Amanda's posterous

It's not a burden, It's a blessing!

Barb-q-Chicken, mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, and……….Strawberry Cheesecake. 

Sounds like a good ole’ home cooked meal.  What made special? 

This is why. 

  Betty, our house helper and her family came to have dinner at our house this week.  This woman keeps me sane.  My roommate from University can tell you that I just cannot get work done and not feel stressed if the house is cluttered and a mess.  It’s a problem!

Auntie Betty comes to our house 3 times a week and makes my life a whole lot easier by keeping our house clean.   In Uganda you can’t get away with a once a week sweeping and mopping – the floors should be cleaned AT LEAST once a day. 

Auntie Betty knows that I love the salsa she makes – so she makes sure she keeps a supply in our fridge.  She knows that Eli likes beans so if he is eating at our house for lunch she gets extra beans. She knows that Titus loves to put Soy Sauce on his rice and so she puts it out any time he eats lunch at our house. Auntie Betty is always observing to see what we like.  She is always looking for new things to learn how to cook. She loves to serve people, especially by making lunch for anyone I invite over.   She finds so much joy in serving all those around her.       

I love to just sit down and spend time with Betty (when she will allow herself to not be working).  Betty has become such a close friend of mine – I told her this week that she was family!  We celebrated boxing day at her house with the village elders and people who were not able to make a Christmas meal.  The next day we had them over for dinner. 

I asked her daughter how the cleaning up after the Christmas meal was and she said “It is not a burden, it is a blessing!”  What an encouragement – I pray I always have that outlook.  It is not a burden, it’s a blessing!

Which leads me to a prayer request. With the Greer’s leaving GSF we are taking the over the lunch provided for the HIV kids at GSF.  Katie and I will be having the kids with HIV over four days a week to have a more balanced diet.  This puts a lot of strain on Betty as she will be making lunch for 6 more kids who eat A LOT of food! I am very excited for this opportunity.  Betty is very excited as well!  Please pray for Betty and I as we take this on. 

It’s not a burden, It’s a blessing!

I have a father...

These streams of blogs have been centered on the idea of His righteousness and love in the hard times.  I sum it all up with Betty. 

Meet Betty:

(download)

Click here to download:

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Doesn’t her face just light up the room!?  This girl’s smile is just so infectious and innocent!  Betty, is our newest member of the GSF family.  We have nicknamed her “Tomorrow”, due to the way that she joined our family.  Over a month ago we were told of a young girl who was living with extended family, but the family was not able to take care of her and provide the care that she needed.  A local probation officer and our social worker visited the home and decided that the best option was for her to join our family.  We then prepared ourselves to welcome a new sister (or could be brother as often these things are lost in translation).  When the day ended and she wasn’t there, we were told “oh, she is coming tomorrow”.  So, we would prepare ourselves and got excited to meet this precious daughter of the Lord and would be told yet again, “she is coming tomorrow”.  This carried on for about a month and a half. 

Finally, last week Betty came and has been smiling every since!  She is always ready to greet you with a smile, it always stops me right in my tracks – it is so radiant and unsuspecting! She eagerly approaches you for a hug and grabs your hand.  What a bundle of joy! Here are a few pictures from her first day here:

       Betty with “big sister” Patricia

Betty’s mother has passed away and her father is not able to be in contact.  This precious 6 year old joins our family with scars.  I cried out to the Lord and asked the questions why? But, was reminded of her smile.  The Lord has already overcome this struggle in her life and has already redeemed her.  Though she is safe and in a home where she is cared for, it is not perfect.  The Lord is the only answer.  His sacrifice on the cross is able to wipe away all of her past and in the end make her beautiful and bring all the glory to Himself! 

Isn’t this how we all join the family of God?  Filled with a history of sin, we realize that He has overcome the world and has taken away that sin.  He has sacrificed His life to make us pure.  He then provides the comfort and strength for each day and the hope we have in an eternity with Him! 

That smile is the picture of what we have in Christ.  Hope and restoration.

