A Fond Farewell

Last week, a heartbreaking thing happened. I had to say "good bye" to two of my dearest friends. Although I've only known them since Dec. 25, 2008, they were so very close to me, especially during the long, cold winter days (and nights, too.) Little by little they got old before their time...old and worn out. Until, I finally had to say "good bye, good and faithful friends." They were always there for me, in good times and in bad, in happy times and sad, always listening with their long ears, always understanding. They were very accepting of all my quirks of life.. No longer will they be a part of my sole (as in the sole of my foot.) They will be greatly missed. (Sigh!)

Attitude

I am taking an online class. I've taken three others and all went well. Information was clear and easy to find on the site. Links were easily found and worked and all information was uniform...if I was seeking an answer to a question about the course or an assignment, it was found. And, if it was on more than one web page or clicking on different links, the information was always the same.

Not so with this class. I don't look for discrepancies, but I find them. Or, if I click on a link to listen to a lecture, the page I go to has a variety of options, none of which look like it would be a lecture. When I email a question about an assignment, I don't get a definitve answer. Either my question is not clear or the person answering it doesn't understand what I am asking. None of my other classes were like this and it drives me up a wall.

I have to keep a positive attitude. We are not all perfect, especially me. I have to keep my "eyes on the prize" and keep working towards the goal no matter what it takes. I keep reminding myself that "I can do all things through Christ who stregnthens me." And, it is His grace that has gotten me this far.

I ask that you pray for me as I continue this class. I've learned a lot in the first three lessons. There is so much more to learn. May God grant me clarity and understanding as I continue studying.

Too Busy Not to Pray

Did you ever have one of those days when as soon as you become conscious in the morning you are busy? I do. My mind starts thinking of all the stuff I have to do, and then I start to do them so I can check them off my list. Other times, I get up with good intentions to be alone with God but first, I check to see how much snow we got or will get, or I'll call my sister or I'll just do this one thing, then I'll pray. But, it seems that the one thing leads to another that leads to another that leads....you get the idea.

I'm involved in a Bible study with a friend who lives 2 1/2 hours away. (I wonder what we'll do when I move to Ghana.) Anyway, we are studying the book of Mark. This week's chapter is Mark 5. Mark 5:16 was one of the verse that stuck out to me.

People were clamoring to see Jesus, to heal them, to hear Him preach and teach. It seems as if He never had a moment to himself. People were constantly emailing Him, twittering to Him, posting questions to Him on Facebook, texting Him, calling out to Him. I'm sure everything they wanted to say to Him, to tell Him to ask Him was important. And, He probably wanted to talk with them, answer their questions, touch each of them as He touched the leper a few verses earlier. He wanted to see each of the in a personal relationship with His Father and with Him. He wanted the Holy Spirit to dwell within each of them. But, He had to be ready to do this. He didn't just jump off His mat & start preaching, teaching, healing and changing lives. He withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

Jesus always took time to be with the Father, especially before and during times of ministry, and before before major events. He prepared Himself for the day, to strengthen Himself with the Father's love, His Word His will.

I know I need to have that kind of prayer in the morning. I need time to be with Jesus, to help me focus for the day, to align my priorities to His. I get so much more done. And, I'm at peace even when things get hectic. Those days when I take the time to pray, I get my entire list of "stuff to do" done in such a way that I add more to the list.

Prayer...the way to start every day!

Blessed to be a Blessing

I am taking an online course called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. I have to admit, I didn't want to take it because it was just one more thing to do to add to the list of "stuff to do" before I move to Ghana. Between speaking engagements, stressing about driving in the snow and the other classes I recently finished, I have to admit, my heart wasn't in this.

What I didn't expect to happen in the midst of the course work (and there is quite a bit of it) is that I'm loving it. I was totally overwhelmed at first. Now, that the initial shock has worn off, I realized that I'm really liking the readings and the information this course has to offer. It has impacted me already & I'm only on lesson three.

I'm in the first section of the book which looks at the world christian movement from a Christian perspective. It seems that Genesis 12:1-3 is the pivotal point in scripture. This is where God first gives the covenant to Abram (his name change comes later.) God blessed Abram so that he would be a blessing and in Abram all the families of the earth will be blessed.

The blessing that is talked about in this portion of scripture is the blessing of a personal relationship with the One True God. All believers, as spiritual children of Abraham have the responsibility to share their faith in Jesus Christ and to lead others into a personal relationship with Him.

This Scripture gives us the hope of salvation and the responsibility of sharing it. Are you blessed to be a blessing? Are you sharing that blessing? God doesn't send everyone half way across the world to do this. But, He tells us that we are to do it, wherever He leads.

I'm following His lead. Are you?