Monday, June 24, 2013

THE FINAL MARK

I’m at the point in our school semester that is both exciting and exhausting. One week of classes remain, then two weeks of final exams. Points from the whole semester are being tallied.  And each student will receive a final mark.


students studying in groups
hoping to give 100 percent, A's to many students....as I tally final marks
I’ve learned so much teaching here in Ethiopia. I’ve learned to be flexible with lesson plans (not being technology or attendance dependent).  I’ve learned to be sensitive to an open door that could lead to deep discussion on life and faith that could have long lasting impact way beyond students remembering nouns and verbs.   I’ve also learned to be creative in planning lessons and to not be disappointed when one plan fails.

And nearing the end of each semester- I’m reminded again of how important it was for students to make sure they earned every point they could.  It ALL added into their final mark.

I think in life, we often get busy trying to earn what we think are points that earn us extra or bonus points.

Maybe we try to earn points that make us look more successful to others.   Maybe we try to get the bigger job so we can get the bigger house or bigger car.  Maybe we work for the respect and “like” of our colleagues. 

Often, even in our walk of faith, we often try to earn points with God that we think are big.  Maybe we write a big check. Or go to church every Sunday. Or maybe go on a mission trip.  Those are all good and fine if your heart has the right motive.  But it’s also the million things done daily that can bless God and others, not just the once a week, once a month, once a year action. 

Even living in a place like Ethiopia as a “missionary”- you can lose sight on the “points” that matter most.  It’s not easy here to keep in a good mood some days. I often get picked on, commented at, begged at and get over-charged, which irritates me.  Ethiopians are extremely hospitable overall to Western guests in their country, but you still often have a measure of unwanted attention that makes some days frustrating.

God has to keep reminding me that here in Ethiopia- it’s not just the classroom where my life is being watched or points are being tallied for the kingdom. It’s when I walk down the street, ride in taxis, etc.  It’s my attitude, not just my words, that count.

it's our attitude as we walk down the paths of our planet that can bless God
on taxis, on the roads, may God help us represent Him well
What are the “points” that matter to God?  What are the things we can do to bless Him? 

I’m not trying to earn a final mark that will get me into heaven.  That is impossible.  Only a completely holy, righteous person can enter heaven and we know the only completely holy and righteous person who ever walked the earth was Jesus.  My entry into heaven, and the entry into heaven for anyone, is only possible by Jesus.  Sins paid for- covered.  And right relationship with God restored. What a gift God offers us through Jesus!

So I’m not trying to earn points to get me into heaven.  I’m also not trying to get a bigger mansion there or get placed on a nicer gold street with a bigger crown, etc.  Though in heaven- there will be rewards.
My aim is to bless God with my life. To show my appreciation of Him choosing me to be part of His redemption story and part of His family. 

How can I bless Him?

I believe the Bible is clear on this. God wants us to love Him and love others. And share Him- His offer of right relationship...that sin can be covered, eternity with Him experienced- through Jesus.  That’s AMAZING news worth sharing!!!!

Romans 8:21-24
But not a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known…this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:8
God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Luke 19:10
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Matthew 22:36-39
Which is the greatest commandment? Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 28:18-20
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

2 Corinthians 5:20
We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

May our final mark, our life’s impact, be one that pleases God…one that blesses His heart. 

May our life make a million ripples and drop a million seeds of His love, His truth, His compassion, His justice globally by our words, our actions, in all we do- all we say.

May He continue to give us His wisdom, His mercy, His favor, His provision, His protection, His courage as we run on towards home.

Grateful to be on the journey with you! May we continue to give Him our best!!!

Prayer Requests
-We have one week left of class, then two weeks of final exams; it’s a high stress time for staff and students- please pray we can finish well

2nd year Management students, celebrating the end of another semester...coming soon
-Please pray for my Mom who has her second cataract surgery on Wednesday, her first one on her other eye was very successful
-Please continue to keep my Dad in prayer- his back continues to get stronger and we give thanks. His arm has been giving him some trouble in recent days, pray that nothing is serious there and the pain will go away from that.
-Please keep my sister, Noel, in prayer this week. She leaves the Czech Republic on Friday, arriving Saturday in the USA for a mandatory 6 month home assignment. Pray for her as she wraps things up in the Czech and that she travels safely home. She has lived in the Czech Republic for eight years.  We give thanks for her faithful service and example of a humble servant of our God!  Please pray that God blesses this break time for her.
My sister, Noel, at one of her final classes with some of her students before their summer break
-Please pray for my coming up break time (Aug-Sept), that God will give His best plan for that time.
-Please pray for many globally who need a door to open- for work, visas, finances, transition times, etc.
-Please continue to pray for the draft of my first book, that God will help me continue to write and finish it

Thank you for your prayers!
Onward with you...

