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.