Waiting Can Seem Unbearable

Waiting is one of those horrible yet wonderful aspects of life. So much is learned along the way. While I wait for God to answer prayer, I can become anxious, worrisome and fearful. But I can also develop patience, perseverance, and dependence on my Lord. I wonder which is a better outcome?

While I wait, I can choose joy.

While I wait, I can serve Christ.

While I wait, I look around to those hurting and choose to show mercy.

While I wait, I get on my knees and continue to seek the throne of grace.

While I wait, I trust.

These are things I strive for as I wait. I pray you will too.

 

Book Review - Call of a Coward

I love missionary stories!

They inspire me, as well as, build my faith, so I was really looking forward to reading Call of a Coward, by Marcia Moston. It did both of these things.

Marcia Moston in honest in her journey to Guatemala. There were many times she spoke of sinful attitudes that arose to the surface from the time her husband decided they were going to the end of the book. But, just like all of us, she acknowledged repented and returned to serving the Lord. She does a great job of bringing to light child-like faith along the road of uncertainty. God's hand is seen all the way from home to Guatemala to Vermont. 

They were only on the mission field in Central America for a few months, but those months were the launching point to a closer walk with God. He also used the trip and experience for so many other ministries once they came back to the states.

Willingness to obey Christ. That is the key to effective ministry. Going where and when He desires you to go. Stepping out in faith and seeing God open and close doors. He answers prayers as part of this process as well.

This book is definitely worth reading and may be used as a mirror in your own life. How is God wanting to use you? Are you willing to do what He calls you to do? 

I received a free copy of this book as part of the Booksneeze Blogging Network.

A Few Small Steps

The last few months here on the Ponderosa have been tumultuous, to say the least.

"Mr. Cartwright" continues to deal with his heart going into Atrial Fibrillation very frequently. The good news is he has medication to take when his heart rate gets too high and he is learning how to navigate through each episode. If he can keep calm, that's half the battle. We know it will pass within a few hours. We will go back to see the doctor in a couple of months.

On another note, look at this boy-man of mine! Can you see the smile? The contentment?  

                                  

After my visit last month he has done a 180 degree attitude change. I know his heart is happy, for mine is. We were able to talk through so much when I saw him. I can't help but think, "He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that we love him no matter what he has done or said. He knows we forgive him." Our telephone call yesterday was so positive. I asked him about his walk with the Lord. He responded with, "It's great!" Something I have not heard before. Will the journey stay here on the top of this mountain? Oh, I'm sure not, but I am so thankful for these baby steps he is making. There is a maturity I hear in his voice and words. Things like, "I'm learning patience and how to be a leader."

See his arm? This is a result of God's perfect plan for my "Hoss". The bull he and I will never forget.

 Do you remember this ? And, may I ask you to send me one, if you haven't for I have started this project and I know that God is working. In Him. And me.

Review - Faithful to Laura

Time for another book review. And again I was pleasantly surprised.


Every so often I have a hankering to read a work of fiction. In the past I have enjoyed many of the Amish series, due to the fact they do not have an overabundance of sensuality and romance.


Faithful to Laura, written by Kathleen Fuller, is a book about redemption, forgiveness and true agape love. Little did I know that this book would speak so deep into my own life. It follows the lives of two different families, one of whom is dealing with living the life of an adopted son, and another whose son left the Amish community and has now come back.  Both of these hit home. It begs the question, "Is forgiveness that easy?" It answers this question as well.


Yes, forgiveness is easy, when we remember how much we have been forgiven.


Kathleen Fuller does an excellent job of painting a picture of redemption in these people's lives. Though there is much evil and sin committed against others, the example that is given of freedom in forgiveness is awesome.


Others may read this book and be put out that "they lived happily ever after", but I say these are the pictures of how Christ expects us to love and forgive. 


This ultimately brings Him glory. That should be our hearts' desires.


As part of the Booksneeze blogging network, I received a free copy of this book.