Rather by Love

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Hisjoy -> Rather by Love (6/27/2006 8:00:32 PM)
When Columbus had not long set foot on the island which he named San Salvador, he recorded in his log as he observed the people, "So that they might be well-disposed towards us, for I knew that they were a people to be delivered and converted to our holy faith rather by love than by force, I gave to some red caps and to others glass beads...." "Rather by love" stayed with me as I read and through the days since. It seemed so obvious to me that love is the only way. Yet I find it's still too easy to be moved by fear, frustration, or whatever, and not by love. How wretched, says Paul, but he found grace! By the grace of God, through Christ, in my daily life I am still learning more about His love and how to walk in it. I want to learn every day more about the things of God. Come walk with me in this hall of learning. I'll just share thoughts, experiences, happenings, prayers, whatever, and we'll see where God takes it. [:)] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 2 Thess. 4:28 ______

Hisjoy -> RE: Rather by Love (6/30/2006 2:00:45 AM)
Yesterday morning, God reminded me again, "I'm your Father." It's been seven months now since His loving voice said to me, "And haven't I been caring for you like that all these years?" "Yes, You have!" I said, "Now I understand!" After 37 years of being His child, at last the realization dawned, "He is my Father! And now I know what a 'real father' is like!" I just hadn't been able to understand a father's love for me because I had my own image of a father. I believe our stepfather wanted to relate to my sister and me. We had good times, but everything good was swept away by words. "Little girls should be seen and not heard." "Go, take a long walk off a short pier." His fearful words hit my ears and my heart every day. And so I grew up, knowing that no one wanted to hear me or respond to me positively and being myself was not good enough. I'd fight through life on my own. At age 13, I found out that somewhere I had a "real father." I began to rebel heavily against my stepfather. The fight was on in earnest. One day at age 17 (not yet a Christian) I sensed God was telling me to forgive my stepfather, and to tell him I regretted my rebellion, yet I couldn't find the courage to tell him this. "I'll do it tomorrow!" was the easy way out. But he didn't have a tomorrow. I said goodbye and left. When I came home the next day, he was dead. I was somewhat sad, and this was about the only time in my life I'd been allowed to cry. Nevertheless, this 17-year-old was hardhearted, and had trained herself to be tough. I quickly pulled myself together. I had fought my way through life and and there was no turning back. At 21 I met some precious friends, a couple who patiently taught me about Christ for two years. One night at two in the morning Bob said said it was time I asked Jesus into my life and Mary agreed. I heard myself saying, "I want to do it." And I did. A year later my sister found our father. I wrote him a letter. He wrote an emotional letter back. The correspondence continued for about six months. Wow, I saw myself! He was just like me! Then he was gone again. Disappeared just like that. Letters returned. So that's how my composite of a father evolved. Strict. Do fun stuff. Doesn't want to hear me. Doesn't even want me around? And then he dies. Letters of love that I longed to be true. And then he disappears forever...a family deserted a second time. It was a jigsaw puzzle I couldn't put together. God, my Father? I said the words, "Our Father...." but they were empty words to me. And yet God showed me His love. I just hadn't understood it as a Father's love and was almost impervious to it...until I came on forums almost 37 years later! I noticed Vagrant talking about her father an awful lot. My, she was a grown woman and she still talked about the things her father did for her! I really liked reading those posts, but I couldn't understand it. In one of her posts I read of how her kitten was run over and injured. She took the kitten to the vet. For some reason she added the words, "My dad drove me." "My goodness,” I thought, “what kind of treatment is that? Her dad driving her and her kitten to the vet? What kind of father would he have to be to do that? Wow!" I imagined this little girl with her father, but it was not so. She was in college! It baffled me even more! “You have to do things for yourself,” my thoughts ran. “I'd have had to wrap the kitten up and walk there with it. I wouldn't have needed or even had a dad to go with me, let alone take me! God, I don't get it." And that's when God said, "Haven't I been caring for you like that all these years?" I saw it at last and I said, "Yes, You have! Now I understand! You’re my Father!" And every time I forget or struggle, He reminds me of this story. So yesterday He reminded me again, "I am your Father." And as I was reading in Romans 8, His words gently caressed my heart. "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" (v.15) It's so good know the Father's love and to live and walk in it!

Hisjoy -> RE: Rather by Love (7/3/2006 1:14:04 AM)
This morning we went to church in the mountains. As we drove up the mountain, tall grasses lining the narrow road soon gave way to pine trees. We enjoyed being together in this beautiful scenery, happy and looking forward to meeting everyone. Down a winding road on the mountain, a white country church appeared in a clearing. We’ve been there only 8-10 times in the past 10-15 years and were all like old friends. I always enjoy their service, even though it’s very traditional. The pianist has a special touch that brings a swing to the music and turns those slow, old hymns into joyous melodies. The song leader carried the whole service with the same energy. Leonard gave the morning message and by last-minute special request included his testimony, which he fit into context. He amazes people with his ability to incorporate things so quickly. Afterward we went into the bright and airy church hall for fellowship and refreshments. The mission committee took us out to lunch. Now this is a great experience which no one should miss. I mean it. The last time we came they were kind of embarrassed to take us there, but we loved it! This time they were anxious to get there! We drove back to the mountain highway and follow them along the road, turning down another road lined with grasses and trees. Suddenly it appears…a little restaurant in the middle of nowhere. And I mean nowhere. How anyone knows it’s there I have no idea and yet it’s been in business since 1925. It’s made of wood and hasn’t got a lick of paint on it. You go in on the worn linoleum floor and sit at old tables and chairs. The walls are just plain, old wood. Looks like it’s dried out over the years. You don’t need a menu and they don’t have one. It’s a sandwich, hamburger or hot dog. Soda, coffee or iced tea. The folk we came with asked for the sandwich. The kitchen will decide what’s in it unless you request something in particular. I took the 'whatever' sandwich, too. Leonard, ever the traditionalist, took a hamburger. I just about got my mouth around the sandwich with all the meats, cheese, salad and what ever else in it. I was hungry and it was delicious! I had eaten almost the whole thing before I realized the others were taking half of theirs home. Oh well, I finished it all; after all, I’d be taking it home too, right? We had a fun time with them. They are great people! The food was good! It was a cool place! We came back down the mountain, again enjoying the quiet and the beautiful scenery once again. You know, the simple things in life make it sooooo rich.

