Way Back Wednesday---Downsizing

     










          This was our house in 2001 in Walnut Grove, MO.  It is about a 20 minute drive north of Springfield.  It was a beautiful house with the perfect layout for someone in a scooter.  The yard was just a little over an acre.  Across the street was a milk farm, so it was definetely filled with country air at times.  The town was so small, it had one red light.  Two of my coworkers also lived here.
         To say that I downsized is an understatement.  I moved from a 2000 plus square foot house to a 500 square foot room.  I cut back in all areas of my life, not just possessions.
         A house does not make a home.  Sometimes God strips us of all that we consider important to remind us to make Him first and above all else.  It's not a pleasant process but a necessary one.  He will do whatever it takes to draw His children back to Him.  'He gives and takes away, my heart will choose to say, BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.'  Memories were made here, both good and bad, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
         Whether your own downsizing is caused by the economy or a storm, remember we are blessed beyond measure.  There is a difference between needs and wants.  God provides for all our needs and we are never truly without.

Lamentations 3; 19-24
''The thought of my suffering and homelessness
    is bitter beyond words.^]
 I will never forget this awful time,
    as I grieve over my loss.
 Yet I still dare to hope
    when I remember this:

 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
 Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

A Cheerful Heart

      There is only so much prescribed medicine can do for the body.  The soul suffers too during illness.  Doesn't the soul really feed the body in some ways?  If our hearts have a peace that endures, won't it carry us through the most difficult times?
       When I have been in the hospital, the visits from friends do as much to get me better as the next round of medicine.  It builds my desire to press on and focus my thoughts on getting back out there.  If you focus on the room, the IV, and the pain.... I believe it will drain you and take longer to get well.  Laughter is the best medicine.  It gets your blood pumping and your mind on other things.
        I encourage you to visit those who are going through hard times.  Don't just ask about the current problem but fill them with the joy and hope of tomorrow through a cheerful heart.

Take a Seat

     If you've ever been to a government office, this caption reflects the attitude that you'll receive from most of the workers there.  The Department of 'whatever' is often a waiting place for you to get the run around when your name is finally called.
     People want more government in their lives?  Do you want all your activities to need a permit or have regulations?  I know we used to go mudding in our jeeps but the areas allowed got smaller and smaller to grant such access to fun.
     How many of you out there avoid the emergency room because of the long waits?  If the government goes to socialized medicine, you can expect long waits for everything, not just emergency trips.  Countries who now have 'free' medical care, also have long waiting lists for surgeries.  How would you like to wait 6 months for a procedure you need now?
     This is just some food for thought until you cast your vote.  Remember as you wait in that long voting line, think to yourself.. 'Do I want my life run by the government on an even bigger scale?'

Bon Qui Qui Nite

1. 

      You might be thinking 'Bon What What??'  Well Bon Qui Qui is a character created by comedienne Anjelah Johnson.  BQQ is a ghetto blasting smartie pants that doesn't take any flack from anybody.  She worked at King Burger, where you can get your order your way but DON'T GO CRAZY.  If your order gets complicated, she will call SAC-CURITY.
       So here are the 14 of us who got together to show off our wannabe ghetto, world smacking selves. It was a fun night of enchiladas, junk food, and lots of laughs.  We watched a one hour standup routine and cracked up at all the true- isms that came up.
        That's about all I can share because what happens in da hood, stays in da hood.

Not Clearly Seen

       We often ask 'Why?' or 'What is going on?'  Our power went out this morning and I thought these very phrases.  After a few minutes, an ambulance and fire trucks raced down the street.  I therefore got a better picture of the problem and shifted my focus a little less off of my needs.
       Sometimes we can see later why something happened but not always.  We have to see that whether it is sorrow or joy that is brought to us, it has a purpose in refining us.  Our life's journey is not just a survival mission but one of transforming us into who we are meant to be in Christ.  We are sometimes called to do our part for the Kingdom and reject what our flesh would prefer.
       Our human nature tends to want to put our needs first but that's not what the Bible teaches.  My friend has a bracelet with 'THIRD' written on it.  She says it is a reminder to put God first, others second and yourself third.
       We each play a part in this whole world so when we shift our minds off just ourselves, we will more clearly see a bigger picture.  One day we will see the masterpiece of the Master in all its wonder.

