Okay folks, just wanted to send out an update. We have been blessed with several donations this week, one in the amount of $1,000.00. I am amazed an overwhelmed at this generosity, anyhow just wanted to let everyone know that we have reached our first deadline for our mission trip to Swaziland and have about half to raise.
This is just a reminder to me of faith, and God's stretching me and stretching us and teaching us to rest in his wings.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and donations.
Don't forget to pray for Children's Cup for the 21 days of Prayer that started on August 15th- for the children and those who impact their lives.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Life's Journey
As some of you know from Luther's recent post the past few weeks have been rather challenging for me. I feel compelled to rest in God's spirit and am reminded that ultimately therein lies my peace.
My cousin recently died this past Wednesday, he was a man under 50 with two young boys , he was someone who had faced a lot of challenges in the past few years himself. His death was sudden and a shock to the entire family. My family asked me to give the eulogy, it was difficult, however prior to them even making this request God was preparing to speak and He gave me the words the night before the service as I sat by my aunt's gold fish pond. I listened to the water flow and God's spirit spoke to my heart in how best to remember my cousin and how best to provide some words of comfort to my family and to remind them that He is there to bear their burdens. The passages He gave me were from Psalm 55 and Hebrews 4.
The main message that God gave me was that He is here to bear our burdens for us without question, so these past few weeks as I have been battling various situations I am reminded to give these challenges and burdens to God. With that I want to remind you whatever you are dealing with this week lay your burden down at Jesus altar, because He is not a high priest who does not understand us, but one who has felt our burdens and is there to take them from us as we lay them at his feet.
In this I am reminded of life's journey and that none of us know how long any of have in this life and therefore it is important to not get so caught up in the destination, but in the journey. By this I mean we often start our Mondays and say I can't wait until Friday , or I can't wait until vacation. Which don't get me wrong I love preparing for a trip, spending time with family or friends , or a special outing like a play or concert. However if we live each day waiting on vacation we are not getting the most out of life and this journey. We went to a restaurant several years ago in Charleston and their motto was "attitude is everything", and I think this quote is so true. For example when we were waiting to leave to go Philadelphia our flight was delayed and everyone was frustrated but most everyone had a good attitude we conversed with one another a grandmother played games with a small child, I met a family from France. The point is this not everyday is a trip to Grand Canyon, but what can you find in this day to be grateful for, who can you help, what is something you can enjoy. The point is this the journey is about the little things like having your favorite creamer in your coffee, letting someone in front of you at the check out counter, and grateful to be able to put your hands to good use or earn an income.
I am beginning my journey to nursing school, and I could feel overhwhelmed or get caught up in dates and numbers, but I believe God has told me take your time and do your best, it is about your becoming a good nurse not just becoming a nurse, not being in a hurry, not appreciating where I am right now in my family, my career, etc.
As we prepare to go to Swaziland this is a huge journey and we are still raising money, and in prayer for our service to God and our health. But as we prepare we are on another journey one of faith, believing that we will recieve the funds for our trip to Swaziland. One of a higher purpose, realizing that it is a gift that God has called to this place at this time in our life and to seek God for his guidance as we minister to the people of Swaziland. And to realize the capacity of God's heart to give us, to give me a love a heart for people an ocean away that I have never met yet, and to realize that this life is so much bigger than me, and that God is so much greater than me. And with that I must trust and rest in him for this and each day of my journey.
Trust and obey, trust and obey .
My cousin recently died this past Wednesday, he was a man under 50 with two young boys , he was someone who had faced a lot of challenges in the past few years himself. His death was sudden and a shock to the entire family. My family asked me to give the eulogy, it was difficult, however prior to them even making this request God was preparing to speak and He gave me the words the night before the service as I sat by my aunt's gold fish pond. I listened to the water flow and God's spirit spoke to my heart in how best to remember my cousin and how best to provide some words of comfort to my family and to remind them that He is there to bear their burdens. The passages He gave me were from Psalm 55 and Hebrews 4.
The main message that God gave me was that He is here to bear our burdens for us without question, so these past few weeks as I have been battling various situations I am reminded to give these challenges and burdens to God. With that I want to remind you whatever you are dealing with this week lay your burden down at Jesus altar, because He is not a high priest who does not understand us, but one who has felt our burdens and is there to take them from us as we lay them at his feet.
In this I am reminded of life's journey and that none of us know how long any of have in this life and therefore it is important to not get so caught up in the destination, but in the journey. By this I mean we often start our Mondays and say I can't wait until Friday , or I can't wait until vacation. Which don't get me wrong I love preparing for a trip, spending time with family or friends , or a special outing like a play or concert. However if we live each day waiting on vacation we are not getting the most out of life and this journey. We went to a restaurant several years ago in Charleston and their motto was "attitude is everything", and I think this quote is so true. For example when we were waiting to leave to go Philadelphia our flight was delayed and everyone was frustrated but most everyone had a good attitude we conversed with one another a grandmother played games with a small child, I met a family from France. The point is this not everyday is a trip to Grand Canyon, but what can you find in this day to be grateful for, who can you help, what is something you can enjoy. The point is this the journey is about the little things like having your favorite creamer in your coffee, letting someone in front of you at the check out counter, and grateful to be able to put your hands to good use or earn an income.
