Hey Y'all,
Here's the latest update on our long journey to the Army Chaplaincy. Last week we received word that the MEPS doctor did say that the letter from our primary physician was enough to satisfy the allergy issues....YES! But...oh how I sometimes hate that word....he (The MEPS doctor) now needed more from our physician on Mike's IBS....what IBS? It seems that 6 years ago, Mike was having some problems with his digestive system and the doctor did some tests. Nothing was found to cause the issues... so it was ruled IBS...irritable bowel syndrome. No medicine was ever given and the problem resolved itself. No further problems of this nature have happened since. The MEPS doctor is being cautious. I understand. It would be a huge problem to be in the middle of a conflict, in an isolated and remote area, and have your chaplain with....uhm...let's say...bathroom distress. Our physician did a detailed physical on Mike today and has sent another letter to the army; stating that he has not treated Mike for any IBS type symptoms for the last 6 years, and can find no evidence that he has any digestive tract issues of any nature!
Hopefully this will be enough and Mike can go get the MEPS physical and complete his packet to now go before the November boards. Pray for and with us us about this.
Now for my post.
I love stories! No, you don't quiet get it....I...LOVE.....STORIES! I love reading them, telling them, hearing them, and creating them.
One vision I have of what might be in heaven, is a large room lined wall to wall, with books of all colors, shapes and sizes. In each book, there is the story of a life lived. The stories in the book will tell of every second that person has lived here on earth, and with God eternally. The stories about the life lived on earth, will not only have the full details of that life lived out in the physical world, but also what was happening in the spiritual world. We would be able to read about every service the angels preformed for this person. We would also see how every prayer, laughter, and tear affected the heavenlies. Would that not be fascinating? To read in amazement about loved ones, brothers and sisters...unknown to us now... about how fully God interacted with their lives? I tell you the thought gives me chills! I could record the physical facts of my life...what I remember...and what I'd have to research, but to also have recorded by the One, who only forgets my repented sins, what only He knows. WOW! Just simmer there a moment and let that sizzle a little around in your spirit. Swirl it deep into your heart, mind, and soul. Let it penetrate to the marrow of your being....then think of this.....
It's not your story after all
It's really only volumes of one story...GOD"S STORY. He is the main character! We are just mere supporting roles!
That bites at my pride a little, but also it makes my spirit sing out for joy!
NOW THAT MY FRIENDS IS A STORY!
I love that you and I are part of it together!
Pamela
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Ooops! That's Me Right There Beside Myself!
Hey Y'all,
The last few weeks have been a little wobbly. We all have been caught in a weird game of "Hopscotch" vs. "Twister" on the path of "Life". We still are waiting on the next direction from the Army. Will it be come get the physical and finish your packet? Will it be go get another allergy test? Or will it be Strike Three Your Out?!" We are praying it is the first one! Since neither Mike or I are working steadily full-time hours, this makes our balance over the finance dots precocious to say the least.
This weekend we were both trying to balance our faith and trust in God over these issues, with the question what is our next move? We went back and forth....my faith was up, so I could encourage him...His faith was up, so he could encourage me. Several times God reminded us of His faithfulness. From having some wonderful meals provided for us out of fellowship and generosity, to feeding our spirits as we went and worshipped at Thrive church with Lisa Whittle. The message along with the worship, stirred our hearts and challenged our minds to trust the One...we gave up all to follow. Thanks Pastor Scott! Coming home we talked about how we both take back those worries way to often, and don't truly let go of them in God's hands. We say we do with our heads. I believe to the best that we understand at the time, we do lay them there. But somewhere, we hear that we need to now act or do something and that's when we take it up again. Maybe it's because like the disciples of old, we do not think Jesus is acting fast enough. Or maybe like them, we are looking for Him to do something different. No matter the reason why I take it back up, the truth is...it honestly comes down to trust. Trust His decision. Trust His timing. Trust His way.
We are trying again. TURST! TRUST! TRUST!