Sneaks Up On You

     Okay so I haven't made that many biscuits in my life but I've made enough to know opening them scares me every time.  I know the 'POP' is coming but so is my jump reaction.  My friend and I were making cupcakes the other day when the icing canister wouldn't work.  Suddenly, it popped and we both jumped like we'd been shot thru the kitchen window.
      The shock of death is coming as well but we don't know when it will hit us.  Are you going to say, 'Wait, I wasn't ready?'  Are you terrified with anticipation?   There is no way to avoid the biscuit can of life from popping and saying it's over.  We need to be prepared and ready at any time to leave this world.  The can of life is hard and tough but after the pop there is a softness that awaits us.
       May you be prepared to jump for joy as the jack-in-the-box does, when your time is up on this earth.  It will be more fresh and satisfying than waking up to the smell of biscuits in the oven.

Way Back Wednesday-----Parasailing in Maui

   



      These are pictures from June 1994 in Maui.  My parents treated Marc and I to a 5 day all inclusive vacation to Maui.  Everyone should go to Hawaii at least once in their lifetime.
       We took 500 of our own money to pay for things we wanted to do while we were there.  I'd have to say this last full day of our vacation was one of the favorite days of my life.  We were in the hotel lobby and Marc said 'we can do anything you want today, it's your pick.'  Really, anything?  So I went over to the brochure case of activities and this brochure on parasailing caught my eye.  I hesitated because I knew Marc was not a fan of heights but he did say anything.  I took it over to him and he said okay without any fuss.
       We found the boat down by the ocean's marina area.  As we got out on the water, the butterflies in my stomach came alive.  There was no backing out now but we gladly let the other couple go first.  As I recall, you go up 750 feet in the air.  Whoa!  The picture of me above is before we took our turn, I have no idea what I looked like after... maybe as green as my shirt.  While we were up there flying like the birds, the seat tilted because of our weight differences.  It added a little to the fear factor but we quickly took in the moment and enjoyed our heavenly flight.  It was one of those things you wish you could do twice but it's too expensive.
      We did different adventures every day we were there and maybe future blogs will include them but parasailing topped them all.  I encourage you to set aside your fears and enjoy life's moments of adventure.

Not So Cool

     I don't know about you but in a mirrorless, unrecorded, videoless room, I think I'm pretty cool in my own mind.  Now if I see myself in a mirror, hear my own voice or watch a video of me dancing..... the awkward reality hits me.  I'm not so cool.  That's okay tho, as we need to be comfortable with who we are.  We weren't made from a cookie cutter so our strengths and weaknesses vary individually.  We should embrace our differences.
     As we studied James in our bible study last night, we are to humble ourselves.  ''God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  We may think we are 'all that' and more but it is in our best interest to kick ourselves off that pedestal.  Romans 12:3 ''For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.''
     I really don't like humbling moments.  They usually come in the form of a fall or some display of which I say 'I hope nobody saw that but me.'  They are necessary tho to keep us in check from being too proud.  Proverbs 16:18  ''Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.''

Built For God

^''For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.''         2 Timothy 1;7

     I have said before that we should all realize that we were made by God for God.  So when I read this caption it made me consider, 'Am I doing what I was built for?'  Or am I playing it safe with no real impact in other's lives?
     We can consider our use of spiritual gifts. Whatever yours may be.. if you don't use it, it will decay.  The more we use it, the better we will become at it.  We can't let our fear of failure drive our intended purposes away.
      We can also consider our ways in which we spread the gospel.  Yes, I am on the shy side in person with strangers but my boldness comes out behind the keyboard.  We don't all have to share in the same way but it is important to share your faith in some way.
      What shall we fear with God on our side?  Embarrassment or looking foolish is probably at the center of it but it all boils down to pride.  Be a bold witness without getting on a soapbox.


      From Matthew Henry commentary,  'God hath delivered us from the spirit of fear, and hath given us the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The spirit of power, or of courage and resolution to encounter difficulties and dangers;--the spirit of love to God, which will carry us through the opposition we may meet with..........the spirit of love to God will set us above the fear of man, and all the hurt that a man can do us;--and the spirit of a sound mind, or quietness of mind, a peaceable enjoyment of ourselves, for we are oftentimes discouraged in our way and work by the creatures of our own fancy and imagination, which a sober, solid, thinking mind would obviate, and would easily answer.'

Time Management

       I've become a time manager as my weakness in breathing has progressed.  Sure I used to work 8 hour days and be up and active the other 6 hours of a day.  Now a 3 hour break without air is considered an accomplishment.  I often have to choose activity A or B, not both.  A friend says, ''prior planning prevents poor performance.''  I can testify to that, in that if I don't rest before something I won't last as long as I want.  I have to prioritize my desired activities within my window of energy allotted to me.
       How long are you going to last?  Are you preparing now for eternity?  Our days are numbered and passing by at this very moment.  Are you managing your time wisely?
       We will reap what we sow so I hope you are using your time to plant seeds worth producing.  Invest your time into that which benefits both you and others.

