Contrary to the account in R. Shepard Brown’s “Stringfellow of the Fourth” which I used in “Marching Through Culpeper,” Stringfellow did not immediately flee to Canada. Letters donated the Virginia Historical Society after the publication of Brown’s book in 1960 indicate that he returned home and tried to eek out a living on the family farm. His letters to his beloved Emma Green of Alexandria paint a picture of the scout’s frustration. He had no gainful employment and was not in a financial position to support a wife and family. Emma’s family remained prominent and it is understandable that her father would not grant permission for her to marry until Stringfellow could earn a living. 

In September of 1865 Frank wrote Emma that he was on his way to Richmond to recover a bond and invest in 100 sheep. He said, “I know of no employment yet. I shall work on however, as if everything was as plain as day…a letter will come to you for me from Fitz Lee. Keep it until I come. I am very anxious to have something to do in Virginia. I catch at straws, I dread leaving you again. I sometimes feel that I had rather be a doorkeeper in the land of my birth, than to dwell in hostile tents. I’ve left no stone unturned to get work. If I fail I shall know it was designed by Providence that I should seek another home.” 

His farming attempt was hard work. A few weeks later he wrote, “I wish you could see my hands now. I can boast of seven blisters on one hand and lots of corns. Tomorrow morning I expect to begin my crop. There is but little money in farming at present, but green backs are not the only desirable thing in life, I wish good habits.” 

Obviously tilling the earth was not as exciting as the life of a scout. At times he longed for his soldier life and wrote, “Ah! There is nothing like soldiering in this life. We support the cause which we believe is right, defend the weak, and have as much or more praise than we are entitled to.” 

The other huge obstacle the former scout faced was the abhorrent matter of taking the oath of allegiance to his former enemies in order to marry or file legal documents. He wrote to Emma, “I have been trying to take the oath. I shall say no more, it makes me sick to think of it. Miss Cave of Orange was married several weeks ago. They were married without taking the oath. The minister and the clerk were arrested. Nothing was done to any of the party. I do hope and believe that we may be spared the mortification of taking that hateful oath. If necessary, we can take a trip to Canada. You are the last pretty girl that I have seen and of course I am still in love with you.” 

However in January, with a bleak financial future he was wistfully trying to convince Emma to meet him at the altar, “Well, to save my life, I can’t get my pocket and my heart to agree upon the same wedding day. I leave it up to you. Write the months of ’66 on paper, put them in a hat and draw one, bind ourselves to act by the decision. Marry rich or poor—prepared or unprepared.” 

New direction sign

Four New Directional Signs Placed 

The number one criteria of the FCMB Board is to make the battlefield more visible and visitor friendly. In the past, both residents and visitors have zoomed through the battlefield without even realizing it. Now four new directional signs should help attract attention to this historic and scenic treasure. Coupled with the erection of split rail fencing and cleaning of the fence line by our hardworking volunteers, it’s hard to miss the battlefield. We believe visitation will increase significantly.

 For over two years the board has been working with the Virginia Logos program to erect these four new directional signs. The signs are attached to the same poles as the current Civil War Trails signs. Two on Route 15 direct visitors to turn on General Winder Road, and two on the Route 29 bypass direct drivers to exit at the off ramps to Route 15. 

The $4800 cost of the signs has been a major expense this year. And we have a long wish list including pull-off areas to accommodate buses, kiosks, more walking trails, etc. We encourage all of you to get involved and share your ideas with us. 

A big thank you to Jeff Say and the Culpeper Star-Exponent for the front-page article and sign photo published on June 21, 2009. 

Perspective Battlefield Land Purchase

 The board of the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield is pursuing the use of a $100,000 Transportation Enhancement grant for the purchase of battlefield land. In order to use the full $100,000, we must raise an additional $25,000 which can also include in-kind donations. This is an excellent time for land purchases due to the economy and declining prices. We have one year to raise our portion and get the projected sale/s under way or we will lose the $100,000 grant monies. 

