Radiating

I firmly believe God puts us in specific places at specific times to be used to RADIATE His glory.    This week has been harder as I start to miss my 'family' & 'friends' in Missouri and wonder HOW LONG I'll have to wait for things to be resolved here so that Greg and I can move forward with our future.     I sometimes tend to get caught up in the tomorrow instead of living in the here and now, the following excerpt from Elisabeth Elliot's book 'Let Me Be A Woman' on pg 31 sums up perfectly of where my heart needs to be:

"The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived -- not always looking forward to as though the 'real' living were around the next corner.   It is today for which we are responsible.   God still owns tomorrow'

This week as Greg and I were having our ups and downs in regards to the current situation of our lives we were reminded of God's purposes being carried out.     Greg is sitting in the B block of the county jail which if anything allows Greg to have plenty of time to be in prayer, reading the Word, and reading various books.

This afternoon a man on his block - John - came up to Greg and asked him if he would pray for him.    He told Greg I see you praying, reading your bible, and sharing scripture on the phone and that's why I want to ask you something... 'Will you pray for my wife and I to have restoration in our marriage and for our two sons.'     A perfect example of Christ radiating through Gregory.    He was humbled today as he called me this afternoon to ask that I pray for them as well:  John, Amanda, Zach, and Obadiah.    A similar situation happened a few days ago with another man on his block who is also a christian.    Greg and him were able to connect in their common Christian brotherhood and encourage one another.

These things are great reminders that even though I hate that he's stuck in there, God's bigger and he's moving through this situation.   

Psalm 34:5 "Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy!"

I'm BLESSED here today as I reflect back on 2011, blessed to be able to be where I'm at and be able to sit back and reflect on all the answered prayers.    I have no doubt that 2012 will come with even greater Glory and Radiance as I seek to take responsibility for each day I'm given.

Happy New Year!



Patient Endurance

Well... I'm here in Fort Wayne!  Hard to believe that this is really HOME for me now, still pinching myself over that one.   This picture portrays my thoughts / feelings very accurately:  

'Seriously?"  

'I moved across the country because that's where I think God is leading me?   

'Am I crazy????'   

Psalm 143:10 "Teach me to do your will, for you are my god.   may your gracious spirit lead me forward on firm footing."

I pray that I am indeed following God's directions as I live my life because I want Him to be my GPS as I move about this Earth.

So - the nuts and bolts of what's been going on....   I officially arrived in Fort Wayne on December 17th, so i've been here approximately 7 days (minus a mini trip home for Christmas in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska).   I am living with Terri and Marty - 2 wonderful people who have graciously offered to allow me to live in their home with them for a few months.     I'm getting the royal treatment here ~ I'm still not sure how to react or respond to coming home to a home cooked meal and little to no responsibilities.    I've been so independent and self sufficient for so long, its hard to allow other people to do little things for me.     Needless to say, I'm being blessed by their warm hearts and generous spirits.     Their home sits in a retirement community, its a very nice home and I have my own fully furnished bedroom here.     It was an adjustment to go from a 3 bedroom house to a 1 bedroom with limited closet space, but less is more!    So far I've just been resting, relaxing, and hanging out with the family here.     Yesterday and today I worked on painting the girls bedrooms' at Greg's brothers house - you know me and my love for painting - so that has been fun.

Tonight has been my first opportunity to see Greg and it was a blessing.    Two minor incidents have arose in the past couple weeks that have Greg currently sitting in jail, so that was a huge blow to our original plans of being in support counseling sessions by now and having weekly visits together.   I do believe these minor setbacks are leading to something far greater, as we both feel like God is in control of this situation.   As long as Greg's heart is sold out for God and he is living his life with integrity, we both believe that good is going to come out of this situation.     I don't want to dive into details but just want to say that the judicial system is ridiculous.    The program Greg was in had some over the top rules, and because Greg stepped forward and accepted responsibility he was punished with time in jail.

One of my bestest friends made a comment too me a few weeks before I left Missouri about putting things in perspective between her current relationship struggles and my situation.   She said 'I didn't realize it, but I take for granted that I can see and spend everyday with my husband, and here I am complaining about not getting enough attention or time with him'.     The thought hadn't even crossed my mind of her situation compared to mine because for me this is reality, my face time with Greg is very limited.    I look forward to the day when Greg and I can have conversations longer than our restricted 15 min. phone calls, or scheduled visit times, but for now we endure this season patiently as we look forward to the future God has in store for us.

Revelation 14: 12 "Let this encourage God's holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus."

Revelations 12:10 "The people who are destined for prison will be arrested and taken away......But do not be dismayed, for here is your opportunity to have endurance and faith."

So I challenge you with this - What is God calling you to patiently endure?    How can He use you where you are at?   Look around you, someone needs you to shine the light of Jesus to them so go and RADIATE!