It isn't easy. Especially when new worries assail you everyday. Today, Zoie came home and had made an "F" on her first math test in 5th grade. She was crushed. The teacher is letting the class take a retest tomorrow. (She wasn't the only one. It's a new math textbook and they started out with expanded numbers and exponents. Actually makes my brain hurt.)
There is a verse that I have been holding onto and now I am memorizing. I actually posted about it in my last post.
Psalm 94:19 "In the multitudes of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delights my soul." NKJV
Last night I looked it up in the other translations
NLT---"When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
The Message---"When I am upset and beside myself, You calm me down and cheer me up!"
Wow! God doesn't just want to take care of our anxieties, doubts or what sets us beside ourselves! He WILL CHEER US UP!
So tonight, as I am bombarded with the doubts about our future, Zoie's grades and feeling beside myself. I'm going to look to the one who is always beside me, in front of me, behind me, and in me! The ONE TRUE GOD...MY HOPE...MY LOVE...and MY CHEER.
MY JESUS!
Hey! I'm a smiling already! (*_*)
Love ya
Pamela
The last few weeks have been a little wobbly. We all have been caught in a weird game of "Hopscotch" vs. "Twister" on the path of "Life". We still are waiting on the next direction from the Army. Will it be come get the physical and finish your packet? Will it be go get another allergy test? Or will it be Strike Three Your Out?!" We are praying it is the first one! Since neither Mike or I are working steadily full-time hours, this makes our balance over the finance dots precocious to say the least.
This weekend we were both trying to balance our faith and trust in God over these issues, with the question what is our next move? We went back and forth....my faith was up, so I could encourage him...His faith was up, so he could encourage me. Several times God reminded us of His faithfulness. From having some wonderful meals provided for us out of fellowship and generosity, to feeding our spirits as we went and worshipped at Thrive church with Lisa Whittle. The message along with the worship, stirred our hearts and challenged our minds to trust the One...we gave up all to follow. Thanks Pastor Scott! Coming home we talked about how we both take back those worries way to often, and don't truly let go of them in God's hands. We say we do with our heads. I believe to the best that we understand at the time, we do lay them there. But somewhere, we hear that we need to now act or do something and that's when we take it up again. Maybe it's because like the disciples of old, we do not think Jesus is acting fast enough. Or maybe like them, we are looking for Him to do something different. No matter the reason why I take it back up, the truth is...it honestly comes down to trust. Trust His decision. Trust His timing. Trust His way.
We are trying again. TURST! TRUST! TRUST!
It isn't easy. Especially when new worries assail you everyday. Today, Zoie came home and had made an "F" on her first math test in 5th grade. She was crushed. The teacher is letting the class take a retest tomorrow. (She wasn't the only one. It's a new math textbook and they started out with expanded numbers and exponents. Actually makes my brain hurt.)
There is a verse that I have been holding onto and now I am memorizing. I actually posted about it in my last post.
Psalm 94:19 "In the multitudes of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delights my soul." NKJV
Last night I looked it up in the other translations
NLT---"When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
The Message---"When I am upset and beside myself, You calm me down and cheer me up!"
Wow! God doesn't just want to take care of our anxieties, doubts or what sets us beside ourselves! He WILL CHEER US UP!
So tonight, as I am bombarded with the doubts about our future, Zoie's grades and feeling beside myself. I'm going to look to the one who is always beside me, in front of me, behind me, and in me! The ONE TRUE GOD...MY HOPE...MY LOVE...and MY CHEER.
MY JESUS!
Hey! I'm a smiling already! (*_*)
Love ya
Pamela
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
I'm Giving Up My "V" Colored Glasses!
Hey Y'all!
Still no word about a medical waiver from the Army for Mike yet, so keep praying. We did miss the September Board deadline but are still praying to be before the November boards.
I had to start wearing glasses when I was 16 years old. I found out I was nearsighted in Driver's Ed. class. I was devastated. To make matters worse, I could not wear contacts. I felt like those glasses just compounded to my own ugliness and would often choose not to wear them.
Over the years I have come to value seeing everything more clearer, over looking prettier. There is more value to me now in knowing the truth about small details, and having a clear perspective.
