Amazing Faith in other Countries Amidst Persecution

Persecution has been on the increase in various parts of Asia, and I thought I would share a little about it and just a few of my personal reflections on it ...

Precious lives have been taken in Orissa this week... martyred for Jesus' sake. My heart hurts for the family members they leave behind. Yet, too, I know that those who are martyred are in a glorious place ... in heaven with the Savior they loved so dearly while they were still on this earth. And I was reminded just now of Romans 8:18 ... "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (NIV)

I can't even begin to imagine the things believers in so many other countries endure for their love for Jesus. Yet being part of a missions organization, I have seen two incredible threads common throughout so many of the persecution reports ...

First, along with the persecution in other countries, Christ's church is growing and flourishing in the midst of it! And second, those experiencing persecution so often show incredible courage, love, and forgiveness in the midst of it. It is an amazing thing to me! I know this is not of them (for in our flesh dwells no good thing), but a work of Jesus in them ... and it has to be an amazing testimony of the Gospel to those who are persecuting them.

I remember a while back when I was reading Hearts Afire, a book published by Voice of the Martyrs ... as I read the stories of incredible faith in the lives of people in other countries who were willing to risk so much for their faith in Jesus, I was greatly encouraged and strengthened in my own faith.

I feel challenged to pray more faithfully for our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries whose lives so inspire me. What a privilege it is that we can play a part in the labors of these precious brothers and sisters, even though they are on the other side of the world. How amazing God is to allow us to play a part in His redemptive work, whereever we are! I am grateful.

[As I was finishing up this post, the song "I Can Only Imagine" started playing on my headphones ... I can't help but think, How appropriate. For those six precious believers who gave their lives for Jesus in Orissa this week ... they are now in the presence of Jesus. Wow!]

A Memorable August 14

I had a birthday recently, and it made me incredibly grateful ... again and again ... for the great people God has surrounded me with! From people decorating my cubicle at work to making marble slab cheesecake (yum!!!) for me for our department celebration, to a yummy team lunch at Schlotsky's to calling me or posting a Facebook note to wish me a happy birthday ... to cooking delicious Indian food for me and another friend whose birthday is close to mine ... not to mention the amazing party some dear friends threw for me Friday evening. I was truly touched and honored that they would want to throw me a party ... and by all the hard work that went into it! They were so creative ... one of them made a cake in the shape of a pair of flip-flop sandals. I loved it. :o)

And the girls had decided it would be a dress-up party ... which is why I was very surprised and a bit flustered when I walked in the door dressed rather casually ... But they came to the rescue with a dress one of them had "borrowed" from me earlier that week ... it was waiting for me for the party! :) She also gave me a beautiful pearl necklace as a present and to wear for the evening!

From start to finish, I had a wonderful birthday ... I think perhaps my most memorable yet! I can't begin to describe how grateful I am for the amazing people the Lord has blessed me with in my life and the warmth and care they have shown. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special .... y'all know who you are! :)

Cinnamon Rolls, Popcorn, Fellowship

Our department enjoyed some cinnamon rolls this morning for one of our co-worker's birthdays. They definitely hit the spot, especially since I hadn't eaten anything for breakfast. ;-)

I had a friend in the area for the weekend who asked if she could stay with me. I was like, "Sure!" :) She was catching up with some relatives and friends in the area for a good part of the weekend and I had a few things going on as well, so it worked out well that we could come and go as worked best for us ... But last night we did "reconvene" to hang out and catch up. It was a nice time of chatting, watching a movie (complete with popcorn!!!) and praying for each other. I am sleepy today, but glad for the time we were able to share. I love such times of fellowship.

I have so much been enjoying getting to know the young women interning at GFA over the summer. Anna's last day of her internship was Friday, and Erin's is tomorrow. They will be missed! I have been so grateful for the chance to get to know each of them (and Hannah and Jessica!!) and will be in prayer for the Lord to continue to lead their lives. I'm so glad they could come here and spend part of their summer laboring with us all here ... their lives are impacting Asia. :)

It's the little things I cherish ...

