We beseech your prayers February 12, 2011

Family & Friends, in about a week, I’ll be heading out with my team to Port-Au-Prince.  We beseech your prayers as we take this journey. thanks -t

If you would, please pray for. . .

1. God to go before us – paving the way and that we would walk with confidence into His plan even if it isn’t evident.  (Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”)
2. The Grace of God to cause/allow our team to be effective and productive in the jobs we work on but even more so that we are compassionate and full of care toward all people.  May we always error on the side of compassion.  (1Cor16:15b-16 and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.;1Peter4:8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
3. Protection, extreme favor, and health in all circumstances and in all times. (Especially with travel, the Salvation Army, the Haitian people, the job site(s), those who we purchase job materials & help from.) (Isaiah 40:31 ³¹But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.; Isaiah 58:11 And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.)
4. Joy and Peace in all circumstances.  (Phil 4:5-7 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.)

A Garden February 2, 2011

With all the snow that fell today it is funny that the image which is on my mind is that of a garden.  As I piled heap upon heap of snow onto my yard and garden beds today I thought about how that cold and icy snow will soon melt with the spring sun.  It will nourish and lift up the plants that will grow once again.    Maybe this thought shouldn’t surprise me after last night.  I met with some cherished lady friends over delicious snacks and we discussed the details of times when we saw God inexplicably bring positive results out of negative beginnings.  It reminded me of my garden where in early spring I put dead decaying vegetation from the year before, cow manure, and other dark and gritty substances into the earth; harsh, unpleasant, smelly beginnings.  Into this muck  is placed a humble bulb, a seemingly insignificant seed, or a seedling that can barely withstand its own microscopic weight.  Out of these strange beginning the garden begins. Water is added – beauty, pleasure, and worth appear – out of the mire.  Suddenly, I realize I am hearing the lyric’s to Matt Maher’s “Garden” in the back of my mind . . .

and You walk with me
You never leave
You’re making my heart a garden

And then, as to tie it all up with a bow, today while I am reading Frances J. Roberts’ book Come Away My Beloved, I come across this passage, “A Garden of Fountains” and it ministers to my soul. 

Behold, My hand is upon thee to bless thee and to accomplish all My good purpose.  For this hour I have prepared thy heart; and in My kindness I will not let thee fail. 

Only relinquish all things into My hands; for I can work freely only as ye release Me by complete committal – both of thyself and others.  Even as was written of old: ‘Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass’. (Psa 37:5)  I will be thy sustaining strength; and My peace shall garrison they mind.  Only TRUST ME – that all I do is done in love.

For adversities must of necessity come.  They are part of the pattern of life’s pilgrimage for every individual; and who can escape them?  But I say unto thee, that for those who walk in Me, and for those who are encircled by the intercessory prayers of My children, I shall make of the suffering, yea, I shall make of the trials a steppingstone to future blessing. (II Cor. 4:17, 18, Living Letters)

My arms are around thee, and never have I loved thee more!  I will make thee like a GARDEN OF FOUNTAINS whose streams are fed by the mountain springs.

And so I thank Thee, Lord, for this image – and please – please – make me like Your Garden.  Bear in me fruit, strength, and beauty that reflect Your radiance.