December 31-2010 Book

We have now completed chapter 12 of our book called "2010". What is written in your book? We each have a story. Life was different for each of us, at least we each have had a personal experience in each chapter.

The focal point for me was that even though suffering is very hard, it is also good for me. Times of suffering is when we pray more, and draw closer to God. Another important factor is that I can trust God no matter what! He is faithful and right. He is good.

Romans 8:28 "ALL things work for good to those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose."

All things, meaning all things. So what we may think is bad, God will turn it to good. We need to learn what God calls good.

Happy New Year to all!! Praying God gives you many blessings in this next year.

God bless you

December 30-Our Anchor

Each day I ask God what I should share. We only have 1 day left of 2010. Many people are hoping 2011 will bring a change from 2010. This has been a difficult year, not only for us, but for many others. People have lost homes, family members, lost good health, a wayward child, and the list goes on. But in all this, we can trust God.

Hebrews 6:19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil..."

I am starting to read the book by David Jeremiah, When Your World Falls Apart. This verse is in the forward. Our hope in Jesus is our anchor. Actually it is the only anchor in this fallen world. Hope is God is sure and steadfast. This anchor does not move! What a comfort this brings.

This morning when I heard the news of the 4.2 earthquake in Indiana, I was shocked. This was where my mother and sister and her husband live. There was a lot of flash memories. There was no damage, but the houses shook a lot.

We need this anchor as never before. This world will pass away. But God's word NEVER! He will be true.

God is Good.

God bless you.

December 29-My Mind on Him

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You."

Toys picked up, grandkids in bed, and the house is quiet. This verse came to mind. Perfect peace. How often my mind is not resting in perfect peace. Worry. Oh no!! That is when my mind is not on Jesus. My mind has wandered to the cares of the day. I'm usually wondering how everything will be completed in time. I don't know why I do this. If I keep my mind on Him, then everything will get done that needs doing.

The question is—have I done all that needs to be accomplished this year? What was on my "schedule" that God didn't put there? A long time ago a pastor said "If we say we don't have enough time to do all God's work then we are doing things that God didn't call us to do." That sums it up. All God's work is important, but I can't do it all. My mind must be fixed on Him then peace will come.

I would remind you that there are great blessings in keeping our mind on Him and doing the work of the Lord!!

God is so good.

God bless you

December 28-Enjoy the Quiet

This has been a long difficult year for so many people. So many hurting hearts. So many tired. Tonight I feel "brain tired." So much to do and so little energy to accomplish it.

But God....yes, God has not forgotten us. He is walking right along with us, well He leads the way. I'm picturing the sheep by the still water, with green grass and a Shepherd who cares for His sheep. He leads them where they need to be. Many times He wants to lead us to the still waters but we have so much "to do" we just don't have time to enjoy the quiet.

The Christmas rush is past. Breathe deep. Enjoy the quiet. Let the New Year flow in with peace and calm. Let's praise God as this year draws to a close, and reach forth with joy to start the New Year.

The most comforting words to me right now are "The Lord is my shepherd." He truly is. He has everything I need.

We are blessed. Share it with someone.

God bless you.

December 27-New Year Resolution

Today I talked to Patrick! Great blessing and so good.

Cholera is in the villages. But a very interesting thing...the village about 3 hours walking distance from Mayette has it. About 2 weeks ago 5 people had died. Then it started in the village of Daryol. This is an hour walk from Mayette. One person died there. THEN cholera skipped Mayette and started in a village about a 15 minute walk from Mayette!! All the people in Mayette are using charcoal on a daily basis. Mayette has a strong church in the village also.

For those of you who don't know, charcoal is has many medicinal values, one of which it works as a magnet to draw out bacteria. It is great for diarrhea. This is a blessing, as the clinic did not have enough medicine to treat all the patients.

If you are contemplating on a New Year resolution, how about this:

"See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18

God bless you

December 26-Christmas is Past

I was so blessed this morning in the service when Pastor Carl reminded us how each event before and after the birth of Christ was right on time to the exact moment. How is it that Simeon was at the temple at the moment when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple for dedication. Was it happen chance? Absolutely not!

Now with Christmas past, it is time to reflect on the year and look forward to a new year. This year, 2010, has been a very difficult one for many people. What have I learned through this year? Has it drawn me closer to the Lord, or pulled me away?

As I reflect on the year, my first thought it "How did I get through the year?" With the quake, doctors, learning how to walk, and learning to live a new normal. The only answer I have is if it weren't for the grace of God, it would never have been possible.

Pray for Patrick in Haiti. Pray for us as we continue to search housing in Miami.

God bless you

December 24-Who is a Friend?

Hebrews 1:3 says that the Son is the radiance of His Father's glory. That is a powerful statement, and we are to radiate the light of Jesus to the world.

During the holiday season we see many decorative lights, beautiful lights. Growing up we never had lights neither a tree. That didn't stop us from having a wonderful, fun-filled Christmas. Presents were meager, but we were happy.

Today a friend brought me a gift—a musical glass globe with an angel inside. Beautiful. The script on the base was "A friend is one who takes your hand and touches your heart." That is a friend. I love my friends. You touch my heart. Thank you for making this a special Christmas.

Jesus did that for me. He took my hand and touched my heart. He is my best friend.

Have a blessed Christmas.

God bless you

December 23-Give the Best Gift

The holiday is upon us now. I am sitting here remembering Christmases past. When Rachel and Agape were small, we encouraged them every Christmas to go through their toys and share a toy with someone that has none. We lived in Haiti, and Christmas wasn't a big holiday. But Rachel especially loved Christmas and loved to give. It was always interesting to see what toys they chose to give away. Many times they chose more than one, and they chose the child they wanted to give their gift to.

One year Rachel came to me and had her doll that her grandma had given her several years prior. This is a special doll, it was from her grandma. When she told me she is giving it to someone, I tried to convince her that there must be another gift she could choose. But she was determined. I heard a still small voice, "Don't quench the giving spirit of a child." I was ashamed. She had chosen her best toy. Sacrificial giving.

God's gift to us was His best! Christmas blessings to all.

God bless you

December 22-Unculteral Christmas

Only 3 more days before Christmas. Are we counting? I wonder if Mary was counting until her baby would be born. Was she wondering if she would have a "normal" delivery since her the inception of her pregnancy wasn't "normal". She knew her baby was the Messiah. I can't even imagine what those 9 months would have been like.

