Here!

I feel like I've been sadly missing in the roll call of blogger class. There are several good excuses -- a new laptop (and a Mac at that!), deputation, living out of a suitcase -- but anyway, just thought I'd pop in and say hello! And hopefully I can soon get back into the swing of things.

Here is a thought from tonight's sermon:

I'm not walking through a valley, I'm just changing mountaintops!

Ciao!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

I dedicate this blog to the love of my life -- my husband, Chris. We have enjoyed 18 Valentines together. Thank you, my love, for keeping our life exciting and special! I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. I love you!

Live. Laugh. Love.

I know this saying has become popular in recent times but it is a great life philosophy.

Live. Thank you, Jesus, for life and health!

Laugh. The joy of the Lord is my strength!

Love. Thank you, Jesus, for my husband, my children, family and friends! Help me to show your love to those I come in contact with!

In light of recent events in my heartland and my homeland, my heart was feeling heavy this morning. I really should avoid the news media. Ha! Anyway, thanks to some friends, I feel encouraged this afternoon. And reminded to live, laugh, and love. Allow the peace, joy, and love of Jesus to fill your heart today.

Economy??

Is anyone else tired of hearing about the economy??

I am.

Especially coming from a country where people are living on less than $1 a day.

Here I drive the highways and shopping center parking lots are FULL. Restaurant parking lots are FULL. You can hardly push your buggy down the grocery aisle without bumping into someone else. The gas station pumps are lined with cars. The highways are full of cars.

Okay, so people aren't buying houses and cars like they were. And I know some people have truly been affected -- please, do not be offended by what I'm saying. I just believe that America has been living 'high on the hog' and now they are having to come back to earth, so to speak. But we still waste more money in one day that most of the world spends in a year. We are strong. There is hope. Keep your life founded on Jesus and you'll be fine!

God's economy is always STRONG!

Amen!

**Okay, I came back later and thought about deleting this. I do not want to offend anyone or make light of the situation. I know people are suffering. I know people are losing jobs and struggling to make ends meet. PLEASE, do not feel I am minimizing your situation. However, I do not like to see my country focusing on the negative. We are blessed! We are strong! Count your blessings...not your suffering.

I'm Baaack!

Okay, so I said I'd be gone a few days and ended up being gone a few WEEKS! Sorry! :O) Never know who is out there reading this that is not on FB or in contact with me some other way...and haven't had any great revelations to share lately anyway. :O

Got a new laptop, and I've been getting used to it. Trying to settle in and get ready for the road. Spending time with family. Shopping. Eating. Shivering in the cold. Praying for the unrest in the Mad-land.

Anyway, God is good and we are blessed to be back home for a few months.

Bye for now!
PR

Countdown

Hello, blogging buddies!

Guess I will be MIA for a few days. We are winding down our time here...packing up and preparing to head back to the USA. It always gets so hectic the last few days...argh! Once we land in the states, we "hit the ground running" so not sure when I'll get back in here.

Thanks for your prayers!
Paula

His View is Higher

If you have ever ridden in an airplane, you have probably enjoyed the view from your window (unless you are the one sitting there glued to your seat for fear that any move by you could send the plane spiraling to the ground). It is an amazing experience to view the earth from up above. You can see miles and miles of winding roads, rivers, and fields. The things that seem so great and unsurmountable here on earth, look small and insignificant from up above.

Isaiah 54:8 and 9 reads: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God’s perspective on our life is from a much higher viewpoint than ours. It is much like looking out of an airplane window. His view is much higher than ours. He sees the road we are taking. He knows what is up ahead…just around the bend. As we plod along the road of life, we come to obstacles and curves. Sometimes we are anxious as we look at the road ahead. Maybe we come to a sign that says “Bridge out!” or “S-curve ahead”. Our heart beats with trepidation. But He knows. He is calling to us, “Come, my child. Keep walking. It’s okay. I am here.”

I am reminded of the song:

When I made my start for Heaven, I could only find one way. A road that led me through the mountains and the valleys, a road not many folks could take. Since I started traveling on my journey, I’ve covered many many miles behind me, miles of sun and rain, miles of smiles and pain. The road’s been rough, but I again would choose the same.

Long and winding road, keep on leading me. Up ahead I see a sign that points me straight ahead to victory. I know I must be traveling right, for I remember passing Calvary. Although it’s dusty and it’s old, for years it’s bore the traveler’s load...someday this road will turn to gold.

There are some times when the rocks hurt my feet, my body burns from the sweat and the heat. My strength's completely drained till my face marks the pain, my back is bent from the strain. Oh, I could turn around, for the road's still there. But every mountain that I’ve climbed, I again would have to bear. So I really can’t turn back, some may be using my tracks. I see one more bend and this just might be my road’s end.