Shaky Ground

The past few weeks have been an interesting season for me- personally, professionally, etc. I crossed my first year of teaching in Ethiopia finish line. I still haven't felt like I've caught my breath from that. What a huge adventure it has been- walking these roads- I've learned so much.

Then as I was breathing heavily at semester's end and trying while trying to unwind- I saw all of my English department teammates exit Ethiopia. Doug and Betty- two of my neighbors and teammates, and Fergal of Ireland. Things were changing quickly...

Then within one week's time, two of Ethiopia's most prominent leaders, died. The ground really started to feel shaky.

The first leader who died here was "Abune Paulos" the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He was much like the Pope of Ethiopia.

The Late Ethiopian Orthodox Church leader:  Adune Paulos

He had lived a long life and had done much good. And there was much celebration and grieving over his life.

Then came the news of the death of Ethiopia's Prime Minister- Meles Zenawi. This man had been in control over Ethiopia for over two decades. News had circulated for months that he might have died abroad. But when the news arrived here officially, there was overall sadness and shock. This Ethiopian had been brilliant, especially internationally. His sharp wit and diplomacy put Ethiopia on the map and brought great pride and respect to this country. Though his history had not always been favorable in-country, his methods of controlling the population were often questioned- he had left his mark.

The late Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Meles Zenawi

I remember walking out of our school compound that day, not really knowing what to expect.
I felt uneasy. An instability was now present. Would there be riots, chaos, mass mourning, demonstrations in the streets? I felt on high alert. It almost made my head hurt the whole week- as I walked about tense. The ground again felt shaky.

I realized all over again that here in Africa, the area overall is largely unstable. We are surrounded by countries experiencing political upheaval. Also- famine, drought, poverty. There's Somalia. North and South Sudan. Egypt. Even Kenya has seen some tremors or unrest in recent days. Ethiopia has largely been the most peaceful and stable in the area. Was that now changing?
Poverty overall brings a huge measure of instability to a place and people. Daily I'm reminded here of that and have been taught that in many of the places I have lived. There's a level of desperation that runs just below the surface- that at any moment could errupt- and security could become an issue. I often felt that when living in Haiti. You can often see it in peoples' eyes you pass on the streets.

In one of the slums in Nairobi, Kenya

All of this has had me thinking this week about stability and security. What makes me feel stable, secure, confident? And what doesn't?

Usually I feel stable if I feel in control of a situation. If I understand it and can work through it. It's usually change of some kind that leads me to feel shaky. A change of neighborhoods or countries. A change of jobs or loss of one. A change of leadership. A change of a boss or colleagues. A change of schools. A change of relationships, for good or bad. All can lead to shaky ground, insecurity.

Changes in your body can also do this. Gray hair or an ache here or there. You realize your age or you're not as healthy as you thought. This past week, I haven't felt well, which also made me feel unstable. 

My students having their grades posted- and many of them not scoring what they thought they had scored- brought insecurity, shaky ground. A doctor's check-up or a job review- and finding unexpected results- can make your ground shaky. 

So- what is one to do? What do we tend to do?

Well, I know what I do, have done, or am tempted to do...

1. ESCAPE. One of the first things I thought of when I thought of Ethiopia becoming unstable....is "time to go." I need to get out of here. Isn't that what we often do when things become shaky? We want to escape. Some of us read books or go to movies to avoid facing the shaky places. We medicate or insolent ourselves from the areas we're not confident over or in. 
   
   
2. IGNORE...sometimes we just ignore that things are shaking. We go on as usual. Ignorance is bliss- some say. (which we know is not wise!)
   
   
3. GET CONTROL BACK- sometimes I have tried to get control back. We like to be able to control things.

But what should we do? What can be learned?

I think what God has been reminding me recently is that in instability, in "shifts" and transitions, which are all part of life on the planet- God is still God. And there is a Rock that is firm. A shelter that is safe. There is a higher place where I can rest and even sing when the the ground shakes. I can stand firm, on an unchanging  foundation that holds. I can have security in insecurity.

God's Word Reminds of Of This Truth in Many Places...

Psalm 40:1-5
I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Isaiah 28:16
this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic

Luke 6:48

They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 

Psalm 61:1-3
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe...

Psalm 9:9-10
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. 
 
Psalm 18:1-2
I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold...

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble 

 

Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. 

 

Psalm 91:1
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.”...


Psalm 112: 6-10
Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

Hebrews 6:19

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. 

 

I must keep these truths in focus.  

What else should I be doing, or keep doing when things shake?