Then came the night in the barn with the animals. And soon after the smelly shepherds off the fields who received the baby announcement. Everything about Jesus birth was out of cultural context. Yet it was so according to prophesy. I am sure Mary had to change her way of thinking just a bit.

So this Christmas don't feel like you need to be celebrating according to culture. Jesus truly is the reason for celebrating. Not the tree, presents, table full of food. It is all about Jesus. Without His coming there would be no true celebration.

Share the best gift—JESUS.

God bless you

December 20-A timely Word

The Word of God, the Bible, is a most precious gift. I remember many years ago in Haiti, when the village I was working in received the first pages of the Bible in their own language—Creole. It wasn't even a whole book, just a few pages. It was like a million dollars to them. Is this such a precious gift to me?

It's amazing that I can read it many times and yet every time I read there is something new. God is just like that. He gives us His Word for the moment. How blessed we are.

Today the Word is praising. Praising Him in all things. Praising Him when the pain doesn't stop. His Word is filled with verses of praise. Today would be that sacrifice of praise. That praise that doesn't come easy. But God provided a couple dear friends with whom I had lunch. A diversion of pain.

What is your favorite verse?

Your word came to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and many others. Praise the Lord for His Word.

God bless you.

December 18-Not so Silent Night

When we read the story of Jesus' birth, there are many aspects of it that makes me wonder how it really was. What was Mary really thinking when the angel approached her with this ministry of birthing the Lord? Then the song Silent Night. The writer of that song must have had another experience for that song, and it not being the night of the Savior's birth. The town of Bethlehem was anything but silent and calm. Can you imagine a town so full of people there is no hotel space, and only a barn left for Mary and Joseph?

When there is an event in the village in Haiti and people ride in on their donkeys, it is not quiet. Donkeys are braying. Everyone is talking and trying to find a spot to sleep.

Then there are the gifts the magi brought probably months later, as the Bible says they came to the house and saw the child. What did Mary think when she saw the gifts? She surely knew what the gifts were normally used for: frankincense was used to give sweet odor in the court of the Tabernacle for sin offering.

Myrrh was used for embalming before burial. Wouldn't a mother think this a strange gift at the worship of her baby?

Then gold—used as gifts for royalty. And it was used in the decor of the temple that Solomon built.

These gifts told the story of Jesus' life. Did Mary remember these gifts as he suffered for the sins of the people? Did she remember when they took the spices for burial? Did she remember the gold when He ascended into Heaven?

God bless you

December 17-Ability to Think, A Gift

I better do this while it is still "today" because in 15 minutes it will be tomorrow.

I'm just thinking...that is a gift—the ability to think. How many people are not able to do so, at least not to think clearly. Minds are ruined with drugs and sin. In Romans chapter 1, we see where God gives us over to reprobate minds when we refuse to thank Him and repent of our sins.

Thinking is a wonderful gift. Let's use it for God's glory. Thinking is where dreams begin, where Praise comes from, where decisions are made, and the list goes on. Isn't it wonderful that God did not make us robots!!

I'm thinking of all my friends, my family and how truly blessed I am!! I love you all.

I'm also thinking about the verses I read this morning in Isaiah 50:8 (?) where God speaks of men lighting their own torch. The result of that lighting is to be on a bed of suffering. What I reflected on was He wants to light our torch, He wants to be our light, our guide. He will shine that torch on the right path.

What have you been thinking of today?

Have a wonderful weekend. God bless you.

December 16-A Call

Tonight our gift is a call.

Jeremiah 33:3 "Call on me in prayer and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious things which you still do not know about."

Patrick called this evening from Haiti. It was so good hearing from him. Even though he hasn't been gone long, it was still good to hear his voice.

God gives us the gift to call on Him. Not only may we call on Him, He promises to answer us. This is more than a phone call. This is a prayer. Perhaps our cell phones are used more often than our prayers.

I am so thankful that I can call on God night or day. He is waiting with open ears and arms to receive me. He doesn't put me on hold (well sometimes it seems like it). There isn't a texting message, except for the Bible. Not a voice mail, or just not answering because He checks who it is, sees it is me again, so conveniently hangs up.

No, He hears our prayers and our calls. He answers. He loves us.

God bless you

December 15-God's Faithfulness

Patrick is now in Haiti. Tomorrow (today) I will be fitted for my permanent prosthesis. I am so ready!!

Sleep is eluding me. One of those nights when my brain won't stop, I mean I don't want it to stop, but take a rest would be nice.

God's faithfulness is the gift for today. We can count on His faithfulness. But can He count on me? No,without Him I can do nothing, There is so much on my "plate" right now and no energy to accomplish it. I guess because I have no way to accomplish what "I think" needs to happen.

Exodus 14:13-14 "Do not fear! Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord that he will provide for you today; for the Egyptians that you see today you will never, ever see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you can be still.”

This is what I need today. Stand firm..see what God will do. So many times I get in the way of God's plan...thinking He needs my help. God is fighting for me. I see a battle raging. I don't see the outcome, except I know God has promised victory.

If you are in the midst of a battle, stand still. God is fighting for you too.

God is faithful! He can be trusted.

God bless you.

December 14-Today is His Gift to Me

Eleven days until Christmas. Each day is a gift God gives us. What we do with that gift is our responsibility. God leads us in the way. Each day we have the privilege of living that day for God's glory.

Today I didn't do so well. I really wanted to have more energy, a better leg to walk on so that I could help Patrick prepare for Haiti. This morning there were no suitcases packed yet (that's been my job for years), errands to run and he left for Miami this afternoon. I did help pack suitcases but not without pain. He helped as well. Together we accomplished the job.

The bright side is that I can walk, I am not using my walker, and I am not living in a tent. But you see, satan would have me concentrate on the painful side of life instead of on the Lord.

Pray for Patrick. Pray for protection against cholera. Pray the violence won't start again.

Thank God for your "today".

God bless you

December 12-He Gives Me Rest

So tired...physically, mentally, emotionally. It is at these moments when everything seems to be going the wrong direction. Satan is there to offer discouragement, disappointment, anything to get my eyes off Jesus. Meetings tomorrow, Patrick to Haiti on Wed. Casting for the permanent prosthesis on Thurs. Trying to find housing for our move to Miami. And this is Christmas season? I'm really not complaining, I'm just saying...

But Jesus calls me unto Him with the promise He will give me rest. I can nestle in His arms and relax. I can trust Him to take all my cares upon Him. Knowing this, brings comfort and confidence that yes, all will be well even if I don't see it yet.