Betty, you are a precious daughter of our Father!  You have a Father and HE knows your name!  He’ll never leave you, no matter where you roam! He knows your every need.  He knows your every thought. He hears you when you call!  He loves you!   

Preaching the gospel to yourself in the potholes!

So, to go along with my last blog – what do you do when in those hard times!?  When you get to that rough patch in the road filled with pot holes, people, animals how do you focus on the beautiful scenery passing by?  How do you find the love letters sent daily by the Lord when facing the potholes of life?   

Proverbs 11:5 – “The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them.”

During youth group, we have been digging deep into the gospel and what our response should be to the gospel.  Jesus’ dying on the cross accounted for our righteousness; the gospel should guide and direct our steps.  Yes, but how can we move forward?! How can I keep my thoughts on what is “true, noble, right, pure, and admirable when my life seems to be crashing down all around me?” 

I have heard it said that sadly, people often view God like a pilot does his parachute.  They know they have that safety net when times get rough but they pray they never have to use it!  Let’s not fool ourselves – this world is full of sinful people whose actions cause the hard times, sadness, and the loneliness.  We have been given the PERFECT comfort, Father, and guide if we would just turn to Him – not only when we need Him! 

So, when facing that doubt, that fear, that struggle, that sadness Pray and Pray and Pray! 

We read in Mark 5 this encouragement:

“Don’t be afraid, Just believe!” 

I believe that we need to have the same mind as Christ.  Knowing His promises and His character can guide us in those hard times.  Those hard times are going to be there and we need to prepare ourselves for them.  This is what I shared with the Youth group a few weeks ago, it is now hanging on my wall, and something I will turn to in those hard times:

T  rust in His voice

R est in His presence

U nderstand His compassion

S acrificed for our grief

T his world is not our home!

Yes, the teacher is coming out in me here!  Let’s break it down a little bit more though. 

Trust in His voice.  In Matthew 14:27-29, and many other occurrences, Jesus says, “come”.  We are called to His presence.  He is open and ready to receive us if we would just have faith and turn to Him!  This account of Peter walking on the water may be one of my favorite Bible stories.  It is a reminder to focus my eyes on the Lord and His presence, on His voice, in the midst of the storm; not to focus my eyes on the waves that are all around me! 

Rest in His presence.  In the account of Lazarus’ death in John 11 we are reminded that: one, God is in control; and two, that He is there with us!  Jesus was told about the failing health of Lazarus and “stayed where He was for two more days”.  WHAT?! But in order to bring the focus and glory to the Lord this is what He saw best.  Staying right where He was until the time was right, until He would get the glory, until the disciples faith was challenged is exactly what would have brought God the most glory!  If we focus our thoughts beyond our human understanding, we would understand that He is there in the times we just don’t understand and He has a greater plan than we can see, than we could ever even imagine!

Understand His compassion.  Continuing on in John 11, we have my brothers famed verse to quote when asked to state a Bible verse: “Jesus wept”.  You got that right, Jesus wept.  I don’t know about you, but that is very comforting to me.  That tells me that Jesus understands my feelings of sadness.  Knowing that He was here on earth and understands what I go through each day is such an encouragement to me!  What better counselor and friend then someone who understands and will sympathize with your feelings!? 

Sacrificed for our grief.  One of my favorite verses to quote when faced with a struggle: John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  The Lord knows our sinful nature and yet He chose to come and bear those sins to make us righteous!  He came to sacrifice His life to overcome our troubles!  He has already won each and every battle we may face – just turn to Him!

This world is not our home.  If all of that was not enough, He has promised all those that have His white coat of righteousness on would be able to join Him in heaven; spending all eternity praising Him!  I yearn for that day!  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is a GREAT passage to look to in those hard times.  It reminds us that this world is not our home.  We are just passing through this world full of sin and sorrow!  “We will be with the Lord forever!” AMEN!

Let’s not pretend that those potholes don’t exist!  We live in a fallen world; filled with wretched people.  BUT, because of His sacrifice, we can have peace that “transcends all understanding” in the hope we have in Christ.  He has promised to be with us and to guide us.  With our righteousness we can move forward in paths that are straight!

