I labeled our blog "Diving In" because a couple of years ago this song "Dive" by Stephen Curtis Chapman began to speak volumes to me. When God pressed our hearts with "going to" Africa this song became more and more special to my heart. The lyrics are so powerful and each time I hear it, the Lord points out a new revelation or insight into "going" to Ghana...
Steven Curtis Chapman \ Dive
Rom. 11:33-36; Eph. 3:16-19
The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirst ground
And carved their way to where
The wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rains
I have been carried here to where the river flows, yeah
My heart is racing and my knees are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is no turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice
That’s telling me it’s time
to take the leap of faith
So here I go
I’m diving in, I’m going deep in over
my head, I want to be
Caught in the rush, lost in the flow,
in over my head, I want to go
The river’s deep, the river’s wide,
the river’s water is alive
So sink or swim, I’m diving in
There is a supernatural power
In this might river’s flow
It can bring the dead to life
And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing
Worth living and worth dying for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power
Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away
Into this holy flood
So if you’ll take my hand
We’ll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let’s go
Monday, May 14, 2007
Reflections
Sunday, Mother's Day, May 13, 2007. One of my goals right now is to cut back even more from some of the things I'm involved in because as a mother and wife I really need to focus more on our personal home and family life before leaving in August. I'm trying to tie up any loose ends at the church office as I cross of my "to do lists". I say "lists" because I am always jotting lists down here, there, and everywhere...in the office...on my desk...in the car and by my bed! Okay...I admit I just had a Dr. Suess moment! (I love Dr. Suess!)So yes, I have my notes everywhere and reach for them each day to check and double check myself. I'm also in the midst of taking on-line courses to get my BSN. My bachelor's in nursing. It's a lot and so I am sticking to priority stuff right now, the major upcoming church activities like the women's retreat, our kids' school stuff, and my own house, which is lacking some much needed attention...
I was brought up to go with the punches and live spontaneously and sometimes fly by the seat of my pants, when necessary, which has helped me in ministry and has become a great asset in my life, however, it is also a love/hate relationship with me. I have also learned the value of preparation and timing and appreciate the wisdom that comes with that. Sometimes I am not afforded the luxury of such things as timing and preparation and then I find myself swinging into full gear knowing that August 8th is sneaking around the corner ready to pounce! Sometimes I want others to realize that too...that I have so much to do and I don't desire to spend my summer running around loosing my breath meanwhile not being able to enjoy the activities and people that mean the most to me, family and friends.
I've been feeling out of breath lately although remaining at peace and trying to maintain some sort of balance. I am grateful for the people in my life, you know who you are, who give encouragement and a listening ear, who are the cheerleaders, who recognize that this is much bigger than us...than themselves, and what and who this is all about...being obedient and staying steadfast to the Lord's request...I/we thank you.
I find that each day that passes so far is like a drum roll playing softly and quietly, no one else can hear it really...just me...us...but nevertheless it plays on in the distance as a reminder of what is coming ahead! And each week that goes by it plays just a little bit louder and a little bit stronger, it is not an anxious sound nor does it hurry me up but it remains strong and steadfast, not stopping, not hesitating but continuous and smooth like a waving ribbon with no end. Much like the still small voice of the Holy Spirit that nudges your heart, pointing you in the right direction, speaking words of encouragement and wisdom. I'm glad I can hear that drum roll it helps to steady me to keep me going, it tells me you're goin' in the right direction and that you're almost there!
I was brought up to go with the punches and live spontaneously and sometimes fly by the seat of my pants, when necessary, which has helped me in ministry and has become a great asset in my life, however, it is also a love/hate relationship with me. I have also learned the value of preparation and timing and appreciate the wisdom that comes with that. Sometimes I am not afforded the luxury of such things as timing and preparation and then I find myself swinging into full gear knowing that August 8th is sneaking around the corner ready to pounce! Sometimes I want others to realize that too...that I have so much to do and I don't desire to spend my summer running around loosing my breath meanwhile not being able to enjoy the activities and people that mean the most to me, family and friends.
I've been feeling out of breath lately although remaining at peace and trying to maintain some sort of balance. I am grateful for the people in my life, you know who you are, who give encouragement and a listening ear, who are the cheerleaders, who recognize that this is much bigger than us...than themselves, and what and who this is all about...being obedient and staying steadfast to the Lord's request...I/we thank you.
I find that each day that passes so far is like a drum roll playing softly and quietly, no one else can hear it really...just me...us...but nevertheless it plays on in the distance as a reminder of what is coming ahead! And each week that goes by it plays just a little bit louder and a little bit stronger, it is not an anxious sound nor does it hurry me up but it remains strong and steadfast, not stopping, not hesitating but continuous and smooth like a waving ribbon with no end. Much like the still small voice of the Holy Spirit that nudges your heart, pointing you in the right direction, speaking words of encouragement and wisdom. I'm glad I can hear that drum roll it helps to steady me to keep me going, it tells me you're goin' in the right direction and that you're almost there!
