Millions of smiles...prayers...

Millions of smiles...

I was struck this morning of the multitude of boxes sent out by Operation Christmas child..
In 2013, 10 million...if each was accompanied by prayers, that means that an average 27,400 children received one and were prayed for each day of the year...
Add to that the hundreds of mission organizations...MAF, Young lIfe, Angel tree, Living water, YWAM, Teen Missions, Compassion, to name a very few...plus all the churches around the world...

We have to sift through the news and we don't hear about all of the good that is happening as the following excerpt reports or the newscasts we watch or listen to...

We ask, "where is God in all of the bad we hear?"
But, the Spirit whispers, " I am here, I never leave or forsake. I am in the truth given out each minute of the day around the world, in boxes, in a hug, in the witness of miracles, giving, lifesaving acts, in the Word shared, prayers prayed.... "

God is victorious even when we don't physically see or hear about Him...

Thank YOU...for millions of smiles...in all the touches You send out to the millions of people through the ministries which glorify You...here and everywhere...I am awed by extent of your love...it is infinite...


"Hi - I'm reading "Jesus Always (with Bonus Content): Embracing Joy in His Presence" by Sarah Young and wanted to share this quote with you.

"TRUST ME AND DON’T BE AFRAID. Do not be frightened by world events or news reports. These reports are biased—presented as if I do not exist. News clips show tiny bits of world events from which the most important factor has been carefully removed: My Presence in the world. As journalists sift through massive amounts of information, they strain out everything about Me and what I’m accomplishing on the earth."


"This year, ( 2013) Operation Christmas Child will be going to 103 countries to distribute about 10 million shoe boxes.

He also has a more important suggestion.
"Before you send your box, pray," says Graham. "Pray for the child who's going to get that box because I don't know who gets it but God does, and when we pray we know God will hear the prayer of one righteous person.  But can you imagine 10 million people praying for 10 million children?""

Psalm 103:19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

Psalm 65:2 You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.

Zechariah 14:9 The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

Hope...and the Masqueraders...

Hope...and the Masqueraders...

"We never stopped dreaming..."

http://www.coolestone.com/media/17247/The-Masqueraders---A-Change-Is-Gonna-Come---AGT-2017/#.WVT0fOtHaK1

I listened to this soul group early this am and was in tears by the end of their short song...they put their heart and soul into the words and movements...

I really don't know anything about them, but their comment, "we never stopped dreaming" resonated to my being...

There are down times, dark times in our lives that feel like they will never end, we can see the tiny light of hope, we know that God is there in our heart of hearts, but the darkness lingers, hovering, or clinging to our souls...we cry out, we just plain cry, and the weight stays on, consuming whatever joy we hold...

I have seen it in the eyes of my children, in myself, in others around me, when hope seemed just beyond  our grasp and darkness reigns...one of
My daughters  put it so aptly, " I thought there was a light at the end of the tunnel, but it was another train" ( or similar words)...

It may be mourning change, lessons to be learned, hormones, grief, ...a multitude of reasons...but one day, we do see the light, the hope deferred, we feel the joy, and we know that the darkness really has an ending...we are climbing out of the pit, one hand over another...

I don't like the darkness, but the lessons learned are like no other...and the joy at the end is deeper, abiding in the very depths of my soul...
The quote, "we never stopped dreaming" and the song, "a change is gonna come", hit deeply...

Thank YOU...
Psalm 138:6-8 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 40:2-3 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

48 1/2...

48 1/2....

Today would have been our 48 1/2 year anniversary.  But, we got 43 years instead. When I was reading the following devotional in "Jesus Always", I thought of those breaths that God has given...each one totally dependent upon Him...I can't  do it on my own, even though I may think I can...only He gives the air, the muscle power, the ability to draw each breath...

I remember watching, first my mom, then my husband, and finally my father draw those labored breaths as each body finally shut down and they entered into the next phase of their lives...I admit, I couldn't watch the final breaths, for me personally that as too much...watching death...but I held their limp hands as long as I could...giving them and myself permission to leave...

