Shoes

Everyday we step into them and wear them [as our nephew, Jesse, shows]. Sometimes they're comfortable and sometimes they're not. Much like life's experiences, wouldn't you agree?

The English language makes use of shoes in idioms such as to "be in someone's shoes" (when wanting to have the same experience as someone else) and "fill someone's shoes" (when desiring to do what someone else has done as well as they did). And while these may at times sound like the ideal, in reality they are far from it.

All things considered, the fact is that we are each unique individuals with different personalities lovingly created by an amazingly great God. Any desire to be in or fill someone's shoes is an impossibility ~ no matter how hard we may try.

Job 5:8 (MSG) ~
"If I were in your shoes, I'd go straight to God, I'd throw myself on the mercy of God. After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts; there's no end to his surprises."

Seeking... You Will Find Him

While officiating the Celebration Service of a 100 year old Salvationist lady today, we spontaneously sang accapella words which, unfortunately, have been removed from the chorus section of our songbook.

"Standing somewhere in life's shadows, you'll find Jesus.

He's the One who always cares and understands.

Standing somewhere in the shadows, you will find Him

And you'll know Him by the nail-prints in His hands."

These words speak of the confident assurance we believers have, that when we consciously seek (in faith) the presence of Jesus to empower us by His Spirit, we will find Him to be more than sufficient ~ more than able!

You will never know anything about the Lord Jesus until you come to the shadows and find Him there. Whether it be in the shadow of disappointment; in the shadow of despair; in the shadow of sickness; in the shadow of depression; in the shadow of bitterness; in the shadow of bereavement ~ trust God, you will find Jesus.

In sharing with a close relative following the service, he remarked, "Thanks for the lovely service. You certainly made me think. But I'm sorry to say that I'm an atheist. I don't believe anymore..." To this I responded, "I'm sorry to hear that. Remember, faith requires stepping out and seeking. And if you've done it before, know that God longs for you to trust Him again. After all, He gave us a second chance. Don't you deserve to do the same?"

I pray that seeking, he will again find Jesus to be sufficient and able.

Philippians 3:10 (NIV) ~ "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection..."

Saints In The Making

I was interested to learn today that St Richard of Chichester, who served as Bishop of Chichester for 8 years in the mid-13th century and was later canonized in 1262 by Pope Urban IV, wrote a prayer that ended up being adapted for use in the musical Godspell.

Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ
For all the benefits Thou hast given me,
For all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother,
May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly,
Day by day.

The bishop's life and ministry was characterized by hard work and suffering, including a two-year period living as an outcast of his own diocese following his election as bishop until King Henry III accepted his appointment by the Pope. Likewise, his 'down to earth' prayer reflects the daily commitment and 'stickability' required by all who seek to be true followers of Jesus.

The prayer acknowledges too, that Christians don't become saints overnight! Christlikeness is a gradual process of re-orientating our lives into God's will and way by ...knowing more clearly... loving more dearly ... and following more nearly... day by day.

So be encouraged, for through Christ, we are all saints in the making!

OWSOMS Self Denial Launch

Having previously served overseas in Singapore and Malaysia, and having a passion for cross-cultural ministry, we are thrilled to promote to our congregation this year's OWSOMS Self Denial focus with the theme Follow Me.
What a challenge this appeal presents us each as we journey overseas with three Salvationist representatives from the Australia Eastern, Southern and New Zealand territories to three developing countries (India, Bali and The Philippines) where The Salvation Army have influential, inclusive and intimate programmes in place that are continuning to transform lives to the glory of God.
How we need to open our eyes of compassion and display love in action!
How The Salvation Army needs people of compassion to display love in action!
How people worldwide need compassionate holistic care through our love in action!

