safely HOME

I'm guessing she ran. Sometimes people talk about floating around in heaven. No. How could you not run when Jesus is waiting?

Yesterday my Aunt Patricia arrived home after fighting cancer for about 18 months.  We can say that she fought and won!  In Phillipians, Paul comments that to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  It doesn't feel like a gain for those of us who are left without her and still waiting for Him to call our name.  But from the description of the rapturous joy and the light in her eyes as she took her last breaths in earth's atmosphere, as she RAN into His arms, we KNOW that for her, its all gain.

A Sacrifice of Praise

Day 5 of ministry.  We are in a village for the day where we are mobbed.  Our give-aways are snatched.  Shann's soccer ball and football that he uses to  play games with the kids are stolen.  People brawl over the slips being given out to see a doctor.  We are not allowed to do gospel bracelets because we are on the grounds of a Muslim school.  We are leered at and pressed in upon.  For about an hour, I can't even find Shann.  He's left the courtyard, and I try not to panic.  As we pack up at the end of the day, we wonder if we'll be able to walk the 2 blocks to the buses in safety.   Several other girls and I pray over our team before we leave the relative safety of the medical tent. 

We make our way out of the tent with suitcases full of medical supplies, and the men have us walk ahead of them.  Every one wants to touch us, but we get to the bus and breath a sigh of relief.  Shann is behind me by about a block, and had many little hands pinching his back all the way to the  bus.

We arrive at the concert sight to get attacked by mosquitos while peeing in the semi-private bushes and then trying to get down another meal of spicy rice and mystery meat (maybe its goat? Water buffalo?).  I finally give up and decide its better to be hungry.

As the service starts with seemingly endless praise songs in Telegu, we are drained.  I am tired.  I am annoyed that we are expected to perform and pray and delight in worshipping God when all I want is a shower and bed.   I'm discourged and feeling guilty that we have to pray for people afterwards and I'm just truly counting the minutes until we can get on the bus for our bumpy 4 hour bus ride.

Then we take the stage. We are now going to lead these folks into the throne room.  Our first song is "Hallelujah Anyhow"  It talks about how we praise God in spite of circumstances..."I believe I'll testify God's been good to me.  Through every test and trial, I've got the victory. We've come too far to turn around now..." Ok Lord.  The next song repeats over and over,  "Thou O Lord, are a sheild to me, my glory and the lifter of my head".  Right. We continued through "O the Blood, it is my Victory"; "I'm amazed that You love me", and more, declaring to ourselves as much as the listeners, about God's love and protection and unending grace.  My guilt lifted.  I do not need to feel bad that I am still tired.  God will not be disappointed by my weariness or even impressed by how many people I pray with.  God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, right?  There is no condemnation for me.  I am merely spreading a tiny bit of the blessing the Lord has poured out and lavished upon me.  I will praise God for the opportunity to pray with believers in India!  What a blessing. 

God thank you for the opportunity to pour ourselves out SO THAT You can fill us up with your spirit once again.  You are faithful and You are true.

Etiquette

Recently found this posted to Alyssa's door.

Not that unusual except we had friends over at the time! Two little girls banished from her room! Inside, I found her serenely reading.  We rectified that situation.

India

 Flowering trees. Desolation. Rock formations.  Trash.  Homes made from tarps and cinder block.  High end clothing stores.  Mopeds everywhere. A young mom Cleans dishes in a bucket in the street. A little girl twirls her skirt.  A nice hotel; Americans who are used to perfection. Buffalo ice cream.  A breezy 6th story balcony where we eat all our meals. Buildings built without levels. Amazing worship with Indian christians. Journals. Water bottles. Long skirts and scarves. Prep for medical clinic. Rice. The I AM.

Great Wolf Lodge

37

Happy Birthday, Daddy! 

 Our living room after decorating!

Raleigh Christmas Parade

Shann's parents came this year!  Alyssa and her friend Caroline also on the wall.

 Caden and his buddy, Caden.