Community Handicap and Joy

 The blessings continue.

Another beautiful morning as I sit at my little outlook letting the gentle breeze caress me - what flowery words, but how else can I express such delights? 

The soft breath of Jesus.

Thankyou - breathe on me.

One difficult thing about living with a handicap is the fact that others have to make sacrifices for me.  If there is a car available I need the front seat even if there is someone elder traveling with us.  And here in our motel suite we had to take the bathroom door off so I could get in - but everyone else has to deal with no privacy. If I go with the group they all have to wait for me or help with the chair.  

But they are so gracious and God allows it not only for my growth and humility but also for theirs! 

Oh this breeze is so wonderful, the coconut tree fronds are tapping together - heaven's percussion.  And the colours are so amazing - green and blue. 

You know -  this has been such a "perfect" holiday in so many ways.  The" community" aspect has been wonderful - Patrice and Daniel have such a variety to interact with - and the fact that Lisa is just a little older than Patrice is such a bonus.  They try each other's clothes on and swim and play.  

And Daniel fits in easy anywhere.  Ron and I have so much companionship when we want it but have our own little rooms to retreat to when needed.  And the ministry aspect has made it so fulfilling.  Plus we get to do our little shopping and sightseeing outings as a group and there is so much laughter. 

 I've loved seeing Ron laugh so much and entertain the others with his humour.  He is certainly appreciated! (And, as usual, the Lord has given a number of people in the group a real heart for him). Rhonda has a word she wants to share with him when we get some quiet time.

Feast for the Eyes

 We're back in Manzanillo.  The trip was great - I loved the scenery! 

It feels like we've been in Mexico for such a long time already - we've seen so much and done so much!

Right now I sit at the oceanside hearing the waves rhythmically rush in - there's a row of palms with coconuts in front of me and a marvellous view of Manzanillo Centro off to the left - colourful houses covering the hillsides along the harbour.  

The sun is on my back as I look out over this incredible vista.  A few people are out on the beach - getting their feet wet or just walking.  

A feast for my eyes - I breathe deeply of the ocean air and love the sounds dancing around me.  Laughter from the pool behind me - most of the team are there sunning themselves and visiting.  Such a nice group. 

Seeing each other more clearly - the bugs on the beautiful flowers are visible but we can choose to look past them.  If only that were easier in marriage.  Such an opportunity for growth!  

His Favourites

 So much to be thankful for - another blessedly rich day - a gift from God.  

Had our 8:00 am daily prayer time and went to work with the kids in the orphanage.  It was my day to teach and the lord gave me a story about a Father and his children. (the lost sheep was called "Little Friend".  

Also spoke about each of us being His Favourites!  We then had a call for salvation (the kids were told about having their name written in the book of life).  And then we presented each one with their name plaques which also had their meanings and scriptures in Spanish. It was a very special morning and it seemed that we connected with the kids on a deeper level too.  

Such little treasures they are - each one so valuable...

Patrice and Daniel have enjoyed the kids too and both say they'd like to return.  It's been neat to see that "cool edge" drop off Daniel and he's much sweeter.  

In the evening I went to Dennis and Diane's for a shower (wonderfully accessible) and most of the crowd went out for real Mexican tacos.

A Broken Vessel & A Masterpiece

The adventure continues - each day different and delightful.

Yesterday we went to town in the evening to shop a little, watch some clowns and enjoy some REAL Mexican food.  Gringas and Tacos - absolutely delicious.

This morning after we did the program at the boys home, a few of us team members gathered to pray and Rhondda began to get prophetic words for several of us.  Trough her the Lord spoke so tenderly yet powerfully to me and I felt greatly encouraged.  I'll write what I remember.

"God told me a story about a young girl who loved him and wanted to go out into the world to tell others about Him.  She would go anywhere and do anything and wanted to work for Him and serve Him.  Her name was Martha.

She gave up herself and her time and He then took her WILL...

Jesus asked the Father how she could become a Mary. (The Father said to the son "watch me take a Martha and make her a Mary so he touched her with His hand and she became a broken vessel and He was with her in the suffering.  

The pain did not make her bitter.

I gave to Him the most precious thing of all - my will.

Because of the suffering my name is written in the list of those with faith and is credited to me as righteousness!! 

The day is coming when the Lord will come and set me free from my suffering! He sees all the pain and has written it all down.

Picure of a vessel broken into many, many pieces and he took it and made it into a masterpiece - made by the master's hands.  

Teamwork and Testimonies

 A full day... Challenges and delights.  I so enjoy the team we are working with.  Wonderful treasures they are!  We did 2 programs with the children and I worked one of the puppets - a bird named Pedro.  felt a bit awkward with it but it seems kids just love puppets so you don't have to be too perfect.

Thankfully our hotel has a pool so that keeps the kids happy and I love my room that looks into the courtyard. 

This evening we were invited to share our testimony at a home group and the family whose home it was at were wonderful.  They fed us and let me use their shower. (What a workout!)

It's been fun watching Ron interact with the team - they love his humour and he loves keeping them entertained.  Ron's been quite relaxed and laid back on this trip. 

Back to the home group...  I shared our testimony and Ron even said a bit!  It went very easily and I shared 1 Peter 1:1-8 in relation to it.  felt kind of insecure after but had the opportunity to pray for several people following.

