Life is a Verb

Verb: an action, state or occurrence

This week was quite a week (already!). I was hit with three situations that troubled my emotions as I questioned myself, my motives & forgiveness; one tested my confidence in healing as I struggled through arthritic pain & watched my birdie boy suffer the use of his legs; another was in the area of my faith – was I really doing what I’ve been called to do; the final situation was the betrayal of a friend. Yes, I have had my moments of tears this week.

The three together could have become overwhelming. My heart was hurt. At first I took each situation in stride.  I just tried to work everything out & chalked it up to ‘life’ which isn’t always easy or fair. You get it. You’ve been there at one point or another.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV) "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us." 

But God! When the enemy stepped his foot over the line that extra inch and tried to stop gap our trip to Africa, I reared up! Papa, what in the world is going on?  I won’t share the whole conversation however the gist of it was that He brought to my attention that I was losing my passion for life. The abundance. The excitement. I was worrying about the simple and worldly things and expecting the ‘normal’ to happen. I had stopped looking forward to the promises spoken over Roy & I, to the ‘more’ I had come to get expect from the One Who loves me most.

Luke 10:19 (TPT) "Now you understand that I have imparted to you all my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will be able to harm you as you walk in this authority." 

In the face of eventual loss, I began to fight back. To regain my peace. To build my faith muscles. To save my sanity. Look, one word of doubt, one negative thought can cause a domino effect. I thought of losing Sylvester and the next thing I knew I was re-grieving the loss of miscarried children, my late husband Phil, my parents (who are still alive and healthy at 88 years old) & friends. One sharp physical pain can conjure up thoughts of incurable disease and the fear of losing a dream brings a sick heart and all that goes with it. One friend’s betrayal can conjure up the many friendships lost throughout life.

I needed a quick injection of Heavenly Kingdom Thinking.

Colossians 2:7 (TPT) "Your spiritual roots go deeply into his life as you are continually infused with strength, encouraged in every way. For you are established in the faith you have absorbed and enriched by your devotion to him! (The Greek states 'overflowing with gratitude') 

One touch, word or vision from Papa God can bring the world around you right back into perspective. Life is a verb. A living, breathing Hope of Glory that lives right inside of us.

1 John 1:2 (MSG) it says "From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in - we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we're telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly this: The infinite life of God Himself took shape before us." 

1 John 1:1 "The Word, who is Jesus, is manifested! IN the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God and the Word was God."

Acts 17:26-28 (NKJV) "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the fact of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us, for in Him we live and move and have or being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring'. 

He brought me through and to a place of truth when I chose to turn it all back to His hands. Those mighty hands that have held so many of my tears! The One who breathed life into me!

John 20:20 (AMP) "And when He said this, He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'."

Today, as I choose to trust the outcome, I find a greater appreciation in the abundant life I have been promised. The situations are resolved; our sweet little boy, Sylvester, passed into Heaven, we did indeed go to Africa embarking on another great, new adventure while I worked everything out with my friend. I'm sure there will be other days like today because life is a verb. An action item. I will opt to greatly love what is right in front of me, trust in the fact that Papa's will and timing for my life is perfect and live fully as I press on to the high calling in Christ Jesus. 

I pray you do as well!  

One Lone Boat

It was one of those days struggling to turn from spring to summer.  Everyone was on the river walkway in shorts and sweatshirts waffling between the desire for the sun’s warmth and reality of the morning briskness.  Dogs running back and forth sniffing into the blossom-filled air and the sound of children’s laughter drew me over.  I sat on a bench to pray.  I love these moments of solitude where Your Presence fills me with the peaceful knowledge that You are in control; it’s Your power that is the treasure in this earthen vessel.

I heard it before I could see it.  Isn’t that the way.  I hear your voice, feel Your leading before I see the purpose.  One lone boat on the river.  One lone driver guiding it through the glass.  As he drove by, people began cheering, waving and shouting their ‘hello’s’.  He did a few tricks, causing waves to form.  The rippling effect hit the shore causing the children to jump up and down with glee.  The more they asked for, the bigger the show.  Soon everyone was gathered where the water meets the sand, enjoying the damp coolness as it washed up their bare legs.   But, the water was still cold and one by one they began their assent back up to the walkway.  The boatman moved on down the river and all was quiet once again.

I watched, entranced with the thought that it was in their encouragement he was moved to continue blessing their day with his antics.  Who knows what kind of mood he was in, where he was from or even headed to; he stopped for just that moment to bring laughter and joy to the hearts of many.  Just like so many of us.  The one’s who walk the roads unknown to serve strangers and make them your friends.  Those who bless with words of Christ on your lips and joy in your heart.  The ones that step out of the shadow of comfort to share a kind word, a prayer of healing or a piece of rice.  The men and women hiding behind work visas, teaching degrees, building permits and medical ships just to touch the one that God has called you to. 

