Nona's thoughts re:Oregon bound

We are leaving Sri Lanka in 5 more days to head for Oregon to spend Christmas with our children and grandchildren.  Our time on this beautiful island has been rich and full and we are forever grateful for the wonderful experiences we have had.  There is a new awareness in Popa and I about the real meaning of life here on earth.  It is truly just a mist, a vapor; but the other side is for all eternity.  I am trying to get my earthly baggage ready for the long trip home through Singapore but am really trying to sort through the baggage of my life and get of rid of anything that is unnecessary.  I use to hate it when I was younger and people talked about the wisdom that comes with age; yet it is at this junction of age that I realize how truly wise that particular statement was.  I am a rambler in thought and word, so now you realize why this blog is called Nona's Thoughts and you are likely to encounter all sorts of random sequenced thoughts.  I might also add that one of my college professor also expressed to me on several occasions how much I love run-on sentences.   More than anything else I am profoundly aware of how much the creator of Heaven and Earth loves me and is committed to my well-being from his perspective.  My next blog will post from my home office in Eugene, Oregon....until then may the joy of Christ be your portion and may your cup of peace overflow.  The anxious Nona of Elijah, Amelia, Gaige, Rachel, Dalton, Collin, and Colton.

Homesick Nona

I am not so much homesick for Oregon as I am homesick for family and friends  I have a wonderful Sri Lankan family but I miss my girls and the grandchildren.  I have great friends here but miss my friends, Linda and Sharon.  It is amazing to me that God in HIS infinite wisdom put within mankind a need for companionship.  The relationships HE has built in our lives are the most meaningful and lasting.  There is nothing that compares to HIS great love in our lives, but there is also the treasure of the love of family and friends that HE provides for us.  We are living in a little apartment above one of God's most faithful servants and our lives are being enriched by the Spiritual impartation we are receiving on a daily basis.  We have the privilege of sitting down one on one with the man of faith and discussing the life of a true follower of Jesus Christ.  The "we" in my thoughts is my faithful husband and myself.  Popa is truly a man of faith and his faith is growing as he sits and talks with Pastor Colton.  May we faithfully live out the truths we are receiving.  I pray God bless you and keep you and cause HIS face to shine upon you! As always with my love, NONA

Distant Nona

It is November 5th here in Sri Lanka. November 4th at home in America and the day of our National Election for President. I just listened to a very honorable man give a very honorable concession speech which honors our new President. It is needful that all Americans be respectful and prayerful regarding our newest President. He faces many challenges ahead. God is ultimately in control and it is the thought of man that he, in his humanity, can somehow circumvent the purposes of God upon the earth today that are folly. I believe God will respond to the prayers of his people whenever they humble themselves and call upon HIS marvelous name. I want to encourage each of you to place your complete trust in a loving heavenly Father who is always present to help. Take heart dear ones, we are not alone. The Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth is with us and thus we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, HIS beloved Son! Life is really about our perspective and I am finding out that if I want my reality to change I must change my perspective. More later from this beautiful isle. Be blessed in your coming in and your going out. NONA

Happy NONA

It has been about 3 weeks since I posted on this site. Time has way of slipping by more rapidly than I can imagine. Popa and I were Indonesia for 11 days; that explains at least part of the passing of time. Then for the last 5 days we have not had internet here at the flat, UGH! Today, however, I am a very Happy NONA wi-fi is back! Being out of communication with those we love seems so painful and I cannot help but wonder if that is how God feels when we aren't communicating with HIM. Tomorrow promises to be a day filled with the Lord's family, Popa and I are traveling outstation about 1 1/2 hours for church. Popa will be preaching and then we will have lunch with the Pastor and his wife. God is ever faithful and always present in our lives. We marvel at HIS patience with us and the continual love and favor HE bestows upon our lives. On a personal note, we missed our grandson's birthday celebration this past week. It is the first time in eight years we have not been there with the family. It has been 6 days and I am still feeling a little sad. The hardest part of being in Sri Lanka is being away from our children and grandchildren. More later, from a lady who loves being able to communicate in almost any fashion. As ever, NONA

