Scripture Writing

Scripture writing. What's that? That sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? No, I am not rewriting the Bible. I'm not even writing a new one. But, what I am doing, is following a plan to write down Scriptures on a daily basis. This website, www.swtblessings.com , publishes a monthly Scripture writing plan. Each month has a theme. This month the theme is "God is My Comfort."

When I first returned to the US, I needed something to help me keep focused during my prayer/quiet time with the Lord. I can always find a zillion other things to think about. But, this, this keeps me focused. Each morning, sometime during my prayer/quiet time with the Lord, along with drinking my morning coffee, I write down the Scripture for the day in a journal. Then, I reflect on it. I make it personal. I make it my prayer. I learn things from it. And, I write my prayers. It's amazing to look back to see where the Scripture for the day takes me. I seem to be able to be more honest with God, to go into the depths of my heart and soul when I journal as I meditate on God's word. There's a lot of "stuff" that comes out. A lot of heart prayers, not surface stuff. Prayers for myself and others. Praise to God my Lord and Savior and gratefulness for all He does.

There were a few months that life got busy or I was traveling or I was sick, whatever the excuse, I didn't write the Scriptures for the month. There was definitely something missing in my life. I needed to get back to it. Some days, it can be challenging. Yet, everyday it is life giving.

Do you need to "up" your quiet time? Try a Scripture writing plan. You will be glad you did!

What I Want

Some days are easier than others, aren't they? No matter what stage of life you are in, no matter what the circumstances, most people have good days and bad days. Even in the midst of crisis there can be a good day or maybe a good hour. And even on bad days, if we ask ourselves, "Where is God in this?" we can find an answer...eventually.

I have been in my new apartment for a month. It has been relaxing, at times and crazy at times. I am unpacked and have hung most of my pictures on the walls. I finally feel as if I have reached the place where I can work on renewal and refreshment and eventually a new start. Ghana took a lot out of me. I didn't realize that at first. During the last 14-18 months there, I was sick once a month. It was my new normal. I wasn't sick enough to be in bed, but, something wasn't quite right. Now I know most of my problems were sinus related. This past year, those issues have been addressed and hopefully resolved. 

This past weekend, I drove to Carolina Beach to visit my niece and her husband. It was a GREAT visit, once I got there. Let's just say that Interstate 40 is not my favorite road. I haven't been up to Erie to visit family and friends since last November, although some have  come to visit me. I feel that I should drive up to western PA before the snow falls and I feel guilty because I don't want to. I feel as if I should, but I don't want to. Why? That question is not real easy to answer. I'd love to see my family and friends before the snow comes. In the past year, I wanted to take care of myself. I wanted to develop some healthier habits, physically and spiritually. And, the emotional roller coaster of being back in the US after being in Ghana for so long. It is a HUGE drain on a person.

 There are parts of life in general that I don't like. For example, driving all over God's creation. I like staying home. I don't like driving. I drove all over because I had to for my jobs. That trip to NC? I was almost a basket case when I arrived. I took the "Old Lady Going for a Sunday Afternoon Drive" route on the way back home. That was much more relaxing. I wanted to do something special for myself for my retirement. It didn't happen because the challenges of life happened instead. I wanted to go to The Martha Inn to celebrate my birthday and Christmas and to the Barter Theater to see all four of their Christmas plays. That didn't happen. The challenges of life got in the way again.Ghana took its toll on me. and I am finally in a place where I don'have to even think about moving. I can take time to recover. I loved it there. I love it here. I want to see my friends and family there. I want to see my friends and family here. But, I need to take care of myself first. I'm tired. I'm weary. 

So, today starts a new month. I have a person who will "coach" me on my physical health and keep me accountable, too. I'm planning on going to The Martha Inn and the Barter Theater to celebrate my birthday and Christmas. It will be the farthest I will drive for months. I used to follow a daily Scripture writing plan but haven't done in for several months or more. I started back today. The theme for the month is, "God is My Comforter." There was only one verse to write today: 1 Peter 5:10. The second half of that verse says, "After you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation." THAT'S what I want!

