I Can Hear Your Face: Ichyf a Pathway to Helping Others

By Joan L. Brumble

ABOUT THE BOOK
God has spoken to me on numerous occasions in reference to the title of the book. I even shared the concept with a visiting pastor, perhaps making it a sermon, but to no avail. I had felt it had fallen on deaf ears. But, later, I knew that was part of Gods plan.
When the idea of ICHYF, (I Can Hear Your Face), was conceived in my heart and spirit, it became alive and burned within my soul and then it came, my Heavenly Father spoke to me: I choose you; I am the one who inspired and planted the seed in your heart. I am the one keeping this concept alive. I nourished it continually. Write it down my daughter. I will give you the inspiration to write the words as coming from me. Live through them my daughter, make my words come alive. It pleases me that you are willing to obey me. Remember my words when I said that I know you have little strength, youve tried your best to keep my word and you have not denied my name. These words will be my testimony of the truth. I cannot deny my own name.
That which was first conceived in my spirit and my heart, ICHYF, really isnt anything new, but it is speaking to a new audience perhaps because of a generational gap in coming from a solid Christian home.
All the trials, heartaches, much pain in my life, God has worked out for good. What he has and is doing in my life, he will do for you. Listen for God to whisper how much he loves you at the turn of every page. All through the writing process, I prayed for each one of you, my readers that you will be truly be blessed by our Abba Father.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491834305

Joan L. Brumble

My name is Joan Brumble. I am a seventy-two-year-old wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. My husband, Terry, and I live in Dallas, Oregon. During my career, my field of expertise was accounting, and I was a bookkeeper for a CPA and did the books for several of his clients. Never did I imagine that after retirement I would write a book. However, for years I knew God was using me to reach out to others. The concept He laid upon my heart and in my spirit was overpowering until I yielded to God’s call to write and speak. I provide you with a timeline of my life to follow along with in the book, just as God used it, so you can actually become involved in how God works in someone’s life, leading that person to receive His Son, Jesus Christ, as his or her personal savior and the Lord of his or her life in full commitment to Him. The timeline is as follows: • 1941–67: my birthday to asking why • 1967–77: acceptance of Jesus as my savior • 1977–94: recommitment of my life to Jesus, Lord of my life • 1994–present: a work in process (WIP) growing up in Jesus Drudging up my past has been a humbling experience for me. God has asked me on several occasions, “Do you now understand that all the trials you went through were not to harm you but to give you victory in the outcome so I can now use you to help others in crisis? You will be My instrument for My use as you dedicate your life to Me as your heavenly Father—the same Father I was to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nothing has changed. I am the same Father to you, Joan.”

Book preview

© 2014 Joan L. Brumble. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/03/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4918-4512-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-4511-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-3430-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013923075

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Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction to I Can Hear Your Face (ICHYF)

Chapter 1: I AM—The Memo

Chapter 2: Earache

Chapter 3: How—Tos of Praying

Chapter 4: So Where Do I Go from Here?

Chapter 5: Oak Trees (1998)

Chapter 6: Nursing Home Roots

Chapter 7: From Birth to a Why

Chapter 8: The Dream

Chapter 9: Accepting Christ—Is There More?

