Part of the Package

As part of the wedding package, I inherited two teenage stepsons.
Silas and Paul (14 and 13 yrs).

Just when I thought life was interesting, it became even more interesting having teenage boys in the house. Interesting and fun.

They are good boys and I feel very blessed to have them in my life - even at this stage in their life.

Let me introduce you ....


This is Silas.

He's 14 years old and already 6'2"! He just started his freshman year at Edsel Ford High School. He is extremely smart, scoring in the 98th percentile on the national academic tests. He's a nice kid and I think he'll go far in life.

and this is Paul.

He is 13 months younger than his older brother, Silas. He's in the 8th grade at Dearborn Christian School. He loves to ride his new *cool* purple BMX bike, plays soccer and is a pretty good cook too. He makes us laugh with his funny comments and sometimes mischievous behavior. People are just drawn to him. He's going to do great things for God.

The Story Begins (A New Book)

Hello Again!!
It was 75 days ago ... I took the plunge and married Bret Abdullah on June 26th.
Most women don't think they'll be a first time bride at 40 - but I can definitely say the right one is worth waiting for at any age. Remember that nowadays, 40 is the new 30!!
We met through doing ministry together in Dearborn. He is the emerging pastor of Dearborn Assembly of God. Our church is a church plant in East Dearborn, the community boasts the largest Arab muslim population outside the middle east. Its the culmination of the work of missionaries over the last 20+ years to build a strong christian presence in the increasingly Arab muslim influenced city. My husband Bret is the indigenous pastor in the missionary church planting model.
Born and raised in Dearborn, his grandfather was Moroccan (and muslim) and he was raised with a nominal muslim presence in his family. Bret's mother is catholic and of partial native american decent. She took Bret and his two brothers to Catholic church much of their lives (with a tinge of Muslim customs at home - like they were forbidden to eat pork). He later became a born again Christian in his late twenties. Among Bret and his brothers, one is Christian, another catholic and another converted to become a muslim. Interesting but not uncommon where we live.

Saying our vows ... this is forever guys

Our grand entry as "Mr and Mrs Abdullah!!"

About to cut into our delicious wedding cake

Singing Karoke with Stephanie - whoa whoa ho ho ...

The Wedding Party

I couldn't leave this one out - we all worked very hard on the wedding decorations!!


To see more of our wedding album - click below

Our Wedding

My "Fake" Brother

I have a brother who's name is Will. My girlfriend calls him my fake brother.

You see, he's not really my brother- but he is. We share the same set of siblings.

Let me explain ... before either of us were born, my father married his mother and had three children. Later our "parents" split up. My father met my Mother and had me - his mother remarried and had him. We are 18 months apart, share the same siblings - but aren't blood related. Instead of explaining our family lineage (which looks like a football play), we just simply refer to each other as brother and sister - and move on. We look alike and are close friends - we are closer to one another than our shared siblings.

Will is a Christian and we share the same love of the Lord too. When I was a little girl, I would wish, pray and even daydream that I had a brother. I thank God for answering my prayer.

Will came to Michigan last week for a visit. We haven't seen each other in a while. He had a four day pass from the military, because he's on his way to Iraq serving in the National Guard as the aid de camp to the General. Pretty cool job. Lots of work. The General never sleeps or takes a day off!! Will must be his shadow to the endth of duty and beyond.

I ask you to please pray for him. Pray for him spiritually, because of the long hours its hard to get some devotional time with God and temptation can come quickly when you're weary. Please pray for his safety and protection. God has a purpose and a plan!!

What is Your Mission?

A couple of weeks ago, I started my new position as Youth and Christian Education Director at Franklin Community Church. At first I was highly hesitant about taking the position, first of all its a United Methodist Church and I am not a Methodist. Despite the potential of different beliefs, I accepted the job. The reason in accepting the position is the opportunity to minister to the youth - a group of all girls. This would be an opportunity for them to hear the truth and make a decision to follow Christ. I didn't grow up in a church environment and when I did visit church, I loved coming. I wish now someone would have shared the gospel with me when I was younger - possibly it would have made an impact in my life at a earlier age.