Hot Thoughts

Popa and I are still in Sri Lanka. Enjoying the culture and the people. Lots has changed since we came here almost 30 years ago. We have furnished a small flat, it is really a four room apartment. The bedroom is the biggest room, we have a sitting room, a bathroom, and a small kitchen. It is very comfortable and we are delighted to have a place of our own. We will be leaving on Friday to go to Indonesia, having never been there before we are anxious to see their culture and people. We will be there for twelve days and then return back to Sri Lanka. I really need to get some laundry done and a few things packed for the journey but I am procrastinating. I am often reminded that mankind fails to be ready for the greatest journey of their lives. They fail to insure where they will spend eternity. One thing is sure none of us leaves this earth alive. We are destined to face eternity; the question is will it be in heaven with a loving God or in hell because we have rejected HIS love? I trust each of you will make the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior and insure for yourself a heavenly home when it time to leave this earth. God is ever faithful and HIS mercies never come to an end. Call upon HIM while HE may be found. In the tropics, NONA

Nona's Thoughts from miles away!

Popa and I are currently in beautiful Sri Lanka and enjoying the wonderful tropical fruit. There is a lot to be said about sunshine 365 days a year, especially if you are from the Northwest and use to lots of rain. I love the SONshine of all creation and the rain of HIS precious HOLY SPIRIT! I guess that makes me an all weather girl because I also love the wind of SPIRIT. Life is interesting when you follow God. I am not sure my own thoughts are even relevant and I find myself more and more trying to tap into HIS thoughts. I realize that being a Christian in our culture has become cliche and I truly want to be identified as a follower of Christ. To be a true follower of Christ is serious business because from the moment of HIS birth HE was only headed one place, to HIS death on the cross of calvary for the salvation of other. Am I really saying that I want to die in order for others to live. Our world as become caught up in the "me syndrome" and to follow Christ we must die to self. With age comes wisdom and I realize that there is only one thing worth dying for ... the life of others. Press on you soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ we are assured the victory. God is ever faithful to cover our weaknesses with HIS strength. The once again traveling NONA.

Simple Thoughts!

I am sometimes amazed at how quickly time is passing! When we are young, we wish our lives away and now that we are older we are trying to stop our lives from passing so quickly. What is it about the human race that makes us want something we do not currently possess? Could it be our humaness? I had some thoughts regarding the life of Job today and wondered again at his ability to continue to trust God. He was immersed in suffering and yet he trusted on, his friends were of no help...in fact they were a deterrent and yet he trusted on, God was not even slightly interested in Job's questions for HIM and yet Job trusted on in the midst of silence. How much do I trust God? It is sometimes good to consider these things before we find ourselves in the midst of trials and tribulation. My thoughts are simple because they are simply my thoughts. Yet, God is not surprised by them. HE loves me and HE loves you and HIS grace abounds in our lives. Praise HIM while you have breath! HE is Good! Nona

Tired Thoughts!

It is September 3rd and I got picked to serve on a jury today. I was really hoping to be excused from my civic duty. It is very tiring to spend the entire day sitting in a court room trying to absorb an assortment of details. My back aches and my leg foot is swollen in response to the days's task. My grandchildren started school this week and I have not even called to find out how they faired on their 1st day of the new year. I am really thankful that God is never to tired to take an interest in our daily lives. The scripture says HE neither slumbers nor sleeps. Can you imagine being on duty 24/7 to the entire human race? I get tired just trying to imagine it! Yet our God is ever faithful, ever committed to relationship with us and ever ready to speak into our lives. I am forever grateful for HIS great love, HIS never ending mercy and HIS enduring grace in my life. Take heart HE knows where you are, who you are, and what you have need of. HE loves you with a love that knows no end. May you be encouraged to cast all your cares on HIM for HE cares for you. A tired but thankful Nona!

