Recap of 2011

What an amazing year it's been for the Canuso family. We've been so busy that it feels as if we haven't accomplished anything, yet as we look back on this year I'm amazed at how much the Lord has done through each of us. After working hard and being used by God over the past 3 years to assist in helping to establish the prayer room at the Orlando House of Prayer, in July God opened the door for us to continue moving forward in the calling He's place on each of us to go forward as Forerunners and help raise up Houses of Prayer all over the Earth. Staying in Orlando our family has been privileged and blessed to be part of Encounter House of Prayer in downtown Orlando. Seeing our whole family actively engaged in ministry and the prayer room has been one of the greatest rewards. Antonio is playing drums in a couple of sets during the week as well as Sunday mornings. Rocky has grown in his violin and has also surprised us in the way he's been getting involved as prayer leader during our "Let's Go Pray" childrens set on Friday Mornings. Cecelia and Keliah love dancing on the dance team as well as doing prophetic singing and prayer leading. Following the lead of their older siblings Carlo, Luca and even Sabina are beginning to learn the piano and love to pray on the microphone as well as dance and explore prophetic artwork.
Dixie continues to homeschool but has also been growing as a vocalist, singing regularly and slowly finding time to get back to her artwork. She's also been very active in helping me out in the several different ministries I've been involved in, from creating amazing brochures and flyers to helping out in putting together curriculum and writing songs along side of me, I have been so blessed to get finally begin doing more ministry along side of my wife.
As Prayer Room Director for EHOP, I get to encourage people to experience the Joy and Intimacy of Encountering Christ through experiential prayer. As the Director and founder of the Justice Academy of Worship Arts I am humbled in getting to teach young and old alike how to creatively express their emotions through prophetic art and worship, showing them how God uses art as a practical tool to release His Justice on the Earth, in and out of the prayer room. As ambassador for Florida Abolitionists I've been able to actually see true Justice take place in the lives of helpless victims who fall prey to Human Trafficking right here in our own back yard. Finally we are putting some finishing touches to our company Myriad Visions, which will be the vehicle and tool to be able to put out original songs, artwork, books and creative/education media that has an emphasis on prayer, Justice and preparing for the Christ's return.
I used to get bogged down with thinking I was taking on too much, wearing several different hats, however over the past six months the Lord has shown me that while it appears I wear many hats, it's all the same calling. As a Husband, Father Musician and Forerunner who operates in the Spirit of the Tabernacle of David I look forward to continuing the work we've begun this past year and seeing how God will grow and multiply it. As always everything we do is dependent upon God's faithful provisions - and this past year, as with every other previous year, we continue to be amazed at how God provides through faithful supporters, friends and family and amazing creative miracles. As we close out 2011 and move into 2012 I hear the words that have enabled me to continue moving forward in faith that proclaim, "Unless the Lord builds the House, those who labor will labor in vain." Happy New Year from the Canuso Family to all of you.

What Do the Kids Do?

It's been an amazing adventure having the kids involved in the prayer room. We had a Children's Prayer Watch going for quite a while, and for the past 2 years Nick has been teaching a music class/Harp & Bowl training on Friday mornings for homeschooled kids 9 and up that includes a full intercession prayer watch. Just over the past month, this watch has grown to include younger kids in a cross-breed of the CPW and an intercession watch. The older kids have been patient and gracious, and the younger kids are so excited to be a part of the prayer room! Last week, in an effort to promote the Children's Equipping Center at OHOP, they recorded many of the children involved on Fridays in a short version of what they do. This was produced into a short promo video that I'd like to share with you here. I'm just thrilled that all of our children got to participate and get to serve God in this way. I am also blessed by my husband's heart to raise up this generation of young ones to be forerunners and ministers in the House of Prayer.

24/7 Orlando

Nick's been super busy all week praying, worshiping, helping out at the week-long prayer meeting here in Orlando. Several ministries and churches in the area got together and planned this week of prayer for the city. They've laid down their business-as-usual and come together day and night, pressing in, believing for God to truly take this city as His own. They're also praying for the United States as well as the nations. Special prayers were spoken over Japan. There are songs being sung and words declared through Jesus Christ RIGHT NOW!

This morning, Nick was there from 6am until 1pm. We had a great family lunch and then he had to take a nap. A NAP? Yes.
He's at the night-watch. He went back at 11 this evening and he'll be there till around 7 or 8 in the morning. I've asked him to bring donuts home for the kids. ;)

Then, we're all going in as a family - that's right ALL 9 of us! - from 6pm to midnight. We're bringing blankets for the little ones to crash. I'm so excited that we are able to do this together. Hopefully, I'll have some fun flip-video footage to share!

Missing Dad...