We all come from somewhere.  The lone boat on the river.  We all carry the presence that will cause a rippling effect to collide with those congregated and watching.  I want to encourage you.  We have all been called.  “Some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preacher and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some Pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.  His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (that they should do) the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church).” (Eph 4:11-12 AMP)  

Each of us is a piece of the puzzle creating a beautiful masterpiece as we allow the eyes of our heart to be opened and follow He who leads and guides us in our journey on earth.  We are all missionaries to someone or somewhere.  Roy & I (Eden’s Song) are missionaries to the missionaries.  We live, breath and pray for them every single day.  Our goal is that all we set our hands to foster the life of a missionary.  Can we do it all?  No.  We can only provide a portion of need.  Others will provide another part and on it goes. 

You are causing a stir in the water.  You are creating waves as you walk out your calling; touching a fortune of people along the way; moving the atmosphere over the cities, countries and nations you are led to cry out for.  The whole of Heaven is waving the checkered flag as you so eloquently run your race.  Do not let down, do not give up. 

Gentlemen, Ladies, Start Your Engines!

Front Line Warriors

I found myself anguished today and with so many exciting things going on in life, I wondered why.  Finding a few moments of solitude I asked the Lord what was hurting my heart so and a flash of tenderness hit me.  Many of my dear friends are leaving or have already left to join the group of selfless souls that spread the word of God through a passionate display of Love.  I found myself on my knees for these that are so heavenly minded as to work endlessly to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.

One friend, in particular, comes to mind.  For so many years, Don has sought after God’s will to serve ‘the least of these’.  He has served the destitute and the homeless; after one trip to China he found his niche and the Lord has since taken him all through Africa bringing the Word of God and the love of the Father to those in small villages and communities.  But, the Holy Spirit continued to cry out to Don for more and his heart began to set upon the pygmies.  He studied them, he consulted the Lord and these past years Don & his wife, Jenya, have found themselves in the midst of a particularly beautiful pygmy tribe in the Congo.  Within days the Favor fell upon his hands as he obtained entrance and acceptance and is now able to walk freely among those he feels called to.

Another set of friends work in a sensitive area of the world doing a delicate work.  They are literally saving children from the enemy’s plot to lie, kill and destroy.  Wells are being dug, schools are being built, children are being healed, and gardens are cultivated.  Smiles rule the day and the favor of the Lord rains down on them even through the tears and pain of children having to be pulled from subjection.  We shipped them some women’s totes through visiting missionaries.  When the travelers received the totes they were worried about the weight and how they would get them there.  They were asked to open the boxes to see how many they could fit in their already swollen suitcases; when they did they were blasted by a wave of Love that came out of the boxes..their very words were "I felt the Love of God pour out of them".  When they got to the airport, they were not charged for the 'over' weight. Favor. 

There are so many stories of God's precious hand stretched out to His children; my friend who almost lost her life during an attack of malaria has now built a medical clinic on their property in Uganda with a birthing center in construction as well; another who just had emergency gall bladder surgery is, just a few days later, up and taking care of the many she serves in Rio De Janero; a sweet woman who lost her husband a few years ago continues their dream by running a large ministry in Kenya freeing people to live self-sufficient lifestyles; those who travel back and forth to serve for the few weeks they have vacation from full-time jobs are taking the needed supplies and supplements to pass on. Just this week, a dear team in Nepal were taken in for interrogation and imprisoned after lies were spread about them. We still await their fate. 

And the Lord says pray for them as the persistent widow in Luke 18. "..and shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge the speedily". God will certainly reply to the continual prayer of believers. He will respond to the injustice and religious persecution handed over to His people and in the end He will turn all things to good. Jesus is exhorting believers not to lose their enthusiasm, their heart or their faith but to stand strong in the throes of intercession as we lift those that go to the uttermost parts of the world, taking the love of Christ to a starving people. 

And I fall to my knees. 

Easter Sunday

Lamentations 3:22-23
"The faithful love of the Lord never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness. His mercies begin afresh each morning". (NLT)

1 Corinthians 1:20
"So where is the wise philosopher who understands? Where is the expert scholar who comprehends? And where is the skilled debater of this time who could win a debate with God? Hasn't God demonstrated that the wisdom of this world's system is utter foolishness?"

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I love Resurrection Day. The beauty of what the Lord has done for us reduces me to tears and brings me to my knees. I am humbled. I rejoice. I am contemplative. I am giddy. I am seriously in love with my Father, my Lord and the One Who loves me most.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.  When I was young we always got new Easter clothes. Even if we couldn't afford clothes all year we dressed up fancy on Easter. Dad & Mom made sure we honored what the Lord did on our behalf. Patent leather shoes shined from under, dare I say, crinoline skirted dresses and little white purses hung from our wrists. My brother sported black pants, little precious coats and bow ties. We were too cute.