Pray then Vote

     Here are some verses to pray with and consider before voting Nov. 6th.  Remember, you have no right to complain if you don't exercise your right to vote.  May our country turn back to God in all its ways and recognize our trust in Him.

II Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, will heal their land.  

Acts 17:30 - Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.
Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.
Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.
Psalm 125 - Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.
Psalm 86:14-17 - Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.
II Kings 13:16 - Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.
Daniel 2:20-22 - the Bible tells us that God sets up kings and God deposes kings.   God is in control.  
Luke 12:54-57 – Pray that God's man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.
Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.
Proverbs 1:5-6 - Pray that God's man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.
John 16:33 - Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.
Philippians 4:13 - Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.
Psalm 18:32-36 - Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; would guide him in battle (this election); and would sustain him and give him victory.
Hebrews 11:32-34 – Pray that God's man could, through faith, persevere and maintain his courage throughout this election.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – Pray that the Lord would empower and enable his man in any area of weakness.
Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 - Pray that the Lord would do something that would utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.  

Sharp Edges

     How easy is it for you to walk barefooted across a rocky parking lot?  I know kids do it but my feet are just not that tough.  The jagged, sharp edges just make me cringe at the thought of them poking in my skin.
     Sometimes life can be like a sharp edge that drives us into who we are to be.  We want that thorn removed but yet God says His grace is sufficient.  He uses our weaknesses to make us spiritually stronger.  I personally just have come to accept my weak traits without focusing my life around them the best I can.  I know there will come a day without any of them to bear.  What a glorious day that will be.
     Have you ever reached a point in life where you've tried and failed in all your efforts?  'What more can I do,' may have run thru your mind.  That is rock bottom.  The Rock of Ages is awaiting your awareness of Him for strength and all your needing at the time.  Our sense of helplessness is like a lighthouse light leading us to Him.
     When we hit the bottom, there is no where to go or look but up.

Discernment

     I can always tell when the litter box needs changed.  No, it doesn't take long before it overwhelms the room.  No one wants to linger in a stinky room.  Even my cats want a clean bathroom to go in.  Who can blame them, I want my bathroom clean too.
     Our minds should be as quick to discern what is right or not right to expose ourselves to.  False teaching should be like a bad smell to you as well.  Some preachers just do sermons on what sounds good or what they think people want to hear and avoid the subject of sin and repentance.
     The Holy Spirit is our discernment guide to a believer's conscience.  We get that feeling that this is wrong and it's up to us to follow that.  We must use the Word to confirm that we are in agreement with the direction God wants us to take.

Way Back Wednesday....Standing

     









     





       Haven't we all been on the long car ride or plane trip, where we couldn't wait to get out and stretch our legs?  Standing does so much for our circulation and muscles.  Ah, it feels so good to not be confined in one position for too long.
       As I can no longer stand on my own, I do have a standing machine that allows me to still have that ability.  Now, if I'd only use it regularly.
       There are more ways to stand than just physically.  'If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.'  We must stand firm in our faith regardless of the trials that come.  Plant your feet in the Word and you won't be blown over by the winds of life's storms.  Sometimes we need to stand down, which means to not intervene but to wait patiently.  That's a hard one for most of us because we want to fix the problem.  We also must stand up against ideas of cultural change that go against God's word.  Just because things are promoted on TV or in society in general does not make it permissible in the eyes of God.
       Winston Churchill said, ''You have enemies?  Good, that means you stood up for something, sometime in your life.''

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Luke 21:19
Stand firm, and you will win life

Neglect

     Okay, so I don't have a green thumb.  I like flowers and plants but I don't give them the daily attention they probably need.  I just know they are there then suddenly I'll notice a wilted, droopy look.  When did it last get watered...hmm, if I can't remember then it's probably past time.
     We often get busy in our own lives and neglect things and people.  ''I've just been too busy to ....''  If you're too busy to read your Bible daily, then you're busier than God intended you to be.  When we do this, we are neglecting ourselves of the soul's nourishment.  Your droopiness will appear in your attitude and fellowship.  We also get self absorbed and neglect those we should be helping or staying in touch with.  Whether near or far, it is important to maintain relationships with those we care about.  Facebook helps me stay connected with friends but even so I find myself being neglectful with them.
      Aren't you glad God is never neglectful?  'I will never forsake you.'  He cares for us in so many ways we don't even recognize.  He is the fountain from which all blessings flow.