Let’s not forget that these “waves” and “potholes” are times that bring Him the glory by strengthening our faith and developing us to be more like Him!  As Job says in 23:10 – that “I will come forth as gold!”

Preach the gospel to yourself!  Remember to TRUST in the hard times! 

Riding on a boda

I was on a boda-boda (public transportation on dirt bikes) the other day and had a sudden revelation.  I was continually looking down to make sure to see the pot holes and cars that were coming in order to be ready for what was ahead.  When I am in the car I will often be looking straight ahead to see what is coming so that I am prepared, as if my knowing what is coming will stop any harm from occurring.  Now, don’t get me wrong it is of great importance to see danger and run from it.

 Prov. 27:12 – “the prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.   

But, how often do I just sit back and look at the beautiful scenery driving by? How often, when I am going through life looking down at the “potholes” of my life, do I see the amazing power of the Lord just passing by each day?  The Lord is ever present throughout the day! 

Daily, I am sent little love letters from the Lord in Betty’s full faced smile, Lilly’s daily walk by the house saying “hello, school is ova, I’m not Lilly, You know Lilly? Not sure!”, Caleb’s “Ka-po-po”, Chloe’s big hug, Eseza’s care of Mercy, the breathtaking sunsets, the clouds, the stars, my list could go on and on. 

But, I hate to admit that there are days I just do not see these love letters.  I am not looking for those love letters.  I am just looking at those potholes ahead of me in the form of stress, weariness, death; the big potholes of when times are not going as I had wanted them to go; the speed bump of my desire to please others. 

These are the times that we need to focus on His power, His grace, His love, His beauty, and His presence in every point of our day!

Here in Uganda there are a huge number of man sized potholes, speed bumps the size of a dead hippo on the road, escaped chickens, goats, and cows, and crowds of people to dodge.  It is almost like playing Frogger!  Reaching the destination safely is a daily reminder of His great mercy!  In order to drive one needs to pay attention and be ready for the obstacles on the road.  This is the same in life – we need to be ready and prepared for any obstacle that we may face. 

BUT – we should never get so distracted in this that we miss the beautiful scenery passing by!  Driving in Uganda is one of the most beautiful adventures you can experience!  The luscious green grass, wide open fields filled with tea, sugar cane, and quaint trees, the beauty in the houses and faces you pass, and the picturesque sights! 

Look at these:

That's what it's all about!

What do you get when you combine:

     Full bag of peanut butter M & M's eaten,

     About 500 bug bites up and down my legs and arms,

     Mud in every crevice of my body, clothes, and shoes,

     Late night laughter,

     One-on-one talk, hand in hand down the street,

     Rugby game while eating chicken on a stick and "sim sim",

     Visit with local family bearing silly bands, soap, notebooks, and sugar,

     and Praise and worship?

I'd say....A Pretty GREAT weekend!

Betty, my running partner, and I went into Kampala to meet up with  a few of the girls that have left GSF for boarding school or University.  We spent the weekend watching a rugby game, sitting on the bed talking all night while eating the essential girl night snack; Peanut Butter M&M's (in the perfect world it would be Almond M&M's - but as Brian Regan would say "They're both good") watching movies, and laughing.  Though it rained - it did not stop the walks we all took from place to place and the opportunity I got to talk to each one of them individually throughout the weekend - to see what the Lord has done in their lives, what they are learning, what their struggles are, and where their heart is.  The weekend was full of giggles and jokes as any true girls time should be; but we ended the time with talking about what we were thankful for that day.  What a great way to end that weekend - to see where these girls have grown and where they place their focus. 

Being thankful for His Power - is what I would say the theme for this weekend was! (next ladies retreat theme idea.....topic verse?  Ephesians 1:19 - just throwing it out there!)

Betty took me to visit her family in Kampala before we met up with the girls.  She wanted to check up and see how they were doing and keep the relationship up with them as she will be leaving the orphanage in December.  We brought some essential gifts: sugar, oil, soap, notebooks, pencils, and of course silly bands to her uncle, 3 cousins, and brother, Gift.  I have been praying for Gift every since Betty and I started running so it was great to put a face to his name! Playing pick-a-boo, tickling, hugging, and taking pictures filled my time there as Betty caught up with her Uncle. 

