8 Days to Go

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
from the song "Great is Thy Faithfulness"
written by Thomas Chisholm and music composed by William M. Runyan

In just eight days, I will be leaving to go to Thailand. In three days, our two older sons will also leave to work at a Christian camp in Dryden, Ontario. Between their leaving and mine, our packing up of our things in the house, my online course homework, blog postings, doing the day-to-day stuff, and saying our “goodbyes” to family and friends, it’s been an exceptionally BUSY few weeks. There are days when I don’t know if my energy will get me through the day. My only constant is the Lord who has been so faithful in helping me and in carrying me through each day.

A few weeks ago, I posted about the Lord pouring out His blessings on us. I entitled it “All in Place” because of our son’s prayer then. I might have given the impression that there isn’t anything that is a cause of concern. On the contrary, the following are just three questions that we pray about for answers:

- Where Evan and Eric will live after they get back from the Christian camp in early August. There is talk about Evan sharing a duplex with his two cousins. For that to happen, all three of them need jobs. Eric hopes to also stay with Evan until he leaves for college in the fall. Our prayer is for Evan and his cousins to find jobs and a place to live in.

- I will be on my own in Thailand until the rest of my family join me in early August. I was looking forward to being kept company by our cocker spaniel “Fudge”. Last week, we found out that she was bitten by either a toad or snake and had an allergic eye reaction. Her one of two eyelids had to be surgically removed which resulted in her left eye being partially or totally blinded. I am grateful that she’s alive but am praying that her healing and adjustment to her condition will go well for her. I wonder about how we’ll do living together and what life looks like with just her for company.

- My parents presently have a caregiver that takes care of them 5 days a week. I’d been going there to look after them the other two days. I’d been more than willing to look for my replacement after I go but my 91 year old diabetic father insists that he’ll be fine with just my 88 year old mom who has Alzheimer’s. My mom being agreeable and cooperative will greatly affect how they will do,

We don’t have answers yet until we get there but our loving and good God is surely, already at work. My brother and his family were here for supper yesterday. As they were leaving, they offered their place for Evan and Eric to live in after returning from camp. My sister-in-law and their two daughters will be away for a few weeks so they’ll have room. I wonder how many more ‘just by chance’ scenarios we’ll hear and recognize as answers to the above?

Yesterday was my last Sunday at our sending church, FBCM, who happened to be celebrating their 35th Anniversary. As I sat there during the service, I wondered how I could say “goodbye” and thank everyone for their prayers and the church’s support of our ministry since we became missionaries 13 years ago. We were at a different church the week before so we were unaware of their day’s program. All of a sudden, the microphones were opened up for anyone to give thanks for anything! Just like that, I had my chance to speak and to thank the church for being there for us since Day 1.

And just like that, the Lord will keep providing answers and be our constant help. He continues to bless us and is our source of strength. I know He will keep doing what He does until I get on that plane and I also know He will be just as kind to me when I get there. Our forever reliable, loving Papa God, we thank you, for not ever changing like shifting shadows. Love you!

23 Years and Counting

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has passed away, behold the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17

Last Wednesday was a special and significant date for me as it was my 23rd spiritual re-birthday. The day itself was different from all the other re-birthdays because for the first time in many years, I actually (my phone reminded me) celebrated the day. I was able to share communion with our sons and covenant with them to speak into my life if at any time in the future they find me straying from the Lord’s ways and becoming unfaithful to Him. Before them, I also acknowledged that accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior and inviting His Holy Spirit to live inside of me was the best decision I’d ever done in my life.

I can still remember May 16, 1989 like it was just last week. I was part of a lunch Bible Study at work and the leader invited me to pray to accept Jesus as my Savior. I thought about it and didn’t think the process would harm me as I already believed in Jesus. I prayed to Him then, asking Him for all kinds of help in whatever trouble or dilemma I found myself in. I also read my Bible every night. I even periodically attended a service at the church next to our work place. That’s where my officemate saw me and thought to invite me to join their group. I wiggled my way out of joining them but he persistently asked me until I ran out of excuses not to. Since I read my Bible regularly and attended church every Sunday, I thought I'd join them and teach them what I knew about the Word. Instead, I was puzzled by them when I first attended their study. They were so earnest and sincere in applying whatever they read and studied, into their lives. In my nightly Bible reading, I never once thought to do the same! Needless to say, I was the one who ended up learning a LOT!

I don’t recall that I felt anything during and after praying. However, after that time, I became convinced that God was watching me. It was as if I suddenly became aware of Him with me. Come to think of it, it was very true! Because of that awareness, I could no longer cheat on my income tax filing nor take anything that didn’t belong to me. I used to rationalize my wrong actions as correct but it no longer worked. I gave back extra change and my white lies stopped. What was most surprising was that after I said the prayer, I could no longer willfully do anything that I knew would grieve God. I knew He didn’t like my sins and I actually began to care about what He thought. I prided myself on being

religious but since then, I didn’t want to go through the motions about anything. I didn’t want to just do right for the sake of doing it. I did right because I cared about what He thought of me.