Thoughts from Home

We are HOME, as in our own house with our own bed. YEAH!!!! My thoughts are better here. I am very tired but very grateful that our trip was wonderful and we had traveling mercy all the way. We met wonderful people, had lots of divine appointments and were blessed to participate in some wonderful KINGDOM building situations. We were privileged to be part of one church giving $130,000.00 to another church in the same town for their building project. It was awesome! God is good, faithful, and true. Being HOLY SPIRIT directed is adventurous. We had the privilege of praying with many people along the way and are confident God will send others along to encourage them in their journey. We are both heading to see the doctor tomorrow and will face those decisions as they arise. Take heart God is still on the throne and will meet us at our point of need. I sign off with only the thought of my own bed tonight. Later, Nona

Questioning Thoughts

I am sometimes overwhelmed in situations where I cannot trust my own feelings. How to find the mind of Christ? Practicing the Holy Spirit 24/7 can be a challenge ....listening for that still small voice and trying to follow after peace. The sensory overload of everyday life tries to crowd in, making it difficult to engage the spirit man. Nevertheless we are commanded to be led by the Spirit. So many times we want to ask "where" before we agree to be led. Why does the flesh war against the Spirit? I know the answer to that! It is just important to acknowledge the struggle. These are my thoughts this morning at 6:30 a.m. and I am sure the day will unfold in much the same fashion. This is the surety: God is faithful, I am not always; I am weak, HE is strong....and HIS ways are above finding out, so, cancel the "whys and wheres". We are in the San Joaquin Valley visiting my Dad for a couple of days and then slowly heading home to Oregon. The weather here has cooled off about 10 degrees and we are grateful. We left Arizona yesterday morning about 3:30 a.m. to try to beat the heat and ended up having to put on wind breakers because we got a little chilly. It was wonderful! One day at a time, the scripture says each day has enough troubles of it's own, so we get to cast all our cares on him and press on. Love to all those who call me Nona. May God abundantly enrich your life today.

Thoughts from Arizona

I have not been very good at posting to this blog, it is not that I have not had any thoughts. One of my thoughts from Arizona is this - no one should travel by motorcycle in the month of August. Yesterday we spent in the swimming pool and of course I got sunburned. Today I will be staying indoors. We picked up a Harley Davidson in Palm Springs two weeks ago; Popa is very pleased with his new bike. It is beautiful and we are truly blessed. We have met some wonderful people along the way and feel like there has been eternal purpose in our trip. We are heading to my Dad's house in the next couple of days and then to see Craig's brother. We miss the grandkids and are ready to see them all. It is my Dad's birthday today and he is still healthy and in his right mind. He was a great Father as I was growing up in his home and it is because he loved God that I received a wonderful Christian heritage. Popa and I have been studying the life of David and are being stirred to keep our eyes and our hearts on the maker of heaven and earth. God is still at work making us into what HE wants us to be! The testings of life are preparation for HIS eternal puposes. I do not want to miss out on HIS plans for my life. God help me to attain all that you desire. Listening everyday for the leading of HIS voice is a constant challenge; hearing HIS voice is so exciting and fulfilling. May each of you find yourself listening for HIM along your journey. NONA to the greatest grandchildren in the world.

What Thoughts?

