May 21, 2009
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household." Ephesians 2:19.
God is taking me back to Africa! I lived there once. I was born there. I have family and friends there. I still sound like a South African even though I have lived in the United States longer than I lived in South Africa. I have an American passport and am considered an American. My husband calls me an "African-American!"
I have had a very hard time adjusting to the American culture. In fact, after thirty years, I still struggle to find my feet! I have been back to South Africa, and there too have felt to be a bit of a stranger, not quite fitting into the "new" South Africa. Caught between two worlds!
Twenty-seven years ago, however, something powerful happened to change my citizenship forever. I was born again, a spiritual rebirth that wiped the old slate clean. "Old things have passed away; behold new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17.
I am no longer a South African, no longer an American, I am called a Christian and heaven is my home. I am of alien status in this world, a sojourner passing through. Caught between two kingdoms! God is my Father, my Master, My King. I am a a child, a servant and a saint. Today I am His and "my cup runneth over!"
Never again can I be that same person who lived in South Africa 30 years ago. I can also never be the same person who came to America, "for I have died and my life is hidden with Christ, in God." Colossians 3:3.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Seashells
May 9, 2009
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.”
Philippians 3:7
Today I sold my beautiful glass bottle of seashells. Hundreds of shells, all hand picked by the kids and myself on our seaside holidays together. Now there is nothing but an empty space. I sold my “memories in a bottle” for a mere twenty dollars; to someone who had no idea how valuable those memories were to me!
As I grieved over the loss of my precious shells the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the parable of the “Costly Pearl” in Matthew 13:45-46. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it!” I remembered our last day of our last family beach holiday together when, quite by accident, I had discovered the most beautiful shell of all! I had waded out into some pretty rough surf and there glistening deep under the waves was a huge, perfectly formed, pure white shell! The biggest I had ever seen on Virginia beaches. It took several dives as the waves crashed into me before I got my fingers around it. It was perfect! All of a sudden, all those hundreds of other shells seemed plain, almost worthless, in comparison!
In preparation for our assignment in Africa we have had to put all that we own up for sale. Not only my beautiful shells, but all my beautiful possessions. Many hold precious memories of our family's lives together, each one has a story!
But Christ's story is even greater. His beauty far exceeds any of my earthly possessions. Give me more of Him, dear God, less of me. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7.
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.”
Philippians 3:7
Today I sold my beautiful glass bottle of seashells. Hundreds of shells, all hand picked by the kids and myself on our seaside holidays together. Now there is nothing but an empty space. I sold my “memories in a bottle” for a mere twenty dollars; to someone who had no idea how valuable those memories were to me!
As I grieved over the loss of my precious shells the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the parable of the “Costly Pearl” in Matthew 13:45-46. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it!” I remembered our last day of our last family beach holiday together when, quite by accident, I had discovered the most beautiful shell of all! I had waded out into some pretty rough surf and there glistening deep under the waves was a huge, perfectly formed, pure white shell! The biggest I had ever seen on Virginia beaches. It took several dives as the waves crashed into me before I got my fingers around it. It was perfect! All of a sudden, all those hundreds of other shells seemed plain, almost worthless, in comparison!
In preparation for our assignment in Africa we have had to put all that we own up for sale. Not only my beautiful shells, but all my beautiful possessions. Many hold precious memories of our family's lives together, each one has a story!
But Christ's story is even greater. His beauty far exceeds any of my earthly possessions. Give me more of Him, dear God, less of me. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Cheerful Giver
May 4, 2009
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32
Selling our home and its contents has been a real test of what I love most. Certainly, before I had to go through this process, I would have claimed that I love Christ more, but now that it is being required of me, I have found myself to be much like the man tossed to and fro........sometimes resilient and purposeful and other times doubting and resentful. Paul's words ring in my spirit. “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Realistically, I am only giving back to God what is rightfully His. If He purchased me with everything He has then surely, everything I have is His! Somehow, giving back to God what is rightfully His makes it much easier. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:8.
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32
Selling our home and its contents has been a real test of what I love most. Certainly, before I had to go through this process, I would have claimed that I love Christ more, but now that it is being required of me, I have found myself to be much like the man tossed to and fro........sometimes resilient and purposeful and other times doubting and resentful. Paul's words ring in my spirit. “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Realistically, I am only giving back to God what is rightfully His. If He purchased me with everything He has then surely, everything I have is His! Somehow, giving back to God what is rightfully His makes it much easier. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:8.
The House Sold!
April 8, 2009
“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:33-34
Today some people came to see our house. We have not put it on the market but instead asked our friend, Kathy (a buyer's agent who helped us find this house) if she had any clients who might be interested. She did, and they came. They loved the house! On the 18th they made an offer. It was not the amount we hoped for, but in this “economic crisis” it was a good offer, and besides, we knew that God had sold our house! Only He could make a house sell before it hits the market in this recession! The closing date works out to be the same time that we are able to move into the house in Connecticut. This is when the missionary family who are there now, will be leaving to go back to their home in Africa.
