David Livingstone

Reading David Livingstone's story did not interest me much. However, what I found interesting was he realized that he needed to travel into the deepest parts of Africa to develop trade. Africans could receive goods to help eliminate slavery, and also so they could hear the gospel.

What does strike me about David, is that he did not have much success in the way many people would think. His converts were few and yet he did what God led him to do. Eventually his faithful work opened trade routes never opened before and his story was told around the world. He is perhaps one of the most famous missionaries of all time.

Never doubt God. When you feel as if you are not making a difference: think of David. He simply obeyed and let God deal with what seemed like failure. God instead made it great success. He delights in making greatness in apparent failures.

Spiritual Fog

Outside of my window it is foggy, very foggy. On one hand that makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I was raised in a community of lots of fog so it reminds me of my childhood. On the other hand it is cold enclosing and hard to drive.

Right now I feel like my spiritual life is in a fog also. I am not reading anything which is really feeding me. I am not learning anything that challenges me; and I feel as if God is far, far away. But just like this fog will burn off, so will my indifference if I continue to stay the course.

That is where faith comes in I believe. We chose to remain with God, seek His face and press forward. Then when His loves shines through it seems so welcome and bright.

My Window

This is the view outside of my office window. Today I realized it has the potienital to be a lovely view with some work. I never realized before what a blessing my window view can be. That is because my window looked out on weeds and a messy yard when we moved in.

Now we have cleaned out the weeds and are starting to work on planting shrubs, bulbs and other things in our yard. I am excited to see how my yard will eventually turn out and I look with anticipation at the finished product.

I believe it is the same way with God. When we come to Him he starts the work of cleaning our hearts. In time we become lovely under his care. I love seeing God's hands in a project; because He is an artist.

Unexpected Lives

This is my son. He is a miracle. He was adopted from being abandon and I was told he would never live on his own or keep a job. He does both now. I am proud of him, and he has gone beyond many expectations.

I think it is the same with God and his children. When others see us as not being able to accomplish much- God sees great things. He pours his love on us and our lives are changed into something unexpected of man. With God all things are possible.

Thanksgiving Love

I had a most wonderful thanksgiving. I was with my family and friends, and it was a great time. I had so many "warm and fuzzy" feelings. It was a good thing. But, our pastor shared with us that domestic violence was at a high on that day.

When we are counting our blessings we also need to remember to pray for those that are hurting. Loving God means, loving others.

Humbled Thanks.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I realized I have so much to be thankful for in my life. I have a wonderful husband, loving family and many friends. I am blessed. The previous day I was with a group of people which have hardly anything. They are disabled and some homeless: yet, when we talked I was touched as they shared the many things they were thankful for in their lives. The thing which stood out to me more than anything was their faith. Almost everyone in that group of about 25 said they we so thankful for a loving God.

I am humbled when the broken hearted find God. He still seems to walk with the true broken hearted.

Resting in God

Today I tried to do something good for someone and it backfired. I felt upset and frustrated. I left feeling sad that maybe I had accidentially hurt someone, when I was trying to do the right thing. That is when we really need to turn things over to God. He reads our hearts. He knows too what our real intentions are. So when things go wrong we can rest in his judgement.

Cherished Phone Calls

Recently my phone has been ringing off of the hook. Call after call from people which are really hurting. Sometimes when the phone is ringing I let it ring. I am worn out with the cares of others. It is not that I don't care, it is that I need some time to rest and pray.

However, those calls touch my heart. I realize there are lots of hurting people around me. Jesus reached out to the untouchable. For many He was the last hope in a hopeless life. And it was His care that changed them when no one else cared at all. Sometimes I feel worn out with the calls; but I am humbled that He uses my hands and heart to do His work. It is the truly broken which God's care is the most cherished. I pray to be balanced. Care and rest; that's the way Jesus did it: caring and loving.

Friends

I have been trying to change an area of my life. I have not been able to make the strides I had hoped and that really frustrated me so I decided to ask my friend to pray for me I and I would pray for her as she tries to change an area in her life. God is good.

Yesterday I fell hard in my attempt to reach my goal. I was terribly discouraged and decided that I would call my friend. Just talking with her put my feet back on the ground and I was able to get back on track.

I believe that is the purpose of Christian fellowship. We are to work together helping each other and picking each other up in times of frustration. I am glad for both friends and God.

