Spring Spirals into Summer

Briefly, I'm overwhelmed. I truly thought this blog would be updated weekly, if not daily, yet that has not happened. In fact, I'm in need of confessing. My time management skills are in a state of embarrassing disarray.


This post will be intense, and condensed. The school year is almost over. I'm about to hit the road, visitng friends, family and churches as I prepare to leave for Africa (hopefully by the middle of August). Call or write if you would like me to visit your home or church. Or, write or call Church of God World Missions to receive information about my new assignment (#065-0834).


My son Travis was home a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed his visit. His brother and sister, in-laws and nieces and nephews filled my house. Laughter, love, and lip-smaking eating took place for 6 packed days. Then, suddenly he was gone . . . on his way to Baghdad for six months. His wife and two children stayed in Japan, on the base where he is officially stationed.


The LORD has a plan for each of our lives. When I am falling asleep each night, I trust His plan. When I wake up each morning, I rejoice in His plan. The steps we take are not particularly easy, but He guides us with His Light. All we have to do is follow that Light and practice obedience.


On the last Saturday of 2007, I went to the beach alone. While I was scanning for shells, a thought occured to me: "That which you seek shall be cast at your feet." I wondered. Why would such a thing pop into my head? I wasn't seeking for anything. Or was I? When I walk on the beach, my motive is double. I look for beautiful shells. Well, was I about to shift my eyes to see that beautiful murex resting at my toes?

I also try to clear the fog out of my head while I am walking. This time, I couldn't think of anything I was actively seeking. Yes, I want the house to sell. Yes, I want . . . You get the picture. I WANT just like everyone else. But, SEEK? What do I seek? For weeks, I struggled with this concept of SEEKING. Finally, I think I began to understand. That which I seek is to be perfectly conformed to the will of God, and to be obedient to His guidance.

Tonight, I am trembling. Sunday morning, I will speak to a group of people near New Orleans. For more than three years, I have not stood behind a pulpit to minister the Word of the Lord. I have testified. I have not done more. Suddenly, I remember the weight of bringing the Word of the Lord to a group of people. Now, I must stand up in obedience and deliver the message God lays on my heart. May it please the Lord to allow me to be perfectly conformed to His Will, and may I be brave, courageous enough to speak the Word with boldness.

More spiraling lies ahead . . . the patterns become ever more beautiful. I live in constant gratitude, with joy, peace and contentment.

If you are one to remember dates, you know that yesterday completed two years of widowhood for me. I have learned to be grateful for the time I had with Lamar, for the joys, the blessings, the pleasures, the travels: all that life with Lamar entailed. I miss him, but I have learned, again, to be content, in whatever state I find myself. God is good. And His Mercy endures forever.