Unexpected

Life can and does bring unexpected waves crashing on our plans. My mom was preparing to return to the mission field. This time to serve in Ireland. She had previously worked several years in Thailand and a term in England. However, there were giant hurdles to jump for her next assignment. Praying God would direct her path, each hurdle was overcome almost effortless. It appeared God was opening the way to Ireland.

After a long trip visiting friends and family, my mom experienced stabbing pain in her right hip. She had been so healthy, now this difficulty. Was God putting up a roadblock? Several trips to the chiropractor did not help. Off to the orthopaedic doctor she went suffering badly. The x-rays revealed the disc was compressing her spinal chord. No traveling for this patient.

Plans were not "place on hold", but cancel. Collision at this juncture, we began reworking the new plan. God does not make mistakes and we are still trusting Him for His plans.

City of Refuge

Last night our church honored men and women who have traversed through the City of Refuge ministry. The celebration of lives restored and revived, who were once without hope and fallen. An amazing message was preached that "God has it and we need it" - GRACE. The pastor went on to explain the meaning of the name of each city in Israel set apart as a city of refuge, such as righteous, strength, and so forth. Each city's name reflects the character of God. It is wonderful to know God is our refuge and in that refuge we can know Him.

New Experience

I am rejoicing in the fact I have lived this long without a broken bone. But yesterday's event has changed that fact. A little slip and fall down a flight of stairs ending with a broken toe and eight weeks in a boot.
The upcoming weeks are full of major events for me and this break was not on my agenda. Actually this interruption on my calendar of events is going to cost me a large measure of time and some painful walks.
In all things we are to give thanks to God. I am thankful He created my body to heal and there will be an end to wearing the boot.

A Heart to Help

Glad my grandchildren have a heart to help. I am praying that they will continue to have a heart for God. We had the privilege of sharing about Poland missions by distributing Pat Weathersbee's latest newsletter and serving up Polish Kielbasa. All was well received by passersby. Pat is part of a church-planting team in Lubin, Poland. She teaches English in their language school and Bible studies. Pat also ministers at a women's shelter in a nearby town.

What God initiates He sustains.

Shelley Hendrix, author and speaker, spoke to our Christian Authors Guild (CAG) a few months ago. One statement she made has really stayed with me. Shelley said that Pastor Jim Law counseled her when embarking on her ministry, Church4Chicks, "If God initiates it, He sustains it. If you initiate your ministry, you must sustain it."

A few weeks later in my devotional time I read from Acts 5:38-39, "... if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God." Reminded me of Shelley's comments.

Triumphant Transitions

"Triumphant Transitions" tells of an extraordinary year in my personal life, the life of my family and our country, America, all never the same again.

The final phases are being made to CAG's new release America Remembered. This latest book is a collection of inspirational stories, including "Triumphant Transitions."

America Remembered is due out in April 2010 and can be pre-ordered at
ChristianAuthorsGuild.org.

Whiter than snow #2

What is whiter than snow? Can't think of anything - we bleach garments, but bleaching appears a tad yellow.

Still thinking what is whiter than snow . . .

Whiter than snow?

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." Isaiah 1:18.

It is refreshing to know that my sins are washed white as snow. Our Creator is an exquisite artist as fresh snow covers over the drab brown of winter. Beautiful!

First Full Week of Work

Well, it's Friday - TGIF. Traffic has been horrendous this week. Being concerned for those involved in the accidents, causing our slow to stopped traffic, is sometimes off my radar. I have to remind myself that it is only a delay for me and much more for those involved in the mishap. Pray that God will tenderize my heart for others and focus my mind on Him during these long commutes.

Sister Hugs

It was great meeting my sister at ATL airport for her layover from Haiti. She was exhausted and sick with a cold. She shared about seeing children with limbs missing, parents searching for their spouse, critically ill - 24 hour shift and sleeping in a tent on the roof of the hospital. She said it was good to see people from many different countries working together. She said it was interesting sharing medicine from other countries - needing a translator to interprete and make sure they had the correct meds. Thank you, sis, for giving of your time, treasurers and talents to help Haitians.

Beginning

Beginning, starting something new, joining the e- world. God continues to bring something new and challenging to my life and I'm learning to welcome the challenges. Mostly learning to welcome Him!