Answers from the airport

Mom just called with an update. Everyone's bags were checked without any problems. Mom was really concerned (mainly because she is a Liles and we don't know how to pack light) that her bags were going to be too heavy. Well, she is happy to report her bags weighed in at 49.5 lbs (the limit was 50) and her carry-on was 17.5 lbs (the limit was 17.6). She also is happy to report she now has a confirmed seat on the flight from Dusseldorf to Kiev. This was really good news considering the agent in Memphis warned the group to not leave the international secured area because if they left the area they would be arrested and sent to prison. Mom is happy to now have confirmation (she likes her confirmation ahead of time). She wants you all to know she is rested, refreshed, and hopes to flourish (an answer to Aggie from France Psalm 92 prayer). I will keep you posted as I hear from mom, Molly

UKRAINE BOUND

6/20/12 UKRAINE BOUND---FLIGHT LEAVES AT 10:40 am. Headed to airport in 15 minutes.

HOORAY! HOORAY!! We’re on our way---our summer vacation (mission trip) begins today. That’s a Liles tradition so my kids will “get it”.

These verses and lots of prayers are "packed" and going with me!
Philippians 2:3-5, (team verse) John 10:10, Psalm 92

For updates on the trip, “my” Molly will blog updates as she receives them though contact will be very limited. For regular updates, in interested, you can send your email address to "Jennifer Baumer" <jenbaumer@gmail.com>, or If you do FaceBook check out the church FB page at FirstEvanUkraineTeam.

All prayer “donations” certainly appreciated by this old lady.

Excited and shaky----but God......is clearly in control for which I am so grateful.
Love to all---

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.

Pondering a Psalm

6/18/12  My meditation focus this year has been in the Psalms. It has not been daily, more like 5 a month. Psalm 37, my "fret not" psalm, is a long-time favorite---knowing that the Lord orders my steps along life's way. Along that way, it is He who holds my hand. Today’s meditation is on just one verse from that psalm. This verse was shared with me yesterday along with snippets of meditation from Through the Psalms with Derek Prince. It was sent by Aggie, a blog reader and missionary in France. I loved the encouraging note she sent with it:

As I took time in the Word this morning, Psalm 92 (one of today's Scripture readings in the liturgical calendar) is obviously for you, and I am praying it all over you now, and for the upcoming trip. YES, TRUST is the word.  Psalm 37:5, Commit - trust - and God will do the rest. 

It looks like Psalm 92 might follow as well because it addresses some of my concerns about my "last minute" (leave in 2 days) upcoming mission trip to the Ukraine. She understands my fears that my aging might affect my energy as well as present a few other difficulties.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do it: (Psalm 37:5, NASB)

The first two parts are mine. The third is God's. I "choose" to commit my way unto the Lord. (My way in any situation, need, or problem.) Next, I trust in Him. I love the idea gleaned from Derek Prince: Committing is my act; trust is my attitude; the action is God's, who will "bring it to pass." (KJV). (Prince, p. 68)

How blessed to "ponder a psalm" that was prayed "all over me" before I got out of bed, by a woman whom I have never even met. But God...........

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: from my back yard

6/17/12 Just a tour of my regular ole back yard that brings me joy---

Lack of rain has somethings a little droopy but a hubby who sees watering as therapeutic helps. Then as I took some pix a light rain began to fall.

Light and rain drops on my coral bell---a great combo

Flourishing gooseneck, transplanted from KY garden of high school chum, Winslow, a master gardener. Our friendship has flourished for over 55+ years.

Girl reading among the hostas---at any librarian's home, that's a perfect. combo.

Phlox standing tall by my new white fence---so glad I held our for "real" wood!!

Beth's "true for me quote" gift of an outside pillow for my "Me and Thee" chairs---but once the raindrops came, I took it in to my inside prayer chair.

Sad to Glad

6/16/12 Death Anniversary Days can put one in a somber mood, at best. My day started in such a mood---because one year ago today Daddy died. But God…..reminded me that every single day I was with Daddy, he “thanked the good Lord for everyday He gave Him.” He saw life as a gift from God’s hand and I should do the same.

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

My friend, Ashley Bryan, has told me virtually the same thing. Celebrate everyday as a birthday----a birth of a new day! Just last week, our mountain host, Larry Henize, shared that same philosophy. “Everyday is a great day; some are just better than others,” he said. A new lease on life--- daily wisdom from 3 men in their 80s.

"Uncle Larry" celebrating another great day in the mountains---just look at the reflection of those trees in the lake behind him.

Wow…..Do I live that way? Am I daily seizing all of life's moments which the Lord has given me? Does my life reflect such a thankful heart? Those are the questions I began asking myself on this “sad” Saturday.

Guess what? Gladness showed up.

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)

Happy 5th Birthday , Owen!

Children's children are a crown to the aged,...(Proverbs 17:6)

"His Way" for Meditation

6/11/12 The Red Sea Rules---a great little read with BIG truths. Today, Jamie S. recommended it to me during a summer refreshment book study. I bought it on the way home. I’ve already read most of it, but will read it again and again I’m sure. As our leader, Margie Andrews commented, “Everytime I find a great book, I want everyone to read it.” I so understand what she is saying.

Nestled in this book are also some gems of scripture that are worthy of meditation. Verses that remind one that God’s way is the only way through all the difficulties that life can seemingly throw our way. His way might be refuge or His way might be deliverance.

When you pray, keep alert and be thankful. Be sure to pray that God will make a way. (Colossians 4:2-3)

Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. (Psalm 50:15)