Yesterday was my oldest child's birthday! I remembered as I do every year on her birthday the awakening to motherhood she introduced me to with her first little cry. Her life continues to amaze me. Of recent I am so aware of her understanding of the Kingdom of God and HIS purposes on the earth. My heart thrills to hear her long for the authenticity of HIM. HAPPY BIRTHDAY #1! Popa and I are traveling to Tennessee for daughter #2 and her hubby. They stayed behind to finish up some house projects and will meet us in Nashville at the airport in a couple of more days. The wind that blows across these mid-nation states is constant and strong, I always forget about how windy Wyoming is. The people here say "if the winds quits blowing they would fall down." As Christians it would be amazing if the wind of the Holy Spiirt quit blowing that our lives would grind to a halt. It is so much easier to travel with the wind then against it. Today we will finish up Wyoming and hopefully Nebraska heading for Kansas City. Popa did the driving yesterday after a fiasco of a morning. I got up early and drove the car to a wand car wash and got Popa a latte. Someone helped themselves to my cell phone and the tires on the car shook so bad we had to stop and have them balanced and the air pressure adjusted. While Popa hung out at Les Schwabs I visited the Verizon store down the street and got a replacement phone. It worked out swell considering we gave up four hours of driving time to get theses things done. The whole time I was talking God, telling HIM I knew HE was in control, that HE orders the footsteps of the righteous and I finally just rested in the fact that I wasn't suppose to be on the road. Our twin grandsons will turn four this next week-end and I hope to find them a gift before their party. Popa and I will be flying home from Nashville so I can't be buying on this trip unless I also acquire a new piece of luggage to haul my purchases in. Life is hectic and yet God is at work in us and for us. Church was powerful on Sunday! God is moving all over the earth and I want to flow with the wind of HIS spiirt. How about you? Love to all, the traveling Nona.

Nona's Thoughts have gone missing!

It has been a month since my last blog and all I can say is that my thoughts have been to random to record. Popa and I have been very busy, we are traveling to a church in the Portland area every Sunday. It is good to serve those God has put in your hearts. We are excited about maybe getting to take a month long trip on our motorcycle. We are also making plans to return to Sri Lanka in the fall, with maybe a stop off in Indonesia and then some ministry in England. God is always faithful to order our steps if we wait on HIM. We are finding it imperative to be led by the Spirit and we will spend a month with focused daily practice on total obedience. It is important to establish a habitual pattern of following the Holy Spirit. Our days are full and yet there is a longing within to find ourselves totatlly submersed in HIS perfect will. Popa will have a tooth extracted today and implant preparation done. His eye condition is on hold while we wait for the last steroidal injection to work. We know God is faithful and we continue to press into who HE is, it is only as HE increases in us that we are able to decrease. Lord, please continue to work in us as we choose to submit to your divine hand. The Nona and her oh so random thoughts.

Thoughts by Nona!

Today is a cold rainy day and I had so hoped for a sunny spring day. The weather in Oregon is nor predictable at all. We just simply get what we get and often without much notice of the impending change. I am thankful for the grace of God that is always available in my life. HE is constant and sure. HIS word says HE never changes and HE fails not. I can count on HIM, HE is stedfast. Today I got my eyes examined and realized it had been 4 years since my last exam, no wonder my glasses aren't doing the trick....I need new ones....not to worry my friend will be here tomorrow and make new glasses for me next week. This afternoon Popa and I ran to Portland to check on a friend. It was a quick trip but good! I think it is so important to honor the covenant we make with others....sometimes that means we are simply there for encouragement and support. We will be having lots of company over the next few days....some coming for the memorial service of their Dad, and others coming to check on wayward parishioners. All and all it will be good to be with friends and family. Popa has had a couple of rough days adjusting to some medication changes. I pray he is able to make the transition without too much trouble. The fuel pump went out in the pick up last week and now we need to have the air-conditioner checked out in the Maxima. Oh well, life is just life, and it is all about how we react to it. It is my hope to be Christ like in my choices and I hope you find yourself choosing to be like your Maker in all you do. God Bless you and keep you always in HIS care! NONA

Thoughts on rainy day!

