Switcharoo

My switch from summer to fall decorations. Enjoy.

Not Now?

You think your word or deed is very small, That what you say will hardly count at all;
But God can take the seed that you have sown, And nourish it until it’s fully grown. —Hess


     I went to a memorial service yesterday for a woman who was known for sharing the Good News with whomever she met and wherever she went. I have a friend, Nancy, who is also a diligent spreader of the gospel. She talks with people, passes out tracts, been a Teen Mission leader and gone on numerous mission trips. I've been with her at times where she starts sharing with someone and I must admit thinking 'not now, Nancy.' One specific time was at Saddlecreek restaurant and the waiter was trying to take our order. Nancy started asking him questions. I thought 'now, Nancy, really?'  It was a selfish thought because I had food on my mind. I do know he received a Bible later that week but God took it from there. The seed was planted. The harvest is His.
     Good for Nancy in being an example to me and the others at the table. There is no wrong place or time to share with others the choice for eternity. So if not here, WHERE? if not now, WHEN? if not you, WHO?

No Fear

 Proverbs 3;25-26  ''Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,  for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.''


     This is for my friend who is leaving for a trip to the Grand Canyon on a motorcycle. Trust in the Lord and His protection are the most important things she is taking with her. His control over all things is a reassuring, comforting thought as they travel so far from home. The prayer circle of friends petitions for their safety on the trip as well as for things being okay at home while they're away. They are not alone on that bike. God is in the invisible sidecar, right at their side, guiding them all the way. Have fun you two. See you soon.

Listening

    James 1;19 '' My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak''


     I copied the following from one of my devotionals today, which inspired this blog. ''Talking is sharing but listening is caring. Take a tip from creation.  Ears aren’t made to shut but the mouth is. Put away your sermon, save your advice and just listen. Sometimes the best gift a friend can offer is a listening ear.''
     People often have to listen closer to what I'm saying because I talk so softly. In general tho, are you a good listener?  I think eye contact is a very important part of listening. It shows you are focused on what the speaker is saying. Are you really listening or just waiting for them to finish, so you can say your two cents worth? Proverbs 18:13 'To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.'  I know I'm guilty of this, especially when I don't agree with what's being said. I could probably respond better in all discussions if I would listen to the whole thing. Sometimes though, no response is needed or wanted, we just want to vent. That's when a good phone call or visit with a friend is the best solution. Saying 'I know what you mean' or 'I understand' is all you need to hear.
     You can close your eyes and close your mouth, but the ears are always open. So listen up but with that being said, be careful what you listen to also.

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Let It Shine

"In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
Philippians 2:15

 

     The dark is scary. How comforting it is to a child to just have a little night light to go to sleep at night. It's not much but they know its there. We, too, have a little light inside each of us that comforts, guides and protects us. How brightly we let it shine in our lives is up to us. I do think we have an aura around us that can project a sense of light or darkness.  Darkness is everywhere and if you block the light, it shows itself in the form of a shadow. God's light will shine through you if you accept Him. Sharing how God has worked in your life is a bright light to others. John 8;12    'Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  One day there will be no more darkness but until then, don't hide in the shadows,  let your light shine brightly.

40th party

Here are a few pictures of my 40th birthday party for those of you not on facebook.  It was a great time of 32 friends, barbeque, cake, and music. If I'd known 40 was so great, I'd done it a long time ago..lol.

Friends Change

     'You don't have to change friends if you realize friends change.'  Have you heard that before? We all change hopefully as we mature and grow into new stages of our lives. For example, whether you've been over time blessed with a family of your own or been struck by sickness or injury, we must be accepting of that change. Thoughts like 'geez, can't you go out alone?' or 'its just not like it used to be' can be detrimental to a 'true friendship.'
     Two friends, I'll call A and B, that I grew up with are an example of this. Friend A has accepted my physical changes over the years but yet can talk to me as if I hadn't changed at all. I see her kids as just an extended part of her now. Friend B lived down the street from me 9 of the past 10 years and yet hasn't stopped by once, with invitation. Through talk from others, I know how her life has changed. I'd rather not be friends than to be fake friends.
     I know its easy to grow apart and distance can sometimes interfere but I encourage you to stay in touch with your true friends. Realize tho their demands in their lives may have changed, be understanding and accomadating to those needs.

