9-26-10 Moving back

Dear friends-

I told you in my last note that it "could not go on forever." It
can't.We either renege on our agreement with the bank and get an
apartment or move back. So, Tina and I have spent the last few days
packing and getting ready to move back up the hill. We do not know
how it will turn out, but ask you to pray with us.

Here is the video I posted this morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2rKHkCIXjY

Thanks for your prayers.

Look forward to hearing from you. May you be blessed!

Blessings,
Lee
http://www.facebook.com/lee.johndrow

Catching up

Dear friends-

It has been a long time since I last wrote. I feel that on many
levels the Lord has had us sidelined, which is weird in many regards.
Sidelined has never meant "unbusy" in God's Kingdom. Many things have
been going on this year.

Much of our lives have been dedicated to our children and our grand
children. Our son Matt, had his wedding on August 14th to Alexis, and
Tyler his wedding to Emily on Sept.4th. Certainly both of those
events signify more than the event itself for those who have known us
all. Since we had to move to this apartment as the result of the mold
issues a lot has gone on. As I said, children and grandchildren have
been a lot of our lives. The mold triggered the merge of my paper
last year and yet in May I ended up with it back. (You can follow it
at Compasspaper.com.) It has been a long summer with regard to
business and all that it entails to run a newspaper that is
growing(2.5 times since 5/28.).

We thought our home would be restored by the end of summer but
contractors, issues, etc..indicate that will not be happening. The
landlord here called one night, drunk, and told us we needed to move
out. (He has a daughter with two kids who "needs" the place. So Tina
and I have been packing for the move. We know not where and have
rested it in God's hands. Paying mortgage, taxes, insurance AND rent
can not go on anymore, so one or the other will have to go.

We have once again come to the place of "your will" with no options.
I think we are both OK on it. We know that it will have to be the
hand of God to get us anywhere.

On other levels we are on year 2 with Mark and Village Church. We
will be starting a new school with him shortly and we shall see where
that heads.

Back to the sidelines for a moment. I think a lot of us have felt
that way. What are the next steps, what is going on, etc..And I think
just like sidelines in the real deal provide for rest, observation
and even feelings of frustration, it is also a time to "listen" to the coach.

Look forward to hearing from you. May you be blessed!

Blessings,
Lee
http://www.facebook.com/lee.johndrow

Catching up

Dear friends-

Thanks for the kind comments and emails we have received. Many things
are going on in the lives of Lee and Tina.

So, we will start with some family updates.

Cass is finishing up one counselor position, coming home on Saturday
and going to work again in another camp, where the children have
parents who are incarcerated.
Alyssa is finishing up a bout of chicken pox with Jacob, and hoping
to find a job and get further with some schooling.
Tyler and Matt are working 12 hour, 7 day a week jobs, clearing power
lines, etc. and enjoying the work and the people they work with.
Amy comes down to the wire as she heads to Colombia, to work in an
orphanage outside Cali, in Palermo. She has been working hard at
raising funds for her trip.
Tina's job has continued to get more difficult as more and more
foreclosure counseling is on her plate.

We are stilling trying to resolve the issues of the water damage we
had last year. We are getting the final quotes on the repairs but it
will be in excess of $60,000. A breakdown for those of you
interested. $30,000 to repair the downstairs. $10,000 for the
interior system. $20,000 for the exterior to reroute wires, replace
broken drains, etc. There is still the issue of the furnace, etc..
Add to whether we are even supposed to "be here" and who knows...We
still continue to believe God is moving us.

With the recent closing of four area papers, I felt I was to step up
to the plate with a weekly in addition, to what I am doing. Huge
money, huge responsibility requiring much grace. And lots of right
pieces. It is going to be a do or die deal.

We have got some pretty good rides in on the motorcycle. So that is
good. And many of those rides are with other bikers so we are having some fun.

And so, what is God putting on my heart? The Lord tells me that as a
nation we have a breath with in us to change things. We have to use
that "breath." How we use that breath determines years of bondage or
continued freedom. Christianity is not a parlor game or a sit in your
chair game. It is the very breath we breathe. The areas I had not
walked in "faith" before are upon me. The things I never "worked" out
well are upon me, forcing me to work them to perfection. There is a
shout beneath that wants to come forth. A breath that can steer us.
It is not found in complacency or apathy, but in works accompanied
with faith. I sense there is an uprising much like the 60's taking
shape. I have yet to see the "doomsday scenario" play out as
predicted, but I sense the balance is exactly that...balance. The
winds from the breath of the people. Sept. 11 will have much
significance I believe, even this year. The month of August is going
to be a "hold your breath" month for many, I encourage you to
"breathe." Breathe loudly. Breathe with grace. The word is that
"nations are in balance. There is a breath within us to tip the
scales. If we do not breath, others will."

Look forward to hearing from you. May you be blessed!