I think sometimes it's the "little" and thoughtful things in life that I love the most ... you know, those times when someone puts a candy bar on your desk for "no reason" other than that they thought of you and thought you would enjoy it ... or someone writes you a really encouraging note that came at just the right moment for a time you're going through ... You know, stuff like that. :)

Last night was so much fun. I hung out with Hannah, Erin, Anna and Jessica ... summer interns here at GFA who have quickly become great friends ... they're pretty much awesome. :=) Anyhow, we had a blast going out to Stonebriar Mall and eating in the food court there, and walking around and shopping.

We all were walking around the food court, trying to decide what we each wanted. I think I took the longest to decide ... (food decisions are hard ... so many great choices there!) and ended up with Rollerz. Some of you know that I have been trying not to drink soda for a while ... I thought it would be hard for me since I love soda, but overall it's been surprisingly easy so far.

Well, most combo meals come with a soda ... but Rollerz had this awesome combo with one of their wraps and a small smoothie. Needless to say I was a happy camper, with my strawberry banana smoothie and santa fe chicken goodness. It may seem like a small thing, but it was just really a fun surprise. :)

I have been having a terrific week ... remember how I shared on Monday how I had been battling an unusual amount of discouragement for several days or more, but also how the Lord had given me a new perspective through my time of prayer with a friend. Well, a little later in the evening I realized the Lord had completely lifted my discouragement. I was so grateful! I believe He will do the same for any of y'all who may be going through discouragement, too ... just keep seeking Him. :)

Jesus is incredible ...

I shared yesterday some of the struggles the Lord has been allowing me to go through lately ... Ever since maybe Friday of last week I have felt incredibly tired and seem to be going through an unusual amount of discouragement ... yet today, as I was praying with a friend I always meet to pray with after work on Mondays, I suddenly started praising God and felt lifted above the pain.

I rejoiced because Jesus was giving me a whole new perspective, the perspective I was reminded of yesterday. I am so grateful! It's amazing how prayer and praise can change our trials into rejoicing. I would not in my natural human flesh choose to go through hardships and trials in my life ... Yet even these hardships and trials are dear friends to me, for anything that draws me closer to the feet of Jesus is my friend. More than anything, I want to know Him more. I love Him so much.

It is a busy week ... I am finishing up some stuff around the apartment tonight to get ready for out-of-town company tomorrow evening ... as well as running to the store to get some fresh fruit. :) And hopefully getting a nice walk in there somewhere, too. :) Then later in the week, I am hoping to hang out some with some of our summer interns ... great young women that I've been enjoying getting to know during their time here. :) Then on Friday evening is extended prayer here at GFA.

I thank the Lord that He is with me each step of this busy week ... I am hoping my out-of-town guest, Rebecca, will get to come for some of prayer tomorrow evening, if she's not too tired from her long drive to Texas ... this prayer meeting is just two hours, unlike Friday, which is our all-night prayer. :-D

Jesus is everything ...

This morning in my Bible fellowship class at church, I received a very timely reminder. I was so excited as I wrote down some of the truths the teacher was sharing, truths that felt so applicable to my life right now.

I realize I have so much to be grateful for ... so many blessings in my life and God has been so good to me ... I just somehow have found myself over these past several days feeling unusually tired ... a bit overwhelmed ... discouraged. I know we all have days that are more challenging than others ... I would say these last several days have been some of the most challenging I've experienced for some time ... and not sure totally why? I guess I have, for one thing, had a lot on my plate lately ... but I can trust that the Lord will not give me more than I can handle! And we're told in God's Word, in 1 Peter 4:12,13, not to be surprised at hard days .... that we will experience those in our lives, and also that we can rejoice in getting to (in a very small way at least) share in Christ's sufferings.

And my teacher this morning brought out some awesome truths ... definitely timely reminders for me. He talked about the Apostle Paul and how His attitude toward suffering was, "If it makes me more like Jesus, bring it on!" He reminded us that Paul's all-consuming passion was knowing Jesus ... and if suffering brought Him closer to Jesus, He rejoiced in it. (Romans 8:16,17; Philippians 3, verses 10 and following) He also talked about how some of Paul's very last words to Timothy were about the Gospel. The Gospel, he reminded us, is not just for our salvation ... it is ALSO for the trials we face in our day to day lives ...

