April 17, 2007

• HE MADE IT … AND … GAINING GROUND!!!

   Ian made it to Cal-lee-for-nee-yuh!!  
  
   

  

  
  First I want to thank everyone for all of your prayers, encouragement, and cyber hugs!  You’ll never know how much it has meant to me!  God has truly taught me how to walk in the midst of the overwhelming…while abiding in His peace!!  Yes, I still falter, but the peace that I feel is now becoming a part of me…one less place that the enemy can get a foothold!!  I’m gaining ground, by God’s grace!!!  
  
  Update:  Ian left Phoenix early this morning on a direct flight into San Jose, where he met Brian’s dad, and Tim.  They all went on a 17 mile tour on a highway that runs along the beach … then onto a restaurant, called Fisherman’s Warf, where they ate clam chowder and carmel corn, while watching the waves roll in … weather was great, but cool!  Is that the life, or what!  But I do have to ask … clam chowder and carmel corn???  Think it’s good together??  He is enjoying himself, and is now finally able to get some much needed sleep!  We’ll keep you posted on the happenings while they are there … keep checking for updates on their sites … and something exciting is in the works regarding the African Children’s Choir, and I’ll fill you in as the details become more clear. 
  
  Our antique/craft show was fair this past weekend.  We think the weather kept them from coming … you just never know how these shows are going to turn out!  Oh, and it’s also tax time, so that could be a factor!  But we are certainly thankful for what we did do!  We have a couple of weeks before another show in Louisville, KY., so we’re going to work on some things that we need to get done around home, here, and I’ll be dropping in on you all to catch up, then make some changes here on my blog.  Most of all, I’m going to sit at the Lord’s feet, praise Him for His faithfulness, get refreshed, restored, and keep on gaining that ground!!  You all have a wonderful, blessed day…in Him!!
  
  Hugs,
  Deborah  
  
    

  

   
  LORD, help me to live in Your joy and peace.  Give me strength and understanding to resist anxiety, anger, unrest, envy, depression, bitterness, hopelessness, loneliness, fear, and guilt.  Rescue me when “my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed” (Psalm 143:4).  I refuse to let my life be brought down by negative emotions such as these.  I know You have a better quality of life for me than that.  When I am tempted to give in to them, show me Your truth. 
  
  You have said in Your Word that by our patience we can possess our soul (Luke 21:19).  Give me patience so that I can do that.  Help me to keep my “heart with all diligence,” for I know that “out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Help me to not be insecure and self-focused so that I miss opportunities to focus on You and extend Your love.  May I be sensitive to the needs, trials, and weaknesses of others and not oversensitive to myself.  What you accomplished on the cross is my source of greatest joy.  Help me to concentrate on that. 
  
  “The enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead.  Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed.  I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.  I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land.  Answer me speedily, O LORD; my spirit fails!  Do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit.  Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.” (Psalm 142:3-8)  
  
  Thank You, LORD, that in my distress I can call on You.  And when I cry out to You, LORD, You hear my voice and answer (Psalm 18:6).  May the joy of knowing You fill my heart with happiness, and peace.  In Jesus Name, Amen.
  
  

  

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