This church is a dying church. They are an old congregation, having a ritual of tradition that talks of godliness, but it's just religion and talk of Christ. What I believe is my purpose is to be a missionary, to bring the gospel truth by Holy Spirit within their midst to all that would hear. All this knowing that one person, one life will be changed forever and many more will follow - all because of one decision. Please pray for me. I speak of it with such inspiration, but yet there are so many times I feel so much opposition and lack of inspiration. This isn't the mission field I quite had in mind when I told the Lord I would serve Him. I am faced with liberal theology that I never knew existed. I seriously had no idea that a person who dosen't believe in the literal translation of the bible, or creationism could be in a church pulpit and in leadership.

I ask you to please pray for me and the young people of this congregation. I want God's will to be accomplished in their lives so they can find their God given purposes in Him. They are the future and are part of the blueprint of the future. If God can work in their lives, they will bring change, purity and godliness to the world who needs it most. May their eyes be opened and their ears hear.

A Prayer

Every morning in addition to my bible reading, I read out of a prayer book , reading, praying and expounding on that prayer and making it my own.

It seems like wherever I am in my book always coincides with what's going on in my life. I don't think this is a coincidence. Lately I've been doing much soul searching. I'm at an age where I should have a family of my own and don't, I should have a career and don't and I'm not so clear what my next step is going to be or where it will lead. It's very frightening sometimes and all I can really do is cry out to God, turn to Him in faith and believe He has a purpose greater and beyond what I can see. I love Him and trust Him with all that I have and ever will be.

Here is what read and prayed form my book today. May it speak to you, like it did me and may you consider praying it aloud with all sincerity (and personalizing it for yourself). God has never failed me. I know in this "wilderness" time, even though I sometimes react like a mistreated child without a father, God is merciful, sovereign and loves me to the utmost with provision for everything I will ever need starting with salvation and restoration. I purpose in my heart to obey Him at every corner and partake in His very best.

Below is the prayer ... (excerpted from A Book of Prayer by Stormie Omartian)

Lord, I release all my hopes and dreams to You this day. If there is anything that I am longing for that is not to be a part of my life, I ask you to take away the desire for it so that what should be in my life will be released to me, I realize how dangerous it is to make idols of my dreams - to try and force my life to be what I have envisioned for myself. I lift up to you all that I desire, and I declare this day that I desire You more. I want the desires of my heart to line up with with the desires of Your heart.

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Ps 37:4

Mock Disaster Training

During my summer employment at Gentz and involvement the mentoring program, I had the opportunity to be involved with the Youth Connection Career Academy. They are a nonprofit that helps Detroit public school youth with career training, academic program involvement and service projects to prevent youth violence and delinquency. This organization is also the one who placed the kids at our company to be mentored.

During the summer program, the kids go through what is called cert training. They learn lifesaving emergency procedures and at the end are qualified to be first responders if there is a calamity or disasterous event. The final part of their training is called the "mock disaster" and is sponsored by the department of homeland security. The kids are invited to what they think is a rally to hear a speaker and graduate from their program, only for a dramatized disaster to take place without their prior knowledge. They are asked to use their newly learned skills on how to respond. Some of the kids know what is happening and participate in their roles, others are taken by surprise. They did a great job!!!








If you would like to see the rest of the pictures, click here: TYC Mock Disaster

Forgiveness Done Right

I heard an amazing story today and I thought I would share it with you. It's about forgiveness.

I was inspired and touched by this story. I hope I can relay what an impactful story this really is.

Many years ago, my friend Jim was married and had three children. His wife, pregnant with their fourth child went into labor and delivered a baby girl. After she was delivered, the doctor took her into the next room, cleaned her up. He then approached Jim, asking him if he was the father and introduced Jim to this beautiful baby girl. Something in Jim's heart checked and he just knew for some unknown reason he wasn't the father of the baby girl his wife just delivered.

He went through the motions and prayed about his paternity of the child. As he prayed, he felt as if the Lord was telling him to forgive and say nothing. A year later, a DNA test was performed and his suspicions were proven - he was not the biological father of this child. But God kept reminding Him to be obedient and forgive. This was very, very difficult at times. Jim loved the Lord with all his heart and it was all that he could do to forgive his wife and love this baby girl as his own. But he did and the little girl never knew the difference. She still does not know.