The Gospel--that Jesus Christ would die an excruciating death of the Cross to pay for our sins--forever settles God's love for us. And this love is fixed and constant. Whatever trials we go through in life fade away when looked at against the backdrop of the Cross.

Praise the Lord ... I find that when I'm reminded that Jesus is everything, I am given a whole new perspective that encourages me, regardless of how overwhelmed I may feel or what may be going on around me. I am grateful.

A Good Week and a Heart Filled with Thanks

It's been a busy week, but also a good one. :) There have been a couple of days where I've stayed a while after finishing up a writing project ... but I've enjoyed it. I have been thinking lately of how grateful I am for my job. I think I've had many moments over the last number of months where I took it for granted and saw more the harder aspects of it than the privilege it is.

I enjoy what I'm getting to do, I love the people I work with, and most of all, the Lord is allowing me to help reach people in Asia through it! It amazes me that the Lord would call me to do something I have enjoyed so much from as far back as I remember (writing) along with a burning desire He gave me from my childhood (seeing people reached with the Gospel!). Thank You, Lord. :)

May He get all the glory ... for none of it belongs to me. It's ALL about Him. It amazes me that He would call me to serve Him ... I know I still have so far to go in my Christian walk, yet He is so patient with me. ;)

I think we all can get discouraged at times or take things for granted, so it's always so refreshing to be reminded of God's incredible provision in our lives. At different times last week, I felt myself tested in the area of trusting in the Lord and His ways.

I was struck with the contrast between human ways of doing things and God's way. The Lord enabled me by His grace to make a conscious decision to trust Him and be faithful in what I knew to do, even when it felt a little hard. As I stepped forward in that trust, I felt incredible peace and rest in Him ... I felt that I no longer needed to strive ... I could just faithfully do what He had set before me and called me to, but beyond that, just BE ... no more striving. :) Then, He confirmed what He had shown me through His Word, a Christian book and the lesson in Sunday school this past weekend, as well as allowing some great encouragement to come my way.

I was so encouraged today to get an email from a co-worker mentioning that some Gospel for Asia supporters had given to provide a well in response to a lot of the emails and PhotoShows that had recently gone out that reported back the eternal fruit God is bringing through these wells. Well, I thought about it a moment and realized I had worked on some of those emails and PhotoShows, such as this one! It's so encouraging to me to think that I could be part of people being ministered to and hearing about Jesus on the other side of the Lord. Praise the Lord.

I wanted to share this Scripture passage that so encouraged me when I read it recently ... I think it relates to what the Lord has been showing me lately!

"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms ..."
--Deuteronomy 33:26,27b

Beef stir fry, Mango Pickle and God's Grace

Sitting in the outdoor patio at work today in the warm weather, enjoying some beef stir fry, mango pickle and rice from our ministry cafe, I felt like I was transported back to India as I cherished the company of two dear brothers from our ministry in Asia. It brought back memories from the time I spent there in 2004. How amazing the joy of the believers was! I still remember Gretch, the woman in the poverty-stricken slum area who ran up to us with this bubbling joy she could hardly contain, proclaiming "Jai Ma Siki" ("Praise to Christ" in her language).

This whole past weekend at our ministry's Renewing Your Passion missions conference has been surreal in some ways ... yet, at the same time, I know more real than anything I could experience on this earth. For I was reminded of the worth of knowing and following Jesus ... of how 100 years from now, the only things I will have to show for my life here on this earth are those things that will last for eternity. I was deeply challenged to cry out to Jesus in my heart, more than once, "Rid me of me! Fill me with You." I want to be poured out for His sake ... I was thinking, if He is my Savior and gave His very life for me, what is too much for me to do for Him? Not in any way to earn my salvation, because that was already purchased for me through His redemptive blood at Calvary ... I rather want to serve Him, out of gratitude and love for Him. I know I have so far to go in having a fully surrendered life, holding nothing back, but o how I long for such utter abandonment to Jesus. I love Him so much.