The offered gift today is rest. In this season of busyness, preparing for the holidays, rest seems to elude most people. Shopping, baking, festivities, family, programs, and the list goes on. So fun, so much joy. Even in this, we need rest.

Jesus says, to come to Him and He will give us rest. Take that gift and enjoy it!! There is no better rest than in Jesus. I see that gift wrapped with His arms!!

God bless you

December 11-Patience

This month is passing quickly. Or so it seems. There are still the same hours in a day and the same minutes in an hour. What will it be like when we are not scheduled to time? That is the reason we get impatient with God. We think He is on the same time as we are, and He is not limited to time. He works on a total different schedule than you and I.

So that is a gift...patience...we just have a difficult time putting it into practice. God has given us to the ability to have patience, so we have this gift which we really feel incapable of using, yet it is available. Maybe patience is like that gift you receive and yet really don't like. So you put it in a corner and forget about it. Every once in a while you look at it and shake your head, wondering why in the world someone thought you needed it.

Well God is different. He knows we need patience. He knows we don't like it, but also knows as He gives us trials and we start using it, we will eventually realize the value of patience...patience with joy that is.

God bless you

December 10-A Forever Friend

Today our gift is friends.

John 15:15 "I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father."

Many of us love investing time in friends. We love to share heart issues (especially us ladies). And secrets! Oh how difficult to keep secrets from our best friends. It is fun to surprise our friends with gifts. I love to meet and make new friends. Not replace old one. I love my faithful friends from years gone by. But am always excited to add another to my list.

Jesus said we are His friends. How do we know that? Because He has shared the Father's heart with us. Everything we need to know for life is written in His love letter to us...The Bible. How wonderful. The greatest thing about this love letter is that every time I read it, I find something new.

We have a forever friend. He will keep our secrets, show us the way and bless us more than we can imagine!! What more could we want in a friend!!

God bless you

December 9-Peace

I just finished reading a news post about the destruction in Haiti because of the presidential election. When I see Haiti in such an upheaval, being destroyed by tire burning, rock throwing and killing each other, it is most difficult to think of Christmas holidays. What a contrast!!

Isn't that the contrast—light versus the darkness. There is so much darkness all around. We are the only light the world sees. Let's shine that light this Christmas season.

I've been trying to remember how we celebrated last year. I cannot remember it, except I think we had a dinner for the first time in our newly painted dining room with a new (for us, but used and beautiful that Patrick had found downtown) table and chairs for the dining room. But only a few short weeks after that it was all destroyed in the quake.

Peace, yes that is the gift for tonight. Peace. When all around us there is unrest, we have Peace! Thank you Lord

God bless you

December 8-Christmas Spending

Today I have been paying bills. Then I was thinking...this month people probably spend more than any other time of year. We spend with what we don't have. At the end of the month, if not before, a sizable debt is accrued on credit cards. The bills come, and Holiday spirit is gone.

I don't mean to crush the holiday spirit, But we are commanded to do all for His glory. I am reminded of an incident many years ago in Haiti. But one I haven't forgotten. Patrick wasn't home, and someone knocked at the gate. When I opened the gate, a lady tried her best to convince me that we had met and I knew her. I began to feel quite foolish that I couldn't remember her. Then she proceeds to tell me this awful experience that is going on in her family. She was desperate. I didn't have money to help her, but felt so badly for her. I called a good friend, told him the story, and he said if I have money I can take from another fund he would replace it for me. So I did.

When Patrick returned I told him what happened. He was thinking about it, then said, "Barb, God will never ask you to help someone if He hasn't provided the means with which to accomplish it. I remembered the look in her eyes, and knew I had been deceived. Her story was not truth.

In saying this, I'd challenge you—if you don't have the money then God hasn't asked you to buy it.

Jesus paid my debt. He is satisfied with that payment. It was costly for the Father and Son. Yet they deemed it worthy! I am forever grateful for His Grace and Mercy!!

God bless you

December 7-He Has Done Great Things

Luke 1:46-55 is Mary's praise song to the Lord when she was told she will carry the Messiah.

She was very young, but we see in this song that she also was educated according to the Jewish laws. She knew who God was. She knew what He had performed in the past. But what really impresses me are these verses:

"For from now on all generations will call me blessed, because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name; from generation to generation he is merciful to those who fear him."

She knew she was vital in the coming of the Messiah. I think many times God calls us to be a vital part of His kingdom but it passes us by. During Christmas season, is it possible that Jesus appears to us in various ways, but we don't realize it? How about the lonely one who has no family? Those who are hungry, but they do not get invited to the scheduled Christmas banquet. This would definitely be an interruption to our family dinner, really?

I'm hoping that some churches are having banquets and inviting those in the "highways, byways"—the fatherless, homeless, poor, the widows. There probably is a lot more of this being done than what I'm aware of. I think this would be God's way of celebrating Christmas. The angels didn't go to the churches to announce Jesus' birth, but to the rejected shepherds working in the field.

God bless you

December 6-A Christmas Memory

Can the clay as the potter "What are you doing?" No, and neither may I ask my Potter the same question. I want to trust Him without the details.

Christmas holds so many memories. One Christmas so many, many years ago is quite vivid. That year my mom and dad gave me a Bible Story book. The pictures were in black and white, but then I didn't even know they should have been in color. I couldn't read it very well. So I sat on my daddy's lap and he started reading to me. Every day I wanted to hear another story.

When I was a child, Christmas was about reading the christmas story in the Bible. Then play games, color with our dad, and eat candy which my parents made a few days prior to the holiday.

I might add, I had that story book until January 2010. Yes, it got lost under the rubble. But praise the Lord, the stories are hidden in my heart. The rubble cannot take it away.

I hope you have a good Christmas memory.

God bless you

December 5-Filled Stockings

Worship...so awesome today at church. Communion was special. Message a challenge.

My heart breaks for those who do not yet know the Lord. There is a great peace and satisfaction in knowing Him and serving Him. He is amazing. He is our Redeemer.

My heart is in conflict with this, so thankful for peace, but so sad for those who have no peace. So perhaps that is a great gift from God...a burden...for if there is no burden then there is no prayer. Thank you for giving me a burden, Lord.

I just found the following quote. I must say I had never thought to thank God for legs.

"

When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?" ~G.K. Chesterton

God's love is overwhelming!!

God bless you

December 4-Expectations

Expectations. Christmas season has many expectations. We have our ideas of what we want, who we want to spend the holidays with, and what gifts we plan to give.

