The Great Rescue Continues

Thoughts, Prayers and Words of Encouragement: Wow what a remarkable day....the 2nd Anniversary of Katrina. I remember with great clarity lying on the floor praying for those who would be affected...not knowing then that their names would be Mel, Susie, Jay, Nola, Ms. Margaret, Shirley, Deb, Yancy, Carter, Ms Mike, Mary Kay...well I can't list everyone in Bay St. Louis...but all their names should be here. Today was a day of Hope and Promise. Despite the repeated dismal reports from the media....Ms. Margaret summed it all up last night..."We are a chosen people here in Hancock County, God chose us to be a part of the greatest movement of faith in this nation." ANY QUESTIONS????

Last night we had a wonderful Community Dinner....almost 100 people gathered, brought a dish to pass...and can they cook :):) We celebrated life, promise...a gospel choir from Seattle brought the house down with their music ministry and their love. It truly is the manifestation of God's love and compassion to His people and those becoming His people.

The new team has arrived in Bay St Louis....so wonderfully full of energy, excitement and passion for the great rescue....what a wonderful God we serve. Me personally, I am overwhelmed that my God has given me the privilege to be a part of His great work here in Mississippi....I am awed that this is the life He has called me to....I am filled with Joy that my God has brought Hope and Healing.

Today also we celebrated as Mel's piers are in, the cement will be poured tomorrow and the framing will be ready to start by September 14th......We are praying that God would make the workers like bread and fishes, and that we could celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in her new house...what a treasure 3 years later....

So tonite I am thankful, God has been so merciful, so kind and so GOOD!! Thank you Jesus such a time as this....please complete all You have begun. Love di

Choose Life

Thoughts, Prayers and Words of Encouragement: Well I sure fell off the blog...however tonite (rather this AM) as I sit and ponder the events of the day, to read, pray and inquire of the Lord...I am here again...Deut. 30:19 "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today; I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to Him, firmly embracing Him."

So God was calling them back to Him again....giving opportunity to choose LIFE...He is so awesome, faithful and His love ENDURES forever....man just ponder the ENDURING PART awhile.........

Years ago I read the three volumes of the Spiritual Man by Watchman Nee, actually I read
them three times. Interestingly before reading the books the third time, I had this epiphany about the opportunity Adam and Eve had to eat as much as they wanted from Life, it was knowledge of good and evil they were not to touch. I was so impressed by the choice for life....each day I woke choosing LIFE, in my mind, actions, emotions, heart...every fiber of my being crying out to God for His LIFE to fill me. Then I read the book and found the concept in the first chapter, volume ONE!! Thank GOD for His subliminal teaching!!

So tonite, with storms brewing in the Gulf, waves of uncertainty crashing the shores of my mind, and before me is set again the choice of LIFE! I realize how often I choose the easier path of Death. As I read my friend Lisa's blog, I realize how often I choose death in the way I treat myself. Whether in my diet, exercise or primarily plain old rest. The Lord over and over tries to get it in my head that I am to enter into the Sabbath rest....just like Him...I easily give way to choosing the death of activity. Tonite however, when Richard called about sending a team to investigate Hurricane Dean, wherever it lands, I declined the offer to go. I know there are many capable people to make that decision. And it would not be a LIFE decision for me!

For me, the Life would come in helping the people...I am realizing more and more that LIFE to me is LOVE and primarily loving people. I have also realized that if it is not about LOVE, then for me it is not a LIFE choice. That is a revolutionary discovery....I am finally getting it....so tonite Lord I rest in Your Life and Love. I know the other part of the discovery is that I was created to love and laugh....for years I have struggled to explain in a tangible way the ministry that God has called me to.....and tonite again I realize that it may never be measurable but always tangible...the touch of Your Love and Your Joy!!

Tonite Lord I want to embrace You and Life...help me Abba to make LIFE choices, to resist Death and Holy Spirit please give me great discernment in the choices I make...Lord fill me with Your great Love and Life that I may be a conduit in the world around me....Let me always walk in Your rest, no matter how far the walk, let it always be LIFE.