Which is why it came as a complete surprise recently, when I discovered that I have been wearing two pair of glasses!
One pair helps my eyes focus on the details in this world, while the other (to my utter shock) blurs my spiritual vision. I have been wearing "V" colored glasses! The truth is these are the wrong prescription...in fact...it wasn't even from my doctor! The Great Physician!
The enemy has been sneaky and got me to wear these "V" glasses. They have clouded my spiritual vision to see myself as a.....
"Victim"
Being born with a physical disability = Victim.
Being of short stature = Victim.
Teased and called "Crippled Midget" = Victim.
Being mislabeled by teachers as "Slow" = Victim.
An attempted molestation at age 9 = Victim.
Being called the "Ugliest girl in school" by the cutest boy in school = Victim.
Not getting married until I was 36 years old = Victim.
Having been sexually assaulted = Victim.
Hard pregnancy = Victim.
Being told we were a sterile couple and could have no more children = Victim.
Many Health issues...some life and death = Victim.
Persecuted for following Christ even among "Christians" = Victim.
Struggling with my looks and self worth = Victim.
The list could go on and on. I know I'm not alone and that many have even worst cases for supporting wearing the "Victim" glasses. But here's the thing....as God revealed to me that I had been wearing these glasses...and I decided to take them off...New Vision...True Vision has taken place. God placed on my head the correct prescription for "V" glasses.
"Victory"
I'm not only a survivor, but a Victor! I began to see how with each trial God brought with it an abundance of blessings. In each case listed as a victim above, I can name at least 10 blessings God has given me or has used me to bless someone else. That my friends = Victory! I didn't just overcome these things they have brought both Glory to God and blessings to me!
Why don't you join me by throwing away your own "Victim" glasses for "Victory" glasses and take a good clear look at your blessings
Psalm 94:19 "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul."
Love you all so much you are one of my most treasured blessings
Pamela
Still no word about a medical waiver from the Army for Mike yet, so keep praying. We did miss the September Board deadline but are still praying to be before the November boards.
I had to start wearing glasses when I was 16 years old. I found out I was nearsighted in Driver's Ed. class. I was devastated. To make matters worse, I could not wear contacts. I felt like those glasses just compounded to my own ugliness and would often choose not to wear them.
Over the years I have come to value seeing everything more clearer, over looking prettier. There is more value to me now in knowing the truth about small details, and having a clear perspective.
Which is why it came as a complete surprise recently, when I discovered that I have been wearing two pair of glasses!
One pair helps my eyes focus on the details in this world, while the other (to my utter shock) blurs my spiritual vision. I have been wearing "V" colored glasses! The truth is these are the wrong prescription...in fact...it wasn't even from my doctor! The Great Physician!
The enemy has been sneaky and got me to wear these "V" glasses. They have clouded my spiritual vision to see myself as a.....
"Victim"
Being born with a physical disability = Victim.
Being of short stature = Victim.
Teased and called "Crippled Midget" = Victim.
Being mislabeled by teachers as "Slow" = Victim.
An attempted molestation at age 9 = Victim.
Being called the "Ugliest girl in school" by the cutest boy in school = Victim.
Not getting married until I was 36 years old = Victim.
Having been sexually assaulted = Victim.
Hard pregnancy = Victim.
Being told we were a sterile couple and could have no more children = Victim.
Many Health issues...some life and death = Victim.
Persecuted for following Christ even among "Christians" = Victim.
Struggling with my looks and self worth = Victim.
The list could go on and on. I know I'm not alone and that many have even worst cases for supporting wearing the "Victim" glasses. But here's the thing....as God revealed to me that I had been wearing these glasses...and I decided to take them off...New Vision...True Vision has taken place. God placed on my head the correct prescription for "V" glasses.
"Victory"
I'm not only a survivor, but a Victor! I began to see how with each trial God brought with it an abundance of blessings. In each case listed as a victim above, I can name at least 10 blessings God has given me or has used me to bless someone else. That my friends = Victory! I didn't just overcome these things they have brought both Glory to God and blessings to me!