Several parcels are under consideration and we are in the process of getting an appraisal of one important property located in the core of the battlefield. We need the support of the community to make this dream a reality. 

So we ask YOU, our members, to step forward and help us preserve more hallowed ground. In addition to financial support, we need people who might contribute their time and talents in such areas as legal advice, financial advice, newsletter, publicity, and fundraising projects. Please say YES and contact us at fcmb@live.com or 540-727-8849. 

Dues of $25 are due each year in February. Please catch up you dues for this year, 2009 and help us maintain and preserve this precious battlefield. Mail dues or donations to:

FCMB

PO Box 1853

Culpeper, VA 22701

 www.friendsofcedarmountain.org

So you’re probably wondering what is two-way journaling. It’s actually not complicated. Write in your prayer journal on a regular basis, daily if possible. Ask Jesus specific questions about your problems, decisions, direction, etc. Picture Him sitting beside you. Then be still and listen for His answers. According to Jerry, when we’re quiet and waiting, we should write whatever comes into our minds. This is how we hear His voice. Don’t think about what you’re writing and don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense. Just write everything that comes.

The power is when you go back and read what He has said. Believe that it is His voice and act. I’ve found I’m the most inspired and know I’m on the right track when I go back and reread Jesus’ answers in my prayer journal. I like to highlight them in red.

Here’s a simples example of the questions Randy sent us to answer for the first week in our course:

Day 1. LORD, what are reasonable goals for me to set and achieve in 3 months from this Web 2.0 course?

You are to learn to use Twitter and Facebook and post several times a week on your blog. You must have your posts automatically listed on Twitter and Facebook. Through this you will become linked to others who have similar interests and you will be able to share your faith walk and what I am doing through your weekly prayer conference calls.

Day 2. LORD, who is my target audience?
Women, book clubs, Civil War history buffs, Christians who need encouragement

Day 3. LORD, how can I best feed Your sheep using Web 2.0?
You must write uplifting posts of what I am doing in your life, the obstacles you have overcome, and your unfailing faith that I will make the “Marching Through Culpeper” movie. Give Me the glory and be at peace knowing I am in control. Your faith and trust will inspire others to surrender their hopes and dreams to Me. When others respond to you, be a voice of hope and encouragement in their lives. Lead them to Me.

Day 4. LORD, what new things can I start doing as a result of using Web 2.0?
Spend a few minutes each day with your posts. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Consider each new person I bring into your life a gift.

Day 5. LORD, what do you want me to write about or share on my blog and in articles?
Talk about what you are doing, your tours, the writing of the screenplay, your weekly prayer group, and the doors that I am opening for you. 

Blessings to make breakthroughs through two-way journaling with Jesus! He is waiting to answer you.

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I am always thrilled to hear from my readers, especially when they report learning so much from the book. I’ve long felt it had a niche in education, whether read by homeschoolers, or high school or college students. I am elated with the review below posted by one of Dr. Aiken’s students.

 It rivaled Gone with the Wind and WON!, May 23, 2008
By  S. Clendening “Laura Belle”  (Dallas, TX) – See all my reviews
Virginia Morton came to visit my college this semester to talk about Marching Through Culpeper and sold her book to me after a short introduction of the plot. Although we only had time to read Gone with the Wind this semester, I could not even wait a day after returning from college to start her book. I read the book in 2 days and could not believe how eloquently Virginia Morton had combined mostly nonfiction with fiction; I was captivated by the storyline and the characters from beginning to end. I have recommended this book to my whole family and wish that everyone would give this book a chance. I have a newfound interest in the Civil War and feel as though Virginia Morton taught me more Civil War history than any teacher ever has. PLEASE MAKE A MOVIE OUT OF MARCHING THROUGH CULPEPER!

While on a Charleston visit, I had the pleasure of getting to know Dr. Aiken. He is a scholar of South Carolina literature and lectures throughout the region. He gave me a copy of his outstanding, illuminating book, “Fire in the Cradle, Charleston’s Literary Heritage.” Through his exhaustive research, he vividly brings to life twenty-three famous writers who have called Charleston home.