This year I have the perfect pastel beads that a Kenyan lady friend strung for me, but I have nothing to go with them. It's still chilly and I'm not prepared for spring attire. I'm comfortable to stay cozy, delve deep under the quilted covers and remain firmly planted in my fuzzy, flannel PJ bottoms.

I think it's the same feeling I get when God reveals a new prophetic pronouncement over my life. The excitement is there, it wells up inside me but it seems too far away from the moment I'm living to grasp. I'm not sure how to wear it, balancing the climate of now. It's hard to embrace what I don't comprehend. I would feel safer to stay where I'm at.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Sometimes the season changes before the weather catches up, however it is time to put away the heavy coats, boots and leggings that bind us. It's time to say goodbye to dead leaves strewn throughout the yard so we can pamper the little grass growths underneath. It's time to look past the dreariness of the wind and rain to rejoice in the new life it brings to the rose bushes, apple trees and daffodils. It's an opportunity to reach out for what we can trust will be there. Spring comes every year; God's Word never returns void. There is a brilliance in the sun today belying the chill of the air and I'm ready for winter to be over.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I think I'll take the Word I heard from the One who rose out of His grave for me and run. Arms outstretched. At the ready. Not looking back. Racing straight ahead, without fear but with anticipation that many more will come to the knowledge of His Saving Grace because of it. Spring has finally sprung in my heart once again and with it the birth of promise.

SPRING FORWARD

One of my favorite days of the year is the day we set our clocks forward an hour. I love daylight savings time. To me, it is a call to spring. It is the springboard to a new season. I no longer have to close my home up at 4:30 in the afternoon; drapes & doors can stay open into the evening, the weather warms up just a bit, and the sun begins to show its face to melt any loitering snow.

My heart just soars! I feel a quickening in my spirit of the pre-requisite to a ‘new thing’ as it says in Isaiah.  This year is no different. It’s been a hard winter in our little town. One we aren’t used to.  But today nature is having its own revival.  Today, our grass is practically springing up in joy, our apple trees are pushing forth their little pink buds and the forsythia has become a yellow gift overnight, framing my front door.

Revival. Webster Dictionary defines it as a "renewed attention or interest in something". Synonyms: reanimation, rebirth, regeneration, rejuvenation, renewal, resurgence, resurrection, revitalization and revivification. 

Revival gets a bad rap. They go on for a few months or years changing cities, towns, countries and even the islands only to die off leaving everyone to go back to their old lifestyle. Revival ends and we allow the doors to open once again, letting the enemy swarm our gates with 7 times the demons of before. Our nation needs a rebirth right now. The whole world needs rejuvenated. We need a resurrection in the land. 

In John 11, we read about the resurrection of Lazarus. We know Jesus didn't run to His friends immediately but waited, saying "This sickness will not end in death for Lazarus, but will bring glory and praise to God. This will reveal the greatness of the Son of God by what takes place." And "for your sake, I'm glad I wasn't there, because now you have another opportunity to see who I Am so that you will learn to trust in me."  3 days later (what a beautiful shadow of what was to come) Jesus met Martha as she ran to Him. Martha said to Jesus, "My Lord, if only you had come sooner my brother wouldn't have died. But I know that if You were to ask God for anything, He would do it for You." Jesus told her, 'Your brother will rise and live.' Martha replied 'Yes, I know he will rise with everyone else on resurrection day.'" But Jesus said she didn't have to wait until then as He was the Resurrection and Life Eternal and that anyone who clings to Him in faith will live forever. Martha agreed that she believed and ran to get Mary. Jesus wept with compassion at the emotion of those around Him and "gazed into Heaven and said 'Father, thank you that you have heard my prayer, for you listen to every word I speak. ow, so that these who stand here with me will believe that you have sent me to the earth as your messenger, I will use the power You have give me.' The with a loud voice Jesus shouted with authority: 'Lazarus! Come out of the tomb!'" Lazarus hobbled out tightly wound in his grave clothes which they unbound to let him loose. "From that day forward many of those who had come to visit Mary believed in Him, for they had seen with their own eyes this amazing miracle!" (TPT)

This is such a beautiful example of revival and I believe it is time again to show the power and authority of Christ to the world. Right before this, in Chapter 10, at the Feast of Renewal, the Pharisee's tried to stone Jesus for truthfully affirming their question of whether He was the Messiah or not. As they came after Him, He told them "You stubbornly refuse to follow Me, because you are not My sheep. As I've told you before, My own sheep will hear My voice and I know each one and they will follow Me. I give to them the gift of eternal life and they will never be lost and no one has the power to snatch them out of My ads. My Father, who has given them to Me as His gift, is the mightiest of all and no one has the power to snatch them from My Father's care." (TPT) 

