Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Is it Time?

As I have traveled to various countries, I have become painfully aware of the limitations I have because of the arthriris in my left knee. It has been very painful lately, and since I know I'll be doing a lot of walking in Ghana, I went to my doctor yesterday to have cortisone injected into it. I also asked for x-rays to be taken.

I was not ready for what I heard. I have not one, but, two bad knees. The left one is ready for a knee replacement any time I am ready for it. I was hoping to hear those words a year from now.

But, when is it time for surgery? I'd love to wait until spring or at least after the first of the year. I have trips planned, tickets bought and speaking engagements to fulfill.

When is it time?

Friday, July 18, 2008

A "Real" Newsletter - Finally!

Over the past several years, I have been trying to come up with the "definative" newsletter title and design that would work for me and reflect me and my ministry. It finally happened!

The name of the newsletter is "Living Water" because of John 7:38, "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from Him." I want to be a vessel, used by God, to share this living water. Oh, also because the Kazakh word for "water" is "cy" which is pronounced "Sue."

This is the first time I wrote my newsletter using the Publisher program. I had gotten the program several months ago, but, as I tried to use it, I wanted to throw my computer off of a really high, rocky cliff! This time, it was almost painless. To God be the glory!

I hope when you receive your copy of Living Water, you will enjoy it. If you are not on my mailing list and want a copy, let me know and I'll send you one.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Dolls, Dolls and More Dolls

I'll be leaving for Ghana in about 2 1/2 weeks. On this trip, I will be visiting the region of Wa. Wa has an orphanage in it. I have been asked to bring black baby dolls for the orphanage. Through the generosity of friends, family and even those I've never met, the girls (and boys) of this orphanage will have plenty of dolls with which to play!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Gray Days

Did you ever have a period of time when everything seemed "gray?" Not happy, not sad, but not normal.

I've been going through"gray" days. When I came back from Central Asia, I dealt with the time difference. But, then, there was a peiod of about two weeks or so when I was in a "gray" period. I think it was because when I return from a trip, I feel torn between two countries...the one I just left and the one in which I am a citizen. Don't get me wrong, I love the USA. I am blessed just because of the country where I was born. Within me is a struggle, where am I going, what am I doing?

Isn't that the same in our spiritual lives as well? We live in the world, but are citizens of Heaven. Here on earth, there are so many distractions to keep us from spending time with the Father. I feel that same struggle in a two room apartment in Ghana. I suppose the bottom line is to learn how to stay close to Him, with that relationship being the priority and everything else will fall into place. It may not be easy. Life will still have it's ups and downs, but the peace that comes from above will be within.