Pie - Now & Then

“At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.  Yes, Father, for thus it was well-pleasing in Thy sight.

“’All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father, nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

“’Come [therefore] to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden [now], and I will give you rest [now].  Take My yoke upon you [now], and learn from Me [all your life], for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls [now].  For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:25-30

“It’s a matter of time, Paul says.  Just wait:  God’s miracle of transforming a dark, silent Friday into Easter Sunday will someday be enlarged to cosmic scale.

“’Though thou with clouds of anger do disguise Thy face; yet through that mast I know those eyes.  Which, though they turn away sometimes, they never will despise.’ John Donne, ‘A Hymn to Christ”*

Every day we have new experiences and feelings to consider that help us realise our utter dependence on our salvation and the gracious, amazing gift Jesus offered to us and how it changes our lives for now and for then...it is the foundation of our choices.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan (and the issues of nuclear disaster there), and floods in New Zealand and Queensland; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve.  For Elaine.  For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might also find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book!  Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Stuck Like Superglue

“Who shall separate us from the LOVE of Christ?  Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Just as it is written, ‘For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who LOVED us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, no height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’” Romans 8:35-39


“That well-known passage [Romans 8:28} is often distorted [misquoted/mis-remembered on purpose].  Some people interpret its meaning as ‘only good things will happen to those who love God.’  Paul meant just the opposite, and in the very next paragraph he defines what ‘things’ we might expect:”*


We are held in His arms through it all!


Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
 
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  


For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
 
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.


For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!


OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan (and the issues of nuclear disaster there), and floods in New Zealand and Queensland; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve.  For Elaine.  For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]


ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might also find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.
 
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book!  Reg for his ministry and patience.
 
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Triumph for Certain!

“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  Therefore let him who things he stands take heed lest he fall.  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:11-13

And we KNOW that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”  Romans 8:28-30


“Easter Sunday shows that, in the end, suffering will not triumph.  Therefore, ‘Consider it pure joy.”  Why rejoice?  Not for the masochistic thrill of the trial itself, but because WHAT God did Easter Sunday on large scale, He can do on small scale for each of us.  The afflictions addressed by James, Peter and Paul would likely have ignited a major crisis of faith in the Old Testament.  But New Testament writers came to believe that, as Paul expressed, ‘All things DO work together for good.’”*

But why?  Well that is simple and so profoundly complicated for us to imagine:


“’For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.’”  John 3:16

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
 

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan (and the issues of nuclear disaster there), and floods in New Zealand and Queensland; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve.  For Elaine.  For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might also find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.
 
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book!  Reg for his ministry and patience.
 
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

3rd Degree Hurt

“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He has told him, ‘Before a cock crows today, you will deny Me three times.’  And he went out and wept bitterly.

“And the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him, and beating Him, and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, ‘Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?’  And they were saying many other things against Him blaspheming.


“And when it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, tell us.  But He said to them, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a question, you will not answer.  But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of power of God.’  And they all said, ‘Are You the Son of God, then?’  And He said to them, ‘Yes, I am.’”  Luke 22:61-70

“The three-day pattern – tragedy, darkness, triumph – became for New Testament writers a template that can be applied to all our times of testing.  We can look back on Jesus, the PROOF of God’s love, even though we may never get answers to our ‘Why?’ questions.”*


I don’t think the nails hurt Jesus as much as Peter’s denial.  Do you?


Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
 
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  


For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
 
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.


For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!


OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan (and the issues of nuclear disaster there), and floods in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve.  For Elaine.  For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]


ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might also find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.
 
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book!  Reg for his ministry and patience.
 
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
  

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Assuring Perspective

“’Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And you know the way where I am going.’
“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:1-6

“The three-day pattern – tragedy, darkness, triumph – became for New Testament writers a template that can be applied to all our times of testing.  We can look back on Jesus, the proof of God’s love, even though we may never get an answer to our ‘Why?’ questions.”

We don’t get our way to always know what the Father’s plan is.  Sometimes we do realise it after we have walked through a puzzling, seemingly senseless and unnecessary situation.  Looking back is an assuring perspective.  Think of how many “Why” questions have been answered later, sometime years later!  It is one of the blessings of a good memory or keeping a journal – so you remember well the times you thought you could not survive - that you did -- and how you can SEE God’s hand at work in those “mysterious ways”.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
 
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
 
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan (and the issues of nuclear disaster there), and floods in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve.  For Elaine.  For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might also find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.
 
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book!  Reg for his ministry and patience.
 
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
  

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Some Good Reasons

“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish,

“in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

“that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;” Philippians 3:7-10

“Therefore, ‘Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds,’ writes James, ‘while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials,’ writes Peter; and ‘we also rejoice in our sufferings,’ writes Paul.  The apostles go on to explain what good can result from such ‘redeemed suffering’:   maturity, wisdom, genuine faith, perseverance, character, and many rewards to come.”*

Even if all you ever know in your walk with Christ is that you are loved in your darkest moment regardless of your works -- that you never carry your burdens alone – that Someone DOES understand  – that there is a PERFECT Plan in action around you --these can sustain you through the deepest valleys.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
 
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
 
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  For the ongoing difficulties in Japan after the earthquake and Tsunami, where issue of a nuclear disaster continues; and especially for the thousands of volunteers continuing to battle tirelessly to help others restore their lives.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and floods in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve.  For Elaine.  For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might also find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.
 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book!  Reg for his ministry and patience.
 
