Rest...A Much Needed Commodity!

 

I'm not very good at taking time for myself, to rest, renew, to be refreshed. After a hectic three weeks, I FINALLY was able to do this. My sister and I loaded up her car and headed to Meadows of Dan, VA. We drove all day and we were so grateful when we saw the sign, "Welcome to the Mountains." Yes, we have been driving in the mountains, but this particular mountain was our destination!

 

My morning starts with the above scene. Who can doubt the existence of God when they see this? I grab a cup of coffee and my Bible and head outside to the porch swing.

 

I did take a day to be a tourist in Mt. Airy, NC, sometimes referred to "Mayberry." This is the home of Andy Griffith. I visited the sheriff's office, the jail, the Darling's still (no moonshine was in it) and even rode in Barney's car. This was the day I was introduced to a rib eye steak sandwich.

 

Since then, I've mainly loved just "chilling out" at my friends house in the mountains. They are such wonderful hosts. Every need/want has been met, even before voiced.

 

The flowers are still beautiful. The leaves are turning colors. The birds are singing. And, a hawk or two was spotted, too. I'm loving this.

 



 

Pumpkins have arrived by the truckload, there is a crispness in the air, ahhh...

 

A fire on a cool evening. Sitting, talking, warming my feet. I wonder, "Lord, what have I done to deserve a break like this?" Refreshment, renewal. And when I leave, I'll be ready for what is next in my schedule!

 

On the Road Again...

 

 

I'm on the road again, or is it still? I guess it doesn't matter what continent I am in, I am on the road a lot!

 

I have been in the United States for 26 days. I have been in four time zones, spoken in the states and have attended a week long class which has assignments and teleclasses to complete. 

 

 

It has been a blessing to be with old friends and new, telling them what God has been doing in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

 

No matter how tired I am, I come alive when speaking about Ghana, life there, the villages, the people, the children.

 

Yes, I miss my life in Lawra. It is a lot simpler, a lot harder, too. But this chapter of life is much needed, too.

 

God has used this time to introduce others to His work throughout the world, and specifically in Ghana. And, He is using this time to meet the needs of those with whom I work as well as my own.

 

Yes, I am on the road again...and God is faithful!

CORE Coaching

 

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you everything and make you remember

all that I have told you. ~John 14:26

 

Almost two weeks ago I flew to Seattle, WA to participate in the CORE coaching training. This type of life coaching is Christian based, with the Holy Spirit being an integral part of it. I spent the week with 30 other amazing people who work throughout the world, encouraging people to look past what they think they can be to what God thinks they can be. Coaching begins in the present and looks to the future. Coaches don't give answers. They help the "coachee" look within themselves to set their own goals and action steps to achieve what previously seemed impossible to them. Coaching is so positive and reinforces all progress...and it can be done over the phone!



The class included plenty of time for practice. We each experienced several hours of coaching and being coached. It is amazing what a person can discover about themselves in 15 minutes or a half hour! There are so many facets of life that can be encouraged and strengthened by coaching. I kept learning more that I ever imagined! Coaching has challenged me to go beyond many of my old thought patterns and preconceptions. I am in the process of setting up coaching sessions for myself so I can activate all those areas and thoughts and ideas in me that have been sleeping.

 

Is there an area of your life which you want to develop? Where do you want to grow? What area of your life are you dissatisfied with? Is it in the relational area? Spiritual? Physical? Leadership? Intellectual? Character?  Hobbies or recreation? Maybe there are other areas. I'd be privileged to be a part of your life for awhile and help you excel in all areas of your life.

Back in the USA



I am back in the USA. Life has been really busy for the last three weeks, REALLY busy. Good friends of mine, Cathy and Chuck, and their son, Joe, picked me up from the airport and delivered me to what will be my "home base" for the next three months. After "mosey-ing" around, I fell exhausted into bed around 2AM. The next morning, Pastor Tom picked me up to take me to Erie so I could pick up a few necessary items...clothes, insurance card, driver's license and a car. (Thank You, Jesus! That is another story!)

 

I was so excited about my trip to Erie. There would be two whole hours of nice roads and three, count them, THREE, nice rest stops. I told Pastor Tom that I was so excited to know that there were flush toilets along the way and asked if we could stop at them. His reply, "We are NOT stopping at all of them. We can stop if you REALLY need to go!"

 

So, we hit the road, stopping at the golden arches for breakfast to go. And, as nature took it's course, I eventually "really had to go." We stopped at the rest stop with well marked parking spots, a nice, green, well manicured lawn, a BUILDING with electricity AND running water that worked! It looked clean and smelled clean. I entered the Ladies Room slowly, relishing the fact that I was actually there. I stood inside, gazing at the row of sparkling toilet stalls and sinks and....

 

I got tears in my eyes!

 

As an American, I take so much for granted. This rest stop is something that I grew to expect. But, after living in Ghana for 19 months, I am truly grateful for it! I thank God that I live in a country where I don't have to worry about toilet facilities while on the road! =-)