God helped Jim and he and his daughter had a very close relationship. She grew to be a beautiful woman and daddy's girl. She ended up being more like him than any of her brothers and sisters. She not only looks up to her Daddy who was her best friend, but has a passion for Jesus just like him. She loves the Lord with all of her heart. She has since married and moved out of state. She calls or sends him text messages daily. Yesterday he got a text from her that said "Me without you is like a fat man without his cake".

Forgiveness serves a greater purpose than just us.
It impacts the lives of everyone all around us.

Seek First His Kingdom

I received word last week that my Mentoring project is coming to an end early due to the economy and my hours were drastically cut. This comes as a surprise, but no surprise. The project was not permanent, and although there were promising leads that it would lead to a long term commitment - it didn't happen. I'm a little disappointed. In some ways, I feel as if I'm starting back at square one. But in other ways I know I've grown and this growth is going to help me with my future.

My first and foremost job is found in scripture ....

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33

Thank You Lord!

I just want to thank God for my job. I love it. For the first time in a long time, I know I am doing what I was created to do.
I'm teaching people how to be effective mentors in a young person's life. As the teacher, I am learning alot too. We have covered a wide range of structured topics, all learning how to be a effective role model in a young person's life. We have covered topics on how to be a good listener, an effective speaker, having boundaries, work ethic and the relationship cycle. I see the affect it has on the mentors and ultimately the youth we're working with.
I hope one day to be able to do this in ministry. I love to teach!!!

A New Door through an Unlikely Passageway

A new door has opened and I am working at an aerospace company on the East Side. It started when I was in the Financial Peace University class (Dave Ramsey). It was there God had a divine appointment awaiting. I met the CEO of the company who sat at my table with other employees and openers of the company. They were going to start a summer internship program at the company and needed someone to train the employees and coordinate the program. He wasn't looking for anybody and I had no idea he held the position he did in the company. He was just a regular guy who loved the Lord, had a neat and recent conversion story and wanted to serve God. He wanted to make the company's program more than just a training method, he wanted to make it a mentoring program that would impact and change lives - ultimately leading the employees and students to Christ.
God opened the door and I am writing and teaching a mentoring program, working with students from the Detroit Public Schools. It is so rewarding and an amazing experience. When God sent me to Northridge Church, I grumbled that it was a predominantly white suburban church in which I felt I no longer fit. God showed me just how big and soverign He truly is, by allowing me to work with and impact the lives of inner city youth - all through contacts at Northridge.
I love what I'm doing!!!

Hunter and Zen

I had a visit today from Hunter and Zen. Also my landlord Ty (their owner).

Meet my new buddies ... they are great dogs...

and my other new friend....... the new lawnmower.

I will be mowing my grass this summer (a first for me) and my landlord brought a shiny, red brand new Toro lawnmower from the box!!! Yes!!!!!

He Will Never Let Go

I heard this song while driving home tonight and it really reminded me of who God really is, at all times, no matter what ... 

He Has a Purpose for My Life

Today I was contemplating the direction of my life and where God is taking me. 

Lately my head has been spinning in all sorts of directions, crossroads are staring at me and saying "I dare you to go down there ... " 

I am here in Michigan for a purpose and only God knows why. Maybe it was to take me away and bring shelter and protection from a pending storm, finding the peace and tranquility of home until He takes me to my next destination. 

Maybe its the big plan of God and I'm living in my promised land - only yet to discover what exactly that plan entails but to stay put as it unfolds.

When I was doing my daily devotions, I came across this prayer. It is the prayer of my heart today.

Heavenly Father, I worship you as my Lord and King. I praise You that you are all-knowing and can see the end from the beginning. That You uphold all things by your power, That you hold my life in Your hand. That you see my past and my future. I lift up to You all that I am and offer my life to You. Make me an instrument through which Your will is accomplished on earth. Use what I have for Your glory. Lift me up to see things from Your perspective, and help me rise above my limitations. I don't want to limit what You can do in me and through me because I don't have an adequate vision of what Your heart desires to accomplish. 

Sunset in Detroit

Yesterday was the big day. 

