Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Renewing the Mind, Counting the cost..."paid in full"


Before I begin telling you something that recently renewed my mind, I want to share a picture of the group shot from Week 3 at Bring Me Hope. What a group, what a response to the need they had for operating costs to be met for week 4.

I think I've said this before - God is Good.
Yesterday during my devotional time I think I was whining in my prayer time about some recent issue with not having the cost of the China trip covered and some other things that were taking place....come on be honest - aren't there times when you find yourself whining. Well anyway, God brought to my mind something really significant...
Matthew 11:30"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
He made it clear to me that everything that was taking place in my life was free of cost...he had provided everything that it would cost to follow Him. Not just for salvation but for every need I would have, every problem that would come. He would supply what I needed...AND here was the real word that got my attention...if you think about cost real cost... those without Christ are paying everything they have to spend eternity outside of the presence and security of living with God... Now that's costly !!
I'm glad for the patience of God...that He works in us as we read and meditate on his word and pray asking Him to renew our minds. You don't have to keep the same way of thinking you had yesterday or last week...His word has a better way for you. Here's some of my favorite verses:
Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Isaiah 30:21 (Contemporary English Version)
21Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, "This is the road! Now follow it."
Isaiah 42:16 (New Century Version)
16 Then I will lead the blind along a way they never knew; I will guide them along paths they have not known. I will make the darkness become light for them, and the rough ground smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not leave my people.
Isaiah 42:16 (Contemporary English Version)
16I will lead the blind on roads they have never known; I will guide them on paths they have never traveled. Their road is dark and rough, but I will give light to keep them from stumbling.
This is my solemn promise.
These are promises worth banking on.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Back in the USA

I can't believe it's been a week since I returned from China.
Here's my family.


This is princess Erica, my Chinese daughter.



It's been a whirlwind since I've returned.

Jetlag stinks. China doesn't - except for the wastebaskets.

I appreciate Western bathroom facilities - they are a blessing. God Bless Levi for going to China...God used him to speak to so many people both American and Chinese. You are an amazing young man.

Orphans are amazing. Translators are terrific!! I really really love them. Google Bring Me Hope Diary and watch camp footage. It's cool !!

A very special Chinese translator made an important lifetime decision.

God is good.

Here's David & Faye at the Great Wall.
BRING ME HOPE - YOU HAVE AN AMAZING STAFF !!
God Bless you as you finish this last week of camp.

Thanks for helping me learn what's going on in China and being part of something really wonderful.
More to come...stay tuned, God continues to speak. R U listening?