One Pair of Hands

    

     When I look at my own hands, I see and feel how weak they are. How foolish it is to rely on their strength in sickness and in health. The One who created these hands with His own two hands is stronger than anything.  His hands made everything in this world.  It is one creative masterpiece that we get to enjoy and marvel at.  As the song above says, he formed the mountains to the rivers to the moon in the sky.  That one pair of hands has the power to heal and provide for all of our needs. Those precious hands also suffered thru the piercing of nails on the cross for us. What a promise we have from His hands to resurrect us after our physical death here on this earth.  All that His hands have done, are doing and will do is out of His deep love for us.

     So why wouldn't you put your faith into such powerful, creative, loving hands?  God's got the whole world in His hands.  Put your whole heart into His one pair of hands.

Don't Shoot

Psalm 56:3-4  When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

     Have you ever been held at gunpoint by the police?  Hopefully not but I have. When I read this verse, I think mortal man could have made a mistake and shot me.  I trust tho that God's hand of protection was over me then and now.

     So I'm sure you are curious as to what the heck I was doing. Well while living in Dallas newly married, we couldn't afford a monthly car payment. I don't remember how we found this guy but he arranged an agreement to lease our car to another couple.  They would take over the payments but we would still own it.  The lease said they couldn't take it outside of Texas.  Somehow we found out they had moved to Louisiana. So in the dark of the night, unannounced, we drove to Lousiana and drove the car back. We didn't want a confrontation so we didn't tell the other couple what we were doing.  Everything seemed to go fine.  Until the next day, when we were on our way to the store.  If you're familiar with the cloverleaf exit in front of Six Flags, that's where we got pulled over.  It was unbelievable to say the least!!!  2 cops cars and rifles pointed  at us.  Over the megaphone they said, 'Put your hands on your head.'  Thankfully I was stronger at this point in my life but I was still afraid my right arm would slip off my head and they'd shoot me.  They had Marc get out with his hands in the air then cuffed him.  He told them I couldn't get out like that.  The car had been reported stolen but he explained the situation and that the lease agreement was in the glove compartment.  So a police officer came to my side of the car to look for it.  He asked me if there were any weapons in the car?  Well I didn't want to get caught in a lie and I knew we had a pistol-looking beebe gun in one of our identical cars but I couldn't remember if it was in the green one or the red one.  So I said, 'I don't know.'  We got hauled off to the police station for a couple of hours where we got it all straightened out.  No charges but they gave us a strong suggestion of talking to the people next time.

     Aren't we thankful for God's protection throughout all of our lives?  Yes because no one is numb from being young and dumb.

    

Fear

   

   Do you ever not do something because of reasons that you think might happen?  We can always find an excuse not to do something but that's kind of a pessimistic view of things.
       I've never been on what most of you would call a 'diet' but I do have to avoid things that I know will make me cough.  Milk, nuts, lettuce, and the list goes on.  Well last night, my dad and I went to Jason's Deli for dinner. I've been there a few times in the past few months. I've wanted but denied myself the chicken pot pie each time I went because I was afraid it would make me cough. Last night, I just went for it and ordered it.  It was fantastic and didn't make me cough.  I'm sure it tasted better than usual because I had wanted it for so long. So since my will power of denial had left the building, I decided to push my limits with their free ice cream.  Two bites and I knew it was time to call it quits.
     Fear can prevent you from some of the good things in life.  Fear of groups can hinder your fellowship with others, fear of being alone can prevent quiet time with God, or fear of judgement by your peers can hinder you sharing your testimony freely.  Let unjust fear be a warning, not a total barricade.  ''Fear not, says the Lord, for I am with you.''

Chemistry

       Two semesters of Organic Chemistry at UCA just about did me in but I made it through it. It was one of those classes that separated the dedicated from the weak.  At the start of the semester, there were probably 90 students or more, then in about a month there were the die-hard 40 left.  My professor was Dr.Rapp and he was great.  I spent alot of time in his office and the lab.  The lab..ugh.  Four hours would be my average time in there.  No lab partners and we had to journal our experiments.  It took foreverrrrrrrrrrr.  I'd come home to my rented room, throw my backpack down and watch Thirtysomething to unwind every week after that lab.
      Chemistry is a funny thing.  Do you have people in your life that you've clicked with since the moment you met?  I do and I can't explain it, except some sort of chemistry.  I think it's pretty cool and tho rare, I love when it happens.
      Chemical reactions are fascinating to watch.  To think tho that a chemical reaction could somehow create the universe, 'the big bang theory,' is ridiculous. Its just a man-made attempt to understand what only our Creator knows and made.  Genesis 1;1 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'  Faith takes care of the things we can't explain so let's focus on what makes up that...
Jesus + the cross + your heart

1 Corinthians 3;18-20   'Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”, and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
1 Corinthians 13;12   'For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.'