The time at the conference was also an amazing time of fellowship ... whether laughing with my roommates and new friends I made, or praying with and being able to encourage our supporters who are such a blessing and have given so much to help spread the Good News of Jesus in Asia. All in all, this whole past weekend was incredible and reminded me of what a privilege I have to get to serve Jesus to reach some of the most unreached and see lives transformed in wonderful ways by His grace ... a privilege that I am unworthy of and don't want to ever again take for granted.

Right after the conference, I got to go to lunch with a dear friend who had come down for the weekend. It was great catching up some more with her and sharing some more of what the Lord had taught us at the conference ... over yummy turkey pizza at Schlotsky's. :-)

May I never forget the things I learned and was reminded of this weekend ... Oh, Jesus, may my life never be the same again.

Church, Nice Sunny Days and Rollerskating

So this afternoon I did something I haven't had opportunity to do for quite some time ... rollerskating! Back in the day, when I was in junior high/high school, I LOVED to go rollerskating. They would have Christian skate night at the local skating rink ... which just happened to be very close to my house. It was a great deal to skate on Christian skate night ... $1.25! :)

And, thanks to a friend of mine, I found out about another great deal, at the skating rink not too far from where I live now! On Sunday afternoons through the end of August, it's just $3.00 to skate from 2 to 6 p.m. I went with a friend today, and another friend met up with us there, and I think we're going to try to get our Sat. night Bible study group together to go sometime. Wahoo! :) Skating is always something I've enjoyed a lot.

After skating, I ended up at the nature preserve walking. I heard a snake slither in the grass and screamed SO loud!!! (I never saw it, but am reasonably sure it was a snake ... ;-)) Later I saw an armadillo cross the path ahead of me. That was fun!! Then I went to Wal-mart to get ... smoothie ingredients, shampoo, etc. Amazing how much energy I've had today! Definitely not complaining, since it's been a couple of weeks since I've had even close to this much energy! ;-)

We sang patriotic songs in church this morning ... great fun! :) Oh, and the message in Sunday school was so good. He read some verses from Isaiah 44 and reminded us all of how Jesus is the only One who truly satisfies. What a great reminder ... I am finding myself reminded more and more of that lately. :)

A Post for 4th of July!

Just a quick post today, to say ... Happy 4th of July, everyone! I spent part of it with folks from work. A family had everyone over to their house. I played some volleyball and hung out and talked with folks. Then I went walking at the nature preserve for a bit. :) I seriously love that place!

Tomorrow I am meeting some girls for lunch and Bible study ... we do that often on Saturdays and it's been so nice! Then tomorrow evening is my Bible study at church ... yay! :) I love those folks!

The series Chris has been going through has been so good, too ... basically bringing out a bunch of great Scriptures and reminding us of how amazing Jesus is ... and how our number one pursuit in life should be to know our Savior more deeply. I am so thankful for Jesus ... for the constant He is in my life! :)

Jesus is Renewing My Heart ...

Yesterday after work I had the opportunity to pray with another friend ... we meet regularly to encourage and pray for one another! It was amazing how my perspective had changed by the end of our time. I felt rest and joy in the Lord even in my weariness. It was great!

This morning our staff had a meeting about our upcoming Renewing Your Passion missions conference. As the meeting progressed, I found myself getting more and more excited about this time! It is next weekend, and I can't wait! :) I am looking forward to this time to fellowship with other believers and reach out to our donors and sponsors.

Just now I've been working on an email and PhotoShow about one of our missionaries who was beaten and publicly humiliated for loving Jesus ... just one of many of our missionaries who have suffered persecution. I was especially moved by his story when I realized he is very close to my age. It's touching to think of him going through such suffering at such a young age, yet it was also incredible to read about some of the amazing things God has done through his ministry in Orissa. An elderly couple was rescued from suicide when the Lord brought him into their path ... and they received Jesus as Savior! Praise the Lord. Just as this verse promises, truly this missionary's labor in the Lord is not in vain!

I so often am encouraged and strengthened in my own faith when I hear such stories of the amazing courage and perseverance of our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries.

Jesus is in the Valleys

For a week now I've been finding myself physically tired ... and at times kind of having an overall feeling of weariness. I did get a nap yesterday ... although I'm not sure it was enough. I should be able to get some good rest this evening ... and it's nice, too, that Friday is July 4 so I can sleep in. :) I kept forgetting about that ... so it was a fun surprise today!