Now we must sell the contents of our home. I have many emotions as my garden was non existent when we moved in, and now that spring is here, all my hard labor is blossoming and blooming! We finally own everything, and now everything must be sold. I have set the house up like a shop, with sticky price tags on everything. My house is a mess, but perhaps that is good, because I hate a messy home! I would rather it was gone so that I can restore some tidiness back in what is now no longer my home!
“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:33-34
Today some people came to see our house. We have not put it on the market but instead asked our friend, Kathy (a buyer's agent who helped us find this house) if she had any clients who might be interested. She did, and they came. They loved the house! On the 18th they made an offer. It was not the amount we hoped for, but in this “economic crisis” it was a good offer, and besides, we knew that God had sold our house! Only He could make a house sell before it hits the market in this recession! The closing date works out to be the same time that we are able to move into the house in Connecticut. This is when the missionary family who are there now, will be leaving to go back to their home in Africa.
Now we must sell the contents of our home. I have many emotions as my garden was non existent when we moved in, and now that spring is here, all my hard labor is blossoming and blooming! We finally own everything, and now everything must be sold. I have set the house up like a shop, with sticky price tags on everything. My house is a mess, but perhaps that is good, because I hate a messy home! I would rather it was gone so that I can restore some tidiness back in what is now no longer my home!
Gracious People
March 26, 2009
“For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the raven for they neither sow nor reap, they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!” Luke 12:22-24.
Today Phil contacted a church (Calvary Chapel) in Canterbury Connecticut. They had mentioned in the current AIM newsletter “AIM Together.” that they had a free furnished house available for missionaries either on furlough or preparing to go on the mission field. That was us! This was exactly what we needed! Almost immediately they granted us permission to live in this home for up to one year! We could store our things there and even bring the furniture we could not sell! This will also be our home when we come back on furlough!
These gracious people have also welcomed us into their church family. Phil may just get to play on a worship team again! “But seek His Kingdom and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32.
“For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the raven for they neither sow nor reap, they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!” Luke 12:22-24.
Today Phil contacted a church (Calvary Chapel) in Canterbury Connecticut. They had mentioned in the current AIM newsletter “AIM Together.” that they had a free furnished house available for missionaries either on furlough or preparing to go on the mission field. That was us! This was exactly what we needed! Almost immediately they granted us permission to live in this home for up to one year! We could store our things there and even bring the furniture we could not sell! This will also be our home when we come back on furlough!
These gracious people have also welcomed us into their church family. Phil may just get to play on a worship team again! “But seek His Kingdom and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Are We Ready?
March 13, 2009
“Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” Luke 12:15.
Today we got confirmation from God that we are to go to Lesotho! My husband came home early. I know what it means when my husband comes home early. Even as the key turned in the lock, I knew what he was going to say. Yes, He had lost his job! We were now part of the economic crisis of 2009. Were we going to blame Bush or the democrats? No! For God had already prepared us three days earlier. He had come to get us – He had given us a job!
“But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?” Luke 12:20. We had finally reached the stage in our lives where we had everything. The cupboards were overflowing, the deep freeze was full. We had no responsibilities outside of our careers, and we had plenty of leisure time on our hands. We had always struggled financially in the past. I had not had a career in 20 years and had stayed home to home school our children. Through many engineering layoffs we had gone without, we had sacrificed. Now, we were well off, with no worries, simply coasting.....
Just the other night in our small group a young man had mentioned that he needed one more painting job to pay his bills. I remember thinking of the years that we had lived from paycheck to paycheck, barely scraping by. I only wish now, that I had given to him out of our plenty. I did not! I am so very sorry. This same young man approached my husband when he had lost his job and offered him one of his painting jobs to help us in our time of need.
God please bless this young man and his wife abundantly for instead of storing up treasures for himself, he was rich towards us. (Luke 12:21).
“Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” Luke 12:15.
Today we got confirmation from God that we are to go to Lesotho! My husband came home early. I know what it means when my husband comes home early. Even as the key turned in the lock, I knew what he was going to say. Yes, He had lost his job! We were now part of the economic crisis of 2009. Were we going to blame Bush or the democrats? No! For God had already prepared us three days earlier. He had come to get us – He had given us a job!
“But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?” Luke 12:20. We had finally reached the stage in our lives where we had everything. The cupboards were overflowing, the deep freeze was full. We had no responsibilities outside of our careers, and we had plenty of leisure time on our hands. We had always struggled financially in the past. I had not had a career in 20 years and had stayed home to home school our children. Through many engineering layoffs we had gone without, we had sacrificed. Now, we were well off, with no worries, simply coasting.....
Just the other night in our small group a young man had mentioned that he needed one more painting job to pay his bills. I remember thinking of the years that we had lived from paycheck to paycheck, barely scraping by. I only wish now, that I had given to him out of our plenty. I did not! I am so very sorry. This same young man approached my husband when he had lost his job and offered him one of his painting jobs to help us in our time of need.
God please bless this young man and his wife abundantly for instead of storing up treasures for himself, he was rich towards us. (Luke 12:21).
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