The Child and the Path

     If you look at your own life's path, can you see how it has taught you things?  A mother of four recently told me her doctor once told her, 'let your child get hurt a little and they will learn to avoid doing that again.'  You can't catch every fall, nor are you supposed to.
     As this caption implies, we cannot put kids in a protective bubble from all the hurts of the world.  If you fight every battle for them, they'll never learn independence.  What you can do is equip them for the battles.
    How is that best done?  A godly example and teaching biblical principles.  Reading and explaining  the Proverbs is a good source of wisdom.  They say hindsight is 20/20 but how much clearer would decisions be made with foresighted wisdom.
    There are things that will jump into our paths unexpectedly but when we recognize that we never walk our paths alone, we are comforted with that knowledge.


   

Hand It Over

     I think this caption illustrates the point of letting our lives in every way be handed over to God.  We think we have things in control but then trials happen to remind us of our need for Him.
     How weak are our hands?  Mine are very weak.  We can wring our hands over distress and cry into our hands with sadness but it doesn't do any good.  His hands tho are mighty. Even the ocean won't go past the boundaries His hands have set.  'He's got the whole world in His hands', as the song says.
     How wise are we?  Hopefully, you are wise enough to know how little we know.  'His thoughts and ways are far beyond ours.'  If we would follow His lead then our paths in life would be so much smoother.  The book of Proverbs is a whole book on helping us get wisdom and showing us how to live wisely.
    How deep is your love?  Love on earth is often conditional and fleeting.  God loved us while we were still sinners and yet loved us enough to send His Son to save us from that sin.  I know I want my life in a secure, unconditional love.
    What can I give to you God when you've given me so much?  My life and all that it includes in it, the good and the bad I hand it over to You.

Accepting Others

     Is it part of human nature to surround ourselves with people just like us?  I think we often shy away from those that we consider 'different.'  I saw a headline for a news story the other day, 'What's the right thing to say to the disabled.'  Really?  Treating people based on what you see differently rather than just as another human being is the source of the problem.
     You may be different as the new kid in school or new in the workplace, therefore it kind of puts a target on your back to prove yourself as worthy to get to know.  It's not fair but that is how the world works.
     God doesn't show favoritism.  Rich or poor, high class or low class, well dressed or rags.  God considers our hearts for Him as the valuable part of us.  May we too not judge by appearance but check out the heart of a person first.
 
James 2:1 ''My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.''

Romans 2:11 ''For God does not show favoritism.''

Galatians 2:6  ''As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message.''

Adding all of the part of James 2 that I'm drawing from after seeing the first comment.......to clarify..

''My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.  Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”  have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?''

Too Small

     In this world, we can become overwhelmed and think what can I do that will really change anything?  Let me introduce you to a little fellow called the mosquito.  He is small but can kill you with malaria or west nile virus.  Or how often has a small baby's cry made a negative difference in your eating out experience?  We can swell up and look bad in front of others from both small sources.
     On the up side, how much does a dying plant perk up with just a little glass of water?  How much does one little compliment make your day seem special?  It doesn't take much to be an encouragement to a thirsty soul.
     When others see us and our actions, it leaves them with an impression--good or bad.  You are making a difference and it may seem small to you but big to others.  As we plant seeds of the Truth, we may not see it grow but it has to start somewhere so why not with you.
   

Way Back Wednesday-- A New Start

       








      This is on the beach in San Diego, 1991, shortly after getting married.  A picnic on the beach at sunset in California, could it be any better?  My hopes and dreams were coming true and my rose colored glasses saw nothing but good.  I was starting a new part of my life and yet 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' —Genesis 28:16
       When we become believers, we embark on our new lives in Christ.  We have a new outlook full of hope and a promise of eternity.  We must remember we are still sinners and trials will come.  The honeymoon ends and real life sets in.  Those trials shape us into who were meant to be in the transformation of ourselves into Christ's image.  They are not easy to endure but His grace is sufficient.
     From a friend, ''We are HIS and we must desire His plan and way for our lives.  Oh, what a warning this is to all of us to "be careful to do all that is written therein"--to obey God's directive for our lives.''  We must let go of our old self ways and start fresh in our born-again lives.  The Lord is with us all the way.
   