The fly leaf says, “No creation of the city expresses the soul of Charleston better than its literature; nothing is more revealing or grander in scope or more fiery in nature…Artistically and historically, Charleston literature is the greatness of the city, and the cradle in which Southern literature found its voice.”

Dr. Aiken’s book gave me a personal introduction to William Gilmore Simms, one of American’s most famous 19th century authors who published over 80 books and achieved international recognition. Dr. Aiken was a founder of the Simms Society and has republished two of Simms’ books. For this Christmas season, I highly recommend “The Golden Christmas,” an entertaining love story of the 1850s that depicts Low Country Christmas customs. And if you want a truthful account of the burning of Columbia, read Simms’ brutally honest firsthand account, “A City Laid Waste.”

I wish all of you joy and peace as you celebrate the birth of our Savior with your loved ones. And may you also find time to curl up with a good book.

PRAYER POWER:

Dear Heavenly Father, we rejoice at your infinite love and the wonder of your greatest gift, your Son. Fill each one reading this with His peace and love. I thank you for all the wonderful new people You’ve brought into my life this past year. Each one is a treasure and a gift. May we all gather around the manger with a sense of awe and invite that babe to be the Lord of our lives.

In the name of Immanuel, Amen

I sat glued to the TV the night of the Emmy Awards, when “John Adams” garnered a record 13 awards. Most exciting of all was Kirk Ellis’ win for best screenplay. I was incensed when his acceptance speech was cut off. Here are the words our country was supposed to hear, and surely needs to hear at this juncture in our history:

Thank you Tom Hanks …(& others) for this opportunity to portray a time in American politics when articulate men could articulate complex thoughts in complete sentences. They forged a new nation with words. Glorious words married to bold actions. John Adams believed that the right words, spoken or written at the right time, could change the world. And they did. Lately we’ve heard a lot of punditry about whether words matter to us as Americans anymore. I’m just a writer — what do I know? But, in answer to that question I can only say, yes, they do. Yes, they do. Yes, they bloody well do. Thank you.”

Bravo Mr. Ellis! Words truly can change the world.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Kirk Ellis this past weekend at a Richmond writer’s conference. I positioned myself on the front row for his first panel discussion and was able to introduce myself as “Virginia from Virginia,” a title easy to remember. I also gave him an envelope with a brochure and information about “Marching Through Culpeper.” He smiled at my state of preparedness and said, “I like that ‘can do’ Virginia spirit.”

But the crowd was so large we had to be shifted to another room. Thus in transit I had the opportunity to ask him about my favorite line in ”John Adams.” During Adams’ presidency, Hamilton gained power in the army and harbored visions of empire. Adams rebuked him saying, “Mr. Jefferson, whom you despise, is an infinitely better man than you are.” Kirk Ellis said he did not find any record of Adams saying those exact words, thus he as screenplay writer wrote the lines indicating Adams’ sentiment. Thank you Kirk Ellis for truth and lines that Virginians love!

Throughout the event I was constantly impressed with Kirk Ellis’ research, commitment to historical accuracy, and integrity. He said, “History books are not always correct.” During his research he wondered, “Why wasn’t I taught that?” In segment one of “John Adams” a slave testifies during the Boston Massacre trial. He indicated that this incident was fact, not political correctness. And it is appropriate, since slavery in the U.S. began in Massachusetts. I encourage you to read my Hidden History column in its ENTIRETY, as you may be amazed by what you were not taught.

Best of all, Mr. Ellis gave me contact information so I may send him a copy of Marching Through Culpeper. The success of John Adams bodes well for the future of accurate historical dramas. He is working on screenplays for 1776 and Lewis and Clark. So please continue to raise prayers for quality programming and our “Marching Through Culpeper” screenplay project.

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:33 & 34, The Message, Eugene H. Peterson)

If you knew today was you last day on earth … how then would you live?
What would you do more of? Less of?
What would you make sure to say to your loved ones?
What would you do or not do?
What would you “let go” because it really doesn’t matter in the big picture?

