Old Seasons ~ New Seasons

 

Old Seasons and New Seasons

 

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" (Ecclesiastes 3:1a NIV)

First paragraph is an excerpt from an old blog a few years back...

 

'Some of my "angel cookies" (aka my teen students) sprouted their wings and flew on to the next phase of their lives. It was time to go, but soon, it will be time for me to guide a new group in God's ways––new classes with new "angel cookies" will start soon."

 

Now to the present day. I'm looking forward to storing up eternal treasures this new season of classes. If you missed this blog, you can read it here... just look for the post titled "Cookies that Don't Rust."

 

I am now in a new season of classes. First, I must tell you what happened a few weeks ago. I was beginning new classes. Almost before every new season of classes, I have had something happen to me--an accident, sickness or something that delayed classes. This year is no exception. We are in a battle, the enemy lurks.

 

Last week, we were running from one thing to another in town and had to wait until after the lunch hour to complete all we needed to do. We ate a hamburger and continued on our way to our destinations.  

 

The next day, I got sick and had to be in the clinic for two days because of dehydration. Diagnosis was wrong (they first said Typhoid), but I only had a stomach infection, probably because of the hamburger. It was the first time I had eaten anything outside the house since the pandemic. We get little stomach bugs from time to time here, but because my system was so pure, this bug got the best of me. It is dead now!

 

Yes, a whopping antibiotic treatment and IV replacement of fluids, and in one day's time, I was much better. I’m recovering my strength and thank God for healing through it all. No Covid, and nothing serious as first thought by the doctors.  So, I am rejoicing that God heals, protects, and takes care of His own. I’ve been through many “firsts” this past year. And now, I have “sicknesses” under my belt and saw God take care of me in wonderful ways to get me back to 100%. He is always with me. He heals! I’m never alone!

 

But now, I am slowing my pace a bit, learning to rest. I had no choice for a few days. I am reminded God knows we need to rest, He even gave us a day to come apart. During the week I am constantly busy, so I catch up on my other responsibilities on the weekends. But now, I’m trying to actually rest on Sundays. Yes, I always think I am doing that, but somehow, I have a need to be busy. Still learning in old age with grey hair, to spend more time with the Lord. Resting in His presence brings strength. “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Sweet rest!

 

“In quietness and trust shall be your strength” (Isaiah 39: 15b). A time to rest…Yes! We all need it in this stressful world we live in today. Thankful for the peace God gives us in Him. Thankful for you!

 

 PS No more hamburgers except at home. Promise! PS Jasmine plant a gift from my ministry workers!

 

Back in the Saddle Again

 

 "If you make the most High your dwelling––even the Lord, who is my refuge––then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, they will lift you up in their hands..." (Psalms 91:9-12 NIV).

Over a year of sitting idle, this old girl--the quad in the photo, not me--came to life this week. In 1999, I sat listening to Chuck's vision of Rumi Rancho as he presented it to one of our supporting churches. I have to admit, I slipped down a bit in my seat when he told the congregation that we needed a quad, and he knew God would provide it. Faith! Not mine, but his. 

 

The next day, we were shopping, and he received a cell phone call. He couldn't hear well--cells were new to us then. All he heard was someone on the other end of the call had a quad for us. It was blue, was that okay? Smile. And it was four-wheel drive. It was the husband of the wife who heard of our need in church the night before and told her husband. I still thank God for them when I look at that quad.

 

That was 23 years ago. This precious gift has had repairs and new tires over the years but has always been a faithful worker in the ministry here. What a blessing! God supplied as He always has and still does for me. Miracles––we have received many. Am I growing in my faith? I hope so. And do I still fight fear of the uncertain? Yes. But, I can be certain God is in control of it all. God is my strength, and He is teaching me as I go. "Do not fear; I am with you." My strength. My hope. My God.

 

When I heard that quad roar, I felt it in the pit of my stomach and cried. But, it is a sign of life and ministry here on the property. It has helped many, and it has helped this work of the Lord daily and does still. I felt those angels hold me that day and every day. The Lord is my refuge and strength daily. Prayers also lift me. I have stories to tell––many stories to tell of God's goodness and faithfulness to me daily. My tent is safe!

Encouragement from Afar

 

Proverbs 25:25 “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news 

from a distant land.” 

This week, I received a message from someone who encouraged me to keep on to the task God has for me. 

The following is from a special someone we ministered to as a child––and now as an adult. 

This story is one of those special blessings that happened to me this week.

 

The Bible says there is a time for everything. I am carrying on and doing the tasks before me each day. I see ministry unfold each day. And, this past week, God encouraged my weary soul that my labor is not in vain.

 

I received a message from Spain. Yes, Spain! It was from Peggycita—named after me when she was born here in our village 30 years ago. She is the daughter of our ministry worker, Guichi. She is now in Spain working and studying and ministering in a church as the media person and teaching teens. 

 

As you can imagine, I reflect on the ministry Chuck and I did together for so long here in Bolivia. I thank God for allowing us the privilege of being in His work for so many years, and now just me. Was it, and is it worth it? Let me quote Peggycita’s words for you—I’ll translate Spanish to English for you. Smile. 

*Note: Guichi’s children have always called us Abuelita and Abuelito––Grandma and Grandpa. 

Let me quote her words:

 

“Grandma, I am so happy to hear you are still teaching classes. Keep going because many will be blessed through them, as I was blessed for my life.

 

Grandma, I now understand what the Bible says in Proverbs 22:6 (train up a child) because one day you and Grandpa planted a seed in my life. And, now that I am older, I understand it all. For that and much more, I will always be thankful to God for your lives. For that, I encourage you to keep teaching classes because I know the seed that one day you both planted in me, you also will plant in others.

 

I am so happy you are continuing to teach classes. I love you very much, Peggy--your namesake!”

I am humbled by these words from this sweet child of God.

 

I hope this encourages you that YOUR work isn't in vain for the Lord. I know it encouraged me to keep on keeping on in God’s work until He comes for us or takes us home.