Last Minute Details & Call to Prayer

The day has been a whirlwind of last minute errands, packing and finishing arrangements for the kids. It is a beautiful autumn day and Daniel took one last long bike ride through the countryside.

One great tool Daniel thought of to pack as well as possible is the bags with the valve so you can put clothing in and then vacuum out all of the air. We were able to get our luggage down to two instead of three check-in bags, including a huge variety of hats, slippers and sweaters made by two elderly ladies in Grand Rapids. What a blessing those will be as winter sets in over in Ukraine.

A few days ago, I had a strong impression on my mind that in the middle of all this busyness, I need to be sure I am paying attention to the needs of others. We could easily be so caught up in our to do list that we miss being a help or encouragement to someone else who really needs it right now. I'm not sure I'm passing the test, but let me pass on two things.

First, praise God for His blessing on my dad as he went through surgery on October 28. Things went pretty good. It appeared that the cancer had not spread at all although they took two nodes for analysis just to be sure. Dad was able to go home yesterday, the 30th. He has several weeks of recovery ahead and some pain issues, but I'm sure it will be a boost just to be back home.

Second, please pray pray pray for my sister-in-law, Carolanne. She is thirty-three and has a hubby and two little ones (3 1/2 and 8 months). She is very sick and each doctor she has seen over the last year has had a different opinion. Frankly, she is having a hard time with digestion from one end to the other, is in a lot of pain, and deeply discouraged. She is down to 112 pounds. She is in need of God's divine intervention NOW. I believe in the power of prayer. If you do too, and will pray WITHOUT DOUBTING, please do. God inhabits the prayer of His people and the prayers of the righteous are like sweet incense to Him. Please lift Carolanne up.

Life goes on around us as we get ready to fly out on Sunday. These things can be very stressful but I am trying to hang on to the FACT the God is Sovereign, and He has not forgotten anyone or anything.

These are lyrics from a song I wrote about a year and a half ago.

There was a woman
Bleeding twelve years
She came up behind Him
And touched the edge of His robe
Saying "As I do this I'll be healed"
Feeling power go out from Him
He said "Who has touched me?"
The disciples said "Who can know,
For the crowd is pressing in"

He looked around Him,
Wanting to see
So trembling with fear,
And confessing,
She fell at His feet
Saying "It was me."
He said "Take heart daughter.
Your faith has not faltered.
Go in peace. Your have been healed.
By your faith, you have been healed.

He is able, He is able
He is able
There is nothing too hard or far from His hand
Set all your fear aside
In His perfect hands abide
Go in peace. You have been healed.
By your faith, you have been healed.

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May we be counted among the righteous so our fervent prayers will "avail much."
May we pray without doubt. No anxiety. Just pouring everything out to Him "by prayer and petition, with thankgiving." (Phil. 4:6-8)

Blessings to you all. Shabbat Shalom