This family lives in a two room, mud hut.  There is often not enough food.  The uncle cannot find work.  The Aunt and Uncle are struggling in their relationship because of it all.  The family is Muslim.  Gift (boy pictured below in orange button up shirt) came to the house covered from head to toe in dirt from working hard.  Despite all of this - the kids were still able to find joy, so much thankfulness for the little gifts we were able to bring, so much laughter in my copying the sounds they made. 

I think what stands out about this weekend, though, was the conversation Betty and I were able to have after we left the house.  After saying our goodbyes and taking a few family pictures, Betty and I walked to the taxi park.  On our way to the house Betty shared with me her anxieties with the year to come.  Betty is an S4 student (that would be the equivalent of about 10th grade - at the end of this school year all S4 students will be taking a standardized test that will decide the coarse for the rest of their life - their grades on this will determine if they can continue onto the "college" level classes: S5 and S6 or attend a technical school, or just find a job).  Since she is also reaching the age of resettlement (the kids have to leave the orphanage at 18), she will be leaving GSF and starting a new life with her family hopefully attending a boarding school to finish off her secondary level classes.  There is a lot riding on her right now on top of the normal teen struggles.  But, as we left I was just so amazed at what she said:

Betty said that she was so thankful for the Lord's power in her life.  Going to the village and visiting her family is a reminder of what her life could have been like.  She is so thankful for the Lord's hand in seeing fit to give her the opportunities she has had at GSF.  She realizes that the Lord has watched over her so far, so He has got the next year and years to come in His hand! 

Wisdom beyond her years! 

Hindsight 20/20.  I always refer to Joseph when dealing with questions like "What is God doing?", "is God good?", "Where is God?".  Though we can look at Josephs life and see the Lord's hand weaved throughout, Joseph did not have that luxury.  All Joseph knew was that he was being sold by his brothers, that he was being sent to prison for something he didn't do, oh, and that his Heavenly Father was in control of his life - a Father who is full of mercy, grace, and love.  Just like Joseph, we cannot always see what is happening, we can't see what the Lord is doing.  "Why did my baby have to die?", "Why did he have to break up with me?", "Why can't I find a job?", "What am I going to do next?".....etc - all those questions are filled with doubt.  Doubt in the power of the Lord. We have all faced those questions and faced the point where we had to ask ourselves what we believed about the Lord.  We have to ask ourselves: Am I going to believe that He has a great plan and is working "all things for the good" even in the situation I am in at the moment?  Or am I going to focus on the hardships I am facing?

Let us look back on our lives and see His hand weaved throughout each step we have taken, how He has worked good out of hardships, how He has used different people and situations to bring us closer to Him and into His will! 

So when you combine all that filled our weekend, yes, you get a great wekeend - but most importantly you get thankfulness in His power!  A great opportunity to remind both Betty and I of His power in our lives! Since this weekend I have had some opportunities to talk further with her on this and encourage her in keeping her focus on the Lord and not the "waves" before her!

.........."That's what it's all about"

What opportunities has the Lord given you today to invest in the eternity of another?  What has the Lord done in your life recently to remind you of His power? 

Are you "innocent of the blood of all men"?

Well, since the last blog a lot has gone on!  I wrote the last blog while in the hospital alongside my mom and her surgery.  Who knew I would then follow her to the hospital with a very serious case of cerebral malaria and be in for a little over a week?  Who knew my blog with the song “Blessings” would prove to be just what myself and my family needed to go through the months of May/June!? The Lord sure did!