We are those beautifully adorned-with-the-Holy-Spirit sheep. Many have stayed in the shadows too long. Many just lost the vivre for life in His abundance. Many grew fearful of the Pharisee's responses. We may have waited, but now we have another opportunity to watch God move, to reveal the greatness of the Son of God by what takes place. No-one or nothing can snatch us from Papa's care. Even as the enemy opens the floodgates of division, hate, immortality, murder and infiltration, we are the salt!  We carry the Light of the World in our very beings. As we share the fruit of His goodness with others around us, as we bear the mandated authority to heal and deliver, as we cry out in prayer declaring freedom for the nations and decreeing God's Word over the people, we will see revival storm the globe. Beginning in the individual hearts of man and spreading across the ocean's waters the manifest presence of God will transform lives and cultures. There will be complete resurrection of life and many more will come to know the gift of the eternal and never be lost. 

Yep. I love this time of year. It brings a smile to my face as I watch the kids start playing outside again, listen to the sounds of lawn mowers and neighbors calling to each other from across the street. There is a reverberating expectancy of life as the sun frees our long-shivering winter-clad bodies. Jesus also frees. A glorification of the warmth of the Son over the Nations. It's my prayer. It's my hope. It's my Spring Forward. 

THE TOYMAKER

Proverbs 22:29

"Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."

I sit washed in tears & surrounded by love. 600 hand designed wooden toys parade around me jostling for their turn to travel the world. They weren’t dropped off down the chimney, weren’t made by a team of elves or led by Rudolf; no these little gems were made by one man intent on blessing children all over the world through the hands of missionaries. Tirelessly bent over his workbench carving truck after truck, adding wheels that turn, a window & varnish wrapping each in plastic with a salvation message tucked inside. And then there are the beautiful barrettes for the girls! Wood tones beaming lustrously.

I’ve never met Steve in person, but I speak on the phone with him.  Long conversations focused on our love for the Lord, the missionaries and all they sacrifice to bring the ‘one’ to Christ.  I was blessed to be introduced to his generosity through another missionary. Steve’s heart is just pure.  He asks for no title; just an opportunity to share his gift of woodwork with children. He will stand before kings.

The But-for-God Generation

While I was praying this morning, this Ah-Ha came to me. Now, it may be no big life changing idea for you, but for me it was one of those times I suck in my breath and ask God to reveal even more. A moment when I realize there is more coming that will change my way of observing life around me. I don't even know how I came to this point but here is what provoked me to thought today:

When we are in another country or even just visiting someone we know, we adapt to the culture, food and ways of 'their' lives because we know that it is temporary; we will go 'home' soon to the security of our own ways. We laugh at their humor, listen openly to their political views and their life's drama because, well, it's not our life. We will return to our own comfort zone, the friends who share our beliefs and value systems and wolf down a plain old peanut butter and jelly sandwich. 

It occurs to me (that we could be inclined to) roam this earth that same way; settle in, become resolute - in a disconcerting way - with the politics, the religiousness, the poverty, pain, disease, illness and hopelessness of the people we read about or surround ourselves with. It could become sort of normal day to day stuff.  

Yet, we are the light, the hope & the glory of the Lord sent down to be the salt of the earth. We are sanctified & set apart (being Holy and living a Holy, righteous life) for such a time as this; to awaken people to the Truth and the Light of the world. We are the BUT for GOD generation that sees what's going on, yet recognizes our God is bigger than all of this. 

Knowing we are seated in the "Heavenlies" (Eph 2:6), we ought to live our life here on earth significantly, knowing that we go HOME after our time here is done. The here and now is temporary and then we return to the Kingdom of whence we came. Back to the place we can breathe freely and easily. No tension, no pain and no tears. No power hungry people fighting for top billing for there is no doubt Who is seated on the Throne. 

With that knowledge arming us, we can then become the Elisha's to the next generations asking that God open their eyes to see there are more for them than against them. (2 Kings 6:16) We are the Deborah's, the Esther's, the Joshua's and the Isaiah's; we are the Paul's, the Peter's, the John's, the Anna's and the Mary's. We are the ones who will step out for Christ's sake; who will boldly speak His name without concern of what other's will say or think. We are unafraid to teach those younger than us that all good things come down from the Father of Lights (James 1:17) and that we hold high the Name of Jesus without fear of death.  

As we strain toward the High calling, changing into the image of Christ, our interest in the things of the world become less and less. It is the devil's playground really (the media, politics…the 7 mountains as Lance Wallnau calls it) and we do not want to engage in the activities the world promotes or maintain its corruption; we are physically present in the world, but not of it. (John 17:14-15)  We commit ourselves to the transforming of the mind; to the thoughts and ways of Christ. 

