Nostalgia

My brother, sister-in-law, and I spent almost 3 hours going through family "stuff" last Saturday - mostly photos and documents. Some surprises, too. My portion of that has been put into existing albums. I'm now in the job market again. Also some health issues. Please pray. My documentation for vocational rehab is almost finished. May the Lord open some doors.

Checking In

Quickly checking in today. My brother is visiting from Pennsylvania, and I want to run off to see him. The Lord has given me a soul sister at work, for whom I'm thankful. She made a comment the other day that the battle is the Lord's. This I've known for a long time, but realized I'd never "officially" given my battles to the Lord. So I started doing so. The neighbor problem that I've mentioned in this blog immediately took a turn for the better! Praise the Lord! It's not 100% ok, but it's a definite improvement. And the Lord has used this change to give me some insights on the ways of the devil. I appreciate this very much. My current job assignment is officially over next week, so I'll need more work. Please pray. See you soon.

Pentecost Blessings

At church on Pentecost Sunday, a lady gave a testimony about how she went forward last year on Pentecost Sunday, how Pastor Kauffman prayed for her, and how the Lord blessed as a result. Pastor Kauffman preached a sermon about Pentecost. Then he invited people to come forward if they wanted a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. He said he wanted two testimonies from people who went forward. I went forward, as did several others. Pastor Kauffman prayed a simple prayer for me. The next few days, I seemed to be experiencing some depression. But, combined with other symptoms, I began to realize I was having an episode of very low blood sugar, which I haven't experienced for a very long time. I thought I'd talk to my sister-in-law about diet, since she is very good with that. I kept putting it off because I was busy. I decided to call her Thursday, but by then, I didn't need it! I felt fine, without dietary or medical inter-vention! Praise the Lord! It didn't hit me until the next Sunday, that this was the answer to Pastor Kauffman's prayer. He was sick, though, and absent from church, so I haven't had a chance to tell him yet. I can hardly wait!

How the Lord Is Working

My pastor has been preaching a series on stewardship (an infrequent topic for him). A few weeks ago he referred to Luke 14:12-14, which is on the sidebar of this blog. After the message, I talked to him about how the Lord used those verses to prompt me to start a ministry of hospitality, how I want to do that in my new apartment, and wanted to have elders come and dedicate my apartment for that purpose. He showed great interest, even to the extent of being willing to organize the elders for that purpose, if necessary (it wasn't necessary). I had one visitor on Memorial Day, Anna, from a group home. I hope to have more visitors, with life- changing results. Another development: When I was in Africa, the Lord used the story of Israel's wilderness wanderings to let me know that I would go through a wilderness experience myself, before experiencing a life of victory. I've read that account many times since then, but as I've read it recently it really "jumped out at me." I think the wilderness experience is about over. What that means for me in the context of my current life experiences, is that I will come into a time of victory and health in this life, or go home to be with Him. Either is ok with me. I am not scared to go be with Him, if that's His will for my immediate future. Unlike Paul, I am not hard pressed. The Word of God came to John in the wilderness. It did not come to those in places of power and comfort in politics and religion in those days. The Lord has spoken to me much in my wilderness. He speaks to the lowly in desert places. Praise His Name!