INTO THE PATIENT WAITING...

This morning, my husband woke up sick. Not fun at all especially when he is the one who usually doesn't get sick. So when he's sick, he's really sick. Although sickness isn't fun and "going to church" isn't possible this morning, it provided me with time to reflect on this past week and the lessons that God has taught me. One lesson is faith. The lesson of faith has come through a Bible Study I do every Friday morning with my "Panera gals." We have faithfully met to study God's Word and to build one another up for a couple years now - difference faces have come and gone in it but the central purpose of our study remains the same: to pursue God together through His Word. This year, we are studying Romans. A realization that we've all come to in this study is how God desires our heart - not our good deeds. He desires us to be honest with our sinful condition, our inability to do anything for salvation, and His ability to save us alone

December 10th, Streams in the Desert But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer. And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. —2 Cor 1:6-7 Are there not some in your circle to whom you naturally betake yourself in times of trial and sorrow? They always seem to speak the right word, to give the very counsel you are longing for; you do not realize, however, the cost which they had to pay ere they became so skillful in binding up the gaping wounds and drying tears. But if you were to investigate their past history you would find that they have suffered more than most. They have watched the slow untwisting of some silver cord on which the lamp of life hung. They have seen the golden bowl of joy dashed to their feet, and its contents spilt. They h

Streams in the Desert: December 7th "This is what the LORD says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. 17 For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. 18 This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also deliver Moab into your hands. 2 Kings 3:16-18 To human thinking it was simply impossible, but nothing is hard for God. Without a sound or sign, from sources invisible and apparently impossible, the floods came stealing in all night long; and when the morning dawned, those ditches were flooded with the crystal waters, and reflecting the rays of the morning sun from the red hills of Edom. Our unbelief is always wanting some outward sign. The religion of many is largely sensational, and they are not satisfied of its genuineness without manifestations, etc.; but the greatest triumph of faith is to be still and know that He is God. The

Every year, Christmas rolls around and with that comes Christmas cards and family photos in abundance! It's always been my mind to do something different with our Christmas cards - not for any particular reason except that I want it to be interesting and insightful about our lives. In the past, I've done the usual Christmas photo card. It's always nice and people appreciate the photos but I realize more and more with social media distancing ourselves from people that many don't actually know what is going on in our lives or where God is taking us. It occurred to me that a newsletter would be a great way of communicating to family and friends instead of a photo. Not a lengthy newsletter. Rather, a snippet into all parts of our lives - like an infographic! If you dare type into Google search the words "Christmas Letter Infographics," you will be amazed and slightly overwhelmed at all the possibilities out there. Seriously -just type it in. See what you

December 3rd: Streams in the Desert "Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?" And she answered, "It is well." (2 Kings 4:26) - Be strong, my soul! Thy loved ones go Within the veil. God's thine, e'en so; Be strong. Be strong, my soul! Death looms in view. Lo, here thy God! He'll bear thee through; Be strong. - For sixty-two years and five months I had a beloved wife, and now, in my ninety-second year I am left alone. But I turn to the ever present Jesus, as I walk up and down in my room, and say, "Lord Jesus, I am alone, and yet not alone--Thou art with me, Thou art my Friend. Now, Lord, comfort me, strengthen me, give to Thy poor servant everything Thou seest he needs." - And we should not be satisfied till we are brought to this, that we know the Lord Jesus Christ experimentally, habitually to be our Friend: at all times, and under all circumstances, He is ready to prove Himself to be our Friend. -

November 30th: Streams in the Desert "And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the Lord . “But I will give your life to you as a prey in all places, wherever you go.” Jeremiah 45:5 A promise given for hard places, and a promise of safety and life in the midst of tremendous pressure, a life "for a prey." It may well adjust itself to our own times, which are growing harder and harder. What is the meaning of "a life for a prey"? It means a life snatched out of the jaws of the destroyer, as David snatched the lamb from the lion. It means not removal from the noise of the battle and the presence of our foes; but it means a table in the midst of our enemies, a shelter from the storm, a fortress amid the foe, a life preserved in the face of continual pressure: Paul's healing when pressed out of measure so that he despaired of life; Paul's Divine help when the thorn remaine