It's Time Again

1 am! I should be sleeping...Ok, I was but my mind forgot to pack things. Guess that happens when you are packed 5 hours before bed. And now, I have grabbed my lap top and started to blog. Lucky you...my random thoughts before I board a plane. The luxury of waking up in the middle of the night, and surfing...but what is there to do when you're awake in Palestine in an unknown home...yeah- I was thinking of this the other night, when I was so tired and falling asleep on the couch. As my dad said, not to stay there or I'd wake up later wondering where I was. Hmmm.. I can rest knowing that God is on my side, and there is nothing to fear...and nothing to worry-- unknown places, unknown food- unknown situations--please keep us in your prayers as we experience new adventures.

It will be 6am Saturday morning (Central Time) when we arrive in Tel Aviv at 2:20pm. We will be exhausted from little sleep on a long day's travel. We'll be ready for dinner and bed, and rest on Sunday. That's what Sunday is for, and I think it'll be used wisely as we spend time with our host families, team meetings, and church. Thanking the Lord for his provision this year. I know for many, it was a sacrifice to give, and others have been so influential in praying for our team. We are grateful for every person serving alongside us.

Blessing

I couldn't have planned it better! It was a long day waiting for the results of my test. 4 weeks to be exact, but the day of waiting seemed longer. 15 hours I had been up waiting for the results...posted 5/11/2012 at 10:00 pm.

There are thoughts of why I did it this way, but chose the mail option and it didn't come, and so now the waiting was longer for internet posts. The day got long and dreary--even with a nap, and a drive around P-town.

Fears and doubts started filling my mind. Though songs on the radio kept pointing me towards Him. He is faithful and no matter what happens in life, He is always there.I am reminded of the special prayers sent up standing with my Dad, and what a blessing it has been for him to pray me through the 3 tests.I love you Dad!

This morning's advice was to understand that "He will silently plan for you." I was still trying to soak that in all day, and figure out what God was really going to do today and how I would see the blessing.

HE will silently plan for you,
His object of omniscient care;
God Himself undertakes to be
Your Pilot through each subtle snare.

He WILL silently plan for you,
So certainly, He cannot fail!
Rest on the faithfulness of God,
In Him you surely will prevail.

He will SILENTLY plan for you,
Some wonderful surprise of love.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
But it is kept for you above.

He will silently PLAN for you,
His purpose will all unfold;
Your tangled life will shine at last,
A masterpiece of skill untold.

He will silently plan FOR YOU,
Happy child of a Father's care,
As if no other claimed His love,
But you alone to Him were dear.

(E. Mary Grimes)

Well some wonderful love came my way, just when I was in despair of finding out results home alone, all in a quiet house--ready to cry, or rejoice! He is faithful!

Thought this was a joke, till I opened my front door and saw such a wonderful blessing. Thank you Lord! I was just about to cry not knowing what held in just a short time. And here is a friend who cares so much--to celebrate no matter what with me.

10:10pm...results are official online---and I Passed! The APT test is passed. Oh, I'm more than shocked at the fear that I held onto for so long is conquered. I cannot thank enough all of you who have prayed, and encouraged me to keep striving for this degree! It has been a blessing and amazing to watch God work in ways I never thought possible. My heart is full of thankfulness for you!

Hold Me

I am so proud that this girl is my sweet niece. She has such a wonderful talent, and a heart to sing and does her best for the glory of God. So glad she is learning to trust in our holy God and to give her heart to Christ. What a true blessing, and image of Christ. Thank you sweetheart for your tender heart. You have grown up so much and your only 10. I love you girl.

One Step

Dear God please just hold me this morning. There have been so many turns and twists, and I try so hard to be strong, yet my failings teach me to trust you in each moment. You say to Follow You one step at a time. All you require of me is to walk by faith and not sight. I cannot see clearly because I let my weaknesses blind your love and grace for me each time I take a step. I need more faith, more strength, more grace.
I pray that I might follow in your footsteps. That each time I walk in a direction that I will think of walking up the mountain hand in hand. Train my mind to seek You in each moment.
Psalm 105:4-Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. My energy is drained by what life looks like in front of me, but if I look deeper, and draw inward, I can glean insight from your Word. Where truth will be given, and wisdom of following You each step is just one more precious moment of this journey.

Being Intentional in Prayer

It has been my struggle to pray. I have tried prayer journals and those usually end up with my heart struggles. Yet, I have such a hard time praying for others. Prayer is the greatest communication to God. I have found myself fighting this urge to dig deeper into my prayer life. Yet, I also fight it when asked to pray aloud. It is not in my brain to use verbal words in an atmosphere around others. I fight the urge to pray many times when I am surrounded in a groups. It is a challenge and I am working on the listening to the Holy Spirit when I am prompted to pray.
So here is one thing that I am using in my own life to pray. Take a pail or bucket or any other form that will hold Popsicle sticks and write a person's name, or request and before a meal, bedtime, morning...choose one or two and pray!

New Book

I ordered this book...wondering if I should dig into it before I take the biggest step of my life FEB. 11th. I'm learning to trust but yes, sometimes it's hard.

Hooray!

For some of you who did not get to see this on FB because I closed my account for the meantime. I'll return because of Bible Study communication is all on FB. But the hard work paid off. About 71 papers and 18 months and the diploma arrived!