Hisjoy -> RE: Rather by Love (7/4/2006 2:36:52 PM)
In this fast-paced, run-run world, I'm so thankful that we still know how to simply sit together in quiet contentment. Looking back on church gatherings over the years, memories of picnics and other activities remind me of this wonderful fellowship. Yes, there would be sports, kids' games, whatever. It was all a part of the whole as we played and sat together. At our summer Wednesday nights, where we gather in the backyards of church folk, the same thing happens still. These warm little pockets of togetherness are a balm, a building up, and an absolute pleasure! Last night, I was 'baptized by immersion' in a great ocean of togetherness. There were six of us in our little row among the hundreds who sat haphazardly on the football field, while others had neatly arranged themselves in the bleachers. It was July 3 and we were celebrating July 4! We arrived there at 7:00 p.m., set our chairs up on the field, and went to look around. The band played, booths were busy, food was served, as the majority of the crowd…family, friends, neighbors…just sat. By 7:30 we were back in our chairs among the hundreds who were all sitting there waiting for the fireworks at 9:00 p.m. An unusual quiet over the orderly, relaxed crowd, was not disturbed by the gentle hum of voices and rhythmical flow of music. Our little row of six did not say much and neither did anyone else. We all absorbed the togetherness and the understanding of why we were there. And so without any prompting, the hundreds present stood proudly in unison as the band began to play “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” A heavier sense of pride was evident during the national anthem. The lights went out and the first rocket went up. We all calmly sat down again. The loud bang of fireworks was rivaled only by the crowd's reverent cheer as our illustrious flag, made up of glowing, flaming fireworks, blazed amid sparkling sprays of red, white and blue. The stadium lights came on. We took up our chairs and walked out with the massive crowd, that quiet contentment and understanding, that hushed togetherness, moving us, hundreds of us, out into the night.... "Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." - Adlai Stevenson

Hisjoy -> The Dance of Life (7/8/2006 2:38:42 AM)
Yesterday, I was compiling an article, trying to make the words dance. My thoughts went back to two weeks ago. At that time I was looking back even further--to the time when I loved to dance. Saturday nights were for dancing and, oh my, I could do The Twist down to the ground and back up again. Not many of us could do that. Why ever would I think of trying it now after all these years? I will look kind of crazy if I try it. Aha! No problem! What a great time to think of it! I’m the only person in the house. No one ever comes in the backyard or can see through our kitchen window. No one will see me! Uh oh, not true, Someone just told me. He can see me. Well, God, yes, it was before you came into my life...all right, and a little bit after that as well, till I learned that You had better things for me to do. But for now, it's just a little exercise. I'm not listening to Chubby Checker or the Beatles. And I'm not hoping some handsome young men will come in and break up the group of 'Twisting' girls into couples, am I? It's just me, and You can watch me if You want. I didn't hear an answer. And so I did it. I twisted down to the ground and came back up again in one sleek move. See, God, I can still do it. I’m still strong and healthy and agile. I can still do The Twist! Silence. Well, God, it’s You Who’s kept me strong and healthy all these years. Let me put it this way, I can still move down to the ground and back up in one sleek move. Isn’t that cool? Keep on talkin’, kid. Oh. Well, yes. This is soooo embarrassing. You don’t seem to care. Oh, I feel like I couldn’t even look at You if it were possible. What do you want me to do? Sit in a rocking chair? No, thank You. Dance for Me. But I just did! Dance for Me. But I just…. Oh, I get it! I danced for me, didn’t I? It was selfish, wasn’t it? I’ve given you a new dance, remember? I've given you a new life! O, God, not even a minute outside your Kingdom and I’m in trouble. Sorry. Forgive me? Of course I forgive you. Didn’t I tell you? If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And remember this: If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away. All things are new. No going back again, OK? No more golden oldies for me, God. I like your dance and I want to dance it forever. Come here, kid. Let’s dance!

Hisjoy -> Happy Birthday to my Hon! (7/8/2006 2:50:15 PM)
History of July 8 July 8, 1994 Space shuttle STS-65 (Columbia 17), launches July 8, 1990 12:34:56 on 7/8/90 (1234567890) July 8, 1986 Farthest thrown object-an "Aerobie" flying ring, 383 m (1,257') July 8, 1981 Senate confirms Sandra Day O'Conner to Supreme Court (99-0) July 8, 1980 All star MVP: Ken Griffey (Cin Reds) July 8, 1979 Voyager 2 takes 1st ever photo of Jupiter's satellite Adrastea (J14) July 8, 1973 New York Mets are 12 games back in NL, and go on to win pennant July 8, 1950 33.4 cm rain fall at York, Nebraska (state record) July 8, 1950 Gen Douglas MacArthur named commander-in-chief, United Nations forces in Korea July 8, 1950 Leroy Deans awarded 1st Order of Purple Heart in Korea July 8, 1949 Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson are 1st blacks to play for New York Giants July 8, 1947 Demolition begins for United Nations HQ in New York City July 8, 1946 Baseball grants $5,000 minimum salary July 8, 1944 Leonard Shannon born in Brooklyn, NY July 8, 1932 Depression low point of Dow Jones Industrial Average, 41.22 July 8, 1909 1st pro baseball game, minor league, played under lights July 8, 1891 61 degrees F, highest temp for July 1891, in Baltimore and Phila July 8, 1891 Future president Harding marries Florence K DeWolfe in Marion Ohio July 8, 1889 John L. Sullivan KOs Jake Kilrain in 75 rounds (last bare-knuckle bout) July 8, 1889 Wall Street Journal begins publishing July 8, 1870 Congress authorizes registration of trademarks July 8, 1862 Odore R Timby patents revolving gun turret July 8, 1835 Liberty Bell cracks, again July 8, 1800 Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gives 1st cowpox vaccination to his son to prevent smallpox July 8, 1796 U.S. State Department issues 1st American passport July 8, 1778 George Washington headquarters at West Point for his Continental Army July 8, 1777 Vermont becomes 1st state abolishing slavery, adopts male suffrage July 8, 1776 Col John Nixon gave 1st public reading of Dec of Independence (Phila) July 8, 1693 New York City authorizes 1st police uniforms in American colonies July 8, 1654 1st Jewish colonist arrive in U.S. (Jacob Barsimson in Manhattan) July 8, 1497 Vasco da Gama departs for trip to India July 8, 951 Paris is founded