Chapter 10: The Good Stuff Yet to Come

A Small Interlude

Chapter 11: Spinach Salad and a Blue Shirt

Chapter 12: The Property

Chapter 13: Ministry to the Elderly

Intermission

Chapter 14: A Generational Heritage and/or Choices

Chapter 15: Training Up Family—Young and Old

Chapter 16: Earthquake and Missionaries

Chapter 17: Selfish Pride

Chapter 18: The Song, My Heart

Chapter 19: The Lord Speaks

Chapter 20: Furniture and Umbrellas

Chapter 21: Broken Glass

Chapter 22: My Path—His Highway to Holiness

Chapter 23: The Hospital—Children of God

Chapter 24: Christianize or Christian Clichés

Chapter 25: M&M’S Plus One

Chapter 26: Degrees of Honor

Chapter 27: Grand Opening

Chapter 28: Multiple Fruit Tree

Chapter 29: DUI

Chapter 30: A Lesson of Hope

Chapter 31: Rejection

Chapter 32: Computers

Chapter 33: Spiritually Drained

Chapter 34: Proverbs by Solomon

Chapter 35: Faint of Heart

Chapter 36: Seasonal Praying—A Service to God

Epilogue

Thirty-One Day Devotional and Journal

Day 1: My Treasure Is Jesus

Day 2: Integrity

Day 3: Creation Reveals God’s Greatness

Day 4: Hands and Fishing Nets

Day 5: Covenant Child of God

Day 6: Current Activity and Boats

Day 7: Carrots

Day 8: A Testament of Jesus—Revelation

Day 9: Overwhelmed

Day 10: The Fabric of Our Souls

Day 11: Tomatoes and Hinds’ Feet

Day 12: Storage Boxes

Day 13: Shrinkage

Day 14: Song Lyrics

Day 15: A Name Exchange

Day 16: Window Sills

Day 17: A Miracle—God’s Backup Plan

Day 18: One Voice—One Listening Ear

Day 19: Leaving Your Footprints

Day 20: It’s Okay to Say No

Day 21: Expectations and the Unexpected

Day 22: Just as I Am—A Follower

Day 23: Loving You, Loving Me

Day 24: Father, You Raised Me

Day 25: It’s Your Call

Day 26: Substitutions

Day 27: Crucible and Accountability

Day 28: Perfect Cell Phone—A Covenant Contract

Day 29: Busyness vs. God’s Activity

Day 30: Serving Alongside Our Sisters and Brothers

Day 31: Mating for Life

Concluding Thoughts

To my heavenly Father

and

to my husband, Terry, and my girls, Cyndie and Cathy

Preface

My name is Joan Brumble. I am a seventy-two-year-old wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. My husband, Terry, and I live in Dallas, Oregon. During my career, my field of expertise was accounting, and I was a bookkeeper for a CPA and did the books for several of his clients. Never did I imagine that after retirement I would write a book. However, for years I knew God was using me to reach out to others. The concept He laid upon my heart and in my spirit was overpowering until I yielded to God’s call to write and speak. I provide you with a timeline of my life to follow along with in the book, just as God used it, so you can actually become involved in how God works in someone’s life, leading that person to receive His Son, Jesus Christ, as his or her personal savior and the Lord of his or her life in full commitment to Him. The timeline is as follows:

• 1941-67: my birthday to asking why

• 1967-77: acceptance of Jesus as my savior

• 1977-94: recommitment of my life to Jesus, Lord of my life

• 1994-present: a work in process (WIP) growing up in Jesus

Drudging up my past has been a humbling experience for me. God has asked me on several occasions, Do you now understand that all the trials you went through were not to harm you but to give you victory in the outcome so I can now use you to help others in crisis? You will be My instrument for My use as you dedicate your life to Me as your heavenly Father—the same Father I was to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nothing has changed. I am the same Father to you, Joan.

ICHYF

Acknowledgments

I am so thankful to my heavenly Father for calling a dedicated follower of Christ to assist me as my typist. I am at a loss for words that would convey my heartfelt thanks to Nancy Hague for her many hours of typing, editing, and retyping. I know in my heart that Nancy dedicated her service to her Lord. Thank you, Nancy.

I also need to thank God for my husband and all of his support. I wouldn’t have had the time and space to write if it weren’t for Terry. He’s also a wonderful cook and housekeeper! Thank you, honey bunny.

To my faithful prayer partners, The Encouragers. Thank you Karen, Marilyn, and Darla.

Introduction to I Can Hear Your Face (ICHYF)

A Password to Helping Others.

God has spoken to me on numerous occasions regarding the title of this book. I even shared the concept with a visiting pastor so he could perhaps make it a sermon but to no avail. I felt it had fallen on deaf ears. But later I knew that was part of God’s plan.

When the idea of I Can Hear Your Face (ICHYF) was conceived in my heart and spirit, it became alive and burned into my soul. And then it came. My heavenly Father spoke to me: "I choose you; I am the one who inspired and planted the seed in your heart. I am the one keeping this concept alive. I nourished it continually. Write it down, my daughter. I will give you the inspiration to write the words as coming from Me. Live through them, my daughter. Make my words come alive. It pleases Me that you are willing to obey Me. Remember My words when I said that I know you have little strength, you’ve tried your best to keep My Word, and you have not denied My name. As your heavenly Father, these words will be My testimony of the truth. I cannot deny My own name." So be it. Thank you, Father!

That which was first conceived in my spirit and my heart, ICHYF, really isn’t anything new, but it is refreshing and humbling to receive the gift of discernment and not only be able to see a hurting face but also hear what that hurting face is saying. This comes by listening to God first, as He gives us a discerning spirit. This is very important. You’ll know when it is God’s leading at that very moment.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" Rom. 8:28 New Living Translation,

So, I believe that all the trials, heartaches, and pain in my life, God worked out for good. What He has and is doing in my life, He will do for you. Submit to His will. His will is for you to be conformed to His Son, Jesus. God wants you to grow up in His Son’s character. Yield to His Holy Spirit’s call to hear others’ hurting faces because of what He has led you through.