Blessed to enjoy the physical beauty of the world God created for us, we do not have to immerse ourselves in worldly values but rather lend ourselves to the worship of God, decreeing light into the darkness and pointing others toward our true Home. Our final destination. 

So, that's the thought I started out my day with....

Valentine’s Day

Sunbeams illumine our room

filtering through the dusky morning

to fall on the face of my beloved.

How beautifully have You assigned my life,

Oh Lord.

and what rapture my heart feels

as I look upon my lover.

All of Heaven surely erupts in a sweet song;

a melodious joining of voices.

-Angels raising the rooftops-

A future of promise lies

in the hand I hold.

What wonderful knowledge.

What divine tenderness.

What extraordinary love.

It’s Valentine’s Day. I used to shudder a bit, put on a brave face and march through the day. After my late husband died I was adamant I would not marry again. I had things to do for God. I had plans. Anyway, who could take the place of one you had matured with, found the Lord with and muddled through all the ‘growth’ pains with?

But God.

When the Lord told me I would marry again & introduced me to the handsome man I would spend the senior years of my life with I was intrigued but stubborn. What about my plans, God? Trust Me.  What about Africa? Trust Me. But, I just bought a home & new furniture…But, But, But… Trust Me.

I found out that God does not ‘replace’ but ‘enhances’ love. Today I stand next to this incredible person, shrouded in the Holy Spirit, so full of life and love and tenderness; so thankful I said yes to God and yes to Roy. Appreciative of their patience as I inhale a joy I haven’t known in a very long time.  After many years of battling grief, I stand next to my hunk-a-burnin’-love and face the future with my hand securely in His knowing that whatever God has for us we will have an adventure in running after it. 

Trust Me. 

Oh, I am so thankful I did. 

Inevitable's

Today I have pondered on the inevitability of who You are:

It is Inevitable that your love will permeate the coldest heart

It is Inevitable that your promises are Yes and Amen

It is Inevitable that you will keep us safe

It is Inevitable that we will walk the streets paved with gold for eternity

It is Inevitable that you will turn all things to good

It is Inevitable that you will bring the light into a dark world

It is Inevitable that joy will bubble up as I read your word & hope will become my pillar by day

It is Inevitable that if I take those running steps into your arms that I will experience peace & grace; I will send mountains into the sea, possess my land, comfort the mourning and rise on the wings of worship

It is Inevitable that the depth of your love will spill out over everyone I meet bringing with it revival of heart after heart

It is Inevitable that one day I will meet you face to face and the only words tumbling from my lips will be “Thank You”.

It is inevitable that as I honor You, Worship You, Glorify You and walk toward righteousness; as I call Heaven to Earth, healing to the broken of heart and/or body; as I cry out for more wisdom, love, peace and grace; as I dream the dreams you’ve given me with abandonment and faith You will show Yourself faithful!

Today I declare a release of faith over the dreams and visions that we have hidden in the recesses of our hearts.  You know the ones…those that we have lost hope in, that we’ve decided to put away until the right time and place or until the right person comes along to help manifest it.  Ours are ones of boats running up and down the Nile with medical supplies and bush planes full of rice and school supplies; Ipods and computers for all the missionaries; a home on the cliff with a yellow hummer, children running around our feet and a plane to get to any missionary in Africa quickly.  You have them too. They differ from ours but God has given you desires that cause you to long for that one thing, that place you go to when you are alone and it is quiet. 

God showed me a picture of a very, very long and beautiful river with trees shading the banks. Roy & I were standing on a boat at the mouth of the river, longingly looking the length of it, when God’s voice so clearly rose above the sound of the motor saying, “It’s not that there is so far to go as there is so much in front of you. Toss away the boxes you’ve packed your dreams in and declare a resurrection; then place each one in the room with us and let’s talk about them.  Together we will speak life into and over them; there are those waiting to be a part of a miracle, waiting for you to ask, waiting to pray, looking for their own ‘inevitable’."

Today I pray you completely immerse yourself in the privilege and honor of God’s presence where the impossible dreams can be accomplished. 

The Lost Art of Fine Dining

THE LOST ART OF FINE DINING

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, DINNER WAS A WONDERFUL TIME!  All 6 of us gathered to share the day together. At 6pm prompt, no matter what was happening in our lives everything stopped for dinner. We all ran, from wherever we were, to jump into our seats, pray and dig in. The ever-present dog was at his place under the table, happily awaiting the fallen crumb or rejected food not appreciated by one of us. We laughed and told stories of our day. Dad shared research discoveries, Mom told of hospital antics or new baby’s being born, the kids talked about their schoolwork and the friends they made. All was right with the world in those couple of hours.