God has been reminding me to make sure I keep the healthy rhythms in place in my life. The one of devotion, time spent with him. The ones of making sure I have time in His Word and time with family members of faith. Together we are strong. These rhythms: Worship, Prayer. Fellowship. and Exercise of the body, mind and spirit...are all keys-rhythms that help me to keep perspective when things shake.

Also, God has been reminding me that many are experiencing insecurity, shaky ground too...and they need introduced-shown that higher ground. God will often drop us right into utter chaos or allow things around us to shake so much- to show others a life where the foundation holds and a testimony shines, despite the circumstances. Usually God has something to teach us too. How can something strengthen if it's not tested, if it's not stretched?

May God help us!

My prayer here, even as I rest from school, is that even if the ground shakes in political transition, may my roots hold. May my life be rooted in the rock so much so that in shaky ground my life testifies of a peace, a joy, a hope that cannot be shaken. May my stability be in the right place. 

May in Him, I will continue to trust. 

If your ground feels shaky, you have an anchor that holds. A God who sees. Put your hand in His and fear not. Your Father has you!

Onward we run...

Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you. 

Prayer Requests

-Our school is considering starting back to school one month early. I need prayer for the time of rest and also what my role will be in the time ahead.

-I'd like to get a draft of my book completely written- and if I do get stateside during the next few months- to try to get it published. I need ample time to write.

-Please pray for the students and staff here- that our break will be a good one and that new staff needed will be recruited

-Continue to pray for dear brothers and sisters globally waiting for their next job assignment to open up.

-Pray for Ethiopia overall- that in this time of transition in leadership- that God will raise up and position His people in place and that there will be continued peace and stability.

Thank you for being on the journey with me.  Blessings to you this last week of march and beginning of September!

May these be our best days yet for our God!

The Applause That Matters

The past few weeks I caught glimpses of the Olympics on televisions around Addis. I was in a cafe when an Ethiopian female runner, Tiki, surprisingly won gold in the women's marathon. The applause when she crossed the finish line first was deafening and deserved. My eyes stung with tears every time after that I saw the replay of it.

I remember well running my first (and last, ha ha) full marathon. It was 2003, the race- the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee. My running partner was my sister, Noel. We had trained, we were ready. I sincerely was finished after about mile 3. But my competitiveness with my sister- had me hang tough until about mile 22. That's when I remember my will power ran out, my legs became jello. What kept me going wasn't the country music playing those last four or so miles- it was the crowd- cheering. 

Sometimes as we're finishing or we cross finish lines...we hear the crowds cheer. Races, sport games, birthdays, graduations, weddings, even the final days of someone- people gather to cheer- a job well done, a game well played, a life well lived. 

God wants us to encourage one another.

Hebrews 3:13

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today"...

One of my favorite parts of youth ministry for five years in Ohio was Grad Weekend. When I got to stand on stage and shake the hands of all the graduates...telling them WELL DONE. 

Through various positions I've had working with short term mission teams, I've loved welcoming them home from mission trips. I knew God was clapping. Those who were willing to go and risk, to be uncomfortable, stretched...God applauds.

It's been fun running into my sister in Africa...welcoming her from the Czech Republic :-)

  Romans 10:15

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 

 

Sometimes though, you end chapters and begin new ones- and maybe when you listen for some applause or a "well done"- you hear silence. 

But be assured, OUR GOD SEES.

Several years ago, I worked for a foot doctor when I was trying to get through seminary. This was an interesting assignment for me. I had no medical background and was not a fan of feet, but it was that post that God called me to for that season. Every day I struggled with feet and with some of the staff. After one year of working there, I was driving to work, feeling like I had done my best to be obedient...but no one was clapping. I drove to work questioning if I had really been a good example at that work place, if God had really used me there. That's when I saw something that made me pull over. The pastor of our home church always had this certain way of giving his approval of something. If someone was singing or testifying or something, he would be so moved that he would stand up and cross his hands over his chest, like a standing ovation.

Pastor Tim Walden, Victory Temple, Fairborn,Ohio

Well, as I was driving, as I was questioning myself....I looked up at the sky...and the clouds parted and I saw what looked like a big throne, and someone was standing up, just like my pastor. I remembered in scripture it says that Jesus is "sitting" at the right hand of the Father. That day, when I saw that, tears poured from my eyes, because I felt like Jesus was giving me a standing "O" for my one year. You may think I'm crazy, but it was a holy moment for me. I pulled over and felt the deep love and appreciation from heaven of a season passed through. God sees. 

Psalm 33:13-15

From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place He watches all who live on earth—He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 

 

The past few weeks, I've seen or have known many people who have crossed finish lines. From here- I've applauded. God has applauded. He says: Well Done.