I am beginning my journey to nursing school, and I could feel overhwhelmed or get caught up in dates and numbers, but I believe God has told me take your time and do your best, it is about your becoming a good nurse not just becoming a nurse, not being in a hurry, not appreciating where I am right now in my family, my career, etc.
As we prepare to go to Swaziland this is a huge journey and we are still raising money, and in prayer for our service to God and our health. But as we prepare we are on another journey one of faith, believing that we will recieve the funds for our trip to Swaziland. One of a higher purpose, realizing that it is a gift that God has called to this place at this time in our life and to seek God for his guidance as we minister to the people of Swaziland. And to realize the capacity of God's heart to give us, to give me a love a heart for people an ocean away that I have never met yet, and to realize that this life is so much bigger than me, and that God is so much greater than me. And with that I must trust and rest in him for this and each day of my journey.
Trust and obey, trust and obey .
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Fighting the enemy
If we ever needed conformation that we were doing what God wants us to do we sure got it and from an unwanted source! The enemy has been beating us up lately, well mostly Heather. She has been sick for a week, trying to keep up with school and work and then we find out her cousin passed away. Do I think the enemy caused these things to happen---No--- I do believe that he will use these circumstances to get us off track and out of focus with what God has planned for us. When this happens we stand on Gods word. We pray and keep God in the forefront.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1Cor. 10:13
Even in the mist of all the trials we are so excited about our trip and cannot wait to experience what God has in store. Please be in prayer for Heather and her mom as they travel to New Jersey to be with family. Pray that God can use Heather, through all this sadness, to bring glory to Him.
That is our prayer--- That God uses us to further His Kingdom, so that when we get to Heaven we can praise God with all of you!
And if the devil doesn't like it he can sit on a tack!!
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1Cor. 10:13
Even in the mist of all the trials we are so excited about our trip and cannot wait to experience what God has in store. Please be in prayer for Heather and her mom as they travel to New Jersey to be with family. Pray that God can use Heather, through all this sadness, to bring glory to Him.
That is our prayer--- That God uses us to further His Kingdom, so that when we get to Heaven we can praise God with all of you!
And if the devil doesn't like it he can sit on a tack!!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Swaziland
Several years ago while Heather and I attended a service at our church God planted a seed about a counrty in Africa called Swaziland and a people devastated by disease and poverty. We were moved by stories of these children who had been orphaned or affected by AIDS and it was not a thought that we would soon forget. God continuned to stir our hearts about this unknown country and people. After serving at a satellite of our church for about a year we heard God say you have stepped out in a small way now I am calling you to step out in a bigger way, and we both heard Swaziland.
The country of Swaziland is located in the mountains of South Africa, however in the midst of this beautiful country is a people.primarily children, devastated by AIDS and poverty. It is estimated that in this year alone 1 in 8 children will be orphaned by AIDS. The average life span is 33 and the average age for the head of household is 18.
When Heather and I heard about these kids our hearts broke. I have been moved by things before, but this was different. When we asked God to break our hearts for what breaks His, this was it! I cannot think of these kids without crying. I know these are tears from God.
Now why God chose Swailand? I do not know. It could have just as easily been somewhere here in the States even right here in our subdivision. I can remember telling people that I was so glad that God had call my sister to Africa because I didn't want to go. I say that so you will know that this is a "God Thing" and He gets all the praise and honor. I wanted God to break my heart for what was breaking His and this is what He gave me. I am honored to be used by God in whatever way He sees fit.
In later blogs I will tell my complete journey -so far- with my savior. This is not the begining or the ending.
I do want to take this time to thank all the people who have crossed my path. You may not know it but you were part of Gods plan for my life. My God bless you wherever you are on your journey.
The country of Swaziland is located in the mountains of South Africa, however in the midst of this beautiful country is a people.primarily children, devastated by AIDS and poverty. It is estimated that in this year alone 1 in 8 children will be orphaned by AIDS. The average life span is 33 and the average age for the head of household is 18.
When Heather and I heard about these kids our hearts broke. I have been moved by things before, but this was different. When we asked God to break our hearts for what breaks His, this was it! I cannot think of these kids without crying. I know these are tears from God.
Now why God chose Swailand? I do not know. It could have just as easily been somewhere here in the States even right here in our subdivision. I can remember telling people that I was so glad that God had call my sister to Africa because I didn't want to go. I say that so you will know that this is a "God Thing" and He gets all the praise and honor. I wanted God to break my heart for what was breaking His and this is what He gave me. I am honored to be used by God in whatever way He sees fit.
In later blogs I will tell my complete journey -so far- with my savior. This is not the begining or the ending.
I do want to take this time to thank all the people who have crossed my path. You may not know it but you were part of Gods plan for my life. My God bless you wherever you are on your journey.
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