Be Intentional

We recently went to a wedding. I usually cry at weddings, as they are soooo beautiful! Unfortunately, crying causes my nose to fill up with so much mucus, that at my own wedding, when they told us: "you may now kiss the bride."  I responded with "nooooooooo!." My husband jokes to this day that we never got married because I wouldn't kiss him.  Anyways,  I didn't have any Kleenex, so I intentionally worked hard to not cry; it wasn't easy, but I did it.

Then, at the reception, most people got up and danced on the dance floor. I had to intentionally refrain because I knew that in my effort to prove I'm not too old to "work my groove", I might injure my back, knees or feet. 

I felt The Lord told me afterwards, to be intentional in my prayers. When I enter an arena where I know the enemy is active in peoples lives, I need to intentionally guard my heart through prayer. It requires paying attention to my surroundings, being a Watchman on the wall. I am not to be ignorant of the enemies schemes. I need to always be prepared.

Eternity Has One Last Voyage

Eternity, our Sailboat is sold. She took her last voyage like a trooper? Steve helped the new owners motor her from Madeira Beach to St Pete Beach, a 90 minute ride.

A couple of people prior casting off, remarked to us, the overused phrase: "the happiest days of a boat buyer are when they first buy it and when they finally sell it."  

Steve remarked, " No, the happiest day for me will be when I put this boat behind me to go overseas and serve Christ. I wouldn't have given up the boat, but it's far more enjoyable to do kingdom work."

After docking the boat. nearby sailboat owners came over to check out their new neighbors. Chris, chatted with us for a while, then followed us out to our car. Steve expressed our reason for selling the boat. He then asked Chris if he was a Believer in Jesus. He answered," I don't think so, but I want to be". After expressing how he could be certain to be saved, we gave Him a bible, leaving our phone number inside, so; if he had questions he could call us. 

It's so cool how God has used even the sale of the boat to touch lives.  It is worth any trouble, if a life comes to the saving knowledge of Christ!  Pray that Chris finds salvation.

Influence of Normal, Natural, Right

Recently, I've had this inner struggle to own a pet again, even if it would only be a short time, let's say six months. Yes, I have trained myself to bond then break that bond, when it comes to pet ownership. Although, I'm not thoroughly convinced I have recovered completely from those past bond, thus the struggle now.

I explored the possibilities with Steve, suggesting a cat. The expected response came: "no, cats shed."  My brain couldn't accept that answer and I went into resolve mode by having a dream last night.

In my dream I began searching for a kitten to adopt. I picked up newborn kittens, all which were a variety of colors, both short and long hair. I showed one to Steve and he reminded me of the shedding. Then I found a hairless animal that had its tail torn off midway from its body. I wasn't sure it was a cat, but it didn't have fur to shed and besides it looked injured, it need of rescue!  

Needless to say, I carried this animal around in my pocket and took care of it. Then, I took it inside a vets office to find out what it was. It was a rat!

In my view of normal, natural and right, a rat does not fit the description of a proper pet. If I had known it was a rat in the first place, I probably wouldn't have chosen it a a pet. In fact, I doubt that I would have even considered it at all.

However, in another culture, rats may be considered good pets, but then again, better as food! But, the fact remains, am I willing to adopt into a culture knowing that some things may make me uncomfortable as I weigh out my normal, natural and right against theirs. The important thing is to weigh the differences again the plumb line of Gods word. If it doesn't break biblical principles, then will I enter their culture and adapt?  Even so, I don't advocate a rat for a pet for obvious reasons, it's just something to think about as Steve and I move closer towards serving cross culturally.

Heart Ripe To Receive

We went to visit my uncle in St Paul. He had no idea we were coming as we had no phone number and he doesn't own a computer to receive emails. The main doors to his apt complex are kept locked so we went to an open window and called out his name. Thankfully, he was living in the same apt as eleven years ago, when I last visited!

We shared with Bruce about what God was doing in our lives. He asked plenty of questions. We answered them with as much love as possible. Bruce admitted to belief in God, in fact he had felt this conviction to attend a downtown church, but never did. He doesn't drive. He stated that he has had two major heart attacks and he felt God was keeping him alive for a reason.

I watched as this man's heart seemed to be ripe to come to The Lord.  I asked him if he wanted to pray, he didn't say yes or no. I gently asked again. We bowed our heads, being careful not to pressure him into "saying a prayer". We did not want a false conversion. But, after praying he remarked, " I feel better."  Time will tell if his heart made that true commitment, but, I believe it was sincere!

On The Road Again

We left Colorado and the beautiful landscape, entering into flat-land, definitely boring. We are heading for Minnesota, 16 hours away, making for long days of driving, no time to waste.

Like lightning, Steve pulls over to help a man who's Lexus suddenly stopped in the middle of nowhere. ( yikes!). Mr. Z had just bought the car in Las Vegas and was driving it home. A tow truck was coming. 

Meanwhile, Steve talked about why he stopped.  We gave Mr. Z our water as the radiator was bone dry, but what the man really needed was living water! The man implied he was financially well off. Steve encouraged him not serve money as it will never satisfy. He shared how he gave up a high paying job for something more valuable. The mans arms were crossed in a defensive pose, listening to Steve but uncomfortable. Perfect timing, the tow truck pulled up.

I sat in our car an waited.

Still Learning

After having a beautiful opportunity to share Jesus with an older man, expressing why we came and what Jesus means to me in my life;  I was sure I had been cured of my ugly attitude and could now move forward in the process, but God had to stop me in my tracks again.

First prejudice, non believers helping to sift through valuable items. I was very suspicious of them, certain they were pocketing items. I was also angry that Samaritans Purse would allow them to wear their Samaritans Purse logo tee shirts and work along side us Christians! They had to gain special permission because they refused to sign the "statement of faith" paperwork. Their boss routinely has them take a day off with pay, in order to do community service. However, it was easy to see that God was not surprised, in fact, it was in His plans!

 

Steve took time during lunch to share with them about Jesus, and they "hung" on to every word. Then, Steve said to me, "these guys really worked hard today, we really needed their help!" Ouch!

Man, did I need to bite my lip and ask for forgiveness! 

Learning About Myself

Steve felt led to change our plans and return to Colorado In order to help Samaritans Purse with the flooding victims. My heart was disinterested. But God had something to show me. 

My first prejudice. The first home we helped out at, it felt as if the homeowner just wanted to remodel, so he declared his back pantry area a disaster and we tore out cabinets, walls, and flooring. I had trouble seeing the damage. I thought, " why are we here?"

My next prejudice. I saw so much stuff out in the streets that could have been recycled or washed off with bleach and reused, that I found myself irritated, questioning peoples motives.

Then came my third prejudice. We were asked to wash the mud off some very nice collectibles out on their driveway. One of the other workers dropped a very elaborate and expensive vase. I was certain we would be harassed and scolded.  The homeowners response, "don't even tell me what it was, I've lost so many things so far, what's one more! "

I needed to not harden my heart, but to work as unto The Lord, the material stuff was irrelevant, my job was to love the people, but could I ?