Moving

In 2 weeks, we will be moving again. In the last year due to training and getting ready for where God is sending us, we have moved 4 times. I am excited but also anxious about this move. The excitement comes from knowing we will be in the place we have been planning to go for so long. Even the kids are excited. The anticipation of a new room, a new school and making new friends is all part of the adventure for them. Of course, when our shipment comes it will feel like Christmas as we are reunited with some of our things we have been missing. It will also be nice to be in a place where we can call the things in it our own and hopefully get to settle a little bit. On the other hand, I am a little anxious. Where will I fit in? Will I remember all the language I have been learning and be able to communicate with the people there? Will I find confidantes that I can laugh and cry with?


All my anxious thoughts make me think of the best move we will ever make. We don't need to even pack for it. We don't need to be anxious about it. But our heart does need to be ready. In John, Jesus told his disciple that he was going to prepare a place for them in heaven. Heaven will be a place that we can really call home. We will automatically have our place as God's child. There will be no fear or tears only joy. And most of all there will be worship for our Lord and Savior. Some days especially when I am restless, I long for heaven and all that it holds. May this longing drive me to do the the work that God has for me here so that when I get there, God will say "Well done. Good and faithful servant."



Dear God, Thank you for your provision in each move and your guidance and provision in this one. May we cast all of our cares on you for you are the one who goes before us. May I set my heart on heaven where you are and serve you faithfully each day. Amen

God is Still on the Throne

On the news, we see the images of the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, an avalanche in Afghanistan and always wars and rumors of wars. In my email, I see that a friend has lost her husband, someone is sick and dying of cancer, a child is hurting and so is the mother. Where I live, each day I pass people who don't have enough clothes on to keep them warm and I wonder if they will have enough to eat that day. Sometimes it is overwhelming to think of all the hurt and pain in this world. We feel a burden for all that we see and hear. We pray and often do what we can. But the burden that we bear is nothing compared to the burden of sin and suffering Jesus bore on the cross for us. Even now He is at the right hand of God interceding for us and making a way. He knows how we feel.

Where is God? God is on His throne. He was on His throne in Isaiah's time when Isaiah came face to face with his sin and accepted God's call. He was on His throne as Jesus bled and died and rose again the third day. In Revelation, we read that God will still be on the throne and worshipped by all. And even though we may not see it, we know that God is still on the throne today. He has not taken a vacation. He is not asleep. He hears our prayers. He sees the pain and suffering. He longs for us to come to him and give him our heavy burden. We may not understand today. We may not know the why's. We can know that God is on His throne and is control and in Him we can put our hope and trust.

Dear God of all hope, May the people who are suffering look to you. May they see your face. May they accept your grace. May they find peace in you. May I be an instrument of your peace. May I pray for those who are hurting. May I love in action. May I never lose hope in You. Amen

Washing Machines and Other Things

Last week was a hard one for me. The week began with my Big D waking up with a sore throat and not being able to go to school. As the week progressed I wasn't feeling too great myself and then things began to break down. First it was our washing machine and then our toaster oven that we do most of our baking in. Lastly we had no hot water in the kitchen so we had to bring this in from the bathroom to do our dishes. So as this week began, I had a lot on my mind. Big D was still sick and we needed to decide what to do about the things that were broken. We are moving in a month so we had to decide if we could get by without these things for a month. Could we make do? I also found myself thinking about what my attitude should be about all that was going on. If I had to do without these things, would I be a complainer or step up to the challenge. I am reminded of Paul's comment in Philippians 4:12b, 13. He said, " I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."



I am finding it is not so much what my circumstances are but the important thing is if Christ is with me in those circumstances. I am once again reminded of how as a westerner I am so spoiled. Many of the women here do all their laundry by hand and do much of their cooking outdoors. I at least have the luxury of a kitchen and a stove that works. My problems are petty compared to what others go through. But in the midst of the pettiness, Christ is there to give me strength in what my circumstance is. I am grateful for that.



Our week has been good. Our son is better after a dose of antibiotics. The washing machine was repairable. We figured out how the toaster oven could still work and if need be we could use the gas oven and open all the windows. And to top it all off our hot water in the kitchen started working again. Did I also mention that we got a care package too?



As I end, I am reminded of a quote from a book I read. The quote comes from The Shepherd's Castle by George MacDonald. The main character Donal says "When the storm is upon us, it seems as if there never could be any sunshine more; but our hopelessness does not keep back the sun when his hour to shine is come." Remembering also that someday that Jesus will be coming for us on the clouds. It will probably be on that day when we need Him most.



Dear God, May I trust your goodness in all things. Thank you for all you have done for us. You have provided above and beyond. Forgive me when I forget and am ungrateful. May I use what you have given me to be a blessing to those around me. Amen