Fun Day

Grandkids are here. We have painted, colored, played with cards and ate pancakes.

I was in training yesterday afternoon. I didn't do so well. I walked a lot, but the pain was quite intense. So there was a lot of resting times between the walking. I am trying again today. All a process.

Isaiah 6:8, speaks of the people refusing the soft flowing waters of Shiloh. Then after that God says that the waters of the enemy will flood the banks.

I was thinking about this, and wondered how often I have refused the gentle nudging of the spirit until the Lord sent a harsher warning. How about, how often we have what is sufficient for living (not all we "want"), but start to complain and thankless. Then we get what we want, and life becomes miserable. Could it be that we just weren't thankful for the "gentle waters" and then suffered because of our dissatisfaction with what we had.

God is Good. God is faithful. Let us be thankful for His Goodness.

May God bless you each one

Work out

I am tired. Big day. My doctor visit went well. But now I'm to put more effort into the walking. I can't believe how tired I am. It's a good tired.

I have thought about choices today. The doctor asked me, "Barb, if you could have chosen would you rather had a mastectomy or the amputation? Please don't answer, just think about." And I have been thinking about it. Both are difficult, and both are life changing. I am so glad I don't have the choice. God knew what I could handle and what was best for me. Would I have rather had an arm amputation than a leg? Patrick has adjusted so well with one arm. But would I have?

It comes down to this: God gave us what was best for us. Patrick needed 2 legs to stand to teach and preach. I needed 2 hands to take care of the house and type, write, sign checks, etc. Someone asked me the other day, "Have you ever asked God why?" I can honestly say, no I haven't. If it is important, then some day I will know. Oh I can imagine why but have no definite answer. It's ok.

God is Good!

I hope you had a good day.

God bless you.

Please pray for our dear friend today who had surgery. Pray for his wife as she helps him through this.

Pray for another friend who lost her father, and also for my brother in law whose father passed away too.

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”- gandhi

Rachel had this on her facebook this morning. I felt it worth sharing on the blog. This is so true. So many times we feel we have to "speak" when we pray, and sometimes there just isn't words to express the burden on our heart. Before our Father, we are of all miserable creatures. Praise the Lord, He sees beyond us, and gives us Grace and Mercy. He sees us through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Our misery is turned into royalty.

Walking went very well today. I was happy. Am I ready to run? NO. But it was more walking and less hobbling like a new born calf. Tomorrow I return to the doctor. Hopefully he will be pleased with the progress.

God is Good. He is faithful. He is all we have in these days.

Pray for someone who needs the Lord, or needs a touch from the Lord in their situation.

We love you, God bless you each one.

Sacrifice of Praise

Hebrews 13:15 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

We often talk of praising God. Can we offer a "sacrifice" of praise? This takes it a step further. Praising when our situation doesn't afford it. Praising when all odds are against us. Praising when it hurts. Praising when we wonder how to praise. But praise we must, until it hurts. That is when it is a sacrifice. And that is when the world notices that we have a reason for the hope that is in us.

Today was loaded. We were blessed by a visit with Pat and Rachel. He came from GA for a few days. Then he helped me walked. I walked further today again. Every day it gets easier. The phantom pain is stronger again. I think the nerves are being "stirred" with the prosthesis. None the less, it hurts.

My office work load is getting bigger, or I am getting slower in accomplishing the task. I hate to admit this may be the case.

Our family has a lot of upcoming changes. Pray that we see clearly the path God wants us to take.

Praying for you, and God bless you each one.

Walking, walking

Yes, I am still working at it. Today I walked 6 rounds versus 4 yesterday. Agape is my trainer. So every day he comes and we practice. I can't believe how tired I get with walking so little.

Philippians 3:13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

I can't look back to what was, but press toward the goal before me. Today I was looking at some photos, one was me walking a path in Haiti. That seems so long ago. I kept looking at it, and wondered if I really did that. Yes, I did. Sad to say, I never remember thanking God then for my legs, and the ability to walk. Isn't that the way it often is, we don't realize what a blessing we have until we don't have it anymore.

I want to be content as I press onward.

