Creation

I love the weather we're having right now. It's overcast and drizzly, which does *not* happen often out here in Rancho Cucamonga. :)

Yesterday, Karis and I drove up to Mt. Baldy to go hiking and climbing on the rocks. We drove through the clouds and then above them and found a place where a stream rushes down the mountain over huge boulders, weaving in and out of tall birch trees. It's such a amazing place.

I'm a "worship God through nature" kind of person. I love looking at His creation and thinking about Him. And though I'm more of an ocean girl than a mountain girl, I do enjoy being able to get away from the urban sprawl of Southern California by going up into the mountains. It's quiet, peaceful, calm. Beautiful!

Partners

This past month, I have begun the process of raising monthly and one-time financial support. At times this seems a daunting task: partners who will support monthly for the next four years...it seems like a lot to ask.

But then thinking on it, I've realized that everyone is supported by others in some form. The teacher depends on the State, which gets its funds from taxes. The minister is supported by the tithes and offerings of the church members. The businessman is supported by the payments of clients. As a missionary, I just have a more direct connection to those who support the ministry and the 'service' provided goes to someone who has not 'paid' for it, but who needs it.

I've also realized (or reminded myself) that this is all for God. People give to His work, not mine. I'm the messenger, the go-er. The ministry is His and the support is to support and advance His Kingdom. It really is a partnership. You with me, me with you and us with God.

So, please pray with me that (1) I will keep my focus on Him and my heart in the right place and (2) that He will move hearts to become partners.

:)

Musings

My friend, Amy, a missionary in Tanzania, has again written amazing things about missionary life, Christian life, and living with purpose.

Musings on Missionary Life


Check it out!!!!!!

Believing God

I have just started the Beth Moore Bible study "Believing God" and I am sooo excited! It's about faith and believing God instead of just believing in God - hmm...interesting thought. How would we live if we honestly and completely believed the promises of God, believed what He says about Himself, about us, about the world?

She starts off with five Truths and asks us to review and meditate on these daily:
1. God is who He says He is.
2. He can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who He says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. His Word is alive and active in me.

Please pray with me as I go through this study...pray that my faith would grow!

the times they are a-changin'...

Several missionary friends of mine currently living in Tanzania have very interesting blogs. To understand a little more what Dar es Salaam and HOPAC are like, check them out. Enjoy!

Gil and Amy Medina: everyone needs a lil' Grace in their lives
Emily Wiarda: A Journey of Hope

How different it is being a missionary today compared with earlier times! 150 years ago, Hudson Taylor traveled by boat for more than five months before arriving in China. 25 years ago, communication was by letters and the occasional overseas phone call. Today, right this minute, I could buy a ticket to be in Beijing tomorrow and I keep in contact with friends around the world via virtually instantaneous text messaging!

I wonder what's next . . . !!