Crossroads

“Stop at the crossroads and look around.
    Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.
    But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!'' 
 Jeremiah 6;16






     ''God warns us against misguided desires, because sinful passions can lead to emptiness, suffering, disappointment, pain, and even death. Wise believers let the Father direct their yearnings--and then make changes if necessary.'' [intouch.org]

     Are you feeling run over?  Does the path you're on seem to be getting you no where?  We often make choices based just on what we want.  We may know the right thing to do but that might require more than we want to give of ourselves.
    Yes, it takes effort to get yourself to church on Sunday morning, when the bed feels so comfortable.  Yes, giving your tithe may require you to do without a few luxuries.  Yes, your time doing good deeds could be spent in other ways more to your liking.  Yes, it's not easy to stand firm and not follow peer pressure when you know it's wrong but don't see the immediate harm.
    Is the Cross calling you at a crossroad?  Whenever we start trying to convince ourselves that something wrong is okay, it's probably not the way to go.  The right way is always God's way.  As in this caption, the godly way is solid, firm and your way will lead to destruction.

Make A Wish?

     Have you ever made a dandelion wish?  Did you blow with all your might to blow all the fuzzy stuff off to ensure it would come true?  What you wish for says alot about you.  Are your wishes for others or for yourself?  Are they worldly or for spiritual gain?  Well you most likely did this as a kid so the wish was probably near sighted and personal.  How about our adult wishes through prayer tho?
     A friend asked me this weekend, 'if you were able to, would you go out now and use a chainsaw?'  I quickly said, 'No, these hands weren't made for a chainsaw.'  If I were to wish for my hands to do something, it would probably be to write again.  I used to have very good penmanship but it faded along with my grip.  I didn't realize how much we use a pen in every day life until my ability to do so was gone.  So I've traded my pen in for a keyboard and it seems to be more worthwhile, but I do still wish I had both.
     Nothing is too big or too small for you to ask for in prayer because God has the whole world in His hands.

Brr.. it's cold

    Yes I am cold and not adjusting to the cold snap very well.  It always hits like a slap in the face to me while others accept it like a long awaited hug.  This dog in the caption and I are on the same wavelength.  He buries himself in shredded cotton while I bury myself in my electric blanket on high.  Yes, I know in January I'll be wishing it was 47 degrees but I need an adjustment period to adapt to these temperatures.
     We all have to get used to new norms in life and it does take time.  Surround yourself with those that love you and your heart will stay warm.  God never leaves us out in the cold but is a shelter in the time of storms.

Disappointments

     We have all had our share of disappointments in life.  We have not only been let down by others but by ourselves as well.  I was having a bad day awhile back and my friend said, that's the trifecta of disappointments.  When things don't go our way or how we think it should, we are left feeling dissatisfied.
     Sometimes we anticipate disappointment because we doubt God's will to be what we want.  I've considered buying some burlap from a friend to make a dress out of for Nov. 7th...lol.  Seriously tho, we must trust and obey for there's no other way.  ''And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.''  Romans 8;28
      A couple of months ago, I felt like God was lining my ducks in a row for some bad, lonely days ahead.  As I tried to be patient, live life and have faith my world turned around to be so much better than it was.
     So remember just because you can't see the days ahead, God has them planned and provided for.

Way Back Wednesday--- My Mobile Phone

       This was my mobile phone way back when.  Yes, I had many conversations on it.  They were probably more important than some of those I hear now days, ha.
        Now I don't talk on the phone at all.  I say if you want to talk to me directly, send me an email or chat message.  Conversations are important, as we are meant to be social beings.  Sometimes it just lets us get things off our minds, it gives encouragement or just a listening ear.  It also helps keep us accountable.  'Ultimately the bond of all companionship is conversation.'
        'The real art to conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time but also to leave the wrong thing unsaid at the tempting moment.'  If that hit you with a punch, it did me too. [sigh]  We can't just blurt out what first may come thru our minds, filter it first.
       We also have to be careful with the conversations we have with ourselves.  We can convince ourselves of doing things thru our point of view and disregard the truth.  Manipulation works on others as well as ourselves.  Talking ourselves out of doing a good deed thru excuses is a prime example.
       May all your conversations be worthy of listening to.

FBF MISSIONARY PRAYER REQUESTS

FBF MISSIONARY PRAYER REQUESTS.......OCT 2012

TED AND PRISCILLA CLARK--

Pray for wisdom and the help needed to continue to carry out our book production and

printing ministry.  Pray that each piece of material produced would be used for the edification

of believers or the salvation of souls.  We need more help with translation work.  Pray for

the Lord’s provision there.

Pray that the Lord would open up the door again, if it is His will, for broadcasting

the gospel message over the radio.

