Just Being Newsy - January 26, 2007

SELAH MINISTRIES
Carla Reed, Minister
21200 E Country Vista Dr #L-104
Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Dearly Loved of the Father,

Blessings and Greetings to you from Liberty Lake!! I'm hoping you've waded through all the Christmas decorations, newsletters, wrapping paper, and bills and are now settled in and anticipating an exciting year!!

The year for me has already started with activity and flourish. I just returned from a 2 week trip to South Dakota and Minnesota. It's not my favorite time to be driving to the midwest, but an opportune time doesn't regard the winter season. Let me back up.

In December, I had an opportunity to spend some special time with my mother. She was staying with my youngest sister, Brenda, in the bay area of California. Last October, my sister had flown back to the midwest to meet her in Omaha, NE and they had driven my mother's car to California so she could have it while she was there. Originally mom had planned to stay until spring. However, she decided she really, really, really wanted to go back home. The area where my sister lives is congested, lots of traffic and lots of minorities. Not easy for an older person who's used to a quiet town of 800 in rural SD. It was a "chance" to do something very special for my mom, drive her home and spend 2 weeks together. Just a coincidental thought. my mom's last name and my maiden name is Chance.

I flew out of Spokane on Christmas morning direct to Oakland, CA at the great one-way fare of $85. The day before would have been hectic, but few like to fly on Christmas Day and usually you can get some great prices. I spent Christmas and 2 days with my sister and her new husband and my mom. Then we drove to Sacramento to see an aunt and uncle, and after that to my home in Liberty Lake. The Lord gave us much grace and beautiful skies and clear roads for the 1000 miles up I-5 thru northern Calif, Oregon, and 1-84.

We stopped in Moses Lake to see my middle son, Scott, and I-90 into the Spokane. My mom spent several days and New Year's weekend with me and we watched the weather reports for further east. We were delayed one day due to snow on the Idaho-Montana border pass. The day we left, however, we had some patchy ice and slush, but after the pass, mostly clear roads for another 1200 miles to southeast South Dakota. That's pretty amazing for 2200 miles in Dec and January in a Ford Taurus.

When we got to her house, the key broke off in the lock. It is an old door and lock and had set for 3 months and probably rusted. I got to do something I've never done in my life. deliberately break a window to get into the house. What a way to end the trip. breaking and entering. Is that prophetic???

Mom then took me to Sioux Falls where I spent 3 days with my son, Steven and his family. Also my daughter, Anne, and her family live just 3 blocks away. It was a delight to get to see 6 of my 10 grandchildren while there. How they change during these young years!! And... I have pictures.

Earlier in October, I had a houseguest from Minnesota who invited me to a conference they would be hosting in Northfield, MN beginning on Jan 11 or 1-11. It sounded like something I should go to. don't you think?? I had discarded the idea until the trip to SD came up with my mom. Since I could get a better one way fare back to Spokane out of Minneapolis, I decided to attend the conference. Kari Browning of Gateway Fellowship in Coeur d Alene, one the co-leaders where I attend church was one of the speakers. It also allowed me to reconnect with many Minnesota friends I'd not seen in several years. I've ministered in many places in Minnesota over the years and a part of me came home. The conference was exceptional and hosted by friends, Steve and Rebecca Roberts, who have labored faithfully for revival in the heartland. You can access their website: www. GatewayMinistryCenter.org for future events.

After the conference I caught a ride to Hudson, Wisconsin. It is just inside the border on I-94 from Mpls-St Paul. I have a wonderful friend, Grace and her husband, Dick, who have hosted me many times and Grace makes some of the best coffee in the country. I've teased her she is my coffee "drinking buddy" and the only one who can outdo me. We're both pretty wired when I stay at her house. Grace hosted a meeting for me at "The Gathering Place" in Hudson. It is a beautiful facility for prayer and intercession and they are some of my favorite people.

I did not have my keyboard, but used hers, and we had an awesome Presence of the Lord in worship, intercession, and declaration. Grace thought it was one of the best. I was also honored to have a gifted violinist, Marya, and a flute player, Chris, play along with me and sometimes take the lead. We flowed in spontaneous worship like we knew what we were doing. I regret we did not get a good recording. that is not Grace's specialty at the moment. I've asked Marya if we can do a CD together sometime. It will be choice.