I am so glad I became His follower. Life became much more interesting and exciting. I still had problems but I no longer had to agonize over them. He's always there to consult with and to tell me what I should do. Life is truly better with Him in you. If you’re reading this and He’s not your Lord, please invite Him into your life. You will never regret it. He loves you and already died for you. What won’t He do for you? Furthermore, there is no other God with an incomparable love like His. Obedience and belief in Jesus results in salvation and eternal life. What could be better?

No one really knows about my spiritual re-birthday except God and me. I’d even been forgetting to celebrate! I’d always remember after the date is over. I was so amazed then when a card arrived by post and it was from a friend who greeted (?) me for my birthday (which is in August!). She sent money. She told me to never give up on my dreams. She thought she greeted me in advance for my birthday. I know better. =) The Lord, who remembers all we do, prompted her to send that to me to bless me. Life will be just as exciting for you as it’s been for me since that glorious day. If you haven’t yet, it’s probably time to invite Him as your Lord and Savior. You’ll be glad you did. =D

Mother's Day

We do not know what to do,
but our eyes are upon you."
2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV

This past week-end was particularly special because Evan graduated from Houghton College in western New York on May 12, 2012. He finished his BA degree majoring in English and Writing with a minor in Psychology. We attended his baccalaureate and commencement exercises which were both God honouring. They also had a talent show called "Spot" which we enjoyed watching because Evan not just danced but performed two well received funny skits with his friend Luke. To say Evan was blessed and truly thrived in his last four years at Houghton College is an understatement. We are grateful. =)

Part of the seniors’ verse was the above which served to remind us of where we find ourselves sometimes with regards to what we need to do as we prepare to go back to Thailand. We get stumped and feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do, BUT, our eyes are fixed on Papa God as He’s the only one who can see us through our situations and help us.

For Mother’s Day, we went over to my parent’s house and celebrated with our extended family. It was good to just hang out and be with loved ones. Above is a picture with my mother and sisters-in-law. There are other mothers in the family (2 more sisters-in-law and 2 sisters) but they are not in the picture.

As mothers, what a wonderful privilege we had/have in bearing, giving birth, loving, nurturing, playing with, disciplining, coaching, advising, and eventually letting go of our children. They do grow up so fast! Moms, let's enjoy them while they're around.

Happy Mother’s Day!

A God Who Pampers

pamper – to treat or gratify with extreme or excessive kindness or care.
from Dictionary.com

Just over a week ago, I visited with two close friends while we sat in our living room. We chatted for a bit and then ended our evening praying for one another. It always blesses me when I pray for and with people. Prayer times become even more special when I pray with and for people I care deeply about like family and friends. If, during prayer, I begin to have a sense of what the Lord specifically wants to say to the person I’m praying for, or God reveals something about Himself, then that time of prayer becomes extra spectacular. That’s exactly what happened that night.

I should first point out that during that week, I felt extremely blessed. The majority of the reasons can be found in the posting last week (All in Place) but on top of those, many other events happened. My friend was here visiting from Wales so I took the time to take her shopping. We went several times and at places I wouldn’t ordinarily go to. The intention was for her to shop but I ended up with the entire shopping I wanted to do before going back to Thailand. I don’t particularly like shopping so it was a treat for me that I actually enjoyed it and that it happened without much effort. My friend being here was already a blessing. Being able to do what I needed to do while spending time with her made it doubly special.

I was able to take my parents out for a drive to enjoy the lake and the bluffs. My 90-year old father doesn’t usually want to go anywhere so it was a gift to me that we were able to spend time together. What a blessing it was!

Last week, the Business class of the seniors at the school where Eng volunteers put together a fund raiser luncheon for us. It was well organized and quite enjoyable. The friends we invited also said they were blessed to be there. The food was excellent and many people attended. To top it off, the event raised quite a bit of money which allowed for us to get our financial clearance to leave for the field. We didn’t expect any of that attention and fuss but the Lord was very kind to let it happen. Later in the day, the students and their teacher ate at our house so we were able to thank them and pray for the Lord to bless them. We can’t repay them but we knew God would!

That same night, I was quite concerned about my friend but she allowed herself to be vulnerable and related what she was going through. Seeing what the Lord was doing in her life made all my concerns vanish. She left quite elated after our prayer time and my understanding heart felt just as good.