Saturday, June 15, 2013

ABAT...A Father's Love

Whenever I see a Dad here in Ethiopia carrying a child, I can’t help but smile.


It brings to mind many memories of my Dad carrying my sister and I.  We were the only two kids in our family and we were twins, so my Dad had to give us equal ride time in his arms.  He did a great job.



There’s something special about a Dad’s love and attention.  Dad here in Ethiopia is the word “Abat.”

I’m so very grateful God blessed our family with a great earthly “Abat” in the person of Jim Garrett.  He is our tribe leader and continues to demonstrate outstanding humility, leadership and love over our family.

Here is our Dad and Mom with some children from our church
I’m also so thankful for God’s love.  He is our heavenly Father.  And He offers His love to each of us.

Romans 8:14-16
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Both God and my Dad have demonstrated such deep and rich love to my life. 

As I was reflecting on that love this past week, I think a Father’s love does many things. 

Here were some things that came to mind…

A Father’s Love….
CARRIES / SUPPORTS (physically, emotionally, prayerfully-spiritually, financially)

Deuteronomy 1:29-31
Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”

Deuteronomy 8:2-4
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.  He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.  Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.  

Psalm 139:1-5
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.

Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you…

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.


A Father’s Love….
PROTECTS

Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 91
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,  nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.   If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

A Father’s Love… 
TEACHES / INSTRUCTS / COUNSELS

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

John 14:16
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—

John 14:26
The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you…

Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

My Dad praying for kids going back to school
A Father’s Love…
DISCIPLINES

Hebrews 12:10
…God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

Proverbs 3: 11-12
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Deuteronomy 8:5
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.

A Father’s Love…
FORGIVES

Luke 15:19-24
 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’  So he got up and went to his father.  “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate…

Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.  Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

The words from a song I heard recently has been blessing me about God’s love and great forgiveness-the redemption He offers us. 

The song is called “Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave.

Here are the words…

Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son
Stop fighting a fight it's already been won"

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed, I'm redeemed

All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head"
I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be

Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me
'Cause his day is long dead and gone
Because I've got a new name, a new life, I'm not the same
And a hope that will carry me home

I am redeemed, You set me free

(link to song...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU)


Praise God, we’re redeemed!

Isaiah 43:1
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name, you are mine!”

A Father’s Love….
REMAINS

2 Timothy 2:13
…if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Psalm 146:6
He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever.

John 15:4
 Remain in me, as I also remain in you.

Isaiah 43:1-5
But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel:  “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze…Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you…

Psalm 48:14
For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

Matthew 28:20
…I am with you always, to the very end of the age.


As we celebrate Fathers this weekend, may we honor our earthly Dad and our heavenly One! What a blessing is a Father's Love!

Onward with You!

Prayer Requests
-Two weeks of school remain, then two weeks of finals, please pray for our staff and students…for continued good focus and energy as our semester finishes in mid-July.
-Please pray for my sister who is wrapping up her teaching and preparing for a 6 month home assignment in the USA-beginning late June that God will bless this time and have it be refreshing for her as she reflects on her past 8 years in the Czech Republic and prays for the way ahead.
-Please continue to pray for my Mom and Dad- that God will keep them healthy, they are a blessing! A big praise for my Mom’s eye surgery this past week. She had successful cataract surgery on one eye and will have the other done in two weeks.  Please keep that in prayer.
-Please pray for those who have lost their dads recently and for those without their earthly dad this weekend. May God give comfort and His presence to each.
-Please continue to pray for many friends and prayer partners traveling in the summer months on short-term mission trips, and some going on long-term field assignments, that God will bless their travel and service!
-Please continue to pray for many dear brothers and sisters globally- that God will open up jobs, visa requests, and His will be done
-Please pray for me as I continue to try to finish the draft of my first book
-Please pray for me as I look ahead at my “break time” (towards the end of July through mid September) and God’s best plan for that and the way ahead.

Monday, June 3, 2013

HOME RUN...

I was watching some little kids a few days ago play a game with a stick. It reminded a little of baseball. They seemed to run around bases and tried to get to a “home” rock. That got me thinking about “home runs.”

