Week before last my daughter's church in Puyallup hosted a man named Don Richardson, who was a missionary to Headhunters in the early 1970's. His story is fascinating and compelling. There are two video clips on u-tube. If you Google DON RICHARDSON PEACE CHILD they should both come up.
I don't want to give away the story. It is far more compelling seeing it through the videos and from his own voice....
I just love that God makes a way in the wilderness - - when we feel like there just couldn't possibly be a way - - He makes a way - - and in doing it, there is no doubt that the provision comes from His hand, and His alone.
Life is full to the brim with the impossible to us. But nothing is impossible with God. Wow, God. You are amazing! I am overwhelmed with your majesty!
'And a little child shall lead them.'
'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son.' (The ultimate peace child!)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A SHARED LETTER
I received a compelling letter in this morning's e-mails regarding the unrest in Kashmir, in India. The letter reported that many people have lost their lives in what they feel is a fight for freedom. In the last few days rioting has intensified to a new level. Christians are beginning to be targeted because of rumored accounts of Quran burnings in America. Westerners working in the area have had angry mobs outside their homes. Buildings associated with Christianity have been burned and the airport has been closed with several workers having no way to leave. Their spirits are remaining strong, however, as they are relying on the hand of God to protect them. The national believers are also at high risk.
The author of the letter asked that we pray that God would keep them strong!
This person's letter struck me forcefully for several reasons - - but one of the most distressing realities is that the threat of one pastor in Florida whose congregation is only 50 people could have such wide-ranging, devastating impact. Yet - - the Good News that we proclaim over and over in myriads of churches across the world - - seemingly falls on deaf ears.
But, I know that trouble is the doorway to opportunity -- and what an awesome opportunity to proclaim the true Gospel -- the LOVE of Jesus Christ for all of mankind. It's time to take the lemons and make lemonade.
The truth of the core of the Gospel - - the good news of Jesus Christ - - is John 3:16!
'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.' And verse 17 - 'For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved."
God is still in business. He offers His love freely - - but accepting it requires the cost of laying our lives at His feet, and sacrificing our wills to His. Eternal life begins the moment we accept Him - - and then it is no longer about us - but all about Him. And in being His servant, we are finally free. God - the creator of the universe - the Master of all that is, or was or ever will be - comes to reside in the hearts of those who choose to accept His sacrifice of His Son. There is no other way to God. We have this one brief window before the door to eternity closes forever.
Anyone thirsty for some lemonade?
The author of the letter asked that we pray that God would keep them strong!
This person's letter struck me forcefully for several reasons - - but one of the most distressing realities is that the threat of one pastor in Florida whose congregation is only 50 people could have such wide-ranging, devastating impact. Yet - - the Good News that we proclaim over and over in myriads of churches across the world - - seemingly falls on deaf ears.
But, I know that trouble is the doorway to opportunity -- and what an awesome opportunity to proclaim the true Gospel -- the LOVE of Jesus Christ for all of mankind. It's time to take the lemons and make lemonade.
The truth of the core of the Gospel - - the good news of Jesus Christ - - is John 3:16!
'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.' And verse 17 - 'For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved."
God is still in business. He offers His love freely - - but accepting it requires the cost of laying our lives at His feet, and sacrificing our wills to His. Eternal life begins the moment we accept Him - - and then it is no longer about us - but all about Him. And in being His servant, we are finally free. God - the creator of the universe - the Master of all that is, or was or ever will be - comes to reside in the hearts of those who choose to accept His sacrifice of His Son. There is no other way to God. We have this one brief window before the door to eternity closes forever.
Anyone thirsty for some lemonade?
Monday, September 13, 2010
GREAT WEEKEND
What a wonderful weekend.
[A brief observation: After I posted the pictures I noticed that it puts them into the blog from the last first.... So what I talk about earliest comes last in the photos, FYI.]
Al is gone hunting, so while the cat's away the mouse must play....well, sort of!
Friday morning I went up to Puyallup to go to the 'Cattle Drive' and the opening day of The Puyallup Fair with my daughter and youngest grandaughter. I got some great pictures. I posted 101 of them on Facebook! I posted 5 here!
Before I arrived, Erin told Bryn (who is 4), "Yo is coming up today." (I am Yo to my grandkids, in case that wasn't apparent.)
"I know," replied Bryn.
"How do you know?" Erin responded, surprised.
And Bryn replied, "I know lots of four-year-old things and that's one of the four-year-old things that I know."
