In hope

“And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

For this is contained in Scripture:  ‘Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone.  And he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed.’  This precious value, then, is for you who believe.  But for those who disbelieve, ‘The stone which the builder’s rejected, this became the very cornerstone.’  And, ‘A stone of stumbling and a rock or offense’; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the Word, and to the doom they were also appointed.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.  A people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” I Peter 2:4-9

“For people who are trapped in pain, or in a broken home, or in economic misery, or in fear – for all those people, for all of us, heaven promises a time, far longer and more substantial than the time we spent on earth, of health and wholeness and pleasure and peace.  If we do not believe that, then, as Paul plainly stated, there’s little reason to believe at all.  Without that hope, there IS no hope.”*

In the worst of the whirlwind of pain or challenge or confusion and despair, He is there holding us..always!

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:  

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Paul has additional health challenges to deal with.  Adrian is in the home of some very loving people for now, out of the hospital and learning to cope with all the changes in his life.  Pray for those who care for him, that the Father would give them extra grace and blessing.  David’s best friend passed away last week.  Pray for Jack’s family and David.  Please pray that Tim secures a disability pension now that he is unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Paul will heal in heart and mind and find the job where he can make the greatest contribution.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  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

Tolkien's Thoughts

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away; and there is no longer any sea.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

“‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.’ 

“And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’  And He said, ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’” Revelation 21:1-5

“JRR Tolkien invited a new work for good news:  “eucatastrophe’, and expressed it in The Return of the King, when Sam asked:  ‘Is everything sad going to come untrue?’

“’A great shadow has departed,’ said Gandalf, and then he laughed, and the sound was like music, or like water in a parched land; and as he listened the thought came to him that he had not heard laughter, the pure sound of merriment, for days upon day without count.  It fell upon his ears like the echo of all the joys he had ever known.  But he himself burst into tears.  Then, as a sweet rain will pass down a wind of spring and the sun will shine out the clearer, his tears ceased, and his laughter welled up, and laughing he sprang from his bed.

“’How do I feel?’ he cried.  ‘Well, I don’t know how to say it.  I feel, I feel’ – he waved his arms in the air – ‘I feel like spring after winter, and sun on the leaves; and like trumpets and harps and all the songs I have ever heard!’”*

How can any of us, no matter how developed or wild our creative imaginations, know the feelings we will have when all this journey is completed?  But we can know that God loves us and tends us as a shepherd tends sheep.  That is a miracle, now, isn’t it?

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:  

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Paul has additional health challenges to deal with.  Adrian is in the home of some very loving people for now, out of the hospital and learning to cope with all the changes in his life.  Pray for those who care for him, that the Father would give them extra grace and blessing.  David’s best friend passed away last week.  Pray for Jack’s family and David.  Please pray that Tim secures a disability pension now that he is unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Paul will heal in heart and mind and find the job where he can make the greatest contribution.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  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

How Gentle!

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.  Get yourself up on a high mountain,, O Zion, bearer of good news.  Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; lift it up, do not fear, say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’  Behold the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him.  Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.  Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arms He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” Isaiah 40:8-11

“We are given few details about that future world, only a promise that God will prove Himself trustworthy.  When we awake in the new heaven and new earth, we will possess at last whatever we longed for.  Somehow, from all the bad news, incredible Good News emerges – a good without a catch in it somewhere.  Heaven and earth will again work the way God intended.  There is a happy ending after all.”*

It is all so hard sometimes and you wish He would carry you when it gets hard and make all the bad stuff go away.  The truth is He never fails you and even now, He holds your hand.  Sometimes, like in the poem “Footprints in the Sand”, He carries you over the rough places.  And sometimes I think He carries us so gently we may think He’s not there at all; but the truth is, He never leaves us and He never forsakes us! 

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:  

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Paul has additional health challenges to deal with.  Adrian is in the home of some very loving people for now, out of the hospital and learning to cope with all the changes in his life.  Pray for those who care for him, that the Father would give them extra grace and blessing.  David’s best friend passed away last week.  Pray for Jack’s family and David.  Please pray that Tim secures a disability pension now that he is unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Paul will heal in heart and mind and find the job where he can make the greatest contribution.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  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

Weight of Glory

“And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  And God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ 

“Then God said, ‘Behold I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to everything that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food’; and it was so. 