The song, "this is air I breathe...." Brings back those moments when they didn't need help breathing anymore...they were in God's hands just they had been all along..as each of us left are...a reality check...God gives and he determines length of days by the air we breathe...the breaths we take...the plans he has for us...

Thank YOU...for the breaths you alone give...

Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Psalm 90:12, 14 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Hi - I'm reading "Jesus Always (with Bonus Content): Embracing Joy in His Presence" by Sarah Young and wanted to share this quote with you.

"June 28 EVERYTHING YOU HAVE IS A GIFT from Me, including each breath you breathe. I shower so many blessings on you that it’s easy to take some of My precious gifts for granted. Most people don’t recognize the wonder of inhaling My Life continually. Yet it was only when I breathed the breath of Life into Adam that he became a living being. As you sit quietly in My Presence, try thanking Me silently each time you inhale. As you exhale, affirm your trust in Me. The longer you do this, the more relaxed you will become. While you are taking time with Me, I help you appreciate and thank Me for blessings you often overlook: skies and trees, light and colors, loved ones and daily comforts. The list is endless! The more you look for good things in your life, the clearer your vision becomes. Of course, your greatest gratitude should be for eternal Life, which is yours because you believe in Me. This is a priceless forever-gift that will fill you with ever-increasing Joy in My Presence!"

Start reading it for free: http://a.co/7a3WtIo
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Where have all the birds gone....

Where have all the birds gone...

A long time ago, in a far away place, there was a song, "where have all the flowers gone?" Written by Pete Seeger and it is still performed...he wrote it during the Vietnam war era...gleaned from words the Cossacks sang as they went off to war in yet another war long ago...

The song streams through my head only I have changed the initial words to, "where have all the birds gone?"

This last year and a half, several contractors have been tearing up, building a new housing subdivision across the street...what once was an open field with trees, brush is now scraped off ground filling with houses one after another...signs stick out of the ground saying available and sold, dust continually blows, trucks of all sizes are lumbering up and down the street all during the day, six days a week...

This summer I have noticed, sadly, that the birds, which were abundant, are gone...not even the militant starlings, are gone as well...my bird feeders stand full, which in times past needed filling almost every day..
The hummingbird feeder has no takers as well...

I guess the birds don't like the noise and upheaval anymore than I and a new normal has been established...with them finding new homes further away in new trees...change...for us all...

I am disappointed that they have left...they were fun, entertaining, and brought life each day...they washed in the bird bath, sat in my trees or hooted in the big tree in the evening, scavenged food from the ground,  they brought their songs, babies to the feeders, fought over the nectar in the flowers...

Maybe next year when the building has calmed, they will return...

Another lesson in contentment...thank YOU...a tranquil heart and life...in the face of change...

Numbers 6:26 The Lord lift up His countenance (face ) upon you with divine approval, And give you peace (a tranquil heart and life).AMP

Philippians 4:11, 13 Not that I speak from any personal need, for I have learned to be content and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy regardless of my circumstances. I can do all things which He has called me to do through Him who strengthens and empowers me to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace. AMP

Columbia 12.. The Lord, he is God...

Columbia 12

The Lord, He is God...

Two weeks before taking this journey to Columbia, our pastor was sharing about Elijah on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18... How God rained down fire on a completely soaked offering  and sent much needed rain to a dry and thirsty land after a three year draught...

After the people who watched the  offering being consumed, they said...

1 Kings 18:39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”

One of the leaders alluded to this story on the first day of our journey into giving, observing, listening...

We were going to a newly built church on a "reservation" allotted to the Wayuu people.  Their family groups are usually led by witch doctors.
This particular group was in the process of getting a new one as one of the tribe was being trained for leadership...she was learning the craft...but God had other plans...He brought salvation to this woman and her family...

So, instead of witchcraft, she and her family bring the gift of life to the people...

