The Joys of Flying

Oh how squishy the first flight was!  I was in the very back row of the plane in the middle seat with a seat that wouldn't recline.  As I was trying to fall asleep a few things popped into my mind... this is one of the few times it is acceptable to sleep with a complet stranger by your side.  You spend x amount of hours in very close quarters with 300 people you will more than likely never see again.  I pray that the next flight which is twice as long as this one has a little more room.

God's timing

As I sit in HNL airport, waiting to leave, I am starting the Beth Moore Bible study of "The Patriarch's".  The first week is entitled "Leave your country" which is exactly what I am doing.  This should be interesting as God has been teaching me all about His providence in what I think is my timing.

My God provides

After reading the George Mueller story, I was convicted to trust God when raising support for this trip.  Normally I would send out letters petitioning others to give but not this time.  I was going to rely on the Holy Spirit to touch hearts and God to provide exactly what was needed.

Has God provided?  Absolutely.  He promises to provide according to His riches in glory.

How did He do it?  First of all ticket prices went down $300.  One friend who was praying for me in this gave... a friend's visiting parents heard the story and gave... had a few more babysitting jobs that usual... sold more Creative Memories supplies that I had in stock... and then last Friday (a week before I was to leave) I received a rebate check from Costco for the remainder of the ticket.  God works in mysterious ways and provides for those who trust in Him!

God opening doors

As I am sitting in HNL airport waiting for my flight to Seattle, I am pondering open doors.   So many of my thoughts lately have been on closed doors... doors that have to be deadbolted against my stubbornness.

When I first was offered this opportunity, I thought ok... if God opens the doors... I am game.  Then all hell broke loose in Egypt with the revolution on January 25th.  My first reaction was "surely God doesn't want me going into a war zone."  Then I just happened to look up tickets and found them for almost $2000.  Surely there is a better use for that $.

As the time passed, the fighting calmed, ticket prices dropped, and I had an overwhelming peace of this is what God's desire was.  He had truly opened the doors!

The Journey has started...

With a few moments to sit and reflect before boarding the flight from Molokai to Honolulu, my entire body is overwhelmed by what God is doing.  This journey started nine and a half months ago at Marc and Lisa Baniaga's.  I was invited to hear a presentation on what God was doing in Egypt.  In my mind, I just thought I was going to look at pictures of pyramids.  By the time the evening had ended, I had been propositioned to leading a teaching conference. 

So after months of trying to close the doors on this opportunity, it was clear that God was holding the door open wanting me to walk through it.

Somewhere out there...

Just went outside to throw a load of laundry in the washer and looked up to find a super clear night with a full moon lighting up the evening sky.

After a day of being home by myself... missing family and friends knowing that there is a lot going on in their lives, the moon and stars reminded me of the childhood movie "An American Tale" and the song- "Somewhere Out There". 

The lyrics say-  Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight... someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight... somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer... that we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there... and even though I know how very far apart we are... it helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star... and when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby... it helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky...somewhere out there if love can see us through then we'll be together somewhere out there... out where dreams come true... and even though I know how very far apart we are... it helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star...

It is comforting to think that God created the sun to shine by day and the moon and stars to provide light by night... even in our darkest moments when we think we are all alone knowing that God hung each star is comforting.  It is also very nice to know that no matter where we are in this world... the same moon and stars shine above.

So even though I can't be with these loved ones in person... I can pray for the various people and situations knowing they are in the hands of a very faithful God.

You are everything I need!

We are a blessed people. 

As I was working through my Bible Study this morning, I was reminded that nothing that happens in our lives catches God by surprise.  That is a very comforting thought to me. 

Every test and trial that comes into our lives is allowed by God to grow us and glorify Him. 
Every blessing that is bestowed upon us is to be used to bless others and glorify Him. 

Nothing that the enemy throws at us can thwart the plans that God has for us.  God can use it all to make us into the people He has called us to be.  If you are child of the King of kings then there is nothing that the enemy can do that will take you out of the hands of God. Oh... the enemy will definitely try but he will not succeed against God!

Take heart my friend... the God of the universe loves you and will strengthen you through the trials of this world.  He doesn't allow us to avoid trials as that would make us spoiled brats... but He does walk with us through the trial to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.

As a friend regularly says... "Walk with the King and be a blessing"