A Year of Blessings, A Year of Growth

 

It would probably be safe to say that a lot of people are looking back at 2012, reviewing what took place in their lives these past twelve months. I am, too. It is good to look back and see where we have been and look forward to where we are going.

 

What I consider to be highlights of 2012 are vastly different from what Facebook says. As I look past over this year, these thoughts come to mind:

 

I celebrated my first year in Ghana, where I live, where I work and where I play. I thank God for the Ghanaian friends I have made. It has been a blessing to hang out together, share food and just enjoy each other's company. They have been there for me in good times and in bad. It has been a privilege to share in some of their deepest joys and sorrows over the last year. SNAP (Special Needs Awareness Program) was born in 2012. It is an avenue of ministering to the least of the least in this culture. God has amazing plans for SNAP in 2013! God has blessed me with the opportunity to share His word in some of the villages around Lawra. This, too, will expand in 2013. I wonder what God has in mind. In June, an amazing group of people came from Alabama to work in the villages of the Upper West. These people have become like family to me, especially my sister, Ama. I look forward to seeing them again. I thank God for the children at the Lawra Methodist Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Centre. It is an honor to be "Mama Sue" to them, to be a part of their lives, to watch them grow in body, mind and spirit. And, in 2012, I came to know, at least a little bit, the village of Kasalgri, where I will be working during the upcoming year. I pray that I may shine God's light in a dark world.

 

The year brought sadness, too. My dear friend and neighbor died this past year. I wasn't able to attend her funeral. I know we will meet again on "the other side." I have seen children die of preventable diseases. I have seen unauthorized use of money, and mismanagement in many areas. I have seen people lie and cheat and argue...I have seen that people (including me) need the Lord. More now than ever! I, along with many, many others, have experienced malaria. Sickness is rampant in my area.

 

Don't let me end here, though. CHIPs, Childrens Health Insurance Program, is providing health care for the children in the Lawra area. Funds have been raised for water filters for Kasalgri. The word has been sent out about what is happening in my area of Ghana. And, people have responded most graciously. Many, many children and adults will benefit because of their generosity. I have been able to visit family and friends. I've taken a class that has challenged me in more ways than one. Plus, there were trainings, too. Lots of travel took place in 2012. God provided me with transportation, a place to stay and took care of all the details! And, it has all been good.

 

God has blessed me so much in 2012. It was a year of trust and watching God work. A year of growth in my spiritual life and in my personal life. I am not the person I was a year ago. Praise God! Good-Bye 2012, Hello 2013!

I'll Be Home for Christmas

 

When I realized I would be in the United States to celebrate Christmas, I was so excited. I called my sister and said, "You know that song, I'll be Home for Christmas ? Pretend I am singing it to you."We were both pretty excited. But, now, I miss my home in Ghana. I miss my kids. So, this is for them...

 

I'll be home for Christmas.

You can count on me.

 

 

Please have snow and mistletoe,

And presents on the tree.

 

 

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the lovelight gleams,

I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams.

  

There won't be snow. There won't be mistletoe. There won't be a Christmas tree. There won't be presents. But, there will be love of family and friends, celebrating Christ's birth. Merry Christmas to my "family" in Ghana. I miss you. I will be there with you...in my dreams!

Hope for the Future

 

Last Thursday, my close friend, Cathy, received her Master's Degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. (Cathy is one of those very creative geek types. I wish I could do even a fraction of what she can do.) There were hundreds of people receiving their diplomas, each had earned a Bachelor, Master or Doctorate Degree. And, I sat there and thought about all the opportunities that lay in the future for these men and women. The possibilities are endless. They all have such hope for their futures.

 

I couldn't help but think of the people I know in Ghana, people who struggle to receive even a secondary education. It is costly for them. Many families cannot afford it. Then, on to a post secondary education...it is hard for most people, it is hard for everyone I know. It seems as if people who live in my area, if they want further education, go to school on weekends, working during the week. That way, they can support their family while pursuing an education. Only 5% of Ghana's population has a post secondary education. Again, in my area, most people can look forward to farming the rest of their lives, trying to eek out a living by selling whatever they might have extra. Possibilities for the future? Not for many. Hope for a better life? Not much. Opportunities for a job? Nope. They just aren't available.