May God bless you each one

Walk

Instead of "take up your bed and walk", I say, give up your walker and walk.

I did today. Agape helped me. For the first time I walked without holding on, or feeling the need to. Am I doing it all the time? No. I walked 2 times further than 2 days ago. Then I held on to Agape. So there is some progress. Thanks for praying.

I was reading Job 1 today. In spite of all his problems and losses, he said, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord." Can I in the midst of suffering and loss bless the Lord? Can you? What is it that will make us not bless the Name of the Lord? Is there something?

He is worthy to be praised, no matter what happens. He is Good and Right.

God bless you each one

Hold Me up

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

I need to return to "my" verse, praying that God will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up with His Hand. I need all of this. I am so tired, I feel like I'm carrying a tree stump along. So heavy. But I carried it along all day. This is the first that I didn't need to remove the prosthesis for a break. I thought I'd help myself and use the exercise bike. Well, I can't even bend my knee far enough to push the pedal down. Hahha. So that ride was short lived. :))

I almost laugh at myself, thinking of all that we have been through this year, and this I call "difficult." Maybe my problem is that I am looking too far ahead. Focus on today.

I lean on HIM and He will strengthen me.

I hope you had a wonderful day.

God bless you each one

Change

I was thinking of that...change...this year has brought many changes. Seems there is no end to change. And now I am on to change again.

Changing from hopping to trying to walk. Trying is the word. It doesn't come easy, most changes don't and haven't. In changes, I learn so much about myself. Patience doesn't come easy, but necessary. So how is walking coming along? Is that the question? It is slow and painful. Balance is kind of pathetic.

Ok so now you have the truth about the situation...except for one thing...NOT Giving up. I will keep on, keeping on. I've only been at this a few days. So I will move forward. So onward I will go.

The important thing is to have joy in my journey, that you have joy in your journey. Our journeys may not be the same, but our destination is.

Let's pray for each other.

God bless you each one

Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."

Praise the Lord, that the kingdom of the Lord cannot be shaken. It stands firm. Without grace, we could not enjoy His kingdom. Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to come before a king? How much more so with our Heavenly Eternal King...we come with Godly fear and reverence.

Today I walked!! I was not on my own, exactly, but I did walk. It was a process of more than an hour. Walk a bit, adjust the prosthesis, walk, adjust, again and again. Now I will try for a week and work toward improvement. Time to use the exercise bike and strengthen my leg. Exercising, that brings back memories...so vivid.

As the doctor said today, "It is time to step it up a bit, and work hard now." Patrick is an encourager, helping where he can. Agape will come tomorrow and we will work out the walking.

The next few days are Rachel's days off. She's off to GA to meet Pat and they will set up their apartment. Soon they should be together as a family again!!

Pray that I will walk without a limp.

Pray for Pat and Rach as they start in a new area.

Pray for Agape as he plans the next step in his life.

Pray for us. We need a vehicle for use here. We are planning to travel north soon to visit some churches.

Pray for living quarters in Miami.

God bless you each one

My Plan

Proverbs 19:21 "There are many plans in a man's heart Nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand."

My plan is to walk. I want to walk, like now. I tried walking, but it is going so slow. I'm still not walking without my walker or someone helping me. Not only that, it hurts.

God is in control. He knows the schedule He has for me. Patience, wait, pray and rejoice. If I whine, it won't help. Thankfulness and good attitude will bring healing quicker. I have so much I can do while I wait, practice walking and get ready for the day when I am on my "feet" again. So tomorrow is back to the doctor, and learn more about walking again. It will happen!!

Well it is time to wash dishes and fold clothes, do the balancing act on one foot. I did make dinner standing on both feet. That is progress.

Thanks for praying. I hope your day was wonderful too.

God bless you each one.

Patrick's home

Thank you for your prayers. Patrick and Agape are home safe and sound. In spite of flight delays, etc. We are happy to have them home. The conference went very well.

For me, a day of not being able to wear my prosthesis. For some reason by leg was swollen, didn't look that swollen but it wouldn't fit. So now I hope for tomorrow. It's just one of those bumps in the road. But it will smooth out soon.

