I Love Being Aware of God's Activity and Free Give Aways!

I spoke of helpful devotionals used with our trip to Kenya. Journaling is so helpful to recount God's activity in our lives. Our daughter, Kitty, has included another encouraging journal on her blog. You can also enter for a giveaway of one of her favorite journal formats! Click here to read the good news.

Tools for the Journey!

I am all about equipping people with the Scriptures to do their everyday tasks. As we needed to prepare for our mission trip I loved using the devotional published by Deeper Roots.

This particular little volume is two weeks worth of devotionals helping the short term missionary examine topics pertinent to being mentally and spiritually ready for the challenges of the forthcoming trip. The authors Howard and Bonnie Lisech have had over 30 years so they know what topics are important to work into people's lives to create a successful trip.

But during a trip there can be limited energy and time to really enjoy personal time with the Lord. So I was so glad when I noticed what Howard and Bonnie had to offer for use during a trip. But I was THRILLED they had a volume for posttrip reentry issues! These tools are ministry items that help strengthen the team spiritually so they can minister more effectively to those they serve.

If you are interested in these and other similar materials you can examine the offerings at http://www.deeperroots.com/.

Thoughts Related to 9/11/01

I trust this will provoke some thought. Would love to know what you think.
   

Recuperation and Pacing

Sometimes we just need to rest and recuperate. For me I have discovered the hard way that one can "Press On" and poop out. I have been obedient to do what I was asked to do to accomplish Mission:Kenya. I attempted to do it in the Lord's strength and not my own.

But I kept up the intense pace even after we returned in order to meet some deadlines so I could visit my elderly Mom who lives out of town. And then my body said, "Stop in the name of Love." The visit to see Mama will have to wait.

I am having to review some personal practices to prevent danger to my body, spirit, and emotions.

1. Enjoy time with the Lord.
2. If He tells me to do something I need to be obedient in the strength, wisdom, and love of the Holy Spirit.
3. When I have "good ideas" I need to ask the Lord if they are His, or distractions from what is best.
4. In the olden days when I would run, I would find a comfortable pace which would accomplish the task of winning. (In a particular race I went beyond the comfortable pace and thought I was going to die.) Currently I am evaluating my pace. Is it comfortable for the way I have been created and called? Am I going beyond what God is asking me to do? Why?
5. It is ok to play. (I think when Jesus walked on water He was playing.)
6. It is wonderful to be creative. When I am not being creative I have to ask myself have I lost the proper pace.

I would love to know what guidelines you use to know that you are in a comfortable pace as you accomplish what the Lord has called you to do.