 

I am so happy for Cathy. Excited about her future. But, my heart breaks for those in Lawra who struggle just to feed their families. Cathy is sharing in the work of God in Ghana and in other places in the world, providing some hope for those who are hopeless about their future. What about you?



Waiting

 

Waiting...Ugh! I really don't like to wait. In Ghana, my whole life seems to be waiting. I once facilitated a Sunday School teacher training. It was SUPPOSED to start at 9 am. Two people were there. By 11 am there were twelve. When I travel, I walk to the tro tro station and wait. The tro tro won't leave until it is full (except for the 7 am one.) I sometimes wait 15 minutes. Most times, though, I wait more than an hour. When taking the bus to Tamale, I am always told the reporting time is 4:30 in the morning. The bus rarely leaves before 6:00! Banking can be difficult. When inside the bank, I join the queue. Hopefully, I won't be in a hurry! The plumber says he will arrive at 7:00 in the morning. He arrives closer to 8:00. Even on March 8, Independence Day, when the programs are to start at 9:00 am, I have waited hours for the festivities to begin because the Chief has not yet arrived. Then, there is always waiting for the internet to connect or the electricity to come back on. It seems that after awhile, I've gotten used to waiting in Ghana.

 

Now, to the present day...I am in the USA. I have been with my beloved family and friends. I have seen doctors and dentists. I have traveled, visiting all four time zones. And, I have waited. This time, it is a different kind of wait. Waiting to go through security at the airport. Waiting for a movie to start. Waiting in line at the store. Waiting for church to begin. Waiting for my name to be called at the doctor's office. Waiting to see my sister again.

 

There is one kind of waiting I am having a terrible time dealing with. It is waiting to return to Ghana. And, that return timing is not easy to nail down. My return depends on the healing of my jaw/gums/mouth from a dental implant. Then, after I am discharged from that dental specialist (ideally 10 weeks after the implant), I have to go to my dentist to have a crown made and place in my mouth (About three weeks of more waiting.) What if things don't go by the "ideal" timeline? When do I return home? I miss my own bed. I miss having coffee or tea with God on the veranda. I miss my friends. I miss my kids.

 

There is a reason I am here other than dental work. What it is, I don't know. God does. Maybe He is teaching me patience. Maybe He is protecting me from something or preparing me for something. All I know is waiting is hard to do.

With Hope

In the words of Steven Curtis Chapman:

 

This was not how we thought it was supposed to be.

We had so many plans for you, we had so many dreams.

And now you’ve gone away and left us with the memories of your smile.
And nothing we can say and nothing we can do
Can take away the pain, the pain of losing you, but…

 We cry with hope, we say good-bye with hope,

‘Cause we know that our good bye is not the end, oh no.
And we can grieve with hope, ‘cause we believe with hope
(There’s a place by God’s grace)
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again, we’ll see your face again.

And never have I know anything so hard to understand,

And never have I questioned more the wisdom of God’s plan.
But through the cloud of tears, I see the Father’s smile and say well done.
And I imagine you where you most wanted to be,
Seeing all your dreams come true,
‘Cause now your home, and now your free and…

We cry with hope, we say good-bye with hope,

‘Cause we know that our good bye is not the end, oh no.
And we can grieve with hope, ‘cause we believe with hope
(There’s a place by God’s grace)
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again, we’ll see your face again.

 We have this hope as an anchor

‘Cause we believe that everything God promised is true, so…

We cry with hope, we say good-bye with hope,

‘Cause we know that our good bye is not the end, oh no.
And we can grieve with hope, ‘cause we believe with hope
(There’s a place by God’s grace)
There’s a place where we’ll see your face again, we’ll see your face again.

