A trip there and back

I'm back from 4 weeks in N America - and it feels great to be home. The time away was stimulating - such a contrast of place to our home! The trip was quick - and filled to the brim.

Challenging - we heard good advice and bad, found some beginnings and endings, and got to ask a lot of questions of experts, family, and friends. I read a lot, too.

We visited groups and neighborhoods and gatherings around the Pacific NW. 

Heartening - we played with the grandkids, ate with old friends and new, and looked around at how people are serving God and each other.

We bundled up, visited, listened to a lot of stories, and shared something of our own journey.

We celebrated a birthday or two as a family.

Grandkids are the most fun! There was not enough time or energy for all we wanted to do with them.  

And now I'm right back where I belong. Love you, Indonesia!

Read more:

*He shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord. Micah 5:4

*O greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong! Daniel 10:19

*All the peoples of the earth will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30

*Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.  John 14:27

*In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. 

Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place  and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11  

Moravian Prayer: God of provision, you sustain us daily. Let us never turn from you; let us seek you until the end of days. 

God of peace, your way is not like the way of the world. Do not let fear control us, but let us stand strong in your loving kindness.Amen.

Pondering

Oh my - my head and heart are full. Pondering the wisdom of those we have met and the messages they have for us. So far ...

The world is beautiful. Even the grey and cool blues of the Pacific NW are stunning

God made it - and he made us, so he defines who we are. That means he is pleased with us

God's people are generous and kind beyond comprehension or what we deserve

Each person is a work in progress; if no progress is being made, it's time to sit still and think about what God might want us to hear

Living in our true selves encourages fellow travelers ... though it can be disconcerting to those who wish to align us with their dreams and hopes for us

Read more:
*Just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. Jeremiah 31:28

*God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Moravian Prayer: God of salvation, you came to us in our time of need. Thank you for the gift of redemption and for saving us from ourselves. Help us to build your kingdom here on earth, and allow your love to flourish in our world. Amen.

SAMPLE Lent Day 2: The baptism, temptation, and a good start

If you'd like to just us during this season of Lent (40 days of contemplation and fasting before Easter), we're going through the gospels. Click here to participate.  Below is a sample post.
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Today we’re in Matthew 3-4.  These chapters cover John the Baptist, the baptism and temptation of Jesus, and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. (Click on each link to watch)
https://youtu.be/py2zZMiQYjA
https://youtu.be/A23A_Lw6E3I

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Jesus and his cousin John. But they faithfully did what God asked.

As you hear the story, how do you react? What do you think was the appeal of John the Baptist? Why did people come to listen to him?

Imagine you are a friend of Jesus’ family, watching their eldest son growing up and beginning to preach.

What stands out to you? What did you not know about John the Baptist or the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. What does this mean to you? (Post comments below)