Fine at Forty

Psalm 139;14   I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

     Well I made it thru the night and the transition went smoothly, I made it to 40.  Alot of people may think I don't look 40 but unlike Obama I have the birth certificate to prove it, ha. I see people on television and think 'good grief, I'm older than them?'  I know that God made my small frame and weak muscles with a purpose in mind and not just to make life more challenging for me. My strength is not physical but is from Him and that's all I need to keep this 40yr old spirit going.

30's End Today

     Well today I am 39 for the last time, tomorrow is the big 4-0. My thirties have certainly been one of change, growth and maturity. The start of the decade was rough but overall its been good. I've met people, now friends, that I wish I'd known sooner but it feels like I have known them forever. I've gotten to travel... Mexico 4 times, Las Vegas, Nashville, Branson, and Texas many times. Many memories made. [pictures at the end] I've become a member of a church that I consider a big part of me. I have lost 3 pets along the way but gained 3 more.  As my disease is progressive, I have become physically weaker but stronger spiritually. To quote John Piper, “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.''   So heres to the next decade, may it bring glory to Him in what we make of it together.

Seeing Pain

     Oh how I hate to see others in pain. I am a 'want to fix it' type of person. You can see discomfort in one's eyes, body movements or just feel it in your heart. Sometimes its an easy fix, like readjusting someone's pillow in bed for them, but often it's only fixable by God's power through prayer.
     I took my dog, Brandi, to the vet once and they cut her nails. No big deal, right? They cut too much, she cried and it bled. I'm used to blood from working at the lab but this was my baby dog's blood. I started passing out and they had to take me out. I know it sounds silly. Just seeing my loved one in pain hurt me to the core.
     This blog is for my friends/loved ones that are hurting tonight. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sometimes the best advice needs no words

FBF Requests--Sept.

The following are prayer requests for September from the FBF missionaries. Join us in praying for them.

Lesley Wolfe..NTM School in Missouri

1] My students (10 of them – 4 couples, two single young women) – that they will grasp and apply the “how to’s” of relationship building, culture and language study among tribal peoples dring these next 6 weeks of class

2)      That God will add co-workers to the Glaro work from among the students that are currently here in the training!  A couple or two?  A single individual or two?

Philip and Sandra Prime...Mexico

1.) We have baptisms planned for Sunday the 4th. Pray that the Lord would be glorified.
2.) For our evangelistic outreach planned for the Friday the 16th of September as Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain. You can learn a little more about the celebration at the link which follows: http://www.inside-mexico.com/featureindep.htm

Martin and Hansy Tuohy

1. Clear direction as to future ministry (Minister somewhere in Denmark or Puruandiro, MX?)

2. Wisdom and courage to move forward according to God's perfect timing.

Bobby and Namatha Avilez...Thailand..House of Hope

1.Pray for Thab, the university student who helps out at HOH in exchange for boarding and lodging. She will be having exams from August 25-28th.

2. Pray for Biaki, our ministry colleague, who is planning on returning back to India (during the break) to visit her elderly mom. Pray that it will be a refreshing time for her. Also pray for Thap who will assume leadership over the House of Hope while Biaki is away.

Phil and Julie Zimmerman....Tennessee

1[ Continued prayer for our son, Jacob. He needs the Lord's protection, deliverance and His direction. We know the Lord is working, and we appreciate your prayers.
2] We would also like prayer for us to know the Lord's direction in the coming months in ministry, and for our other children.
Monica and Quico Sernatinger...Mexico

Please pray for Lupita, my neighbor and a very devout Catholic. We have an appointment to talk about what it means to be born again!!! For many years I have been praying that the Lord may open her heart so that she could see that Christ is not a religion but a Person who loves her and wants to save her... she has believed that because she is so religious she is OK... May she be saved, and may the Lord use her to save her marriage

Also, please pray for Tere.  She is only 35 and has been diagnosed with cancer. We have started a Bible study and she seems very hungry and interested... some think that she may be ocoming to hear because she desires financial help... May the Lord save her and heal her...