Hisjoy -> Dance of Life (2) (7/10/2006 6:17:10 PM)
But I digress. Now, how did I start out? Oh, yes, making words dance. (Post #5) Like I said, I was composing an article--putting it together. You see, I didn't write it. Someone whom I haven't seen in a couple years, in a place I've never been to and a culture I've never experienced, wrote three different letters about some people I've never met, who live in place I've never been to, in a culture I've never experienced and speak a language I do not speak. Get it? Well, I had to get it! Because it was my place to put all three letters together as one. And the words had to dance--dance into the heart of the ultimate readers. Somehow I've got to learn the dance. I'd already read the letters three or four times, Tuesday, Wednesday and now again Thursday. Well, it had been sitting there in my head and God and I had been talking. Time to continue the conversation. "Lord, how am I going to do this?" "It's my dance." "Oh. Excuse me. Lord, how are You going to do this?" 'I'm going to dance through you to the people's hearts, and then the dance will go on. My dance never stops." "Thank You. You know, God, I read this yesterday, the day before and the day before that. Here, please take it, while I read this copy for about the fifth time. ...." "You know, I already know it off by heart, but you go right ahead." "OK, here goes. ...." "Good. You've read it again!" "Yes, I have. I've absorbed it and I don't have the dance. It's just not going right. I don't know how to get it all together. I'm getting up and I'm going to walk around for a few minutes. Maybe have some refreshment." "All right. I'll come with you!" "Hey, I'd like that." Goes to kitchen. Drinks water. Makes tea. Drinks tea. Chats to colleague. Returns. "Aha, now that's better. Excuse my drinking tea like that in front of You. I just didn't have anything to offer You." "That's fine. I just like being with you." "You know God, You're so nice. I love being with You, too. And this thing has been sitting there in my head a few days, and I think something is happening." "Yes. You've got the words. Now I'm making them dance!" Sits down. Starts writing. It's coming together! Wow! It's dancing! "Father, thank You." "You're welcome."

Hisjoy -> Picture the Music (7/16/2006 1:00:01 AM)
The unexpected is to be found in little country churches...so my recent experiences dictate. Last Sunday, the pianist and a flautist played a beautiful rendition of a hymn. As the flautist carefully lay her flute back in the case, the pianist unexpectedly hammered out a Golden Oldie, "Take Five." I was wild about Dave Brubeck's version way back when and didn't expect to hear it as the prelude to a church service. There was a quiet rumble of laughter and a few dared to offer a short-lived applause. At the service I didn't get any 'pictures'. They finally arrived that evening. I saw Jesus on the hill. Watching the disciples battle the stormy waters in the darkness. Coming down to walk on the water to them. Getting in the boat. Sleeping in the boat amid the storm. Awaking to His disciples' cries. His stilling of the waters in great authority. These pictures looked real. I heard the tune rolling in the background along with the raging waters. Now, if I could hear some words to go with it....

Hisjoy -> God's Irony (7/21/2006 2:41:52 AM)
It was not until after I'd written the last entry that that it 'clicked' in my mind with a post somewhere above it. "No more golden oldies for me," I'd agreed with God. Then, ironically, He drops "Take Five" into my lap...in church! Did I get the wrong message about the golden oldies? I don't think so. Then, why did He send "Take Five"? And why did I hanker for some lyrics? "Take Five," as far as I know, didn't have any words. It was merely a lively tune in its heyday. I'd never heard it in dance halls. You just didn't dance to "Take Five." For that matter, you couldn't sing to it either! It was there for the senses. I didn't understand why it came to church that Sunday, except that I saw pictures in it. Pictures of Jesus calming the storm. God was telling me something and I wasn't listening. I was searching for an answer instead. I've got to know! Then, listen and know! How often He has to tell me that. Be still and know that I am God! Here was an evidence that vestiges of my personal storm--my forceful journey through life--still remained. And so He took away my passionate feelings, my enthusiasm, my motivation, and my searching, seeking heart for a season. I merely walked through the last two weeks. I worked...read...prayed...none of it in earnest. Things were accomplished...I learned...received answer to prayer...all of it from Him. Be still and know that I am God! Drink Him in, hear from Him, be used of Him! First, be still. Then listen! "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord. That clinches it. Thank You, Father. I've got it...at last.

Hisjoy -> RE: Take Five...Books this Time! (7/27/2006 3:18:44 AM)
My friend asked me, "What are your five favorite books?" That inspired me to try to remember books I've read right back to being a toddler! Well that far back, of course, I just took in the pictures and probably put my grubby little hands all over the pages. Our children definitely treated books in this way. Just in time for our children to learn appreciation of books, I read, "Let your child touch, smell, hug, teethe on...whatever...his books." That is to say, don't make books untouchable. Let your children learn to appreciate them. Then, when they grow up, they will read. Our daughter and son did touch, smell, hug, and almost whatever their books. Thankfully they didn't try to teethe on them. They did, however, love for my husband or I to read to them. I was not so educated as to know that I should read to a newborn when Jen was born, so she didn't get the benefit till about 6 months. But by the time Michael came, he was getting a full dose of books every day from the start, along with Jen. Jen loved books. She had other worthy interests and talents, but reading was her favorite of all things to do. From a toddler when she would say, "Will you read me a book," and after an affirmative answer would produce three from behind her back, to the woes and throes of puberty when she would comfort herself in her room with books, Jen was an avid reader. Now as a mother, she has reading as one of her favorite relaxing pastimes. Michael's is a different story. As a little boy, he would get one of his truck or other boy books if we offered to read to him. Later, if we could get him to read a book, it was a grand achievement. He was a sportsman, a Boy Scout, a singer and more...but not a reader. So far as I know he reads very little now. My story is different again. I remember some preschool books, during which time my granddad was the one who read to me. After we moved from my grandparents' house when I was 6, I didn't read very often. By the time I was a teenager, I read just about only what I was expected to read at school. When I became a Christian I read two missionary biographies, and a few more more mission-related books during my time in missionary school. It wasn't until I started reading to our children that I really got hooked on reading for myself! From their toddler books I gravitated to grown up books. I actually bought some! Then I joined the library with the children. When we moved to our present city, books took pre-eminence in the long, hot summers. Now, I go overboard with books summer and winter, and have got to pull back. There are scores of books in our house, I have five on the go, and I just got four from the library today. Of course, I have to finish the five before I can start the latter. Then I'll renew the library books and read them one at a time! From the books I'm reading now and looking back over the years, it's interesting to see just what I was reading at what stage of my life. I'm still working on the analysis and it's extremely eye opening. In a way, it's gratifying--I'm not yet sure why but I'm soon to find out. And I've just about weeded out my favorite five.[:)]