Ministry Non-negotiables

Our territory has identified four mission imperatives that are vital as a measuring-stick for assessing ministry effectiveness. Here is the statement ~

The Salvation Army ~ a growing, loving community of people dynamically living God's mission in a broken world ~ is raised up by God for the work of

• Transforming Lives
• Caring For People
• Making Disciples
• Reforming Society

Surely these are non-negotiables as far as our Christian ministry is concerned, in order that the living out of our faith in the everyday might be influential, inclusive and intimate.

Our prayer is that these, too, may be evident in our current chaplaincy ministry as we seek to fulfil our mission statement.

God Is Not Remote Control

Retired General John Gowans has a wonderfully inspired gift for expressing human thoughts relative to Divine matters. I love the imagery he uses in verse 2 of Song 238 "Someone cares".

Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling,

Who is careless of our loneliness and pain,

Through the ministry of men he gives his healing,

In their dedicated hands brings hope again.

Recently I have spent time meditating on Zephaniah 3:17 and been constantly encouraged that God is intentionally personal in His relationship and actions toward us, His people. He is not distant, remote or unfeeling, but rather One who comes alongside us with great delight. Now that's something to rejoice in with singing!

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) ~ "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Luther On Prayer

In 1535, Martin Luther wrote and published A Simple Way To Pray dedicated to his barber, Peter Beskendorf, who had asked him for some guidelines on how he might improve his prayer life. The German Reformer taught that prayer should be living, powerful, strong, mighty, earnest, serious, troubled, passionate, vehement, fervent and ardent.

Consider Luther's confident Evening Prayer.

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day;

And I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things.

Let Your holy angel be with me, that the wicked one may have no power over me.

Amen.

Noteworthy, too, is Luther's comment: “As a shoe maker makes a shoe, or a tailor makes a coat, so ought a Christian to pray. Prayer is the daily business of a Christian.”
Kind of fits in well with verse 5 of Song 625 written by James Montgomery in 1818 ~ "Prayer is the Christians' vital breath, the Christians' native air..."

Yes, Lord, make us a passionately prayerful people!

Year Of The Pig

Happy New Year! Yesterday marked day one of the Chinese New Year with its colourful festivities, delicious food and bountiful blessings. While serving in corps appointments in Singapore and Malaysia, we came to really respect these annual celebrations that are so important within the Chinese culture.
For those who are born in 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971 (yes!), 1983, 1995 or 2007, this is our year ~ the Year of the Pig.

According to customary beliefs, here are some facts about those born in the year of the pig.

• honest, straightforward and patient.
• modest and shy characters who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes
• always on hand to offer support.
• reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person behind that mask of aloofness.
• wide circle of friends and acquaintances, but few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings.
• not vengeful creatures.
• if someone tries to take advantage of them, they tend to withdraw to reflect on the problem and protect themselves.
• conservative creatures of habit who love nature.
• tolerant and peaceful side to their character; never afraid to allow others their freedom of expression;
• do not want to cause arguments
• not weak, however, if the situation forces them to fight these people will rise to the occasion, whether it is to defend themselves or those close to them.
• People born in the year of the pig are the most admired by others.

Simply summarized, those born in this Year of the Pig are friendly, loyal and worthy.
A Friend of God, Loyal to the cause of Christ and Worthy of my eternal reward ~ that's what I long to be!

Isaiah 61:1 (MSG) ~ "The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace..."

A Recipe To Follow

'Trust' was the theme of our worship service today led by Major Win Barker. In her Bible message, Win shared a story about a personal cooking experience. Not having all the proper ingredients, she ad libbed only to find out that the end product wasn't as satisfying as she would have liked. When speaking with a friend about it, Win was advised of the following.
"Well, you can't expect a good result if you don't follow the recipe!"

How fitting is that spiritually? Through the Bible, God has given us the recipe to live a fulfilling and rewarding life in the power of His Holy Spirit, if we would only trust in Jesus with our all.

My mind went to these well-loved words from Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."

...and it's a great recipe to follow!