Never say to someone, Oh, I understand, if you have never experienced his or her specific pain. But you can assure that person of God’s love for him or her and that He is there to be a friend and to aid in his or her other crises. Maybe that person is hurting so badly that he or she can’t even pray. I’ve been there. Ask if you can pray with that person and if there is anything specific you can pray for. Keep it simple and keep it short. The Holy Spirit will guide your prayer.

There will be times when you hear a person’s face telling you it is something you have gone through. Yes, then you can say, I understand. After listening to that person’s concerns or heartaches, share exactly what the Lord has done for you—no frills, just the plain truth. By all means, share the scriptures God used to help you get through your crises. If you have forgotten the address (chapter and verse), it’s okay to paraphrase it because you know His truthfulness and have experienced it. I always try to get back to them with the exact address so they can underscore and date it for future reference. Also be careful of using too many Christian clichés (chapter 24). At this time, a person in crisis can’t handle being bombarded with too many scriptures or one of the so many Christian clichés we can choose from.

So read my short testimony in these pages and know I will be able to hear your face because I have been through the same hurts (and joys as well). I share so you can learn to share with others. I give you I Can Hear Your Face.

ICHYF

By the way, this lets the visiting pastor off the hook!

P.S. I also felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to share the reality of Christ in your daily walk with Him through devotions and journaling your thoughts in the second half of the book. There are only thirty-one days of devotions at this time, but perhaps God will have plans for more under another cover. Also, at the back of the book I provide you with my contact information.

Chapter 1:

I AM—The Memo

Therefore say to the people, "This is what the Lord Almighty says:

Return to me, and I will return to you."

—Zechariah 1:3 (NLT)

The Memo

Date: Today

To: Children of the Most High God

From: I AM, Your Creator, Abba Father

I AM the one who created.

Won’t you come back to Me?

To follow My Son,

For all eternity.

You are My children.

Yes, from babies you’ve grown

To follow Christ’s footsteps

And not your own.

The pathway to follow

Is My Son’s way, truth, and life.

I know you are tired

From the world’s strife.

Won’t you come back

To where you first loved Me.

There I will hold you

For all eternity.

Galatians 4:6 says because we are sons (and daughters), God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba Father.

As Jesus faced a cruel death, it says in Mark 14:35-36 that He fell on His face, down on the ground. He prayed that if it were possible the awful hour awaiting Him might pass Him by. Abba Father, He said, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet, I want your will, not mine.

We can also call our creator Abba Father. This means daddy. It doesn’t get any more personal than that!

I would also like to share with you another independent word from God even before ICHYF was conceived. Its purpose is for believers and nonbelievers alike. To those who have been Christians, believers, and hopefully followers of Christ, it comes as a reminder of the cross, which just might have grown dim rather than gone out—dim from a lack of an eternal flame. I believe when the Lord gave me the following, it was also for the unbeliever, a beginning of the truth—the truth hanging on a cross. Remember, in God’s Word Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6 Now please, hear the dialogue between the Father and Son. Listen carefully.

Hush now, our Sovereign God whispers:

On a hill far away

I saw My Son die that day

Because of sin, He had to bear.

None other, none other could He share

I saw Him hanging on such a crude, crude tree

I heard Him saying

My God, My God,

Why hast Thou forsaken Me?

The Son responds:

But, Father, it is finished.

The battle is won.

Father, I give You the glory.

Love, Jesus, Your Son.

Remember, if you have drifted away or have never accepted the truth as Jesus the Son, it is my prayer for you that by the time you finish reading how our Father works in someone’s life through His Son, you too will have the privilege of making Him master of your life, forgiving your sins, and experiencing all that He has for you. Remember, your life was already ordained for you before you were even born. We live in a fallen world, so Christ is saying to us, (1) Come, My child, I want to make you Mine and (2) I will care for you, and I will protect you. ‘I AM’ created you.

ICHYF

Chapter 2:

Earache

I have a question for you. When was the last time, as an adult, you’ve had an earache? I don’t mean an ache for which you take a few over-the-counter painkillers; I mean the kind where the rubber really meets the road.

For me, it was 1998. This was the type of earache that drove my husband nuts. (Of course I’d had the distinct pleasure of listening to complaints about his aches and pains). In this instance, he was calm when he said, Why don’t you call the doctor? I replied, Well, maybe I should. The maybe never came, but my complaining