Ugly Doll

On my desk is sitting a doll with no clothes, no hair and a grim look. She is naked and unprotected. I found her in a junk bin in one of the worst times in my life. I was hopeless and grabbed her to remind myself of how I felt. I hung her by her throat and painted a black bleeding heart on her chest. Pretty dim!

Today, she is sitting on my desk because she is going through surgery. I am going to make her a dress, give her hair and fill her with love. When she is done she will be a symbol to me of what God can do. He gave me life, as I will give this little doll. But, I never want to forget my doll. I must always remember that others also feel lost, naked and alone. As a Christian I reach out a hand of kindness. I can take the time to listen and I can share the love of God.

Lieutenant Colonel Martin

Lieutenant Colonel P. Martin. During a battle of the South against the North in the
Civil war L. Martin saw that his enemies were about to be burned to death as a fire caught from the shootings. Most colonels would see this as a great opportunity to claim a victory; but Lieutenant Martin jumped from his horse and grabbed the white flag of surrender. His heart of compassion drove him to save men from burning to death.

May I follow his example. When I am may have pleasure at an others suffering, may I surrender my will and goals for the humanity of man. That is exactly what Jesus did. He gave up heaven to live with man.

Pray for Rain.

Georgia is praying for rain, let's join our brothers and sister which took a bold stand for faith. They are trusting and waiting. God bless leadership which boldly claims God. Let us also pray that this community receives the blessing of rains of the Holy Spirit as they set a public witness of faith. Pray for them. Pray for us; that we took can move in faith and stand firm.

House Cleaning

How's it look in here? If you want to know how I am feeling just look at my house. It is the monitor of my insides. If I am depressed, over committed or just "out there" it will show in my house. I sort of "forget it" and don't even notice the major neglect. Then when I am out of my depression and on track I see all the things that need attention. Right now my house is not horrid but certainly not impressive either. It is a monitor of my life. Nervous about bills, wondering if my daughter is marrying the right person..on and on.

The other day I realized that I need to face all the issues carrying me in feelings of fear, frustration and indecision. Look honestly at why and what I am doing then make the changes. Today I have started making those changes. My desk is looking better. I am on schedule and feel good about the day.

Jesus says that he stands at the door knocking and wants to come in our lives. Sometimes we are afraid to open the door, "MY I CAN'T LET JESUS SEE THIS!". So we hide and little changes. It is when we finally open the door, invite Jesus inside that the miracles happen. He works with us for some major house cleaning.

Just Right!

The lights were shutting down, the speaker announced the store was closing but my excitement was up. I had just finished my Christmas shopping; and this year I feel confident that everyone on my list is really getting something they want.

I had so much fun picking out exactly what I thought each person would delight at receiving. The gift is not that important but to know that every person got the gift I am sure he or she will want just tickled me to death. It was fun picking everything out. It was fun knowing they would not be disappointed. It was fun having my cart full of gifts for someone else.

I think Jesus feels the same way. He is so busy in heaven making plans for us. He just can't wait to have us living with him. Then the home designed for us will be all finished. I can imagine his joy at knowing everything is just right.

Walking in Circles

I think I have a better understanding of the Israelites which walked for forty years. I seem to be doing the same thing in many areas of my life. I gain; but then fall back. I want to accomplish many things but I let myself get distracted with life. Too many phone calls, not enough focus. I say I want one thing but then don't follow through. I think God must get worn out watching me go over the same path day after day. I make a commitment but then I don't do what I say I will do. What is the problem? Is it I don't believe myself? Maybe I feel I can't really do what I set my mind to do, or maybe I am afraid. Am I afraid of things in my life and that fear keeps me from setting realistic goals. I am wondering in life now.

The Israelites did finally make it out of the wilderness. God kept walking with them, and he will keep walking with me as well. Not until the truly trusted God could do what he said he would do did they finally claim what God had given them. I hope I can also claim what God gives me; faith in him.

Let's Just Share

We met as friends to paint a building for another friend. I enjoyed the laughter, the unselfish attitude and the great calorie burn of the work: but what did I love the most? Fellowship. As a Christian fellowship should be what it was today, working together to help someone else. And then when work is done, enjoying having been there.

The bible tells us of to come together as brothers and sisters of Christ. Let's enjoy each other, sharing burdens and sharing faith.