Afternoon Tea Surprise

An 'out of the blue' invitation to share in a fellowship afternoon tea today at a fellow officer colleague's place turned out to be a 'surprise event' for all who attended as my Christian friend and Waverley Temple solider, Daryl Wang, announced his engagement to girlfriend, Roni. To add blessing upon blessing, Roni's mother was visiting all the way from China and was privileged to personally witness and participate in this lovely occasion.

"Bless them now, heavenly Father, bless them now!"

I pray, too, that God might surprise you again with a reminder of His great love for you in Christ Jesus!

Guided by Dog

No, there's no grammatical typo in the title! It's purely intentional. Even after 4 years, I continue to be amazed (and hugely proud!) of my wife's guide dog, Zarena ~ our beautiful dogdaughter [pictured below in action].

What amazes me most is that, when visiting new places, Zarena nevers fails to assess the unfamiliar territory and then do what she does best ~ safely guide Dabak in her every step!

Some places can be totally confusing, even to those with good eyesight. I'm talking about lifts with double-ended opening doors. Which one will open at which floor?

Recently, in a new cinema lift, Zarena took Dabak through to the back of the lift and stood by the rear doorway in preparation to disembark, only to find that one door was used to both enter and exit. After exploring the new surroundings, we ventured back downstairs via lift for a seat until our session. And, yes, you guessed it, Zarena took Dabak into the lift and did a huge U-turn standing her in front of the same door.

WOW! If only you and I were as quick to learn in life, how much easier it would be.

Certain Hope

Stopping at a set of lights recently, the following logo on the rear of the car in front caught my attention.

At that very moment, I praised God for our Certain Hope ~

Ichthus (ΙΧΘΥΣ, Greek for fish) is an acronym of "Jesus Christ, Son Of God, Saviour".

1 Timothy 4:10 (MSG) ~ "... We're banking on the living God, Saviour of all men and women ..."

Love Is Central

Jude 20-21 (MSG) ~ "But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!"

On this Valentine's Day, I'm reminded of the greatest love expressed to us by God through Jesus Christ. It's a love that continues to uphold, inspire, motivate and equip us to be the best we can be as we live life to the full everyday.

Praise God, His love changes everything ~ for eternity!

Engaging Emotions

We live in a day and age when levels of commitment are no longer simply driven by past achievements, present activities or future aspirations. And yet, ironically, these all play an important part in paving the way for effective growth. Organisations everywhere are investing in strategic plans in the hope of increasing membership levels that will benefit their futures, regardless of whether they are corporate companies or church communities.
In addressing the Rotary topic, "How to increase and retain new members", Murray Collier (CEO of Performance Works Pty Ltd) made the following key points that contribute to effective growth.
1. Connection ~ establishing relevant relationships.
2. Communication ~ knowing your purpose and selling it well.
3. Significance ~ being confident of what you have to offer and its ability to impact others.
4. Engagement ~ ability to engage emotionally with potential members and touch their 'heart core'.

The idea of engaging emotionally with others was a real eye-opener. In reflecting on TSA, I am confident that, because of our corporate identity and public image, we seem to connect, communicate and express our significance well. However, I don't believe that we always engage well emotionally with others when it comes to our spiritual mission.
Nowadays, people's levels of commitment are directly linked to their emotional feelings ~ if they are touched at the core they will be more likely to commit to the cause. Perhaps then, we need to be more intentional in trying to engage emotionally with people ~ and that means being a lot more personal relationally.
Emotional engagement for the cause of Christ ~ Let it be!

John 4:23 (MSG) ~ "It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."