Here in Ethiopia- our staff and students crossed our 2^nd semester finish line. It was painful- the last few miles. But- we made it through. 
 

In reflecting on finish lines crossed and crowds cheering...I've found it interesting that in God's Word those who deserved applause in God's eyes..often many of them heard no applause this side of heaven....

Hebrews 11:13-16

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

And of course I think of Jesus. When he crossed his earthly finish line, he heard no applause. The only clapping he heard was the thunder. His finish seemed like failure. But we know of course, His death, brought us life. 

Isaiah 53

He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.

Ephesians 2:1-11

Jesus..."Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Sometimes we end or transition from things- and we might not hear applause. Sometimes what looks like an awkward end or a bad exit- an incomplete- might be just God being at work. If you've obeyed and have given it your best...one day- you will hear Him say- Well Done.

It's HIS applause we should desire most. That we live to honor Him- that we bless Him. It's His applause that matters!

As I have finished this school year this past week, instead of being applauded- the One I want to applaud...is our God. He's been faithful. In weakness, He's been strong. In stumbles, He's been a steady hand to hold. In darkness, He's given light. When the water ran dry, He still sustained me. In fatigue, He's given strength. In frustration, He's been the peace. In the fear, He's been the courage. 

I'm so grateful for Him!!!! 

Running On Here...keeping these verses in mind...

Psalm 139: 1-18
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; 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. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

Isaiah 43:1-19
But now, this is what the Lord says—... “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. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 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; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of their gods foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, “It is true." “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, in the ships in which they took pride. I am the Lord your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King. This is what the Lord says—He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Hebrews 12:1-3

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 perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

May we run on to to hear Him say at our finish...

"Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21)

PRAISES

-Our school year officially ended this past week!

-Our water pump broke again, but it's working now.

-My friend Mary in Louisville had surgery and has recovered well, we give thanks!

-Several mission teams and workers have left the fields for home- we give thanks for their courage and willingness to go and bless the nations!

-Thankful for some "down" time in the days ahead.

PRAYER REQUESTS

-I will have at least one month off, maybe two from school. I'm praying about when-if to come stateside during this time and also about where God can best use me in the days ahead. I trust His leadership.

-I'd like to get a draft of my book completely written- and if I do get stateside- to try to get it published

-I feel on the verge of a great new season and I'm trusting God's provision and guidance.

-Please pray for the students and staff here- that their break will be a good one and that new staff needed will be recruited

-Continue to pray for dear brothers and sisters globally waiting for their next job assignment to open up.

-Pray for Ethiopia overall- that the shackles of poverty will be broken and that the hope and love of God will be understood and embraced.

-As I take a "break" from school, many are actually just beginning a new school year. May God give His favor and grace to all.

Thank you for being on the journey with me!!!!

Blessings from Ethiopia

Holly

The Return of the Flying Moths...

A few days ago I was walking on a familiar "shortcut" through a village when I immediately noticed the return of the "big moths." I had seen these huge flying things a few years ago during rainy season out in the countryside- but haven't seen them since. They were EVERY WHERE in this village. People were swatting them. I laughed watching children chase them, try to kick them, and little girls screaming when these huge insects landed. I was trying to take it all end and be mindful of them myself...but when one of them landed on my jacket...well, let's just say I lost my cool. Did a little screaming and dancing...that had some local grandmas chuckling. These things are BIG and bee-like. NOT A FAN. Did they bite? I didn't know.

I found out later- these huge "moths" were actually flying termites. And they do signify for people here that rainy season has arrived. Interestingly too, they only live about 24 hours after they fly, then they die. They're done. Weird.

Those things got me thinking....rainy season is indeed here again. And that reminded me that I was here last rainy season...and it's been ONE YEAR. A whole year has passed!!!

One Friday ago, I finished teaching my last class of my second semester here in Ethiopia. Now, one week of exams are finished, then this week is the last. Then, that's that. A finish line will have been crossed. 

some of our students taking a final exam

my final class with my management students

my final class with my IT students, and my last class overall

Looking back, I feel an overwhelming sense of extreme gratitude. Ethiopia has been my home for almost a year, and the continent of Africa a year and a half. I'm so honored God has allowed me to live here and serve and learn here. 

Many people I think dream of Africa- of coming here at some point to explore or go on safari. There is a true beauty and uniqueness about this continent. Beautiful land, stunning colors-amazing sunrises and sunsets.

And of course- there are beautiful people- with rich traditions...food and music, history, that you have to see and know and smell and taste and touch to really take it all in. 