I have more I could share but suffice it to say that I just felt the Lord pouring His goodness on me. While my friend prayed, my heart was overjoyed and I asked the Lord, "Why? Why are you so good to me?" That’s when my eyes fixated on the box in the corner of the room. As if He laid it on my heart, I now know that it is because He is a God who pampers. He is just too exceedingly kind. And why He would talk to me through a box of diapers is beyond me! =) It’s just the way He is. What a God we have!

The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3

All in Place

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us – yes(!) …
Isaiah 63:7

This past week, we managed to pray as a family and one of our sons thanked the Lord for everything falling into place. That’s exactly what is happening. As I write this, so many exciting and miraculous events have transpired in our lives.

We came back to Canada to reconnect with supporters and family but with the intention of returning to Thailand to continue the work we were called to do there. We just found out that our mission group has given us our financial and medical clearance to go. We praise God. We are all healthy and we have the funds we need to leave.

We had several questions with regards to Evan and Eric and where they’ll be after we leave. Evan is graduating in two weeks and will look for work here. Eric is returning to school in the fall and had been looking for work. Both are now set to leave for a Christian camp north of Dryden, Ontario. They will work there as camp counsellors from June to August. The camp is run by volunteers and the camp’s counsellors usually raise their own funds to live and work there. In our sons' cases, one of our supporters generously offered to not just pay for their living expenses but to generously give money to them so that at the end of their time there, they’ll have earnings. The first time we heard the proposition; we all looked at one another and wondered why anyone would want to do that. We realized it could only be God and prayed for them to be accepted. Last week, they were notified of their acceptance.

On the right is Evan with his housemate and Ethan who at the moment seem to want to be just like Evan.

Evan was blessed by not one, but two awards, for his studies at his college. Recommended by their college's faculty, he made it to the list of 2011-2012’s Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges. His other award was a result of being voted by the students. Both awards had to do with his academic achievements and extra curricular work in the college's community. We are thrilled and super proud of him. Evan and I were actually type chatting on Skype when he told me about the Who’s Who award and I misunderstood and told him that I believed he would make it on the list at some point in his life. He then told me he was already on the list! I know only God can make that happen. The Lord is too good and kind. We also know that his awards will increase his employability. Yay!

Eric will need to be taken to his new, small college in Ottawa (with a student population of only 20-25/year). His getting there has been a prayer concern for us since neither Eng nor I will be here to take him. Miraculously, our doctor’s son was also accepted at the same college and they are willing to take Eric with them when they go in September. That exchange of information was done in the hallway in between appointments so it could only be God-orchestrated. The Lord is just too brilliant in His orchestrations! Also, Eric will finish his one-year Liberal Arts program in mid-April next year and since school doesn’t finish for us until June 1st, it would be very difficult to take the time to come back here and attend his closing ceremony. Again, God doing what He does, He already laid it in our friend’s heart, whose daughter just finished the same program, to attend the closing ceremony. When I visited her, she declared that she would also love to be Eric’s surrogate parent. Eric is welcome to go there during holidays and school breaks. They’re also willing to lend all the books that her daughter used for her year at the college. Now Eric has a ride, books, and a family he can go home to, if he wants to, and one that will also proudly represent us when he finishes next year. =)

Yes, we do praise the Lord for all that He has done for us: His kindnesses and His glorious deeds. How can we not love Him and be so grateful?

Knowing Myself

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
From the song "He Knows My Name" by Tommy Walker

Sounding very surprised, my closest friend of almost 20 years said, “You’re SO BEAUTIFUL!” Her eyes displayed the same reaction as her incredulous sounding voice. I just came back from a morning walk in their lakefront and it was chilly so I imagine that my cheeks were rosy and my face glowing. I also felt great after spending some time praying during the walk. It was good to be there. My other friend and I were visiting her and she lived on the island of Allumette in Quebec. To me, their house was an almost perfect home (it just didn’t have a piano) with lots of light and windows. Not only was I enjoying where I was but I loved who I was with. I liked my friends and I was so grateful to be there with them.

My response didn’t surprise me but the confidence in my voice did. When I answered her, I meant my every word and I sounded like it, too. I wasn’t being proud. I’ve heard the same line from other people before. It wasn’t anything new. I now know that the Lord must have prompted other people to say it to me so that I’d be given a chance to believe it. He also wanted me to heal and truly know who He made me to be.

When I was still small enough to be in a crib, a relative looked at me and said where my older sister was in beauty, I was at the opposite scale in ugliness. Bad angels did a great job reminding me of what was said because I grew up believing I WAS ugly. As a girl, my mother’s friends would compliment me for my looks but I’d be hiding behind her wondering why they were lying. Not only did I internalize that I was unattractive and ugly, I also equated flattery as a way to get people to do things for you. Every time someone said I was beautiful, my mind began to figure out what the person wanted from me.