Blessings,
Lee
http://www.facebook.com/lee.johndrow

Where are Lee & Tina?

Dear friends-

A lot of you have wondered if we have forgotten you, and perhaps
something has happened to us. Forgive me.

We have been super busy and it has taken a toll in some areas. We
have been taking care of grandchildren quite a bit. It is a love of
ours and we spend a lot of time with them even though they no longer
live here. Tina's work has been super busy, but we have her on
vacation next week. Our business has been busy, though the economy
has had an effect. I have been busy with ministry and teaching the
school of the prophets in Swanzey. Physically, we have both had our
battles. My shoulder issue are still an issue despite doctors and PT.
Tina has passed one hurdle, though she has had some things going on.
God will prevail.

The economy has caused an increase in our ministry and busyness in
workplaces. We are still battling for the resolution of our flood
damage of last year. We also have people that owe us considerable
sums of money who we pray will pay!

So, outside of running a business and a half, any spare computer time
is spent on Facebook for correspondence. We are going to sneak away
with some pre-Christians for a day on Saturday, weather permitting
and get over to Lake George for a few hours. And of course we have my
annual birthday party on July 4th next week. Come and join us. (Talk
to Tina about details. You know me and details! "What's a detail?")

Please forgive the length between now and last letter.

Blessings,
Lee
http://www.facebook.com/lee.johndrow

Something in the air...
Yesterday at 6:18am
Woke up to early thinking something is in the air. Even the birds are
quiet today. Interesting effect. Tina opened the drapes and the
coolness is there. That something feels like we have entered into
something deeper.

In my wakening time I felt that we had "missed" something in the
church. I always want to say "basics." Is it possible deeper could be
basic? So many are seeking experience at places with people, when it
appears that deeper is the one anothers of the scriptures. Loving one
another, being submitted to one another, sharing with one another. We
are in a moment where God is allowing for us to see the needs. I have
watched Iran and thought that could be here shortly. People are
angry, frightened, discouraged. Myself, I have found myself devoting
so much time to preparation and what is going on that I am often
missing the realities of family and friends. There is a moment for
restoration and refueling through our recognition of some of the basics.

I love a lot of the revelation and response to God, but I am seeing
the day to day existence of people not lining up with those times.
Yesterday, my friend Dave was sharing a selling technique called
mirroring. This is when you are having a conversation with someone
and you match their posture to make them feel comfortable with you. I
thought are we "mirroring" the culture of people we come in contact
with? Are we getting close to them? Or have we set ourselves in
unreachable places determined to be more "spiritual" than others. The
other day a friend and I talked about the increase in many
"evangelical" churches. We also spoke of the new buildings that many
religions were building and why were we not seeing that in the
charismatic church. According to the charismatic church these people
were not as spiritual. Many would say "seeker sensitive" or something
to indicate they are getting them by some "default."

I come back to the basics. The one anothers. People are needing
people, not pithy remarks and sayings. They are needing people to
reach out. I see cults and "milk toast" churches reaching out while
many charismatics sit and wait for it all to be over in some sense.

Love must return to the church. Test yourself. Do you speak down to
others? Respond harshly? Avoid people? I found my self so agitated on
Saturday(A lot from the pain I was in.) that I sent out missiles
lacking love to representatives and legislators saying "enough is enough."

Basics are deep. Revelation without response is religion.

I think something is about to happen...

Leviticus 19:11 "'Do not steal. "'Do not lie. "'Do not deceive one another.
John 13:14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,
you also should wash one another's feet.
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if
you love one another."
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one
another above yourselves.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but
be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing
debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.
Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle
in your brother's way.
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in
order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves
are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct
one another.
Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of
Christ send greetings.
1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there
may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in
mind and thought.
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not
use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one
another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing
with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving
each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you
teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing
psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each
other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called
Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the
habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more
as you see the Day approaching.
James 4:11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks
against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges
it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in
judgment on it.
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be
sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are
older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another
, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we
have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son,
purifies us from all sin.
1 John 3:11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We
should love one another.
1 John 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his
Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from
God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to
love one another.
1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God
lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers
over a multitude of sins.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for
each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man
is powerful and effective.
James 5:9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be
judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Hebrews 13:1 Keep on loving each other as brothers.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers,
and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the
love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,
but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because
of their work. Live in peace with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each
other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:9 Now about brotherly love we do not need to write
to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 May the Lord make your love increase and
overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off
your old self with its practices
Philippians 4:2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to
agree with each other in the Lord.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving
each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ.
Corinthians 12:25 so that there should be no division in the body,
but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
Galatians 5:15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch
out or you will be destroyed by each other.
1 Corinthians 11:33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to
eat, wait for each other.
Romans 1:12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by
each other's faith.
Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by
every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as
each part does its work.
Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you
should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests
of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Ar

Touching base

Dear friends-

Today I reconnected with a friend of long ago. He had connected to me
via Facebook and we were able to grab coffee today. After talking to
him, it seems like many of my friends are in transition of one kind
or another. It was really good to see Kevin. About 5 months ago I
had given a word that this was to be the year of restoration of
relationships. Many have told me they have seen this come to pass.
And I hope you are seeing this as well.