Monday Musings - Water

One of the many things that I am grateful for is when I turn on the hot water faucet, hot water comes out. Imagine that! Something so simple is so amazing! In Ghana I had hot water during hot season or in the middle of the afternoon of a sunny day during the rest of the year. I was blessed. The house in which I lived had a poly tank in which to store water. Water from the local water company did not flow every day. So, if you didn’t have a poly tank, two or three days of the week you didn’t have running water in your house, you had to keep water in big barrels or in every bucket you owned. And, water pressure? I won’t even talk about that. I guess mine was better than most since Peace Corps volunteers always told me they loved my shower. Of course, they didn’t have running water where they were living. They had to get their water from the bore hole (pump it), carry it home and take a bucket bath. 

Such a simple thing, water is. Most of Americans take water for granted. It’s as if we have a right to running water. But, if we want it, there’s a responsibility, too. That water bill always finds its way to you. A lot of communities have fluoride added to their water. And, the miracle is that the water that comes out of our faucets is safe to drink. Yes, I know there are exceptions to this, but for the most part, you can roll out of bed in the morning and stumble into the bathroom, turn on the water faucet and use that water to brush your teeth. You can actually drink the water that comes out of the water spout wherever you turn on the water in your home. And, it’s safe to drink! Yet, hundreds of thousands of people choose to buy bottled water. After living in Ghana, buying bottled water is no longer a choice for me. 

In Ghana, I was very particular about my water. I bought a very good water filter. I filtered all the water I used for drinking, cooking and even brushing my teeth. Yes, it was annoying at times. But, I never had typhoid. And I didn't have water borne illnesses that others had. I sanitized my bottles in between uses and replaced them once in a while, probably not as often as I should have. None of my Ghanaian friends had water filters. They were either drinking the local water or buying water in 500 ml sachets. Few had the income to use on bottled water. The sachets were inexpensive. And, the water in them was not always safe to drink. So, I'm grateful for tap water, even though I don't drink just plain water as much as I should.

Jesus said He would give us living water. I imagine that living water as coming from Him, full of peace and amazing things, especially miracles of the heart. He said if we drank of this living water, we would never be thirsty again, it becomes a fresh bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life. I imagine if I had eternal life, I wouldn't get thirsty. I don't have eternal life yet, not in this world. I get thirsty both physically and spiritually. I know what and Who can quench my thirst. Do you?

Back in the USA, a Year Later

One year ago today, I returned to the USA after living in Lawra, Ghana for almost eight years. It's a day full of mixed emotions and memories. Sometimes I miss my Ghanaian family so much it hurts and brings tears to my eyes. I moved there, by myself, with God as my Guide. I was the only "white lady" in that area, at least the only white lady who stayed. There were others from NGOs or the Peace Corps but they did their time and left. I was the only one who stayed day in and day out for years and years, being there for American holidays, family special days, weddings of friends and loved ones and funerals for other friends and loved ones. Lawra was my home for the duration of time that God would have me there. I moved half way across the world knowing (as acquaintances) two people in that town. Yet God provided me with everything I needed and more. 

So much has happened in the last twelve months - the good, the bad and the ugly. I MIGHT be at the place where I can start talking about things that have been buried in my heart for what seems like ages. I have been homeless, sleeping at the homes of friends and family who were very gracious to me. I have lived in the mountains, where I hoped to sleep for three months. I was really, really tired and not feeling well. It didn't happen. Now, I am in the foothills, in an apartment, which I consider a gift from God...and I didn't know anyone here except those I met at church. My family and close friends are still eight hours away in the same country where I am! The apartment is more than I hoped or dreamed for. (Yes, I actually allowed myself to dream.) Since I had no furniture and very little home items, I used money I have been saving for this time in my life. My home church in Pennsylvania and my new home church in Virginia along with some of my supporters, have blessed me so much that my apartment is fully furnished and I have everything I need and want. I even have money left for which to live, praise God! (Not many of my Ghanaian family could say that.) 

I still hope to sleep for three months. I have taken a job as a part-time hermit, so I schedule my "at home, leave me alone" times. My three month sleep might happen during the winter months, I don't know. I do get out. God has placed me in a church that preaches His Word. When I'm around, I attend Bible Study and I actually joined a gym! So, a part-time hermit isn't a bad thing, for me it is wonderful, just what I need. And now, that I am in this place, you may actually hear from me more than once every six months! God bless you.