I packed up all of my belongings and moved out of Detroit, into the suburbs. 

This last week, my neighbor Abbie and I went for a walk and we saw the most spectacular sunset on the horizon on Michigan Ave. Michigan Ave usually isn't glaring with beauty but the sunset that we saw made it look amazing.

Every time I take a step into a new chapter of my life, God gives me a sign. This was my sign... a sunset, and it seemed appropriate to post a picture of this glorious sunset, shining on a city that has seen its share of less than glorious days. 

Stay tuned for the sunrise ... rising in Northville (MI). 

The Storm

I found a live streaming this morning of North Cleveland Church of God, the church I was a member of when I lived in Tennessee. 

Pastor Maloney was my pastor in Michigan, prior to my moving to Tennessee and moved to Tennessee the month after I moved. He and his wife Sharon are my Spiritual parents and if it weren't for their walk with the Lord and investment in me, I don't know where I would be today. They are the Elijahs in my life.

Today was a timely message for me today. It was a reminder that God is with me and has a purpose for the storm I'm facing right now.  Thank God for His lifelines of hope and obedient men of God who preach the word of God, even in the middle of their own storms. 

Here is the link to today's sermon. We all need to hear this message from time to time.

Webcam chat at Ustream

Twists and Turns in the Road of Life

A month ago I was met with demands at my job in which I wasn't sure I could meet expectations. Although overwhelming, I worked as hard as I could and trusted God with the outcome.

A couple of weeks ago, I was laid off from my job. 

It was unfortunate, but a learning experience. 

Although I was doing everything I possibly could and was successful in many aspects, the company was struggling and it succumbed to the pressure of the economy. 

I've learned so much from this experience and have made decisions to transition my career into things I love and can do with my God given talents. 

Its a stretch and a big step of faith. 

I've leaned on what I know and its time to step up and do more - relying on God.

More to come ... if you're reading this please pray for me. 

I really need it about now.

Snow in Northville

We had yet another snow storm. 

Thank God for 4-wheel drive !

I found myself partaking its beauty in the Northville area of Hines Park.

Click here for Northville Snow Pictures.

Snowy Detroit

It snowed last week (like it has been doing every other day!)

I drove around Detroit, partaking in it's "winter wonderland". 

Click here to see my pictures of Snowy Detroit: Link to Snowy Detroit Gallery

In Memory of Peter Hartmann

I got a call last night from Marvin, a guy I used to work with at Gringer and Sons, the appliance store in NYC. 

A fellow coworker, Peter suddenly passed away. I would have said unexpectedly, but his lifestyle warranted an early end - it was just unknown as to when. You see, Peter was a drug addict. Peter probably didn't get an obituary or funeral, so I am writing this in remembrance of him.

Until I moved to NYC, I had never met a heroin addict at least not that I knew of and especially a functional one. Peter was my assistant manager. He was a patient guy, always helping me with my naive and stupid mistakes because I was new. He covered for everyone, taking the brunt and working hard to make sure the store was running smoothly. He was very good at what he did. 

One day, I noticed an odd look in his eye and a friend at work confided to me that Peter had a heroin problem. At first, I was in disbelief but later the slight warning signs started to appear. He would nod often, he always wore long sleeves - never showing his arms, he would spend a long time in the bathroom at the same times everyday and the list went on. I was shocked and grieved - my eyes were opened to a dark side of life and an everyday reality for some. 

Peter was an only child. His mother raised him with the assistance of his grandparents, because his biological father was a supposedly evil man in which she stayed away from. Not knowing his father and what knowledge he did have of his father left a big gaping hole in his life. A hole he unknowingly tried for years to fill. 

Peter had a common law wife of many years, Nancy. They did drugs together too. He and Nancy had a little girl, Melanie. Peter did everything in his power to be a good dad to his daughter. and was very involved in her life. He told me once, he was making up for the Dad he thought should have been there for him.

Peter's addiction worsened over the years that we worked together and it eventually took more and more control of his life. He started to slip and eventually fell. He was fired because of his sometimes erratic and irresponsible behavior. He had been with the company for many, many years.

