Psalm 62:11

"Stregnth comes straight from God."

Psalm 62:11 The Message

Grantwriting Class

I am taking an on line grantwriting class. It is my hope that I will be able to use what I learn to find some funding for the orphanage that I will be working with in Ghana. As I read and study, the more I realize what I don't know. The Ghanaian culture is so different than ours. I doubt if this little orphanage has a mission statement or a list of goals and objectives. They only have 3 paid workers who spend their time taking care of the kids. Right now, their goal is to make sure there is food and clothing and clean water.I return to this orphanage in a month. I'll try to find out the information I need. I'll talk with people, ask lots of questions and see where it leads. Maybe there will be an opportunity to fine tune some of these items that would be needed if I ever write a grant. Money for food, clothing, electricity and worker's salaries is so desperately needed. Before they are taught to "fish for themselves" they need the basics of life. I pray that I may be used to help make this happen.

Prophecy?

About 12 years ago, a dear friend of mine gave me a Scripture verse that was matted and framed. It was Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future." I clung to that verse for quite a long time.

Yesterday, while working on a project for work, I needed that verse. But, I was being lazy and didn't want to look it up. So, I took the framed verse off the wall and copied it. As I did, something struck me that was totally amazing. The background of that verse is an old world type map. And, the part of the world depicted was Africa! Was God beginning to prepare me for something 12 years later? I have to believe He was in a very quiet consistent way.

I wish my friend were alive so I could share this with her. I had to settle for calling her daughter instead. We were both amazed at God's plan and how it is unfolding.

Who Holds Your Future?

I live in western Pennsylvania where Puxsutauny Phil is a hero. He is a much loved groundhog whose sole purpose in life is to do a yearly weather forecast on February 2nd. People gather around his groundhog hole, some many party, but all want to know the future of the weather.

I have to admit, I like the folk lore of Phil although I don't trust him with my future. When I was young, if I was told if Phil saw his shadow there would be six more weeks of winter. If he didn't, there would be 42 days of winter. What's the difference? Phil really can't forcast the weather. I know the One who made the sun go still, the One who calmed the storms and the One who caused the sun to go backwards.

Phil is a legend. He might be correct in his forcast, he might not be correct. But, you can always trust the Lord God Almighty. He is always right, not only in dealings with nature, but in all the ins and outs of our lives. He is the One to trust for the future - not a groundhog!

Thoughts

I have a friend in another city who is dying of cancer. Her daughter has started a blog to let people know how her mom is doing, how the family is doing, about the various phases of life they are facing. My heart hurts for them. They are strong. But, I can't imagine how hard it is for a daughter, son, husband, parent must feel as they watch their loved one suffer for so long. Each of these people consider it a privilege, a blessing to take care of their loved one. They do it joyfully, even with lack of sleep. But, now they are waiting for mom to let go, to leave this shell of a body and receive a new one. It won't be long now. Maybe not even days until she wakes up in heaven. Maybe her room there isn't quite ready.

Scripture tells us that Jesus said "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:2-4 (NASB)

We also learn from Scripture that there will be no more crying when we get to heaven. Rev. 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. "

So, in just a short time, my friend will be singing praises to her Lord, running around the streets of gold in no more pain. Rev 21:3-4 (KJV) May God give us the conviction to believe His word when we are too weak to do it ourselves. May we allow Him to help us through those tough times that live in the depths of our hearts.

And when all is said and done, to God be the praise and honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

See You Later

Yesterday I said "Good Bye" to a friend of mine, a neighbor and a brother in the Lord. He had many health problems and his body just couldn't fight any more. He fell asleep here, and woke up in Heaven. I will miss him. Already it doesn't seem right to go to his house to visit with his wife and not see him sitting in his chair.

The events of last week make me think of my own mortality. Yes, I am a Christian. I believe that when I die I will be in Heaven. I will see my Lord and Savior and I will see my neighbor again along with many others who have gone to their eternal reward. But, I have to admit it, I don't want to die yet. I am ready if the Lord calls me home, but I pray that He won't call my name for many, many years.

In the meantime, "Ro, I'll see you later."

New Web Site

Check out my new web site at http://www.suekolljeski.com

Why Ghana?

1 "Take a good look at my servant. I'm backing her to the hilt. She's the one I chose, and I couldn't be more pleased with her. I've bathed her with my Spirit, my life. She'll set everything right among the nations.

2 She won't call attention to what she does with loud speeches or gaudy parades.

3 She won't brush aside the bruised and the hurt and she won't disregard the small and insignificant, but she'll steadily and firmly set things right.

4 She won't tire out and quit. She won't be stopped until she's finished her work—to set things right on earth. Far-flung ocean islands wait expectantly for her teaching."
Isaiah 42:1-4 (MSG)

Inch By Inch

Two weeks ago the magic number for the bend in my left knee was 90 degrees. Well, as I said, that was two weeks ago. This week the number was higher. As my therapist measured, he kept saying, "Can you bring your foot back a little more?...Some more?...Just a little....Try just once more...." I finally got it to 110 degrees. It was far from easy. But bit by bit, inch by inch (or shall I say centimeter by centimeter...) it happened.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

God's Word

Last night I was reading one of my Bibles, the one pictured here. The "See with Me Bible" is a great book for both adults and children. I first saw it while in Wa, Ghana. Friends of mine had this Bible. I used it when I shared God's Word at the orphanage and at a village church. The great thing about this Bible is that it has very few words - the title of the story and a sentence to sum it up. The pictures are so expressive and colorful. The downside is that there are not "multi cultural" people in the book, maybe one or two. The other downside is that it is out of print although you can still buy it online. If you want a unique Bible reading experience, this is the book for you!

Praise God!

Last week I was so discouraged. While at physical therapy I was able to bend my knee at a 87 degree angle independently. So, as a "therapy flunky" I did some extra credit work and started going to the YMCA on my non therapy days.

This week, as Wednesday approached, i was filled with fear and trepidation. It was measurement day. My therapist measured me sitting up, then again laying down. The measurements were both the same...105degrees! Praise God! The hard work and tears paid off.

My Sanity Saver

Last year I started a new hobby, or as some would put it, a new obsession. It is making cards - greeting cards. A card for a friend to make her smile, birthday cards, thank you cards, Christmas cards, just because cards. Sometimes I barely know the person I send a card to, they may be from church or some place else where I know of them, but don't really know them.

The past two weeks, making cards has kept me sane. I haven't been able to concentrate on things for a long time because of the meds I'm on, or maybe they are starting to wear off...you get the picture. But, making these cards has kept my mind busy and off what is or isn't happening with my knee. Sometimes I need the sentiment on the card for myself just as much as the person to whom I am sending it. So, I make the card and read it and try to keep up a good attitude.

Sometimes I just need to know that God really does understand and care.

He Will Wipe Every Tear from Their Eyes

Today as I was reading a favorite blog, one of the Scriptures posted was just what I needed. The Scripture was from Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes..." I need that Scripture so much in my life right now. Not because something horrible has happened, but because of the battle going on in my mind. I had a total knee replacement done 3 1/2 weeks ago. And I'm so frustrated because it's so hard to do anything that was so simple just a few weeks ago. Everything I do, I have to think about...am I going up the steps properly? Am I bending my knee enough? Laying in bed or sitting in a chair comfortably is now a challenge. Physical therapy is painful because I need to push my knee to get back my range of movement. And, all too often I cry because I'm frustrated or because pushing my knee to the limit hurts. When I finally pedaled all the way around on a stationary bike, I cried. It's so much of a mind game, except it's not a game. It's reassuring to know that He knows and understands and cares.