IN BUNGOMA, the past 6 years have found only 5 of us around the table at night. All 3 boys were either in boarding school (in Africa, the government chooses the school you attend in junior/senior high & most kids are sent away) or college. But this year, everyone was home. Joshua is attending his 1^st year at the Bible School (all the boys, including those at the children’s home attend a year of Bible school before choosing college or learning a trade), John is learning to run the farm and marrying beautiful Sylbil next month while James is finishing his degree in agriculture along with his fiancée, Esther. Justus and Margaret also welcomed a new grandson, Nathan, and their nephew who stays with them as he attends the Bible school. In one year, the table has grown to 12.  There are still no phones or electronics allowed at the table. Permission is asked to leave, even for a moment. The evening is all about family. The joy is endless. The laughter rings throughout the compound. Everything is loud. The wrestling (it IS mostly guys after all), the clanging of dishes, the sound of oil spattering in pans, the singing and praying….it fills the atmosphere. There is so much love while the Holy Spirit hovers. So much so, that even in disagreements, sadness’s, hard labor or frustration, there is peace knowing God has them & their needs all in the palm of His hand.

It's a joy to be in the midst of a culture that still honors family.  Jesus loved gathering around a table to eat and fellowship as well.  We can look in the gospel of Luke alone to find 7 times meals were mentioned:
In Luke 7:34 it says, 'The son of Man has come eating and drinking'.
In Luke 5:29-32, Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners at the home of Levi.

In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus is anointed by a woman in the home of Simon the Pharisee during a meal.

In Luke 9:10-36, Jesus feeds the five thousand.

In Luke 10:25-42, Jesus eats in the home of Mary and Martha.

In Luke 14:7-24, Jesus shares the parable of inviting the poor rather than theirs friends to a large banquet.

In Luke 22:14-23, Jesus gathers his closest friends (and one betrayer) for their Last Supper.

Meals were where Jesus made new acquaintances & served old friends. It was a vital role of His ministry, representing His abounding grace for sinners. Jesus was vibrant with the desire for communication, connection and celebration. He ate with who He ate with bringing hubs of relationship and celebration to a place where social boundary markers were guarded. But there seems to be something about sharing a meal that brings the Kingdom of God to the forefront. It is no surprise the second coming of Christ is the ‘wedding supper of the lamb’. (Rev 19) Maybe we should pick up the art of fine dining once again that our tables become a place of radical welcome, especially for those we don't relate to, estranged family or friends, those who have been abandoned or rejected.  Those searching for comfort or just a place to belong. Oh that our tables be full when the King returns!

THERE'S A MONKEY ON THE ROOF

THERE’S A MONKEY ON THE ROOF

There is a monkey on the roof across from our balcony!  Not the kind you play with, the kind you hide from. 15 pounds and full of mischief; so much so they have told us to keep our doors closed. I can hear him chatter and am trying to capture a photo, but he jumps and runs to keep away from my camera. He is a tricky one.

It’s cloudy and cooler today, so though it’s noon I am clad in a sweater, drinking another cup of coffee and watching huge yellow butterflies glide from tree to tree. On my balcony, as usual, I drink in the beauty of HEART lodge, the sounds of Richard trimming the bushes, Grace filling the rooms for the guests arriving this afternoon and smells that fill the air with the preparations for our evening meal. Joash and Ochieng are delivering fresh water to the rooms & the lodge is alive with movement. My oasis. My refuge where I refuel to ready myself to hit the (other part of the) ESM road running when we get home.  Roy is live streaming The Giants Will Fall, a Dutch Sheets conference, while I am in my happy place catching up with a bit of paperwork, writing a few blogs and reveling in the presence of God. How I thank and praise Him for this season of life.

I never could have imagined it even just a couple of years ago. This opportunity to work with so many different people across the world who share our same intense love for the ways of the Lord. The believe that we, indeed, have the authority to bring Heaven to earth changing lives and bringing revival. As we traveled, taught and spoke to groups of people in Kenya, we were made to realize that we are not alone in this desire. So many prayers were unleashed, so many hearts left unabashedly open on the altar of God’s promises.

Sometimes, like the monkey jumping out of the way of camera shot, we hedge God’s ‘now’ movement for a place of comfort and safety from the mess of change.  God reminds me we are here for Him. We are here to bring His Creation Home. ‘And the things of this world will fade away.’

"We are to live as those who live in the world system but are not absorbed by it, for the world as we know it is quickly passing away." 1Cor 7:31 TPT 

My momentary attention may be caught up by the local sounds and movement, the chatter and joy, the monkey and the sun who is finally filling the sky..but my heart is being caught up by the promises of God for His people. "For the scriptures say, 'as surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bend to me and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.'" Romans 14:11

Eternal life, Eternal love and Eternal home for those who give their heart to Christ.

COFFEE & MASLOW

It’s Saturday…one of my favorite days of the week. It’s a noiseless morning. No little’s running up and down our little red dirt road heading to school. Void of tiny voices, laughter and screams, today we slept in a bit. I miss it some, but the cow chimed in so I am not too lonely as I sip my 1^st cup of coffee and rejoice in the words of Psalm 65… “You answer our prayers with amazing wonders and with awe-inspiring displays of power.” 