I flew out of Minneapolis on January 17. When I was making my reservations late in December, I kept praying about how and when to get home. I kept hearing 17. For several months the number 17 has come up repeatedly. Those of you who love to follow the mysteries and codes of the Lord know He speaks in many ways.

When I moved into my apartment on Sept 4, 2006, I realized it had been exactly 17 months since I had left Moses Lake on April 4, 2005. My things were in storage for 17 months. I was puzzled by what seemed to be an odd number. In unpacking, my eyes caught a book on the top of a box, called Biblical Mathematics by Ed Vallowe. It is an older book, but a classic on Scriptural numerics. When I looked up the meaning of 17, I found more pages on that number than nearly any other. It means victory. It is a combination of 7 for completeness and 10 for testimony. You will be amazed at how many times it comes up in the Scripture.When I flew out of Mpls on January 17, my plane was scheduled to land in Spokane at 7:17 pm. I had to catch the connecting flight in Seattle and found I was to board at gate C-17. For many weeks, I've seen the time at 1:17 and 7:17. I've looked up the Scriptures at addresses 1:17 and 7:17 and found threads of truth woven throughout. I hope you like following the "clues" of the Lord like I do. I was grateful I listened. The very next day on Jan 18, a big snow storm came. I had just got home the night before.

My dear friend in Spokane, Chip, picked me up at the airport. She is one of those rare gems that sparkles with the love of Jesus. Chip has either taken me to the airport at very early hours or picked me up. She always blesses me with her attitude of eagerness to serve. One of my favorite things about Chip is her saying when you ask her something: "Not a problem." Unlike some people who let you know you're imposing on them.

Chip and her husband, Jerry, were the kind-hearted couple who kept my van for 7 weeks last summer when I flew into Raleigh, NC to see Joshua before he was deployed to Iraq. I then drove his car across the country and took my sweet time making personal and ministry stops getting back. Jerry helped me load up the U-Haul, then drove it and helped me move into my apartment. I'm indeed blessed and honored by the many wonderful friends, pastors, and hosts across the country. I salute and thank the Lord for each one of you!! I'd love to turn the spotlight on you!!

Since returning home, I've been "catching up". Although I had an excellent trip, it was very exhausting physically. I normally don't pack so heavy as I usually get my hanger clothes and shoes out of my van. Since I didn't have it this time, I had to load my suitcases pretty heavily. Also I carried some products with me to sell at the conference in Northfield. Coupled with some extremely cold temperatures, I was pretty wiped out by the time I got home. I slept one entire day, which is unprecedented for me. I'm still regaining some strength and trying to get focused on the new year. I had basically 3 weeks of nonstop activity and travel. However, the time with my mother was precious and I was glad I could do something that brought comfort to her heart. What a joy it was to come home!! AND, to have a home to come home to.

My deepest thanks to those of you who sent Christmas letters, cards, and tucked something extra inside. It was delightful to get the mail and hear from you. If any of you need statements regarding your giving in 2006, let me know. I will only send it out at your request. Your checks should be sufficient, but if you want a statement to verify, I'd be happy to send it to you.

Now for some other news:

Joshua has been able to call me about every 10 days or 2 weeks. He is doing well. He was blessed with several boxes at Christmas and said he has a handy stash of goodies. He shares a tent with 3 others and they have a community pile of things to eat and share. In fact, he said they're getting crowded out of their tent. He is working 12 hour shifts and likes what he's doing. He seems to think the food is okay and hasn't had to eat any rations. The days are going fast for him. He was deployed on July 22 and has passed the 6 month marker. He may get a leave in April, but doesn't' know for sure. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

His email address is jareed_amt@hotmail.com. Rather than sending boxes at this time, how about sending a note of encouragement, sharing a funny story, a forward of funny pictures or inspiration, or what you remember about him. He can check emails often. Remind him of who you are if it's been awhile. Sand might be in his brain.

Please keep the following in prayer:

1. Pray that I have a clear vision and focus for the new year. I'm already working on the book and collecting and organizing thoughts and data. Your imput and stories would be so helpful and welcome. I will continue to do some limited travel, and am praying about where the Lord would have me go. If you are interested in a meeting or gathering, let me know soon. It helps me group the meetings and get the feel of what's next. At present, I am tentatively planning a trip to the east coast in late Feb. I would be flying into Baltimore, spending a few days at Ashland, Va and then available to minister in the Baltimore area. Call me if you're in that area.