The church was filled with children, some walking 2 hours to come...dressed in their best, some with backs packs to carry water or food, they sat in rows on the cement floors...girls on one side and boys on the other...waiting...watching ...excited about this special event...then the gospel was presented several different ways, through stories, clown acts, wordless book colors...at the culmination they received a box sent from a far place...just especially "hand picked" for them...

These children didn't know that they were getting a tangible gift nor a sandwich and juice, they were excited to come to a special event...in a new building...

The theme of the pastor and family is 1 Kings 18:39b, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
They have seen miracles happen, they have witnessed how God moves people...how he works in the lives of their family... how he brings life to a dry and thirsty land...

Thank YOU...for sending your light to dark places...changing lives with your consuming fire...your love...

1 Kings 18...

Hearing aids...

Hearing aids...

4 years ago, I had a hearing test done, normal..2 years ago, borderline...this year, below normal....

I knew it was coming, I wasn't hearing the low tones I knew were there and I had purposed long ago that if I ever experience hearing loss, I would do something about it and not hold others captive because of my problem...

My father refused to acknowledge he was having trouble hearing, so we had to talk louder and louder or listen to his blaring TV that you could hear down the street as well as others who couldn't hear in his neighborhood. Your ears were ringing after awhile from the loudness...

So on with the aids...wow, what a difference...I can now hear the blinker in the car that hasn't turned off or even the light switch when I turn the lights off or on plus a multitude of other sounds that I had forgotten...what a difference...somethings are too loud as well...and it is controlled by my app on my phone or tiny buttons on the apparatus...light weight and fits my ears so well I panic once in awhile that I have lost them... 

The hearing aids have been a reminder yet again of God and his Word...I don't want to slowly not hear what He is saying  by listening more and more to the world and its noise...I want to hear the Spirit speak truth...I want to hear  God when he speaks and not be deaf to  his voice or Word...I want to hear the warnings, the love, the comfort, the admonishments, the encouragement...all that He wants me to hear...

Thank YOU that You speak to my heart, soul ...help me listen, help me not to be without hearing...let me hear...

Proverbs 28:9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. 

Matthew 11:5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 

Matthew 11:15 Whoever has ears, let them hear. 

Mark 7:31-35, 37 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” which means “Be opened!”. At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” 

Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 

John 10:27-29 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 

Columbia 11...Young Life to the teens...

Columbia 11

Young life...to the teens...

One more Columbia...
After the quick trip to Columbia for Samaritans Purse, I stopped in Florida to visit with some friends who also work in Columbia, but commute back and forth...

He is a geologist who works in mining and exploration...and she is an art teacher turned to Young Life.   Or maybe I should say, Young life turned her and by the way she was an art teacher as well...

Anyway, they lived where I used to live and we have known each other since our  children were little...our husbands working together for a time in geology...she taught in the local high school and then went full time with Young life in two area high schools...building up that ministry into a wonderful outreach for teens...touching so many lives both teens and parents...and now the teens are adults...

Recently, they moved to Florida, to be closer to his work and to be warmer...
Not one to be idle, she found another Young Life niche in Columbia, so they can travel together, minister together ...encourage one another...

She is helping to get an area Camp going , expecting 240 teens in two sessions. The Columbian director is finding leaders, cooks, etc..and she is adding enthusiasm, prizes, prayer, wisdom from past experience...

What a delight to watch them in this new setting...but, the same goals of service and love for the Lord...

Thank YOU for them...build up, encourage them in this new venture...

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Psalm 112:9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.

Columbia 10...random thoughts...

Columbia 10
"Random" thoughts...

Unsolicited and freely given gifts...the people we met on this trip were gifts to us. Their desire to see others saved, their love exhibited to the children and their families was undeniable....

The small boxes brought joy, but also connection,  a picture that someone loves them whom they don't know, but cares for their souls...

The joy in children's faces is indescribable...

A simple box can change someone's eternity...

The Word given out changes lives...

Trips can be an adventure...

God uses anything to speak to our hearts...

Prayer, even in the "small" things is important...

Be ready for surprises...and be flexible...

Be watchful, don't miss the "little" lessons along the way...watch for the harvest...