Hisjoy -> RE: My First Bible (8/4/2006 1:03:14 AM)
When Selahgirl asked the question, “Would you like to tell me about the first Bible that you remember owning/reading?” I was the next poster who was therefore privileged to answer that question in “The ‘Would you…?’ Game.” I wrote and rewrote an answer and removed a few sections. The final version is seriously truncated due to the nature of the thread. So here is the near-original-as-possible version with extras besides. My First Bible It was given to me by my aunt and uncle on my ninth birthday, a small, hardback KJV Bible. My aunt had put it in a cardboard box and pasted a cutout of a daffodil on the lid. I liked the simplicity of that box and kept the Bible in it in the top drawer of my dresser. When I opened the drawer, the box would always be there in the front, reminding me of its treasure. Sometimes I'd open the box and a page of the Bible at random. Then I’d scan a few verses, conscious that there was something sacred there, yet not understanding most of it. I did understand two statements. A teacher (we read the Bible in school back then) highlighted Stephen’s words, “Lay not this sin to their charge.”* At seven years old, I was enthralled by the words as I pondered the thought that while the people mercilessly stoned Stephen, he prayed words of forgiveness. The second quote, which I came upon at about 13 years of age, was Jesus’ expression of forgiveness spoken as He bled and suffered, dying, while carrying our sins on the cross. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”** I was still carrying the wonder of Stephen’s words and now Jesus’ words settled along with them inextricably in my heart. I saw their poignant beauty creating wonder and a sense of stillness even during my painful teenage years. And so the precious words took me from a seven-year-old with a childlike love for God, through my teenage rebellion against Him. By that time I had used the cardboard box for something else. But I kept the lid because my aunt had placed the daffodil on it and because I felt the Bible should be set apart from the other things in the drawer. I turned the lid upside down like a tray and placed the Bible in it. Now, every time I opened the drawer, there was the Bible staring at me. Because the Bible so often came in view, my frequent cursory readings continued. Those little snippets of time with God lasted only while the drawer was open. Each time I closed the Bible and the drawer, I went right back to my own rebellious world. There came a time when I stopped opening the drawer. I left home at 21 without the Bible, but not without my two special portions still in my heart and nudging me to gentle remembrance on occasion. In addition, God in His faithfulness sent some wonderful Christian friends into my life…with a tract that had Scriptures! I kept it in my wallet and sometimes would read the verse on the back. Every time I visited my friends, they would reason with me in the Scriptures. So while I didn’t have my Bible, God kept His Word coming to me and now I was beginning to understand some of it. At the same time I was struggling through life and covering my sorrows with so-called good times. After I had rampaged through one and a half more self-pleasing, God-defying years (inwardly God-seeking and learning in the privacy of my friends’ home), my friends led me to Christ. When they asked me, “Do you have a Bible?” I told them where it was; they told me in their kindly, no nonsense way that I should go get it! I gladly boarded the bus and went back to the house where my Bible had been reposing for the past eighteen months. It was still there in the drawer! I carefully removed the little Bible, took it back to my lodgings and started to read the book of John as my friends had advised. God was speaking to me, even without my friends being there to help me understand! I was grateful, though, that they still spent time with me in the Word, teaching me almost daily. My little KJV was soon set aside as I bought a Bible that had easier-to-read print. I’ve collected more Bibles over the years, which I use for reference and daily readings. Nevertheless, today that little Bible has a special place in the bookcase. On rare occasions I’ll look at it briefly, just as I did in the past--except that when I close it up the words stay with me. The paper sleeve is ragged, the cover torn from its spine. Inside, it still bears message that will never change. But in the years since my aunt and uncle gave me that little Bible, Oh, how I have changed, thanks be to God. Acts 7:60 *Luke 23:34

Hisjoy -> Eureka! (8/22/2006 10:45:56 AM)
Someone asked me on forums if I had "recovered" from the four days' vacation in Eureka. My answer: no, I don't ever want to. When you go to a wonderful place where there is beauty and grandeur, history and spirit, that is excellent--and it was. But when you have known someone online, think you know her well and she knows you, and then when you meet you are like birds of a feather, well then, I don't think there's a word for it. Dena and I and Leonard stayed close for four days. From early morning to late evening we were together. We ate together, laughed, almost cried, shared hearts, opened our lives to each other. We might have been walking at the zoo or on the beach, exercising, strolling among the redwoods, in our motel room, at her parents' home, in a museum, at the fort, sharing the memories of Dena’s childhood places, at church, wherever. We were together and there was a bond like I've not known with a friend. She was more than a sister even, and we really were one in Christ. We had mentioned in our writings to one another that we were "kindred spirits" or "soul sisters" and it's true! When we said goodbye, I cried. And I can't walk away from this thinking there's nothing more. This is a work of God. Leonard says to wait on the Lord for His timing. Dena says we can look forward to what the Lord has for us in future. We are all three waiting to see what He will do. [This article, including quotes from and allusions to Dena and Leonard, published with their permission.]