We wait with hope…
And we ache with hope…
We hold on with hope…
We let go with hope…

                                                                  ~With Hope by Steven Curtis Chapman

People Need the Lord

 

Today the whole country is in shock and grief due to a horrific event yesterday. A lone gunman, only 20 years old, went into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT and opened fire on children, very young children, ages 6 and 7, cutting short 20 of their already short lives. News programs have focused on this for more than the past 24 hours and is still continuing coverage. There are a lot of questions that are still unanswered. Some will be answered, many will not. Parents are grieving. The child they kissed good bye yesterday morning never came home again. Other parents are in tears because their child had been spared and is home safe in loving arms.

 

Even now, as I write this, the newscaster is talking about how can this be avoided in the future? Mental health issues and gun control seem to be at the forefront. But, I think the answer goes a lot deeper. As years have gone by, as generations have passed on before us, our nation which was founded on Christian principles, has become more and more lenient, accepting of behaviors that even 50 years ago were not acceptable and we have left Christ out of our lives.

 

I wonder if anyone has done a study of the decline of good, solid Christian lives being actively lived out versus the increase of horrendous crimes. I would bet the result would be amazing. America has been trying to get God out of the schools, the courts, the community (for example - Nativity sets on government property) and even in individual lives. People are bullied because they are Christian. Some people loose their jobs because of their faith in God. Just a few days ago, I heard of a company that said they would choose to close its doors instead of being forced into health insurance for its employees that pays for abortions.

 

People, we need the Lord. We should be sobbing because of what our world has come to be. We need to pray for our government officials. God has blessed America. He trusted us. And, we blew it. Is it too late to turn to Him? I will. Will you? 

Invisible

One of the books I have on my Kindle is Invisible byLorena McCourtney. I can relate with the main character, Ivy Malone, who in this chapter of her life seems to be invisible to many around her. No one really notices when she enters or exits a room. Her age and size is such that guys aren't chasing after her. The wisdom of her years allows her to be silent and watch others without being noticed. For her, it works as she tries to solve murders. But, in other areas of life, it can be difficult.

 

Have you ever felt invisible? How does it make you feel, deep down? I have felt that way, too. And, I still do. There are areas of my life where I just want to be noticed. I don't want to be in the limelight. I don't want to be on center stage. I just want to be noticed. I want my efforts and accomplishments affirmed. Yet, in many areas, it doesn't happen and most likely never will.

 

Usually, that's all right with me. Like I said, I don't want to be the center of attention. I don't want to be the one people see. I want them to see Christ in me. So, therein lies the paradox. I want to be affirmed in my accomplishements, to receive a "pat on the back," but, I don't want to be in the center of things. Is that possible? I guess I would rather be invisible than to be in the limelight. But, I also want to know that what I do or what I've done matters. Hmmm....

 

When it comes to what really matters, I'd choose being invisible so that Christ can be seen in me. And, I guess it shouldn't matter whether or not people acknowledge what I have done/am doing because it isn't me, it's Christ in me. It's that part of me that hasn't died to self that wants the pat on the back.

 

Lord, forgive me. I am so grateful to You that to You I am not invisible. You see me. You see me when I sit, when I stand, whatever I am doing, You see me. I pray, Lord, that my actions glorify not me, but they would glorify You. May I be an extension of Your hands, feet and an expression of Your love and mercy.In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

A Broken Front Tooth and Thankfulness

Early this afternoon, my front tooth felt a little weird...something wasn't right. So, I called my dentist and made an appointment for Wednesday afternoon. No problem. Then, I sat down to watch numb3rs. As I was watching, I was eating pretzel Combos with cheddar cheese. Mmmmm...until I felt a filling in my mouth instead of a pretzel. Now what? I called my dentist again, pleaded with the receptionist, called another doctor and rescheduled that appointment and finally made an appointment with my dentist at 1:30 Monday afternoon, and put the broken filling back in place. That leaves me with a loose filling in my front tooth that can come out again at any time. Agh! My Sunday School class is having breakfast for me on Sunday! I am with a compromised tooth for four days! Ugh!

 

Yet, I am thankful to God. I am thankful that I was able to replace the filling. I am thankful that I can see my dentist on Monday afternoon. I am thankful that I was able to call my friend, Tula, and whine for awhile. I am thankful that I don't have to travel 18 hours to a dentist. I am thankful that I was able to reschedule my other doctor appointment. Things didn't work out the way I wanted them to, they rarely do. But, I have a choice. Do I let the circumstances drag me down, or do I say, "Thank You, Jesus for this opportunity to trust You." and go on with my life. I choose to say, "Thank You!" in the midst of circumstances that I don't necessarily like. How about you? 