When the angel appeared to Mary, she was not expecting that. Neither did she plan to have to tell her fiance that she is pregnant, and not by man but by God. How about telling her mother that? Although this happened nine months before his birth, I can imagine what a "blow" that was to the family and Joseph. Actually at that time the law had commanded stoning for adultery. But God...He is greater than the law, than the community, and the expectations of people.

God had it all in place and perfect timing years before it happened. And Mary was approached by the angel at the right moment.

God has your "christmas" all in place. If we trust Him, it will be so much more than we can plan. In the 29 years that I lived in Haiti, I do not remember spending a Christmas with family in the states. I may stand to be corrected in this. Most haitians never get a gift for Christmas, and seldom have a christmas dinner. Yet they are happy.

Let's be thankful this holiday season. God is so good. Mary sang a worship song to her Lord...Luke 1:46-55

God bless you

December 3-Suffering, God's Gift

Good morning

Sleep has eluded me, so I will talk with you a few minutes. We are now in chapter 12 in our personal book titled "2010". What is written in your first 11 chapters? Although our stories may be different, the main figure in our book should be the same-Jesus Christ. Without Him, there is not story of value.

We all have memories of this year, some more vivid than others. Although some memories we'd like to forget let's remember that God promises that all things are for our good. Once again I remind you that although we do not understand what happens to us, we can rest assured that God sees it for our good. He love you and me.

I read the following quote today, and think it is a good thought as we live the last month of this year.

"Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves—regret for the past and fear of the future." Fulton Oursler

Regret and fear can paralyze us. Let's give our past to the Lord, and trust Him for the future.

I will be bold and say, "One of God's gifts to us is suffering". Let's not waste the pain.

God bless you

December 2-God's Perfect Gift

Yesterday I mentioned the best gift God gave us. There is a 2nd part to that gift--me receiving it. We all have done it, received a gift and returned it. Maybe we didn't return it to the giver, but to the store. Why did we do it? It wasn't the right size, color, or we just didn't need it.

God's gift was perfect in every way. We don't always see that because we need to sacrifice our flesh to it. Why would we not accept this Perfect Gift. He is all we need. God has sent us all He had and the best of Him.

So today think about accepting the gift and why you would want to reject it. If you haven't already accepted Jesus as your gift for life, I would encourage you to do so today. After all, it is the season for receiving gifts, and giving them.

God bless you. Have a great day.

December 1-Giving Rather than Receiving

The holiday month has started. Thoughts go to shopping, decorations, festivities, etc.

Since I'm not much of a holiday type of person, I will share some things each day that have been special during Christmas.

Today I remember one of the most fun christmases I have had: My sister and I filled a box of groceries and goodies and gave it to a pastor family who were in a financial situation during that time. When they received the box, they cried.

Isn't it so much more fun to give than receive?

That is what God did, He gave...He gave the best of what He had...His own son.

What would be the best gift you could give to someone? Think about it...why don't you?

God bless you

Seek and ye shall Find

We are in the "seek" mode right now. Seeking living quarters in Miami. We have only looked at 3 houses, so we continue. Pray that we will be aware of God's leading. We want what God has for us here. So much to do.

What sounds best right now is resting!! So maybe I'm seeking a good night's sleep, so we can house shop again tomorrow. Our heart is with our grandkids/kids as they are all sick. I guess it was just too much Thanksgiving.

Phantom pain is worse, so is Patrick's. Not sure why. I'm ready to have a permanent prosthesis. Soon.

Let's use this December to help those seeking for peace, light and hope. We have hope. Let's share it. There are so many lonely people out in the world. Let's be available for them.

God bless you

His Ways

In Isaiah there is a verse "His ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts my thoughts."

In one of our devotional times during our family Thanksgiving, my brother reminded us that it is good to thank God for those things that just don't seem so good to us, actually what we call bad things. But we know that God has more in mind than our comfort. And most times, when we ask "why" to certain incidences we usually don't get an answer. I must believe if we were to receive an answer from God to our question it would be way beyond our comprehension. God is not limited to the present, and that is what we understand the best. He is from eternity past to eternity future. Try to understand that. It is beyond me.

So since He knows the beginning to the end, it seems I should just trust Him, not needing an answer to my "why". I believe what happens to me, has a rippling effect on others that we have no idea. I believe my life effects others. We are not contained in a box. God has greater purposes for my life than just to be "me". My me isn't so good most of the time.

Help me Lord, to walk in your way as you lead me.

God bless you.

Thanksgiving

It has been a number of days since I wrote a blog. We had the privilege of spending the Thanksgiving weekend with my whole family—44 in all—in the mountains of North Carolina. Thanks to our mother who provided the location for us all. It was wonderful. Lots of laughter, talking, eating and just enjoying each other.

Each evening in the devotional time we enjoyed the Word of God, music, worship and the family tradition of singing "I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God."

We have so much to be thankful for, and were reminded that we should not only thank God for the good, but also for the unpleasant moments in our life.

I hope you each had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Living in the midst of praising the Lord, allows Thanksgiving to go on all year long.

God bless you.

Complete Work

Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"

Today we heard a wonderful message on listening for God's voice, following His direction. The pastor's favorite verse isn the one in Phil. 1:6. And we can truly be confident that God won't give up on us. We give up on ourselves, but God doesn't quit. We need to follow Him all the way.

Since we were house hunting in Miami, it was a good reminder to follow Him all the way. He has a plan. If God called us to start a work in Miami, then He also has a house for us. So we are praying for direction, for clarity of direction.

I am looking forward to Tuesday when I see the doctor again. The phantom pain is so harsh again. My leg hurts all the time now. I think it is time for an adjustment. Maybe it is time for a re-fitting!! I hope so!!

So this is Thanksgiving week. Be thankful in all things. Can we go one day without complaining, and just praising? Let's try. We may like it so well we want to keep it that way!!

God bless you. He is faithful!!

Not to Worry

Matt 6:28-29 "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

I've been thinking about this verse since I heard a message on this while we were in Canada. The pastor was teaching on Ecclesiastes/Solomon. As he used this verse and compared it to the wealth Solomon had, I wondered why we worry so much about the simple things in life. If God sees the lilies of the field and clothes them and they are more glorious than Solomon's riches, then we have no reason to worry.

So we need not worry about housing in Miami. The search is on this weekend, but ultimately God will bring us to the right place at the right time. We praise Him for his provision.

