Saturday’s Question: ♪♪ a song for the soul ♬ ♬

7/14/12 What makes your soul sing? If you can only answer, "My soul sings when blessings come,” then that’s the wrong answer. Unless, you understand that blessings can "come through raindrops and healing through tears." (Blessings, Laura Story)

How do I know? I’ve experienced it---blessings can come through those hard places, the deepest pain and our greatest struggles. Sometimes that’s just hard to see when we’ve just begun the walk through that battle. In fact sometimes we aren’t even upright at first, just on our face, struggling to breathe and inch forward. But God……in his mercy is there. Sometimes it’s the prayer of a friend or a message from His word or maybe even song lyrics.

Lyrics---I just wish you could hear the melodious singing from our Ukraine leadership meetings-- Lyrics that can help your soul to sing, even in your hard place……

♪♪ I could sing of Your love forever…

Over the mountains and the sea

Your river runs with love for me

and I will open up my heart

and let the healer set me free.  (I could sing of Your love forever, Mercy Me)

♪♪And this is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved

Of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flames…. I will bring praise…. I will bring praise

…..All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship (The Desert Song, Hillsong)

♪♪The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes (10,000 Reasons, Matt Redman)

….as I listened and prayed for several of you this morning. Know I love you and so does God. He longs for your soul to sing once again.

♪Sing like never before

O my soul ♪(Ibid)

Are you singing?

“Fuel” Stop

 7/12/12 The sign on the old filling station caught my eye as I was in need of “fuel” for my body as well as refueling for my soul. An early appointment way out in the Raleigh area and a “jury” selection date downtown put the quietus on my quiet time intentions. No time for Him this morning.

“Do you like capers?” the waitress, from this mid-town restaurant, asked. I knew I was in the right place. “How about some white truffle Parmesan for those hand cut, double fried potatoes?” Definitely the right place.

I was really excited to come to such a feast and today I was equally excited about the table for one in a quiet corner---make that a “table for two”. He met me there! And what a feast it was! Fuel for my soul.

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS…….

7/11/12….We all know that old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That’s another way of saying, “make the most of those “bad” situations that life often sends your way.” Mary Poppins also added sweetness to life with “a spoonful of sugar.” That spoonful which helped us benefit from something which, on the surface, was down right stinky.

Often things that appear hard or bad can teach us valuable life lessons when we choose to learn from them. There are so-o-o many old sayings to help us through the “bad” spots. But……what about the good spots? The blessings?

In Cherkassy, Jordon Fichthorn wanted to make cookies to take out to the camp. Someone had blessed us with a chunk of chocolate, so Shirley got busy making chocolate chips, which are obviously a rarity in Ukraine. Chocolate. A good thing. A blessing. So where’s the adage for that?

My thought is…..”When life gives you chocolate, make chocolate chips; put them in cookies and share with others.”

It’s a pay it forward idea. Pass it on. Whatever phrase reminds you, just do it. Bless others as you are so richly blessed. It might come right back attcha in the form of a warm cookie.

Spreading Seeds: Spitting, Dripping or Sowing

7/10/12 Watermelon---a “southern exotic” fruit which I LOVE! Can one pass on a love for such a food in their DNA? Certainly little Lucy seems to have her southern grandmother's propensity for loving to slurp this sweet fruit. A quintessential pleasure of summer in the south or in Lucy’s case, on Long Island.

Her enjoyment, so obvious in this picture, “took me back” to times gone-by of sitting on the back porch step at 2211 with a wedge of “seeded” watermelon, (there was no other kind) slurping, dripping and spitting seeds. No doubt Lucy dropped a few small seeds herself. However, love of watermelon is probably not in one’s DNA any more than one’s spiritual inclination is. We all come to these on our own. But….someone along the way sowed a seed and each of us had our first taste of sweetness, be it of watermelon or the Lord. I hope to continue to provide watermelon for Lucy and all the grands when we meet in Florida in 10 days. But more than that, I hope to be the one to continue to sow seeds of faith in the lives of all 7 of their precious souls.

Having tasted and seen the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 34:8) I want to share all that sweetness, especially with those whom I love.

Hearkening

7/9/12 Today’s Jesus Calling entry stated that if one wanted to hear God’s voice, one must stop worrying so that His soft voice could be heard in the depths of one’s being. A discussion yesterday, with dear Christian friends, had us sharing about “hearing” from the Lord. One expressed clearly “hearing” God’s voice during a difficult situation. Others of us shared that though we had never heard audibly from the Lord, we sensed His speaking to us through His word, situations and other Christians.