Hisjoy -> Justa Thinkin' (8/30/2006 1:49:25 AM)
My mind is blank. Yet I feel a writing mode coming on. Here's what has been on my mind today. I had no idea what I was going to write about till I wrote that sentence. Let's hope I can get it back (what's been on my mind--not my mind, I've got that!). Love. The kind of love that ignores faults, does not judge, is genuinely interested in people, is compassionate, gives and cares. The kind of love that draws people to Jesus where they can sort it all out with Him. I want it all the time--let me live that kind of love. How is he doing today? Our son is sick and we couldn't get in touch on his phone today. We are praying, and the best help he can get is from God. My granddaughter on the phone yesterday...she sounded so grown up for her age, 7. Talked so sweetly with me, tactfully told me her friend was there after we had talked a little while. Daddy was busy (he really was), mommy and her bro & sis were out. I loved that little chat with her and the thought of her going back to play with her friend. My s-i-l was on his day off, working on their home. Our daughter is in good health and expecting her fourth and she was out with her friend and her two younger children. I love it. People I know who are sick, some seriously. Praying for them. Thinking through the healing process. Thinking how some do not get healed and yet that is not an excuse for not trusting God. Yet all who came to Jesus were healed (read that in the NT). God is faithful and trustworthy, no matter what. People who are going through changes in their lives. Feeling like I'm walking with them in it, feeling it with them. Praying. Knowing God will hug them through it regardless of what I feel, because in these changes or despite them He is doing His work in their lives. Motives for prayer. James says we should not pray with selfish motives. Some things that might seem to be good prayers turn out to be selfish because they are for my comfort alone. Like praying for someone's healing, for instance, and then finding out it was for my own comfort! Ugh! I just feel terrible when it dawns on me what I've done! I want to pray for God out of genuine concern for the other. I want for God to be made known through His answer, not only known to me but to whomever else He wants to hear what He's saying and doing. Someone else might say, "to glorify God." If you understand that better, then that's probably what I mean. My sleep schedule. It's out of kilter. So my days are dazed. I have to try harder to get back on schedule. The wonderful time we had up north. We met my special online friend for the first time, and now she's my special face-to-face friend and my husband enjoyed her friendship too. It was amazing how we had sensed a kindred spirit online and then when we met it was so, and also the three of us belonged together. It was (is) a Jesus thing, that I think about and thank Him for it. We visited some grand places and I think of them as well, and of her family members whom we met, and of her family home. The book I'm reading. I am reading a book with just two chapters to go and it's making me think about Christianity vs Christian spirituality as the author states. The demands and expectations that make up the author's definition of "Christianity" are different from the walk with Jesus that is his (the author's) definition of "Christian spirituality". I know what he's saying and I like it. "Christian spirituality" has the kind of love that I mentioned earlier. I think-pray about that kind of love, and he got me think-praying on it again today. He's doing much better. Yay, our son just called and he's doing much better! Thank You, Jesus! Going to God about everything. That's what the characters did in the book of the Bible I'm reading. They just left it with Him and got on with their lives and God took care of everything. I tend to go to Him for everyday and big stuff, but I often have a hard time letting go. Why, when God is so great, powerful and able? Back to the Bible people--everywhere they moved they started out with God. They built an altar and worshiped God. We travel a lot more now. I won't be building an altar, but can I at least remember to thank Him and honor Him each time we get to where we're going, when we get there, knowing He brought us there? And as soon as something comes up, why do I sometimes wait? I should go to Him right away! Those Bible people had their faults but they had a lot to teach this also far from faultless one. There's been more on my mind, I know, but that's enough for now. Besides, I'm still thinkin'. What have you been thinkin' about today?

Hisjoy -> RE: Justa Bein' (9/14/2006 1:22:03 AM)
"God has not called you to this place to reinvent yourselves. He knows what you've been through, knows your gifts, knows where you are now. Minister out of your brokenness, without looking at the past." The message to the co-pastors being installed at a church last Sunday was hinged on that statement. God wants as as we are. He made us and has brought us to this place we are at. We--the who-we-are-right-now people in Him--are the ones He wants to use. People are entering new situations all the time, in their homes, work, social life.... I often think I have to change into something else at the door, depending on what the situation demands--to be what 'they' expect (which is a very unfair attitude to 'them'), to be a great conversationalist, an expert listener, to display confidence, to look right, to understand swiftly, to write with a flourish, to adapt quickly, to be what I'm not...the list goes on. Reinventing myself in theory is one of my ~~talents~~ habits and it never works. Who am I going to be when I approach the next new situation? Perhaps I should just be the me that God has made up to that point, brokenness and all. [:)]

Hisjoy -> I Remember God (9/20/2006 11:50:53 PM)
I remember God... ...that distant, unknown person up in the sky. Sometimes I felt He was near. At 3 years old I was very proud of the tiny naevus on my right hand, showing it to grown-ups but not to other children. I'd say, "Do you see that? Do you know where it came from?" They'd tell me they saw it and didn't know where it came from, and I would say with great passion (because I was very, very sure of it), "God put it there to make my hand look pretty." When the Bible was still taught in school, I took to heart Stephen's saying, "Lay not this sin to their charge." It was wonderful to a 7-year-old that he would be so forgiving, and I told God so, sure that He heard me. Later, a 13-year-old would be captured by Jesus' words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." I had entered my rebellious teen years. A friend invited me to church on Easter and, to my own surprise, I went! I really enjoyed the service and the hymns. My heart was lifted. I wanted to go back another time. On arriving home, the question was immediately thrown at me, "Well, did you enjoy it?" My answer (because I had to be tough) was, "No." And I held to it--never went back. A few months later, I walked up the stairs to my math class. A children's hymn came to my mind. One line in particular stood out, "O, light the flame within my heart." I was saying it to God even though I didn't know Him. And right there on the stairs I got a wonderful feeling--my heart felt like it burned with warmth. I was sure God had heard me. God reached out to me when I was 15. Another friend invited me to her youth group. One of the new breed of musical groups was bringing guitars and singing new songs. It was a fun night. After the concert they invited people to come up front to ask Jesus into their hearts. Oh, how I wanted to do it! Even so, I didn't understand Who He was, or what would happen to me, so I played safe and didn't go forward. I remember night after night in my late teen years, calling out to God, "If You are real, show Yourself to me." At the same time I was telling people that He didn't exist. This happened for at least two years and then... ...at 20, I went to a church service for the first time in several years, invited by another friend. The preacher presented the attributes of Jesus. Suddenly feeling physically weak, I appealed to God as thoughts of past injustices to my friends bombarded me and the goodness of Jesus appealed to me! "O, God, I'm not like that," said I as he described the Lord, "I want to be like Jesus." 'Something' enveloped me from head to toe with a 'fwoomp', and I felt clean--as clean as clean can be. I'd been speaking out against God and now I wanted to know all about Him. I really wanted to change. It didn't last. After a few days, the good feeling left and I went back to being my rebellious self. All these experiences with God, and probably more, and I knew nothing about salvation or why Jesus came to die on the cross, or why He rose again. Yet looking back on those hollow, fearful times, I remember God. He 'touched' me, a child and a young woman, a few isolated times and a lot of times I just knew He was there. Most of the time He seemed like that distant being up in the sky. The only 'path' I 'saw' to Him was a figment of my imagination: a black, streaky path specked with stars shooting down from a black, starry sky. I felt so empty and everything seemed so dark and frightening when I thought of Him. Only God Himself can change a heart like that. And He did. I remember God. I remember what He did for me, how He brought life and love and comfort and peace into my life through Jesus. Maybe, even today, there are people who think of God as I once did. Maybe God will send me and others also, to listen to their hearts. Maybe God will turn their hearts to Him. Maybe they will one day say, "I remember God....".