The Blessing

These boys - Godwin, Blaise and Wisdom - they are amazing young men. They have a hunger and thirst for God''s Word that I wish I had. For years, they have been at the Kalsagri church whenever something was happening. They were always there for Sunday worship, for Bible study on Wednesdays and Prayer meeting on Fridays. They are now leaders of their church, leading the children's service and also preach once in awhile. They also lead Bible studies. It has been a joy to watch these boys mature into young men. They even come to church with sport coats and ties! I am proud to be called their "Makum" (Grandmother).

The Sunday of my Farewell Service, after everything was over and done with, these three young men took me aside. Each of them had a Scriptural blessing to pray over me. I was honored. I don't think it gets any better than this!

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-6

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.

Ephesians 1:16-19a

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints - the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all it's truth.

Colossians 1:3-6

A Fond Farewell

August 19, 2018 is a day I will never forget. It was the day of my Farewell Service at Bethel Society in Lawra, Ghana.I had lived and worked with the people there for going on eight years and I ws leaving Ghana in a few weeks. This was the official time to say "Good Bye." The Service started early with a naming ceremony for the pastor's baby girl. Then, we moved onto the worship service. The Scripture passages for the day were perfect and my beloved friend and brother, Rev. Job, preached.

After communion, the "Farewell" part of the service began. I was amazed at all the people who came, young and old, Christian, Muslim and Traditional.

They all came, they all sat through the worship service. They came honor me, to show their love for me, to say, "Thank You."

It was overwhelming. I didn't do anything special while I was there. It didn't take people long to find out that I wasn't a source of large amounts of money. I didn't pay for new churches or schools. 

But, I loved the children. I spoke with the brokenhearted. I took time to sit with those older than me, to talk with them. I welcomed the handicapped. And, I tried to live out my faith.

I wasn't perfect. There were many times I had to say, "I'm sorry." And move on. People were forgiving. They were happy to talk things out because most of the time, I just didn't understand.

I was so surprised to see so many people come. And, I thank God for each and every one of them.

 These are my people. My family. What more can I say? They accepted me. I was the foreigner.

I was humbled by the outpouring of love. 

Even my little buddy, Boniface came and sat through the almost seven hour service!

When I miss my Ghanaian family, I remember, they are here with me...when I sweep the porch with the brooms from Margaret, when I water my plant that is in the pot from Hagar, when I wear the beautiful clothing from Razak's family or Boniface or Pius or Kalsagri Church or....their clothing is like a big hug, reminding me of our times together. That because of Jesus Christ, we are family.

Saying "Good-Bye" is Hard to Do

September 16, 2018 is a day I won't soon forget, if ever. That is the day I said "Good-bye" to what was home for almost eight years. More importantly, that was where my Ghanaian family and friends lived. My "kids," who call me "Makum" or "Grandmother" wanted to be with me before I left. I was supposed to leave Lawra at 6:00 in the morning. But, this was Ghana. I was destined to leave a bit later. My small boys said they would be at my house at 5:00 in the morning. "Oh, no you aren't" I told them. They could come at 5:30. I totally expected Boniface to be camped on my doorstep as early as possible. But, it was Pius who came first! After we talked small and snapped some pictures, the rest came along...Reuben with his younger brother, Rudolph, Boniface and Barnabas. They all came to see me off. 

What will I do without these sweet children in my life? It would be a lot quieter, that's for sure. I think I would rather see their smiling faces. Eventually, Razak and his wife, Dora and his daughter, Kataali came. When Anokye came, we loaded up the truck and said our last farewells. I don't think there was a dry eye to be found among us. I was leaving  with my heart full of love for these people and yet, my heart was full of love for my friends and family in the US. It was time to travel back "home" to the US. A chapter of my life was closing, another would be opening.