Why don't you join me by throwing away your own "Victim" glasses for "Victory" glasses and take a good clear look at your blessings
Psalm 94:19 "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul."
Love you all so much you are one of my most treasured blessings
Pamela
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Treading Water
Hi Y'all,
We are still waiting to hear if Mike has gotten a waiver from the Army. I am hoping we will hear something today. The waiting is what is hard.
I'd like to share with you something I just learned to do this summer. I learned how to tread water! You'd think at my age...I would have learned this a long time ago, but after almost drowning at 16...waiting 31 years doesn't seem to long! (*_*)
I've been a little scared of the water since then. Several times over the years I have tried to take swimming lessons or just learn with a buddy. Mike has tried to teach me. The truth is I can swim like a fish in the shallow end, but as soon as I realize I can't touch bottom....I panic! I don't mean a little panic...an all out terror engulfs me and the water becomes an evil super power like the rip tide did many years ago. This has been a fear...irrational as it is...that has kept me from enjoying a lot of things in my life.
This summer, a friend of ours offered us the use of their pool. So we went often. Zoie and I swam in the shallow end, while Mike would swim in the deeper end. A couple times I would brave the deep end with a noodle. Soon though, I got confident enough to try to swim from the deep end to where I could touch as long as Mike swam beside me. Zoie too began to gain more confidence in her own swimming ability and would swim from the deep end to her dad. The last time we went, Mike tried to get me to tread water. I told him no, that I would panic. He looked at me and said, "Pamela, you must trust. (there was that word again, the one I been working on for the past 3 years!) Look, the water here is only about 5 inches over your head. If you sink you can kick back up with hardly no effort. Besides, you have already swam the length of the pool. I'm right here and there is no way you can drown." I could not argue with his logic, so I reluctantly agreed to try. He demonstrated how to move your arms and legs and pulled me beside him. He then said something profound, "Pamela, take it easy. Don't fight the water. Think like a dog. A dog in deep water makes big, slow, easy strokes. He does this to rest and use the water."
We counted to 3 then I let go. I wish I could say that I didn't panic, but at first I did and of course started to sink. Then I heard the words "rest and use the water"again. In an instant, I was treading water! It was a blast!
That is what I am doing right now. Taking it slow and easy, using big steps of faith, resting and using these uncertain circumstances to help me stay afloat. Treading water is not floating. It is work! I had soar muscles for a couple days after doing it the first time. These unknown circumstances are both uncertain and unpredictable. But, by treading with rest and faith, they do not control me. They are not pulling me under. I'll keep moving my arms of faith and kicking my knees to prayer, I'll make circles through God's Word and keep my eyes on the goal....following Jesus...even into unknown and deep water.
I love you all.
Wanna go for a swim?
Pamela
PS. Thanks for all your prayers please keep them coming.
We are still waiting to hear if Mike has gotten a waiver from the Army. I am hoping we will hear something today. The waiting is what is hard.
I'd like to share with you something I just learned to do this summer. I learned how to tread water! You'd think at my age...I would have learned this a long time ago, but after almost drowning at 16...waiting 31 years doesn't seem to long! (*_*)
I've been a little scared of the water since then. Several times over the years I have tried to take swimming lessons or just learn with a buddy. Mike has tried to teach me. The truth is I can swim like a fish in the shallow end, but as soon as I realize I can't touch bottom....I panic! I don't mean a little panic...an all out terror engulfs me and the water becomes an evil super power like the rip tide did many years ago. This has been a fear...irrational as it is...that has kept me from enjoying a lot of things in my life.