After feeling sick on and off for about two weeks I decided to get some blood drawn to see what was ailing me.  Tests were run and I was called back into the doctor’s office because there were some readings they were unsure of.  That morning as I was getting ready to head to the office I fainted in the shower and then blacked out on my way out of the elevator at the office.  The doctors took my blood pressure and sent me right away to the hospital after seeing the numbers! From that point I remember the nurses continually bringing me green jello after I asked for red jello and then the doctor coming in to say that I had a severe case of malaria.  He said that there were at least 3 or 4 parasites on each of my blood cells and then I was gone – I don’t even remember him leaving.  I remember all of sudden being pushed outside on my bed hearing this loud swishing sound – I then realized I was being put into a helicopter.  All of my adventure seeking will not compare to the feeling of riding in that helicopter – not only was I scared because they had to put me on the helicopter, but I also was scared because it felt like one wrong breathe and the whole thing would fall apart.  Never do I plan to ride one of them again, Lord willing!

There is only one other event I remember before waking up fully the following week.  This is something I have waited to share till the time was right and the feelings calmed down after this episode.  This morning at church I shared this in a testimony to the Lord and His power.  One day I awoke, in my half awake state, alone in my room and just cried out to the Lord saying “OK Lord I am done – take me now!”.  No, I don’t remember the pain, no I don’t remember it being a hard experience – but after reading and hearing all about what I went through I can look back on this memory and realize it was so real.  What is even more real was the Lord’s response.  The Lord wrapped His arms around me (I picture it to be like his wing around Moses when Moses asked to see His glory in Exodus 33) and spoke right to my soul and gave me peace.

“I am with you, child, I have more for you to do, trust in me!”

This experience was so real and even though I do not have any other memories of that week and was being pumped with drugs I know this was straight from the Lord.  Now, after hearing that you may ask the same questions I have gotten so much since recovering: “How about teaching here in the States, there are needs here?”, “Are you not afraid to get malaria again?”, etc…These questions can only be answered by the Lord’s answer to me in my time of need! 

HE is with me and HE has more for me to do!  I must TRUST in Him!

I was going through the book of Acts during my recovery and was greatly encouraged by the life and ministry of Paul.  His answer to the elders of the Ephesus church is exactly how I feel and continue to pray I model my life after:

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.  I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.  However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace……I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men.” (Acts 20:22-25)

My desire is that I am not guilty of any blood, that I proclaim the gospel to all the Lord has placed in my path.  That no matter what comes along the way, whatever hardships I may face I will stay faithful to His calling on my life.

We all have a specific calling to proclaim the glory of the Lord to all we meet!  Are you daily “committing to the Lord whatever you do”? Are you seeking His face for the people He wants you to invest in?  Are you, despite hard times and despite all worries, sharing HIS grace with all you meet?  I urge you to ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly.  I know I fail all too often  - praise God for that grace we are to share! 

Soothing effects of music

Music is often the way I express myself. I have certain songs I turn to for different feelings.  If you look at my iTunes playlist the first few songs that are played the most often are:

"Still" and "Revelation Song" for those times that I am stressed, sad, or just need an uplift

"Mighty to Save" and "Big as the Sky" for the days that I am just in a good mood

.......shamefully......the High School Musical Songs - because the teen girls play them over and over and over again!

Worship music is often my go to!  When I am just so overwhelmed with peace and joy and I want to just praise Him I quickly turn on some of my random worship collections.  When I am so overwhelmed with stress and fear I quickly turn on some Shane and Shane, Kari Jobe, or Liberty University  Campus Band (Little should out to my alma matter)! 

Music has a way that just connects me right to the Lord.  Separates me from all around me and places me in a place where I can just sit at His feet and praise Him or call out to Him! 

I was at the airport last weekend with a long wait for my plane to leave.  I decided to just have some God and me time - it is amazing how sometimes I feel so close to Him even with so much commotion around!  I turned on my worship shuffle and opened my Bible.  I stopped in my tracks when this song turned on....I urge you to listen to this song!! 

Can you say that to the Lord? 

"Oh Lord, You're beautiful. When your eyes are on this child....your grace abounds in me!"........"I want to take your Word and shine it all around/but first help me to just, live it Lord"

I had all I could do to stop myself from jumping up, raising my hands, and singing these words out!  It was just what I needed....as I seek His face and voice for decisions ahead of me.  It was such a good reminder that HE is in control and all I want to do is bring HIM praise!!  I continued to read in John and was convicted and reminded of so many things. 