One child, one box, one lifetime...God gets the glory...

Notes and letters mean soooo much in the boxes, a handprint on a card so that the child can "touch" the hand that sent the gift...a family picture to relate to the giver...an address to receive a thank you...

We met in "unfinished" churches ....there is a lot to do yet... in the lives of the people, the real "temples"...   Genesis -"surely the Lord is in this place"

Quote, "precious entrustments" by Bill Hybels...do I listen, do I follow the promptings or urgings, do I look for divine encounters...

Box thoughts...no sterilite boxes- they shatter, watch for age appropriate things, pack as if you giving it to someone you know-would they like this, personal notes or cards are important...even with 9 million plus given, one box is important...giving a gift is like water in a dry land-a delight...

How do I integrate what I saw and learned into everyday life?   What are the plans for me now? Where do I fit into God's kingdom? There are so many ministries...I love the grass roots ones... The "behind the scenes" ones which build up and help...giving the Word, gifts, transportation, hope,
medical help,  water, encouragement in Jesus' name...

Thank YOU for the opportunity...

Deuteronomy 16:17 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.

Psalm 112:5a,9 Good will come to those who are generous...
They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Columbia 9... Detained at the gate...

Columbia 9
Detained at the gate...

We were late getting to the airport, then I had to go through a special services line because my tickets wouldn't print off...I didn't understand their language and they didn't understand mine, hurry, hurry...quickly walking to gate, quick bathroom break, then my name is called over the loud speaker, go to desk, they try explain what is happening until finally someone types into google which translates into English that I have been "randomly" chosen for a total search and to wait at gate until this is completed...the upside is that I get early boarding...after all the rush...so I stand, no seats, in that spot for 45 minutes, negating any last minute shopping that I had planned...
They finally unload all of my puzzle-pieced suitcase, backpack, purse on a table, checking each nook and cranny for "something"..., piling it all back in and escorting me into the waiting plane...all the while smiling as I thanked them for their "service".

As I stood there, patiently waiting, I watched the crowds of people, some rushing as I had been, some walking slowly, some carrying infants, some checking out the stores along the way, some entertaining their cute dogs with diapers, some asleep, some reading, some staring into space...many nationalities, languages....we were all waiting, wondering when we would be called...and the call was in someone else's hand, not ours...

What were our destinations, what baggage did we have, would we be allowed entrance to the next part of the journey?

Life...

I was standing before the final Judge...my life laid bare, my baggage strewn open for all to see...what had I packed that needed examined...had I made the right choices...was I examined and found wanting...

We all have these choices here while in earth...what will we pack into life that has worth? Will we choose the real  Truth, Life, the Way...the real Savior and not the shiny trinkets that the world offers...does my life stand up under the final inspection ?  Do the choices I packed into life glorify the God whom I choose to serve? Will He smile and say, "well done" your "baggage" passed
Inspection?  Is my heart clean? Or do I carry dirty laundry, still?

I chuckled as I stood there...what thoughts...what examinations...what conscience clearing...God, you have such a sense of humor...my "luggage" laid open for inspection...nothing was found out of the ordinary...and I flew to my destination...

I want that same final inspection for eternity to go as well...arriving at the "gate" with the right thing...salvation...given by the God who keeps his promises...
Thank YOU...you give "pictures" of life in amazing ways...

Psalm 51:10, 15 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

2 Corinthians 13:5-7 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.

Columbia 8...the phone and other miracles...

Columbia 8
The phone...and other miracles...

One day I took my phone in my back pack...as a back up for pictures...

I never got it out of the back pack at all for the hole day...my backpack was on the floor of the bus near my feet the whole time...when we arrived at the hotel later that night, I was unloading and repacking for next day, the phone was missing... It held all my contact information for thirst of the trip, phone numbers, addresses, etc., etc...I phoned the leader's room, no answer...felt in my spirit to go down to lobby immediately which I did, padding  barefoot down the five flights...