Watch Out

    Instead of  ''Houston, we have a problem,'' I have to say ''NLR, we have a problem.''  Yes, its that serious.  3 Flamingos on JFK has closed its doors without warning. The tables and machines are all gone, you can see if you peek in the window. I would have stocked up if I'd had any notice at all.  My favorite is birthday cake yogurt with spiced apple running at a close second.  Yes, I've tried a few other yogurt shops but none compares to 3 Flamingos. [I could break out in song with 'nothing compares to you' by sinead o'conner..lol..but I won't.]  Not knowing if they're moving or totally calling it quits is the hard part.  I can be patient if I know how long it'll be.
    Isn't that how our patience usually is? We want a timeline for everything. We can estimate how long something will usually take but go beyond that and we're ready to swing a bat at somebody.  My doctor's office has a sign 'Patients please have patience.'  As we wait without knowing, help us to know and remember God's timing is perfect in all things.

FBF Prayer Requests for December

FBF Missionary Prayer Requests for December


Bobby and Namatha Avilez

1.       Pray for the preparations for our Christmas Outreach on December 23^rd. We usually have around 400 people. Pray that the Gospel Message will be presented clearly and boldly!

2.       Pray that, whether it’s House of Hope staff or House of Hope children, the glory of God would be the motivation for whatever we do.

Phillip and Sandra Prime

1. Please continue to pray for Juan and Karina. They have been very faithful to all the church events. It seems that they are truly hungry for the Word. Pray for their salvation.
2. Please pray for the monthly hospital outreach. Many are attending and putting into practice what we are learning in our evangelistic class: The Way of the Master.

Bill and Treva Turpin-- Bethany Farm Camp and Retreat Center here in SW Iowa has several needs:

 

to finish siding and roofing the new boy's bunkhouse before the snow flies

Bible studies and 1 on 1 discipleship for our many new believers, both youth and adults

to begin a new Christ-centered Grief Share program here at Bethany

 

Ted and Priscilla Clark

We will be putting on our Christmas presentation at the camp for large crowds these two middle weekends in December.  Please pray with us for many unsaved people, whose hearts the Lord has prepared, to attend the presentations.

Please continue to pray that the Lord would give great wisdom to the authorities in this country, who are trying to combat the violence.  Pray for an increased ability in authorities at all levels to resist corruption, to be courageous, and to have a zeal for justice.  Pray that the Lord would powerfully intervene to thwart and confuse and frustrate the plans of evil men.  Pray for the Lord’s powerful protection upon us and other missionaries across the country.

Martin and Hansy Tuohy

1. More steady job situation come January. We'll need the extra income then and working as a sub trashman may not be enough.

2. Evangelistic efforts (passed out the movie "180" in the neighborhood, waiting for response)

Monica Sernatinger

Juanita. She is teaching three different evangelistic Bible studies to her relatives, and a bible study for young women to three teenage girls, and several young married women. Please pray for wisdom for her and perseverance from these precious ladies.

Coral, a divorced young mother of one, has gotten engaged to a non-believer. As a church, we have been encouraging her to leave this relationship. Please, pray for her repentance. Also, please pray for Luz and Chalio, that they would return to Christ. Lately they have been showing interest in Him.