This summer, a friend of ours offered us the use of their pool. So we went often. Zoie and I swam in the shallow end, while Mike would swim in the deeper end. A couple times I would brave the deep end with a noodle. Soon though, I got confident enough to try to swim from the deep end to where I could touch as long as Mike swam beside me. Zoie too began to gain more confidence in her own swimming ability and would swim from the deep end to her dad. The last time we went, Mike tried to get me to tread water. I told him no, that I would panic. He looked at me and said, "Pamela, you must trust. (there was that word again, the one I been working on for the past 3 years!) Look, the water here is only about 5 inches over your head. If you sink you can kick back up with hardly no effort. Besides, you have already swam the length of the pool. I'm right here and there is no way you can drown." I could not argue with his logic, so I reluctantly agreed to try. He demonstrated how to move your arms and legs and pulled me beside him. He then said something profound, "Pamela, take it easy. Don't fight the water. Think like a dog. A dog in deep water makes big, slow, easy strokes. He does this to rest and use the water."
We counted to 3 then I let go. I wish I could say that I didn't panic, but at first I did and of course started to sink. Then I heard the words "rest and use the water"again. In an instant, I was treading water! It was a blast!
That is what I am doing right now. Taking it slow and easy, using big steps of faith, resting and using these uncertain circumstances to help me stay afloat. Treading water is not floating. It is work! I had soar muscles for a couple days after doing it the first time. These unknown circumstances are both uncertain and unpredictable. But, by treading with rest and faith, they do not control me. They are not pulling me under. I'll keep moving my arms of faith and kicking my knees to prayer, I'll make circles through God's Word and keep my eyes on the goal....following Jesus...even into unknown and deep water.
I love you all.
Wanna go for a swim?
Pamela
PS. Thanks for all your prayers please keep them coming.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wanting Lies and Boulders Pulverized
Hey Y'all,
This is an update and sequal to yesterday's post.
Mike went to our primary care physician this morning. He looked over Mike's records then talked to the allergist who tested Mike 8-9 years ago and both agreed that Mike does not have any food allergies. They drafted a letter to the army supporting this fact and we are praying that this will be all we need to get the waiver. Neither Dr. has ever had to treat Mike for any allergies of any kind. Mike called his recruiter to tell him the letter was going to be faxed there. The recruiter said this may or may not be enough to get the waiver. We may still have the boulder in front of us. I have started praising. I know that sounds a little crazy but it is what my spirit is telling me to do. Praise! I serve THE God who spits out stars. I sever the only true God. I serve the God who can not....not act in my best intrest. I serve The Living God...The LORD JEHOVAH. Even if my God decides not to move this boulder...I will praise Him. His way is far better than mine. He who can see and be in the past present and future all at the same time...knows where the path around, through, under, or over that will lead us to His Promised Land for us here and then on to Glory with Him. So I'm praising Him. I'm singing and shouting praises for my God to this boulder. I'll sing when it falls down like Jerico and I'll sing and shout if it stands and we are lead in another direction. Can you hear me? I'm a shouting right now. Its my war cry!
This Southern Belle is letting out a godly yell!
WHOOHOOO! that fewlt good!
Now for the lies about my writing. One of the biggest stumbling blocks I have is the mechanics of writing. Growing up in the mid sixties in a small town in the south, with a handicap had many disadvantages. One was that it was assumed that since I wore a brace on my leg that I must also have one on my brain. By the second grade I was tired of defending myself every time I made a hundred ona test. The teachers and other students would accuse me of cheating. As a seven year old wanting people to like her, I decided not to make any more hundreds or A's...ever! At first it was hard getting things wrong on purpose. But then as new things were introduced and I would half pay attention...it was easy. If you do not learn the material...well you get the idea. Soon I forgot about this desicion and I too believed that I was as slow and retarded as they thought. I graduated high school with a low "C"/"D" average.
It was by the grace of God that I even got into collage.
During my first Writing 101 class, we were assigned a one page essay. When it came back it did not have a grade on it...just a note..."See me immediattly after class!" I was scared! The professor sent me straight to her office to make an appointment with her. During that apponitment she she told me "When I finished reading your paper, I was astonished. I have never seen a freshman who could take a subject and run it through the entire paper the way that you did. Once I could read it your paper is remarkable. The problem is that it took me almost 2 hours just to read your paper. How can you write so well when you are functionally illiterate?"