Last night I did have a good prayer time with a friend ... It was amazing the sense of peace I was left with as we parted ways. Meeting with her and praying with her was just what I needed last night! Then today I had a thoughtful note from another good friend, reminding me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. That reminder was just what I needed today ... Jesus is incredible ... and no matter how weary I may feel at times, His presence is still a refuge where I can find indescribable joy.

I am finding myself constantly reminded lately of my need for Him. That's a good thing in the sense that it drives me to His feet. I was excited to receive in the mail an old Caedman's Call CD I ordered off Amazon. I think this excerpt from their song "Down in the Valley" says it well ...

Down in this wasteland I miss the mountaintop view
But it's here in this valley that I'm surrounded by You.
Though I'm not here by my will it's where Your view is most clear.
So I'll stay in this valley if it takes 40 years.

Now, I do hope I'm not feeling as weary for the next 40 years as I was from this past Monday to today ... :) But I do so much love the whole theme of these lyrics ... the willingness the songwriters express to "stay in the valley" for as long as it takes if that means they are drawn closer to Jesus through it. I totally love that! And I love that anything we go through as believers in Christ is for a purpose ... none of it is wasted.

Jesus and the Island of Patmos

Yesterday's message in church was really interesting and made me want to research the Island of Patmos. The guy who taught shared from Revelation 1:9,10 and brought out some really cool points ...

In verse nine, we find John was on the Island of Patmos where there was no Christian fellowship for him. This was also a place where hardened criminals were "dumped off", to fend for themselves. You could say, at least in an earthly sense, this was a definite trial in John's life.

Yet the next verse goes on to talk about how John was in the presence of the Lord. What better place to be than with Him? If we know Him as Savior, He is our Friend, our dwelling place, our portion. Oh, how I love Him ... everything in life fits in its proper place when we know Him ... Even if it's something hard for the moment ... because we know He is bringing about eternal good through it. So amazing.

As the guest speaker brought out yesterday, the Lord used John's time of exile in Patmos in an incredible way ... It wasn't a surprise to the Lord; He used it greatly, and now we have the book of Revelation. :)

Well ... I should go because I am sleepy and still wanting to get in a walk with a friend and get a few things done before calling it a night ... I am just so grateful for Jesus ... and that He works everything out for good in our lives. :)

Savoring the Savior's Sweetness

I have felt a bit weary at moments this week ... doing a bit better now, I think. I have been thinking about how knowing Jesus puts every part of life into proper perspective ... I have been reading a great book by John Piper about savoring the sweetness of the inexpressible joys found in Him. This is my prayer ... that the world around me simply fade away in the light of His incredible presence ... to be with Him, praising Him and seeking His face, is just wonderful. Everything else really does start to fade away in the light of the incomparable joys He offers ... :)

How refreshing is the light of His presence ... close to Him is where I want to always be ... abiding deeply in Him ... there is no joy like that of knowing this incredible Savior.

I love this passage from Isaiah ...

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."
--Isaiah 55:1,2

Oh yes ... Jesus is the "richest of fare" that passage talks about. And this is a wonderful constant, regardless of what is going on around me, or even simply the challenges sometimes of day-to-day life. I am glad.

A Tale of Redemption

Last night I watched The Last Sin Eater. It was a pretty powerful allegory of redemption ... especially once you get past the strong Appalachian accents. :) (At first, I thought the main character in the story was saying "Sunitra" instead of Sin Eater ... :-D) Set around the 1850s in the Appalachian's, it highlights a mountain community held bondage to years of superstition and tradition. There was an interesting twist in all that at the end as well.

Parts were hard to watch because of the violence ... more than anything, the sense of, "No, this shouldn't be happening." But overall it's a well-made movie that vividly portrays redemption as it follows the life of a community ... most specifically a young girl ... seeking atonement for sins in the tradition of a "Sin Eater", only to find that he is as empty and broken as she ... she needs the One who is the true Sin Eater!

It's definitely a movie that makes you think because of the great lengths people go to in hopes of redemption. It really reminded me of the traditions and superstitions followed by so many in Asia, when if only they knew ... true redemption and peace are found only in Jesus. I finished the movie with a fresh appreciation for redemption in Christ. What an amazing gift that we could never put a price on ... eternal redemption! How grateful I am for Jesus!