Ted and Priscilla Clark....Mexico

There have been some robberies at gunpoint in our nearby rancho recently. Please pray that the Lord’s powerful hand would continue to be over us to guard us from the intentions of evil men.

We continue to visit Alicia and Salomon, and other families in Arumbaro regularly. Salomon and

Alicia have been through various trials recently. Please pray that the Lord would use these trials to draw Salomon to himself.  Pray for the conviction  of God’s Spirit in his heart.

Getting the Job

     I know I've written about obstacles before but life isn't a smooth ride. I want to show the rewards of pushing through them with examples from my life. One such example was my job.
     The first day I went to pick up an application, I went alone. They had a double door entry that you couldn't see thru and I couldn't get the first door open. It was too heavy. I didn't want them to see me, that'd be a bad first impression, so I left. I went back the next day with Marc's help with the door. He waited in the van. I went up to the counter and said who I was and was there to pick up an application. Sandy, the receptionist, said the boss would like to meet you. Frantically, I said 'But I'm not dressed for an interview???' She said its okay, you're fine. I met the boss, veternarian Dr. Dana. I was nervous at first but his laid back persona calmed my fears. He even told me of a friend of his in Colorado with a similar voice problem. He said I was just what they were looking for but they had governmental procedures to go thru before they could hire anyone so it'd be about a 6week wait. He promised to contact me. I was beaming and so glad Marc was in the van. I said, 'I really think I got it.'
    I waited patiently with hope. We went to AR for Memorial weekend with my in-laws. On a pay phone, my parents called saying Dr. Dana is looking for me and is going to call soon. He called and asked when I could start. Monday? Ok, see you then.
     I worked part time for 6 months. I woke up one morning with my leg so swollen, I couldn't get my brace on. I ended up in the hospital with a blood clot. My boss and co-workers came to visit me in the hospital. After my co-workers left, my boss brought out papers for me to sign to make me full-time. Who does that? Here I am with an unknown future and he's offering me a permanent job? As I signed the papers, I was amazed, overwhelmed and grateful. The risk he took in me paid off from 1996-2001.
     You can identify the bumps in the story and the payoffs that resulted. Be pursuant, be patient, be diligent and be thankful in everything. God has it all worked out, you just have to trust Him.

If You Don't..

     I was watching 60 Minutes last night on a story about 'Gospel for Teens.'  It's an after-school program on music for teens in Harlem, NY. The teens must audition to get into the program. Some teens have no family support or encouragement on what they are doing. One supportive couple said, 'If you don't raise your children, something else will...gangs, drugs, the streets.'  How true is that? VERY. Kids of any age are looking to be accepted and to belong to something, family should be first. Not only should you have demands and expectations of your kids, they have them of you as parents too. Don't let them down. Just like the theme of the song 'The Cat's in the Cradle' reminds us... if you don't make time for your child now, they won't make time for you later.
     Family dinners together. Know who they're with and where they are. It's all a part of being present in their lives. The dad in the show said, 'Someday when my kids look back, they're going to know I was there.' 

10 Years Ago Today

     It was August 28, 2001.  This was the day I moved back home with my parents and 'thought' my life was over. In the 3 months before, I had lost everything that I 'thought' defined who I was. Husband, my dog, my job, house, friends and independence. I was angry with just about every thing and everyone, you might say even the birds chirped too loud. I 'thought' I didn't want to make any new friends. I 'thought' isolation was going to keep me emotionally unattached. I stayed in this state of mind for quite awhile.
     As the sun sets, it surely will also rise. It may seem like forever but it will. I made a friend, Charlene, in home fellowship who has stuck by me like glue over the ten years. I'd be insane by now without her. 'Sorrow may last for the night but joy comes in the morning.' Some morning, maybe not the next day.
     My 'thoughts' were pretty bleak. If I'd only known what God had planned. My trust became stronger with time. If you think you're at a dead end road, refocus, and it could just be an intersection. It's your choice, the direction you choose. I recommend God's chosen path for you.  I didn't know if I could handle this change of season in my life but I did. It's all good now, God is patient.