It is time for bed, but at least wanted to give you this news clip. We so feel your prayers and encouragement.

God bless you. Have a great day of worship tomorrow.

Seek First

Matt 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."

A verse most christians know, but how many obey? We are so busy with everything, jobs, sports, children's activities. There is little time for prayer nor reading God's word. God wants our first fruits, not our left-overs.

Let's encourage each other to seek God first. He will provide.

I was thinking of those in the tent cities. They have a change of clothes and food for today, and many don't have that. But we aren't convinced that is what God wants for our lives?? Really? If we have more, let's not put the importance on things, rather value God and His Word.

My walk was more balanced today. Step by step it is.

Pray for an unspoken request....pray that those involved will repent and trust God for the situation.

Pray for Patrick, Agape and the others returning to the States tomorrow.

Pray for progress in my walking.

God bless you and have a good night

Heavy weight

I think that best describes my prosthesis, a heavy weight. Do you know how heavy it feels when there has been no weight there for 6 months? It is heavy! My arms have gotten exercise the past months, now it is time for Peggy to step up to the plate and get a work-out. I haven't walked far yet, but am working at it. One day at a time, with one step at a time.

Just received news from Haiti. All is well. The conference is going well. This afternoon there is a wedding there, one of our pastors is getting married. He pastors the church in Demeline.

Our wonderful friend and helper, Kaye, during the first 3 months of our "adventure" is now back in town after spending 3 months in Switzerland.

"Contentment is the sense of satisfaction of having what one desires, or not desiring more than what one does not have." (Alister Begg) Can I be content without desiring more? My question is this: If I have what I desire will I be content, or will I only desire more?

"Contentment with godliness is great gain" I Timothy 6:6. Is my contentment in the realms of godliness?

Continue to pray for Patrick, Agape and the others in Haiti. Tomorrow is the final day of conference.

Pray for me as I adjust to the prosthesis.

We love you and God bless you each one

One More Step

Today my "job" has been to wear the prosthesis. Let Peggy get adjusted to it. Then Rachel will come and help me take the steps. It seems strange that I have this "leg", and I can't just jump up and take off. But I find it awkward and heavy. It will take time, and I am told by the doctor, at first it is easy to fall. Watch my step and don't over do it.

Why would he tell me not to over do it?? Seems he knows my inclinations. To push and push myself. To make it happen. But at least, I am starting, well I started 6 months ago. I am just starting a new stage of the process.

Quiet day. Rainy. The quiet affords thinking, reflections and prayers.

Please pray for a haitian family (mother, her daughter, and the grandchild 5 months old). They have been here since before the quake. Then she had the baby, and now they need to move from where they are. We are looking for a shelter or home.

Pray for Patrick and Paul as they teach in the conference.

Pray for a vehicle for us to use in the states.

We pray for you and thank God for you. God bless you each one

They shall walk

They that wait upon the Lord....shall walk and not faint.

I have my prosthesis. Smile. Joy. Am I walking yet?

Not yet, but I will. It will take some time for balance, proper steps, not to mention that "Peggy" needs to acclimate to a foot now. But work we will!! One step at a time. I'm waiting for my grand-daughter to say, "Grandma, you have another foot. You can walk with 2 shoes now."

So the day has been good. And your day? God is good, isn't He?

Thank you, Lord, for each blessing, each smile, and the joy You put in our hearts.

Continue to pray for Patrick, Agape and the other visitors that are in Haiti, serving in the conference.

Pray for Rachel. She will help me in the learning process of walking .

God bless you.

Arrived Safely

The news from Patrick this morning, "all 4 Americans have arrived safely, and they were on their way to Mayette." Conference starts tomorrow.

This morning was fun with the grandkids. Promise wasn't here very long until she said, "Grandma, show me your "owie" (I have the shrinker sock on). So I take it off, and said, "See it is all better now". Well, it is still hurt, better cover it again." And then she was off to play. So cute.

The rest of the day has been busy with phone calls, computer work.

And tomorrow is prosthesis day!!

Worth thinking about: Isaiah 7:4, When king of Syria and the king of Israel were coming against Ahaz king of Judah, God gave this command to Isaiah to give to Ahaz, "Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear; nor be faint-hearted for these two "smoking firebrands." What a command.

