with our first prophetic conference in Mercy, NY.

 

- Partnered with Burn Buffalo and Burn Syracuse.

Live CD Recording

- Finished and produced our FIRST worship album!

 

Needless to say, this year has been eventful, busy and fruitful! For that, I count the blessings of this pass year with the Lord with such gratitude in my heart! He has truly proved His faithfulness over and over again! And He doesn't need to or even have to...but He does, just because He WANTS to! His love is over-whelming and I wouldn't be who I am today a part from that Truth.

But without challenges, there are no victories. And without struggles, there is no conquering. And without sorrow, there is no rejoicing. And though the fruifulness of this year is something to rejoice over, it was also one of my most sorrowful years. In the process of building community and pursuing the heart of God for people, the Lord has been teaching me so much pertaining to love and forgiveness, and what it really means to lay your life down for your friend. In the process, I had many heartaches this year. The Lord has been teaching me how to deal with offenses in a healthy way and how to trust Him in every friendship. True friendship is risky. It requires all of our heart. It's easy in the process of our past experiences to build walls around our heart to protect ourselves, but the Lord broke these walls in my heart for the good.....so that I could truly know what it means to love my brother...my sister....through the most toughest circumstances.

In addition to growing in this, the Lord has also been challenging me to give everything for the sake of the gospel....including my own home. Because we are a house church we have {high} traffic in our home all the time. And though many have tried to convince us of doing things differently, we just can't. We don't open our home because we feel like its good Christian duty, or we score brownie points with Jesus. We do it because the gospel is about giving, serving and loving. We want to be an expression of all that the gospel is. In the process I have learned so much about what it means to give cheerfully. Just in this past year alone our home as been infested with {thousands} of flies and maggots, mice, and roaches (on two seperate occassions). The cleaning, the bathroom supplies, the cleaning, the food, the cleaning, the long nights, the cleaning, the amount of coffee, ...oh, and the cleaning. ;-) I'm venting (only a little). But the Lord challenged me, because everytime I scrub a toilet, a spilled drink, or cleaning out a basket that someone threw their food in thinking it was trash, I remember that this is worship. This is being the aroma of Christ to those who are both saved and to those who are not. I'm am mother in the Kingdom, just as I am in the physical. This is an honor.

This year has also been one of the hardest years for me physically. I had an infection in my teeth the first part of the year. When asked to get a root canal I felt like the Lord wanted me to trust him and not proceed. In return, he healed me :) In the Spring when we were in California, I broke my ankle....really bad. I wasn't able to walk for 9 weeks. I remember trying to carry my 6 month old baby on all fours while dragging myself across the living room floor. I couldn't even cook for my family. And because my husband was in full-time school and working I had little help. I'm so thankful for those in our community that did sacrifice their time by taking me to appointments, keeping me company, bringing me a meal, or just taking the girls outside to play. My mother in law came the latter part of it and I was so thankful. There were many tears in this season and I am forever thankful for those who came and served my family during it all.

 

 

This leads me to the hardest  of things....having my husband gone all the time. I'm so proud of him and what he did while he was in school. It wasn't easy, for either of us. He gave more than he was able because of the grace of God on His life. I personally hate when people say "....well...ya know. God only gives you what you can handle." That's a bunch of hoax if you ask me, and unbiblical. In fact, I think we're created for immortality and He DOES give us more than we can handle just so He can prove His faithfulness, His POWER and His supernatural grace in us! But I would be lying if I said it was always hunky dorey. There were many days I struggled. I wanted help with our girls. We only had one vehicle, so there were other days I would just crave getting out of the house. And because he wasn't available to help with the admin gear for the house church, Burn 24-7 or City to City, I spent a lot of time trying to keep up with admin stuff in addition to being with the children, which by the way was a full time job in and of itself. Many times I felt congested by responsibilities and simply trying to survive. I know thats not what God wanted for me, so I would spend much of my time with the Lord basking in His presence, meditating and receiving fresh supernatural strength. I didn't feel swamped all the time. In fact, it was during this season I did a longated fast where precious hours and memorable experiences were made with the Lord in the morning before my children would even awake. Still, priceless.....and I wouldn't trade it for the most difficult of seasons.

 

Our family pics of 2012

So much has changed just in this past week alone. And something I have observed as well is the growth in my children. Abigail (who just turned 4) has a remarkable relationship with the Lord. She hears Him, dreams with Him, sings to Him. The beauty blossoming out of her is absolutely breath-taking! And its not my doing! She just told me the other day that Jesus gave her a new tongue! Amazing! The Lord is simply calling them, each by name, and they are responding! Its wonderful! Israel (who turns 3 this month) loves to dance for Him. I mean, she can't stop! And there is such adandonment on her when she dances. Arista (whose 17 months) is a presence junkie! She loves worship and she literally becomes alive when we worship together! This is a mystery! Our family has been marked this season. And though difficult and challenging, I am forever changed by its mark.....in a good way. Brandon is a new man....He is even more true to his word, more in love with His Beloved, more in love with people, more selfless, more compassionate, less self-serving, more merciful and when I look at him I literally see the eyes of my Savior. He is my hero. He was always encouraging me, always affirming me, always telling me how amazing I am. As my cheerleader, it was because of his love that I knew we would make it.....and we would make it out strong. Even when we would hear about people spreading rumors, or making presumptious about us as a couple or even as a ministry....he would always would shake the dust off. He never let it get to him. He was an inspiration.

