Perspective from the Porch

So, what did this 4 day work-week have to offer?

At the forefront of my mind are two people I have been praying for – Sarah M. and Cody M.  They both go to my church.  They are brother and sister in-laws.  God has given me the pleasure to pray for them as they, “Go into all the world…”

1. Sarah is a teenage girl heading to Mexico on a mission trip.  I have been praying for her as she prepares.  Today she is making her way to Mexico.  I am asking God to strengthen her, equip her, and to deepen her “well of knowledge” of God so that when others draw from her well they will drink pure water straight from the Father.
2. Cody is a young man preparing to go to India this Fall.  I’m asking God to provide all the financial resources he needs for this trip.  Also, that He will begin to give Cody a vision for the people so that while he is there he will literally see what God has shown him now.  God is at work in his life.  I know Cody and his family will never be the same moving forward.  I am proud of his faith to follow the Lord in this manner!

In everything God brought me to this week – it all had to do with praying. 

• Praying to the Lord of the harvest to send forth workers into His field. 
• Staying alert… not falling asleep.  It’s hard to fall asleep when one can’t sleep.  I didn’t sleep last night once again.  I was up at 12:20 until 2:30.  I didn’t sleep but I was not alert… I flipped channels but mainly watched the Speed Channel.  Last night was a missed opportunity.  (Although, I enjoyed getting caught up on all the Hendrick Motor Sports news… Go Mark Martin in the #5 for 2009!)
• Pray to know the Lord.  Brad (my pastor) said this back on June 22. “I’m sick of boxes to check and prayers to pray – I just want to live with You.”

This is what the LORD says:  “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this:  that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.  (Jeremiah 9:23-24, NIV).

Filed under: Missions, Perspective

Perspective from the porch

The view from the porch today has been great!  I was greeted this morning by one of the deer that I like to watch.  It’s been very relaxing…

…and frustrating time this morning.  Frustrating as I have looked back over this past week.  I’m very tired.  In need of some good quiet time.

I’m at a place where I need to stay more focused on God than ever.  I realize during this very tiring time in life I need to look to Him.  I need to look to God for His provision, help, and counsel.  I need to resist the temptation to look for help from sources other than God.   

Since Wednesday, my focus in the Scripture has been on 2 Chronicles 14 – 16.  These are some strong chapters looking at the life of King Asa. 

It’s been hard to mine the nuggets from this week.  For several years now I have been desiring a time to get away by myself… in the mountains, on the beach, at a conference.  Some place… any place… just so I can think… be still… be refreshed… and take some time to vision cast for my life.  I need a plan.  God’s still small voice is hard to hear right now with all the extra noise.

1. It’s real easy to let yourself get run down. 
2. Take moments to be still and quiet. 
3. I need vision… Without a vision God’s people perish.
4. Look to God only.

Filed under: Perspective

Perspective from the porch

I enjoy my time I spend on Saturday mornings so much.  It’s been a great morning on the front porch.  I have seen my friendly little rabbit and a truck load of squirrel’s!  No deer today – how sad!  I have a squirrel fussing at me right now… it’s starting to get on my nerves… Lori just came outside and scared it off.

There is so much I have learned and/or gained over the course of the past week.  I’ve decided each Saturday morning I will begin recapping those things each week in “Perspective from the porch.”

After looking over the past week there are several things that I have stood out to me:

1. My life is filled with great pleasing things to God.  It is also smudged with the history of sin.  Yet, God has chosen to call me to be one of His… for His glory.
2. Life is not about me.  My FOCUS is to be on God. 
3. Pray for my friends.  “When Job prayed for his friends…”
4. I have great friends!!
5. God seeks out those who belong to Him to give them strength. 2 Chronicles 16:9.
6. Don’t let the trash pile up!  Guess I will be heading back to the dump today.

Filed under: Perspective