Sizzlin' Saturday

Wow - was it ever HOT today! I think it was hotter today than yesterday, at least it felt warmer because of the humidity. It reminded me of the days when we used to make summertime trips to the midwest to visit our daughter and family.

We ventured out into the heat to browse a couple of garage sales this morning. It seemed like everywhere we stopped, God gave us an obvious opening to share our faith with folks. In spite of the heat, I felt spiritually energized! You, who know me, are (painfully?) aware that I can talk to just about anybody about most anything at any time. I know there are many times when I talk WAY too much, but there are also times when I feel a bit like Moses (my sister always says this, too). In spite of my enthusiasm and usual gift of gab, sometimes I just don't have the words - I don't know what to say or how to start. I'm tempted to wonder, am I being too pushy and people will be turned off? I'm really trying to learn to be bold for Jesus and listen for the Holy Spirit's urgings that ask me to share.

The church we attend held its services this evening. The reason for this is that there will be a wedding tomorrow in the facility we rent for our normal Sunday worship time. Not many were brave enough to go out in the heat tonight, even though the auditorium is air-conditioned. But I have to say, it was so hot that even with the A/C running full tilt, there were several of us "more mature" ladies who sat for most of the service rhythmically fanning ourselves with the bulletin. (Come on, admit it, girls. You do it, too!) Nevertheless, it was a blessing to be there with those courageous enough to leave their air-conditioned homes (or that favorite spot on the riverbank). A missionary from Thailand spoke. He and his sweet wife are sponsored by this little church, and they brought an update regarding the spreading of the gospel to the Thai people. The wife is battling some type of serious, life-threatening illness, so in a couple of months they will have to return to the States for good. That little church family just surrounded her and lifted her up in prayer.


Almost every day we hear news of further decline in my brother's health. So, next Wednesday my mom, sis, and I will get into her super-safe Volvo and head for the Napa Valley. We are planning to be there for as long as we need to stay, while our husbands (Sis' and mine) stay home to tend the pups and kitties. Of course, we are still praying for a miracle, hoping this new chemo medication will zap that tumor and shrivel it up like an impotent little prune. Of course, we know God isn't dependent on any medicine to make a miracle. "Speak the word only, and my [brother] will be healed!" May His perfect will be done to His honor and glory.

While we're down there, my sis is going to help with some gnarly administrative tasks that my brother and his wife find overwhelming (endless insurance paperwork, etc.), and I have offered my services to help my sis-in-law in her classroom and with projects for the kindergartners. Rumor has it that she is thrilled at the prospects of having some help from my sister and I, both at home and at her school. Also, we usually take over the kitchen and food prep duties to lift the load for the lady of the house. We've planned a menu filled with my brother's favorite dishes - don't you just love it when your mom comes and cooks all your favorite stuff!

We ask for your prayers for so many facets of this issue: (1) For a safe trip down and back; (2) for a miraculous healing for my brother; (3) for courage to face whatever is ahead; and (4) for the discernment and boldness to give spiritual encouragement where walls have sometimes seemed to exist. Pray, pray, PRAY!

MY TEXT FOR TODAY: 2Cor. 4:18 (LB)
"So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven, which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."

XOXO