“And God saw all that He had made and behold it was very good. “ Genesis 1:27-31a

C.S. Lewis wrote in ‘The Weight of Glory’:  “All the beauty and joy we meet on earth represent ‘only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.”*

God created all to be perfect for us; and then He gave us free will and waited.  You see God knew and as he put the finishing touches on the unique creation of man, that He would love them and yet many would never love Him in return...but, so great is His love for us, He knew that even one saved was worth 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:  

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Paul has additional health challenges to deal with.  Adrian is up walking with a new brace.  Please continue to pray for his carers and doctors.  David’s best friend passed away last week.  Pray for Jack’s family and David.  Please pray that Tim secures a disability pension now that he is unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Paul will heal in heart and mind and find the job where he can make the greatest contribution.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  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

Groanings Still

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. – For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.  And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

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.” Romans 8:22-28

“As Charles Williams said in The Image of the City, ‘Our experience on earth makes it difficult for us to apprehend a good without a catch in it somewhere.’  To a refugee or peasant, heaven represents a dream of a new country, a place of safety, a family reunited, a home abundant with simple things like food and fresh drinking water.  At some level, we all share such longings.  This world may be full of pollution, war, crime, and greed, but inside us – all of us – linger remnants that remind us of what the world could be like, of what WE could be like.  You can sense such longings in the environmental movement, whose leaders yearn for a world preserved in its pristine state; and in the peace movement that dreams of a world without war; and in therapy groups that try to reconnect broken strands of love and friendship.”*

A friend in Australia (when he was 18 years old) was in a terrible auto accident that left him in a wheelchair for life.  He found Christ many years after his accident and was in many of my Bible studies...a great friend, but Michael this week discovered he was near death with DVT (deep vein thrombosis).  He was rushed to the hospital and is home now, trying to discover new ways to deal with his “limited” life...knowing somewhere in all this God does have a perfect plan for his life.  Please pray especially for Michael as he readjusts his life to this new challenge.   

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:  Paul has additional health challenges to deal with.  Adrian began a 21 day course of chemo therapy yesterday and sent me a text to say the Lord was doing mighty things and that the carers are very gentle with him.  David’s best friend passed away last week.  Pray for Jack’s family and David.  Please pray that Tim secures a disability pension now that he is unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Paul will heal in heart and mind and find the job where he can make the greatest contribution.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  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

God's Gamble

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.  And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” Revelation 21:1-5a

“The Bible stakes God’s reputation on His ability to conquer evil and restore heaven and earth to their original perfection. – In any discussion of disappointment with God, heaven is the last word, the most important word of all.  Only heaven will finally solve the problem of God’s hiddenness.”*

Some days we all feel lonely or confused, in pain or distress.  You may even feel angry that the old “pie in the sky” promise doesn’t seem enough.  That’s OK, you know.  When you feel like this it is time to just rest in His arms and know not one tear of yours is missed by your loving Father.  It is God’s promise and He stakes His reputation on His amazing demonstration of loving Grace in the sacrifice of His Son so He could have you live with Him for Eternity!

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:  Adrian began a 21 day course of chemo therapy yesterday (see Deb Darley's LINK  if you want to know more about what Adrian is facing).  They also created a brace for him to stand up for the first time in a week and he praised God for 40 steps!  David’s best friend passed away on Friday.  Pray for Jack’s family and David.  Tim needs to secure a disability pension now that he is unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Paul will heal in heart and mind and find the job where he can make the greatest contribution.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  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

His reputation

[Jesus said] “’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.’” John 14:1-4

“Perhaps the best way to view the ending in Job is to see it not as a blueprint for what will happen to us in this life, but rather as a sign of what is to come.  It stands as a sweet, satisfying symbol, a solution to one man’s disappointment that offers us all a foretaste of the future.

“The promise of Job 42, then, is that God will finally right the wrongs that mark our days.

“The Bible stakes God’s reputation on His ability to conquer evil and restore heaven and earth to their original perfection.”*

“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 thinks 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 beyone what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:11-13

For those who have not visited the link to Deb Darley’s blog (in the prayer requests), Deb, coincidentally has the same rare form of cancer my friend Adrian has and has carefully documented the struggle she has gone through as a precious gift for us all.  He started a 21 day course of chemo therapy yesterday.  I’m sure this is where the rubber meets the road for Adrian’s faith.   What a privilege to serve him by holding him up in prayer.

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:  David’s best friend passed away on Friday.  Pray for Jack’s family and David.  Tim needs to secure a disability pension now that he is unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Carlton’s recovery from surgery.  For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Paul will heal in heart and mind and find the job where he can make the greatest contribution.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  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

True Faith Works!

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.  And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 

“And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

“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.” Romans 8:22-28

“True faith does not so much attempt to manipulate God to do our will as it does to position us to do His will. – Hebrews 11 pointedly notes that the giants of faith ‘did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.’”*

Romans 8:28 what the second Scripture I memorised.  When the world is in chaos around you, when you are ill or lonely or afraid...when nothing makes sense anymore, when you feel trapped or unappreciated or...even unloved...find this verse, my friends and feel the truth of His caring Word in your life!  You are never alone – especially when you are troubled.

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:   ?

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future.  For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had surgery, needs prayer that his body continues to heal.   For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in:  Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Paul will heal in heart and mind and find the job where he can make the greatest contribution.  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  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

command ME?!