Rachel is to have surgery Monday on gallbladder. She is in much pain. Pray for her.

Have a good night and a blessed weekend.

God bless you. He is faithful

Inspired writing

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work."

It is so important to know the Word of God and to obey it. It is for our reproof, correction and training...this will equip us for every good work. A verse a bit further into the chapter says, that the day will come when sound teaching will not be tolerated. I think we see this more and more in the times we are in.

Today I took my book to the publisher. I am so excited! I pray people will enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing it. But it made me think of God's word, it is inspired, it is forever, it will not pass away. My book will pass away. But never God's Word,

It is time to return to the doctor. I experience more pain, and since it has been a while, I am thinking it will need some adjusting. Perhaps it is time to measure for my permanent prosthesis. This would be nice.

God is faithful. He is so good. God bless you.

We are Home

We had a great trip back from Canada. We have great memories of Canada.

It feels good to be back in warmer weather.

I think this is what we will say when we get to Heaven, home at last. The reunion will be for ever. No saying good-bys.

My leg loves the warmer weather. It is making the adjustments.

We have a lot of activities coming up...number 1 is finding a house in Miami. Pray God will lead us to the right place.

God bless you. God is good

Stand Firm

Exodus 14:13 "Do not fear! Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord that he will provide."

Today looks like a day in overload. We will be traveling 4 hours north of Ft Erie to speak in a church this morning. Return, and then on the road south to start the long trek back to Florida. I'm sitting here trying to put all the pieces together to make everything happen on time. I don't know why I think that is my job...

Then I remembered this verse to stand still...quiet myself before the Lord. I will see what God will do. He has walked this way before.

Patrick will be preaching this morning. Pray for the Word to take root into fertile hearts.

Pray for safety on the road both this morning and again this afternoon/evening

Today is Promise's, our grand-daughter's birthday. A whoppin' 4 years old!! Where does the time go!!

God bless you. Praying for you.

Weary

"Come to me all who are weary, and heavy laden.."

I'm so happy we can come to Jesus when we are weary, and so I am this morning. Or maybe I'm just tired. Since weary gives the meaning of exhaustion..I'm not that, just tired.

Another big day of meetings, then packing this afternoon, so that tomorrow evening we can start the trip south.

I was reminded of a statement Patrick had made several months back, and since yesterday was the 10th month anniversary of the quake, it is a good reminder

"Earthquakes happen, walls fall, buildings crumble, life changes. But the goodness of God always, always stays the same!"

Change can be good. You may feel your walls are falling, just remember God is faithful, He doesn't change or fall. You can trust Him.

Have a great weekend

God bless you.

Trial of our Faith

1 Peter 1:7 The trial of our faith

Faith untried may be true faith, but it is sure to be little faith, and it is likely to remain dwarfish so long as it is without trials. Faith never prospers so well as when all things are against her (Spurgeon)

When I look at Hebrews 11 the museum of Faith, some was for what we would call miracles, but others in spite of their faith were brutally killed...what is our ultimate goal in faith?? Is it for selfish purposes? Or is it for Kingdom work?

When it comes to "rubber meets the road", our faith is tried to strengthen our relationship with our Lord. But satan hits us constantly to try to get us to turn away from the Lord. So either way we will suffer and be tried, satan cares little of our sufferings, there is no peace with him.

So let's embrace our trials today with faith, look to Jesus to advance His kingdom. I'm not saying pray for trials. They will come and so will suffering. Let's suffer for Jesus rather. Let's help others to the Kingdom of God.

Tonight is the Help Haiti Heal concert. We are praying for a good attendance, but also for many souls to be saved. Tomorrow is the Mission Fest. Sunday morning church, then Sunday evening off to Florida, starting the 24 hour trek.

God bless you. He is Faithful!

No Room for Gloom

Christianity is not a theory or speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a living presence. This realization can turn any gloom into a song. —S. T. Coleridge

Praise God for His living presence in us...this is a song of praise to be sung. Filling my heart with song there will be no room for gloom. Can I find at least one thing every day to praise God for? Or is it easier to be gloomy and chase the sun away, not to mention everyone around you.

Today was a great day, reconnecting with long time friends...remembering days gone by. Friends are special gems given to us by God, to cherish more precious than gems. Delicious coffee.

We have 4 more meetings, then off for the south on Sunday night. I wonder if the phantom foot will be better behaved in the warmer climate. Although for Canada, it has not been very cold. Today was a wonderful sunny day.

Don't be a "theory" to people, be a song!

God bless you. God is good

Paid the Debt

I'm thinking about what Jesus did for me on the cross and His resurrection. What is the one thing that really impresses me? As I think about it, He did pay my debt of sin and He is satisfied with that payment, His Blood. But what did that really do for me? This is what I love...He freed me from condemnation!! No more am I condemned!! I am thankful...What a better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than knowing I am free!!

But so many are in bondage, not knowing the freedom of this paid debt! We have a job to do...tell others about the freedom in Christ...Jesus did die for the world, not just for you and me.

We are thankful for each person we have met in our travels. Wonderful people. God's family is a wonderful family to belong to...perfect, no...just a group of wounded healers.

We are thankful that the phantom pain is not as severe as we had thought it may be in the cold weather. Walking has been more difficult here.

God bless you. God is good always!

I cannot understand

Ecclesiates 11:5 "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."

Today I cannot understand...we just received the news that yesterday a very strong wind hit the village of Mayette (the hub of the mission work) taking all the crops. A coconut tree blew down on a house and damaged part of it. This would have been expected during the hurricane, but the hurricane had passed.

There will be a lot of hunger once again. And no government to help them or even seems to care. Actually Mayette is so remote they may not even know it is there. Lord come quickly! How long O Lord How long!!

May I ask you to pray once again for Haiti.

We had a great weekend in Montreal. Visited several churches, a school and also shared in a Mission Conference. I wonder why we are tired today. But the pain we feel for Mayette far exceeds the weariness we have.

God bless you

Wounded Healers

Today we visited an Italian church, English speaking, but everyone there had Italian roots. So interesting...learned the proper greeting. :))

After Patrick preached on "Suffering" the pastor commented the importance of giving a sacrifice of praise. Hebrews 13:15 "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name." Praising God when we don't feel like it.

But also praising God when we are hurting, and leaving our wounds to care for another. I love the term he used.. we are none less than wounded healers. Wounded but willing to help others in their hurts. So if you are God's child, and hurting, just remember we are all wounded healers. Reach out and help someone who is also wounded.

