Decisions, Decisions

I have a friend who has to make a difficult decision. There is not an easy choice. No matter what is decided this decision will impact this person's life and the lives of many others. It will impact this person for the rest of their life.

How does a person make a decision of such importance? How do you know which way to turn? Each option available is hard to live out. There is no escape.

I can be a support to this person. I can "be there" for this person. I can lift this person before the throne of God, before the throne of "Abba, Daddy."

We are told that life wouldn't be easy. But, God would be with us. Just like in Footprints God is carrying this person, holding them close to His heart.

No matter if life seems to be filled with clouds, as in the picture above, sooner or later, if we look close enough, we will see the finger of God in the situation. Right now, it's hard to see. In the end, may God be glorified!

Renewed

By the grace of God, when I arrived at my destination today, I felt renewed. The time in the car was a time of prayer, not panic, and a time of praise for all God is...my Savior, my Redeemer, my Giver of Life, my Protector, my Song, my Creator, my Reason for Living, my Vision, my Provider, my Partner, the One who knows my comings and goings, the Calmer of my fears...you get the picture.

As I left home today, I left with a song in my heart and ...what would the driving equivalent be of "a spring in my step"? Roads were wet at worst and dry at best. Yes, I did hit that 50% chance of snow going over the mountains. It was dazzling...it was beautiful. And I wondered, "Lord, what did I do to deserve to see such beauty?" He is so good to me.

And I wonder, "Why do I even question Him?" I do it so often. Yes, I am making progress. I at times forget He holds me in the palm of His hand. And He loves me. And even the little things in my life matter to Him.

I had a great 5 hours in the car with God today. And I am so grateful.

Be Not Afraid

Saturday, I will be on the road again. I'll be speaking at a church in central Pennsylvania. I enjoy speaking with people, sharing the stories of faith from Ghana. I love telling others about the children at the orphanage, my favorite village church and daily life in Ghana. I love to tell the story of how God is working in the lives of people.

What I don't love is driving on the Pennsylvania turnpike when it is snowing. If the roads are plowed and wet, no problem. If there is snow and/or ice, problem. I get stressed. I hang onto the steering wheel and practically dig my nails into it. The news shows on television aren't helping. They are tracking the newest storm as it heads this way while cancelling the regularly scheduled programs. I had to turn it off.

What I noticed is if I keep my eyes on the weather reports alone, I worry. My stomach gets tied up in knots. I get overcome with fear. And, yes, I've even shed a few tears. But, why do I let it get to me kike this? It's ok to have a healthy fear of the weather. A person needs to use caution and common sense. But, it isn't healthy to go overboard.

Scripture says "You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So, do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will stregnthen you and help you: I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9b-10 Isaiah 43:5a says, "Do not be afraid for I am with you." In fact, there are about 365 times in Scripture where God tells us, "Do not be afraid."

As I drive this weekend, I will chose to keep my eyes not only on the road, but on the Lord, too. I will chose to trust Him and "Be not afraid."

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...


Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed:

1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell [the grave].

5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

7) I believe in the Holy Spirit,

8) the holy catholic Church,

9) the communion of saints,

10) the forgiveness of sins,

11) the resurrection of the body,

12) and life everlasting.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...


Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John,

5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus,

10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16).

The list does not include the twelfth disciple,

Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus

to the religious leaders and the Romans.

The Tenth Day of Christmas

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords A-leaping

The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me;

2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain;

4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother;

6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal;

9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet.

(Exodus 20:1-17)

The Ninth Day of Christmas

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Nine Ladies Dancing

The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit:

1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,

6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control.

(Galatians 5:22)

The Eighth Day of Christmas

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...


Eight Maids A-milking

The eight Beatitudes:

1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek,

4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful,

6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers,

8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)