Should be good for us, as we face the enemy. Don't be afraid, don't be faint-hearted. Last but not least, Be Quiet. We all want people to know how difficult life is, do we not? And how better to tell them is to make noise in our battle, more commonly called complaining. I really needed this today. God is in control. I can totally trust Him to fight for me. It isn't about me, It is all about Him and Him to be glorified.

Wow, surprise, Patrick just called again...just to tell me they have almost arrived in the village. From here on the phone connection is not that great. So this was an added blessing for today.

I hope you day was good, and May God bless you

A Dream

Great message on the Seven sayings of Jesus on the Cross...also a reminder that Jerusalem is the city of Past, the city of the Present and the city of the Future. We are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In this I have failed. Read Psalm 122. Beautiful Psalm. Jerusalem is in the heart of God. He has chosen it.

I had a dream last night, a vivid dream. I don't dream often, and even then I don't dream with details. This one was detailed. I was in the backyard, hanging clothes out to dry, and then suddenly realized my walker wasn't where I could reach it. I looked, and it was across the way, laying on the ground. Then I saw my leg, and realized I was walking on my own. Visitors were with Patrick in the house, I walked in without the walker. No one noticed. Finally I said, "Hey, don't you see? I am walking." Then I woke up, the walker beside my bed.

We will be packing bags for Haiti. Agape leaves tonight. Pray for him and the others that are traveling tonight.

Pray that I will "press toward the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ", and not look behind what was. That has been satan's attack the past several days. What I don't want is to look back, and say "life was so much better when I had both legs". It is best what God allows for me. He knows my needs more than I do.

May your Lord's Day be filled with joy. We love you.

Complacency or Urgent

A friend stopped by today. We were sharing how easy it is to fall into complacency. Just being busy with our "to do" lists. Is that really what we want for our life? Is that what I want? No, no.

I feel an urgency to do all we can to share Jesus. Why hasn't He returned yet? Is it that the Gospel needs to be spread around our neighborhoods? Oh we talk often of the Gospel to the utter most parts of the earth, but what about next door? Have they heard the Gospel? It is so easy to remain complacent in this. God forgive us.

I have so much time sitting...then think and pray. Maybe this is why I haven't received my prosthesis yet. Just saying...God's thoughts and ways are so much higher than mine.

Pray for Patrick in Haiti. Pray for Agape as he makes last minute preparations to leave Sunday.

Pray for Rachel, the children and I as we keep the "home fires burning"

May you have a wonderful weekend. May God bless you each one.

Commitment

1 Peter 4:19 "Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls unto well doing, as unto a faithful creator."

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Commitment. A big word with a big impaction on our life, if we allow it. Actually it is something I see lacking in the world today. I see it in parenting, marriage relationships, work ethics, and last but not least our relationship with the Lord.

The key words are "according to the will of God". We often suffer because of our foolish decisions. Then cry to God..as if He is the cause. But when we suffer for His cause, then we can trust that He will keep our souls as a faithful creator. He is faithful! He has proven that to us over and over again. Have you found Him faithful? Are our thoughts established?

Patrick called today. He is doing well, and very busy. He has a few more days to prepare for the pastors conference. Pray for him.

Pray for Agape and I as we prepare for his departure to Haiti on Sunday.

Pray for Rachel and family as they have some much deserved R&R in Atlanta.

Pray for Kaye as she travels home from Switzerland.

Treasure Chest

What is in your treasure chest? Do you have one? There are true treasures available.

God promises to: love me (unconditionally), bless me, give me rest, won't fail me, provides for me, always be with me, strengthen me, answer me, give me peace, give me joy.

He is faithful to His promises.

What He wants from me: Obedience. Only that, and I fail.

Quiet day, good day for praying, studying and writing. Rachel and Nate are with "Daddy".

Pray for Patrick in Haiti.

May your day be fulfilled, and filled with joy. God bless you.

No Prosthesis

The prosthesis had an error and the fit wasn't correct. I'm scheduled for next Tuesday.

