On another note - I have enjoyed the down time today. It seems one on one, uninterrupted time always leads to great conversations with Jarod. When it's just he and I - he opens up. I love these times because I find out more details about what's going on with him.
It's hard to know your children are going through difficulty. Growing up and being exposed to the world and it's ways. But I am thankful that he shares with me so we know how to guide and direct him. And especially how to pray for him. He is handling his situation well, but definitely needed support and encouragement. I may not have been able to go to church today, but God had other plans for Jarod and me. I love how He is in control of each situation. God just chuckles at OUR plans and guides us in the direction that He needs us to be. I'm so thankful.
I'm getting more and more excited about my trip. I started packing yesterday and everything became even more of a reality. I was able to call and speak to Shelley's mom a bit and get a little more info about the facilities so I would know better how to pack. She was very helpful.
I am already praying about how this trip is going to change my life and how I'm going to process everything once I return home. He is already beginning to answer these prayers a bit.
A few months ago, I committed to attend a ladies retreat in March. I received my confirmation letter in the mail earlier this week and discovered that the title of the weekend is, "Be still and know that I am God." based on Psalm 46:10. I immediately knew that this weekend and my trip to Haiti are going to connect somehow.
While reading Heather's blog this week, she mentioned this book:
"Can we embrace the truths of Christ
if we do not embrace His posture? His hands were exposed to disease and
leprosy as He touched the sick. His knee bent to the ground to wash
the sullied feet of His friends. His eyes lifted in prayer to the
Father. His body bowed and was broken to death. As we learn to march
in step with our Savior, we find that our swagger gives way to a lowly
and humble way of walking." -- Chris Seay
Which came along with this video:
A Place at the Table - Promo from Chris Seay on Vimeo.
Heather went on to write:
"It is with eager anticipation that we look forward to the season of lent, and specifically how this 40 days of focusing on poverty related issues will inspire change. It's sobering to realize the plight of the poor and the condition of our souls are not two separate issues. They are linked and deeply interwoven. The fact that stifling poverty exists for so many around the world says a great deal about my own poverty. We walk into this season of lent asking God to lead, comfort, satisfy, and heal the poor knowing we fall into that category.
Lent begins on Wednesday, February 22.
We'll share more excerpts from Seay's book between now and then in case you may want to purchase it. The book is broken into 40 short readings to be used every day during Lent. Each day's reading also contains a small section focusing on a country and person who needs prayer. In addition, you can find a daily video that corresponds with each reading.
To buy the book: A Place at the Table: 40 days of Solidarity with the Poor
To view the daily videos: here's the link.
Growing up, I thought Lent was something reserved for my Catholic friends. In my religious superiority, I never stopped to find out what my Catholic friends were actually celebrating. When God graciously opened my mind a tiny bit, and I started asking questions instead of judging, I found that Lent is a time of preparation leading up to Easter. It's a beautiful, focused season when believers can savor the story of the gospel, the meaning of the cross, and the hope of the resurrection. What a perfect time to ask God how these truths can bring about actual, tangible change in our lives and ultimately in this world."
I can't really explain all of this except to say that by the time I was done reading over this, I was teary eyed. This entry had stirred something deep within me and I've walked with the Lord long enough to know not to ignore it. Funny how it begins on February 22, don't you think? I return on February 13 and I have a feeling that this is going to be part of the "processing" I do when I return.
I've never observed Lent before - but I LOVED her last paragraph. It convicted and confirmed things at the same time.
Anyway - I know God is working and I am so excited to be a part. Change is a process and all of this began over a year ago for me. God knows me - and He KNOWS that it takes me a while. I am giddy and nervous all at the same time because I feel like I'm sitting on the edge of something really exciting and really BIG and it is going to change EVERYTHING. I will never be the same.
I am thankful for that - for the moment! I may need to be reminded about it later - but I am confident that it will ALL be worth it!
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