- He healed the disabled man without being asked by him (like other miracles) and the man did not even know it was Jesus.  God's hand in answering my prayers is not put in a box by my unbelief! 

- He fed the 5000 and showed them that HE is the bread of life!  He gives us in abundance and what we need!

- He obeyed His Father, found strength in His Father, saught to please His Father, and His motive was love.  Does this describe my life? Do these qualities describe your motives and actions? 

As I continue to think through these truths and learn from them I want to leave you with this song....

What an amazing message!! 

When we are sitting in the hospital waiting for the kidney to work.  When we are staring at a life changing decision.  When we are seeking to comfort those around us. When we are facing stress of work or homework.  When we are faced with our fears and sins.  Is this our reaction?  Do we seek to use those times to bring us closer to Him? 

And this quote....…

"God uses suffering and trials to purge sin from our lives, strengthen our commitment to Him, force us to depend on His grace, bind us together with other believers, produce discernment, foster sensitivity, discipline our minds, impart wisdom, stretch our hope, cause us to know Christ better, make us long for truth, lead us to repentance of sin, teach us to give thanks in times of sorrow, increase our faith, and strengthen our character."

Convictingly comforting....

Let us be thankful

"I felt so uncomfortable when I reached the Island. The boat to get here, the small, small living space, the tribal living. Kiki has the smallest kitchen, yet loves to cook. Andy's office is shared with the baby's room (soon to be 2 babies in there). They use tubs filled with water and a cup to take showers. Forgive me for all the things I take for granted! Thank you for bringing me here to see the blessings you have given me, but also to see the blessings you have given to those here on the Island. Help me remember this whenever I get in the way. Push me to be less selfish and to focus less on myself and more on YOU and all YOU have given me! You came to this earth and were rejected, lived the life of the people you ministered to, and showed true selfless, obedient compassion on all you ministered to. You died for all and You paid the price - yet the disciples doubted and we doubt so often! May I not lack the faith in Your Words and Your power! Even though my mom is suffering, Evelyn has cancer, etc Thank you for all you have blessed me with! For the HUGE blessing of a family all around the world uplifting me in prayer, for Your hand that is so evident in my life, for the little hugs from Chloe, for the talks with the teens, for the attitudes of the teens that force me to put all in Your hand, for the opportunity to teach these 8 students and invest in their life for eternity, for the strength You give me each day, for the little drawings from Phillip and Geofferey, even for the constant "he-a, he-a, he-a" in Moses' speech. Thank you for Your beautiful creation!"

 I could not think of a better way to share with you what I experienced on a recent visit to the Island than to share an excerpt from my journal. Among the Global Outreach Missionaries, Uganda claims the most missionaries. Four of those missionaries are on Lugira island about an hour and a half boat ride away from Jinja. There are hundreds of islands in Lake Victoria along the Kenya and Uganda border. These islands used to be called the forgotten islands. You see, most Ugandans do not know how to swim so they fear the water. Convicts and outcasts of society ran from Uganda and other bordering countries to these islands. The government did not have anything to do with those cultures as the leaders feared the water and so these islands were left to live their own life. Since then things have gotten better, the government has made these islands part of their own districts. More and more ministries/NGO's are creating programs to help these people. The community on the islands have turned into fighting camps. The people own land in Jinja but are over here to fish and make money. The problem is that the community finds it hard to get anyone to do anything as community members do not view this as their home (even though they have lived there 10,20 years).

The missionaries on the island are doing community sustaining programs - teaching them about the importance of clean water, the importance of pit latrines, roles of a family, etc. The amazing thing is that the SHIM (Shepherds Heart International Ministry) has many Ugandan workers and each of these programs are taught by these Ugandans - so the family conferences about holding your wife’s hand, how to treat your kids, why it is important not to use the restroom just outside anywhere, etc are all given by Uganda men and woman. They use methods that empower the community to make these decisions for themselves.