Much of this is really an update of what Tina and I are doing and
considering. I promise a real letter to let you know more shortly.

Currently the Lord has been speaking to Tina and I about moving. Over
the last few weeks we have received numerous words about a move. So,
what does that look like? We are not sure. We have begun to take
steps. These steps include readying our house. (This is a big chore
and hopefully we will receive some help in the days ahead. We are
still dealing with the water damage and the related issues, though we
have some words regarding the supernatural resolution of God here.)
We will probably begin to work on the packing and the like in the
very near future. What it means is a lot of faith related decisions.

What would we do? We do not know. We have even begun to look at other
thoughts here. We have many opportunities before us. Many have asked
us to consider moves "closer" to them. Our ministry is named Pillars
Of Clouds & Fire Ministries and it appears both are moving in our lives.

I am still running the paper and wonder what this looks like. (As
well as the other 5-6 things I have my hands on...Just got another
one while we were out riding :) ) Tina has her job.

So, we are not sure.

This weekend we have Mike Smith and his band joining us in West
Swanzey NH. This is a part of what our regional piece is and we are
excited to have them come in. They will be with us over there Friday
and Saturday nights, with 2 meetings during the day on Saturday and
they will be there on Sunday AM. Join us if you can. The worship will
be over the top. Got worship leaders in your body. Send them for CATALYST.

Cass is coming home tomorrow from college.
Matt is flying in from Albuqueque on Friday and spending the weekend
with Amy. Amy is in mode for a missions trip to South America. Tyler
is pursuing his business. Alyssa is looking at furthering her
education and being mom to the three grandchildren.

Things are busy. And of course we have my annual birthday party on
July 4th. Come and join us. (Talk to Tina about details. You know me
and details! "What's a detail?")

Blessings,
Lee

Easter

Dear friends-

Happy Easter!

As a child Easter meant many different things to me. Sunday morning
my brothers and sister would run out to find Easter baskets filled
with jelly beans, gold foil colored eggs and coins and these
beautiful eggs that held all sorts of treasures. The smell of hot
crossed buns, eggs, Canadian bacon and coffee came out of the
kitchen. At some point we had jelly bean hunt, running through the
house finding jelly beans on mantles, window sashes and behind
pictures. At some point we all sat down for breakfast and then it was
time to get ready for church. There were the occasional years where
we would go up the hill behind the elementary school at 6AM, climbing
up to greet the sun, while singing hymns and thinking of Jesus

Then there was that period of time in my life where Easter did not
really mean much. But then my daughter was born and I remember
punching holes in the ends of eggs and blowing out the insides to
provide for the Easter eggs she was going to dye. And that was it for
a while. Make it fun for my children.

And then one day I found out the meaning of Easter. A man named
Jesus. Died and rose for me. Hmmm. Suddenly the eggs and the candy
took on a new meaning. A celebration of life AND death. Certainly
Easter is different now than it was. I recently heard this story and
in the spirit of the season would like to share it.

The mother of a nine-year-old boy named Mark received a phone call in
the middle of the afternoon. It was the teacher from her son's school.

"Mrs. Smith, something unusual happened today in your son's third
grade class. Your son did something that surprised me so much that I
thought you should know about it immediately." The mother began to
grow worried.

The teacher continued, "Nothing like this has happened in all my
years of teaching. This morning I was teaching a lesson on creative
writing. And as I always do, I tell the story of the ant and the grasshopper:

"The ant works hard all summer and stores up plenty of food. But the
grasshopper plays all summer and does no work.

"Then winter comes. the grasshopper begins to starve because he has
no food. So he begins to beg, 'Please Mr. Ant, you have much food.
Please let me eat, too.'" then I said, "Boys and girls, your job is
to write the ending to the story."

"Your son, Mark, raised his hand. 'Teacher, may I draw a picture?'

"'Well, yes, Mark, if you like, you may draw a picture. But first you
must write the ending to the story.'

"As in all the years past, most of the students said the ant shared
his food through the winter, and both the ant and the grasshopper
lived. A few children wrote, 'No, Mr. Grasshopper. You should have
worked in the summer. Now, I have just enough food for myself.' So
the ant lived and the grasshopper died.

"But your son ended the story in a way different from any other
child, ever. He wrote, 'So the ant gave all of his food to the
grasshopper; the grasshopper lived through the winter. But the ant died.'

"And the picture? At the bottom of the page, Mark had drawn three crosses."