Leslie Wolfe

It’s true that a new chief was appointed, but it’s believed that another elder is actually the one in charge and/or calling the shots.  The 6 elders (who are all from the same clan) are divided (fractured would be a better word), and it’s interesting where the divide (fracture) comes --- 3 are ‘church people’ and 3 are animists.  Two of the ‘church people’ are same ma/pa brothers and are united, and the 3 animists (who include the new chief and the one really in power) are together, and the odd man out, who is also a church person, is B.K., who says that he’s not taken up sides.  Last week under the cover of darkness I was advised by a ‘son’ of mine (whose father is the supposed one in charge) to remember that I am a foreigner here (anyone living in the village who is not Glaro is a foreigner) and that as a foreigner and a woman I should keep my mouth shut (not that I’ve ever played a role in village decision making!!!).  I was also told that the former chief, who died in September, had planned (boasted?) to oust me from the village when I returned.  Well, he’s dead, and my ‘son’ told me that no one else among the elders is my ‘enemy’ and wants me to leave.  So, it’s life as usual, kind of, here in the village!   So…

1)      Pray for me as I just go about my work on a daily basis; and as I’ve been reading in Psalms, trusting in and praising the Lord as I do, while living uprightly and doing good to all. 

2)      Pray that the division among the elders, who are all closely related and family, will be healed so that they will be reconciled and able to govern the village with wisdom and unity.

Glow Worms

     We all know a few glow worms.  They jump out of bed all perky and raring to go on any given day. That is NOT me. Its wishful thinking but don't hold your breath. I need time and after 10am is good..lol.  Even tho I drove like a wild woman to get to work, I did enjoy that 20min to myself to get my mood and self together.  Some people need a cup of coffee before they can face the world. A friend of mine's mother used to always wake her up in a Mary Poppins kind of voice with ''good morning, good morning, good morning to you.''  My friend asked ''why is it good? just say morning.''  I second that..ha.
     If we can't glow at all hours, we should at least glow as much as we can.  Another friend always starts his prayers off with ''thank you Lord, for another day of life.''  I bet that's how glow worms start their days.. with a grateful heart.

HaHa

     I often wear my air mask in the car. I'll see something funny but it has passed by before I can share it with anyone.  This happened Fri night on the way to IHOP at 10pm..lol.  Have you seen the billboard on 67/167 for Panera Bread?  It advertises their chicken stew with a DRY biscuit?  Seriously, a dry biscuit is not going to lure me in. I think even I can make one of those.  I just laughed to myself as we drove by.
     The mask gives me alot of alone time to think.  It is good to recall different memories just for yourself.   I don't think we stop and remember enough of our lives. We are so busy planning for tomorrow that we get lost in it and dont appreciate our yesterdays.  ''Its not the number of breaths we take, but the number of moments that take our breath away.''

New Life

     This blog is dedicated to my friend's younger brother, Weldon Lewis IV, aka Jr.  He fought a hard battle for over 12yrs after a car accident but went to be with the Lord on Nov 24th at age 35.  Jr. was always a kind, friendly, outgoing, smart young man. I can remember him and his sister trying to teach me how to  throw the basketball 'granny style' in front of their house. Jr seemed to always be surrounded by friends whether playing video games or just hanging out.  He will truly be missed by his family and friends.  As the caption tries to describe tho, he is now enjoying a world like never before in a new body with Christ. How wonderful for him to do all that he wants to now. We will never meet this side of heaven but we can meet him someday on that beautiful shore.  Until then, we can be thankful for the time we shared and cherish those memories.  May Jr's life and death create a closer relationship with you and the Lord.

Midnight Shopping

     So my dad took me to Kohl's at midnight for some crazy shopping.  You wouldn't believe how many people there were out there in that 40 degree weather.  My dad asked me before we even parked on the outskirts of the lot, if I still wanted to go. YES.  I figured by the time we parked and got out, that the line would be gone and everyone in the store. Wrong, two lines with only one moving.  Let me stop here and preface this by saying.. I know Ive spoke of putting others first but in crowds like these, you're on your own buddy...lol.  Actually I was on the receiving end of that kind of grace. A lady and a family in front of her told us we could go in with them, even after the cop told me to go to the end of the line.  So I was happy to join their group.  We went in and shopped about an hour.  As I was trying to look near the petite section, there were all these people standing there. I asked, 'what are they doing?'  It was the line to checkout all the way back there.  I just kept shopping till I inadvertanly wound up back in the front of the store.  Well, much to my surprise I saw a checkout register with only two people that were together standing at it . How cool is that? So I got right up there. I thought she must have just opened the register or those people in that long line are just following the crowd and not looking. I just chalked it up as a blessing because I was running out of air.  After I checked out, my dad said 'you know you cut in line just then.'  What?  He said there was a worker directing people from that long line into the four registers. Well, I never saw them.  There is an advantage to a scooter with a low vantage point...lol.  Well I didn't buy the store out but it was fun shopping with a couple of bonuses that made it faster and easier. 
     If you're wondering if I went shopping on Black Friday during the day, no I didn't.  Think I'm crazy?  lol I'm waiting for Cyber Monday........haha.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

My top 10 reasons to be thankful...........