The Jesus Calling entry concluded with a reminder of the importance of quieting our minds so that we could “think My (God’s) thoughts.” For me thinking God’s thoughts comes when I am meditating on scripture. That’s when He clearly speaks to me---through my mind with His own words. And I hearken unto His voice without audibly hearing from Him.

Free On-line Dictionary defines hearken as “To listen attentively; Listening implies hearing. So, have I heard from the Lord? Yes indeed. I prove this everytime I heed His words.

Bless the LORD, you his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word. (Psalm 103:20)

For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice…….don’t harden your hearts.* (Psalm 95:7) 

 *(as those in the wilderness who would not listen to the Lord, DAL)

Then while it is [still] called Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts….(Hebrews 3:15)

Hear and hearken, today, when you hear from Him---however God chooses to speak to you.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: UKRAINE BEAUTY

7/8/12  Scripture prayer was the focus of my time in Ukraine. It was my “prep” for the Lord’s work. Praying John 10:10 for my devotional times for the leadership, that the ladies could know the fullness of Christ in their lives so that a life of abundance would be theirs. Also, I prayed “my dance” verse for them, that all their hard places/struggles could be seen as blessing as they saw the Lord’s strength and sufficiency. (Psalm 30:11)

My “babies” team and my small group of Ukrainian women especially touched my heart during my week with them at Kompas Park. Several of them had shared their stories with me and I was drawn to pray for them. As with so many women, approval from others keeps us prisoners to what others think so I prayed for all of us to seek only God’s approval. But, I truly wanted the Lord’s words from scripture to become my prayers. I would encourage this method of prayer as one prays for others----whether for a day, a season or a lifetime, as God leads. It’s praying His words---His word according to Isaiah 55:11, that produces “fruit”.

so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Katya (l) and hubby, David, that their Kreativity ministry would continue to be a joint effort and bring glory to the Lord. “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalms 34:3)

Luba (R) Praising the Lord for her “joyfully expectant” news and that she would see children as a blessing from the Lord. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127: 3)

Tanya---As we share a similar struggle, & I know the value of Christian friends who listen and pray, I pray for such a friend for her……”but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

Masha (l) my traveling buddy, who gave of herself continuously for to those involved in ministry, especially to the Bute children---freeing Katya and David for the Lord’s work. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6: 9-10)

Ira (R) A beautiful wife and mother who gave unselfishly of her time to tend the babies of all the moms at the camp A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. (Proverbs 33:10-11)

Diana---That she will not only continue to sing God’s word (Psalm 119:72) but that she will see her true self as one beloved by Him and be all that He created her to be. “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. “(Psalm 139: 14)

Valya---Strength in ministry for this beautiful one who always had time and energy for kids---even those who cried “Mama” at first. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

Liza Col. 3:12-15---especially v. 12, that she would continue to daily clothe herself with the godly attributes which were so evident to me. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;”

Oksana(L)---my translator, who also serves as a pastor’s wife, I Timothy 1:12 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,”

Alena(R)---God’s direction for her, who with her husband is seeking the Lord’s will about a mission assignment in Germany, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20)

Inna---Praying God’s best as she raises her son and seeks God’s peace “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:114) May she filter all knowledge thru His Word.

Nastya---Praising the Lord that she seeks God’s priorities for her life, I pray that seeking Him first will give her needed direction. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Dancing in the Rain: An application

7/5/12 My morning devotionals for the leadership team in Ukraine dealt mainly with living a life of abundance (John 10:10) in the midst of a struggle. A hard place. A storm. Living a life to the fullest was labeled a dance. The dance steps were given that could offer a universal approach to answering those struggles. All humans have similar problems, especially women----they just take on different forms.

One of the quotes I wanted to share “left” me as I was speaking. I see it every day at home but was unable to retrieve it from the recesses of my mind.

So….this picture is for the Ukrainian women who are choosing to dance in the storms of life by choosing to learn the steps and applying them .

FREEDOM BIRTHDAYS

7/4/12 Today in America we celebrate our country’s birthday. A day of independence and freedom. Freedom comes at a great cost. There is often a battle so warriors need to continue to be honored and "founding values" need to be upheld.

Flags adorn storefronts and homes. Neighborhood’s have parades. Patriotic color abounds in our red, white and blue decorations and dress. It’s indeed a celebration.

Last week in Ukraine we too celebrated a birthday. Every Christian has a “spiritual birthday” and for one of our campers, it was her first. (John 3:1-7) An event worthy of celebration. A celebration of freedom. Freedom from the penalty and power of sin.