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
  

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

True Triumph!

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.  For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the Gospel, you are all partakers of grace with me



“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!  Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men.  The Lord is near.  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, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”   Various from Philippines

“And Easter Sunday shows that, in the end, suffering will NOT triumph.”*


Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
 
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  
 
For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
 
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  For the ongoing difficulties in Japan after the earthquake and Tsunami, where issue of a nuclear disaster continues; and especially for the thousands of volunteers continuing to battle tirelessly to help others restore their lives.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.


For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!
 
OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and floods in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve.  For Elaine.  For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]
 
ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might also find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.
 
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book!  Reg for his ministry and patience.
 
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
  

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Yet Some Doubted

“And behold Jesus met them and greeted them.  And they came up and too hold of His feet and worshipped Him.  Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they shall see Me.’
“Now while they were on their way, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.  And when they had assembled with the elders and counselled them together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, ‘You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we were asleep.’  And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.’
“And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.

“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.  And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some were doubtful.” Matthew 28:9-17

“The apostles’ faith, as they freely confessed, rested entirely on what happened on Easter Sunday, when God transformed the greatest tragedy in all history, the execution of His Son, into a day we now celebrate as Good Friday.  Those disciples, who gazed at the cross from the shadows, soon learned what they had failed to learn in three years with their leader:  When God seems absent, He may be closest of all.  When God seems dead, He may be coming back to life.”*

I’m confident this passage about doubt in the hearts of Jesus’ precious disciples is there to sooth us.  You see God even knew we would have doubts sometimes and He can conquer them all.  Just look up!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
 
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
 
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  For the ongoing difficulties in Japan after the earthquake and Tsunami, where issue of a nuclear disaster continues; and especially for the thousands of volunteers continuing to battle tirelessly to help others restore their lives.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and floods in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve.  For Elaine.  For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might also find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.
 
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book!  Reg for his ministry and patience.
 
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

In HIM !

“IN HIM, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed IN HIM with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth.

“IN HIM also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

“IN HIM, you also, after listening to the message of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation – having also believed you were sealed IN HIM with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:7-14

“In my study of the Bible, I was struck by a radical shift in its authors’ attitudes about suffering, a shift that traces directly back to the Cross. When New Testament writers speak of hard times, they express none of the indignation that characterised Job, the prophets, and many of the psalmists. They offer no real explanation for suffering, but keep pointing to two events – the death and resurrection of Jesus – as if they form some kind of pictographic answer.”*

There is no hope in any other – just IN HIM! Think on that this week.

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: For Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches. For the ongoing difficulties in Japan after the earthquake and Tsunami, where issue of a nuclear disaster continues; and especially for the thousands of volunteers continuing to battle tirelessly to help others restore their lives. For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time. What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: For those restoring their lives after the earthquakes and floods in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve. For Elaine. For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup. Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might also find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia. Galdor is still searching.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better. They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving. Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book! Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Awesome Hope!

"And they came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, ‘Sit here until I have prayed.’ And He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, ‘My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.’


“And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying, ‘Abba! Father! All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me; yet now what I will, but what Thou wilt.’” Mark 14:32-36

“In one sense, God tied His own hands in the wager over Job; in the most literal sense, He let His hands be tied the night of the Crucifixion.”*

Do not take offense, but as I thought about the passage of Mark, another passage from Mark sprang to mind:

“And Jesus said to him, ‘If You can! All things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, I do believe, help my unbelief.’” Mark 9:23-24

No one can speculate how Jesus must have felt that night, but what faith and courage and strength and resolve it took to be obedient...obedient to the point of a death He well knew was in His future...yet THAT is how much He loves you! And that is what the word Awesome was invented for!

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: Tim, my brother, was rushed back into the hospital yesterday and is better today. For Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches. For those devastated by the amazing power of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, where issue of a nuclear disaster continues; and especially for the thousands of volunteers tirelessly battling unbelievable scenes to help others restore their lives. For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time. What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: For those dealing with aftermath of the earthquake in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve. For Elaine. For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup. Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might also find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better. They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving. Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book! Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Who WAS Hurt?

"These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son that the Son may glorify Thee, even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life.

“And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent. I glorify Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do. And now, glorify Thou Me together with Thyself, Father, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was.” John 17:1-5

“I think again of Richard’s comment, ‘All I can say is that Job paid one hell of a price just to make God feel good!’ He was thinking of Job sitting in the ashes, scratching his sores. But as Richard said those words I was thinking of Jesus, hanging on a cross, unable to reach His wounds. I had to agree – it WAS a hell of a price to pay." *

Put yourself in Jesus’ “sandals” as He is praying the prayer above. Do you imagine for a moment that Jesus hoped that all He had accomplished was enough? Do you imagine that somehow He hoped that was going to be all He had to do?

Imagine what Isaac was thinking as he accompanied his father up the mountain. God has a plan in EVERYTHING and many times we never have a clue what is happening around us for others in His plan.

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: Tim, my brother, was rushed back into the hospital yesterday. For Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches. For those devastated by the amazing power of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, where issue of a nuclear disaster continues; and especially for the thousands of volunteers tirelessly battling unbelievable scenes to help others restore their lives. For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time. What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: For those dealing with aftermath of the earthquake in New Zealand; especially Adrian & Jo & Steve. For Elaine. For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup. Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might also find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving. Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book! Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey