Spark

I'm a member of a website called SparkPeople. Its purpose is to provide tools and encouragement for losing weight and adopting a healthier lifestyle. They encourage you to join teams and read and post on the forums for your team. They even give you points for doing so. (Isn't amazing what people will do for "points"? They only earn you a trophy icon on the site!)

I belong to several SparkTeams: Christian Homeschooler's Healthy Living, Christian Missionary Moms, Conservative Christian Women, Thyroid Community, Medical Transcription, and Managing Diabetes (which I recently dropped). Through them all, I have met some great people and have found and given encouragement. Being a Christian and all, I assumed I would have the most in common and get the most encouragement from the Christian teams. Sometimes, though, I get more support from the other teams -- those who share health issues or job-related challenges with me.

I've also found that, in general, you get out what you put in. It would be easy to "hide" and just read other people's posts. But by openly sharing about myself and my own struggles, I have been encouraged by others and have been able to encourage others.

I wish I could say I've made rapid strides in weight loss. It's a slow process, and one that depends on my compliance. But I've learned a lot. About the diseases I struggle with and how other peoples struggles are just like mine -- I'm not alone! About the time management struggles I face, particularly from working at home -- once again, not alone there! About the struggles and challenges Missionary Moms face, and that they are just people too!

I've been thinking about how SparkPeople mirrors life. I've learned some things about that, too. Our support and encouragement often comes from unexpected places. We get more when we give more. Risky as it is, being transparent can be beneficial. Everybody needs encouragement.

I've also been thinking about my role in the body. Am I supporting and encouraging others? Am I giving or only seeking to get my needs met? Am I trying to draw in those who "hide"? Am I transparent? Am I open to let God use me in unexpected ways and settings? Am I a "spark" to energize or to destroy?

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. -- James 3:5

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. -- Matthew 5:14-16

What kind of spark are you?

How can I encourage you today?

It's all about... Him

I read this on Elisabeth Elliot's devotional site today and thought I'd share it with you.

Title: Identity

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

The search for recognition hinders faith. We cannot believe so long as we are concerned with the "image" we present to others. When we think in terms of "roles" for ourselves and others, instead of simply doing the task given us to do, we are thinking as the world thinks, not as God thinks. The thought of Jesus was always and only for the Father. He did what He saw the Father do. He spoke what He heard the Father say. His will was submitted to the Father's will.

"You have no love for God in you," He said to the Pharisees. "I have come accredited by my Father, and you have no welcome for me....How can you have faith so long as you receive honor from one another, and care nothing for the honor that comes from him who alone is God?" (Jn 5:42-44 NEB).

The photo? That's what our identity should be -- vessels for God's use.

Elisabeth Elliot Daily Devotional:
http://www.elisabethelliot.org/devotional.html

Thoughts

Revelation Song -- sung by Kari Jobe

Some verses that popped out at me today from Proverbs 19:

2 ...he who hurries his footsteps errs.

11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

21 Many plans are in a man's heart,
But the counsel of the LORD will stand.

22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness...

Soaring!

I received an e-mail from this coming Sunday's worship leader with a newer song they wanted us to familiarize ourselves with before rehearsal tomorrow evening. It's called Revelation Song, words and music by Jennie Riddle. I've listened to it over and over, not only to learn the part, but also because it is so worshipful! It makes my spirit soar! I found this You Tube video. I'm working on getting it posted, but here's the link:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FObjd5wrgZ8

I know our rendition will be different that this one, but knowing the extremely talented musicians I will get to sing with, I know it will be wonderful -- and worshipful! And we're also doing the version of "The Lord's Prayer" that we did last month with the same team. I'm looking forward to Sunday morning! (If you're a nighttime CBC attender, you might want to pop in this Sunday morning!)

I did find out it originated in a local charismatic megachurch. But many of the words (as the title suggests) come straight from the book of The Revelation:

Rev 4:6-8

In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures... Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

Rev 5:11-13

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!"

With all those creatures and angels around Him praising Him 24/7 (does that term apply to eternity?), God doesn't NEED us to praise Him. But He ALLOWS us to participate in praising Him because He knows how wonderful it is for us to experience! After all, that's what we were made for!