I had the opportunity to head down to a south Dallas neighborhood this past weekend for their annual Clean Sweep, where people from the Body of Christ in the Dallas area joined together to pray, pick up trash and plant flowers in the neighborhood ... it was a great time of getting to serve and fellowship with other believers, and truly the highlight of my weekend! I enjoyed it so much. I had the opportunity to reconnect with this really sweet Christian woman in that community that I had gotten to meet before ... it was awesome witnessing her incredible joy and her fervent heart for Jesus. Praise God for how His redemptive story is touching hearts in this community.

Rejoicing some more ...

I do think I'm on Cloud Nine! Or something like it, anyhow! I just got back from Transit (my Sat.nite study) and fellowship with the group afterwards at Baker Bros. Class was great ... the lesson was SO good. Our teacher brought out so many Scriptures about how amazing Christ is and how incredible it is that we can know Him ... that if we are His children, He is even living in us! How awesome is that? One thing that really, really stood out to me was when he said that so often, we settle for so much less than God in our everyday lives ... our desires are such that we have desires for lesser things than God Himself. Than the sweetness of knowing Him more deeply. So true ... and something I want to stop being guilty of. :) Deep down I do so much desire Him ... He is more to me than life itself! Now may I increasingly live and dwell in that mind-boggling reality.

There were so many visitors, too ... or at least, it sure felt like there were! :) I was running around like crazy, making sure our visitors felt welcome and that they each had visitors sheets to fill out ... but I loved every minute of it. :-) I truly love this class and the community of it and getting to serve and fellowship there. I'm so grateful. I also so much love the community of those I'm on staff with at GFA. I have been so reminded lately of how wonderful that is.

So ... right before class tonight, I went to get the folder with the roster and visitor sheets, and was walking down the hall with it. Well, just as I neared the classroom, suddenly the visitor sheets literally came flying out of the folder. And I slipped on some of them and ... totally went sprawling to the floor. Several of my classmates saw the whole thing. ;-D Good thing was, at least they were able to come to my rescue, grabbing the papers off the floor for me as I laughed ... and laughed some more ... and regained my composure. We decided the class folder should come with a warning label ... perhaps ... "Be careful ... could be hazardous to your health if carrying it down the hall". :)

Rejoicing this weekend

After a pretty challenging week, yesterday and last night were incredble! :) I was sharing with a few co-workers, on Thursday night when I sat down to try to have some good time with the Lord, it kind of felt like it took a lot of my energy but yet that it wasn't helping me ... but the Lord gave me the perseverance to press on by faith, trusting Him to use it in my life.

Well, yesterday was a good day, and had a great time at lunch with a couple of co-workers - two really nice girls who have been here for a few weeks as summer interns. They're great and so much fun to get to know! I also introduced them to one of my favorite restaurants and they liked it ... yay! :)

Then last night was great. We had all-night prayer here at the ministry ... I ended up staying until it ended at 5 a.m. and had a blast! It was also really awesome that a few of my friends got to make it out for some of it and seemed to enjoy it, too! It was a wonderful, refreshing time ... and I have had such peace in my heart today and felt refreshed. When I got up this morning ... I mean this afternoon :-D ... I was able to have some good time with the Lord. I am so grateful.

Jesus is better than a magical switch ...

Ever wish you could turn on this magical switch that would make all your challenges and discouragement just disappear? :) I have been finding myself wishing that to an extent lately ... although ultimately I know challenging times are a good thing in that they draw me all the closer to Jesus ... so, really, why should I "wish them away" ... no matter how hard they may be from a fleshly, temporal perspective. Deep down what I need most is to know Jesus more intimately ... so anything that brings that about in my life is a Friend ... even if hard for the moment.

I've kind of found myself battling a good bit of discouragement lately. Part of it could be the spiritual battle we are all in, that I can so often forget about. As believers in Jesus, we are engaged in a very real spiritual battle ... but God wins! Praise the Lord for that! :)

On another note, I did have some nice times of fellowship this weekend with friends, especially with the great group from Transit (my Sat. night BIble study) as we all hung out at Pei Wei Asian Diner after the study. That was really fun!