There were times I wanted to tell him about the way out- Jesus Christ and eventually I did. I would pray for him often, even waking up in the middle of the night burdened for his soul.

Unfortunately, he found no way out and it eventually led to his death. 

On January 19th, Peter was found unconscious and later dead in his jail cell. 

He died alone.

There are many Peters in this world, whether we we realize it or not. 

Hurting with intense inner turmoil and pain, turning to a drug or another vice to mask the pain - only for the drug to take control and bring destruction.

Ask God to open your eyes to see what's around you. I don't know if I could have prevented Peter's untimely death, but I do think sometimes I wished I could've done more.

God might use you to reach out and prevent another "Peter" to spiral downward to ultimate destruction and death.

 

Birthdays...

For the first time in my life, I attempted to dodge my birthday. Yes. Pretend its not there - just another ordinary day. I guess now that I'm closer to 40 than ever, I don't want to think about getting older. 

Normally I broadcast my birthday to everyone who will listen.

I woke up this morning, made my usual big cup of coffee, sat down, turned on the computer and only to find I had 40 email messages! Yes, 40. Wow. Normally I'll have 10, half are spam or news updates. Most of them weren't... they were birthday greetings! Wow!!! They keep coming too.

I feel so loved. I can't believe that people even took the time to remember me. I guess I've been under the radar since my big move back to Michigan.

Thanks everyone. I sincerely appreciate it.

The Adventure Continues ...

Time has gone by quickly. It's already 2009. 

My new life in Detroit has started to come together.

The biggest breakthroughs are that I have a new job and a new church. 

I was hired by a large kitchen appliance company to be their field sales and marketing representative. It was a job that was created by the owner of the company as part of his marketing strategy vision several years ago and I just happened to be the person who had the right fit for the job. 

Coincidence? I don't think so. 

I'm convinced there in a bigger purpose, only God knows. I have been stretched in my abilities and faith like never before. The economic climate and conditions I'm working in are not the most optimistic. But I believe and know that God is able to do and accomplish the impossible - if we dare believe (and I am believing). My story is like Daniel. I have been put in a position that requires of me great skill and knowledge in terrible conditions and pessimism. In the end, God will reveal Himself as the impossible is accomplished - eyes will open like never before and it will be a miracle. I often find myself at the right place at the right time, talking to important people. I have had favor with almost everyone I meet. 

This is the next level for me personally in living for Christ and fulfilling my God given purpose. I don't see the entire picture and its difficult at times.  I ask for your prayers and will keep you updated. 

Truthfully, this is a frightening place to be and live - partially because of the economy and what is expected of me.

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

Back?

I am often asked "why did you move back here?" and sometimes given funny looks when I tell people I live in the city of Detroit. 

I took a leap of faith - literally. Am I nuts? Probably so. 

Anybody who follows Christ can be looked at as nuts, especially by someone who is not a Christian. We're not living according to this world and all it has to offer but instead walking by faith.

If I didn't have the resolve and peace that I'm where I'm supposed to be, I wouldn't be able to stand and persevere.

Thank God for His peace. Do you have His resolve? Will you be able to persevere into God's promised land?

I am reminded ...

Be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Cor 15:58

My Noisy Turtles

Several years ago, my roommates Diana and Shirley and I decided we wanted a pet. We weren't allowed to have cats or dogs, so we decided on something small and easy to care for - turtles.
Once we came to the decision, Diana and I made a trek down to Chinatown (where they are sold on the street) on a warm afternoon and brought home our new beloved little pets Tobie, Shelly and Fluffy. They were so tiny, cute and scared after we brought them home. We bought them a tank, a light and a rock - watching them grow and seeing how they lived. They like to get on their rock, under the light, stretch their legs and stack themselves. It's quite cute to watch the little turtle sandwich. Later Fluffy died and we were left with two turtles.
As time went by, the roommates and I went our separate ways. I ended up with the turtles and have since taken them to Detroit with me. They have grown from the size of my thumb to the size of my fist. They have caused quite a stir lately. My landlord (who lives below me), claims that the turtles make too much noise and keep him up at night. I realize they don't bark or meow - after all they're turtles. They don't make any noise. I guess he can hear them swimming - his bedroom is below the room the room they live in. This has caused quite a contention in my house and my landlord has all but asked me to break my lease and find another place to live. All of this because of "noisy" turtles. It's crazy.
I was at a work party and I met this guy who was telling me about his nieces and nephews. He likes to sing Old McDonald had a farm with them and sometimes stumps them by saying "Old McDonald had a turtle..." - knowing they don't make noises. I said to the guy... funny you say that... let me tell you about my landlord...
Sad, very sad. How could Tobie and Shelly cause so much trouble? How dare they??!?

