STEADFAST!

I love my steadfast bookmark! 

Not only for its  beauty and "steadfast reference" to its biblical context of being firm, unwavering and resolute in purpose, but for me it's the verse included that speaks to my heart. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB95)--Therefore, my beloved brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord.

The verse is so memorable to me because it was given to me in in 1997 in a gymnasium in Budapest, Hungary. Cots were spread out for us to sleep on until there until we could leave to travel to Kővágóörs, a village of 900 inhabitants. We would be at Cornerstone House, near Lake Balafon to teach English as a second language. 

Wide open showers were  provided in the gym but not a single shower curtain. Not to worry..... as a "just in case" gal I had packed a shower curtain. Plus, friend Pam had sent a large jar of peanut butter with me & I became everyone's friend because I had American peanut butter

A gentlemen helping us unload asked if this was a first time mission trip on a foreign field for anyone.  I raised my hand. That's when he gave me the note with the verse to encourage me to "keep on keeping on" in the work of the Lord!

That verse continues to speak to my heart.

July 16, 2015

Patti Lauren Johnson 

January 4, 1951-July 16, 2015

Nothing bonds the household of faith together quite like serving the Lord side by side----and in this case, on foreign soil.

A 1997 mission trip to Hungary is how I first met Patti. My first trip, her third. She was the veteran, I was the newbie. I was frantic, she was calm. I only knew a few on the team, she even knew some of the Hungarians. None of that mattered, as I discovered, because....we, as members of the household of faith, were all in it together---to share, along with English lessons, the good news of the One who was the "cornerstone of our faith." Patti did it well. I followed.
Oh, what a team we were at the Cornerstone House in Kővágóörs Hungary!

1st row l-r--Cindy E. Suzanne C. Cynthia G. Patti J. (I stood behind Patti)
2nd row l-r Jane M. Bill B. Garland T. Mike H. and Steve C, our leader

Most recently, I have spent the last month with Patti as she walked the final days of her cancer journey. I was not the only one from the "household of God," who came to minister to her and that was encouraging to both of us.
When I was asked to speak at her upcoming funeral, I wondered what I would say about the life of this quiet, gentle, beloved daughter of the Lord. And then I knew----share what she taught me about both living and dying as one who remains faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22, ESV)

For Christ was the "cornerstone" of her faith.......from the day I met her, until the day He took her home---July 16, 2015.

Diversi-TEA

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,....(Matthew 28:19, KJV)

I have shared God's love in rural Hungary, the mountains of Mexico and by the river in Cherkassy, Ukraine. As I taught in those mostly remote areas, I was the one who learned so much. Probably the most.
A paraphrased childhood ditty encapsulates for me the truth of sharing God's love:

God's love in your heart wasn't put there to stay.
For God's love is truly His love when you give it away.

As I prepare to teach from 2 Timothy 4:1-8, I am learning the importance of sharing God's love through "heralding the word, in season and out" as a herald of His truth. May others "hark the herald" and learn.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)
We're a diverse world. One doesn't even have to cross the ocean to engage with "international" folks.

Where does one "go" in the world? Wherever God sends you. For me, it is going to be around the corner behind a lectern in a fellowship hall.
For you, it might be a your neighbor's doorstep---a great place to share love and a cuppa diversi-TEA.

GREETINGS from Cherkassy, Ukraine

It's Friday morning (June 22 here in Ukraine & son Buddy's 42 nd birthday!) Doh-brah-yeh oo-trah! (a phonetic good morning) So rested and ready to share the love of the Lord with Ukrainians! Campers. We go to set up tomorrow. Campers arrive before noon on Sunday or Monday. No longer having to lug around the (7) 50 lb. bag of supplies that the team brought for the camp, which will start tomorrow. Katya had prepared a lucious dinner for us and their lovely home is housing 5 of us til we leave for camp tomorrow. What a blessing this ministry is......(Philippians 2: 3-7)

DON'T DOUBT

6/19/12 Awake since 1:30 am---of course that would be like oversleeping in the Ukraine where it would be 9:30 am. 
Re-adjusted hot pack on my back. Took an Advil. Prayed for others. And then:

• Had visions of "squat" toilets; 
• began "repacking" in my mind since large checked bag is used to take camp supplies and carry-on for clothes for 12 days, drugs, toiletries, etc. is 17 lb limit-- since my EMPTY carry-on weighs 9 lbs, what's a gal to do---shop for a new bag or hope they don't weigh it cause they never have before;
• recalled info that all "trip" seats confirmed after Memphis for everyone on team---except me, 
• remembered out of town guest, pastor and his 2 kids from son's church, arrive at 7 pm tonight while packing clutters table and food still not bought; 
• considered ironing "crisp" $20 bills because I had folded them and that's a "no-no" in Cherkassy, Ukraine.