On the way to Accra, I tried to be "brave." I tried not to cry. After all, there were two guys in the truck. I couldn't cry in front of them. Yet, even today, my eyes are moist because I miss my children/grandchildren in Ghana. Would I see them again? Maybe. Maybe not. Only God knows. I do know all of our lives will never be the same because of our love for each other.

Joyous News

The following is an article written by Rev. Max Wilkins, President of TMS Global. It appeared in the January/February 2019 issue of Good News Magazine, a United Methodist magazine. In it, Max uses a story from the village of Kalsagri, where I worked, to illustrate his point.

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.'" (Luke 2:11-12 NRSV)

"Please see me before you leave for the day."

The note was taped to my office door by a colleague at work. My heart sank a bit. We've been working through several challenging situations and my first thought was, "What now?" As I entered her office a short time later, however, she smiled broadly. "I've got good news!" Immediately my whole body relaxed.

"Good news." Those are two words we all enjoy hearing.They often precede a birth announcement and engagement notice. They are heard in connection with promotions at work, victories in sporting events, or positive results from medical tests. What follows them is almost always pleasant, and quite often joy producing. Rarely is anyone put off by a good news announcement.

From the very beginning, the announcement of the birth of our Savior, Jesus, God's incarnational presence in our world, has been called, "good news." According to the angels this joy producing news was for "all the people!" That includes everyone. God has entered our broken and problem plagued world with the promise of salvation, abundant life, and purpose. What is there not to like in that message? But lately, it seems, especially in the western world, many have lost confidence in the goodness and joy producing power of this message.

Much has been written about the tragic death of John Allen Chau, the young man who was killed while attempting to share the gospel with an unreached group of islanders off the coast of India. There is, undeniably, a need for conversation about Chau's missiology and methodology, and even whether he should ever have attempted to go to this island.

There is one aspect of the conversation which followed his martyrdom, however, that has given me great concern. Many people, a number of them self-professing Christians, have decried attempts to take the good news to people who haven't heard as culturally abusive and an unwanted intrusion into the lives of others. For these people, the idea that the gospel could be welcomed as good news and received with great joy by people hearing it for the first time is not only unbelievable, but dangerous and wrong. Rather than good news, these voices see the gospel as intrusive, manipulative, and unwelcomed. Yet there is much evidence that when the gospel is shared, even cross-culturally, in culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate ways, it is still an announcement of good news that is received with great joy.

Several years ago, Sue Kolljeski, one of TMS Global's cross-cultural witnesses, moved to West Africa to work in partnership with the Methodist Church of Ghana. She settled in a remote town on the border of Burkina Faso and began to learn the culture, language and traditions of the people there. Sometime later, she discovered a very remote village where there was no active church presence, and where the good news was not known. With loving care, Sue formed relationships with the people there, ministering to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community, and sharing the good news of Jesus with them.

Over the coming months and years, scores of people from this village, both young and old, received the message openly became followers of Jesus and were baptized. Among them were three young boys who heard the message with gladness and responded with great joy. Intelligent and deeply desiring to know more about this good news, the boys longed to have the scriptures in their own language. Sue worked to make that happen. 

On the day she arrived in the village with the Bibles, the three early adolescent boys excitedly raced off with their copies of the Word, each to his own tree, where they sat for hours devouring the scriptures. These young men became so enthusiastic about the life transformative power of the gospel message that they committed to sharing it with others. Indeed, they began to refer to each other as Prophet, Evangelist and Pastor. And the people in the village began to refer to them in the same way! Today the lives of an entire village are being transformed in positive ways as a result of their embrace of this message. No wonder this good news produces great joy!

Sue retired a couple of months ago after many years of faithful service. She has returned to the United States, but not before having a wonderful farewell service in Ghana. I was blessed to be present for the almost 7 hour long affair, and witnessed multitudes of people celebrating with glad hearts and bearing witness to the life transforming power of the gospel among them. At the conclusion of the service, Prophet, Evangelist and Pastor - the three young men - came forward to read a scriptural blessing over Sue, each testifying to their gratitude for Sue's willingness to share with them that a Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born - for them!

Stories such as Sue's are being repeated around the world and here at home on a regular basis by those who not only believe the angelic message, but are willing to embrace it as their own. Taking this good news to "all the people," especially those for whom it is truly news, they are discovering that this message is not only welcomed, but life changing. And that, I would contend, is good news indeed!