The leader was there with the in-country leaders debriefing the day...the odd thing was that they weren't supposed to be there. They had gone down the street to another cafe for coffee as planned, but found it closed so came back to hotel instead...
So I told them my plight, the pastor called the bus company...the bus was just ready to go into the "wash" area where they completely clean it out...anything found is "finders keepers"... So the pastor went to the company, walked through the bus and found my phone as well as another forgotten item of someone else's, brought them back and I had my phone in 30 minutes from the time I missed it...praises all around...a prayer answered...This was just a small miracle that happened...

At each of the distribution sites, we prayed for the local workers, asking for guidance, protection, wisdom, strength, etc.,  laying hands on them....knowing that God was working in each life...the children, the parents, whomever was there...

At one site, oil started flowing from one of the pastor's hands as we prayed...she went around and prayed for each of us as she anointed each with oil...to some it was the aroma of sweet oil, to others it was olive oil, to me it had  the smell of fish oil-as that seemed to be my theme for the week(fishers of men)...the oil literally dripped on the ground  as she went from person to person...speaking truth into lives...

The miracle of feeding the five thousand was portrayed by the graduating students...but the miracles in their lives was most evident... Freedom from anger and fears, new life in the souls of each...hope in the future, salvation for each who asked...eternity beginning in a small shoe box...and given by a person thousands of miles away...miracles worth continuing...answered prayers as each box winged its way into hands of children all over the world...the Word made real...love to all...thank YOU for the miracles seen and unseen...fruit that will last...

Daniel 4:3 How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.

Acts 4:30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

John 15:16-17 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

Columbia 6, graduation...

Columbia 6

Graduation...

As we participated in gift giving, we also participated briefly in a graduation...

When a child is given a Christmas box, they are also receive a booklet and an invitation to attend a 12 week class, "The Greatest Journey", the gospel..given in written, oral form...they do stories from the Bible, activities, drama, all Bible based...with times, of course, for life changes and hopefully accepting salvation...

At the end of these 12 weeks, there is a graduation...
In our instance, graduation gowns and caps were furnished to each child...what a sight..they sat so proud...but the childishness was still evident in the their faces...their giggles and pokes all the while paying attention to the proceedings...

The parents and visitors crowded around looking on as well...

Each God's workmanship...each with so much God given potential...each with a path...

At the ceremony, each child who has completed the 12 weeks, receives a certificate and a New Testament...and then we were privileged to hear a few tears ones on how these children's lives had been changed by God's loving hand...

Pictures that came to me through this graduation-
Desert to lushness...
Dry to water...
Hardness to brokenness and freedom through Christ...
Death to life...
Darkness to light...
Unknowing to knowing Christ...
Hopelessness to hope...
Anger to joy....
Neglect to care ....
Frowns to smiles...
Hate to love...
Bad to good...
Transformation of a soul, family, village, country....the world...from a small gift given in love...prayers guiding that gift to the heart of the receiver...

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Thank YOU for your graduations in each of our lives...some are so visible and some are hidden in our hearts and souls...Your Word pierces, conquering  nations...with Your love for each...

Columbia 5....unfinished churches ....

Columbia 5

Unfinished churches...

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Some of the places we encountered had unfinished  churches...there were dreams of bodies of believers, unfinished physical buildings, foundations for structures...building materials for all....

We could see it in the eyes and hearts of the people-both adults and children, the Adobe-like bricks, the unfinished structures...the spires of rebar reaching to the sky....God was building his church in all and He would not be thwarted...we walked in joy of the birth of these places...noisy anticipation...

 I was reminded of this over and over again...in the wall of a building we passed, built of bricks of all kinds, some uneven, some in perfect formation...standing proud as an example of how God uses a variety of materials and people to build His church...

We visited and passed great cathedrals as well...beautiful in form and structure...housing beautiful windows, statues, candles, carvings ...so opposite of the places we had come to really visit...we walked in silence...

Thank YOU that you put dreams into the hearts of men and women to build your church in the hearts of others...with or without a building...You are there...

Mark 16:15, 20 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Columbia 4....smiles....

Columbia 4
Smiles...