Today marks the six year anniversary of 9-11, when four planes flown by terrorists destroyed the two World Trade Center towers, severely damaged the Pentagon, and claimed innocent lives on the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. Probably none of the victims that dreadful morning suspected it would be their last ever on earth.

How many lives are lost unexpectedly every day? For how many would life never be the same? Sudden death; it keeps happening.

Since July 3, I have been participating in a weekly prayer conference call with a small group of people around the nation praying for Virginia Morton’s book “Marching Through Culpeper” (MTC) to be made into a mini-series and a major motion picture. We believe God is going to use this movie to heal the heart of America.

During our prayer call on August 14, Virginia prayed for Butch Mills. She thanked God for how excited he was about Rick Heeren’s teaching about reaching entire cities for Jesus. We have prayed for him each week since.

On August 30, tragedy struck. Butch while he was working on a sewer line in a trench in Culpeper. The ground collapsed all around him and he was buried up to his neck in concrete and rubble for more than five hours before being rescued and flown by helicopter to the University of Virginia Medical Center. He broke every rib, his scapula, sternum and clavicle. He has a punctured lung and bruises to his kidneys and heart. He has multiple fractures to the area around one eye and sinus and to his right shoulder. He remains in critical condition on a ventilator.

I barely even know Butch, but I know he’s sold out to Jesus. Carter Mills, Butch’s son, is the star kicker on the Culpeper High School football team and a good friend of my son. Julie Brooks, his niece, did her first triathlon in Culpeper this summer and now is a superstar triathlete. Jonathan Brooks, Butch’s nephew, is a local chiropractor who sent me an email asking me to pray for Butch shortly after his accident.

Our whole community is rallying around this champion for Christ. He is much loved by many, many folks in Culpeper. Our local newspaper has had 11 front page articles about Butch in the last 12 days. Tonight, the Culpeper United Methodist Church is hosting a candlelight prayer vigil to pray for Butch’s healing. This begins at 7:30 PM at Comet Stadium, the former stadium used by the Culpeper High School football team.

Even if you are not able to attend the prayer vigil, please join us in praying for God to completely heal Butch. Thank you.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we don’t know why bad things happen to good people, but we do know that You are a master at taking things meant for evil and turning them into great things that bring You glory and draw people to You. In unity with every one of my readers and many people in Culpeper, we ask You to touch Butch with Your healing hand and make him well. Make his life a testimony of Your goodness, greatness, and saving power. Stir the hearts of everyone who comes to tonight’s prayer vigil to live each day as if it’s our last on earth – for You. Thank You Jesus. We love and adore You. Amen.

Links of the Day
Newspaper articles about Butch + outstanding from Jeff & Jill Williams [see below]

Photos from the Sept 11 prayer vigil for Butch Mills

Blessings to live each day as if it’s your last – for Jesus!

• Area soccer team going for the goal on Mills’ behalf (Sep 11)
• Vigil being held for man rescued from sinkhole (Sep 11)
• OUR VIEW: Heroes can be found all around us
• Mills’ status worsens (Sep 8)
• CCHS star kicker continues with team (Sep 8)
• Conditions of men hurt remain same (Sep 7)
• Man rescued from sinkhole improving (Sep 5)
• Contractor still in critical condition (Sep 4)
• Contractor remains in critical condition (Sep 2)
• Contractor’s condition upgraded (Sep 1)
• Man freed from sinkhole (Aug 30)

——————————————————————————–

From: Nancy Palmer
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 11:35 AM
Subject: Prayer vigil for Butch

Candlelight Prayer Vigil

My apologies if you receive this twice. Many were returned as undeliverable.

Some of you may not be aware that a loved member of our church, Butch Mills, was the man trapped in a trench that caved-in last week here in Culpeper, Virginia. He is in severe condition at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville with pneumonia. He suffered every rib broken, broken scapula, sternum and clavical. He has a punctured lung and bruises to his kidneys and heart. He has multiple fractures to the area around one eye and sinus and to his right shoulder.

