Psalm 113: 1-9 and I Thess. 5:15

"Praise the Lord.

Praise, O servants of the Lord,

praise the name of the Lord.

Let the name of the Lord be praised,

both now and forevermore.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,

the name of the Lord is to be praised.

The Lord is exalted over all the nations,

his glory above the heavens

Who is like the Lord our God,

the One who sits enthroned on high,

Who stoops down to look

on the heavens and the earth.

He raises the poor from the dust

and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

he seats them with princes,

with the princes of their people.

He settles the barren woman in her home

as a happy mother of children.

PRAISE the Lord."

Today is a new day and a day to pray through His praises. A day to pray for loved ones, and a day to move forward. Today is a day to praise and to continue to LOVE my neighbor, Again a fresh new day to learn and apply deep lessons. Today's scripture is convicting as well as refreshing because He doesn't live or think like my sinful life - therefore there is hope!

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else" = todays' scripture verse

www.recover-from-grief.com/7-stages-of-grief.html

everything grows

Things lately that I've begun to appreciate in a shortened week has produced some deep growing pains; ones of the heart, ones that produce a different bloom. A blooming to desire or to develop fruit in and after the ache of those growing pains is finally going to be over soon.

You know, like the pains that hit a human being; the body has hurts from the ache deep in the joints. Aches that make one almost double over at the drop of a hat. I remember watching many athletes writhe in agony from the pains of muscles locking up from cramps so severe it brought their breath to almost stop. The mere thought of walking temporarily seemed impossible with those cramps. Or the joints hurting so much that in the midst of a deep sleep the only remedy was rubbing so hard in any particular area it makes one think that they might rub all their skin right off to the very bone attempting vigorously at getting relief from the hurt. That is what has been taking place here. Easy? - no way. Stretching? Incredibly so.

Much has taken place but this past week has been an Engettie for the soul. Time to reflect and to be "inked" with indelible lessons. A voice from the Congo. Let them come - a laughter that rumbles from children laughing. Unity in purpose - give and share the gospel. Testimonies amongst the flames. Voices revealing a hunger. Sorrow from the loss of a life for couple of friends and then shock of memories on a card gone. Practicality utilized unbenouced in through experiences in reality. Old relationships - unity. Others awed. Creativity. All of it = PRICELESS!

MLCC was a time to release bottled up things. A time to be quiet, a time to speak. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to admit with confession and a moment of truth. A moment to persevere and then to serve. WOW!

I loved the lessons that were brought on from Treysor (Congolese) Missionary/ Worship speaker. Leading by Kyle and Andrew. Worship from Tennessee with the Keith's. Late night reflections from and with brothers and sisters. But my ultimate time . . . to enjoy the moment of what is my present through the moment to serve the King of Kings - I AM!

My forever etched memory came when we left an evening early; The sweet child hugged profusely her new found friend in Jesus Christ. "I'll miss YOU! When can we meet up again?!!!" or "When can we get together at your home or ours?" or " Pleeeeeeeease . . . " However, the one that really caught my deepest attentions was after the multiple hugs good-bye, Cora replied, "Hey just watch Emily and Mrs. Klundt, I want to be with you when you leave. Please drive slow and WATCH." We proceeded to drive slow along the rock paved road to wonder what she was about to do. Then just before the gravel road began to curve towards the east; it dawned on me, she was sprinting at an incredible run ahead of us. It was like when a dog chases down a vehicle out in the country roads. Cora has sprinted to the end of the property line, just before the road becomes rather slim before turning into a one way land to MLCC. She began to wave. Emily began waving to. Then as we passed her, her radiant smile took control. She stood at the one lane area and then Alanna probably wondered what we were doing. As we slowly passed her (to delay the dust from blowing into her face, in their hair.) It was upon her. as we looked back, myself looking into the rear view mirror she stood in the middle of the road waving good-bye. I began to weep because she did her best to give the best when sending us safely on to travel home.

May the lord Bless YOU! Be forever "INKED" upon your heart that will never diminish, from harder lessons that are permanently etched with the Lord. So blessings to you until we meet again with a Whoop and a holler.

Good night.

New news or not

The day goes by and the wonder of God is so strong. He is stretching me in incredible ways just based off of the way he works to teach. While sitting here where our family has come for twenty one seasons to reflect on the great Creator. Oh Like it has been said before, there is much fallibility found in me. It seems the more I try to get to know him, there is still so much to learn.

My oldest princess had written me a while ago and she asked me a personal question about why it is so hard to love on those around you with whom she is trying to look to Jesus Christ. I have been trying so hard to learn and it just seems to get harder yet there is still peace in the midst of the process. Oh it isn't always the smoothest road but I referred her to where to read that has been teaching me.

With this week in Kansas it is a huge step process that stretches me to continue on when there is still much more to keep learning and working through the applications. Today's' topic: wow . . . illustration to grow through is everywhere in my life right now. For that matter the teacher, the Missionary, the Guest Speaker have all hit Grand Slams and then it is pulling me through to know there is joy in all circumstances. Love, Service, Humility and then today - eye awakening.
Thank You to those who really do know me and continue to grow with me. Only through Christ can the walk become His. I still have a long way to travel and climb as He grabs my hand. For that I am thankful and look forward to seeing him face to face and until then I'll enjoy the ministry adventure with my lover and princesses and our family even now.

Thanks MLCC for showing me yet more lessons to learn and keep the journey going.

My perfect Day

Recently, the question was proposed to me; "What would be your PERFECT DAY?" and then it was suggested to write it down in specific details from the moment you awake to the moment your head rest back down on the pillow when it is all completed and you fall back asleep.

So Now I pose the same question to YOU? What does it involve? With who? Where? When? How? Just some food for thought.

Have a great day.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I'll say it again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (which comes with true JOY) Philippians 4:4-ff

two

Excitement comes in the small things and today it is from the Joy of being with Emily and Hadassah while they make me giggle, smile and laugh. Everyone else is gone. The day even while she is in her rare form of her two's. They are great to experience and very stretching for me; to calm the others who have never had to endure "two". Well she is after all acting her age. It just might be that I may be a little on the lax side keeping my chin up.

She is so full of spirit and Em is a bit on the ornery with her youngest sibling. However, their expression of love for one another brings a smile not only to my face but to my heart. For that I am thankful.