I love smiles...I love them on all ages of people ....from babies to the  aged and all the in between....the delights of people for whatever reason...the real deep down, heartfelt smiles of joy and delight that touched the soul through and through...

When I think of Columbia, that is what I think about...the smiles, the delight, the joy of people...though the people we visited live in different circumstances, have very little compared to most Americans, they are joyful and appreciative of the simple gifts we gave...

Their faith is exemplified in that joy, those smiles...unencumbered by "stuff" which we hold dear...

It makes me think of the picture I have in mind of Jesus and the children...I see his smile, his delight in their presence...taking them into his arms, speaking truth into their hearts...looking at their parents with encouragement ...a loving Savior....delighting in their belief...offering them the kingdom...as He does to all...

I can see Him smiling when he offered them food at the last supper or on the beach after their fishing trip...or when he told them parables on the hillside... walked along the Emmaus road....when he healed...when he welcomes us home...smiles...deep down love...delight...

Thank YOU....

Matthew 19:13-15 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Numbers 6:22-26 The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites.
Say to them: “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

Psalm 147:11 the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Proverbs 8, wisdom...

Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

Columbia 7....Adults...

Columbia 7
Adults...

In going to Columbia, we were there primarily to give gifts to children ....to birth churches by bringing these children together to listen to the gospel and to hand out gifts...reaching the adults through the children...

As much as I loved the gift giving, I watched the adults who listened, who attended, who watched over these children...these parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, interested adults were just as attuned to the gifts as the children...they saw the joy of the little ones, they took pride in their children, they made sure they were safe in this environment...

I pray that those who were in attendance because of their children took to heart the message of salvation that is for all ages, not just children...

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Thank YOU that you love all ages, cultures, creeds...that You desire that all should seek and find You...

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Columbia 3, housing....

Columbia 3
 housing....

As I was walking one of my daily miles, I couldn't help thinking that less than a week ago I was walking among a different type of housing...
Orange/brown dirt, no well manicured lawns, few flowers, sandy soil, no cement walkways, houses of sticks and stone or twigs or cement blocks, built with little machinery, "lawn mowers"=goats, few Windows, plastic chairs, central water, open air courtyards, thatched roofs, one to two rooms....

As opposed to where I live in a small neighborhood with a variety of styles, colors, flowers in abundance, concrete and blacktop streets, noisy lawn mowers, multiple rooms, electricity at a touch of a switch, water plumbed into the appropriate rooms, wood framed rooms, tile or composition roofs, Windows with coverings, doors and glass...

A world away in style...but the same in heart...

But the people in each have the same basic needs-food,shelter, a savior...

And for those who have accepted that Savior, we have the same home awaiting our occupancy...

John 14:2-4 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Or we seek to find the same Lord...home...

Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

There, the color of skin, our past dwellings matter little...only our love for the Lord...
These earthly houses will have passed away...giving way to His holy presence...

Thank YOU for the preparation You are making...help me and those whom I meet have a clean accepting heart...making sure that the "rooms" of our lives reflect your glory...cleaned, open to your love...

Columbia 2... Boats on the beach...

Columbia 2
Boats on the shore...

The written purpose of this team is to observe, listen and learn...but we learned with our hearts so much more...

The purpose of gifting of boxes here is to birth churches ....through the gospel given freely to the children, but parents and others watching, hearing as well. Win generations to Christ....by a simple gospel presentation and a love gift from people far away...

One question raised-did you see anything that Jesus might see?

We arrived at a small airport in Riohacha, Columbia...northern coast...the plane was full...six seats across, not a small plane...
Colombian people for the most part, but included a group of 20 Americans, we picked up our baggage and boarded a big fancy bus...

Then we drove a main road to our hotel. The hotel faces the ocean. We only needed to walk across the street to be on the beach, step into the sand, crowded with street venders, palm trees, a few fishermen and strolling people.

On the road to the hotel, we passed  industrial areas, small shops and finally came to the beach drive...humanity...beached fishing boats...not motorized, but, small sailing boats covered with drying nets...