A candlelight prayer vigil will be held tomorrow evening, Sept. 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at Floyd T. Binns Middle School Comet Stadium. Please bring a candle.

If you are not able to attend, please lift a prayer for healing to his lungs and cure for pneumonia. He is much loved by many, many folks in the community.

Nancy Palmer,
Director of Adult Ministries
Culpeper United Methodist Church

for Pastor Randy Orndorff

——————————————————————————–

From: Jill Williams
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 10:28 PM
Subject: Daily Grace and Truth – My Last Day on Earth – 09-11-07

The morning was clear but muggy, quiet and inviting for a walk and talk. Jill and I crested the hill less than a mile from our house and suddenly came upon a horrible crash scene. Several cars, a van and a truck entirely blocked five lanes of traffic. About ten emergency vehicles were parked to block traffic with flashing lights, and several more wailing sirens approached. How many lives had been lost? For how many would life never be the same? Sudden death; it keeps happening.

Six years ago today thousands of Americans died unexpectedly when the Twin Towers collapsed after assault by terrorists. Thousands of talented, loving and beloved people perished. Their stories are familiar, their last words and their last deeds celebrated. In the blink of an eye many knew the end would soon approach. How many had regrets for how they’d lived their last days on earth?

Gospel singer, Stephen Curtis Chapman, wrote a song* prompted by observation of a funeral procession. After pulling to the side of the road, and bowing to pray for the bereaved of the departed, the thought that wouldn’t recede was that it would one day be him; perhaps even that same day. “If this should be my last day on this earth, how then should I live?”

Jesus urged his followers to live one day at a time, fully investing themselves in those things that mattered most:

Matthew 6:33 & 34 – Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (The Message, Eugene H. Peterson)

If you knew today was you last day on earth . . . how then would you live?
What would you do more of? Less of?
What would you make sure to say to your loved ones?
What would you do or not do?
What would you “let go” because it really doesn’t matter in the big picture?

Just as those who naively ascended the Twin Towers September 11, 2001 didn’t know that it was their last day, neither do we. So how will we live?

Prayer
Lord, thank you for liberating us to live fully in the moment as if it were our last. This is a profound and simple truth and freeing to “full life.” Would you provide the courage to act or speak, or to refrain from acting or speaking with this reality at the forefront of our minds? That what we say or do may be our last words or deed and to make them count for best, for your best, for the best of those you have given us to love and serve. Amen.

* “Last Day on Earth,” by Stephen Curtis Chapman

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

Are you suffering from self-pity?
Do you feel tired, battered, and bruised?
What is the remedy?
Visit today Link of the Day to learn how to turn self-pity into praise.

In several previous devotionals, I’ve mentioned the positive impact that Steve Burke, founder of The Lord Will Provide, has had on Culpeper. It’s amazing to watch His-story (God’s story) in the making. On November 19, I received an email from Virginia Morton, the “quarterback” of our Pray Culpeper team, stating:

“I am forwarding to you a message below from Steve Burke with his permission. I’m not sure if he sent this to you. I was so blessed and honored when Steve called me to tell me about his encounter with God while he was here. The story is breathtaking! But the important point Steve wanted me to realize is that God is moving in Culpeper. This will encourage you, especially with our Thanksgiving Service tomorrow night.

Steve also sent me this note, which I thought you would appreciate since you’ve read “The Dream Giver.”

I actually reviewed The Dream Giver by Wilkinson and I have just passed through “Sanctuary” on my way down into the valley to defeat the giants… God’s perfect timing.”

As I read Steve’s story, tears flowed out of my eyes. I subsequently emailed him to ask for permission to include his story in a future devotional. After making a few minor revisions, Steve emailed me his final version on November 24. Later that day, he posted his full story at his blog.

Be sure to visit today’s Link of the Day to read Steve’s miracle story!

