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?

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)

My Heart's Desire

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a glimpse into my heart's desire. For so long, I merely existed, and You pulled me out of that. And, very slowly and carefully You put me back together. And, when You did, there was this One Thing within me, the One Thing that I was afraid to wish for, afraid to hope for. You knew what it was. And, again, very slowly and carefully You allowed me to see it, to hope for it, to believe for it and even to speak it out loud. And now, I own it, too, along with You...my heart's desire.

Ghana...Lawra...Children orphaned because their parents died from AIDS..."my kids." Thank You, Jesus!

Is there still something deep within my heart? Yes. Will I ever speak it? I doubt it. But, God knows and that's good enough for me!