BOBBY AND NAMATHA AVILEZ--

1.       Please pray for our kids health. Many are battling headaches, sore throats, vomiting, fever etc.

2.       Pray for our kids as they take end of semester exams this week.

PHILIP AND SANDRA PRIME--

Please pray as we travel to the US in mid October that the Lord would use us to share with our family in Bentonville, AR where we will spend about 4 days before heading to the Celebration at FBF.

Pray for the church here in Irapuato during our absence that the Lord would protect it and cause those in charge to grow spiritually and prepare them for future leadership.

LESLEY WOLFE--

1.        Literacy has gotten underway here in the village.  BK is teaching 3 semi-literate Glaro (2 women, one young man) on Thursday nights.  I am teaching the ‘advanced’ class which will be on Saturday and Sunday nights.  My class consists of three young men:  two former (2001) students who are needing a refresher course in not only reading, but especially writing Glaro, and Francis, who I began teaching earlier this year but who stopped coming.  There is to be a third class that I will also teach.  There are two illiterate young women interested in learning to read and write their mother tongue, but they are having trouble deciding upon a time to come and be taught.  It looks like it, too, will have to be a night.  This past Thursday BK and I and our 6 students met and got underway.  BK and his class were in my office with my kerosene lantern for light.  So that meant that my 3 students and I sat on my porch, each with a flashlight, reviewing early lessons in the primer. 

·         One of the things we’re up against, is that the Glaro under age 50 do not consider their language worth preserving.  When the younger generations are together, talking, and one of them wants to speak only in Glaro, that one is told, “Oh, speaking Glaro, that’s from the old days.”  (What’s ‘from the old days’ is reading by the light of a kerosene lantern!!!  Certainly not them speaking/preserving their mother tongue!!)  So, that, among other things, doesn’t give the majority much motivation to attend literacy classes.

·         Another thing we’re up against is that the Glaro rarely see such things, such as a literacy programs, through to completion.

·         And one more thing we’re up against is that for literacy to ‘take off’ among the Glaro – for it to become indigenized here in Beoue -- is that they have to take ownership of the literacy program.

BUT, literacy has begun!  And one very POSITIVE THING is that the main motivation for 7 out of the 8 students is that they want to learn their mother tongue because they want to be able to read God’s Word.  Six of the eight are church people, one is a Catholic, and one has no interest in religion.

2.       Please pray for Takes Off Shoes, a precious 6-year old who is dear to my heart.  We are reading through Genesis together, the Glaro translation of course!  We recently read of the woman’s listening to the snake, and the she and the man eating the fruit they were told not to eat, and the shame and hiding and fear and passing the buck that resulted because of their disobedience to God.  So, that’s where we are as of this writing.  Pray for this little one.  He is tracking and understanding.  I even had the opportunity recently to apply the woman’s listening to the snake and disobeying God to a situation in his young life the other morning, and he understood what I was saying to him.  So, thanks for your prayers for those involved in the literacy program and for Shoes!!!

MARTIN AND HANSY TUOHY

1. Town square evangelism on Oct. 12th and 26th. May this become a regular ministry that the others at the church will continue while we are gone.

2. Preparations to leaving for MX (6 month trip) on Nov. 7th.

 

The 3 P's, Please

     If we could remember these 3 P's, how much more could be done?  I can tell you the opposite of these does not get you anywhere.
     BE POSITIVE.  I'd rather a person remain silent than to speak negative.  A positive word builds you up with encouragement, but a negative word robs your spirit.  'You can't have a positive life with a negative attitude.'
     BE PATIENT.  The world does not work or run on your time table.  Just hold your horses, already.  'Faith in God includes faith in His timing.'  When you doubt it's ever going to happen, you're doubting His faithfulness.
     BE PERSISTENT.  [not a codeword for nag, just sayin]  We must never give up on doing good.  We must pray without ceasing.  We must finish the race strong.  We must continue the good fight.  Giving up should not be an option to what is important to you.

Bless You

     Yes, I know you are out there reading, even if I don't know you personally or you haven't told me you read my blog or you have told me.  I want my lil words of thoughts to touch hearts all over and reach as far as it can.  Sometimes people think my blog post was written specific to them but that's not the case.  I try to write about subjects that many, if not all, can relate to.
      It's funny how I sometimes find out somebody is a reader of my blog.  Today, I met with a new helper/friend and found out she has been reading.  That kind of news blesses me.
      So I hope you are feeling blessed today, as I certainly am, and will rejoice in it.