The First Three Months

You would think that returning to the United States to live would be a joy-filled occasion. And, it was, to an extent. I was now in the land of my American family and friends. I spoke the same language that others spoke. There were proper grocery stores. And, there were doctors close by! Clothing could be bought at a store. Worship was in English! (Although I didn't recognize the songs at the contemporary service.) I could drive long distances without coming to even one police check point! Temperatures were in Fahrenheit and not Celsius. And, my electrical cords could plug into wall sockets without adapters! 

On the other hand, returning to the United States has been stressful. I lived out of suitcases for two months, sleeping at the homes of family and friends, sometimes five different places in a week. I had to buy a car, car insurance and make sure everything for that was in order. I signed up for Medicare and the Supplemental Insurance needed to go with it. I had oral surgery. I spoke with supporters, both individuals and churches 11 times before moving from NW Pennsylvania to SW Virginia. I had sinus surgery to correct a variety of problems. I didn't have a church home in Virginia. I missed my Ghanaian family and friends so much! And the list goes on. Moving back to the US after eight years in Ghana is not for those who are weak-hearted. 

Yes, those first three months were really difficult. Yet, there were many blessings, too. The love of family and friends for one. (It's a blessing to be able to see those that I have missed for so long.) It's good to be in the same country as my sister and brothers. And, I have friends and family that made sure I had a car to drive before I bought one. I even had "family" visit me for Christmas week. (Imagine a couple of twenty somethings wanting to spend Christmas with me! I was blessed.) I had friends who would listen to me when I needed to whine about my future...where do I go from here?

I still wasn't feeling well. Taking care of my sinuses post-op seemed like a never ending affair. And, things still weren't 100%. I know things take time to heal, but I wanted to be all the way better right away! I took advantage of being around stores and bought dishes and sheets and coffee and some household stuff. I was moving into a fully furnished cabin, but I also wanted it to be my "home" with some of my touches in it. (I sold all my furniture before I moved to Ghana.)

The desire of my heart was to sleep for three months. Well, that hasn't happened yet. But, an occasional nap does take place. 

The truth of it all is God is still God. He knows how I feel. And, He is with me when I allow myself to feel the emotions of an ever changing life. The storms may seem overpowering. He is my Anchor in the midst of it all. And for that, I am grateful.

Home

Ever since I returned to the US at the end of September, I have heard, "Welcome home!" and, "Aren't you glad to be home?" in a million different ways by well-meaning people. But, you know, I still can't answer that question without hurting someone's feelings. I am living in a beautiful cabin in the Blue Ridge mountains. But, it is a temporary place, not my permanent dwelling place. I know that in a year or so I will be moving. While I am here, I am going to enjoy every minute of it. I love the peace and quiet, the beauty of it all. But, is it home?

The saying goes, "Home is where the heart is." My heart has dual citizenship. When I am in Ghana, living life with my Ghanaian family and friends, I miss my American family and friends. My heart yearns for them. And now that I am in the United States, close to my American family and friends, my heart hurts to see my Ghanaian family and friends.

When I returned to Ghana last month, it was like going home. I saw and lived with those I left behind in September. I missed my American family, although not as much as my American doctor since I was sick. And, when I got on the bus to take the 15+ hour trip to Accra, the capital city of Ghana, I had to say, "Good-bye." again. I traveled alone this time, giving me plenty of time to think, to be grateful that God didn't give me just one family, but two. And, two homes.

Will I ever completely feel at home in the US? Maybe. Maybe not. I know that in my heart there lives a gigantic family of brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles whose skin is a lot darker than mine. But, that doesn't seem to matter, for we all love each other. And, thanks to the internet, we can keep in touch.

So, home in America has a Ghanaian influence in it, from the lion on the porch to the wall hangings to the Ghanaian clothing I wear. No matter where my "home" is, someone will be missing. My prayer is that we will all meet again someday in our forever Home, where the streets are paved with gold, where hearts won't be broken and we'll all worship at the feet of Jesus. Then, I will truly be "Home."

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