That girl keeps us in stitches!
The cattle drive and the parade were delightful - - and we got all of the animal looking and smelling we needed for the year. As an added treat, we saw our friend, Neil and his wife, Lore. He was a friend of Al's family before I ever met Al - and we enjoyed a nice visit. Later I ran into Meghan Black of King 5 - that was fun! Check my Facebook page if you want to see us together.
Erin, Bryn and I shared one elephant ear ($6.50) - but opted to go to Costco for lunch after our Fair time. Fair food is way too expensive! Just before we left the Fairgrounds we went into the Fred Oldfield Museum. I recognized his name because my friend, Carla, has talked about him so many times - - that he was a family friend. We met Fred. He is a genuinely talented artist - and equally genuinely 'really nice' guy! What a treat!
Friday night a friend and I went to a very humorous play at the Olympia Little Theater that my neighbor gal is performing in. I wanted to go to support Kristina - - but to my delight, Evelyne wanted to go too, to see someone she knew who was in it - - and it was just one of those wonderful moments that God sometimes allows us.... The play had some great lines, well delivered, by the way.
Our nephew, Darold, called Saturday morning to say he had shot a 5 X 5 elk opening day of hunting season! Elk hunters will appreciate that bit of good news!
Saturday evening I went to church - - since I wasn't going to be there Sunday morning - - and when I got home, our youngest daughter was here, so Kami and I watched a movie together and got to bed very late....
Sunday was another day filled with treats. Erin and her 3 girls met Kami and I enroute and traveled to Montesano together to go to a special event at Montesano Presbyterian Church where I went to church for 30 years - - and the only church the girls ever attended until they headed off to college. The church was dedicating its long-awaited new fellowship hall, which includes a wonderful, new kitchen, new & larger bathrooms, new office for the pastor - that more than 1 person can squeeze into. It's wonderful, practical, beautiful, and offers them the opportunity for more ministry options. They are beginning an AWANA program in another week! While the new addition was wonderful - - I went for the people. The big surprise of the day was honoring Steve Fischback and his wife, Carol, for 20 years of ministry in and contribution to the City of Montesano. The first 10 of those years, I was there. I adored Steve and Carol, and they are cherished friends. Two of their boys were able to come - all grown up and so much fun to see. I had not been back to a worship service in Montesano for 10 years - and it was wonderful to be there - - to see people -- to collect hugs.
We stopped briefly to say hi to a neighbor lady who is now 95. She didn't remember us. I didn't expect her to. I've stopped to see her a couple of times in that 10 years since we left Montesano, and she remembered before - - but 95. I don't even expect to live to be 95.
And - before we left town we stopped to see Carla, who was one of my best friends in Monte. Our lives don't cross paths much now - but I treasure the memories. I came home full to the brim with hugs and love and remembered joys!
Every day, of course, I have begun my day immersed in The Psalms. Highly recommended reading - in case you haven't done that for awhile!!!!
God is good! I am filled to the brim with His goodness.
BUCKET LIST DETOUR
I keep telling people I am going to report - - and didn't want to do that prematurely - - but since things are on hold for awhile - I will just let you in on it anyway, because it is HUGE for me! My musical that I wrote in 1997 - - and shelved because I couldn't find someone (after asking 1 good friend and 1 professional musician) to write the accompaniment is nearly finished!
But - - equally wonderful is God's timing! He has used the process of this musical as a tool for His divine direction in my life, and is allowing me to see HIS timing, and doors that He has opened - - and now I just trust that all completely to Him! For years it was a dream - - and a touchstone. I believed He did not just give it to me for 'no reason' and He has proved that. But - - it sat in a file for 10 years initially - - then was improved to become the Westminster Edition, which was presented by the Westminster Kid's Choir in 2008 - - and now is being improved again to be the 2010 Edition. Who knows when it will hit the stage again? I don't - - but I am so thrilled it is coming together!
Even yesterday I saw evidence of God's plan and timing - - and it thrills me to be part of that! It's such a joy to see Him weave His patterns in and through our lives! This is a 'bucket list' dream come true for me at this juncture - - that is true - - but all I want is for it to honor the Lord! And I am assured it will!