In Spanish, my name means beautiful. At an early age, my identity was already stolen from me. By the time I was 9 years old, my sister suggested that I only use my nickname, “Dee” because she reasoned that it was more unique than Linda. Had people used my real name, I might have at least entertained the idea that I was beautiful - since that’s what the name means. Instead, I grew up believing a lie and it affected how I saw myself. I didn’t believe, for example, that anyone would want to marry me, nor choose me to dance with at parties.

The Lord took pity on me. I became a believer and as I was worshipping one day, at age 32, the Lord told me that I could use Linda again. By that time, no one even knew what my real name was! Everyone knew me as Dee but I began to inform them all of the new name they should call me. I did it because when I prayed and sought answers, I found out what my name meant and the Lord allowed me to hear the words spoken over my crib as a baby. I realized that my name meant beautiful but it was the last thing I believed about myself! I couldn’t even accept that anyone would find me attractive.

The last 18 years of my life were used by Papa God to teach me who I was in Him. This is why I thought to tell this story. The Lord transforms, heals, and reveals to us how He sees us. There are many aspects of myself that need further work but as to who I am and my identity in Him, I’ve become confident. Of this I am sure: He loves me and is so proud of me (and by the way, He feels this way for you, too!). Lastly, I am beautiful. That is how He made me.

So, when my friend told me I was SO BEAUTIFUL, I said, “I know, the Lord made me that way.” Thank you, Lord, for restoring what was stolen from me, for revealing who I am in you, and for transforming me. I know for anyone who reads this, you are doing the exact same thing. Amen to that!

Dancing Again

Teach me to dance, teach me to dance,
I need to dance.
From the song “Teach Me to Dance” by Joy Reimer

Yesterday, I woke up and the lines above kept repeating in my head. They’re from a song that my friend wrote. I recorded her while singing it to me in Chiang Mai. I told her it was a great song but that I couldn’t understand some of the words (as her guitar was too loud). She then recited the lyrics but we both forgot to turn off my recording device after her song, so her recited lyrics were recorded also. Since then, I'd listened to songs on my phone and her lyrics played as well. =) Her spoken words were the ones that sounded like an echo in my mind. I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me that the Lord knew about how I’d wake up yesterday, almost two years after that time.

As I pondered that experience, I realized that the words were the cry of my spirit. It seemed to be telling my body what to ask the Lord in prayer.

On Good Friday, I attended the prayer meeting of Church on the Rock. It was led by their pastor so we did as she suggested (pray for the city, the church, families, etc.). We were then asked to form a circle, hold hands, and pray as a corporate body. I thought it was by chance that I ended up holding Pastor Peter’s, the former pastor’s, hand. NOT! We all prayed as a body, prayed in smaller groups, and were then asked to hold hands again. The two of us ended up side-by-side again(!) even though we came from different corners of the room. That's significant because both times, when our prayer times ended, he turned to me and spoke prophetically over me. He said many things but the last was that I would dance with the Lord. He mentioned the foxtrot and the samba (as examples, I think!) and then added that the Lord would lead and teach me to dance. =) I was amused and of course remembered my friend’s song. I also wondered if it was a literal dancing, or a figurative one.

Days later, I realized that it was mostly literal. I remembered how as a girl, I was performing the Hawaiian hula with my sister and the two relatives who were watching us, kept laughing. One of them said I resembled a stick in stiffness when I danced and then laughed some more. Because I felt insulted and embarrassed when I began to understand why they were laughing, it was the last dance I did in front of people without fearing that I’d be laughed at again. The whole time I was growing up, I didn’t dance unless I had to (like needing to perform in school to get a grade). I was already 19 years old when I realized what I was doing and I resolved and decided that I wouldn’t let people’s assessments of my dancing stop me from doing so. I also forgave. The older I got, the more convicted I was that I would dance if I wanted to, and did! I wasn’t comfortable and would always feel awkward but I was determined to persist and overcome my discomfort and fear of humiliation.

I now know that I did all that on my own. If I’m to be completely healed of my fears of getting laughed at however, I’d have to do it with the Lord’s help. He’d have to teach me and I’d feel proud of myself as He looks at me with pleasure at how great I’m doing. He would lead, and I would follow, very much like the reed gets blown by the wind. The reed always sways where the wind directs it to.

The very idea that the Lord would dance with me is enough to tickle me all over. And with God, there is no room for fear since His love casts it out. The pure enjoyment of dancing is all that is left, which is how it’s meant to be. Yes, Lord, teach me to dance. My spirit was crying out for it and now my mind and body want it, too.

Unexplainably, one of my older sons danced in front of me twice last week and I jokingly imitated him both times. As I danced like him, I realized that I was taught how to dance! =) The extra fun part with God is that He can dance with me literally through any Holy Spirit filled Christian. Let’s do it, Lord! Every part of me wants to dance with you. Teach me to dance, please, I need to DANCE!