Well, Nick had to fly to Nebraska on Tuesday to be with family following the sudden death of his stepsister, Janice. We have been praying, not only for his safety, but that he would be a blessing to his family during this difficult time and be a minister of the gospel while he's there. It's been a long week, but God has kept us safe and mostly happy. I think the grace has lifted. Good thing he's coming home tomorrow.
The volume level has risen steadily throughout the week and today Sabina was really acting like a pill at church. "I don't wanna be at OHOP! I don't wanna be at OHOP..."  "Well, where do you want to go?"  "At church." "Sweetie, OHOP is church." Then, she had a meltdown as we left. Proceeded by the adventure her 4-yr-old brother Luca decided to try in her room (shared with her sisters) of opening the window and attempting to climb out onto the roof over the garage WITH his little sister. Then, no one wanted to go to sleep tonight.
I think we're at the end of our "no daddy" rope. We miss you, Nick! Fly home on wings of angels!!!
(Y'all pray too, bring him home quickly and safely, Lord!)

Living by Faith

Today, there was a special meeting called at IHOP that we were strongly encouraged to watch on the webstream. John Mulinde, a pastor, evangelist and ministry leader in Uganda (and the world) was there for a short visit, sharing with leadership, and they were compelled to have him speak and release the Word from God he had. He had been called by God to "live by faith." Since we have been trying to do the same thing, I was truly straining to hear him over our general home noisiness. I won't even attempt to share the whole thing, I believe they're going to make it available on the IHOP website soon - it was amazing! I was fully struck by his personal story of walking in signs and wonders but getting many scriptures and words to repent. He had asked forgiveness for his sins, he had been forgiven, but he wasn't changing his WAYS. God wasn't dealing with his heart, but his ways.

God is calling us out of our human ways to walk fully in God's ways. The work done on the cross was fully complete. If we are still dealing with woundedness, bitterness, selfishness, we have not died to ourselves, so we cannot be experiencing holiness. We are being called to deep repentance and total surrender to God.

Romans 2:1-5 says: "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed."

Holiness comes from God.

My heart is stirred to lay down all my worldly ways and fully pick up the mantle God has for me. I will not fear people, I will only fear God. "Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the LORD’s wrath comes upon you. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger." Zephaniah 2:1-3

Happy Birthday Antonio!!!

Last Saturday (on Abraham Lincoln's birthday), Antonio - our firstborn - turned 13. Hard to believe, and I'm still a little freaked out about it, but true! We're parents of a teen. Although there are certainly challenges, and surprises... "What? You're taller than me now?"... we're pretty proud of him. Antonio is growing into a man after God's heart. He's kind to his siblings, most of the time, and serves in the prayer room by playing drums. He works hard at home and in his classes. Plus, he's usually game to watch the little ones while Nick and I have a quick coffee date. We're pretty blessed.
Here's a short video of him opening presents:

Our House - Long Overdue Video!

Here's the long-awaited 3rd video of work on our house and moving in. We were so grateful for the help we had but truly believe that God was training us up through this process. A lot of things that we thought were lined up fell through, but we had many Christians volunteer their time, skills, and sweat for us as well. Plus, Nick learned that he CAN work with power tools and install a wood-laminate floor! We have learned and lived with a lot over the past few months and have so much left to do! Sabina's 3rd birthday was on moving day, so we shared (store bought!) cupcakes on the porch and got her a special balloon. I have to give a shout-out to the Dykraff family who generously donated carpeting for our bedrooms, as well as Dr. Bob Richardson and family who donated toward the (big project!) flooring. In addition, I have to give a big virtual hug to Rebecca Johnson who brought her homeschooling family over to paint primer- you are an inspiration! I'm just sorry Nick didn't get that on video. We have been so blessed by the outpouring of love and prayers.

Work-in-Progress

This title applies to many areas in our life right now. Yes, our house is STILL a work-in-progress. Our schedule ALWAYS seems to be changing and trying to right itself. Will we ever be organized? Will I ever get the hang of homeschooling? Stay tuned! There is a lot going on. How can there NOT be? I'm working on the little movie of the progress made on the house. It was so nice to get all the Christmas decorations out and make our home beautiful. It wasn't so fun putting it all away. Especially since it was a bit of a rush job to get ready for everyone coming over to celebrate Keliah's 8th birthday a couple weeks ago. I really can't believe she's 8 already! When we first moved to Florida, we LEFT Kansas City on her 3rd birthday. I'd actually kept some little gifts for her to open on the trip, even though we had a party with family the night before. (NEVER attempt a big family party at a crowded Chuck-E-Cheese with only 1 bathroom open after you'd all spent the day packing the UHaul and cleaning! Especially when you are 6-months-pregnant with your 6th child.) The past 5 years have gone by so fast. 2 more family members, exploring beaches, discovering the winding Florida roads, 5 more moves, and serving and growing at the Orlando House of Prayer for half of it! God has been so good. He keeps us steadfast and feeds us breakfast. Hope you join us for the rest of this work-in-progress!