Dennis the Menace

Dennis the Menace anyone? Well, tonight we had the privilage of previewing the movie Dennis the Menace Christmas. While I felt the movie was pridicatable and prehaps not all that realistic; I would say go see the movie! It was clean, wholesome and set out the values that really matter: kindness, friendship and care for those around you. If you have children under age 10 this would be a great movie as a gift or fun family adventure. I am a pretty conservative grandmother, and I think it would be lots of fun to cuddle with my grand daughter and watch this movie.

Thank you Hollywood for a clean, and wholesome movie!

God is in Control

Recently I have noticed a wonderful thing. I am at rest. I don't worry like I used to and I can sit with comfort knowing God is in control. That is a blessing! Thank you Jesus, for this peace.

Watching The Pain

My friend is getting ready to make a very bad decision. It is something I have lots of experience with and I have talked with her a lot about it. But, she is determined to go ahead with her choice. I cringe at the pain she will be bringing on herself. All I can do is wait until it is over to comfort her.

Watching my friend I feel lots of pain. I hurt for her, but my hands are tied. This has helped me understand God's position with me. I wonder how many, many times he has asked me to wait and trust in him. Yet, I go bull headed into my own troubles. He too, waits to catch me and love me.

God Loves Them All

I had a women in my car tonight who really babbled, looked terribly afraid and basically I had very little idea of what she was saying. She has ruined her mind on drugs. As I dropped her off at her home, I wondered who's little girl she has been. What mother has lost her little girl to the horrors of drugs. My heart filled with compassion for this woman which has lost her life to her addiction.

I long for the day when Jesus makes all people whole again. That will be a day of celebration. For God loves all people.

Wanna Dance.

I had a dream yesterday. My friends joined me in a field of grass, but we were all little girls. We joined together over a fun tea party. We decided to ask Jesus to come to our party. He was a little boy our age, five; but we knew he was God. Each of us brought Jesus a child's gift. One girl brought him a pretty cape she had made. Another girl gave him a stick. I brought flowers.

Then Jesus watched us and gave us gifts. One friend received a blanket of comfort. Another friend received a pet to love. But Jesus gave me nothing. I felt hurt. "Jesus, don't I get anything?"

Jesus smiled and his eyes twinkled. "Wanna dance?" He threw open his arms, and we joined hands as children. We danced over the fields. We were forgotten from all troubles and cares. Together we shared laughter, smiles and a feeling of total unity. I was so happy. Then I realized Jesus had given me the greatest gift: himself.

Today Jesus spreads his arms to me too. He asks, "Wanna dance?" And waits to see if I will dance with joy with him.

Picture of Joy

My daughter sent me pictures lately. She looked so happy and I glowed inside: yes, I am a proud parent- to the core. I get happy just seeing her pictures. It is the same with God. He beams with joy having us in his family.

That's my baby! One of the greatest gifts God has given me!

A Child's Faith

One of the youth in our church wanted to share his faith. He was excited and ran to ask his dad for literature to pass out on Halloween. Isn't that the most wonderful thing? When our kids want to share the love of God.

I respect both the child and his dad. That faith was caught from his dad. His dad loves God, and the child sees it as a good thing. I wish we all can be parents with kids on fire for God. I pray for this boy to continue to love God. We need our children and their faith. We need Godly parents.

Just Sharing

Someone shared a very personal thing with me lately. I was surprised this person opened up as she did. As soon as she shared with me she got embarrassed, ashamed and wanted to run. What my friend does not know is that I simply appreciated the friendship so much more. To know she trusted me so much opened my heart. I do not judge her. I respect her for being honest and caring enough to share with me.

I imagine it is the same with God. He loves when we open our hearts to him, while what we say my embarrass us: God is not ashamed. He just loves that we honor him with our inner heart.

RRRRRRR! I was busy grumbling to my husband. Our church was trying to help a ministry which is struggling and we had a work bee. Well, my husband and I have attended MANY work bee's and I just resented having more time going away while I had so many project. Grudging I went to the car: to paint. That was a double insult because we own rental houses and I have done more than my share of painting as well.



But, once I was there we had a ball. I am not surprised. Our friends were there also, giving up their time. We laughed, poked fun at others, our work or whatever. A friend treated us to pizza and when we were done it was a bonding day, day of laughs and money could not buy the happiness we all shared.



I think that is what happens in true Christian fellowship. God pulls us together. He laughs with us and we are able to share with those around us. God tells us to hang out together with fellow believers. Together we can pick each other up.