You may be the only Bible some people read....

That statement spoke directly to my heart........that I may be the only Bible someone reads.......Wow! So true.

I wish that I could say that I think of this daily and always do my best at showing those around me Jesus in my actions and my words, however, that would be a lie.  We all fall short in this department, don't we?

My desire is to be transformed into a person who exemplifies the word of God, the character of Jesus, the love of our Father. 

As we enter into a new year, a clean beginning, it is my prayer that I will be the example that I have been called to be.  That when I say I want to be the Lords hands and feet that I will mean that and follow through.  That I will serve with a grateful heart, knowing that in those moments God can shine.

Father,
I say "yes" to you, use me in whatever way you choose.  May your words come from my mouth, may your hands work through mine to touch the hearts of those around me. Transform me.   Amen.

Blessings,

Merry Christmas......

Or........Kuwa na Krismasi njema....or....Heriza Krismas ( Swahili )

I am praying that each of you have a blessed and merry CHRISTmas. 

Blessings,

I can finally talk about it...

I am hurt.  I am angry.  I am disappointed. 

Someone I love, someone I thought loved me, has hurt me recently.  I knew that when I said "yes" to God about going to the mission field there would be those people who called me crazy, people who would join forces with the "naysayer" gang, people who would wonder, "what in the world is she thinking".  Knowing this, I donned my strongest suit of armour, I took up my shield and held tight to my sword, however, this person was able to get passed the armour, sheild and sword to hurt my heart.  This person is my Grandmother.

I will save you the details and the harsh words.

What do we do when "godly" women strike us down with words that only come from the enemy himself?  We pray, we love, we forgive.

I have not yet done all of these things.  I have prayed for God to work in my heart, to remove the anger that I feel, I have prayed that He remind me that judgement comes from Him only, I have prayed that His love for her come through me.  Honestly I am still waiting for this to happen, but I know that He is faithful.  I have not forgiven, nor do I feel much love in my heart for her right now.  I am hurt.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"  If only that were true.

The good news is,  I am feeling God's hand in this planning more and more.  I feel His direction coming together, I feel His presence stronger and stronger everyday.  I know that Africa is where He wants me to be.  I have a lot of friends lifting me in prayer daily, including some of you.......thank you....I feel those prayers.  I especially want to give a shout out to Amy from filledwithpraise.blogspot.com.  Amy, thank you for writing about my daughter and I, thank you for your prayers, thank you for helping me figure out this blogging stuff, you have no idea what a blessing you have been.

I know that God is working in me, He is changing my heart, He will make all things new.

Abundant blessings,

Why????

I am not a writer, I am not computer saavy, nor do I claim to have profound thoughts running through my head on a daily basis. To be honest, some days I feel like just getting through the day without any type of thinking would be a good thing. I jest!!!! Seriously though, I have sat and wondered why God would have wanted me to start a blog. Another truth would be that I didn't even know what a blog was until last year!!!!! My history of being a technical wizard and computer genius leaves much to be desired, I can assure you. So, why me? I read blogs written by amazing women, women who have this ability to put words to "paper", women who can take one thought and make into an interesting and inspiring read. I am learning so much from all of you. All of the words that I read have impacted me in some way, and I have made friends, women that I pray for, women that I care about, this is why God directed me here.

I love this "blogging" world. I love that I excitedly open my computer every morning to share my coffee with all of you. I know that God has messages for me here. I thank you all, for your words, your inspiration, your love, your prayers. You are all my friends, sisters in Christ. Be blessed sisters. I hope and pray that I too will be able to inspire all of you with my thoughts and my words.

Blessings,

Listening....

1 Kings 3:9 "Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?"

I love God with all of my heart, there is no doubt about that. Sometimes though, I don't listen so well. I go about my day, too busy, too distracted, I listen to others, co-workers, my daughter, my friends, I respond openly to requests made of me, I even do it with a grateful heart.....most of the time.....BUT..... I don't listen to the one I should be listening to all the time. Don't get me wrong, there are days when the message is loud and clear and I feel so connected to God. The days when the message is more gentle, more quiet, I have to admit, my listening skills leave much to be desired. So, today, tomorrow....etc....I am asking Him to give me a GOD listening heart so that I can do HIS work, so that I too can discern the difference between good and evil. How is your heart today? Is it listening?

Blessings,