World Understanding Month

According to the Rotary calendar, February is "World Understanding Month". Last Tuesday night at Rotary we heard from an inspirational guest speaker, 15 year old Scotch College student, Hugh McKenzie, who shared about his personal experiences of assisting in a joint World Vision/Scotch College project of upgrading the Kapumfi School in Kopa, Zambia.
These were his reflections:
"Running along next to our bus, massive smiles on their faces enjoying every moment of their time with the ambassadors from Australia who built their school. ‘Shani’, ‘Whino’. The short words spoken between us and the Kapumfi children meaning ‘how are you?’, ‘I am good’. The children don’t speak English and these are the only words we knew, and found those words very precious, being the link and key to communication between us and the children of Kapumfi. Being a part of this trip made me feel very privileged ~ not only compared to these poor people but it has been such an eye opener and changed my view on the world.
Round and round our world turns with people every day of our lives ignoring what is happening on the other side of the world to them. Seeing those kids' smiling faces it is hard for me to forget what some people are going through. They may be thousands of kilometres away but everyday I am reminded of so many memories from the trip that has changed my life. Stopping the bus we hop out and follow our guide towards what seems to be maybe two or three huts and a couple of cows. ‘Everyone I’d like you to meet Michael’. In front of me is standing a boy around the age of 13, his dirt covered face with sad eyes and visibly shy stands there. ‘Hi Michael!’; he doesn’t understand what we have said, just like many people in Australia do not understand what is happening on this side of the world. His face immediately lowers and his eyes are forced to the ground; shyness wins out. Does it matter if you are shy in this cruel world that poor Michael lives in? Such a question makes you realise how we can live with this happening to the lives of others. As well as living in the extremes of poverty Michael’s parents died when he was six. Now he is looked after by his aunt. Imagine living in these circumstances ~ such poverty ~ and not have your parents support you and guide you. This I cannot relate to nor understand; how this kid gets by everyday. Meeting this young boy has been touching and will stay with me for the rest of my life. I admire this boy immensely and I have learned from this experience. When I think that I have it tough, I think of Michael; what is he doing at the moment? Being starved? Working so he and his aunt can have some food for the evening?
This also inspires me to try and make difference in people’s lives who are disadvantaged...to make Poverty History!

Hugh's story inspired me to do my utmost to "serve suffering humanity" right where God has placed me. Sharing God's resources always makes a difference!

Traralgon Corps' New Facilities

My heart leapt for joy this afternoon as I witnessed the official dedication of the Traralgon Corps' new worship facilities [pictured below] and celebrated with them the completion of the building project that marks another new chapter in the life of this faithful community of believers.

As corps officers from 1999-2003, my wife and I counted it a privilege to share in ministry with and leadership alongside these great people of God as they whole-heartedly proclaimed the power of His love to transform not only their own lives, but their local community.
In his dedicatory message, Commissioner Jim Knaggs (TC) summed it up well when he exhorted all present to build their lives on the Lord Jesus Christ. Doing this, we can be certain of a God-glorifying outcome every time, both corporately and individually.

"Joy is the flag flown high from the castle of my heart...
Let it fly in the sky, let the whole world know that

the King is in residence there!"
God bless Traralgon Corps!
God bless Captains Andrew and Jeanette van Gaalen!

Smiles Go A Long Way

I was interested to read the following poem by Diane Sample on her website Blessings For Life.

When God Smiles
We reach out a hand to help a friend;

And God smiles.

We gather on our knees in prayer,

And God smiles.

We give to the poor and visit the sick

And God smiles.

We turn our hearts from sinful ways,

And God smiles.

The Bible doesn't really say

That God has smiled, it's true.

Somehow I feel as though He does

When to His name we're true.

Parents smile when they are pleased

With children who obey.

Would not our Father smile at us

When we walk in His way?

These thoughts reminded me of a photo I received recently from our brother, Stewart, with our two nephews, Jesse (l) and Jordan (r).

Yes, smiles cetainly go a long way!