But - - equally wonderful is God's timing! He has used the process of this musical as a tool for His divine direction in my life, and is allowing me to see HIS timing, and doors that He has opened - - and now I just trust that all completely to Him! For years it was a dream - - and a touchstone. I believed He did not just give it to me for 'no reason' and He has proved that. But - - it sat in a file for 10 years initially - - then was improved to become the Westminster Edition, which was presented by the Westminster Kid's Choir in 2008 - - and now is being improved again to be the 2010 Edition. Who knows when it will hit the stage again? I don't - - but I am so thrilled it is coming together!
Even yesterday I saw evidence of God's plan and timing - - and it thrills me to be part of that! It's such a joy to see Him weave His patterns in and through our lives! This is a 'bucket list' dream come true for me at this juncture - - that is true - - but all I want is for it to honor the Lord! And I am assured it will!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A NEW INSIGHT!
I have been reading The Psalms for my devotions. Wow, do they speak to me, in reflecting over the past and seeing with gratitude what God has done. Even before I got up this morning, I determined to praise God for the difficult issues I faced in the recent past - and even the distant past. What an attitude adjustment it is to praise God for the bad stuff, from the perspective that He allowed me to experience just a trifle of what he experienced on earth when he was misunderstood, maligned and misrepresented. He, and He alone is my refuge.
I decided to read in the ESV for my devotions - but had read some mornings in the NIV, so during my time of re-reading the first 19 chapters of the Psalms in the ESV this morning, I had an amazing, exciting insight. I realized that running to God in prayer is also praise - because it places him in the place of Lord - the only answer to our problems - and that glorifies Him. I got totally excited by that revelation. We do need to praise Him - just for who He is - and thank Him - - but our prayers of supplication and pouring our woundedness out to Him is also part of worship and honor to God - and therefore is praise! Wow!
It makes the phrase 'He inhabits the praises of His people' even more poignant. He lives with us in every moment of our need, and our seeking His guidance, direction, solace and solutions honors Him, for he is truly the only one who has the solutions - the only one who holds my life in his hands. Wow!
So I'm off to see what the day brings - and looking forward to being able to report on my big 'bucket list' project soon - - I yearn for its completion! And - - am working diligently toward that. Soon - very soon! Al's hunting trip is perfect timing for me - because I can devote myself fully to the project!
Today, Lord, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.
I decided to read in the ESV for my devotions - but had read some mornings in the NIV, so during my time of re-reading the first 19 chapters of the Psalms in the ESV this morning, I had an amazing, exciting insight. I realized that running to God in prayer is also praise - because it places him in the place of Lord - the only answer to our problems - and that glorifies Him. I got totally excited by that revelation. We do need to praise Him - just for who He is - and thank Him - - but our prayers of supplication and pouring our woundedness out to Him is also part of worship and honor to God - and therefore is praise! Wow!
It makes the phrase 'He inhabits the praises of His people' even more poignant. He lives with us in every moment of our need, and our seeking His guidance, direction, solace and solutions honors Him, for he is truly the only one who has the solutions - the only one who holds my life in his hands. Wow!
So I'm off to see what the day brings - and looking forward to being able to report on my big 'bucket list' project soon - - I yearn for its completion! And - - am working diligently toward that. Soon - very soon! Al's hunting trip is perfect timing for me - because I can devote myself fully to the project!
Today, Lord, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
DAILY DEVOTIONAL TIME WITH GOD
I typed this into my computer yesterday - did a bit of editing on it this morning, and decided I might as well share it.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL TIME WITH GOD
Some people call it devotions – some call it a quiet time with God. Whatever you call it, maintaining a daily devotional time set aside to be alone with God grounds us and keeps our focus directed to Him. It is the perfect way to begin the day – before the clutter of life clouds the mind – or creates the risk of neglecting this special, important personal worship time with God. It requires self-discipline, but it is essential for spiritual growth. God will honor your commitment!
A daily devotional time is not study time. It is simply a specific time – preferably early in the day – to be alone with God – to read something from his Word, perhaps something inspirational as well, and then pray. . .. Before you begin reading your selected portion of the Bible, ask God to open your eyes to see, your mind to understand and your heart to receive what He has for you that day.
Next is prayer time. There are four primary facets of prayer, easily remembered by the acronym A-C-T-S. It isn’t difficult to spend time in prayer when you have a fundamental prayer outline. [Also see Matthew 6:5-15.]