For examples: The community workers that discuss the importance of pit latrines run a program where the community makes a map of their "camps". Each member shows where their hut is. Then each member will put something on the ground where they use the bathroom. While they are doing this there is a plate of feces next to a plate of food - the leader does not mention this plate, but the affects of this set - up speak for themselves. As the leader discusses the map with the community members they watch as flies move from one plate to another and as children come up and want to grab the food. The people are then told "you know, I don't live here so I don’t' have to do anything - but if you want to eat your neighbors poop - by all means go ahead!" This method has brought community members to raise their own money to build the latrines and to clean up the camp. All of this done through the decision of the camp members and through their own means, so they take responsibility for themselves! Amazing!

Wow - rabbit trail! Thankful for your indoor plumbing though?! Ok, back to my original discussion. After writing that excerpt in my journal I read in my Bible these verses and was encouraged greatly by them:

"Since we will receive a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire!" - Hebrews 12:28-29

This verse was both encouraging and convicting! Outside of all the many blessings I have here on earth, I have a hope for a future in eternity praising my Father in Heaven! That should be enough to bring me to be thankful despite all situations going on around me! On earth we are called to bring Him praise and to LOVE Him above all else. We are here not to have an easy life, but a life that is loving Him by loving the people that He loves, showing the complete selfless and obedient compassion that He had while on earth.

When we are faced with struggles all around us: friends hurting us, family getting sick, children dying, stress at work, saying goodbye, fear of unknown, supporting a family, whatever struggles you may have, we are called to focus on HIM! On His power as a consuming fire! Throughout the Bible we are told to not focus on our worries but to 'pray without ceasing with thanksgiving'.

What more can we want when we know we have the promise of receiving the Kingdom of God for eternity!? I can't think of anything better to be thankful for. When you can't find anything to be thankful for and you feel the world around you is falling - focus on that thought! He has promised us Heaven! Kind of hard to live in self pity when you are thanking Him for that!

But our Father does not stop there! He blesses us with so much more on this earth!

in the quiet....

Wind slamming the windows shut.

Hail pounding on the tin roof.

As if, like a balloon with too much air blown into it

the clouds were holding the water in for so long that the covering burst and the floodgates opened up

Sending an ocean of water on GSF.

At least that is what it felt like!  I went to bed hoping for a good nights sleep the other night and was kept awake by this storm. Normally I would sleep right through such a storm - but since I was not yet asleep I found that the loud slamming and wind would not allow sleep to come. 

My heart began to race and my mind started to overflow with thoughts.

I took the given time to really listen to the Lord and praise Him. 

Placing praise music on and focusing my thoughts on what He may be saying to me, what He may be asking me to do, I was filled with so much joy. 

I felt like Elijah on the Mountain. 

He was not in the wind, He was not in the earthquake, He was not in the "fire"

He WAS in the quite voice.

The Lord speaks to us even amidst the storms of life.  My goal has been to "Be still and know that He is God"!  That even amidst all the emotions, struggles, attacks, I may find true lasting Joy. 

Joy is a choice! 

I have been challenged with that lately. Asking myself questions like "Am I fully depending on Him every step of my day?", "Am I trying to take each step on my own strength?", "Is my joy found in those around me or in His view of me?", "Is my joy found in "my" ministry excelling or in seeing GOD'S ministry impacting those around despite who is being used to do the work?"  All of these questions running through my mind I come back to just being still before Him.  Approaching Him how I am and ready to be changed by the same work that redeemed my soul is the only way He can use me! 

As James MacDonald encouraged in his last email, tell the Lord: "I can't do it, Lord; only YOU can do it in me!"

Do you have joy amidst the storms of life?

Do you hear His voice amidst the noise and distractions?

What do you need to do to find that joy in your life?

A child's view of God's Love

Chad Walker.

When I think about GSF I cannot help but think about this full of life young teenage boy!  Chad is probably the most clumsy and loud child we have at the orphanage.  All visitors after the first day know Chad.  Chad also has the biggest heart for service here at the orphanage.  He is always willing to run any errand, help out with any activity, and is always watching out for everyone. 