But also...on this continent...there is alot of struggle, injustice and poverty. Nothing is easy. You battle the elements and the inconsistencies. And most of all, you battle yourself. Because you're not comfortable.

But God is here. His church is here. Hope is here. All of this I will be putting into my book I'm writing. I've learned so much!!!

As our students and staff have approached the end of another semester, I've noticed over the past few weeks, the signs of fatigue. Attendance has been sporadic. Students have gotten sick. It's been hard to keep going. 

It's reminded me of running races. The last lap is always the hardest. 

Then after you finish, it's hard too...because sometimes there is a lull...and sometimes you're not sure of what's next.

I too have felt the tension of these two things...

1. Trying to Finish
2. Trying to Prepare for What's Next

So many times in life...we hit these two points don't we? 

We're trying to finish something- keeping up the strength, the focus, trying to finish well.

Or we're trying figure out and prepare for the next thing...sometimes not knowing even what that might be. 

Both are hard places to be in. 

I've been praying...Father, help me finish this school year well. Give me patience. Give me skill in teaching. Help me be an advocate for these students. Help me, help me, help me.

And, I've also been seeing the "break time" coming after that. There is two months "off". What then? What after that? Father...what's next? Show me your way. Show me your way. Show me your way God!

I believe God often calls for or allows the course we're on to be changed up. This is often for our good and His glory. If we run too long on the same trail...we may get comfortable, sometimes maybe more confident in our growing adaption and skills learned, than His. And sometimes God just needs us somewhere else. Sometimes I've learned even the hallways- when we're waiting for the next door- there's often people there that need to see your faith, your humbling. I believe the "church" should be present on every kind of course, in every kind of hallway...through the elite high rise buildings and skyscrapers...to the poorest slum community...God should have representatives there...to be examples of grace, love, integrity, hope, joy, redemption. A story bigger that the surroundings...people representing truth, justice, passion and a Savior.

I remember one time in Philadelphia we had a team of freshmen in high school on a mission trip. We were visiting the homeless under highway overpasses. One man crawled out of his cardboard box home and shocked our team with a powerful testimony. Our kids were deeply moved and impacted, myself included. He told me before we walked away that he had been a pastor once, but God called him to make his home with the homeless- to not only be a missionary to those on the streets, but also to the missionaries who visited. A timely word from an unexpected place- this man was being obedient and strategically positioned for major impact. 

I remember another time of being "between" jobs- when I got asked to come and speak for a young adult coffee house that had just opened. I didn't "feel" like testifying to God's goodness. He hadn't blessed with the open door yet. But God gave me a hard word saying: you do a good job giving praise to me when I show you your next step, but what about giving me praise in faith, before you even see the next thing, knowing that I'm writing it? Ouch. I went to that coffeehouse and gave God praise. Amazingly, when I was done, a lady made her way through the crowd- slipping me a piece of paper- it was a job lead that would be the door for my next assignment. Wow! God blesses obedience and trust!!!

I have soooooo many stories like that. God moved in His time. And it was for my good and for the good of others.

But finishing and waiting for the next thing to open.... whew...so tough. 

I know many people are in these situations....

So...I want to share what God has been saying to me through His Word as I finish this semester then look for what's next. Is it here or there? God has been saying to me simply...TRUST. Trust me and keep running. Keep your eyes on me. I will GUIDE you. I will help. I've got it!

He promises to be with us, We can trust Him....

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 
 

Psalm 32:10

the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him 

 

Joshua 3: 1-5

“When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before" ...Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, or tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

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.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. 

 

Hebrews 4:14

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 

 

Hebrews 10:25

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. 

 

Esther 4:14

who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

Exodus 15:13

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. 

 

Psalm 29:5

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. 

 

Psalm 73:24

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory 

 

Psalm 139: 9-10

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast 

 

Psalm 18:18-19

The Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.

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 

 

Hebrews 12:1-2

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 perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith 

 

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. 
 

May we finish well. And trust Him for what's next. In His perfect time- He will direct!!!

Praying this for you as you pray for me...ONWARD!!!!

Praises

-I have finished my classes and grading!

-I feel excitement and peace about the way ahead, God's leadership and love can be trusted!

Prayer Requests

-It's big week...many are traveling, crossing into new chapters, or waiting for new ones to open and begin, may God lead and we trust!

-It's our final week of exams, please keep our students and staff in your prayers as we finish up.

-Continue to keep my good friend, Mary, in Louisville-KY in prayer as she recovers from surgery.

-May we press on to finish our course and be ready for what's next, God has us!

THANK YOU so much for your continued prayers for me!

 I'm so grateful to be running with you!