A is for Adoration – simply praising God for who He is. This should not be confused with thanks. It is pure praise – acknowledging God as the wonderful, amazing God He is. Genuine praise is music to our Father’s ears. He inhabits the praises of His people! “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.” Psalm 103:1
C is for Confession – a time to search your heart – and allow God to search you as well, inviting His cleansing, and asking His forgiveness for intentional and unintentional sin and shortcomings. Sin falls into two categories: sins of commission (things we do) and sins of omission (things we should have done, but failed to do.) We are most often aware of the sins we have committed. But – what we omit and fail to do is also sin. Confessing is ‘house-cleaning.’ It keeps us right with God and doesn’t give opportunity for sins to fester or grow roots. It is an attitude adjustment! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “ 1 John 1:9 Isn’t God amazing?
T is for Thanksgiving – simply saying thanks for everything you can think of. You’ll be amazed how your list grows – and how much more thankful you will be by paying attention to all God has done for you, beginning with salvation. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4.
S is for Supplication – asking for what we need from God. This is where we end – not where we begin. Too often we run to God asking – and forget all the other aspects of prayer. We need a lot from God. We need Him daily. We need to pray for our own needs and needs of others. This area includes intercessory prayer. We make commitments to pray for people and bear their burdens. Carry each others' burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL TIME WITH GOD
Some people call it devotions – some call it a quiet time with God. Whatever you call it, maintaining a daily devotional time set aside to be alone with God grounds us and keeps our focus directed to Him. It is the perfect way to begin the day – before the clutter of life clouds the mind – or creates the risk of neglecting this special, important personal worship time with God. It requires self-discipline, but it is essential for spiritual growth. God will honor your commitment!
A daily devotional time is not study time. It is simply a specific time – preferably early in the day – to be alone with God – to read something from his Word, perhaps something inspirational as well, and then pray. . .. Before you begin reading your selected portion of the Bible, ask God to open your eyes to see, your mind to understand and your heart to receive what He has for you that day.
Next is prayer time. There are four primary facets of prayer, easily remembered by the acronym A-C-T-S. It isn’t difficult to spend time in prayer when you have a fundamental prayer outline. [Also see Matthew 6:5-15.]
A is for Adoration – simply praising God for who He is. This should not be confused with thanks. It is pure praise – acknowledging God as the wonderful, amazing God He is. Genuine praise is music to our Father’s ears. He inhabits the praises of His people! “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.” Psalm 103:1
C is for Confession – a time to search your heart – and allow God to search you as well, inviting His cleansing, and asking His forgiveness for intentional and unintentional sin and shortcomings. Sin falls into two categories: sins of commission (things we do) and sins of omission (things we should have done, but failed to do.) We are most often aware of the sins we have committed. But – what we omit and fail to do is also sin. Confessing is ‘house-cleaning.’ It keeps us right with God and doesn’t give opportunity for sins to fester or grow roots. It is an attitude adjustment! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “ 1 John 1:9 Isn’t God amazing?
T is for Thanksgiving – simply saying thanks for everything you can think of. You’ll be amazed how your list grows – and how much more thankful you will be by paying attention to all God has done for you, beginning with salvation. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4.
S is for Supplication – asking for what we need from God. This is where we end – not where we begin. Too often we run to God asking – and forget all the other aspects of prayer. We need a lot from God. We need Him daily. We need to pray for our own needs and needs of others. This area includes intercessory prayer. We make commitments to pray for people and bear their burdens. Carry each others' burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2.
A BLOG TO LOVE & A LINK TO ENJOY
I have one blog I follow faithfully - - even if it means 'catching up' on a few posts on occasion when life has been too full to check for her entries. I am offering the connection to you because the author both blesses me and challenges me. It's too good not to share - so I'm sharing. During lent each year she posts daily. Other times of the year, less often, but well worth reading.
Type peacefulones.blogspot.com into your Web browser and it will take you to the link - then you can save it as a favorite if you want to follow Rosemarie's blog. I'm a fan!
The other thing I want to share is the following link. You may need to highlight it, copy it, and move it to your browser to see it - - I have never tried to copy a link from an e-mail to my blog before, so I am not sure how that is going to work - but it is excellent. I also posted it on my Facebook site - and I know you can access it there if you have trouble here.
http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
Type peacefulones.blogspot.com into your Web browser and it will take you to the link - then you can save it as a favorite if you want to follow Rosemarie's blog. I'm a fan!
The other thing I want to share is the following link. You may need to highlight it, copy it, and move it to your browser to see it - - I have never tried to copy a link from an e-mail to my blog before, so I am not sure how that is going to work - but it is excellent. I also posted it on my Facebook site - and I know you can access it there if you have trouble here.
http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
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