I will never forget those words. They both encouraged and discouraged me like riding a drop zone ride at an amusement park. She sat down and taught me that say simple sentance structure. I was able to pass collage with a high "C"/ low "B" average. I later graduated seminary with a solid "B" average.
Yet the mechanics of grammer has always been a puzzle to me. I think I'm so sure that I can't do it right that I sabatoge myself before I even start. Even as I have been sharing this I have made more spelling and gramatical mistakes than I have in years.
How is it that even when we know it is a lie in our heads we can still be defeated by it?
So there you have one of my biggest fears/lies. Pray with me that I will get my eyes off of what I can or can not do and just beieve that the Lord Himself will guide my fingers and my mind.
I will update you occasionally about my own "Much Afraid's" adventure. So do you know any easy to learn grammer books out there?
And just so you know what I'm talking about...I'm not going to spell check or have Mike or Zoie proof this for me. THis is me raw!
Pamela
This is an update and sequal to yesterday's post.
Mike went to our primary care physician this morning. He looked over Mike's records then talked to the allergist who tested Mike 8-9 years ago and both agreed that Mike does not have any food allergies. They drafted a letter to the army supporting this fact and we are praying that this will be all we need to get the waiver. Neither Dr. has ever had to treat Mike for any allergies of any kind. Mike called his recruiter to tell him the letter was going to be faxed there. The recruiter said this may or may not be enough to get the waiver. We may still have the boulder in front of us. I have started praising. I know that sounds a little crazy but it is what my spirit is telling me to do. Praise! I serve THE God who spits out stars. I sever the only true God. I serve the God who can not....not act in my best intrest. I serve The Living God...The LORD JEHOVAH. Even if my God decides not to move this boulder...I will praise Him. His way is far better than mine. He who can see and be in the past present and future all at the same time...knows where the path around, through, under, or over that will lead us to His Promised Land for us here and then on to Glory with Him. So I'm praising Him. I'm singing and shouting praises for my God to this boulder. I'll sing when it falls down like Jerico and I'll sing and shout if it stands and we are lead in another direction. Can you hear me? I'm a shouting right now. Its my war cry!
This Southern Belle is letting out a godly yell!
WHOOHOOO! that fewlt good!
Now for the lies about my writing. One of the biggest stumbling blocks I have is the mechanics of writing. Growing up in the mid sixties in a small town in the south, with a handicap had many disadvantages. One was that it was assumed that since I wore a brace on my leg that I must also have one on my brain. By the second grade I was tired of defending myself every time I made a hundred ona test. The teachers and other students would accuse me of cheating. As a seven year old wanting people to like her, I decided not to make any more hundreds or A's...ever! At first it was hard getting things wrong on purpose. But then as new things were introduced and I would half pay attention...it was easy. If you do not learn the material...well you get the idea. Soon I forgot about this desicion and I too believed that I was as slow and retarded as they thought. I graduated high school with a low "C"/"D" average.
It was by the grace of God that I even got into collage.
During my first Writing 101 class, we were assigned a one page essay. When it came back it did not have a grade on it...just a note..."See me immediattly after class!" I was scared! The professor sent me straight to her office to make an appointment with her. During that apponitment she she told me "When I finished reading your paper, I was astonished. I have never seen a freshman who could take a subject and run it through the entire paper the way that you did. Once I could read it your paper is remarkable. The problem is that it took me almost 2 hours just to read your paper. How can you write so well when you are functionally illiterate?"
I will never forget those words. They both encouraged and discouraged me like riding a drop zone ride at an amusement park. She sat down and taught me that say simple sentance structure. I was able to pass collage with a high "C"/ low "B" average. I later graduated seminary with a solid "B" average.
Yet the mechanics of grammer has always been a puzzle to me. I think I'm so sure that I can't do it right that I sabatoge myself before I even start. Even as I have been sharing this I have made more spelling and gramatical mistakes than I have in years.
How is it that even when we know it is a lie in our heads we can still be defeated by it?
So there you have one of my biggest fears/lies. Pray with me that I will get my eyes off of what I can or can not do and just beieve that the Lord Himself will guide my fingers and my mind.