It's hard here, but not every place we go is poor. Some of our friends have enough to share, though it looks different than in America. More often than not, there are many needs that are not met. You can’t compare with the U.S. because there is just too much dichotomy – but even without comparison there are necessities you could never fathom until you joined in their life. Just to fulfill Maslow’s hierarchy of need is a struggle in most areas.

There are poor everywhere. I get that. But poor here is different than poor in America; not that either is good. Both are unacceptable and not God’s heart. For the enemy came to lie, steal and destroy while Jesus came to give life and that in abundance. He is not a respecter of person. He didn’t decide that a few of us live extravagantly while others have nothing. It breaks our hearts & we often wish we could fix it all.

But, I don’t know that our job is to fix it. We can provide what we have to offer in the way of practical things such as food, clothing, school supplies, grooming items etc… but we are limited in our giving. God is not! I have found the greatest thing I can offer here is hope. The Hope of Glory that we as believers in Christ carry with us. The promise of "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  The assurance that “they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” The confidence “of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

It is not all sad either. There is great joy in the faces of those who know the Lord! I have been touched by the exuberant love of so many, reminding me that 'things' don't bring happiness; Christ's love does. And, OH my goodness, no matter where you go, even the poorest open their homes and there is chai  tea awaiting along with a slice (or 5) of bread and maybe even a chicken. Friendship, prayer, sharing life & the Living Word all bind the hearts together. 

So, in this very quiet of the morning hours, I rest in the knowledge that 'we have this treasure in earthen vessel, that the excellence of the power is of God and not of us.', We have love enough to pour out on each person we meet. We have arms wide enough to hug each child with the love of a mama or a papa. We have enough laughter to impart into the saddest of hearts. We have the authority to heal, deliver and raise the dead. Because of our Father. That is what Jesus meant when He taught us to pray, "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." We live naturally supernatural.

Psalm 65… “You answer our prayers with amazing wonders and with awe-inspiring displays of power.” Thank you Lord!

Creating Thoughts From Words

Creating Thoughts from Words.

Today I was pondering 1John. A dear missionary friend had written me from Israel. We are praying for her to be able to come home for a couple of months to settle her affairs a bit more to begin the true journey of living in a little town next to Bethlehem. She has spent the past year there and the Lord has spoken deeply to her heart. Her studies led her to this one phrase, "do not love the world or anything in the world" and she said “the sentences that hang from that have me wanting to understand what 'love' is there in that exhortation.”

I was meditating those verses around chapter 2: 15-17 appreciating that until we sincerely grasp the complete knowledge that Jesus abides IN us, therefore we are all things in Him and all we do stems from His wisdom, power, authority and love, we will continue living with one foot in the world.

I spent half my life looking for people that would fill the void I carried until I met a dear friend who counseled and delivered me through that need, replacing it with the love of Christ.  But today I feel that the intellectual capacity of Who Christ truly is in my life stopped there and it’s time (again) for growth. This morning I ask for new impartation of how to live fully IN and ABOUT His care. To honestly look at the world from an outsider (with no need for it to give meaning or bring purpose, identity or security) believing for change and hoping for the future of the next generation BECAUSE of Who He is. To know that my marriage and ministry will thrive just for the simple reason that it is HIS and not my own.

The Lord asked me this morning “what would you like to do just for one week.” I thought it would be fun to be only a wife, author and housekeeper. We giggled as we both thought of my to-do list for the ministry, however HE asked. I said “I love to create thoughts from words and never seem to find the time anymore.” I realized from that one simple statement that it was my own doing. If I want to spend a bit of my time writing, reading, cleaning or cooking I certainly can because that is how God wired me. Those things I am passionate for on the home-front are just as important as the appetite I hold for the ministry of missions. I can have it all. I may not be able (or even want) to engage in each thing every day, but when I feel the need to lay down one thing for another, it is OK. I’m allowed.

The busyness of the ‘world’ tends to draw us away from who WE are to make us who THEY want us to be. It’s the little things, the subtleness really, of belittling our morality, integrity, belief system and the need for a Sabbath; wearing us down to further the intent of the enemy. The world would sway us to believe we find our strength within ourselves, twisting truth to make evil sound good and exhorting us to think the same; all the while the Word of God becomes watered down and in jeopardy. And in that we can lose our identity in Christ if we don’t beware.