More Than Music

We love Thursday evenings! Even more so, because the Inala Chapel Choir recommenced weekly rehearsals for 2007. Being a part of this fine group of Christian believers committed to ministry in Jesus' name is an immense privilege and one of the many joys of our current aged care chaplaincy appointment.
This was proved in a very practical way tonight when, following the concluding devotional, our choir leader responded obediently to God's Holy Spirit prompting by leading us all in a time of prayer together for the spiritual and physical needs of one another.
What a special time of personal encouragement ~ particularly meaningful for us at "such a time as this"!
More than music, more than fellowship ~ the Inala Choir offers genuine Christian, spiritual care that is deeply pastoral in nature and complements well their contributions to our worship ministry.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) ~ "...encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Confidence Counts

Confidence has many meanings. We can be confident in our own abilities and talents; confident that something will happen; confident about certain facts (including salvation); confident in God's promises.
Likewise, confidence can be lead people down two different paths to:
1. An outer, arrogant self-confidence, resulting in pride and boasting, or
2. An inner, humble assurance, resulting in a healthy self-esteem and a sure conviction of where we are going.
Over recent days of uncertainty, we've been constantly reminded that our ultimate confidence comes from trusting that God's word is true. That we can know all the future blessings that await us in heaven, while simultaneously boldly claiming God's ability to help us endure any trials that we face here on earth.
To sum it up ~ Don't trust yourself more than your limited sufficiency. Don't trust God less than his all-sufficiency.
Yes, God-confidence counts both for our present realities and in our facing of the unknown future!

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) ~ "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen."

General's Pastoral Letters

While visiting the Canada and Bermuda Territory's Salvationist website (http://www.salvationist.ca/blog) this evening, I was interested to read of the following new pastoral care venture to be initiated worldwide next month from the office of the General.
"MARCH 2007 will see the General initiating a huge step forward in mass communications within The Salvation Army, in a move which will strengthen the pastoral role of the office of the General.
For a very brief period in the earliest days of The Salvation Army the first General, William Booth, had a luxury no subsequent General has enjoyed: the facility to communicate directly with his soldiers through The War Cry, published in the UK, where at that time all the Army’s soldiers were found. However, that situation lasted for just a few short months before the geographical spread of the Army – first to the USA and then to Ireland, France, Canada, India, Switzerland, Sweden and all points north, south, east and west – meant that most of his soldiers were out of easy reach.
More than 120 years and 17 Generals later, advances in technology have now made it possible for the General again to communicate directly and virtually instantaneously with his soldiers, wherever in the world they are. General Clifton intends to do that through periodic Pastoral Letters which will be distributed electronically.
During the Lenten period leading to Easter, the General will write the first such Pastoral Letter which will be sent to every soldier, anywhere in the world, who provides International Headquarters with his or her email address. The Pastoral Letter will also be published on a new web page dedicated to the office of the General, enabling soldiers to read it on screen or print it out from their home computer, or in such places as internet cafés. To meet the needs of soldiers without access to electronic communications the Pastoral Letters will also be distributed in ways appropriate to local circumstances.
The letters – offering spiritual guidance reflecting the General’s pastoral role as the Army’s international leader – will be published in a number of languages. The intention is that every soldier will have access to a copy in a language he or she understands. The letters will be published several times a year."

I certainly commend the General on his idea of communicating pastorally with his soldiers internationally. May God bless his written messages for the pastoral and spiritual benefit of all Salvationists!

Why not subscribe to receive it yourself by visiting the General’s web page at http://www.salvationarmy.org/thegeneral ?

Wait And Be Renewed

In a very wonderful way, (as only God could do) yesterday's preparation proved to be today's sufficiency. The word of God to the Apostle Paul is still a relevant encouragement for our present circumstances ~ "My grace is sufficient for you." [2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV]
Waiting never comes easy to me. Honestly, I tend to border on neurotic when it comes to playing the waiting game. I'm great when it comes to expecting outcomes 'here and now', but not so when the answers are untimed ~ such as 'soon' or 'it shall come to pass". This was brought to mind as I sat in the emergency room with my wife from 10pm last night until 2pm today, when she was discharged with the words, "The specialist will let you know exactly what's happening when you see him soon" [later this week ~ arrrggh!].
The act of waiting upon an outcome can certainly have either negative or positive effects on people, and, in this case, I was geared up to approach it with a positive mindframe. After all, wasn't God's 'yesterday' reminder to us, "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength"?
The words of a chorus we often sang with the worship team while appointed to Traralgon Corps seem so appropriate as we continue to wait trustingly on God.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!