In the Hardest Moments, Pray

     We've all had those difficult moments when we just felt out of options on what to do.  It might be a health crisis, a financial burden, a smackdown urge, or a sudden loss.  What do I do now?  The answer is to pray in those helpless moments.  As our minds race to figure out how we can fix the problem, God waits for you to turn to Him.  Often our bodies react with painful symptoms, like a panic attack or a stomach ache, that point out our inability to handle it alone.
      Prayer provides a peace when we turn our burdens over.  Prayer humbles our spirits and shows us our dependence on Him.  One day, all will bow before the Lord.
      In our bible study, I learned James is sometimes referred to as 'camel knees.'  His devotion to prayer made his knees look knobby and worn like those of a camel.  When life gives you more than you can stand, do you kneel?
      I understand that praying may not be your first go-to option in stressful moments to think of but it is always available so keep it close to your heart and mind list of resources.

The Quieter

     Well this caption is true for me and my voice.  People often say to me when they come to my place, 'I can hear you so much better here.'  I tell them, it's because it is quieter here.  There are no distractions or background noise.
      I think this is true also for hearing God's word speak to us.  Devotional time is our quiet time with Him.  A time to shut the world out and meditate on His voice.  I know I need total silence and no distractions during my bible reading.  Otherwise, I read it without comprehension.  We also need to shut out our own mindful thoughts to truly hear Him.  I don't know if the monks vow of silence really works because no one knows but God how quiet their minds are.
      May we use our ears twice as much as our mouths, as that was the ratio given to us.

Way Back Wednesday--- Taking It With You

   
    A question often asked is 'if the house was on fire, what would you take?'  Well this is me at age 4, falling asleep with my do not forget box of cornflakes as I wait to go camping.  My thoughts were probably, 'I don't know where we are going but I will have something that I like to eat with me.'  At this age, I could fall asleep anywhere so a pillow or blanket was of no concern but food was high priority.
    Do you have prized possessions here on earth?  Is your wealth stored up without sharing it with those in need?  Whatever you have cannot be taken with you to heaven.  We can hold onto it tight but that does not lead to righteousness.  We are to share what we are blessed with and then we will be blessed as well.
   At age 4, I didn't know that God provides food for the sparrows and cares for me even more.  How little of the big picture do we see, when we try to take care of our needs ourselves.  Really, how long could a box of cereal last?
   So what should you pack for heaven?  A soul that loves God with all your heart and mind... that's enough.

Want to Change Yourself?

“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.
    Does a clay pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying,
    ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’
Does the pot exclaim,
    ‘How clumsy can you be?’  Isaiah 45;9


      Do you ever feel like you want to change yourself?  Too short, too tall, too skinny, too fat?  Too whatever and not enough of something else?  The verse above reminds us to not question but to be thankful for exactly how He made each of us.  The chihuahua above apparently thought he needed more hair than God gave him on his little head.  It's a funny picture but reminds me of pictures of people after plastic surgery sometimes.  I think, oh yea that is not what God intended.
      Personally, I could question my small size.  I've weighed the same since 8th grade.  I think the people who have to lift me now are just grateful that I don't weigh more.  Even tho I can see a purpose in my weight issue [which isn't really an issue with me], I must see all my short-comings in the same way.. with purpose.  
      Be proud of who you are and how you were made.  Some of us have brains while others have brawn, but we all have beauty.

On the Road to......

 
    My parents have had their trike for 2 years now and Saturday I decided I was ready for a ride.  I had never even been on it before.  Well it didn't take more than just getting on it to know this wasn't for me.  It just wasn't comfortable to me.  So my ride ended before it began.
     Is your path directed by God or are you stuck in one spot of indecision?  Psalm 16:11  ''You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.''  Job 24:13  ''There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay in its paths.''  There is a sense of freedom riding so openly on a motorcycle, as is there, a freedom in living a life in  Christ.
    Each of our lives is a journey to somewhere, do you know where you're headed?  Are you on the chosen path to a dead-end or to an eternal home?

Parched

     Today, I went to church without putting on my lipstick.  My lips felt drier the more I thought about it.  I think now that it's not so hot, it's safe to keep some emergency lipstick in my purse.  Do you know that feeling of dry and without?
     The verse above was from my daily Bible reading today also.  It reminds us that if we ask the Lord then He will answer our pleas.  There are so many people thirsty for the River of Life and yet all they see are the oasis giving false hope and disappointment.  We are all needy for His Word but we must seek it.  Just like dehydration affects our whole body's ability to function so does doing without the Word.
    They say you should drink before you feel thirsty because if you wait, you are already dehydrated.  Seek the Living Water and you will never thirst again.