A bible study I was reading by Trinity Center says, “God will remind us over and over of the emptiness of the world's promises. We will soon or later be very disappointed, be betrayed by them. Our participation in God's work in our lives is to agree with God that our lives and true identities are only to be found in Him and to not place ourselves in temptation's way. And our obedience to what we sense God is calling us to, should come out of a trust that God is the only source of life. God does desire that we trust Him and live as if He is who He reveals Himself to be—our ultimate joy and life. As we struggle to live in this world and not be of it, we can place our hope in God, to finish His work in us and to lovingly continue to show us the emptiness of all other "sources" of life.”

God has so much more in store for us than we can even think of or imagine. He has offered us His Son Who came to give us life and that in abundance. Though we love the people of the world just as Christ does, desiring their presence in eternity, we cannot fall into the pressures or demands society puts on our thinking or behavior.  Today I am grateful that Christ is in me, the true hope of Glory and nothing can sway me from that truth.

A Thank You Note

This is from last year, but I read it as I was organizing my new book and decided to share:

As I sit coffee in hand, lazily taking in the surroundings of my newly Christmas-decorated home, I am thankful.  Thankful that Maslow’s theory is at work and we have the basic necessities to be comfortable, thankful that we have a little extra to make our home comfy cozy and probably way more clothes than 2 people need. I am thankful for a husband who loves me unconditionally and cheers me on as I run the race Christ has set before me.  I am thankful for parents who raised me to be compassionate and to give out of lack or abundance cheerfully.  I am thankful for a Father who sent His only Son to stand in propitiation for my sins so I may live a redemptive life.  I am thankful for Grace and Mercy and Love.   I am thankful that whether I have a good day or a bad day, I am content as I fall into the arms of refuge each and every night. 

This is all relative to what I see in the world.  Some by choice, most not, there are those that live on the streets, beg on the corners, are mentally incapable of living a normal life or choose drugs and alcohol over food.  There are those oppressed by government, threatened by rebels, soldiers and racists.  Many spend their lives suffering daily bombings, rape and picking through garbage to feed their children and offer them one more day of life.  Others experience affliction from drought and unhealthy environments.

I feel like I’ve seen it all; unfortunately, I know I have not. 

We have, however, been privileged to work with those that have. 

Each missionary God has given us the honor of meeting has seen a different side of sorrow; some within our country and some outside.  Whether they choose to minister in a local church, community, a country or nation of people, their hearts are not their own.  Field warriors bear an uncommon compassion.  The dictionary describes the word uncommon as rare, unusual, exceptional; used to emphasize the great extent of something; concern, consideration, empathy and kindness.  The word compassion in Hebrew is “raham” and means “to love from the womb”; the tender love of a mother for her own helpless child.

(God uses “raham” when He describes himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6.  ‘Then the LORD passed by in front of him (Moses) and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in (raham) lovingkindness and truth’.)

Those called to venture into a world many of us are unaware of, are rare and tender lovers of people. Abounding in ‘lovingkindness and truth’ they share the devotion of Christ with those that don’t know what a Christmas decoration looks like, who couldn’t dream of having food on the table every night or a change of clothes each day.   They hug the little children, wash feet with hidden tears and tell silly stories just to bring a laugh.

I’m thankful that my vision has been increased by these unique elite.

A Deep-Breath Moment

It’s been a whirlwind month! We lost our 36-year-old parrot, Sylvester, which was devastating by itself but losing him in the middle of final packing for our yearly month in Kenya was really difficult. (I have to admit I forgot quite a few important items because of my lack of concentration.)  We have been moving so fast that there has been little time to process we are actually here in Kenya; 1 week and already 3 towns.

Today, I awoke in my own sweet home in Bungoma. The sounds of worship from the Bible School fill the yet-dark morning and I lay here in awe of the Father who chose to use me in this way. I don’t do much while I’m here…a little teaching, a little preaching; not like the team that just left after re-painting the Bible School and building Margaret real live cabinets for her kitchen! We visit other missionaries during the day, but come home each night to a comfortable dinner and relaxing evenings with our Kenyan brother and sister.

But, I know it’s where I am to be. The Lord planted this place in my very core as a child and now in the heart of my husband. It is truly a home to us. We live life with the people here. We know the bible students; they come over and hang with us to  share in the Word. Young and old working through living in this world, knowing we are from another. We wave at the kids coming and going past our window to pre-school. We have watched 15 of the kids at the Children’s Home grow from little boys to high school graduates and rejoice as more are welcomed in.

It’s different. The food is unique albeit tasty. Bottled water is used for everything, even the daily habits like brushing your teeth or making tea. Routines are shattered and though I will daily teach at the school it is admittedly more laid back in Africa. We are also spoiled. Hannah & Margaret do most of the cooking, cleaning and washing, though I have my small chores, as any eldest sister!

So, though I am used to a task-filled day when I am at home in the U.S., I find God has brought me here (at least this year) to regroup from a crazy change-filled year. Time to write.  Time to ponder. Time for conversations with Papa planning our upcoming season. It’s a deep- breath moment. Sometimes we just need those.