Update:
I have since worked things out with the landlord. Tobey and Shelly sleep in a bucket in the bathroom at night and are contently happy about it.

I am moving in March!

Living in the 3-1-3

I am working on a project to help Metro Life World Outreach with their fundraising project. They are a church in the Corktown area of Detroit. It's situated in one of the poorer and crime infested areas of Detroit. The presentation is a reminder the realities of what life is like in the throes of everyday Detroit.

The presentation brings you back to the reality that you really don't have to go to Lebanon or Afghanistan to live in or see urban devastation and ruin, because the same devastation is right here in the US. I went to the neighborhood to take some photos. for the presentation These are just a fraction of the remnants and ruins of Detroit. Unfortunately, this dire need is often ignored. I'm honored to be able to volunteer for a church like Metro Life. They work with the people, mainly the children and teens in the community to give them hope and a way out of the circumstances that could await them in the cycle of poverty.

Please pray for the city of Detroit. If you would like to know more about the work of Metro Life, Pastor Matt Cripps and the good news gang, please send me an email at hollyeklund@me.com.

See the pictures below...

A closed, boarded up and graffiti ridden elementary school.

Inside some of the closed schools are books and other usable material left to go to waste.

An old abandoned factory where people live.

Another old abandoned factory. Would you want to live across the street from this?

Just a couple of houses

This house could almost be a work of graffiti art. What a shame when there are people without a roof over their head in all places of the world.

NYC Update

I returned back to NYC for a few days last week for a visit. 

I had no plans to return as soon as I did, but it seemed "divinely" set up. A friend of mine found some extremely cheap tickets online and bought them so we could have a fun weekend - me and three other ladies. One by one, each person had to back out of the trip until I was left going to NYC by myself. 

I was thinking to myself .... "why God are you sending me on this visit and what are you wanting to do through it?".  I spent time with friends and was able to get some real quality one on one time, without being in a rush. I had brunch, sightseeing and all the good stuff. Living in NYC, life for me was always a rush or a quest to get rest between being in a rush. 

I was able to spend a lot of time with Peck, one of my very best friends who attended Harvest Church with me. She has been mourning the loss of all of her friends moving away. Every last friend of hers literally up and relocated in the past year- including myself. 

I stopped by the Harvest Center to see Gina teaching ESL classes. Gina was formerly my assistant teacher and translator, who was raised up to take over my ESL classes. She is doing an amazing job and her work is far surpassing mine - this is what I was praying for. 

I went to Gringer to see all my guys. I spent 2 hours just catching up. They were like my brothers and we spent time together like a family reunion. The highlight of the visit was seeing Eddie. Some of you might recall Eddie from my previous newsletters. He and I struck a special friendship - he lived in the South Bronx and knew the streets for many, many years (he was 60 years old). God moved in his life and throughout the course of our friendship, he kicked a longtime heroin and alcohol addiction - all with God's help. He testifies today clean and sober, giving God all the glory. When I stopped by that day, he showed me something beautiful... his wedding ring. After 27 years and 4 children, he married his longtime mate Desi and can now legally call her his wife. WOW. I can't tell you how man conversations we had over marriage and making things right - now they are! I pray that God will continue to put back the pieces of his life. I ask you to join me. Young men in the community, most of whom are fatherless look up to him and open up to him. If God sent me to the Bronx just for Eddie - it was well worth it because of the younger men that can be reached-through a transformed God fearing man from the block.

I also returned to Harvest Church and saw all my friends, brothers and sisters. They are so beautiful and seeing them made my heart jump for joy. I miss them all so dearly and pray that they will continue the work without growing weary. 

(picture below is Eddie in 2006)