On Eagle's Wings

Michael Crawford never fails to inspire me when I listen to his song "On Eagle's Wings" from his CD album of the same name.

"You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in his shadow for life

Say to the Lord: "My refuge, My Rock in whom I trust!"
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings

Bear you on the breath of dawn

Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of His hand.
You need not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day

Under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield
For to His angels He's given a command to guard you in all of your ways

Upon their hands they will bear you up lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand."

During our worship service today, as Dabak preached from Isaiah 40:28-31, I again sensed God's eagle wings of renewal flooding my soul. While praying silently, "Lord, I need you to raise me up today!", there came a real assurance of His renewing strength as promised to all who believe.

Thank you, Lord, for bearing us up on your eagle wings!

Priorities

Considering the limited time frame of the every day, we often find ourselves prioritizing.
What task deserves my attention today? Who will best benefit from a pastoral visit? How will I utilize my time wisely?
One of our valued chapel members, Major Joy Coleman, has a unique way with words through her gift as a poet. Here is one of her "Reflective Poems for Time and Eternity".

Think not to hoard earth's treasures high where time corrupts and spoils,

For grasping men of ill-intent such acquisition foils.

But store you up by deeds well done, your treasure-trove, God given,

For rust and moth cannot destroy the treasure stored in Heaven.

The window of the Soul keep clear that Light may shine straight through,

Not dimmed or shut by evil's power, but gleaming bright with truth.

An eye fast-closed to Heavenly Light binds evil deep within,

Illumination cannot pierce the darkness of such sin.

No man can serve both ill and good, his choice will be reflected,

In where his Soul's true treasure lies, which he in life selected!

Matthew 6:19-21 (MSG) ~ "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or ~ worse! ~ stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being."

So...where do your priorities lie?

Oops! Compute With Care

Every now and again, we all make silly blunders. This happened today and I felt it was a good humour story worth sharing.
10.26am ~ the following email message entitled 'Hi there' arrived in my inbox:
I think your sexy!
12.00pm ~ then this follow-up message:
To all Officers
I must apologize for the recent email that was sent entitled 'Hi there'. It was not intended to go out and was not meant to be offensive in any way.
I am currently in a training course on i-notes that is being run at THQ. We were learning how to send messages to other computers and so I sent a short note to my wife. I was advised that the computers in the training room were not connected to the rest of the (territorial) system. Unfortunately they are, and that message was sent out to all active officers.
I apologize profusely for any offense taken or if this email has hindered your work in any way.
May God bless the rest of our day.
LOL ~ no offence taken, but there was alot of laughter! And, by the way, God did indeed bless the rest of our day.

1 Corinthians 10:11 (MSG) ~ "These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence."

To Expect Or Not To Expect

Expected ~ Another birthday has come and almost gone again. All things considered, it has been a memorable day ~ especially the time spent sharing with family and friends.
Unexpected [well, maybe not totally!] ~ My brother, Stewart, rang from Sydney to wish me a happy day and asked if their card had arrived. When I replied, "No, not yet!" he declared, "Oh, that's okay ~ it's probably because we haven't sent one!" I laughed.

Annual birthday celebrations are opportunities to reflect on what has been and consider where you are heading. More often than not, future expectations play an important part in our current evaluations of life events. That's why we're blessed to have our hope in God as we live in faith day by day. For He is a God of the 'now' moment, just waiting to surprise us by His abundant ability to do more than we could possibly ask or imagine. To Him be all glory!

Psalm 5:3 (NIV) ~ "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."