deep breath

This morning God reminded me that no matter how loud the world gets or how distracting my life seems the most important thing I can do is be still and quiet and listen for Him. He is not usually found in the loud, obnoxious, overbearing, dramatic things of our life He is patiently waiting in the stillness of our hearts waiting for us to tune out the distractions and to hear His still small voice that is our saving grace. This morning I am repenting of being distracted and take a deep breath of His peaceful redemption knowing that in all things HE alone is my strength and peace, He is the answer I franticly seek and could easily find if I stop and enjoy His presence....(deep breath) ......amazing.

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No Place Like Home

From the joy of hot water to the rest from our own beds, we, who have just returned from Haiti must grapple with many ambivalent emotions. I still remember the return from my first mission trip to Haiti in 1994, as I wondered why God had chosen me to be born as a North American. Now having returned from my 4th trip to an underdeveloped country, I continue to be grateful for the luxuries of my life. Yet, I find they are an encumbrance as well.

I am now completing all my laundry.. If I and the members of my family only had 3-4 outfits, it would not take so long. And if I did not have a washing machine as do the folks in Haiti, I bet we would only have 3-4 outfits. If we did not all have our own bedrooms and bathrooms, I would not have so much cleaning to do. If there were not so many choices in the grocery store, it would not take so long to create a menu and purchase the items needed. If I did not have a dishwasher, I bet I would not have so many dishes either.

If I did not have these luxuries, would I use my time more wisely? Would I visit with my neighbor? Spend time playing with children? Rest in the Word, the Holy Bible, more? Would I depend on my Lord more if I had less?
These are only a few of the emotions with which I struggle.

I struggle with the questions - Am I doing enough? What more can I do to show the love of Christ to these humble people? Is my witness a stumbling block to anyone? And although, I do not know all the answers, I know who does. And He has blessed me with the opportunity to love and serve the people of Terre Blanche, Haiti.
When you answer the call to foreign mission work or local ones, you will find that you receive much more than you give. As I have heard before: You can not out give God. But it may be fun to try.

Blessings from the comfort of my own home, your sister in Christ, Mel