God is amazing

I'm leaving tomorrow for the first leg of my Haiti trip. Like last time, we will fly into Miami to spend the night then leave for Port-au-Prince on Saturday.

This trip is going to be completely different from the last. Already God has taken me down a new road in providing for this adventure. On my first trip to Haiti I was the last to join the team because I ignored God's calling because I couldn't see how I could possibly afford to go. (Stop shaking your heads and laughing.) As many of you know, God showed me that He was perfectly capable of equipping me for that which He had called. He provided the means to go on the trip in such a short amount of time that everyone was amazed. But then He had to. I took up so much time ignoring Him that I didn't give Him much time with which to work. Good thing time means nothing to Him.

Well this time I was listening a little closer. Therefore there was more time to allow for provision. Unfortunately when we (more precisely I) have more time between the call and the going doubt is able to take root. Doubt is a nasty little weed.

I didn't doubt God wanted me to go. I doubted His provision because it wasn't happening as fast as it did last time. Guess what. God doesn't have to do things the same way each time. So things were slower this time but everything came together - pretty much at the last minute. And when I say everything came together I mean EVERYTHING. God has provided beautifully and abundantly.

Once again I am humbled. Humbled by generosity of gifts and prayers. Humbled by a God that loves me enough to call me and trusts me enough to send me.

Thank you dear friends. Please continue to pray as we are in Haiti.

Random Thoughts & Thanks

God is good - all the time.
I'm thankful for a week away from home, alone.
We are so fortunate and blessed to be US citizens.
Rude people are ugly.
Compassion is beautiful.
My God is RICH.
Fat, fresh roses make me smile.
Air conditioning is wonderful.
Humidity is evil.
I will never try haggis (at least not on purpose).
God has a plan for me!
Laughing with my mom and sister is THE BEST!
Animals have personalities.
If you call someone to request information then have a pen ready to jot down the answer.
I'm thankful for a roof over my head even if it isn't the roof I want.
Ground chuck left in a hot car doesn't smell good.
Friends with a pool ROCK.
Visiting other countries is enlightening and fulfilling.
Flip-flops need to be washed or they will stink after a while.
Making stained glass is very fun.
There is joy is discipline.

Laundry List

Ugh. This isn't exactly the type of entry I want to post. However, I realize we are to share our joys, sorrows, blessings, and needs with one another. So while sharing my needs is awkward for me, I will be sure to mix in a few blessings I've also received as of late.

First to all those praying for me and the upcoming Haiti trip, thank you. I have a week to go on the money deadline, and I'm still short by a long shot, so please keep praying.

Next I have a rather urgent need. I must find another place to live rather soon. Circumstances have risen that make my current situation unacceptable. This brings about another big necessity - a job. A permanent job, with GREAT BENEFITS, that provides enough for me to live on my own.

So there's the dirty laundry. Now for some of the fresh, beautiful blessings God has heaped on me.

Saturday I joined a couple of dear friends for lunch at one of our favorite spots. Tammy, Rhonda, and I went back to Wild Noodles in Cool Springs when we realized they were still open. We don't know when they are actually going out of business, but we know it's coming. We have vowed to go back as many times as we are able until that sad day arrives.

Later that afternoon an eclectic group of friends joined me at All Fired Up to celebrate my birthday. It was LOADS of fun regardless of what Kelly Mills will tell you. Seriously, Kelly and Missy were such good sports, and they did have fun despite being stressed over their projects. I can't wait to see all the pieces this weekend.

Sunday morning I woke up feeling emotionally and spiritually beaten up. I know the enemy was on the offensive. Sunday was my birthday. He is so mean.

When I got to church I sat in my car as Chris Tomlin sang Amazing Grace. I told God that I knew I should be there to worship Him, but that day I needed Him to love on me. And love on me He did. Everything about my time at church was from God.

Kathy Helstein provided a great birthday breakfast for the Sr. High class I teach. Then in my singles SS class the lesson was spot on for what I needed to hear. I sat in the back of the room with tears in my eyes.

Later, R. T. Kendall was our guest preacher. He served 25 years as Senior Pastor of Westminster Chapel in London and has just retired to the Nashville area. The ONLY date he had available for the entire year to speak was June 1st, and it was a birthday sermon customized by God for me.

 His sermon was on forgiveness, but there was another message within it that spoke to me. He reminded us that we don't know when the gifts God has given us will be put to use. There was reassurance that God does indeed have a plan for me. I sat in the TV control room taking notes with tears blurring my vision. It was beautiful.

Afterward I went to lunch with friends and laughed a lot! Thank you Lord. Thank you for the blessings already received and those I anticipate. And thank you for Your plan whatever it may be.

Excellent post from a dear friend

My dearest friend back home recently wrote a post on suffering. The title is "On the Subject of Suffering..." and can be found here or by linking to her blog Scraps & Snippits in the right hand column. It is insightful and encouraging. Even without knowing the personal circumstances she references I believe it speaks to all.