I hope you had a wonderful Lord's Day

God bless you. God is so good.

Rejoice in All things

We rejoice in the Lord. We look to Him for all things. We look to Him because what we see around us is troubling. A friend has cancer, a missionary in jail, a cousin has cancer, a pastor has passed away, and phantom pain is intense again, and the list goes on. You have your own list...

We rejoice that the hurricane didn't hit as hard as expected, although there are many floods and some people died, but the wind was not hurricane force.

Situations as such bring us together in prayer. Even if we have no words to our prayers. God hears our groaning. He understands. We can cry to Him.

We have a busy weekend...mission fest begins this morning. Three services to speak in tomorrow. Then back to Ft Erie Monday. We are hoping some of our Haitian friends will be at the Fest today.

Hoping you will have a good weekend.

God bless you. God is so good.

Best Foot Forward

Good morning from Montreal

We will be sharing in a Grade School and a high school today. Tomorrow is the opening day of mission fest.

A couple days ago we met a man who is an amputee. As we were talking to him he said to me, "The best thing for an amputee is to remember to always put your best foot forward." How true that is. The amputated foot has no feelings, so it is important to let the good foot lead.

But everyone needs to "put their best foot forward" in our daily walk. We need to do our best. It is easy to get slack in our daily work, thinking it doesn't matter anyway. But it does matter. We are to do all to the glory of God. That doesn't mean only what we call God's work but in all we do. The Bible says if we eat or drink do to the glory of God. I wonder how much glory God gets in our eating habits? That is something to think about for a while.

So today I will put my best foot forward. Will you?

My phantom pain doesn't like the cold north. It is much more difficult to walk, but a good experience, knowing that I need to learn to adapt to all sorts of situations.

Have a great day.

God bless you. God is so Good.

Canada oh Canada

Just drove around a bit, and the lights on the Peace Bridge are beautiful.

But the wind is cold!! And tomorrow we are off to Montreal where we are told will be much colder. We are looking forward to the Mission fest there. We will see many Haitian friends.

Peggy doesn't like the cold at all. The phantom pain is so different here. A bit more difficult to walk. Or maybe I'm just getting too old for this cold, or I have too much haitian blood in me.

We continue to pray for the countries that will be in the path of Hurricane Tomas. Our prayer is that it will die before it damages any more countries.

God is so good and faithful. We know that He has a purpose in His ways. He is molding us to be useful vessels for His glory. Sometimes we fight against the molding. We think we ought to be more useful or more honored, but God knows His will for each of our lives. He knows what we can hold and how we can be used. Let's remember that a cup of water given to the thirsty has its reward in the Kingdom.

Let's bless those around us and be a blessing wherever we go.

God bless you each one.

Bless the Lord

Psalm 104:1 "Bless the Lord oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits."

My father used to quote this verse a lot. In the midst of turmoil, unrest, families being torn apart, hurt, and sickness, not to mention hurricane to Haiti, how can we bless the Lord and see His benefits? This is when it is important to be thankful, to trust Him in the midst of all this.

In all of this, we can have a peace in our hearts that we can't explain. The peace that passeth all understanding. We can't explain it, and when the world sees this peace and the joy we have that is what will draw them to the cross, to our Savior. Our complaints, fightings and unforgiveness will never draw them to Jesus. If you want your family to come to the Lord, then be a magnet of His love.

Let's bless the Lord and forget not His benefits.

God is so good. May He bless you continually.

Connecting

How fun it is to find long lost Haitian friends/acquaintances in the wonderful land of Canada. Today we were at a meeting, and one of the Haitian brothers remarked, "This is the first time I have seen a Haitian missionary to Haiti." Our prayer is that soon more Haitians will be burdened to be missionaries to Haiti.

There will be a fund-raiser concert here in 2 weeks. Many haitians will be there. Some of them will be singing. This will be fun and exciting. More than that we are all praying for people to find the Lord that night.

My "peggy" doesn't like the cold so much. It is not as easy to walk here. Well, might I add the wind has been quite strong and seems it wants to blow me down. The phantom foot is more numb, and very difficult to feel balanced. So I am assuming it is from the colder temps..just my thinking.

Tomorrow we go to a church 2 1/2 hours away from where we are. Then Wed. we fly to Toronto and spend the rest of the week there for a mission fest.

We need to stay connected, if not in body but in spirit, to those of like faith in our Lord. We need to hold each other in our fight for faith.

Have a great Lord's Day.

God bless you. God is Good

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

(Jeremiah 33:3)

We take our unbelief to each other, and that is why our faith does not grow. (Roy) This was in my email today, and thought it worthy to pass on to you. Basically complaining is taking our unbelief to each other. Yet God says to call to Him and he will answer and show us great and mighty things. He will answer and give what is good for us. The great and mighty things may look like suffering to us, but in reality it may be what we need to bring us closer to God and that is a great thing.

We are just a bit warped in our version of what is great and mighty, thinking it is always what we will enjoy and relaxing, etc. God has a greater purpose than making me comfortable for a season. If I follow His plan, then my comfort will be eternal.

We are staying busy in Canada. Tonight we will be sharing in a Haitian church. This should be interesting, Haitians in Canada. There are many Haitians here.

God bless you. God is good. Have a wonderful weekend

In Canada

The wind is cold and strong, looks like snow. Hopefully my view of the clouds are wrong. :) But it is Canada, although I am told there is no prediction of snow, and weather forecast are quite accurate.

So now I'm thinking of the idea of "my view" and "prediction" and bringing it into personal situations. How often I have analyzed a situation with my view and predicted what the outcome will be. IF I am giving my opinion according to God's Word then it can be trusted. But too often I have just based an opinion on my view of things. That is where the problem lies. Godly wisdom is seeing things through His Word. We need to spend much time in prayer when we are facing uncertainties or problems.

Right now we are facing a very delicate situation. I cannot see an outcome, or even know how to counsel those involved. Praying is the map to the answer. Satan is out to destroy, but God holds the Victory.

Our amputation "stumps" do not like this cold weather. But we expected this before coming here. We will be very busy the next 2 weeks in many meetings—2 mission fests, churches, a concert and a school. We will be traveling from Fort Erie to Montreal, also north of Toronto.

I pray you are having a wonderful week. God bless you. God is good!!

On the Road

I haven't forgotten, but traveling doesn't always afford an internet service. Spent the weekend in NC in different areas. Great meetings. On our way to Canada tomorrow.