“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him’ but the people did not answer him a word.” I Kings 18:21

“’No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon.  For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they?’” Matthew 6:24-26

“I say this with great care, but I wonder if a fierce, insistent desire for miracle – even physical healing – sometimes betrays a LACK of faith rather than an abundance of it.  When yearning for a miraculous resolution to a problem, do we make our loyalty to God contingent on whether He reveals Himself yet again in the seen world?  (In His mercy, God may answer a prayer of mixed motives – witness all the ‘Lord, if you only get me out of here...’ foxhole conversions, but that is for Him to decide, not us.)*

I wonder if we all, at one time or another, prescribe the “correct” answer to the Father when we are praying -- and if we do not get what we think is best when and where we want it -- at a minimum we may find ourselves asking Him the why questions.  Faith does not disappoint!  What sometimes disappoints is the solutions and the timing of the answers to our prayers.

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:   ?

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had surgery, needs prayer that his body continues to heal.   For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & revival for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  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

For Granted

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the men of old gained approval.  By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not make out of things which are visible.

“And what more shall I say?  For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Sampson, Jepthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteous, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.  Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mocking and scourging, yet, also chains and imprisonments.”  Hebrews 11:1-2, 32-35

“And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

“In a sense, our days on earth resemble Job’s BEFORE God came to him in a whirlwind.  We too live among clues and rumours, some of which argue against a powerful, loving God.  We too must exercise faith, with no certainty.

“Frankly, I doubt whether God feels any ‘obligation’ to prove Himself...He did so many times in the Old Testament, and with finality in the person of Jesus.  What further incarnation so we require of Him?”*

Many times, it seems easy to “take our relationship with the Father for granted”.  Think of those in the Old testament who never got to see the Promise fulfilled, yet their faith still inspires today.  Faith under pressures we are likely never to experience, yet they believed regardless.

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:   Pray for Jen who has lost precious friends recently.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had surgery, needs prayer that his body continues to heal.   For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  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. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  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

Knock! Knock...

“’Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.  Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone?  Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him.’” Matthew 7:7-11

“From God’s viewpoint, Job’s comfort was – however harsh it may sound – insignificant in comparison with the cosmic issues at stake.  The real battle ended with Job refused to give up on God, thus causing Satan to lose The Wager. 

“After that tough victory, God hastened to shower good gifts on Job.  “Pain?  I can fix that easily.  More children?  Camels and oxen?  No problem.   Of course I want you happy and wealthy and full of life!  But, Job, you must understand that something far more important than happiness was at stake here.’”*

Many people who DO wish to harm us for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes we forget that God’s desire is to love us and to have us love Him in return...so much so, He allowed His only begotten Son, to pay the price for our sin, so we could live with Him forever.  So He must love us and want the best for us...don’t you think?

“’For I know the plans that I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find me, when you search for Me with all your heart.’” Jeremiah 29:11-13

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:   ?

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had surgery, needs prayer that his body continues to heal.   For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Please do not get bored with this request:  Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  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. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  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

The Gardner?

“But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she beheld two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.  And they said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’  She said to them, ‘Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.’  When she had said this, she turned around, and beheld Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking?’  Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’  Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’  She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means, Teacher).”  John 20:11-16

“I have a hunch that God could have said anything – could in fact, have read from the Yellow Pages – and produced the same stunning effect on Job.  What He said was not nearly so imp9ortant as the mere fact of His appearance.  God spectacularly answered Job’s biggest question:  Is anybody out there?  Once Job caught sight of the unseen world, all his urgent questions went away.”*

Our Father promises to always provide a way for each individual to have the opportunity to “see” the reality of His Truth...it is up to them then to reach out for His amazing grace....or not. 

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:   ?

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had surgery, needs prayer that his body continues to heal.   For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  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. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  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

You first!

“’Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well.  But if you will not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands.’

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.  ‘If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.  But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’” Daniel 3:15-18

“...some readers point to the happy ending (of Job) as the final answer to disappointment with God.  See, they say, God delivers His people from adversity.  He restored Job’s health and riches, and He will do the same for all of us if we learn to trust Him as Job did.  These readers however, overlook one important detail:  Job spoke his contrite words before any of his losses had been restored. 

“He was still sitting in a pile of rubble, naked, covered with sores, and it was IN those circumstances that he learned to prise God.  Only one thing had changed:  God had given Job a glimpse of the big picture.”*

“And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, ‘Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me, yet not My will, but Thine be done.’” Luke 22:41-42

The principle of grace boils down to:  There is nothing you can do to make the Father love you less  and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you more.  Our actions do not manipulate God or His universe...only He does this.  His plan for my life and your life is so unique and precious.  And what is His goal:  To build us more and more into the image of His beloved Son.

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:   ?

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees) had surgery, needs prayer that his body continues to heal.   For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.

Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers in Japan, USA and New Zealand.  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 those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  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. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  I need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Galdor got a wonderful job!  Kimberly is home with her parents now.  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  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