"Don't forget your frisbee" He yelled just the other day as he and I were walking to my house to cook, to one of the other missionaries.  Any other person would have forgotten about the frisbee especially since it was not their own frisbee.  But, Chad it always there and caring!

Holidays are a time that is full of mixed feelings for all of the kids here.  During school breaks most of the kids go home to a family member (Aunt, Sister, Grandparent) to spend some time with their biological family.  This can be very hard on the kids going as they face the rough life of the village and rough reality of the lifestyles of their family members.  Some are left to feel unwanted.  Some enjoy their time.  Those left behind at the orphanage are also filled with so many emotions, as they do not have family to go home to; or their family life is not safe for them. 

Chad, before this year, was one of those left behind.  Chad came to GSF when he was very young.  He came with a disability in his legs.  He came needing love.  He came needing a family.  Chad became the poster child of GSF, always around and loved by everyone.

Chad started to become a teenager that struggled with his attitude.  Until the day that our social work miraculously found His family!  Because of his leg deformity, Karen was able to find his family.  After so many years she continued to look for his family and described the then baby to some boda drivers who remembered that a woman in that village had a baby with a deformity.  Chad was able to visit them a few months back.  Realizing the life he had at GSF brought reality to this boy and his attitude changed! 

Chad spent the last two weeks with his family for the holidays.  He decided he wanted to leave earlier than planned so he just packed his things and made his way here.  I sat down with Chad and asked him about his time there and why he wanted to leave so bad.  He told me that his family was always drinking, smoking, dancing, listening to bad music, etc.  He did not want to be a part of it.

Then he told me that he had to make a stand a lot for his faith.  You see, Chad's family is muslim and does not understand why Chad would be a born again Christian.  "Your mother and father were muslim!  You have to be too!!  How can you not?!"

"God's love has saved me."  "God's love has brought me to GSF" was his response.

There is so much truth in those words!  Those words were spoken beyond his years!  This young boy summed up all I have been learning the past few months. 

Because of God's love.........

As I think about all the Lord has done in my life the past year, all that He has taught me, and the ways that He has used me I am so overwhelmed by His love!  I have been studying verses on His light and how that plays out in our daily life. 

Living in His light as we serve Him, seek guidance, confess sin, and love others!  Going through these verses and the many topics the Lord is teaching me I have learned to truely find peace, contentment, and joy in Him. I have been overwhelmed with the revelations in planning, in wisdom about Him, and in wisdom about the Christian life that the Lord has given me. 

I have been reading through the Old Testiment and have reached Zephaniah, Nahum, and Zechariah this past month.  I have been amazed at what the Lord has revealed to me through these books.  Zephaniah 1:5 (paraphrase) "I have things under control - you would not even believe my plans if you knew them! Just trust in me!"  Reminding me once again to just trust in Him and await the great plan He has ahead for me - I wiill be amazed!  Nahum reminded me to have an eternal focus in my relationships as all people and actions are interconnected in His ultimate plan!  Lastly, in Zechariah - as the exiles are rebuilding the temple the Lord asks them why they are celebrating the feasts?  Because you have to - or because you find joy in it? Because of their failure to do so they were not listening to the Lord and He to them.   

Why am I serving God?  Why do I desire to stay in His presence?  Why do I seek our relationships?  Is it for the right reasons?  Am I listening for His still small voice?  The Lord continues to say that those who do not listen to Him have a desolate city - but those who find His voice find peace and rest!  Then the "jews" will look on and desire to grab ahold of their garment hem becauce of the difference in their life! 

Because of God's love....I pray I trust the amazing plan I would not even be able to believe if I knew it! 

Because of God's love.....I pray I love those around me by having a eternally focused purpose for each interaction I am given.

Because of God's love......I pray I listen to His voice and follow His light! 

Because of God's love......I pray I can be a light to those around me and bring them to desire a relationship that is also in tune with Him! 

Because of God's love!! 

May those words, from a loud and crazy Uganda orphan, ring true to you this year. As you look towards what He has planned for your life.  As you seek to serve Him better and change this or that about your life...do it - Because of God's love and do it flowing - out of God's love!