Easter is fun for me. I have three grandchildren. They get candy and
eggs and all the fixings. But they get the story, as well. This year
all but my son Matthew(Albuquerque) will be home. Because of college
schedules, etc., we will be having dinner tomorrow. It will be a busy
and fun time.

Many things are going on here.
We are still trying to make a decision about the issues we had with the water.
We just went through the same sex debacle here in Vermont.
We complete our ten weeks of our "School" we have been teaching at
Village Church.
And we are trying to figure out next steps. Will it be move? Stay?
Join something?

We are not sure. We do know that the Lord's hand is on the wheel.

To you and your family have a blessed time this weekend.

For the Lord is our strength.

Blessings,
Lee

Over the last few months

Dear friends-

It has been a few months since my last letter. The Lord has been dealing with me over loss.

I have come to the conclusion that you can not have loss if you do not have gain, You must have something to lose.
Ouch!

When I was very young, my grandmother died. She was the love of my young life. Always kind, patient and interested in me. She was taken to the hospital for a stroke. Because I was so young, I was not allowed in. She died while I was in the car with my father. It haunted me for many years. I remember my fear of death as a young child as my mom tried to explain that we "all die." I remember crying and screaming at it. I could not see it. For many years I had bad dreams about death. Not too many months later, my grandfather died. In the middle of the night I heard "his death." I got up and walked out to tell my parents of his death. And he was. Now my perception of him was very different than that of my grandmother. And yet it was still painful.

In my life I work hard to make sure people know the truth about Jesus as the result of that conversation. Overtime, some might say.  And as time speeds up, there are more and more "frights" that people are faced with. I have seen many deal with real issues of the heart. Just as the scriptures have indicated. Letting fear grip our hearts is not unusual with economies and the news of today, and yet as believers we are called to a place of trust. Only yesterday, I spoke with a believer who was struggling with trust in Him.

Most of you know that I have a grandson, who is in many regards, the apple of my eye. He has recently taken to jumping off the coffee table. He only does it with me. He climbs on the table and falls into my arms. Partial trust, for him, I do not think is an option. He does not waver, but comes off the table with purpose.  I think he is my example of trust.

Do I trust like that? "Well, it depends" is an answer that circulates the church. But as the economy shakes and the world rolls, that answer may need to be countered. Only this morning, I saw that depression can cause heart attacks in a test of women. It brings to our minds "why depression?" I think the answer may be lack of trust.

Depression is something as an unbeliever that I experienced. Dreams of death and destruction plagued my dreams for many years. I drank and drugged my way to "oblivion" that never came. Oh, there were a few visits to the hospital for overdoses and the like, but oblivion never came. I pursued religion with all my heart. I carried worry stones and drank teas and I did everything I could find to visit peace. I built stores that were to supply people with peace.

And so, taking more meds for depression and anxiety than should be given, I came to the cross. And within a few years I was given to a place of peace and withdrew from my meds.

Now my walk with Lord has not always been a fun one. And yet on the other hand I trust. Last week, I saw jubilee in the form of a wrongful attachment to our home forgiven. That wrong the Lord righted. I have not carried bitterness and I have worked to BLESS my enemies. Did it ever occur to you to bless your enemies? This is God�s way of protecting yourself from curses spoken by others against you. If, on the other hand, you have bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred, and anger in your heart against your antagonist, YOU ARE MAKING A LANDING STRIP FOR THE CURSE TO ALIGHT!

And so my life has been full. I saw my mom and dad come to the Lord before their deaths. I learned to cry over real deals. (I joke that I never cried until I took on ministry.) I cried so hard when my pets died I could not believe it. And so imagine my surprise when yesterday, I watched my daughter and three grandchildren move out, pain gripped my heart. They are not moving out of town, but I will sure miss Jacob coming up the stairs to "read" to me each morning from a book on ducklings. Or Jordan coming up early Saturday morning to hang out. Or Mariah cuddling up when no one else is around. I hurt! What is this? I moped all day even as people called for help. I lost my energy. Today is a little better, but there is no little one running to me. So, tears are here as I write.

Tina told me that she saw Alyssa in the store and the kids and Jacob was looking for me. It is hard.

So, do I trust? Yes! Will I allow the devil to get the upper hand? No!

We are in weird times. As the scriptures say, "some may trust in horses, some may trust in chariots, but we will trust in the name of the Lord." We can not depend on government to do what we will not do for ourselves. We can not walk around with our hands out and our heads down. We must trust. I do not think there is a middle of the road trust with God. I think it is all or nothing to reach peace. You may differ, but at least consider this. Has partial trust in those areas you are "learning to trust" in getting any better? Mine did not. It was hand over and trust.

Each one has a battle today. The results are "can we overcome?" I think so, even if we move at one minute at a time. We need to slow down to hear God. And He wants to give us step by step instructions to protect us from destruction.

Please consider it as you walk through this day.

Blessings,
Lee