Beginning 2014...

Returning from Mission last night I found myself tired and in shock.

Living with 70 other people for 10 days was great and I was saddened to return to 2 people in a quiet house who's focus is still on moving house right now. The third person I live with returns home tonight.

The focus here is not on God and not on mission for him. The focus here is on day to day living.

I have returned not feeling spiritually refreshed, if anything I have returned tired and heavy hearted about the things that lie ahead. However, mission was a time to be reminded of God's everlasting goodness and glory. These two things I will hold onto.

Reading my bible this morning I returned to a much loved book. Job. Here are some words tat spoke to me.

Job 33:13-26 New International Version (NIV)

Why do you complain to him
    that he responds to no one’s words?

For God does speak—now one way, now another—
    though no one perceives it.

In a dream, in a vision of the night,
    when deep sleep falls on people
    as they slumber in their beds, 

 he may speak in their ears
    and terrify them with warnings, 

 to turn them from wrongdoing
    and keep them from pride, 

 to preserve them from the pit,
    their lives from perishing by the sword

    “Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain
    with constant distress in their bones, 
 so that their body finds food repulsive
    and their soul loathes the choicest meal. 
 Their flesh wastes away to nothing,
    and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. 
 They draw near to the pit,
    and their life to the messengers of death^. 
 Yet if there is an angel at their side,
    a messenger, one out of a thousand,
    sent to tell them how to be upright, 
 and he is gracious to that person and says to God,
    ‘Spare them from going down to the pit;
    I have found a ransom for them— 
 let their flesh be renewed like a child’s;
    let them be restored as in the days of their youth’— 
 then that person can pray to God and find favor with him,
    they will see God’s face and shout for joy;
    he will restore them to full well-being.

On mission I was reminded of God's goodness as I stood up and gave my Testimony on the women's night. Then over the next few days I heard news of how my words had touched people's hearts and had caused them to look more at God and to wonder.

I still wonder at God, for all his goodness and for all this worlds badness.

I can never let go of God, not matter how sick, tired or sad I am.

I can look at my God and be filled with his love and peace.

For he is the good God, the ONLY God. The God who sustains us and gives us life.

God cares for us and directs our paths.

These truths I will cling too. 

 This is the pure scan of the image I was working on over Christmas and some of Mission. Not perfect, but who really is. It speaks of how I am finding a voice for my child self and how I am going to heal this year. Even if that healing is slow and painful. I will heal.

God is forever in control!

Many Blessings for 2014 everyone!

In Christ, Heather.