A Gracious Portion

Each morning during my devotion time I read a passage from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening. Perhaps you are familiar with the name. Charles Hadden Spurgeon was a great theologian and preacher of the late 1800's.

I'd like to share just a portion of this morning's selection based on 2 Kings 25:30: "Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived."

A daily portion is all that a man really wants. We do not need tomorrow's supplies; that day has not yet dawned, and its wants are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet; if we have enough for each day as the days arrive we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day is all that we can enjoy. We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day's supply of food and raiment; the surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. One staff aids a traveller, but a bundle of staves is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy. This is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this is ungrateful.

As I was lying in bed last night, as I do very often these days, again my mind was churning with thoughts of making a very life defining decision, taking early retirement. I cannot tell you how easily and often my mind drifts in the direction of self-sufficiency, dependence on "me" and "my"ability to provide for the needs of both myself and Steve. If "I" give up "my earnings" will we still be able to make ends meet? Will we still get to enjoy some of the "extras" that we've grown accustomed to and have come to think we "deserve"? (isn't that a scary thought)

When I read a passage like the one above and think how sad the Father must be when after all He has done for me, after all He has provided year after year after year, I still think He needs my help.

Then my mind goes back to last summer when God blessed me with the awesome experience of travelling to Bolivia and sharing Jesus Christ with those I met there. From the moment I stepped off the plane until the time I got back on to return home, I was constantly aware of how little the people "have" and yet how generous and loving and welcoming they are.

I remember well when Landon travelled to Kenya at the age of 15. The night of his return home we heard him lying in his bed sobbing. "How", he said, "can I lie here in this bed surrounded by more than I could possibly need when they have so little?"

Oh, Father, in the land of plenty, we have grown so spoiled and demanding. Continue to remind me that my existence, the filling of my needs, was never meant to be my concern. My concern is to love with You with singleness of mind and heart and allow you to be GOD in my life. You are "I AM" and I am not. Your word to me is to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness and all these other things will be added to me, in accordance to my need rather than my wants.

You, God, are faithful, loving and true.

The day is dawning . . . . . Memento Vivere!

Joy in the Midst of Grief

This past week another tragedy claimed the life of a young teenager just turned 16 with seemingly all of life before her. However, for many, immeasurable grief is mingled with joy and peace in knowing that there will one day be a great celebration with family and friends, once again embracing this one who has gone on before. Yes, she will be there to greet them with a smile and a glow brighter than they could have ever imagined!

How do I know this? Because eight short years ago she was introduced to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as her personal Lord and Savior. Not only did she make her decision public and follow Him in believers' baptistm but she also became a living testimony to His Lordship, serving Him in her church, being an ambassador for Him among her friends and family, and sharing Christ with others through various mission efforts.

The story of this young girl touches me personally because I had the privilege and blessing of serving on the leadership team of the GA Camp at which she became a Christian. Did I have a direct impact on her accepting Jesus Christ as Savior? Yes, I think so. And so did every person who played a role in that camp from those who cooked our meals, to those who served on the staff at Camp Copass, to every volunteer who served in mission and Bible study and planned recreation, to the church counselors who gave a week of their time to bring their girls to camp.

While planning and working GA Camp, especially the actual week of camp, is probably one of the most physically, mentally and emotionally taxing things I have ever done, hands down, it's also one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. To think that in some small way God could use me as an instrument in impacting the eternal destiny of another is both amazing and beyond my understanding.

Father, thank you that in your infinite wisdom and by your perfect design, you work through those whom you have called. I thank you that even in my own life you used pastors, Sunday School teachers, friends and family to teach me about you and call me to yourself.

May all those who call you Lord be faithful in proclaiming that you are King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and our only hope for eternal life.

Just call me "Nan"

Many times I tried to imagine what it would be like to hear the words, "You're going to be a grandmother!" but nothing ever came close to the joy that washed over me this past Saturday as Denea and Jake told us they are pregnant.

Oh, my goodness the power a baby has over people (even when it's yet unborn!). Immediately Steve and I were speaking to Denea's tummy introducing ourselves!!

The happy couple will have their first Dr. visit today so hopefully we will have a target "due date" to share.

I received the sweetest phone call Monday evening. As I answered this precious little 4 year old voice said, "I hear your going to be a grandmother!" It was Parker, my great-nephew. He is such an awesome little guy and such a joy! He's promised me that he will come over and read stories to our grandbaby and teach him/her how to play with toys!


Memento Vivere!