1.  For my Savior who is always there for me in every way every day.
2.  For my mom and dad
3.  For all my friends
4.  For Tiger, Tux, and Jack
5.  For the past year of renewed strength and testing of faith and trust
6.  For the promises and hope that lies ahead
7.  For the past which is what made me who I am today
8.  For each answered prayer
9.  For living in a country that is free
10.  For each new day that is granted, healthy or sick, to blog about how God is using me for His glory.

Thankful

     Okay let's face it, this is what most of us are going to look like or at least feel like tomorrow.  There is more food left but you're jam packed.  How blessed are we to have a kitchen full of food at our fingertips. After going to two grocery stores looking for a young chicken fryer and finding them both sold out, I wondered if more families were having chicken instead of turkey this year?  With the cost of Thanksgiving dinner in all aspects going up and the number of people without jobs, it could be.  People want to preserve the holiday tradition but must adapt within their budget. That's okay, its not about 'what' you're eating but who and what you have to be thankful for. The Compassion Center is feeding the homeless and needy all weekend at the fairgrounds. I'm sure with the economy the way it is, there will be more people there seeking a hot meal to celebrate Thanksgiving.  The location that you stop and acknowledge what you're grateful for is also unimportant. God looks at our hearts not at the fluff.
     Whatever you're having and wherever you're at, give thanks to The One who provides for all your needs.  We have much to be grateful for.

Who's There?

    Last night on the news, they had a segment on whether your dog would really react and protect your property against a burglar.  The conclusion was that most family dogs don't have the fighting disposition but that their bark is usually enough to scare off a prowler.
    This reminded me of the time we took Girlfriend to see my grandmother at the nursing home. The door to her room was shut as we were visiting and there was a knock at the door. Girlfriend barked, pretty loud I must say..lol.  We opened the door and no one was there?  When we started to leave, an aide said someone had told her we had a big dog. She said 'where is it?'  We pointed to 5 pound Girlfriend in my dad's arms.  ''That's the big dog?''  She laughed and said well she sure scared the other aide.
     Another time David and I took Girlfriend to see his mother in the nursing home. David told Girlfriend she had to be quiet before we went in.  While we were there, she needed to go out.  She made the softest, lil bark you've ever heard. We thought it was pretty cute.
     We can learn a lesson from Girlfriend. There's a time to bark loud and a time to bark soft.  Our bark is controllable, if we want to.

Renew Their Strength

     This time last year I missed out on all but one of the fun holiday activities. I wasn't strong enough to go for long periods of time.  Over the past year, the Lord has renewed alot of my strength.  I am 'soaring on wings like an eagle' as I do my best to attend all the church events and fellowship with fellow believers.  Some people may take for granted the privilege of going to everything. As I look around this year, several friends of mine are struggling with health issues.  With so much to do and things to go to, its not the best time to be sick.  So speaking from experience to those of you not feeling up to snuff, put your hope in Him and you will get through this. Yes, it takes more patience than you think you have but He will give you all you need.  His grace is sufficient.

Just Thinkin'

     To me this squirrel looks like he's thinking. ''Now where, oh where, did I store those nuts for this winter?''  I often hide presents during the year and then when the occasion for it arrives, I've forgotten not only where I put it but the gift itself. I found a birthday gift just the other day that will now be a Christmas gift..lol.
     Have you ever gone to the store to find and replace your favorite lipstick or hair color and they no longer have it?  Yea, the company has now come up with the 'new and improved' version.  It's never the same.  I think they do this so you have to buy more than one to find the closest match.  I found out the other day, the company that makes my breathing mask is discontinuing it...aghhh!  I've tried umpteen number of masks and this is 'the only' one that comfortably fits my face and doesn't leak too bad.  So do I trust that God will provide for what I truly need?  Yes!  How has it been proven to me already?  My local medical supplier has stock piled a two year supply of masks and parts for me. The respiratory therapist even said they have a shelf saying 'Do not touch. For Angie Bridger.'  ha
    Whatever you need in your life, God will provide.  You may not know ahead of time, like I did in this case, but that's where trust in Him comes in.

