Our God who never sleeps

This morning during my quiet time with God, I was reminded that God never sleeps or slumbers.  Even when we are beyond exhausted.  God is always awake.!  In 1 Kings 18:27, Elijah asks what Baal (the god of the pagan enemies of Israel) might be doing instead of answering their call.  He suggests that maybe Baal is deep in thought or busy or traveling or sleeping.

Aren't you glad that our God hears us when we call?  We don't have to worry that he is deep in thought or traveling.  He is never too busy to answer the calls of His children.  What a comforting thought

Daybreak

Sitting over the marina in the grayness of the morning, I am reminded of God's peace in dark times.  As I glance out past the boats, the waves are breaking leaving a white foamy trail, reminding me of God's power. 

After the lightning and thunder storm at 2:30 this morning, I sit in awe of the same God who created the world in six literal days can calm a storm with just a word.

What are the storms in your life that need to be calmed?  When will daybreak arrive in the midst of your storm?

Gravel in my forehead

I just started a new Beth Moore Bible Study called Stepping Up: a journey through the Psalms of Ascent.  As Beth Moore is opening this study she explains that we need to spend time each day on our faces before God sharing our hearts.  She also shares that after one of her morning prayer times with God on her back porch she gets up and finds tiny grains in her forehead from the concrete floor.  After reading this I start laughing... 

My senior year of college I had a bit of an accident after youth group one night that resulted in plastic surgery and twenty five stitches in my forehead.  A few friends and I were playing tag on the way back from taking out the rubbish and I tripped and fell.  I literally hit the ground running and didn't even put my hands down to slow the fall.  So like a melon being dropped my head burst open and .... ok enough details.  Anyway by the time I made it to the ER, they had to wash out the gravel and trim the unclean edges.  This is one of a couple of hospitalizations in my life that God has used to put life into perspective and slow me down to not miss what He is doing in my life. 

When I read what Beth was saying...  I had to paraphrase...

Gravel in my forehead means I have been on my face before God!

It's all a matter of perspective

From way up high, things don't look so big or daunting as when you are standing in the midst.  As I was flying from MKK to HNL yesterday, the whales splashes and spouts could be seen from the friendly skies but oh how tiny they looked.  Just a dot in the midst of a huge ocean.  From a kayak, it is a whole nother story.  One flick of his tail and you'd be soaring.

How many times do the trials of our life seem daunting and overwhelming but compared to someone elses trial it is just a splash in a vast ocean?  No matter the size of the trial God is still in control and there to carry you through.

The Power of Your Love

The Power of Your Love

The first summer I came to Hawaii with the Christian Youth Ministry Team, Aunty Jingo taught us this song.  At that point,  I was so uncoordinated and unfamiliar with the hula, I struggled to learn the moves to "The Power of Your Love".  Recently our little halau at Molokai Baptist, tweaked the original and started to learn it again.   I am blown away how much easier it was to learn this time even with harder moves thrown in.  After 10 years in Hawaii and dancing hula, I am still working on the coordination and grace but it does get easier.

This morning, Risse, Cendall and I danced.  Louise has an arm in a cast due to a broken finger so she was not able to dance with us but she is the one videoing.  Enjoy!

Saturday morning Molokai Style

Lately, my Saturday mornings have been used to catch up on rest and housework.  Today, I had a list of things to get done which meant getting up at 8am and hitting the town!  If you have ever been to Molokai, you know that Kaunakakai is the major town on Molokai and if you blink, you will miss it!

So, first stop was the ballfield to catch a couple of tee-ball games.  Several of my little ones are playing tee-ball and since I can't seem to make it to an afternoon game, we decided Saturday morning would work the best!   After catching the tail end of Koda's game, I watched the first part of Keith and Sean's game.  It is super funny because this morning they were on opposing teams.  Sitting in the stands and listening to the parents and family members cheer on their keiki, reminded me of how nice it is to live in a small town.

Next stop, pick up Kripy Kreme doughnuts.  Now the only Krispy Kreme in the islands is on Maui.  They are a hot commodity on this island!  A major fundraiser for island organizations is to sell boxes.  I had made some birthday invitations for a preschool family and as a thank you she gave me a ticket to pick up a box of Krispy Kremes.  Unfortunately I am not a huge fan of the glazed doughnuts.  Partly because I made myself sick in high school by eatting more than half a dozen in one sitting.  The other reason is a co worker and I are in a bit of a challenge to get down to our ideal weights... doughnuts do not help!  My wonderful plan was to take them to a friend's baby shower on Sunday to share as the mother-to-be has been craving Krispy Kreme's her entire pregnancy.  I get home only to find out that she is in Oahu giving birth a month early.  Not to worry, I do have some friends that are willing to eat them for me!  :)

Last stop before heading home was by Friendly Market to pick up some fresh produce for a fruit and veggie tray.  Of course, had to stop and talk story with several friends!  Love the friendliness on the Friendly Isle of Molokai especially on a Saturday morning!