2. I'm still yearning for a piano. Realistically, the Steinway may not be practical at this time in an apartment. However, I do have room for a small baby grand. It may take up most of my living room, but I don't mind. Through an amazing connection, I found a used Wurlitzer baby grand in CdA for $7,000. It is a beautiful black ebony and in mint-perfect condition. That is the brand name of the piano I had for 30 years and had to give away several years ago. When I went to play on it, I couldn't stop.

I played for almost 45 minutes. While I was playing, the lady who owns it, said to the others with me, "What's that smell?" I don't have anything in here that smells like that. The lady I'd arrived with said, "It must be the fragrance of the Lord.". We were all quite impressed. When this lady called me two days later to quote the selling price, she said the smell was still in the room. "Ever since you played." As we talked, she exclaimed, "It's getting stronger while I'm talking to you.."

The price may be negotiable on this piano, but I still need almost $7,000.Also I went back to the Steinway showroom and have played on a beautiful piano called Essex. It is designed by Steinway and belongs to the Steinway family. They are priced at about $10,000. If within 10 years, you want a Steinway, they will accept the piano back at full price and toward a Steinway. I'm still looking for the piano that has my name on it. I've not had lots of opportunity since returning from SD/MN. The weather has been cold and snowy, and I've hung pretty close to home.

If you would like to hear the 5 minute demo I did on that Steinway grand, let me know. I'll be happy to send it to you. I get rave reviews from those who hear it.Pray with me for miraculous provision for a piano. I believe the Lord could have a benefactor or several investors who will give into the glorious kingdom release of the new sound that is coming forth.

Something happens when I play. It's like a gushing river that flows out of my spirit and through my hands. When I go to the showroom and sit down to play, the salesmen just shake their heads. They don't understand how I can play like that without notes. How do you explain the anointing to Morman businessmen? When I first went in, I told them I just ran chords. The first young sales guy said: "That's more than chords". Indeed, it is.

While in Hudson, WI, I also had an unusual anointing on my voice. My friend, Grace, who has heard me many times, commented on it. I was always primarily a singer. I learned to play piano because I couldn't find anyone to accompany me. My degree in Fine Arts focused on voice. I've been singing unusual sounds in some worship services. I'm asking the Lord for a restoration of my voice to be heard in this day with clarity and power. Today the Lord gave me a wonderful idea for a new cd.

3. Please pray and agree with me for continued physical recovery. I've been resting and sleeping more than usual. However, like others, I fight the guilt of needing to "do something". It is really hard for me to relax. I'm extra sensitive to lack of sunlight and cold weather. We've had lots of dark in the northwest and several others are feeling the same thing. Some have suggested environmental changes that are contributing factors. Many people I know are fighting extreme fatigue and illness. It's during these times many of us get depressed and discouraged. When we do we feel guilty on top of it. Let's continue to hold each other up in prayer and stay in touch. Phone calls are better than chicken soup.

My sincere thanks to each and every one of you for your continued good will and friendship. It is always a joy to "click" on your names and send out the emails. I wonder how you're doing as well. Please stay in touch with me and let me know if I can pray for you or any matters of concern. My phone numbers are: Cell 509-599-0433 or 605-376-0033. My 605 cell phone has a broken hinge and I have trouble hearing people talk on it. I'm holding out for about 2 weeks when I qualify for a rebate on a new phone. The best number to call is 509-599-0433. I'm never too busy to talk and would love to hear from you.

Your continued prayers and financial support will make it possible to recover physically from months of non-stop travel and also to write without the worry of how to make it. I've wept buckets at times wondering how and when I'll pay off the bills. However, the Lord has graciously intervened and allowed me to stay current, including a hefty van payment and now rent. I know you have many places it could go. Any size gift is a gift indeed. I'm honored by your love, concern, and giving. I'm praying for your own needs to met abundantly!! Remember, I can and do take credit or debit cards which makes it easier to be consistent. I can set is up monthly or one time. There is a beauty of teamwork in ministry with those who can go and those who can send them forth.

May the Lord bless you, beloved friends, and keep you securely in His Care. May 2007 truly be a year of an open heaven over your life.

Love, Carla

21200 E Country Vista Dr #L-104
Liberty Lake, WA 99019