The translation was excellent and made it quite easy for me.  I guess I just have to trust that Jesus touched whomever He chose to.  

Now we are all tucked into our hotel room - each one is reading and I am happy with my clean hair. =)

Ups & Downs in Mexico

 The last few days have been full of transition and all kinds of emotion!  Anticipation about the Mexico trip, the hard work of packing and preparation... Sue was such a blessing, she came to help me the day we left and was such a huge help. 

We even had a fun lunch in Costco with Barb and Carlyn.  A rare little rendezvous where we were able to share our hearts and reconnect.  Find out where we were all at regarding church changes and people leaving... 

Thursday evening we flew to Vancouver where we spent a short night before flying to Manzanillo with fifteen others.  such a wonderful bunch of people.  Mexico is not very accessible at all so of course I had my usual hurdles to get over and Patrice had a very rough adjustment.

Because of me needing a larger washroom we were separated from the others the first night and it reminded me of the alienation that can accompany a handicap.  It comes in various forms but it's extra sa when it affects the whole family and not just me.

Patrice didn't like how poor it was and she didn't like the food and she wanted to GO HOME... tears and crying  Thank God for new mercies that come after a good nights rest!

We joined the others for a most blessed day at their motel where we played with the children from the orphanage.  A little guy named Luis crept onto my lap and into my heart but Ron discourage any ideas that were beginning to form in my mind. =)

Patrice completely mothered a little girl named Melissa and loved it.  We had pizza with them, swam with them and put on a program.  A completely wonderful day.

Patrice was back on track and I felt I could go on too!

In the evening Dennis picked us up and brought us to Colima where we settled into our accessible motel with the rest of the group. 

Today we attended a beautiful church where Rhonda gave her testimony with an interpreter.  Then we went to the Children's Home for a delicious lunch followed by sightseeing at some 900 year old ruins. 

I loved the bus trip into the countryside. Saw a smoking volcano, ranches cowboys, a horse parked by a truck in a village, sugar cane and cobble streets. 

Everyone is good to me even though I'm a bit awkward to get on and off the vehicles.  Lots of willing helpers.

My prayer is that our hearts will be softened - touched by the heart of Jesus.  That we will be able to give and receive that which is of Him.

    ******************

Oh - I forgot to include one of the most significant times I had with the Lord, the morning after we arrived.  I was sitting out on our porch and I turned to Song of Songs chapter 7 and I felt it was a direct and most beautiful word form the Lord for me. 

Even though I struggle and feel burdensome at times, HE sees me so differently.  as I am at times unable to participate and can only look on from a distance as I worship it is like a wine that flows from me to Him.  

Thank you precious Jesus.  

Different Kind of Holiday

 Actually I didn't get around to praying all those passages but they are so good and I want them close at hand for future reference.  

It's 11:30 pm and my lights should be out but who can resist such a lovely quiet hour?

Patrice is tucked in beside me and I love sleeping with her - she is so "there" when she sleeps, head thrust back, deep even breathing.  such a gift - she's so intense.  We get along really well when we're not fighting. =) 

I just want to say that I prayed alone for one hour today, for Canada and I feel rather pleased about that, especially after all my struggles this week to pray.

I also attended a wonderful prayer meeting at the school this morning followed by a prayer meeting at church! 

Ron is picking up a new truck in Winnipeg so the kids and I are alone for 5 days.  A different kind of holiday.

The Wrestle

 Along with my desire and attempt to draw Jesus into more minutes of the day-to have a more conscious awareness of His presence and activity in my life; I also feel I need to be more disciplined in my actual response to Him - putting His word in to my mind so I can meditate upon it.

Praying with regularity.  A scheduled time with Him.  Why is this my Achilles heel?  Why so difficult to set aside just one hour out of 24?

I feel unbelievable opposition - makes me what to give up but I WILL NOT! I do want to "GROW UP IN. ALL ASPECTS INTO CHRIST".  I feel so infantile in this area - so aware of my screaming flesh which is supposed to be dead! 

So, Spirit of the Living God I call out to you I desperation. Help me to persevere.  I was going to do 1 hour daily but instead I will aim for 1/2 an hour and anything over will feel like a bonus. =) How babies must be pacified.  but 1/2 hour is better than none!

As I sit and try to wait upon the Lord everything in me cries out and wants to run away or fall asleep.  However, as I read out loud the word of God and pray it, life comes in to me. Here are some of the passages I prayed...

Philemon 6, John 10:27, 5, Ephesians 5:17, Colossians 4:12, Acts 22:14, James 1:5-8, 1 Corinthians 1:30

Acts22:14, Hebrews 4:10, John 16:3, Proverbs 16, John 16:13

A New Day & A New Year

 It's beautifully clean and white outside.  Fresh snow - a new day and a new year - new beginnings! 

"His mercies are new every morning"

I feel captivated by a new hope and I "happened" upon a book which I forgot that I ever owned called "Practicing His Presence" and oh what a glorious discovery this has been.

I am so encouraged to begin to seek God's presence in my seconds and minutes... It's the only way to win over any kind of fear or anxiety.  Part of me is gripped by my weaknesses and seeming inability to follow through with my convictions, YET "I can do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME". 

So I begin today to seek His presence.  Simply turning as many of my seconds and thoughts over to Him as I can.  

Help me Jesus.