Hisjoy -> The Artistry of God (9/24/2006 11:52:54 AM)
God's fine artwork brought the sweetness of Jesus and His love as a friend and I exchanged what He had given us last Friday. God reminded me that He, our Creator, is an artist, as He arranges the music in the lives of His children. I’d thought about sending my friend two Bible quotes that I love, in my next PM--“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” from Hebrews 13:5 and 2 Peter 1:3 (God gives us all things pertaining to life and Godliness). God didn’t let me send the verses, but He did let me pray them for her. The first thing I saw on forums as I went there before going to work: my friend had sent me a PM. She mentioned a line of a song, “Unchangeable,” by Zoe Girl that was meaningful to her and now to me that day. The music had begun. One of the Bible quotes, “I will never leave you….” was there in her quote from the song! God had already given it to her! And it blessed me as well. The verse and the song quote were appropriate reinforcements as later at work things weren’t going so well. I went to forums for a break time and there was a PM for me. It was again from my friend and she had sent me the whole song! I ate it up hungrily. It was exactly what I needed, sweet and calming; I felt the sweetness of Jesus and His love surrounding me. His music is life! A line of the song spoke about God having given us all we need to live for Him. He had given her that verse from 2 Peter and a whole lot more besides, all in that song! I needed all of it, too. Oh, the artistry of God! He had arranged the music that morning! I sent a PM to my friend. Now I could tell her about the verses so she could see the whole score. Then I printed out the song and propped it up so I could see it as I worked. God gave me some verses and my friend a song! We each needed them and God sent them to us in His own special way. As we exchanged what God had given us, He kept the music flowing in sweet harmony. Yes, God reminded me that He is an artist. He writes the sweet music of life itself and arranges it in His love. Sometimes He uses His children to play it to one another.

Hisjoy -> On the Bottom Rung (10/22/2006 3:05:47 AM)
It had been a while, I knew. And it was just as I expected. "Rather by Love" was on the back page. It took a little searching, but I found it. On the bottom rung! It doesn't happen so much these days, but sometimes I feel like I'm on the bottom rung. You know that feeling. You do the best you can, but it's not good enough. You pull your weight like the rest of them but who cares. You're not satisfied with what you're doing, or with what you've got. You don't have enough to do. You have too much to do. Out of sight. Out of mind. Down near the ground. Near the dust and dirt. Can't even see where the rest are going. I'll never see the top. That top rung gets all the glory, and sometimes it doesn't even have to bear any weight at all. Ole toppy doesn't have to worry about dirt being shoved in his face either. And here I am at the bottom; I'll never get up there. What's the purpose? Where's the fun? It's dark down here. And now "Rather" is at the bottom for a short time.... For a short time! Oh, yeah. A short time! The light dawns. Soon, "Rather" is going to be at the top. And poor old "Thankful Thoughts" will be on the bottom rung. That's it! I need some thankful thoughts! Thankful that He's there with me! God LOVES me! I love Him! He's there with me on the bottom rung! Hmm, this bottom rung somehow looks much better. It's the starting place. It's the first step toward the top--helping someone move on to where he/she can do their best work. It's where I can serve right now! It's where GOD is! God and me! I might hit bottom, that miserable, dank, dark nadir where I settled leaving God on the outside, but I can start over! God is here! I'm wrapped in His love, here in the dust and dirt, unseen and unsung, and now secure and strengthened in God. All I had to do was trust Him. He was there all the time. He still is...and He will be wherever and whenever and always, because God is love.

Hisjoy -> Flat Robert (11/11/2006 2:26:31 AM)
I have a little Flat Boy visiting me. He is made of paper and he came from Tucson. He is one of the Flat People. Next week he has to go back. I have done some things I would not have done if he hadn't come here. I would not have gone into a walnut orchard and learned how fallen walnuts are swept up and then gathered up. I would not have seen the walnut farmers going goo goo over a Flat Boy and giving him tractor rides and wanting their pictures taken with him. I would not have been standing in front of a moving tractor with people yelling, "Move forward" so you can get a better picture. I would not have been walking toward a moving tractor that was only a few feet away and heading right for me. I would not have been taking a picture looking out of my office window with a Flat Boy looking out and my colleague would not have said, "What ARE you doing?" I would not have seen Sunday School boys and men who'd been called up front to lead the singing getting all happy to have their pictures taken with a Flat Boy. I would not have had him sitting with me at a banquet. I would not have seen a 2nd grade teacher all proud to hold a Flat Boy and have her picture taken with him at the banquet. I would not have sat a Flat Boy on the chair next to me in the front row at church, especially when my husband was the speaker that morning! I would not have ever thought before of taking a little paper Flat Boy named Flat Robert just about everywhere I went. But because there is a real Robert in 2nd Grade in Arizona who is waiting to hear about Flat Boy's California adventure, I did.