We are enjoying the vehicle the Lord provided for us. We had been praying for one for many months. We got one on Thursday before leaving on Friday. God is always on time.

A friend took us to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. Very interesting. Challenged me to always be ready to speak a word for the Lord. He also said something that really touched my heart. I can't give it verbatim but it was this: Today we are trying to to fashion the Lord to our image, instead of glorifying Him in His image as we were created. This is called idolatry. It really made me think of all the "me" attitudes in the world. This is trying to mold God into our image.

It is almost 1:00 am...time to think about bed. We actually just found a sleeping spot.

God bless you. God is so good

Keep focusing

Psalm 145:5 "I will focus on your honor and majestic splendor, and your amazing deeds!"

The busyness of the day can certainly cause our focus to be on what still needs to be done, especially when time is an issue. Today is our last day in this house. Tomorrow we are on the road again. There still needs to be packing, sorting and finishing last minute things. Not to mention laundry. Praise the Lord, Rachel will come in and clean after we leave. She thinks it is easier this way. :))

Then of course to add to the whole list of things, I have misplaced my phone, and can't call anyone to tell them to help me find it. I pray God will lead my eyes to the right place. The comfort is that I know it is in the house somewhere. Is this a sign of senior moments? Well I'm not surprised.

Oh did I mention that now my leg has decided to be in pain too.

The wonderful news is that God provided a van for traveling!! That is definitely an answer to prayer.

I'm off to the laundry room, meditating on His amazing deeds!!

God bless you. God is so good.

God Doesn't Forget Me

Isaiah 49:15-16 The Lord is giving the comparison of a mother's love and compassion to her child to the love He has for the nation of Israel. He says "even if a mother would forget her child, I never will forget you. I have written your name in my hand."

Over and over in the scriptures He promises us that He will never leave us or forsake. Our name is written in His Hand. He keeps His promises. We can trust Him. We can believe what He says. We need to believe.

In the midst of our trials, sufferings, and loneliness we can rest assured that He has us in His Hand. Sometimes we get so busy, so involved that we are looking at the situation instead of the God of the situation.

Packing, cleaning, and having fun with our grandson...our last play time with him for quite a while. Bittersweet. He is such a joy. I want to learn again to take joy in the simple things...Patrick sneezed tonight and Nate burst into laughter, then tried to imitate grandpa. I love to listen to his progressive vocabulary. What fun!! No I can't forget my grandson, and God doesn't forget me.

God bless you. God is good.

Grace

Grace is receiving what I don't deserve...Jesus, life, blessings. But for the grace of God, I wouldn't have any of these things. But for the grace of God, I would be lost and void of eternal life. Isn't God good?!! He is!! He has provided everything we need and more.

Have you ever heard someone say, "If God really loved me, He would do so and so, or wouldn't do such and such? God really loves us and we have more than we deserve. God loves us unconditionally. Have you tried loving unconditionally? Or is your love limited to certain actions? God doesn't limit His love. Even when we wander from Him, He still loves us. He will discipline us, but in Love. Oh how awesome is this!!

Today is packing, laundry, sorting, computer work. I'm so tired tonight. I have 2 days to finish up everything. Then it is on the road again.

Pray the rash heals on my leg. I got it in Haiti. Heat rash, but very itchy.

God bless you. God is so good.

My Treasure

Psalm 119:162 "I rejoice at your word as one who finds great treasure."

The Psalmist found great treasure in the word of God. Do I hold God's Word dear to my heart? It truly is the best treasure of today. God's word cannot be taken away from us if it is hidden in our heart.

While in Haiti, I had the opportunity to dig through things that were taken from under the rubble. Let me say, most things were damaged, but our friends took anything they saw that may be of value to us, even loose papers scattered everywhere. Since the quake I remembered a lot of things that I "knew" I would never find, one of which was a quilt my grandma had made for me many years ago. You guessed it...I found it.

There were other "treasures" in my digging...a quilt from my mother, a few items from my teacup collection, and a few things I had treasured from our children during their school years. Oh and my wedding dress and photos. Strange how those things were ok, but many other things were never found or totally destroyed.

I desire to have as much joy in digging through God's Word for His treasures. These are God's love letters to me. Oh I did find some of Patrick and my letters before we were married. Ohhh...God is so Good.

Let's make a habit of digging into God's treasures in His love letter to us.

May God bless you.

Home Again

"Trust the Lord in all you ways and He shall direct your paths."

And He did. It was a long week in Haiti, but very busy. The clinic went well...9 hernia surgeries and 18 cysts and 120 medical patients in 4 days. The primary focus of the team was surgery, so medical was an add-on. We enjoyed having the team there.

I am sure many of you are wanting to know my reaction to my visit. It was difficult in many ways. I didn't feel as free, because I couldn't go up and down the steps as well (we slept on the 2nd story), and people were outside that I wanted to see. Sleeping was not as easy, but ok. We took a short tour around downtown, and to see the devastation was a lot more realistic than in the photos. I was surprised to see as much cleanup around the businesses.There are a lot of empty spaces now.

We went to our house. I couldn't climb up the cement to see the hole where Patrick was released. That was disappointing.

The country is a mess. So much harder to drive in the streets and get around. People are resilient and make do with what they have. They try to make life happen, as hard as it may be. So many suffering.

We are happy to be back again and get some rest.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers. God protected us and was with us every step of the way.

God bless you. God is always good.

Who Do I look up to

Isaiah 45:18, 21, 22 "For I am God, I have no peer." Same words 3 times in these 3 verses. This is the NET translation. Have you ever thought of that, God has no one He looks up to. He doesn't need to. His wisdom can't be measured. He makes paths through the seas and the desert. Even the animals in the desert honor him.

We have no need to stand back and ask what He is doing, especially to us when things aren't going as we thought they should. I am believing that I should be thankful if He changes my plans. I wonder where I'd be today if He wouldn't. YES, even in a quake. Was it fun? NO! Would I choose it again? No! But we need to learn to trust God in all things.

Having said that...I need to rest in His arms as I go to Haiti tomorrow. I am in His Hands. He orders my coming and going. I pray I can bless someone in Haiti. We will be working in a surgery clinic. We do not know what is before us. But you don't know what is before you in the next week either. We just think we do. Funny creatures we are!!

Another sock addition today!! YEA!!

So I will not be blogging until Oct 17 or 18. Please pray for us and for those we serve. Pray for our safety.