Can you imagine eternity spent thinking up new songs and ways and languages to praise our Almighty God, surrounded by incredible musicians? I can't wait to be a part of it!

I'm soaring just thinking about it!

The traveler returns

My international traveler arrived home safely! They ended up missing their connection in Houston, and the "regular" flight later had been canceled. So they ended up on an "express" flight (express = tiny plane) that arrived at Love Field, rather than DFW. She had to check her pilot case because of lack of carry-on space. Fortunately, the enclosed glassware survived the baggage handlers! The rest of the luggage went with the original flight to DFW, since they found they had missed their connection AFTER it was rechecked. But they made it home safely and had a very successful trip.

The missionaries thought they would only be able to complete about half the project since they were such a small team and mostly girls! Ha! After a quick demonstration, the girls mastered the use of power tools. By the end of the first day, they had all the pieces cut and had one set assembled. By the end of their time there, they had finished assembling all the bunk beds and left the varnish on the last set drying! They also had some down time to enjoy a hot springs area and do some shopping. And I know they were such an encouragement to the missionaries!

It was a bit of a surprise to them to see how COLD this tropical area was! But mountainous wins out over tropical! And the showers were a bit shocking -- literally. To warm the water, they heat the shower heads with an electrical heater with exposed wires and a switch IN THE SHOWER! They got quite a buzz out of it on multiple occasions. Sounds like they need to work on wire insulation, conduit use, and grounding. Or switch to an in-line propane heater.

Although sad to have missed the trip to Grandma's, she was extremely glad to be a part of this trip. Thanks to all who supported her with prayer and finances. When she gets her luggage, we'll see the pictures & goodies she brought home!

Back in the Saddle Again

We're home!

We had a great time with family and some much-needed relaxation. My brother-in-law miscalculated and I didn't double check him. My mother-in-law was only 89 -- still quite an accomplishment!

On the 4th, we drove up to Oklahoma and shared a nice dinner and some fireworks at Mom's with family -- including some much-needed catch-up time with my sister-in-law and two of her sons, who were only there for the day.

We celebrated Mom's birthday on the 5th. We got her some solar lights for her "boardwalk" that spans some previous steps down and back up. She loves them!

The next day was a workday -- tree-trimming, grass-raking, and re-mounting her window AC unit.

Mom convinced us to stay an extra day, which allowed us to go to the Wichita Mountains to picnic and tromp around.

The boys and I did a nice hike requiring a short bit of mild rock-climbing (yes, the hand- and foothold type!).

My hubby and brother-in-law did a bit of climbing themselves to capture video clips to use for worship slides, as well as some nice stills.

The extra day also enabled us to go to church with Mom, which she also enjoys us doing. After a safe drive home, we're back to rainy Texas. And tomorrow, the work routine resumes. It was nice to have a break!

Happy Independence Day!

We're headed for my mother-in-law's to celebrate her 90th birthday! That's her with my hubby's older brother, his son, and his new grandson! Four generations!

Have a great Fourth!

Guatemala or Bust!

I got my girl out the door for Guatemala -- barely. She had her alarm set for 2:30 a.m. and I had two set. However, she must have slept through hers. One of mine I failed to turn on. On the other one, I had the time set for p.m. when it should have been a.m., but the alarm was set correctly. So, obviously, it didn't go off 12 hours early! She was supposed to be at the airport at 4:30 for a 6:30 flight.

I woke up around 5:00 and in a panic woke her up. My hubby and I threw ourselves together and got her and her stuff in the car. We left the house at 5:25 and managed to get to the airport in 30 minutes -- with a quick "pit stop" so we wouldn't run out of gas. She got checked in with the help of the team leader, went through security without a hitch around 6:00, and pretty much went straight onto the plane!


The team made it to the first destination, Houston, without problem. By now she should be arriving in Guatemala City, where the missionaries will meet them and take them further west to Xela, where they live.


That's Brandon, Jenny & Deacon, the missionaries, in the picture below, and their house above!

I'm excited for the team! It should be a great time for them! They are building bunk beds and helping the missionaries prepare their new guest house to receive visiting teams. Yeah, a "handyman project" and they have two adult males (over 30) and three college girls!