Prayer Power
LORD, my one desire, that will I seek, is to dwell in Your house all the days of my life, to behold Your beauty and to inquire in Your temple. You are my God. There is no other. Praise the LORD! Let all my soul praise Your holy name. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
An Encounter With God – Nov 24 blog by Steve Burke (The Lord Will Provide)
[http://thelordwillprovide.blogspot.com]

Blessings to praise God in the desert to experience His presence!

Not Used
• “Suddenly the Lord turned my self pity into praise.” – Steve Burke

From: Stephen P. Burke [mailto:stephen@theLORDwillprovide.org]
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2007 8:29 AM
To: randypeck@yourdailyblessing.com
Subject: Final Version – My Encounter With God [from Steve Burke]

For the last two or three months I have been so, so tired. I was feeling battered and bruised from this 3 1/2 year journey through the desert that I have been on since quitting my job in April 2004. As soon as a person agrees to go with God on his/her way to their Promised Land they step right into the desert. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert… the Israelites upon leaving Egypt spent 40 years in the desert. The desert is the place of testing, preparation and growth which for me included the stress of, at times, not having enough money to make my house payment or pay my bills as I learned to trust God more and more for my provision. At other times I found myself in the midst of a lack of resources for this or for that in the ministry. Of course, every time, God has provided. The challenges and tests of faith have been great and they have become a part of my testimony. However, after 3 1/2 years I was worn out and just couldn’t tale another test from God. But faith comes only when we reach the end of ourselves and at the end of our resources. I was so tired and worn out from the desert, I couldn’t face another test. Consequently, my communication with God was very one sided. I did all the talking and did very little question asking because I didn’t have the physical stamina to pass another difficult test of faith. Consequently, out of self-defense I figuratively put my fingers in my ears and quietly closed the door of my heart.

On Tuesday, November 13 I was staying at my sister Theresa’s house in Virginia to speak at a church in nearby Culpeper. I decided to go out for an early morning walk to pray. I began speaking to the Lord out of my tiredness saying, “Lord, I need…” Suddenly the Lord turned my self pity into praise. I opened my eyes, lifted my head and looked around me. I began to thank God for the beautiful morning and for the beautiful backdrop of Virginia’s countryside. As I walked along this country road, I thanked Him for the ministry and the privilege of sharing the story of my journey with others. My grateful words turned into songs of praise and soon I found myself clapping along and rejoicing in Him with all of my heart. After about 25 minutes, I turned off the paved road onto an isolated gravel road. I came to a rise and stopped, I looked up into the sky, opened my heart up to God and said, “Lord, I have done everything you have asked me to do. I have gone everywhere You have asked me to go and I have said everything You have asked me to say. What do You want me to do now?”

Suddenly, I looked all around me and everything near me was glowing. Even the trees above my head were glowing. It was almost as if a cloud surrounded me and the area around me. I knew I was in the presence of God. I felt His closeness to me. “I love You, Lord.” I knew He was right there listening to me. So close. So close. I can’t explain it, but I knew God was right there. It was like I could almost see Him, even though I couldn’t see Him. I began to weep and I said, “Lord, I want to go further with You.” And as soon as those words left my lips, the Lord graciously took away all the scars, all the pain, all the dust and all the pressure from this journey I have been on since quitting my job 3 1/2 years ago. Immediately my heart was made new and fresh. My circumstances hadn’t changed, but I was changed. Suddenly the Scripture, “He made His ways known to Moses” (Psalm 103:7) came to my mind. I dropped to my knees and though tears of gratefulness I cried out to God, “Lord, I want to know Your ways. How can I continue to go to churches and other places to tell people about Your ways, if I don’t know Your ways myself?” I made a heartfelt appeal, “Show me Your ways.”

Suddenly I noticed a car was coming on the nearby paved road. I got up off of my knees and wiped the tears from my eyes just in case the car turned on the gravel road where I was. I didn’t want them to think this man on his knees in the middle of the road was a crazy man so I continued walking further down the gravel road. The car passed by on the paved road without turning my direction, so I walked back up to the rise where I had been with God. I tell you this to say that I literally could feel myself walk out of the presence of God when I left the rise and I felt myself literally walk back into His presence when I returned to the rise.

