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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.

Georgie

     This is Georgie. I had her from 2001-2008. I lived in Walnut Grove, MO and had a cocker spaniel, Brandi, at the time. We had never had any strays come to the house until this one two week period in late July. A stray dog came first and Brandi ran it off. About a week later, a little kitten came. Brandi didnt seem to mind it at all. The kitten would even walk under Brandi's belly. The kitten ran in the house a couple of times and ate the dog food. I was trying not to get attached because I was moving home soon. About two weeks later, Brandi passed away unexpectantly during surgery. After that, I took the kitten in and made her mine.
     I believe God gives us what we need in just the right timing. It comforted me to know Brandi approved of her. She was definetely a blessing.

Natural Disasters

     I thought since the east coast is bracing for Hurricane Irene right now, that I'd talk about natural disasters. I thankfully have never been in one. Three years ago, a tornado struck our neighborhood to the south and southeast of us. My dad, Charlene and I had left for Canton, TX earlier that day. My mom stayed home due to a funeral. As the storm hit that night, she huddled under the stairwell in the basement PRAYING. The storm did pass but caused a lot of damage near us. The damage ended at our property line. That's about as close as you want to get, if you want to get close at all. We had no damage at all. God's protection is priceless. The picture above is just an example of the destruction in our surrounding neighborhood.
     The world has had many natural disasters in recent years. Haiti's earthquake, Japan's earthquake, US flooding, US midwest tornadoes and more. They say its new and more prevalant but it isn't. God has allowed disasters to teach people, punish people and to draw people to Him for centuries. Whether you're enjoying a sunny day or scared in a hurricane, cling to Him the most. My Protector and Strong Tower.

Psalm 63:8(NIV)
⁸ I cling to you;
   your right hand upholds me.

Easy Paths

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

     I think there are a lot of people in today's world looking for a free ride. They want things given to them on a silver platter. The idea of working hard and not giving up till you get the job or whatever it is you want is becoming an 'old school' idea. I hear of young adults giving up or being depressed because life isn't as easy as they thought. Welcome to real life, my friend. Success is achieved, not given out. When you earn it, you'll appreciate it more.
     God will give you the grace and His strength if you trust in Him and His plan for you. Self-reliance is a recipe for failure. Go out there and achieve your goals...even when its not easy.

I do not ask for easy paths
Along life’s winding roads,
But for the promised grace and strength
To carry all its loads. —Meadows

Theft

 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.  Ephesians 4;28

     This week there have been two terrible cases of burglary here in Sherwood. One on Sunday in which a woman, who is still missing, was broken into at home. The suspects were caught by using her credit cards but her fate is still unknown. Today a burglar broke into a police officer's home and his foolish ways cost him his life.
     Why do people think they can take what is not theirs? Laziness, arrogance, greed, wickedness...just to name a few reasons. This verse tells us that we are to use what God has physically given us to provide for our needs and wants. If you can't afford it, then you either work for it or you do without. This verse also recognizes that people do fall on hard times through no fault of their own and need help. We shouldn't just spend it or save it all for ourselves, give to others who need a hand. Sharing is caring.
     I like both the movie and concept 'Pay It Forward.'  The idea is if you help two people and those two each help two, equalling four people and so on. If we all worked and all shared as we should, wouldn't the world be a lil better?
    

Rods

     A friend of mine has a grandaughter who is undergoing back surgery today. She is only about 6 yrs old. They are putting a titanium rod in to help correct her scoliosis. Pray for her today, her name is Angela too.
     I can sympathize with her because I too had scoliosis and back surgery. The summer between 9th and 10th grade, I went to the Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, KY to have two rods fused to my spine to straighten it. I only remember bits and pieces of that time, which is a blessing. I recall the fear of the pre-op blood work and subsequently passing out. I remember reassuring my dad pre-surgery that I was going to be fine no matter what. I remember waking up in the recovery or ICU area? and banging the side rail for some pain medicine, not quietly either. My parents came in to see me and I was awake long enough to know they were there. [Later I saw the picture they took of me, scary is an understatement.] Have you seen Shirley McClaine in 'Terms of Endearment' screaming at nurses to give her daughter pain medicine? Well my mom didn't scream but there was a close reenactment of that scene at some point during my stay. I can't recall if I was there 1 or 2 weeks. We borrowed a friend's full size van to drive home because I had to lay flat. My dad and somebody carried me on a sheet into the house. That summer was one full of recovery and rehab. My surgery was a success and have had no problems since. Mercy and grace carried me thru it.
     I don't know what God's plan for Angela is today but I know He has one, and its for her good.

Determined

     Have you ever been so determined to do something that you ignore the obstacles in your path? Sometimes it's good to press on but other times you need discernment to recognize maybe this isn't a good idea. I've done both, been the striver and the foolish. Here's a lil story with examples of both.
     In the summer of 2001, Toby Keith came to the fair in Springfield, Mo. I was a huge TK fan then. Admission to the fair, 5 bucks or so, included free concerts. So I anxiously awaited TK's concert and told a friend's son that I would take him too. Well the day came and I went to work that day. I was so sick with a 101 fever, ugh. I worked all day and forgot to go by the bank on the way home. All I could think of was laying down when I got home. I realized our lack of money/cash situation after I got home so I had my friend raid my childhood piggy bank, lol. We had two ziploc bags of change, one to get in and one for food. Okay, a few more minutes of rest. I usually hang my purse on my scooter but I hung it on a chair while I went to the bathroom. We left. After about 20 min of driving, I realized I forgot my purse with the ziploc bags in it. Are you kidding me? We are in town now so with no identification or anything, I went to my bank to get some money. Amazingly, they gave it to me. We now go get in the long, never-ending line of traffic into the fairgrounds. We get to a cop that made us turn left with everyone else, despite saying we needed handicapped parking. We get to the next cop who says we have to turn and go back. Refusing to go back, I saw two parking spaces together and said we can park there. I double-parked because of the ramp, despite the cop's disapproval. We got out and hurried to the concert to get seats. Handicapped seating does have a few perks. We got front row seats and had a good time. Yes, I was sick the next 3 days.
     I don't recommend pushing God's protection to the limits like this. Use discernment when the roadblocks enter your path in life.   

To Do List

     The video above is from Toby Keith called 'My List', if you get this blog by email and don't see the video.. let me know and go to the link http://youtu.be/GTLF76zLxYA .
     Work, errands, chores... they're all on our 'to do lists' in our daily lives. This song reminds us to take time, yes make time, for the really important things in life. Family time, relaxation time, friend time, prayer time and just quiet time. Its one thing to provide for your family but don't make them pay for it. Whoever is in your life needs to know that your time is not too much to ask of you and is available.
     Start living, should be the next thing on your list. It's time. Go make a memory.

Distracted

     We all get distracted, from what we are supposed to be doing, at times. We lose our focus. Just this week, a dump truck driver got distracted by a spider and forgot to lower the hoist in back. He crashed into a skybridge. I can't say a word on that. I got distracted by some guys while cruising in Levy once. They were saying something as I was looking back, then 'WHAM', I hit the car in front of me. In hindsight, I think they were saying 'watch out'..lol.
     I am more focused on driving now that I can't. My dr's office has a form with the question 'do you fall asleep as a passenger in a car?' NEVER..lol. I'm glad its my right arm thats weakest because I often hit the driver with my left arm when they're distracted or I think they are..lol.
     Stay focused out there but let God be your primary focus in everything.