Don't Miss It

1 Corinthians 2;9  ''“What no eye has seen,

    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”--

    the things God has prepared for those who love him''

    When we say 'I wouldn't have missed it for the world', we are expressing how much something means to us.  We are stating that it is a priority above everything else.  We would forgo any other pull at our hearts to be there.

     Is that how you feel about heaven?  Is it important enough to you to pass on worldly pleasures that are temporary for the eternal gain?  First, you have to believe in a heaven that is promised but yet unseen at the moment.  Secondly, you have to make heaven a goal that is worth obtaining in your life.  Thirdly, you must trust in His promises beyond your own understanding.

     This world is not our home, we are just passing through.  If you've never been to Antartica, how do you know it is for real?  You've been told and believe it to be true.  Heaven, without pictures, is the same way.  We've been told about it in the Bible, but we have to trust in our belief in it to not miss it for this world.

     John 3;16-17 ''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.''

Humble?

''You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride
 than when you think you are humble enough.''


      What does 'being humble' mean to you?  Humble is not to think less of yourself but to think of yourself less.  We often think we deserve better than what we get.  We often think we are owed or entitled to what we want.  We can compare ourselves, as X is to Y, and come up with reasons why our X is greater than our Y neighbor.  Our inflated egos need to be popped like a balloon.  We need to recognize the struggles of others before our own.
       'Be humble before the Lord and He will make you great.'  James 4;10  ''For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”  Luke 14;11
       When we step aside our desires for the sake of others, we exhibit a humble spirit.  Is there really a humble enough state of being?  No, we can never do too much good in this world.  You might say I've given all I can give and that might be true.  So, give in another way or area of yourself.
      My friend had a booth this summer at the farmer's market called 'The Humble Crumb.'  I thought that was a clever name and describes what we should be.. a humble crumb of the Big Cookie.  Even when we feel broken and apart from Him, we should look just like a part of Him in our own small way.

Not Needed

     On the news the other night, I heard that Walt Disney World is going to begin serving alcohol at one of their restaurants in the park.  Is that really needed?  I think adding alcohol is an invitation to trouble into 'the happiest place on earth.'  There will always be people who abuse privileges so why make it an option?  Their reasoning is that the alcohol will complement the French cuisine at the restaurant.  I say so will water or a coke.
     The Bible tells us that what goes into us doesn't defile us but what comes from our mouths does.  So I'm not a tee-totaler when it comes to alcohol.  It does say tho not to do anything that would tempt another's weakness.  So I just think that if Disney opens the gate to alcohol in one area, that it will spread and the temptation will as well.
     'The happiest place on earth' should be a kid-centered, protected place and not a bar for adults.  Alcohol doesn't make the world more interesting.

Way Back Wednesday-- Things Change

   









      These are pictures from 2004? when Charlene and I went to Cancun, MX by ourselves.  We stayed at an all inclusive resort right on the beach in downtown Cancun.
       Times have really changed in the past 8 years.  Back then, we had no real fear of danger being in Mexico. We went one night walking around the downtown area till after 10pm.  You can see how dark it is from the pictures.  There was no thought of kidnappers or drug thugs on our minds, just fun.  Now the threat of danger in Mexico keeps us from even going there to vacation.
       My health has also changed over the past eight years.  While we were down there, Charlene went parasailing from off of a boat by herself.  I stayed back at the resort alone to watch and thought nothing about it.  My health now would not let me feel at ease enough to be left alone for that long.
       One thing that hasn't changed is our friendship.  We are as strong as ever as friends despite whatever hardships or obstacles that we encounter in this life.  We've had some memorable moments over the years and hopefully more to come.
       Cherish the people in your life, friends or family, because memories are priceless.

Choosing Sides

     Well I've never been on a jury but I can guarantee you that I would not be the one to cause a hung jury.  I can make a decision.  Too many people are fence sitters and can't choose a side.  You might call it being politically correct or just being wishy-washy.  'If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.'
     This post was sparked by a video tribute I watched honoring Ronald Reagan.  He said, 'We should be cautious about saying God is on our side but instead we should consider whether we are on His side?'  There is a lot of truth in that.  Are the words and actions of our lives building or tearing down the Kingdom?  Are your values firm or easily swayed?  Right is right even if nobody does it and wrong is still wrong even if everybody does it.
     Joshua 24:15  ''But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
    Mark 3:24-25  '' If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.''
    May you be firm in your faith and convictions and not be tossed about in the cultural winds of society.