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January 2007 Bulletin #188
My dear friend,
Warmest greetings on a cold and chilly day!
Thank you for praying for me.
I'm overwhelmed by God's love. His goodness and mercy was
evident when I went to England for my mother's committal and to
tie up her affairs as best I could.
I was unsure how long to be in England and thought about my
decision like a dog worrying a bone. God led me even in my
dithering. My visit turned out to be just the right length of
time. I was able to do everything comfortably and without too
much pressure. People in offices everywhere were very helpful
and warm. The rental car was a good one and I was thankful. I
drove more miles than usual and the rain was a constant.
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I
had a choice of where to stay. Two couples who are both dear
friends offered me a home from home. I agonized over that
choice. And, God allowed me to make the right choice. I stayed
with Geri and Colin, not knowing that Colin would know exactly
how to advise me about the probate process, and Geri would be
able to go with me to the offices in Winchester. Their
hospitality was great in every way and I felt comforted and
loved. Meanwhile, Shirley and Peter, my other possible hosts,
had a family emergency and needed to drive some distance right
after my mother's service to take care of grandchildren. God
knew what was best for us all.
The service was perfect. My mother would have been amazed to see
19 people there, and she would have smiled over the points Peter
made in his talk about her. She would have appreciated Ralph,
who took the service. I think she would have enjoyed my reading
Psalm 23. God enabled me to read the much loved words without a
quiver in my voice. We sang my mother's favourite hymn, When I
survey the wondrous cross. I know my mother would have
appreciated the dignity of the service. I'm indebted to Peter
and Shirley who made the arrangements. They consulted with me at
every stage and did a terrific job. And, it was comforting for
me to see all the people who came that day. Isn't God good!
I managed to do all the business and the run-down mobile home
that my mother would never allow me to upgrade, sold! Yeah, God!
This is an enormous relief to me, as you will imagine, and an
outright miracle.
I was able to thank the staff at the residential care home. I
hoped to see Mary, my mother's best friend, and learned she was
in hospital with a broken leg. It was a special joy to visit her
in hospital. I gave her some fresh flowers and a teddy bear from
my mother's room. Mary took the bear, gazed at it and declared
very seriously, "I will call you Dorothy after my friend. You
will always live with me and I will take care of you. Don't
worry. I will love you and remember my lovely friend." I was
touched and glad I'd tracked Mary down.
So, you see, God demonstrated His goodness in the everyday of
life and death. It's a comfort to me to look back on His grace
demonstrated in those little things.
Now that reminds me of the task we share---you as you pray and
support me, and I as I work in the ministry of Bible
translation. We're partners in that. We're spreading the news of
this loving God around the world. Thank you for doing your part.
Your role is vital, in my opinion. Believe me, you make a big
difference to me in my life and work.
Since I have returned to the States, as I get back to normal,
I've been enjoying Christian music in the car and at night as I
wait to fall asleep. The song in the next paragraph is
encouraging to me as I savour the words and sing along. I hope
the song will be an encouragement to you, too, as we tackle
2007. I like especially the way the words remind me of His life
enfolding mine. I see my need for the Holy Spirit to saturate my
soul so the life of God fills me and makes me whole and enables
me to bring glory to God. You, too?
Father of Life, draw me closer
Lord, my heart is set on You
Let me run the race of time with Your life enfolding mine
And let the peace of God—let it reign
Oh, Holy Spirit, Lord, my Comfort, strengthen me
Hold my head up high
And I stand upon Your truth, bringing glory unto You
And let the peace of God—let it reign
Oh Lord I hunger for more of You
Rise up within me
Let me know Your truth
Oh Holy Spirit, saturate my soul
And let the life of God fill me now
Let Your healing power breathe life and make me whole
And let the peace of God—let it reign
Thank you and God bless and encourage and strengthen you,
June |
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