Monday, May 7, 2007
Sacrifice
Sorry I have not posted any new information since March but I can surely tell you what we've been doing since then! The month of April has been pretty full..especially since we are still handling our regular duties here at the church plus trying to plan for our future in Ghana. After Palm Sunday and Easter Weekend passed, we took our girls for a much needed vacation week for spring break. Of course we hit the ground running when we came back and got into the preparations for the Missions Yard Sale and Silent Auction which was last weekend, May 5th.
The last weekend in April we spent in New York City with Pastors Fernando and Elvia Cabrera, Fernando is Angelo's twin brother and the church is located in the Bronx. We were their to also raise support for the work in Ghana and while there had a great time visiting with the family and all the awesome people at NLOI Bronx! God continues to provide for us and the ministry and we are truly grateful.
The yard sale and silent auction was very successful this past weekend! We had such great helpers that whole week with setting up everything and working during the yard sale and clean up...Thank you, thank you to all of you who helped out! We couldn't have done it with our church family behind us. Then on Sunday we were with Pastor Zac and Lisa Shipman at the NLOI Tri-Cities in Ettrick, VA and had such a delightful time catching up with old friends and having lunch together there at the church.
Sunday, May 20th, we'll be visiting at NLOI Concord, NC with Pastor Stanley. We have never visited with him and we're really looking forward to it. So May is also busy trying to get our house rented and tomorrow we go for our youngest daughter's passport. I think the house rental is the biggest thing right now that would bring that huge sigh of relief...we continue to downsize and are emptying our house more and more, just when you think you've gotten rid of a ton of stuff...you turn around and see you've barely made a dent! At least it feels that way. I know in time it will happen. But meanwhile, the clock ticks and we have 13 1/2 weeks left 'till the big move. Yes, we purchased our tickets a couple of weeks ago. We leave on Wednesday, August the 8th. My fingers get tingles just typing it out! So until then, we'll continue to press forward, pray, downsize, raise support, pray some more, try to rent the house, keep everyone updated, raise more support, and pray some more!
This year has been a year of many new discoveries as we press on to answer this particular call that God has spoken to us. Sacrifice has been a big part of this whole venture, in ways most would never think of. Sacrifice regarding "Missions" isn't always what you think, like "sacrificing comfort" or "sacrificing with a language barrier" or "sacrificing by living in a foreign land" (although these things we will surely face once there) but sometimes sacrifice starts 'before' one even moves out into a foreign mission field (whether it's domestic or international). I believe it's different for everyone. But God knows all about you, about His plans and future for you, including how He feels you should be best prepared for the job...the mission and the purpose He has for you.
"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and LEAN NOT on YOUR OWN understanding, in ALL thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall give you the desires of your heart!" The Lord has reminded me of this passage many times and I/we continue to put our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The last weekend in April we spent in New York City with Pastors Fernando and Elvia Cabrera, Fernando is Angelo's twin brother and the church is located in the Bronx. We were their to also raise support for the work in Ghana and while there had a great time visiting with the family and all the awesome people at NLOI Bronx! God continues to provide for us and the ministry and we are truly grateful.
The yard sale and silent auction was very successful this past weekend! We had such great helpers that whole week with setting up everything and working during the yard sale and clean up...Thank you, thank you to all of you who helped out! We couldn't have done it with our church family behind us. Then on Sunday we were with Pastor Zac and Lisa Shipman at the NLOI Tri-Cities in Ettrick, VA and had such a delightful time catching up with old friends and having lunch together there at the church.
Sunday, May 20th, we'll be visiting at NLOI Concord, NC with Pastor Stanley. We have never visited with him and we're really looking forward to it. So May is also busy trying to get our house rented and tomorrow we go for our youngest daughter's passport. I think the house rental is the biggest thing right now that would bring that huge sigh of relief...we continue to downsize and are emptying our house more and more, just when you think you've gotten rid of a ton of stuff...you turn around and see you've barely made a dent! At least it feels that way. I know in time it will happen. But meanwhile, the clock ticks and we have 13 1/2 weeks left 'till the big move. Yes, we purchased our tickets a couple of weeks ago. We leave on Wednesday, August the 8th. My fingers get tingles just typing it out! So until then, we'll continue to press forward, pray, downsize, raise support, pray some more, try to rent the house, keep everyone updated, raise more support, and pray some more!
This year has been a year of many new discoveries as we press on to answer this particular call that God has spoken to us. Sacrifice has been a big part of this whole venture, in ways most would never think of. Sacrifice regarding "Missions" isn't always what you think, like "sacrificing comfort" or "sacrificing with a language barrier" or "sacrificing by living in a foreign land" (although these things we will surely face once there) but sometimes sacrifice starts 'before' one even moves out into a foreign mission field (whether it's domestic or international). I believe it's different for everyone. But God knows all about you, about His plans and future for you, including how He feels you should be best prepared for the job...the mission and the purpose He has for you.
"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and LEAN NOT on YOUR OWN understanding, in ALL thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall give you the desires of your heart!" The Lord has reminded me of this passage many times and I/we continue to put our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)