Hisjoy -> Merry Christmas (12/23/2006 1:48:59 AM)
I woke up in the night about 3 nights ago, not in iteself an unusual occurrence. This time, I "saw" an awful wooden cross and the wind was blowing. Everywhere was dark, yet there was a strange whiteness of light around, and it was in a wasteland. Like most Christians, I sometimes think about the ignominous death of Christ. It's enough to wonder how He could come to earth and leave that wonderful heaven, let alone go through the cruel punishment for the lowest crimes imaginable and not be guilty of one iota of wrongdoing. This time the awfulness of it wrapped around me. The atmosphere was terrible. When He said, "I did this for you," the horrors lifted and I was restful again. Afterward, I wondered why Jesus brought His crucifixion to mind and not His incarnation, since Christmas is coming! I can see why He did that. Jesus came in under the worst conditions and He was crucified in even more indescribable conditions. The wonders of Christmas lie in that. My babies were born in the safety and comfort of a hospital, not in a barn. They lay in bassinets with a mattress and a warm blanket, not in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. The place was heated; the birthplace of Jesus was most likely cold. There were doctors, nurses, midwives... No special attention for this birth. For Jesus, nothing. Oh yes, He got some visitors. God had chosen shepherds--one of the lowest strata of society--to welcome the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. They brought Him nothing. They had come to see what the angel host was talking about. The shepherds abandoned their flocks. Their livelihood lay at God's mercy that night and they didn't even think about it. All they wanted was to see, to hear what the angels were saying. Isn't that wonderful? "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." (Luke 2:10b-12, 14, NIV) Isn't that wonderful! A birth announcement! Born to ~~Mary and Joseph~~ you! That's everyone! That's us! He was born to us! May the joyful message of Christmas lift our hearts in worship to our wonderful Lord! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Hisjoy -> As we passed by.... (2/1/2007 11:31:57 PM)
The freeway was almost deserted. We crept along at 10 m.p.h. on the icy freeway, with no brakes! Finally the brakes became somewhat functional and we revved up to a hefty 20 m.p.h. A huge, static figure emerged in the darkness in the left lane. As we passed by, we saw it clearly. A truck had jackknifed. In the bushes to the right of us was a car. The back of it was gone, the inside open to the chilling elements. A man was walking around the car to inspect the damage. No one appeared from the truck. I said a limp, “We should stop!” “No,” my husband (who was driving) said. I continued, “We should have stopped, or at least go we could back,” as we carried on our journey. “We can’t,” my husband said. A few miles later, we saw some lights in the bushes to the right. As we passed by, we saw that it was a car in the bushes, with its lights on. Silence. No Movement. I said a limp, “We should stop!” “No,” my husband said. Someone was up and moving the last time, and no one had come out of this car. “We should have stopped, or at least we could go back,” I continued, feeling terribly guilty and almost panicking, as we carried on our journey. “We can’t” my husband said. "As we passed by...." I must justify this! It would have been dangerous to even try to stop, risking our own lives in the treacherous slip-and-slide on which we were driving. If we had stopped—and managed to stop safely, we would have been far away by the time that had happened and would have had to walk back on the ice. I had a bad cough, cold and sinus condition and felt pretty terrible. Face it, I was sick and hadn’t been able to help with the driving in the last couple hundred miles. I could have got pneumonia or worse by leaving the car. We didn't have a cell phone to call anyone. They had probably called on their cell phones already, anyway. Down the road we saw around ten truckers parked on the side and down into an exit ramp. As we passed by, we saw they were putting on snow chains. That was enough. We would turn in for the night, not taking any risks to try to cross the border. We went on to where there was an exit into a town where we could find a place to wait out the weather overnight. We settled in a warm place, heated up some water and made instant soup. The warmth was very comforting. But I wasn’t truly comforted. “As we passed by….” I thought back on the people who were stranded in those cars and the truck until help came and who could still possibly be in the cold. I wasn’t proud of what we did. I had my devotional time and still wasn’t clear on this matter. My husband (he was fine with it all) is not uncompassionate by any means. Even so, things like this wash over him like water on a duck’s back while I struggle to overcome guilt, make up excuses like those above, pray, read the Word, and finally come to an understanding. He can do the latter in a split second! He was quick to assure me I was forgiven by God, but it didn’t feel that way to me! So how did I get over this one? That’s another story. Later.

Hisjoy -> Getting Through It (2/3/2007 9:31:43 PM)
[Continued from "As We Passed By...," above] The border was closed overnight so it’s as well we stopped, and now it’s open. It’s the next morning and we have to get moving again. We have to get through the snow and ice to our destination today. First, something more important. I also have to move on from my guilt and mumblings! I have to get through it and land in a place of guilt-free peace! I began my Bible reading. “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and hades.” Rev. 1:18 NIV Jesus speaks of His greatness, His power over death forever, and His eternal life. And He says there is nothing to fear in His hands. Was I afraid? Oh, yes, I was! I felt safe and unafraid in the car (even though we were driving on a sheet of ice!). I was scared to face the cold and the ice and to walk on the side of the freeway where cars were coming by in the dark. I was scared of getting sicker than I was. But why was I feeling so guilty and afraid now? I was suffering from the consequences of thinking I should have done something I wasn’t called upon to do! It was I who was saying we should stop. I didn’t trust God and I didn’t trust my husband’s judgment. Yet I knew Jesus was with us in that car. It’s no surprise, then, that I wasn’t afraid to be in it, despite the dangers of riding in it! All He asks is that I love Him, trust Him, and obey Him, even to staying in a car! There is nothing to fear in the will of God! It was time to go on our way. The cough and cold I’d been fighting had lifted and I was doing much better! We went outside. How beautiful! The trees and fields were covered in thick, gleaming white snow! It crunched beneath our feet. What a sweet sound, so long since we heard it! We walked across the snow together, purposely to enjoy it. We took pictures and admired the scenery. Then we happily continued our journey!

Hisjoy -> Special Delivery (3/30/2007 3:45:44 PM)
Now that I have decorated Humor and Games and Personally for You with the information, it's about time I made a place in my blog for Blake Nathaniel. A special delivery occurred Sunday March 25, when Blake Nathaniel made his appearance. He is our fourth grandchild and our dd's and s-i-l's fourth child. Now they have two girls two years apart, a space of three years, then two boys two years apart. Mommy and baby went home on Tuesday and Blake was promptly adopted by Cola, the cat. She immediately prodded him with her nose and was quickly removed from Blake's presence when she was about to try and pick him up by the back of his neck. Later, she lay down beside him and made mama cat's nursing calls. It seems like Blake has changed his cry, which is coincidental with the cat's decreasing interest. "He did sound like a kitten," my daughter said. The latest is that Blake has a cold. No, not mucus from the birth, it really is a cold. The doctor said to watch him closely. Our second grandchild had RSV soon after birth, giving much concern to us all. We're praying he won't be subjected to that. We plan to go see him next week! Meanwhile, we just got pictures!

