Friday, July 25, 2008

1 Corinthians 1:27

 "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

Even in the current situation, I could add to this verse... "God chose the small things of the world to put the busy people on their back."

At the moment I am trusting that whatever God is doing in my life He will continue to do a good work.  As Paul said whether in pain or in good health I have learned to be content. 

Lord- I thank you for the healing thus far and I pray that you will continue to  take this infection from my body.  Strengthen me to do your will.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

My Week of Vacation

Do you remember every year on the first day of school your new teacher asking what did you do over the summer? Well here is what I did ... focusing on my week of vacation.


All summer I worked keeping children from 7:30 til 4 while their parents worked. After six weeks of watching between 7-10 children, I was due for a week vacation so here is what I did...

Sunday afternoon I checked in to a room with a gorgeous view of Lanai and the Pacific Ocean, had the kindest people waiting on me hand and foot, room service with three nutrious meals served daily and I was able to put my feet up in the air conditioning and watch cable... relaxing around the clock!

Some five star hotel you maybe thinking???? Well not really! I spent the first three days of my vacation checked in at Molokai General Hospital due to a medical emergency.

A very serious infection several layers under the skin had made it's home causing a LOT of pain and a temp of 101+. After 3 days at home with epsom salt baths, hot compresses, and activated charcoal, I was still in a lot of pain and still had a high fever so Amy drove me to the emergency room where I thought they would lance it, drain it, and send me home.

Long story short- after loads of antibiotics, an ultrasound, and an excruciating procedure (there is no anesthesologist on Molokai) most of the infection is out or it is continuing to drain. I have as a souvenir a rather large crater (an inch and a half deep) that has to be repacked at the hospital on a daily basis.

The whole experience also made me realize two important things
1. That I need to Be still and listen to God
2. God has put some absolutely amazing friends in my life out here! Thanks!
I am home now with the ability to move about! My calendar for the week has been cleared of meetings and even with my birthday being tomorrow.... I have NO plans!
School starts on Monday with 20 children enrolled. Please be praying that my body will continue to heal.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Romans 5:20

"The law was added so that the trespass might increase.  But where sin increased, grace increased all the more."  Romans 5:20

That grace brings our salvation before God.  As more laws are added, it again reminds me how wretched of a sinner I am.  This is a great reminder that Jesus' blood covers a multitude of sins and His amazing grace brings us through each day.

Thank you Lord for your grace to me!  I ask that you will forgive me for the numerous times daily I put my will before yours.  Help me to trust you for every detail of my life.

Lord, whether I am to be single for a lifetime you have called me to be single today.  My heart is struggling but with your hand to guide me, I will remain faithful to the calling upon my life.  I do lift up a prayer for my husband tonight that he will remain faithful to your calling as well.  Lord, bring him into my life at your appointed time and until then may I go about your business.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

A Lady of Reckless Abandon

"That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each others faith." Romans 1:12

Lord, may the faith that I live by be an encouragement to everyone that I meet.  Thank you for the friends that you have put into my life to encourage me.  People like Sybil that can relate to some of my struggles.

Excerpts from A Lady of Reckless Abandon....

(pg 13) "A woman is not born a woman.  Nor does she become one when she marries a man, bears a child and does their dirty linen, not even when she joins a women's liberation movement.  A woman becomes a woman when she becomes what God wants her to be."

I feel very strongly that marriage is not a higher calling than the single state.  Happy indeed are those people, married or single, who have discovered that happiness is not found in marriage but in a right relationship with God.

"No one, not even the man that I will marry one day, can make me happy- only Jesus can."

The prayer of my heart is to be...
  • a lady of reckless abandonment- breaking my alabaster box at my Savior's feet
  • a lady of diligence- faithfully making the most of every opportunity
  • a lady of faith- believing that God will supply every need according to His perfect will
  • a lady of virtue- knowing that true character is what happens when no one is watching
  • a lady of devotion- following Jesus undistracted by the things of the world
  • a lady of purity- keeping my heart, mind, and body pure for the glory of my Savior
  • a lady of security (Psalm 84:11)- trusting that in God's perfect timing the desires of my heart will align with God's will without my manipulation and maneuvering
  • a lady of contentment (Phil 4:11-13)- waiting for I know in whatever circumstances I must be content for today
  • a lady of conviction (Psalm 73:25)- seeking daily to know Jesus on a more intimate basis
  • a lady of patience- relying on God to provide every detail of my life
I AM A LADY IN WAITING!!!

Monday, July 7, 2008

Acts 27:25

"So keep up your courage men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me." Acts 27:25

Lord, Thank you for this verse that I need to keep up my courage and trust in you.  You have laid on my heart for years to pray for my husband and I have... even at times that were painful.  I am trusting that you will answer my prayers in your timing and in your way.  Not my will but yours.  I again lay all of my cares at your feet not knowing the outcome as Paul did but knowing even if my ship "wrecks" you still have a plan and purpose for me!