After a time, I walked slowly back to my sister’s house as tears continued to stream down my face. “I am wrecked. Lord, I am wrecked.” I entered the house and found Theresa, my brother-in-law Jeff and two others who had traveled with me from Texas engaged in conversation around the kitchen table. I sat down to join them uncertain as to how I would tell them about what had just happened to me. Just then Theresa turned to me and said, “Steve! You are all aglow.” I ducked my head as tears once again streamed down my face. “I have been with God.”

When I returned home from Virginia I decided to look again at “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson because I seemed to recall a part of the journey to our “land of promise” that involves God removing the scars and dust from the desert. As I reviewed the process I found it, “sanctuary” that marks the end of the desert and God’s preparation for us to face our giants down in the valley. It’s time to take on and take out some giants!

Praise the Lord for books like “The Dream Giver” that make clearer the patterns of God as we head towards our own personal Land of Promise. It’s time to pick up some stones and head down into the valley.

May the Lord bless you.

In Christ,

Steve

Stephen P. Burke, Director
The LORD Will Provide
P.O. Box 1926
Temple, Texas 76503
(254) 780-3591
stephen@theLORDwillprovide.org
www.theLORDwillprovide.org

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ (Isaiah 6:8)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20)

How big is your thinking? Does it reflect a BIG God?
How abundant is“exceedingly abundantly” when God is the One promising it?

Today God is presenting you with the opportunity to connect your dream with the resources necessary to accomplish it. Visit today’s Link of the Day to watch the TBN interview of Kim Clement, Lance Wallnau, John Porter, and Dan Stratton.

As mentioned previously, the last week of October was quite stressful for me with our dog Ginger dying and also recovering from my hard drive crash. Therefore, I made the decision not to drive to Harrisburg Pennsylvania with Michael Stay on October 29 to attend the two-day “Take all 7 Mountains” conference in Harrisburg PA with Lance Wallnau. I knew it was more important to stay at home to comfort my wife and to catch up on much needed rest myself after an emotionally draining week.

Fortunately, Virginia Morton and Kay Dunkley did choose to go to that conference, representing Culpeper. On November 4, I received an email from Virginia sharing some highlights of the conference and referring me to a few key leaders. Here is part of what she wrote:

“There were several speakers that I feel should be on your radar screen. One is Dan Stratton, a former Wall Street trader, who pastors a church near Wall Street and has a passion to give Christians the resources they need to take their mountains and fulfill their dreams. Dan has founded the ProVision Network www.ProVisionnetwork.org to network Christian businessmen and investors with believers starting ministries or their own businesses. To date Dan has formed about 10 chapters across the country and 5 are in Texas – Newark, Fort Worth, Dallas, Victoria, and Texarkana. One of the chapters in Texas bought a bush plane to fly into Darfur to rescue children. I strongly encourage you to go to their website and listen to Dan’s videos plus his interview on the 700 Club. This man is so passionate and he takes action. I believe ProVision network might be a source of funding for the movie, but definitely a great place for you and Michael to network. I wonder if Joseph Umidi or the Grahams know Dan.”

On November 10, I was prompted to create a new separate WordPerfect file for prospects. When I was nearly finished with that, Virginia Morton stopped by our home around 2 PM to drop off the DVD “Warriors of Honor” about the faith and legacies of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. When I thanked her for her connection to Dan Stratton, she asked if I had watched his interview on TBN. When I said “No,” she advised me to do that right away when she left. I did.

First I visited and perused the website for the Provision Network [www.provisionnetwork.org]. Then I watched the online interview (archived from 2006) of Lance Wallnau, Kim Clement, John Porter, and Dan Stratton on TBN. That was awesome. I also watched the DVD “Warriors of Honor” about the faith and legacies of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Wow! Double Wow!! Triple Wow!!! What a blessing! The purpose of the ProVision Network is to connect resources to dreams from God that people have so those dreams can be fulfilled.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Dan Stratton and the Provision Network. Bless my relationship with that network. Encourage those who read this message to think big and join this great network. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Watch the TBN interview of Kim Clement, Lance Wallnau, John Porter, and Dan Stratton – In the second half of the 2 hour TV show (1:05:30 – 1:54), Matt and Laurie Crouch interviewed Lance Wallnau and Kim Clement first. After about 26 minutes (starting at 1:31), John Porter and Dan Stratton joined them.
[http://www.tbn.org/watch/files/index.php?file=2006_1_11_300k.wmv&show=85]
Blessings to live a life of exceeding abundance, sharing the resources you steward with others!