The doctor was so disappointed, maybe even more than me.

Waiting.

Writing, watching the World Cup.

Pray for open doors in ministry, open doors for an income. Pray for a vehicle. This is on my heart as I sit and wait.

Isaiah 6:1 The year King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord. What was the significance to his death and Isaiah seeing the Lord. Or was that just the time mark to remember? He was undone and unworthy before the throne. Things happen in the presence of the Lord. Remember, when he met Moses on the mountain, the whole mountain shook? Also, People couldn't approach the tabernacle when the Lord visited.

Yet, we go on as if we are in control of our lives and everything around us. Is this arrogance? Arrogance was one of the "woes" of Israel. What needy people we are, we cannot even make our heart take one beat without His permission.

Just as the doctor said today, "I did everything I could to make it right for you, and even then my best wasn't good enough." He's right our best is not good enough, until we come to the Lord and let it be Him and His best, then He is the Good in our life.

Pray for Rachel and Nate, they are traveling to Georgia to meet with Pat.

Pray for Agape and the children as they keep the "home fires burning"

Pray for Patrick in Haiti

God bless you each one and we love you

What Else can be done?

Isaiah 5:4 "What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring for good grapes did it bring forth wild grapes?"

That was the question God asked concerning the nation of Israel. Wouldn't He be asking the same thing of the nations today? The answer is, that God has given us everything we need, but we refuse it! We want "me" in control. I feel it in the whole atmosphere, on TV, in magazines, people talking....it is all about "me" and little about God. We, who are His children, are on a mission. Let your light shine in this dark world.

I had a front-line seat at the fireworks last night. I sat on the back porch, and watched the "show". This community has fireworks over the lake every year. It was beautiful, but the noise and smoke filled the air brought earthquake flash-backs. I wonder how long it will take not to have those flashbacks?

Tomorrow is a special day! I am to have my prosthesis (my goal is to be walking by the time Patrick returns from Haiti :) ) And tomorrow Rachel will meet Pat in GA. He is moving to GA!!! It is a few free days for them, before he reports on duty in his new Post.

I'm off to writing (my book, that is). Have a great day with Jesus. Give someone a special "Jesus" smile with a lot of love.

Pray for Patrick. Last news was that he is doing well. He was traveling to the village (Saturday noon).

God bless you

World Cup

For several weeks, the world has been looking at the World Cup. Ok so I know most of you probably are more into basketball, baseball or football. But Haiti is all about soccer #1 sport. Whatever the sport is, if it is a Pro-game, we can spend hours watching.

"Lift up your eyes, for your redemption draws nigh." How many times do we watch toward the East to see if Jesus is coming? How often do we look toward the heavens for signs of His coming? Oh there are signs all around us now. Do we notice them? This weekend we are celebrating Independence Day. Are we as independent as we think we are? Let me use Haiti as an example, they are an independent country, but they have made a mess of their independency. Why? Too proud to admit they can't do it. What about you and I before God? Any resemblance?

Patrick is doing well in Haiti. He is on his way to Mayette this morning. Pray for safety on the way, and no vehicle problems.

Pray for Rachel and Zion, who are still under the weather. Pray the others in the house stay well.

Pray for Kaye in Switzerland, she will be or is traveling home. We are excited to see her again.

Pray for me, Barb, to be patient as I wait.

Have a wonderful weekend. God bless you. We love you each one.

Thankful?

What are you thankful for today? Or was your schedule beyond your control, so thanksgiving took a back burner?

I was making eggs for my dinner tonight, and just remembered how the eggs were in Haiti. I'm thankful for fresh eggs. I'ma also thankful that Patrick has arrived safely in Miami, the first leg of his trip to Haiti. Tomorrow morning he is scheduled to fly to Haiti. I am thankful someone is sharing their home with us. I look out at the rain and know many in Haiti are living in leaking tents.

Patrick will have a heavy schedule the next 2 weeks. Pray for him.

Pray for Rachel, she is sick.

Pray my prosthesis is in next week. Wouldn't be great if I were walking when Patrick arrived back home? I thought so too.

Pray for Kaye, she will be traveling home soon

We love you and God bless you