We walked before dinner, to watch the sun set into a cloudy ocean filled with reds, oranges and yellows turning quickly into purples, grays...beautiful ...

My "sighting", people, boats...my visual for this day of the trip...
Just as these boats and their fisherman fish daily for food, throwing out their nets, pulling in the harvest...so are we to cast out the gospel.  God providing the "fish" for harvest...we are to be fishers of men...

Casting, pulling in, giving out...knowing that He desires people to be brought in...none to perish ...

This trip is said to "birth churches", to go to the fields ripe for harvest of souls, freely giving them the gift of salvation, "fishing"....
Diner was another reminder of those fisherman and their boats, fresh fish, cooked to perfection, harvested diligently...

Just as the chefs prepared our food, we fish for people, preparing them well, equipping them through the Word(recipe of life)...

Thank YOU...help me to be diligent in the gifts you have given, to truly be a fisher of men...to see the lost, to give...to fish ....

Matthew 4:18-22 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.
They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
"Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John.
They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets.
Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Luke 5:4-7, 9-11 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.
But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Columbia...paths...plans...

Columbia 1
Paths...

When I think back over this past year, I really don't remember when Columbia came into the picture....a word here, an invitation there until it just came to be...I was planning on going to Ecuador with Compassion or Taiwan with another ministry...or even was invited to go to Uganda with still yet another group or Thailand with still another group or simply stay at home and visit with my neighbors...but Columbia came together as if it was "planned"....which of course it was...the others still went ahead...but without my presence but with others whose plan it was...

We, as a family, have supported Samaritans Purse for years and filled a multitude of  Christmas boxes as well as other projects that are part of this ministry...grass roots projects...those which fill the spiritual and physical needs of people...the fundamental purpose of Samaritans Purse...Going in Jesus' name....

But going and handing out boxes was a dream way out there in left field...for others to do ...but God changed that into reality...planning all along to add it to my life if I were obedient to his call...to meet others who lives would be impacted as well...He formed the perfect group, the perfect country...for each of us...gave us the perfect weather, the great leaders...gave each of us stories to recount...the pictures to remember...

We may never meet again this side of glory, but we each person was touched with eternity in a new fresh way...whether in our lives or those we met...the smiles, the tears, the surprises, the prayers, the friendships, the care...boxed into a gift to each...given for enrichment of our lives..

Thank YOU for this journey...this path in which You planned for each...each day was a blessing...


As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.—PSALM 18: 30

Psalm 40:5 Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.—1 CORINTHIANS 7: 17 ESV"



"Hi - I'm reading "Jesus Always (with Bonus Content): Embracing Joy in His Presence" by Sarah Young and wanted to share this quote with you.

"June 16 I HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS FOR YOU. They may be radically different from what you hoped or expected, but they are nonetheless good. I am Light; in Me there is no darkness at all. So look for My Light in all your circumstances. I am abundantly present in your moments. Your assignment is to be open to Me and My ways with you. Sometimes this requires relinquishing things you had planned or dreamed. You need to remember and wholeheartedly believe that My way is perfect, no matter how hard it is. I am a shield for all who take refuge in Me. When you’re feeling afflicted or afraid, come to Me and say: “Lord, I take refuge in You.” I don’t shield you from things I intend for you to deal with, for you have an important part to play in this world. However, I protect you from more dangers and troubles than you can imagine. So make every effort to live the life I have assigned to you. Do this in joyful dependence on Me, and your soul will be richly satisfied."

Pleasing God...

Pleasing God...

Continuing in Ecclesiastics, I cam upon the word, "please".  In this city text it was the person who pleases God...but I wondered what pleases God...what delights Him?....

Ecclesiastes 2:26a To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God....

I found these passages...

1 Timothy 2:1-7 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

Psalm 147:11 the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Psalm 149:4 For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

Proverbs 11:20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

Matthew 12:18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

He loves us so...

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Thank YOU...I want to be your delight...

Contrasts of outlook .....

Contrasts....