And I started thinking about my run towards my eternal home.  How is my “home run” doing?

I often see runners in the streets and in the fields and hills behind our school compound…their running looks impressive to me.  Can the same be said of my run towards home in heaven?


In August, it will two years since I began living in Ethiopia, and will mark 2 years and 8 months since I came to live in Africa. How has my journey through this continent on the way to my home with God- changed me, impacted me?

How have I impacted others here? 

I feel like I have changed in MANY ways and have learned MANY things since arriving in Africa in January of 2011. I have had experiences that have shaped me and deeply impacted me.  I was making a list the other day of some of the ways I’ve changed or things I’ve learned. 

Here are a few…

-I’ve learned on a deeper level the joy and pain of SHARED LIFE. You SHARE so much on this continent- prayers, frustrations, food, space, internet connections, finances, pain, grief, celebration, candles, jerry cans, medicine. So much. 

-I’ve learned to say CHIGGER YELLUM (no problem) so much. When things don’t start on time, or things don’t go as planned- it’s part of the way of life here- that’s not time based, but relationship based. You have to shake it off and not be irritated- which as a Westerner, it’s easy to get irritated.

-I’ve learned FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY. When power goes out or lights go off. When taxis blow a tire or run out of gas. When water is OFF and Plan A, B, and C, doesn’t work…you have to be flexible and adaptable.

-I’ve learned to shake off my personal cultural lenses that I see through and AVOID JUDGMENT.

-I’ve learned some STREET SMART BEHAVIOR. I pay attention so much on the streets- if I don’t- I fall down, disappear in a hole; get robbed or struck by a car or or a cow, or step in something that's not pleasant…that’s a short list. I've learned to be bold when crossing streets in traffic, I've learned to dodge traffic well.  

-I’ve learned to APPRECIATE GOOD HEALTH when I have it. The days I don’t feel well, are not fun here.

-I’ve learned and loved that you CAN WEAR THE SAME THING multiple times in a week and it doesn’t matter.

-I’ve learned how it feels to be a MINORITY.

-I’ve learned to NOT BE SURPRISED OR OFFENDED if MY SPACE OR PRIVACY IS INVADED.

-I feel like I've better learned to APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE AND THE BIGNESS OF GOD and TO TAKE IT ALL IN, BEING MORE OBSERVANT AND REFLECTIVE.

That’s some of my long long list….

I have made lifelong friends, found life long family, and definitely feel like I have learned more than I have taught and have received more than I have given.





God has taught me much as days have passed. And so much that I need Him more than ever.   I need Jesus- and grace so much!

I think what I’ve realized too about life here is that nothing is easy.  Life itself is a struggle. 

But what God has been showing me is if you bear up under the added weight of life or stress or trials that come, you can get stronger.  And that might be part of the point of God allowing things to pass our way, to help us get stronger.

We’re told in the Bible, trials and hard times will come and we can actually learn from those and grow from them...

James 1:2-4; 12
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

I think what I’m beginning to see is that my time in Africa for me in one way has been a kind of strength-resistance training. 

Let me give an example from what I've been learning in a local gym. About a year ago, I joined a local gym here in Addis. I thought it would be a good cultural experience but also a good way to stay in shape and burn off stress.  The gym also had showers and pretty consistent water- which proved to be a solid back-up for when water was out on our school compound.

For a long time, I worked out alone.  I guided myself through different weight machines and did interval runs.  And sincerely after some time- felt pretty strong and admittingly…a little cocky.

Well several months ago, I began working out with a friend who just happened to be a personal trainer.  And OUCH, my pride immediately was hurt. I realized I wasn’t in shape AT ALL.

I had never increased the weights or repetitions or miles.  I was comfortable and sat in that falsity that I was actually strong…able to master any feat; climb any mountain, …when that wasn’t the case at all.

My friend started working me through a strength training regime.  Weight was added for me to lift, repetitions were increased.  In the beginning, I could barely lift anything and could barely muster a push-up. My posture was also not good.  How humbling!!! 

For weeks I dreaded that gym time.  The tiny weights I began with, the weird squats that made me topple over, the pouring sweat… proved to me and I was sure all who were watching- that this American girl was WEAK. 

My friend also made me look in the mirror when I lifted or squatted or did push-ups or sit-ups.  I was horrified.  I always considered that VAIN.  Didn’t just guys with big muscles do that?  Why should I? I really wasn’t a fan of looking at myself during a workout and seeing areas that still needed to be improved. But, wow! What a great and needed first step.  