The voice of the LORD is powerful, the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. (Psalm 29:4)

Is God talking to me?
Do I hear the Lord speaking to me?
How do I learn to tune into W-GOD?
When a strange but good thought passes through my mind, how do I know if it comes from God?

I apologize for my error in yesterday’s devotional concerning the start time for the community Thanksgiving service in Culpeper on Tuesday Nov 20. Pastor Randy Orndorff informed me the correct start time is 6:45 PM, not 7:00 PM.

Over the course of the next few days, I’ll be sharing part of a fantastic story that is unfolding.

Rick Heeren, author of The Elk River Story [http://citymiracles.com/en/books/the-elk-river-story.php], has an uncommon apostolic anointing to transform cities. Many times after I talk and pray with him, big things start happening and God expands my vision. For example, when Rick came to Culpeper in June 2007, Virginia Morton asked to meet with the two of us to discuss advancing the Marching Through Culpeper (MTC) movie project. Out of that conversation, a national weekly prayer conference call for MTC was birthed.

During the very first MTC prayer conference call on July 3, Virginia prayed for actor Robert (Bobby) Duvall, who I didn’t even know. Within 2 days, Virginia was connected to someone who knew him personally. Within a month, I had the opportunity to briefly meet Bobby and Luciana Duvall in person at their large horse farm.

Shortly after this, I hired Tim Shields as a subcontractor to help me plan and setup my first webinar for Rick Heeren. In the process of doing that, I learned that Tim was building a relationship with Ted Baehr. Tim asked Ted if he would be willing to host one of my webinars and he said “yes.” I had never heard of Ted and wasn’t familiar with Movie Guide. We prayed for Ted during a subsequent MTC prayer call.

Then, as shared in my November 1 devotional, God opened the door for me to spend 4 hours with Ted Baehr on October 25. To open my schedule and make me available for this uncommon opportunity, God allowed my computer to crash, putting me on an email sabbatical.

On November 5, Michael Stay and I drove to the Wingate hotel near the Richmond Airport to meet with Jerry and Sharon Graham for a strategic planning session. During our drive, Michael and I discussed how we might best bless Ted Baehr, his team, and his huge network of supporters. Before departing, I told Michael I’d email him a link to Ted Baehr’s biography.

So the next morning I did a Google search using ‘ “Ted Baehr” biography ’. Amazingly enough, the first link I visited had a photo of Ted Baehr handing Robert Duvall a Movie Guide award. Then I learned later that evening that Ted Baehr’s wife is from Argentina like Luciana, the wife of Robert Duvall. And Argentina is a detonator country for marketplace transformation for the world. Rick Heeren has been there 25 times. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Something big is brewing. The glory of God will be revealed.

Prayer Power
Jesus, You came as the Lamb of God 2000 years ago, but will return soon as the Lion of Judah. And on that fateful day, everyone – both living and dead – will be judged by the Word of God. And all those who are not covered by Your blood – who have not voluntarily submitted to Your Lordship – will perish in a lake of fire and be condemned to an eternity in hell – separated forever from the love of God. O, Lord have mercy! Open the eyes of understanding of those who read this message. Open their ears that they may hear You. Amen.

Link of the Day
Dr. Ted Baehr’s biography – with photo of Ted giving an award to Robert Duvall
[http://mediawisefamily.com/biography.html]

Blessings to intentionally develop your ability to discern the voice of the Lord!

Not Used
• Title: Breakthroughs from Prayer Conference Calls – used for the next devotional