Thursday, March 13, 2008

Daily Exercises of Faith

On this day to day journey God is so gently showing me my true heart. He points out how I am so quick to fear and rely on SELF instead of believing and trusting in Him. My focus is most always on the situation at hand instead of trusting His sovereign plan. Would you please pray with me, that the Holy Spirit will prompt me to trust and look to God instead of the waters all around me.
"When anxiety dominates and won't go away, I need to face the truth that my devotion is not being given to God with all my heart, soul, strenght, and mind but to SELF." - C. John Miller The Heart of A Servant Leader

Thank you for walking with us in this journey from day to day with your prayers and support.

Night Gown Gifts

At a ladies luncheon recently I shared my joy of giving to our struggling MTW Church Planting Pastor's Wives. I told of how excited three of these pastor's wives were to receive some polyester night gowns last year. It was right before our return to the States, which called for a reality consolidation. As I went through house hold items and clothes I realized polyester is too hot to wear in the Philippines. So along with many other already used/half used things, I gave away three night gowns. The precious Pastor's wives were estatic over so small a gift.

The day after my luncheon, a sweet lady approached me to see if I had room to take some of her deceased mother's night gowns back with me to the Philippines. My heart was deeply touched that she desired to share her mother's gowns with these Filipino ladies. She even wanted to send more clothes but of course our space is limited. I can't wait to return to give away six beautiful night gowns! I found myself so excited, anxiously wanting to see their faces light up like children at Christmas, yet at the same time wishing that the giver could be there to experience this joy of giving herself.

I praised the Lord for this precious woman's gift and I was reminded of our heavenly Father, the Giver of every good gift. My heart overflowed as I expressed thankfulness to the Lord just as Paul did in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 - "You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.... Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" This inexpressible gift of His Son is the gift that compels us to return to the Philippines and give joyfully.