But I trusted my friend’s advice.  And pushed against the weight when I didn’t think I could push anymore. 
With continued encouragement and accountability and gym time- the workouts have yielded results. My structure and posture improved. My strength increased.  I was thrilled.  

I was reflecting on that this past week and how my “run” through Africa has often felt like I was carrying weights and how God has used that I think to humble me, teach me, and strengthen me.

I looked up resistance training online and it said it is any method of strength training used to resist, overcome or bear force. It’s when you try to get stronger by conditioning your muscles to lift either heavier weights or a certain weight for a longer period of time. 

If you feel burdened by a weight of some kind- maybe a time of testing or trial is there and you’ve been in it for some time and there’s no relief yet- continue to trust God.  If no resistance training passed your way- your strength could not increase.  God could be using it to make you stronger. If you push and press against it in faith, God will help you conquer and be stronger because of it.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9; 16-18
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Psalm 119:71
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees

I think on our run home, no matter what season God has you in or field of service, one kind of weight or heaviness you might face might be WEARINESS.  I know there have been days and weeks like that here in Ethiopia. The space between the bases seems too far.  Sometimes the valleys or deserts seem endless while the mountaintop highs too spread out.  But there is encouragement for us when we’re weary…

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

And I’ve constantly been challenged by God’s Word to keep going the extra mile, to love and serve.

Matthew 5:40-42
And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Often our weariness comes from things we tend to “carry” with us.  Here in Ethiopia- I’ve learned to carry only what I need.  Things get heavy and my shoulders get tired if I’m trying to carry around too much. Many times we carry things we don’t need to carry…things like worry, doubt, stress, unhealthy habits, unhealthy relationships.  May God help us to lighten our load if needed.  Jesus says….his burden is light…

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with the perseverance the race marked out for us.

Other times on our run (life journey)- we can get weighted down by DISTRACTIONS.  We can end up in “left field.”  It happens easily. We can even lose sight of “home” altogether. We start running towards other things, places, people.

May we keep our eyes on where we’re headed and not lose sight of what life is about in the first place. May we keep focused.

Galatians 5:7
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

Hebrews 12:2-3
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

Matthew 6:19-20, 33
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven….Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and only take the ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left…

There is also often heaviness on the "run" in the form of FRUSTRATION AND DISCOURAGEMENT. We mess up. Those around us mess up. Then Satan is there constantly to pick on us. To tell us to give up, to quit. May we keep running in trust.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

John 14:1-3
Do not let your hearts be troubled, Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may be where I am….

How is your “home run” looking?

Do some people look at your life and whistle…saying…wow…what an obedient runner for God?  My hope is that can be said of my “home run.”

And as I round the bases, my prayer is that I don’t lose energy…even though the years will continue to age me…but that with each mile that passes I’ll look more like my King. I’ll mature in my faith and my run will actually become stronger, my posture taller, my confidence more bolder in Jesus…til I cross the finish line… and hear God say: Well done, my good and faithful daughter, welcome home!

I’m grateful to be on this “home run.”   And no matter what continents remain for me to pass thru, may I be found faithful to my relationship with God that gets sweeter as the days go by.

And as we run on together, may God continue to give us grace, favor, mercy, provision, protection and courage. As we push against the obstacles or challenges that come- may our strength increase, our endurance to withstand increase.  And may we not forget to invite others to join the greatest “run” of all time.

1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Onward with you!

Prayer Requests
-Four weeks of school remain, then two weeks of finals, please pray for our staff and students…for continued good focus and energy as our semester finishes in mid-July.
-Please pray for my sister who is preparing for a 6 month home assignment in the USA-beginning late June that God will bless this time and have it be refreshing for her as she reflects on her past 8 years in the Czech Republic and prays for the way ahead.
-Please continue to pray for my Mom and Dad- that God will keep them healthy, they are a blessing!
-Please continue to pray for many friends and prayer partners traveling in the summer months on short-term mission trips, and some going on long-term field assignments, that God will bless their travel and service!
-Please continue to pray for many dear brothers and sisters globally- that God will open up jobs, visa requests, and His will be done
-Please pray for me as I continue to try to finish the draft of my first book
-Please pray for me as I look ahead at my “break time” (towards the end of July through mid September) and that God will reveal His best plan for that and the way ahead.