"You get the idea, I'm sure" is what I just emailed to Claudia and Terry, my faithful prayer couple.

Anxious thoughts continued whirring so I've been up seeking consolations from the Lord that would delight my soul. Seeking "light" through His word.

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19)

Ate oatmeal around 2:30 with cranberries for fiber because everyone has told me how important that is when you travel "long distances". Began a new list.
Waiting for the morning light to shine through my trees and remembering what I heard just yesterday---

"Don't doubt in the dark, what God has shown you in the light."

So-o-o don't doubt, Dots.

DO YOU TRUST ME???

6/14/12 “Do you trust me?” was the question “Unky” (aka Bill Gurner) would ask my kids as he held them at arms length off the ledge on the deep end of the pool. Of course, he would always let go---that was part of the fun of the game.

But this past year that question has taken on a more significant meaning. It all started when my friend, JoLynn related a tough situation and sensed that the Lord was asking her, Do you trust me in this, JoLynn? 

After that, for me, the word trust began “jumping off the pages” in devotional books, especially Jesus Calling. I began to mark each with a † in the middle of the u---as my reminder of the Lord asking, Do you trust me, Dotsy?

Yesterday, my “last minute call” to join the women’s mission team and leave in 6 days for central Ukraine moved from being willing to trusting. Not long after the wobbly knee-excitement and the unbelievable provision of a cleared calendar, needed RX and funds for a pricey airline ticket began to settle, the need for more trust surfaced. Even after all the clear indicators that my participation was God’s will, I needed more assurance.

Some folks asked hard questions---things I needed to consider, but not as fun as the thought of just going and serving. Even the ticker tape rolling across under the news was foreboding. Strains between Russia and US as military assistance was provided by Russia for Syria. Problems of violence at the Euro Soccer championship esp. between Russians and Poland---right near where we will be.

But God….in His mercy used prayers and provision of others to bring me back. God-centered. Daughter reminded me of how God knows me inside and out and this “last minute” (to me) decision was His way of alleviating weeks of worry (not spiritual, I know) because I have no time to worry----I just need to start packing.

Lots to do. Yes, but today I’m trusting* Him to work out the details.

*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. (Philippians 4:6-7)

WILLING??

6/13/12 “Willing”---that’s all I thought the Lord was asking of me. Are you willing to go? The going was to the Ukraine. The team was established but through some God-ordained circumstances, I had gone to the 2^nd team meeting over a month ago. While I was there, I sensed that God had me there to be “willing” to be a possible sub (a very weak sub) for Shirley W., the teacher for the women at the camp in central Ukraine because Shirley had some health issues. In fact, she was facing a series of tests the following week.

Shirley recovered and returned to her normal, enthusiastic, organized, Bible student, lesson preparer self. Willingness over. Lesson learned---so I thought. But God…..

Yesterday, a phone call alerted me to the fact that Jackie Z., one of the 5 ladies on the team was flying to D.C. to be a caregiver for her mother who had been put under hospice care. Was I still willing? Different scenario but same question of obedience. Prayed, asked hubby to pray.

This morning hubby said he was not comfortable with me going/flying that far alone. It seemed that most flights to that area were already overbooked because of the Euro 2012 Soccer Championship. So…door closed, I assumed.

But God.....Phone call revealed that a seat was indeed available. More prayer. Discussions ensued. God’s hand began showing mightily. (That’s a whole “nother” blog.)

Around 4:30 today, seat was booked. Willing became action---“uttermost parts of the earth” became Cherkassy, Ukraine. (Acts 1:8)

Unity embraces Uniqueness

9/10/11 Walking in the door to the Ukraine team's "report gathering," I was offered a cuppa by the team leader. What a surprise treat. Sometimes it's hard to be a tea drinker in a coffee world. Yet, this team leader remembered my preferences and though I was probably the only tea drinker there, I felt accepted, embraced even. Special, actually.

As the gals gave their report, I began to sense their own acceptance of the uniqueness of each other and of the ladies whom they went to serve on their recent mission trip. Unity ensued.

All those present today could see that unity. Unity among team members that extended beyond themselves to embrace all members of the Ukrainian team as well as camp attendees.

Their excitement was infectious as they gave example after example of the diversity that was the crux of the †rip. All languages, nationalities, and ages, mixed with believers and non-believers were valued. Differences in spiritual gifts of the team were recognized/accepted and shared with Ukraine women and children. Similarities of their womanhood were celebrated among leaders and participants as their diverse backgrounds and unique talents were applauded. What a trip! What a blessing for all involved---even those of us on their prayer team!

Kudos to Cathy, Graziella, Pam and Shirley for being the hands and feet of our Lord, traveling a world away, embracing uniqueness as a part of unity, while serving others the "cuppa" of their choice. How special the Ukrainian women must have felt!