A humorous note ... as I was sharing with the rest of the staff last night about Myanmar* for one of the segments for prayer, I was encouraging people to engage passionately in prayer ... doing battle for the people of Myanmar. I know that for me, physically getting on my knees when I pray can really help me sometimes ... not that there's anything special about being on our knees, but somehow the Lord just uses it in my life sometimes to get me in the right frame of mind. Well, anyhow, I was like, "Get down on your hands and knees if that helps" ... then I had to laugh (as well as others :)) because I have this picture of everyone on their hands and knees, praying. :-) Too funny! Of course I meant to say "Get down on your knees", but the slip-up gave me a good laugh ... which the Lord must have known I needed. :) Laughter is good for the heart and good medicine in the challenging times of life. So is God's Word. (eternally so!) He was encouraging me this week through Isaiah 58, especially as I was preparing to share about the incredibly hard situation in Myanmar.

*If you have been seeing the news reports on BBC news and other sources, you know the precious people in Myanmar could really use our prayers. Do cry out to the Lord of the harvest for them! I know God has a heart for the people there and we can look to Him in faith to intervene in incredible ways on their behalf to provide for them and draw them to Himself ... ]

It's all about Jesus ...

Well it's 5:30 on Friday and I'm about to start a busy weekend! In a little bit I am meeting up with a friend to walk for a bit and take some items down to the Colony Resale to donate. (It's always such a good feeling to get rid of stuff I don't need anymore ... it kind of feels like I'm simplying my life a bit. :)

All day tomorrow I will be at a retreat for the women who are part of my Bible fellowship class at church. I'm so much looking forward to that! It should be great teaching and fellowship ... and great time for girl bonding. :) That ends at 4:00, and then I have my Bible study and will likely go to Pei Wei Asian diner with everyone afterwards. :)

Sunday will be busy, too, with being at church and then later meeting up with some friends for fellowship and games.

As I consider some of the challenges that have come up in my day-to-day life lately, I am reminded that if I just remember that life, really, is all about Jesus, then everything kind of takes its proper place. :-D I want to remember that because there's such freedom on that ... it means I can rest in Him so securely, whether it be concerning a big project at work (thankfully I'm pretty much caught up on those now!) or just things on my mind. There is such rest and freedom in remembering He is in control ... and letting my life be guided by the knowledge that I can securely trust Him. It's been a challenging week in some ways, so it's good and so helpful to remember these things!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. :-D

Reflections and Thoughts on a Thursday

This week is going considerably better than when I last posted! It was interesting; I was talking to a friend from work yesterday as we walked at the nature preserve, and we both talked about how quite a few people here on staff have been having a challenging week. We talked about how it could be spiritual warfare. It's always so good to be reminded of that ... working here at GFA, we are at the forefront of something the Lord is using to powerfully break down spiritual strongholds in Asia, yet how easy it can be for me to forget that! I think sometimes I expect to plod along merrily, not suffering attack from the enemy. Yet it's so true that the enemy is not going to want to stand idly by while strongholds are being broken down in Asia! It can be a sobering thought to think of the enemy's attacks. I am simply human flesh and unable to fight back in myself, but thankfully Jesus Himself dwells within me since I am His redeemed child, and HE is able to fight these attacks. Praise the Lord!

You can keep my friend from church in your prayers as the Lord brings her to mind. Her name is Christina, and I know your prayers will mean so much. I can't even imagine what it would be like to suddenly lose my dad ... especially at such a young age. I am so close to my daddy! Last year we had about a week where we were faced with the reality that we could very well lose him (when he had cancer), and the peace the Lord gave us during that time was unbelievable. Still, though, I was so relieved and grateful when the Lord spared him. My friend and I may never know in this lifetime why the Lord chose to take her dad at this time ... but God is still on His throne and can be trusted just as much as ever. Thank you for your prayers ... asking you all to pray reminds me that I need to be faithful to pray!!

I am looking forward to a relaxing evening and some good times with Jesus ... and enjoying some chicken with sour cream, salsa and black beans that I cooked in my crockpot. :)