Thursday night Covenant Home Community Church

And to all our Burn fam, and our Covenant Home community, you are a gift from God to us. Thank you for all your love, your support, your encouraging words to us. When we always needed it most, you pushed us to keep going. I am forever grateful for good, faithful friends. They are priceless gifts that are rarer than the finest gems. When you find them, appreciate 'em, thank God for them, and let them know you value them. This has truly been a year of turning for us and I am in tears of joy for the lasting and eternal fruit that was brought out in this past year.

With that, Happy New Year - to a fresh year of experiencing and knowing God, and to the merry new wine that we get to drink every day in it! This year is about not looking back. Once we put our hand to the plow, we don't look back, we only move forward! This is what it means to be a disciple. This is what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Lets embark on this year together with Him!

Endless Love,
Brandon and Crystal J

A Psalm

What if we worshipped like the angels? Never tired, never faint.

What if men were no longer mere men, but we're holy saints?

What if sacrifice was rewarded and death of self was exalted?

What if we found value in who we are and not by what we do?

It's the way of the Kingdom, it's the doorway to heaven.

It's the piece we all are needing, and the truth were all seeking.

Its free with high cost, inheriting the earth, but losing your life. 

                          It's all of His glory, ordained in the fullness of the Lamb's wife.

loving the church

I woke up sad this morning. It felt ackward. I couldn't explain why. I just felt sad. So, curious to what the Lord might be doing I sat with Him on the couch and began to process my thoughts. Why do I feel this way?

Then it hit me. I'm tired of Believers slandering Believers. And I'm really exhausted from the amount of power abuse that I hear about when leaders try to "control" their sheep. I'm not talking about subtle power trips. But its manipulative condescending counsel that ultimately ends up bringing a lot of confusion, A LOT of hurt, and many times feeling alienated within your community.

Here's my simple revelation. Everyone has feelings. Treat people with honor. If you don't agree with someone, get over it. And if the Holy Spirit hasn't told you to give (your) advice, then choose not to give any at all. What's the point of idle talk (not being guided by the Holy Spirit in your speech), just so you look good and have all the answers, but yet have no fruit? If you disagree with a leader, still love them.

Jesus was not about being right, but He became the Truth to the people. If we really want to have an influence as leaders, as the Church, we must become passionate about one another! Put away our differences, our doctrinal disagreements, our perfect formulas for winning people's hearts, and our ideologies for the simple fact that we need to be brought back to a place of loving each other. Philipplians 2 is a beautiful example of what it means to lay our lives down for one another. If you have another problem with someone, or a particular group, or even a ministry itself, be the person who rises above and settles it with those leaders. It would help to hear their hearts before we choose to make our judgments. Don't be putting it on fb or twitter, or slander an individual by spilling it out with your spouse, and especially don't go to someone who is not even a part of that group and begin to vomit over everyone how much you disagree or hate something about a leader or group.

Let's change the world differently than how we have in the past! When you want a child to be obedient, you don't tell him what he's not doing....you tell him what he should be doing. Likewise, instead of picking on the Church about every single thing they are doing wrong, how about teaching the truth of God's Word and living out how to do it right?! The truth is, people would rather tell you what you're doing wrong because then they don't have to be accountable to the truth of how to live out the gospel right. For example, instead of saying "the church doesn't believe in signs and wonders anymore. They've taken the supernatural life out of their daily walk." How about changing it to, "if you want to see healing in your church, all you have to do is believe the fullness of God lives in you, receive, believe and pray. You can do it!" But teaching the truth challenges believers, because then they become accountable to the Word. Live your life as the loudest influence for believers. And choose to honor people despite what you think or what you observe. If you have questions, ask them....don't just assume or make judgmental or cynical presumptions. Choose today to love your neighbor. Remember, were brothers, joined together by the blood of Christ. You deserve to be loved and accepted by me. It seems as if believers find it easier to love the unchurched rather than the churched. That's messed up. Jesus paid for it all. I don't need to persecute you. Hear my heart. I'm choosing to get over our differences so that Jesus is not limited through my own ideas of what I think is right. Love outside the box.....He did.

John 15:12 "My command is this, that you love one another as I have loved you."

Need YOUR Help!

HEY FRIENDS! I know I've probably been a broken record on asking for your help in this. But I REALLY AM IN NEED OF YOUR HELP. We've only made 25% of my goal with only 5 days left. The stipulation is that if we don't meet our goal then we get nothing (so all pledges will be sent back to those who pledged). Please read the update and forward! This is how you can help: purchase the pre-sale of the album, forward this to your friends, and pray into this. If you're contemplating getting the album or donating, TODAY is the day to do it. 

We are in serious need of your help to finish this project! We have 5 days left to raise the remaining $750 needed for this album to get out to the public! As a community and as a people passionate about radical extravagant love for God, would you sow into this album today? If only 30 of our friends give $25 we will meet our goal. Or is only 15 of our friends gave $50 we would have met our goal. This TOTALLY POSSIBLE! Help us get the word out. Blessings!