A gift is given. A gift of God’s peace for the present and assurance of life with Him in eternity.

At camp we honored the event with a cake and “happy” candles as we celebrated this spiritual birth of a sister. We celebrated her freedom.

Humili-TEA: a cuppa worth pursuing

7/2/12 Being a tea gal in a coffee world has its moments---many of which are disappointing. However, one of my most affirming moments in my last-minute decision to go to Ukraine was the revelation that tea, the hot variety, would be available 24-7. I’m sure that revelation seems pretty insignificant to most folks, but to me it shows just how personal God can be in his care for us.

Today's morning cuppa  jogged that memory for me and I spent time praying for my “new-found” Ukrainian friends. I thanked God for the privilege of being found faithful and put into ministry at Kompas Park  by Him.  In Ukraine, which I first considered uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8) because it was so far from my Memphis address, I felt at home---a home full of good neighbors---always reaching out and caring for you.  Neighbors of joy, unselfishness and love, united in Spirit and bound together by a single purpose: to know God better.

I was humbled by God’s goodness for me during those 12 days abroad. I was humbled by the acceptance of “hard places” by many of the women at the Mom and Me Camp. I was humbled by the generosity of time and energy that the Ukrainian leadership "babies team" used to benefit me. I was amazed at their “humility” reservoir.

HumiliTEA, needs more than just a sip or two. HumiliTEA is the cuppa all should drink deeply from because our Savior was humility personified.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:3-5)

I mulled over this scriptural definition of humility with my  cuppa at my fingertips. I encourage you to do the same!

As Isaiah 57:15 reminds us: God dwells with those who have a humble and contrite spirit and revives both the repentant heart and the spirit of the humble. Glory to God.

Слава Богу!   (For Ukrainian sisters) When I hear you praying this, it sounds like Slava bohja----but regardless of the language, may we all choose to glorify the Lord.

Glory to God who showed me more of Himself, through the humility in your lives, which I saw so clearly last week.

Humili-TEA---a great cuppa for us all!

Sabbath snapshots: Kompas Park

I’m back. I’m blessed. I’m “bushed”--- Bed Beckons. 

Will post Sabbath Snapshots: July 1 2012 soon. SORRY IT'S TAKEN SO LONG!
7/4***No Matter how hard I tried to put these PIX in order, the computer would not let me reposition. I numbered them for anyone who cares that there is an order.
So many pix that I am dividing entries. Today's are a partial overview of a camp day---Days always began with my "Dance" devotionals, exercise and breakfast and campers' room checks. Kids crafts and classes began while mom's had a spiritual message from Shirley followed by their craft times and master classes of cooking or massage lessons. Lunch and quiet time then small groups for the ladies while children were tended. 4:00 snacks of fresh fruit. YUM! More master classes on some days, supper and then "fun time" of skits and songs for moms and kids. 9:00 snacks of the BEST yogurt!
Not sure when "lights out" actually occurred because I was always in bed after our 9 pm "recap the day" leadership mtgs. while others continued on.

#9 Dima practicing sneezing a block off of his head after I had just sneezed it off of mine. Sneezing and laughter---universal in language

#4 Morning exercise at 8:30am. Participants from 14 mos. to 70+ enjoyed this "kick-start" to our day.

#5 Morning groups sectioned by age. Guess who was "blessed" with the babies (0-2)? Matthew was our youngest camper.

#6 Room ck for the campers----Oskar (age 18 mos.) and mom, Stacy, shared the bottom bunk.

#7 Neatness is essential when 4 families share the same room---with 4 bunk beds.

Dima learns the joy of the "sneeze" game.

#3 Back to the house with the day's pickings.

#2 View from my room--early morning gathering of the day's sustenance.

First rule I learned in Ukraine---Always remove shoes at the entryway of a home.

Ukraine sunset at Kompas Park. Nothing quite like it! Note scarecrow on right still keeping watch on the "necessary" garden.

Shirley's lecture on living under God's umbrella and organizing life's priorities accordingly.

Mom's small groups--- recapping truths and sharing insights from morning message.

Leaving our worries at the foot of the cross and praying for each other. Thanks to Pam Seymour for the button and a great "pre-camp" haircut.

SIDEWALK CHALK SAYS IT ALL!

Next Sabbath snapshots (7/8, if I have wifi in mtns.) will be of Ukraine Beauties. I met so many beautiful ladies. I can only share their faces but their hearts are beautiful as well.