This morning it was "ironic" to read these two conflicting passages...from meaninglessness to total companionship...

One giving the hopelessness we have without the True Companion which we can have in the everlasting Father, Son and Holy Spirit...

Hope and meaning versus hopelessness and meaninglessness...companionship versus aloneness...joy versus  sorrow...
Comfort versus inner pain...foolish versus wisdom...

What a choice!!! Thank YOU that you give hope when life seems meaningless...You are there...


Ecclesiastes 1:2, 16-17 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

"June 4 I AM YOUR JOY! Let these words reverberate in your mind and sink into your innermost being. I—your Companion who will never leave you—am a boundless source of Joy. If you really believe this, you can rest in the truth that every day of your life is a good day. So refuse to use the label “a bad day,” even when you’re struggling deeply. Your circumstances may indeed be very hard, but I am nonetheless with you, holding you by your right hand. There is good to be found in this day—and every day—because of My constant Presence and steadfast Love."

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

The Proverbs 31 woman...

The Proverbs 31 woman...

I find it interesting that the book of Proverbs ends up with a description of an excellent woman...a woman to be praised...

All though Proverbs, there are descriptions of women not to be praised---the adulteress, the argumentative, the contentious, the foolish...plus all through the Bible we get pictures and stories of ones who were excellent and ones who were not...
Ones who led their families with wisdom and ones who fell far short, ones who were evil and ones who were humble and blessed, ones who were courageous, ones who were argumentative, ones who were industrious, ones who served and those who were served, ones who were deceitful and one who were truthful.....the same traits I find in women today...we haven't changed over the eons of time...we haven't "evolved" into better and better beings like some would suggest...we still face the same temptations, conflicts, attitudes, pain or joys that our ancestors faced...we still have basically the same choices...

The Proverbs 31 woman is just as applicable  today as it was when it was written...we may not have all the duties she did or do all activities she did, but we have a choice to fear the Lord as she did, we have a choice to serve our families and community in a godly way...we can comfort, serve, care, love, prepare....

Thank YOU for the example...help me even in widowhood the to exemplify the characteristics of this woman to You, to my family and those around me...that I would reverence You in my life....


Proverbs 31:10-31 amplified
An excellent woman one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous, who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.
The heart of her husband trusts in her with secure confidence, And he will have no lack of gain.
She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil All the days of her life.
She looks for wool and flax And works with willing hands in delight. She is like the merchant ships abounding with treasure;
She brings her household’s food from far away. She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And assigns tasks to her maids.
She considers a field before she buys or accepts it expanding her business prudently; With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
She equips herself with strength spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task And makes her arms strong.
She sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night she is prepared for whatever lies ahead.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle as she spins wool into thread for clothing.
She opens and extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.
She does not fear the snow for her household, For all in her household are clothed in expensive scarlet wool.
She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple wool.
Her husband is known in the city’s gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes fine linen garments and sells them; And supplies sashes to the merchants.
Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future knowing that she and her family are prepared. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue giving counsel and instruction.
She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed happy, prosperous, to be admired; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying, “Many daughters have done nobly, and well with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness, But you excel them all.”
Charm and grace are deceptive, and superficial beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect, she shall be praised.
Give her of the product of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates of the city.

Proverbs again...

Proverbs again...

I have made it through the book of Proverbs again...reading about the wise, the unwise, the fools over and over again, the scoffers, the evil, the righteous, the adulteress, the crabby wife, the ants, to the wonderful Proverbs 31 woman...etc...

People I meet and see walking down the streets on my town...they are all there...mankind..."nothing is new under the sun"... Maybe a new twist or name, but really the same...

God's Word is timeless...what was good thousands of years ago is still timely in today's culture, whether in western or eastern, "developed" or "undeveloped", third world ...poor or rich....whatever..it is applicable in all mankind... It never grows old, never outdated...

ALL  scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that that the man if God may be thoroughly equipped for ever y good work...
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Psalm 119

Psalm 119: 24 your statutes are my delight; they are my counsellors..