I will update you occasionally about my own "Much Afraid's" adventure. So do you know any easy to learn grammer books out there?
And just so you know what I'm talking about...I'm not going to spell check or have Mike or Zoie proof this for me. THis is me raw!
Pamela
Monday, August 24, 2009
Boulders, Slipping Feet and Eggs!
Hey Y'all!
That path I told you about in my last post, just took a few steps and already...and I have discovered a boulder in the way the size of a whole Army! In fact it is the Army, or at least the MEPS (medical ) portion. 8 years ago, Mike had an allergy test done and one of the things listed on the test was an allergy to eggs. Well we laughed! Mike has continued to eat eggs and things that contain eggs almost everyday. This allergy showed up on his medical records and the Army has automatically given him a medical disqualification. We tried to get a waiver but was turned down. Our next step is to get a doctor to officially document that this is a non medical issue. Mike will see our primary doctor tomorrow. His name is Dr. Villamore. Please pray he will be able to give Mike the right paperwork to put this issue to rest. We need this done so that Mike can complete his physical, and get his packet to the board before September 3rd. We believe with all our hearts this is God's will for us. He is a God who can pulverize boulders. So would you pray with me for the next few days, in order that we may see the mighty, boulder-breaking hand of God move. And then all involved will be amazed at His handiwork?
I have to admit, my faith and feet has slipped a couple times the last few days. Tears of fear and faith have battled for my attention and emotions. This path I am on will take me not only into the Army as a chaplain's wife, but also into a new direction in my ministry. I'm going to say it out loud or I will continue to dodge it and deny it, so here it goes. I believe I am to write more.
This scares me. I know what some of you are thinking...Pamela, you have been blogging this devotional for over a year. Pamela, haven't you been writing Special Ed Bible Study for 13 years?
Yes to both...but both are a different type of writing. The curriculum is creative "how to" with fun takes on the Bible stories and an application story. The blog...well it is more like sitting and chatting with you.
I'm a little scared of the kind of writing, I feel God is asking me to do. I took a correspondence writing course once, and it became clear that I could tell a story, but not show the story. In other words, I speak it better than I write it!
Please pray for me as I seek out this steep path. I feel a little like Abraham, as he left for the land God would show him, not having a map or GPS to guide him. I don't even know what tomorrow's step will be.
I love you all and I am trying to be as real as I can. Your prayers are needed. Your advice is more than welcome. I'll post a little more tomorrow about some more of the fears (I mean lies) that are in my head and fingers. I ultimately want to follow my Jesus up this treacherous looking path. Will you help me?
Thank you for listening.
I love you.
Still "Much Afraid" Pamela
That path I told you about in my last post, just took a few steps and already...and I have discovered a boulder in the way the size of a whole Army! In fact it is the Army, or at least the MEPS (medical ) portion. 8 years ago, Mike had an allergy test done and one of the things listed on the test was an allergy to eggs. Well we laughed! Mike has continued to eat eggs and things that contain eggs almost everyday. This allergy showed up on his medical records and the Army has automatically given him a medical disqualification. We tried to get a waiver but was turned down. Our next step is to get a doctor to officially document that this is a non medical issue. Mike will see our primary doctor tomorrow. His name is Dr. Villamore. Please pray he will be able to give Mike the right paperwork to put this issue to rest. We need this done so that Mike can complete his physical, and get his packet to the board before September 3rd. We believe with all our hearts this is God's will for us. He is a God who can pulverize boulders. So would you pray with me for the next few days, in order that we may see the mighty, boulder-breaking hand of God move. And then all involved will be amazed at His handiwork?
I have to admit, my faith and feet has slipped a couple times the last few days. Tears of fear and faith have battled for my attention and emotions. This path I am on will take me not only into the Army as a chaplain's wife, but also into a new direction in my ministry. I'm going to say it out loud or I will continue to dodge it and deny it, so here it goes. I believe I am to write more.