The Gift

Today is my birthday. I am 59 years old. It has been a very quiet day, spent with friends and just relaxing at home. I wish I were with my sister or with "my kids" in Ghana, but, that was not to be. Today I am thankful for the gift of life. That in itself is a miracle...I remember a time in my life when I questioned God on the reason for my birth...I didn't see the point of the suffering and pain. But, praise God! He has given me life. He has given me something to celebrate...life in Him! Thank You, Jesus!

A Thanksgiving Feast

 

Thanksgiving...just the word spoken at this time of year brings visions of turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce and pies to mind. Oh, and don't forget the sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows on top! I can almost taste it now.

 



 

Where I live, most people are farmers. They barely raise enough crops to feed their families. The soil is rocky and full of clay. The sun beats down on it. There is no rain for six months. Most people don't even eat meat because they can't afford it. Maize flour and yam (similar to cassava) flour are the main ingredients in their local dish.

 

 

As you eat way too much food today, remember to thank God for your blessings...of being able to have today's feast...the blessing of food and clean water...the blessing of gathering in a place with family and friends...the blessing of His love, His grace and His mercy. And, pray for those who are struggling to find food to feed their families. Then, do something for them...

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,  for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;

4 who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;

5 who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;

6 who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;

7 who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;

8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;

9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;

10 who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;

13 who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;

16 who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;

17 who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

18 and killed famous kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;

20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;

21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;

22 a heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever.

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; 24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;

25 who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endure s forever.

Psalms 136:1-26 (NRSV)

 

Undisciplined

Undisciplined...that about sums up the struggles in my life. I know I am not the only one who struggles with this. Monday, I had a dental implant. So, I basically didn't schedule much this week because I didn't know how I would feel. I had all day yesterday and today so far to do as I want. Did I take optimum time with God? No, but I did take some time. Did I eat properly. No...I found out that even after oral surgery, it didn't hurt to eat! Did I exercise? Hmm...do I even remember what that word means. Did I just rest and enjoy the day since my schedule has been so hectic? No, I did a little bit of everything. (Of course today, I regret it.) And so goes my story of woe...

 

I know what I should do. I don't do it, though. I'm not the only one with this issue. Romans 7 tells us about Paul, "What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. (v. 15) I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. (vs. 18-19) It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. (vs.21-23)"

 

So, if Paul was undisciplined, what chance do I have? I have a pretty good chance of turning the tables, just like Paul had. Why? Because my God, and his, is bigger than anything else! I can turn the desires of my flesh, the way I spend my time, spend my money, even how I eat, exercise or what I think...God can change all of that. If I give my desires to Him, He will renew my life. I will once again live passionately for Him. How about you? How do you want to live?

 

Father God, I give to You my life, as undisciplined as it is, so that I can do all things through You. I know that with You I am able to overcome the areas of my life that do not glorify You. Change me, O God."

Thorns

 

Are you suffering a thorn?It's probably safe to say that we all suffer a "thorn in the flesh" at some point in our lives. Scripture tells that Paul suffered a thorn. Three times he prayed to have it removed. Three times the answer was the same, "No." Why does God allow us to suffer with thorns? They hurt, they are painful, they are hard to remove...

 

Yet, we have them. I believe God allows us to have thorns in our lives to draw us closer to Him. I do believe that God does not give us these thorns, I believe that Satan uses them to take our eyes off of Jesus. I also believe that God can use these thorns to glorify Him. He uses them to build humility in us as we accept our thorns. As we place our trust in Him, others see He is our Comfort, our Fortress, our Shield, our All in All. People can see that His grace is sufficient for those who truly place their trust in Him.

 

Will our thorns ever be removed? Paul's wasn't. But, that doesn't mean that yours or mine won't be removed. God is the only One who can remove them, though. We can't do it ourselves. Will you trust him with the pain of your thorn today? I do!