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