Faithfulness

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Last week our students performed  a musical called "Seussical" based on the works of Dr.Seuss.  I do not know if he was a believer, but there are definitely biblical themes in some of his writing.  We are told that we can imagine, or think beyond our wildest imagination, that is because our imagination is nothing compared to that of God's and His creativity.  The character of Gertrude, the bird with the one feathered tail, learns that she is perfect the way she is and this shows us that God does not make mistakes in creating us. 

Then there is Horton; " I meant what I said and I said what I meant, an elephant's faithful 100%". This reminds me that God has always been faithful to us and we in turn need to do likewise.  Do I "hold unswervingly to the hope we profess" as I am instructed in Hebrews to do?  Does my life reflect that hope? Am I steadfast in what I do so as not to be swayed by the enemy"s temptation? Without His power, the answer is definitely no.  I must rely on  power and strength from the Holy Spirit to accomplish this because I am weak without Him. 

On the other hand, the second half of the verse says 'he who promised is faithful."  Do I really believe this?  I know in my head this is true, but do my actions reflect it?  It makes me think about the Israelites in the Old Testament who witnessed God's power in Egypt, at the Red Sea and with the manna in the desert, but as soon as things got tough they turned away from him and decided they should try another god.  They did not trust that He would do what he said and bring them through.  As I look at what is gong on with me and the future of my work here, do I trust God to provide for my needs?  I do not see an answer or how it will work out.  There is a nagging voice in the back of my head that says I need a "plan B", but I do not want to do that. I want to believe that He meant what He said and He said what He meant, my God is faithful 100%!!


"Lord, please give me the faith to remain strong and trust you.  As I seek after you, come along side me and give me the steps to continue to follow you.  
In Your Faithful Name - Amen"




( You can view more pictures from Seussical on my Facebook page.)

Moving Forward

³ Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. ⁴ The LORD works out everything to its proper end 
 ⁹ In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.                     Proverbs 16:3-4a, 9


I just returned to Germany after eight weeks in California. I was blessed to be able to spend time with family and visit with many friends (though I missed some of you.)  I spent much of my time sharing with people what God has been doing in my life and the lives of the students here. I have felt a little frustrated because I was not able to connect with numerous people that I would have liked to have seen because the timing just did not work out.  I have returned to BFA claiming God's promises like those in the verses above and many others.   The support that is needed for my work here is not complete, I am under by approximately $800 a month, but I know that God's resources are unlimited and that He will take care of me. I believe that I am where He wants me to be so I am continuing to move forward and rely on Him to finish the work that was started this summer. 


Please pray with me for those who God is speaking to about the work here. If you are interested in being a part of my team you can follow this link to find out how to partner with me through financial support and prayer:
http://www.wycliffe.org/Partnership.aspx?mid=XF0TVA 

Dana Point Harbor - near where I grew up

Evening with some of the family (the younger generation)

  

Waiting

^{Psalm 40 vs 1,5 and 11
1} I waited patiently for the LORD;
   he turned to me and heard my cry.
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.
¹¹ Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
   may your love and faithfulness always protect me. 

On June 3rd 62 seniors graduated from Black Forest Academy.  The ceremony is long compared to others because statements about each student, that have been written by teachers and mentors, are read and many times scripture is included.  It is a very moving and emotional time as these students face an unknown ahead of them in moving away from a safe "bubble", as they sometimes call it, to cultures they are not very familiar with, in countries where they do not think they will be welcomed or fit in.  I was able to witness a mixture of emotions that day from the happiness and relief of completing high school to the sadness of having to say goodbye to friends they do not know if they would ever see again. 

As I approached my summer and the plans I had coming up, I too felt these emotions of uncertainty. I was also touched by some of these verses, particularly the ones quoted above.  As verse 5 says I have seen the many wonders of the Lord and cannot declare all He has done for me and those around me.  I am also waiting (maybe not as patiently as I should) for Him and His mercies as I am in the states trying to connect with people to let them know about the ministry that is happening in Germany and how they can also be involved in what God is doing around the world.  I am confident in what He has planned for me though am not always certain how it will be realized, but am thankful for His love and faithfulness.

So far the summer is going well and I am blessed that I am able to spend a good part of it with my mother, helping her recover from her surgery.  God has been gracious to me and given me blessed times with friends and family.  Please pray with me that His purposes will be accomplished while I am here and that I will be able to return to BFA as scheduled on August 5th .

Provision

¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  

Philippians 1:19 (New International Version, ©2011)

I have been thinking a lot lately about God's provision for us.  

It has been just over two weeks since my surgery and physical therapy started today.  In this time I have been overwhelmed by the love and generosity of my church family around me, from providing meals, watching my dog, driving me around, to even giving me a wonderful retreat home to stay in for a few days where I was totally pampered. I know that it is because of His love in them that I have been so blessed.  Also, in the care I received in the hospital and the way my body is healing well, I see God's hand and care for me.

As I work with the students at BFA, I also see how He is providing for them and working in and through their lives. Over the spring break more than 80 of our students and staff spread out across Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe to serve others in orphanages, schools and churches.  With very few difficulties, God kept them safe and used them to touch people with His love. 

Ultimately, the sacrifice He made for us shows that Our King loves us so much He is willing to give himself completely to provide for us an eternity with Him. As we just celebrated this gift and the Resurrection which provided the power over death, I am again astounded by His generosity.  

As I look ahead, I pray that I can continue to have the faith to rely on our Father's provision to continue in the work He has given me.  I thank Him for all of you for being part of this work through your prayers, friendship and the support you give.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.  Proverbs 3:5-6 (Good News Translation)

Recently during staff devotions, one of the language teachers was talking about a field trip with her French students where they were going to spend an afternoon with native speaking families.  She talked about how afraid they were, how they were trying to avoid the situation, and that they continued to whine and grumble the whole way there.  She reminded us that we sometimes act this way with God, that we don't trust Him in our situations, we don't turn our problems over to Him but instead we complain about it or try to deal with it on our own.  I was reminded of this verse and found this translation that really hit home with me.  I tend to rely on my own strength and do what I think is necessary to fix whatever problems I have.  I am so thankful that God is patient with me and when I finally do trust Him with my concerns, He answers my prayers.  

As I face my upcoming surgery, I have been trying on my own to work out all the details beforehand and calm my fears.  I asked my small group to pray about it for me and within a few days those prayers were answered, people within the BFA community are offering me help in many ways and I can see God answering my concerns.  When will I learn to turn to Him FIRST?  God is faithful and He is showing me that everyday.  

Please continue to pray for the surgery that is scheduled for April 13, and for the planning and logistics of my trip home in June and July.