God bless you. Smile..God is good.

How great am I?

If I had had anything that makes me think I'm great, after reading Isaiah 40:6-41:29, I am convinced that God is the only One, He is in control, His wisdom cannot be measured, and me....I'm a like a dried flower or grass, a speck of dust, as a grasshopper, and as a drop in a bucket.

This sizes things down a bit. Why is the "me" always in the forefront? Help us, Lord!!

Yet, in another scripture He declares we are His workmanship, He takes pleasure in us His children. What a mighty God we serve.

Today is the first time I could wear 3 heavier prosthetic socks!! This may not mean much to you, but it means progress. I'm one step closer to being ready for the permanent prosthesis. So for me this is good news.

Tomorrow is laundry, packing, cleaning and hopefully some rest before take-off on Friday.

I hope your days was a wonderful day in the Lord.

God bless you. Smile, God is so good!

Does God Know?

OH what a scripture...Isaiah 40

40:27 "why do you say, the Lord is not aware of what is happening to me, My God is not concerned with my vindication?"

Are we any different than the children of Israel? How often have we asked this same question?

I love the response: verses 28-29 " Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an eternal God, the creator of the whole earth. He does not get tired or weary; there is no limit to his wisdom. He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy."

I need this promise of energy for today. Yes, God sees me doing the job I least love, financial reports.

God has helped me wade through the piles of paper. Not done yet, at least I'm moving forward.

Going through some papers, I was reminded of our situation 4 months ago and realize how far we have come. God did give renewed energy. He is the God of all creation.

God bless you. God is Good.

King of Kings

Zechariah 14: 7, 9 "It shall be one day Which is known to the LORD— Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen That it will be light... And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be— "The LORD is one," And His name one."

Although this scripture is speaking of end times, I find it interesting what Charles Spurgeon says about "at evening time it shall happen that it will be light" In our older years the fire of youth is gone, but the true fire of earnestness remains. It can be our choicest of times. We need not look at older years as dark, but as those that are glorious and we are closer to home.

This can only be true if the King of Kings is King of our heart.

Today and every day this week will be filled with preparation for Haiti. Pray for this trip. It will be Rachel and my first time in Haiti since the quake. There will be a medical team of 4 also going. Patrick is there. He is doing well.

God bless you. God is so good.

It is Well

It is well, it is well, with my soul. Remember the song?

It was one of the songs we sang in church this morning. The words to this song take on a special meaning to me now. This was my dad's favorite song. He passed away 5 years ago, and what it meant to me then means more to me now. Then I was talking to my sister who has just completed radiation treatments for breast cancer. This morning in her church they also sang this song. She, as well, finds a special meaning to this song.

The waves may roll and the storms may come, but if we have the Lord as the captain of our ship, then we can say it is well with my soul!! Lord give us quietness of our spirit.

Pray for Patrick in Haiti. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

I pray you had a wonderful Lord's Day. God bless you. God is good.

Are you Discouraged

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged."

There are so many downcast, discourages, the light has gone from their eyes. My heart breaks for them. I have been there. Discouragement is so difficult to overcome. Why? Because that is the #1 tool satan uses on christians. If he can get us discouraged, then he moves on to other things such as depression, bitterness, mistrust, etc.

Oh depression is another one. But I love the verse. God in all His love, sees our broken hearts, feels our discouraged spirits. He invites you and me with open arms to deliver us from the snare of the enemy. Let's run into His arms of safety! Let's not forget to pray for each other and especially those who we know are discouraged tonight.

Patrick left for Haiti this morning. He is still in Miami tonight. His plane was late getting into Miami and caused him to miss his connecting flight. It seems "odd" that it is him stranded in an airport. That used to be my "job." I love those traveling times. I loved flying, airports, and meeting people. I wonder if I ever will enjoy it again.

Rachel and I will join him in Haiti next Friday. I wonder what it will be like to visit Haiti again. I can't really vocalize what I'm feeling. I just know it seems strange thinking of going back to the place I have lived in for 29 years, but now Haiti isn't what I what had known before.

I hope you had a blessed day, and will have a wonderful weekend.

God bless you. God is Good.

Today was computer work, printing, packing, laundry...you are right time for a trip to Haiti. For Patrick, that is. He leaves tomorrow. I leave a week from tomorrow, God willing.

So yes, a lot was accomplished...but are my accomplishments what makes my day good or bad. I'm afraid that is often the case for most of us. We "rate" a day by what we have done. What is it that makes this day a success or failure. What is it that makes it worth our time. Or should I ask, how do I make time worthy?

Living in the praises of Jesus, no matter what. Just praising Him. Yes, in spite of trouble, problems, even missing the mark. Did you know you are not a failure until you refuse to get up again after you fall?

We are not failures. We are precious in the sight of God. We don't get it, do we? Well I do wonder what He sees, but I know. He sees Jesus in me.

You have something to shout about...JESUS IN YOU...we are blessed. Let's share our blessing.

God bless you. God is good.

What a promise!

Psalm 73:23-24 "Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory."

That God holds me constantly with His right hand, He guides me with His counsel, He is always with me, and will receive me to glory. Oh that I would always have my eyes on Him. I want to be passionate for His Word, to serve HIm always.

This really is a great way to end the day, so full of activity. As it always is right before Patrick leaves for Haiti (Friday). Lists, packing, shopping, notes, laundry, and the list goes on. But it is with great joy that I do these things. Two months ago, I wasn't able to do this myself. I'm so happy. I am thankful for the ability to work. That is a blessing!!

There are many of you out there that would love one day on a chair to rest, read and do whatever. Yes, that is nice when it is a rest we choose. Sometimes God chooses a rest for us in ways that we never would. Praise HIm from whom all blessings flow.

Just in case you missed the announcement yesterday...our new website is launched...check it out...www.livingwordhaiti.org

God bless you. God is good.

Finally!

First of all, our new website has been launched. Please check it out!! www.livingwordhaiti.org

My doctor appointment went well. He was pleased with my progress and is sure that I will be ready soon for my permanent prosthesis. It was so much fun to walk into his office without a cane!!

So this is 2 "finally-s"——a new webpage and no cane to the doctor's office.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

This is another finally...what are our thoughts? What consumes them? It is sad how often unjust, unlovely, wrongs that others have committed against me, less than praiseworthiness creeps into our thoughts. Then we wonder at the stress we are in! Oh help us Lord to meditate on those things which are true, noble, just....

God bless you. God is good.