Being There

    If you could see the future but still be in the present, would you want to?  It's a tough question. I think we'd wanna see the good but not necessarily the bad.  Doctor's offices can often be the setting for this dilemna.  Alot of people avoid the doctor entirely just to avoid knowing anything. Just come what may.
    Friends of mine recently got an unwanted glimpse of what's to come. Its scary and overwhelming. Knowing though can help you prepare and handle things better.  It can also help you know if there is anything to delay or improve matters.  No matter what comes their way, their trust is in the Lord and their hope is in Him.
     It is comforting tho to have a friend just to be there by your side. Whether you talk or not, the presence of someone lets you know they're available to your needs.  There's no friend like Jesus, but we can be a comforting friend in our own way.

Desperation

     Okay, so with all the heavy rain we had earlier this week and more to come next week, I thought I'd share a little memory.  We lived in Stuttgart, AR when I was in 2nd thru 4th grade. My elementary school was across the street from our house and my dad's office was diagonal to our house.  I was a latch-key kid part of that time after school.  Well one day that was a gully washer, I either forgot my key or lost it but I was locked out.  My 50 pound, soaking wet self decided to walk to my dad's office.  The rain was coming down in sheets and the wind was so hard, it turned my umbrella wrong side out. [I knew exactly how Dorothy of The Wiz of Oz felt.] I kept truckin' along.  About 3/4th's of the way there, a UPS man stopped to offer me a ride.  I knew better than to take a ride from a stranger, even tho I was pretty desperate. I said, 'no, I'm just going right there', as I pointed to the office.  He was nice and walked with me there to make sure I made it safely.
    Desperation can make us question what we know is the right thing to do.  Don't fall for it.  Whether it takes extra patience in waiting or a lil more effort on your part, don't risk danger by taking the easy route. Follow your gut and do what's right.

Others First

     Putting the needs of others before our own is a way of showing grace and kindness. It will make you feel good too.  I visited a friend yesterday who recently had a baby and has been cooped up for a while.  I certainly know how that feels,[the cooped up part..lol], and the good feeling that a little company brings.  Yes, it was pouring down with rain yesterday and her house is not the easiest to get into for me.  I gladly did it for her and the rewards for me were joy-filled.
     If you question doing something for someone that may take a lil extra effort, ask yourself  'would you want them to do it for you?'  Giving someone a ride, giving to the love offering, or visiting someone in the nursing home are just a few examples of doing your part to sacrifice a little of you for someone else.
    The ultimate grace was shown to us when God sent His Son to save us from sin.  If we truly want to be like Him, then we will think and act with grace by putting others before ourselves.

I'm Stuck, Now What?

     Have you ever gotten yourself stuck and had to wait for help?  It's an uncomfortable place to be in.  We are so used to being independent of help from others. 'Need some help? No, I got it.'  Pride is often a barrier to our acceptance of help. If someone is kind enough to offer help, shouldn't you be gracious enough to accept it?
     One time when I lived in the duplex in Springfield, I let my dog out without a leash. She went where I couldn't see her so I got off the sidewalk onto the grass.  It was cold with a little snow on the ground.  I called Brandi to come on and then realized my scooter was now stuck.  Brandi kept peaking out the door as if to say 'aren't you coming?'  So there I sat, cold without a coat. Pray and wait were my only options. My prayer was answered rather quickly when a neighbor came home and pushed my scooter out of the mud.
     They say ''when all you have left is God, you realize thats enough.''  Ask and you will receive, if its His will.  How many ways does God have to tell us that He is there for us, on our side and able to provide for all our needs. We have to talk with Him daily tho.  Prayer is our life line for help in all areas of our lives, not just when we're stuck.

The Difference

     Sure I like to have things but I could do without them if I had to.  I think of people who will stand in line for hours in inclement weather for the newest iPhone but would they help out someone in need for thirty minutes? I'll let them answer that.  Some try to show their love to others by buying them things but their time spent with them would mean so much more.
     Some people will pretend to love you, just to use your things. It's important to share what God has blessed us each with but time will show you if you're being used.  Friendship is a two-way street, not one-way.
    Black Friday is coming up next week and I'm all for shopping for bargains. Just remember to show people they are loved with more ways than purchased things. Time can't be packaged or bought, yet its more valuable than gold.