Hisjoy -> "Praise the Lord" (4/12/2007 12:19:58 PM)
We went up north Wednesday last week to see that beautiful little boy in my picture, to see the rest of the family as well, and we arrived back home yesterday (Thurs. 4/11)! It was wonderful to be with them all! We expected to leave at 7:30 am to start the journey north last week, but it was 10:00 am when we finally got on our way! We originally started out at 8:30! First I remembered that my jacket was still at home. I haven't needed it here and would need it up north. I said it would be OK, let's not turn back. We stopped by our office 5 miles into the 800-mile trip to drop something off. That finished up being around a half-hour's visit, and it was great as they gathered around us to pray for the journey. After we had traveled a total of 20 miles from home, I remembered that I'd forgotten to empty the kitchen trash can. Yikes, what would it be like when we came home? So we decided to turn back, and I emptied the trash and got my jacket as well. Let's start out again--it's 10:00 am. Someone in front of us came to a screeching halt after 50+ miles, and we did also. Thank you, Jesus, the person who hit us in back did no damage to his or our car, none of us was shaken, and he said, "Praise the Lord!" I don't know where we were when the following "event" happened, but it was not that long after the screeching halt, and it was interesting: First, some background. We are considering moving out of state to start a new ministry with our mission. It's not the state where our children and grandchildren live, and where there is also a major missions thrust. It's not the state to which our HQ plans to move next year (we have worked at HQ 26 years!); and we believe the Lord doesn't want us to stay in the present area, even though there is a PR ministry we could take up with people who already know and love our mission. It is the state where we had a ball in 1995 as we drove CA-NY and back, where we have friends in several cities, and the state of which God seems to be saying the most concerning a particular area. It is also the state in which our mission has no active ministry. (But it does have a history of having been there in the 1950's and '60's and in the 1980's and '90's in different areas.) Now, to the interesting happening. As we were traveling, I was thinking about all this, leaned my head on the headrest and closed my eyes. "Why, when our mission president suggests that we stay here to represent the mission where it's already known would we want to move and start over from scratch somewhere else? Lord, how can we know which is right?" As I said that, I opened my eyes and there in direct line of my vision was the name of the city we are considering! I thought I was seeing things, moved my eyes to the right and there it was again! I looked back at the original word. Yes, it really was there. Why would my eyes open at that exact time we were approaching a little truck in the adjacent lane? Why was my line of vision exactly on the name of the city? Why in the world was the name there when it had nothing to do with the company painted in larger letters on the truck's door or the truck's manufacturer? It was light gray and comparatively small, yet it was clearly the only thing in my vision at first look! For once I kept quiet and "pondered the words in my heart." A little later I told Leonard what I'd been thinking, then said, "I opened my eyes and there in my direct vision was...." "[City name!]" he said along with me! I know God does answer prayers like that. He has done it for me and for others. Was that one of His confirmations? We are weighing it in with everything else. We need to know His will without a doubt! Big changes ahead! "Praise the Lord!"

Hisjoy -> New Motivation (5/7/2007 12:32:27 AM)
Well, it's official. We are moving on! My husband and I have been married 31 years (May 1) and rather than have us think about retirement, God has given us the green light start a new branch of our mission. Oh, He's so wonderful! Would you believe that you can work with an international mission and almost die spiritually? For a while we just got too stagnant and lost our motivation and we are going into 'hands-on missions' again--like evangelism, and we want to open our home to other Christians as a 'place of refuge' and learning. We want to pray together with them, teach/learn from them, and have a casual place where they can just hang after a busy day, etc. and all have fun together as well. I was doing my job by rote, and it really is a very interesting one, being writer and editor, knowing the workings of the mission, keeping up with current mission trends and what's really happening here and out there. After we went through a lot of heartache and prayer, God restored our motivation and our mission board has given us the freedom to move on. At the same time I am at last enjoying my job and am growing in it. It really is a wonderful privilege to communicate with people who want to or do support missions, want to go out to other fields, or are already serving in different countries. I'm reading a lot more mission books as well, learning all I can and reviewing things I've learned over the last 37 years in missions. I will probably continue to write and my husband will handle administrative matters because there's alwasy a need for that, but we will have a better balance of activities. We plan to visit Texas soon to "test the waters" and already have had some wonderful telephone conversations with people there. We want to get to know them better and see how we can best work with them for the Kingdom of God. I haven't seen my husband so motivated in a long time and that makes me very happy. It's so thrilling as we both look forward to and pray and plan toward this new move.

Hisjoy -> Moving on (6/11/2007 12:28:38 AM)
Leonard and I are back from Texas and had a very special time there. We met many wonderful people and learned a lot about what is happening in the church and community we visited. Two pastors were took time out to meet with us, as did two people with whom we met in the offices at YWAM. People we had never met were sitting down with us to tell us what's happening in their church and community, and interested to hear about us and our mission as well! Friends whom we haven't seen since 1982 offered us their house for a few days even though they weren't there! Then we finally got to see them the last weekend and stayed with them a few days. It was great to see them again! We reconnected like we'd never been apart and enjoyed such good fellowship with them. And the wife is a wonderful cook! We got to share about our mission at Dena's place of work (a dentist's office) at their staff meeting. They were friendly people, and we heard a report on a seminar a dentist had attended. He shared it in layman's language and we found it very interesting. Dena was our constant and so welcome companion. We three had a great time. She drove us around town to places we needed to go to, and showed a caring interest in all we did. Even on the days we didn't see her, she called to find out what we'd been doing. We had some wonderful rest and relaxation and fun times together, and we were blessed to celebrate her birthday with her. What a dear and special friend she is to us! A new friend whom we met at Mission Fest in Portland, OR, in January, lives in the same area we visited, and she called me a couple times. She had just got back from a visit to OR to see her daughter and was about to go on a short-term mission with just a few days between the two, and a wedding thrown in as well. With all that going on, it was so good of her to call. When I look back and see the precious people God put in our path, I am humbled and amazed at His love. But then, God is like that. And He knows we want to do His will. So He is taking good care of us, and we felt so loved! Now our next step is to present a report to our mission board. God willing, they will make final approval of the plans to relocate and start an extension ministry of the mission. We have to get rid of a lot of "stuff" we've accumulated and sometimes that's hard. But what is that, compared to the blessings we will have as we move on with the Lord! And then there are all the logistics. So many! We need God's wisdom, guidance, diligence and patience, as we prepare for our next mission assignment, all praise to Him!

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