ALT for NORGE!

We are back again in the Motherland, this time for about three months.

We will enjoy Easter and 17th of May, two wonderful holidays in Norway.

This is Flekkerøy (outside of Kristiansand), our island home when we are here.

It is lovely and peaceful and I enjoy being here so much.

Vivien has been recording a 'soaking' CD and is finishing up with bits and pieces so that Per Kjetil Farstad can master and mix the project. It has been a privilege to pray through this project with such beautiful, excellent and anointed musicians. There were times during the spontaneous sessions that I couldn't do anything but weep, it was so amazing!  I will post pics in a couple of days.

Please pray for this beautiful city, a city in my heart.

I love Kristiansand, I have family history here,

and I believe the Lord is going to do something amazing!

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation. Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah 

Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.Selah ~ Psalm 24

Jeg elsker deg, Norge!


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Lillesand og Kristiansand

We are back in our 'home' base in the south of Norway and it is lovely and sunny here. We have a series of prayer and house meetings this week and then we go to a mini-worship conference in Oslo at Catch the Fire Church.

We are staying in a house that has a beautiful driftwood cross on the wall. I love its simplicity and the fact that it is made from a natural material from this area. It's very tall and I don't have enough room to step back and take a proper shot so please forgive me for that.

This is the view from our sitting area by the bedrooms. Beautiful blue sky and sea! I think of the wives in olden times who must have paced back and forth in front of this view, waiting for their husbands to return on their sailing ships.

Last night we were in a Prayer House in the middle of down-town Kristiansand. A woman who lives in the area purchased a two-story apartment that is really like a small house and it's nestled amongst offices and stores. The top floor is open 24/7 for prayer and the bottom floor is used for counseling and inner healing.  We had a wonderful time last night in the Prayer Room and the Spirit of the Lord blew right into the meeting. People were prophesying over one another and encouraging people with the Word. I loved it!

Next, we are going to Lillesand for a House Meeting. There are several really great house groups meeting in and around Vest-Agder, the 'county' of the Sørlandet region that includes our home base, Kristiansand/Flekkerøy. It's good to see the Body of Christ staying connected and supporting one another in the pursuit of God's way in this nation.

Lillesand coastline

Lighthouse off the coast of Lillesand

Breathe upon Norway, Lord! Let Your glory fall!

Oddernes Church (Oddernes Kirke)

We visited an historic site in Kristiansand today: Oddernes Kirke. A runestone which was originally in the cemetery reads that the site has been central to the community as far back as the time of Saint Olav Den Hellige! Discoveries in burial mounds in the area bear witness that the settlement dates back to 400 A.D. 

In 1630 the Church was extended to prepare for a visit by Christian IV in 1635. In 1699, the present Church Bell Tower was built. It holds three bells and the oldest is from the 13th century. (We've heard the bells peal several times and it's a beautiful sound, by the way.)

There is a Baroque altar and some amazing painted works along the ceiling and woodwork through the church. It is considered one of the oldest churches in this part of the country and is very popular for weddings and special occasions.  I love the sense of history in all the details. It really is a lovely church and well-worth seeing if you're ever in the Kristiansand area.

Oddernes Kirke in Kristiansand at Sunset

And in the Sunshine

Candles against the painted ceiling with blue sky and clouds

Sunlight pouring through the aged glass by the altar

Beautiful silver chandelier in front of amazing pipe organ

 Runestone carved with Viking script declaring the God-son of Olav the Holy

used his inheritance to build this church in 1040 A.D.

Standing in front of the preacher's pulpit: Ann Elisabeth, Vivien and Me

Paintings along the front of the choir loft depicting the Saints

and also virtues. This one is for JUSTICE

True story: I had my heart set on seeing the inside of this church because I'd heard it was spectacular. We tried going there the evening before and it was locked so we went this afternoon in hopes of seeing inside. It was locked again  so we decided to stroll through the graveyard and check things out. A young guy popped up and I caught sight of him just as he was going through the back door of the church. Ann Elisabeth bravely chased him down and asked if we could see inside. Not only was he happy to let us in but he knew a lot about the church and gave us a private tour. Isn't the Lord sweet to answer the desires of our hearts?

What a wonderful Father You are!

Kristiansand & Flekkerøy

We finally arrived in Norway after thirty-two hours of travel. The sun is shining and we've had a break today and it's lovely. We are staying with a YWAM family who is also involved in worship in the area. They have a lovely house that was built in the 1700s and Ann Elisabeth has made it both beautiful and cozy. It has been nice staying with them as we share the same heart for worship and the nations.

Here are some snapshots of life right now:

Jet-Lag (Also known as Yet-Lag)

Smiling Jesus Painting in our Bedroom (Soverom)

Typical Norwegian Breakfast (Frokost)

Ivar and Ann Elisabeth Hanging Out

Ivar's Cat Sunning Himself on the Roof

Beautiful Spring Crocus in the Garden

 Possibly the Best Chocolate Cake I've Ever Tasted!

Kudos to Ann Elisabeth :)

Worship Last Night in the State Church on Flekkerøy

We are in the Kristiansand area until Thursday evening when we travel to Bergen for a Reform Norge conference. We will stay a few days after the conference to learn about Bergen and see the sites. 

It is SO good to be back in the Motherland!

Tusen Takk, Far!