Jef, thank you for your post. It definitely spoke to me. I love you.

Thanks in Advance

Isn't it amazing when our desires line up with God's? No, I guess it really isn't amazing. What is amazing is when I allow God to direct the desires He has given me. When that happens the most beautiful peace covers me like warm comfort.

This isn't exactly one of those times.

I LOVED everything about my trip to Haiti with bgm and New Missions. God's meticulous orchestration of every detail was as exciting as actually being in Haiti. I told many people before I left in March that I knew it wouldn't be my only trip to Haiti.

As soon as we returned home I sat my sights on a return trip in November. It was exciting to think I could go back within the year. Imagine my surprise when God called me to return with the July group. Wow!

You know I actually asked, "Are you serious God?" I'm sure He rolled His eyes at me for the umpteenth time in my life.

I do want to go back to Haiti as many times as God will allow me. I just didn't think He would call me so soon, or in JULY. Do you know how stinking hot AND HUMID Haiti is in July? Well technically I don't know myself, yet, but I know how hot it was the first week of March and that was winter! I showered twice a day. And let me tell you, this girl doesn't glisten, she sweats - like a man.

I know it isn't about me, but I am SO hot natured it can't be normal. Every picture of me on the Great Wall of China shows me with a beet red face from heat. And I have survived a mission trip to the interior of Mexico during Summer so I know I won't actually die.

Women older than I have laughed and said, "Just wait until menopause." Are you kidding me?? I have serious fears of spontaneous combustion when I enter into menopause.

So while I am hungry to return to Haiti I've been less than thrilled to face the heat. Nonetheless, God has called and I really am excited to go. Not even the heat can keep me following this beautiful, thrilling path.

Another area of excitement for me is seeing God provide for this new adventure. Admittedly I am also a dash anxious as I am still quite short on funds to pay for the trip. That small bit of anxiety is able to keep God's peace out of reach. Each day I have to remind myself that God wouldn't have called me if He didn't plan on furnishing everything needed.

So, dear friends I would greatly cherish all prayers you would express on my behalf. Please pray for God's provision both financially and spiritually.

Thank you dear ones.

p.s. I still hope to return in November if God will let me. Click here for a video of our March trip.

Fun, Food, & Friends

I had a fun, full weekend. Friday night I went to dinner with my friends Tammy & Rhonda. It was Tam's birthday, and we met at Wild Noodles in Cool Springs. We really enjoy Wild Noodles. Sadly they will be closing in about three weeks. This is quite disappointing as the food is delicious and the atmosphere is delightful.

Afterward we went to see Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. This documentary by Ben Stein is about Intelligent Design and the conspiracy to prevent ID from being discussed in scientific circles. It was extremely interesting.

Saturday I made spaghetti sauce for dinner at Stacy's house. It has become a weekly date for Stacy, Melissa, and I to get together on Saturday for dinner and tv. It's good fun.

Sunday was busy as usual. After church I was invited to eat lunch with the Mills (parents) & Wagner families. I really like this group of folks and enjoyed the fellowship in the "mafia booth" at Santa Fe. We're not sure why our server gave us that name.

Lunch was running late and I had to be in Cool Springs by 2:00 so I had to stuff down my salad as fast as I could. Anyone who know me realizes what an effort that is for me. I am a slow eater. Eating quickly is not fun for me or my tummy. Eating quickly would have been welcomed. Instead, I practically inhaled my food.

By the time I left the restaurant I had 20 minutes to get to Cool Springs. I would be late but not too badly. I was going to see Dyllan play Mushu in his middle school production of Mulan. However, 2 overturned tractor trailers on I-65 further delayed my progress .

Almost an hour after leaving the restaurant I made it to the musical. I had only missed the first 2 scenes. Thankfully Mike & Missy had saved a seat for me. Dyllan was a huge hit. People were asking Mike & Missy if the little dragon was their son and saying how much they enjoyed his performance.

It was a good weekend. Good friends, good food, and good fun. I am truly blessed.

Laugh until you lose your breath

That's pretty much my motto. I even had it printed on my checks. I love to laugh, so imagine my delight when I woke myself with laughter this morning.

It was about 3:oo when I slowly drifted back to consciousness because I was giggling. A very silly dream was playing in my head, and I was completely tickled. After I awoke I realized what had happened and giggled some more.

I didn't mind waking up so early. Fortunately I was able to return to sleep almost immediately. More importantly I was delighted at the manner in which I woke.

I'd share the dream with you, or at least the hazy glimpses that remain, but it wouldn't be funny in the retelling or in the "real" world. The dream itself isn't what is important. I like to think that God decided to get me all tickled and wake me in such a splendid way just to see His girl smile.

Good morning Lord.