This scares me. I know what some of you are thinking...Pamela, you have been blogging this devotional for over a year. Pamela, haven't you been writing Special Ed Bible Study for 13 years?
Yes to both...but both are a different type of writing. The curriculum is creative "how to" with fun takes on the Bible stories and an application story. The blog...well it is more like sitting and chatting with you.
I'm a little scared of the kind of writing, I feel God is asking me to do. I took a correspondence writing course once, and it became clear that I could tell a story, but not show the story. In other words, I speak it better than I write it!
Please pray for me as I seek out this steep path. I feel a little like Abraham, as he left for the land God would show him, not having a map or GPS to guide him. I don't even know what tomorrow's step will be.
I love you all and I am trying to be as real as I can. Your prayers are needed. Your advice is more than welcome. I'll post a little more tomorrow about some more of the fears (I mean lies) that are in my head and fingers. I ultimately want to follow my Jesus up this treacherous looking path. Will you help me?
Thank you for listening.
I love you.
Still "Much Afraid" Pamela
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Walking On Unbalanced Shoes!
Friends,
I need your help. The enemy is kicking my but! It is little things that seem like such boulders and they seem to big to move.
I feel so much like a character in one of my favorite books called Hinds Feet On High Places.
Her name is "Much Afraid" and I am "Much Afraid."
In this allegory of a Christians walk with God, Much Afraid is attacked by her evil family every step of the way, on her path to the High Places. Her cousin "Craven Fear" and his friends "Pride" and "Bitterness" constantly assault her and torment her as she seeks to Follow the Good Shepherd up the path He has for her. Her companions on this journey are "Sorrow and Suffering."
Well "Much Afraid's" enemies have been attacking me like crazy! I feel like Jesus wants me to follow up a steep path. A hard path...but one with a glorious treasure and view at the top. However like "Much Afraid," I feel inadequate, scared, and can only see the obstacles.
I've read the allegory...my faith knows that if I follow Jesus, I will be able to make this path...no matter how hard...all the way to the top. I also know...at the top of this path, is so much better than what I am comfortable with here....yet...I am still much afraid.
I need your prayers. Today I am making the first steps up this steep cliff. My feet are shaky and I am feeling very unbalanced...like I am trying to climb with my feet in one flat shoe and the other with an 8 inch spiked heel!
But stepping I am. May God grant me Hinds feet to follow Him to the high places. May I listen no more to "Bitterness," "Pride," or "Craven Fear." May all the more, Jesus receive the Glory!
Thank you for your friendship and prayers
A wobbly much afraid Pinkshoelady
Pamela
I need your help. The enemy is kicking my but! It is little things that seem like such boulders and they seem to big to move.
I feel so much like a character in one of my favorite books called Hinds Feet On High Places.
Her name is "Much Afraid" and I am "Much Afraid."
In this allegory of a Christians walk with God, Much Afraid is attacked by her evil family every step of the way, on her path to the High Places. Her cousin "Craven Fear" and his friends "Pride" and "Bitterness" constantly assault her and torment her as she seeks to Follow the Good Shepherd up the path He has for her. Her companions on this journey are "Sorrow and Suffering."
Well "Much Afraid's" enemies have been attacking me like crazy! I feel like Jesus wants me to follow up a steep path. A hard path...but one with a glorious treasure and view at the top. However like "Much Afraid," I feel inadequate, scared, and can only see the obstacles.
I've read the allegory...my faith knows that if I follow Jesus, I will be able to make this path...no matter how hard...all the way to the top. I also know...at the top of this path, is so much better than what I am comfortable with here....yet...I am still much afraid.
I need your prayers. Today I am making the first steps up this steep cliff. My feet are shaky and I am feeling very unbalanced...like I am trying to climb with my feet in one flat shoe and the other with an 8 inch spiked heel!
But stepping I am. May God grant me Hinds feet to follow Him to the high places. May I listen no more to "Bitterness," "Pride," or "Craven Fear." May all the more, Jesus receive the Glory!
Thank you for your friendship and prayers
A wobbly much afraid Pinkshoelady
Pamela
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