The weather changes quite quickly here in Oregon. I am always amazed at how quickly the sunshine hides and the rain clouds appear. The rain falls and then the sun peaks through again. When the sun shines, mankind gets out in it and tries to enjoy every moment; yardwork suddenly becomes enjoyable, washing the car and the "honey do list" doesn't seem so bad. I find God, as the author of the weather, is fully aware of its many facets. HE is also aware of all that concerns me today. Maybe that is why the scripture tells us that today has enough worries of its own. Finding adequate grace to walk through everyday is one of the wonders of knowing Christ. God is always present. The truth is that the "SON" shine is always present therefore life is worth living. I am working hard at adjusting my perspective, I am trying to concentrate on the mere wonder that the Son of God is involved in my life. HE loves me and is committed to my success. If you feel like the rain is the dominant facet in your life look for the "son shine", I promise you it will peak through whatever dark clouds you are facing. God is good and his mercies endure forever. Be Blessed, NONA

Nona's Random May Thoughts

I spoke at a wonderful church on Sunday and was blessed to find myself preaching on Mother's Day. We had a wonderful meal with the church family and then joined our middle daughter and her in-laws for another wonderful meal. There were actually three missionary families sitting around the table at one time in the afternoon. I always marvel at how God's presence in our lives draws us together. It was a truly a great Mother's Day. I got to enjoy my daughter and sleep over at her beautiful house. Popa and I helped a little bit with some debris and yard work on Monday and enjoyed another great dinner. I love that my daughter loves to cook good food. There is something very soothing in this knowledge. Popa has had some neck pain the last few days, we saw his doctor today and hopefully his pain will be beter tonight. God is always faithful and HIS grace is sufficient for all our needs. I spent most of the day quietly resting and enjoyed a good soak in the Hot Tub tonight after a great friend brought us some more excellent food. I finished up some left over responsibilites and can now go to bed without unfinished tasks on my mind. I love the fact that God's grace is ever present to work and to will HIS divine plan in our lives. Follow God and your footing will always be sure. May you be blessed and find yourselves ever in HIS unfailing care. NONA

Pulling together some random thoughts!

Life has been crazy with Popa's eye surgery. The surgery itself went very well; the problem being .... now that the cataract is gone the extensiveness of the problem is exposed to Popa and he has been anxious about just how much his eyesight is affected. The pressure in his eye was up last week and so we have had some extra doctor appointments. We are still putting in eye drops four times a day and will return to the doctor this week for more evaluation. We have also been traveling every week-end to be in a church about 100 miles away while the pastor is out of town. We will be traveling again this week-end as I will be preaching on Mother's Day at City Blessing Church....then the following week-end our good friends are saying good-bye to their pastorate and taking up a new ministry while other good friends are being installed as the new Senior Pastors about 75 miles south of here they have asked us to come be a part of the transitional service. Life seems to get busier and busier....I can't help but ask myself 'what does it all mean?'. We were able to spend some time with Violet, Herbie and Big Weld this week-end. In fact I did their parents the awesome favor of taking the grandchildren to McDonalds and buying them Happy Meals with the singing 'American Idol' toys. Let's just say it is great being the 'Nona' and not the Mommy. I will pick up youngest daughter's son from kindergarten today and spend a little time with him, he loves 'Tom and Jerry' and eating snacks at my house. I wonder if God is delighted by the simple little pleasures of spending time with his family? Wonder is not exactly the right word, of course God delights in the pleasure of spending time with us...it is more about the wonder of the intensity of the delight. I trust our lives make HIS heart glad. I want to encourage you today to purpose to delight the heart of God with your lifestyle. More from the busy Nona later.

Week-end Thoughts!

It has been a long week. Popa had some doctor appointments and actually ended up at the surgery center one day to have an epidural injection, which helped with the low back pain. The eye doctor scheduled him for cataract surgery on April 28th. He has three appointments on Tuesday this week, I can't imagine we will get anything else done. My joints are achy and swollen again today. I hope this can be rememdied soon as I do not enjoy pain. The local grandsons are here today and their parents should be showing up any moment, I think they are ready for a change in venue and I am ready for a quiet nap. They are delightful little guys whom I love more than I ever imagined I could. Looking forward to some time with princess and her twin brothers next week after we go to Grants Pass to celebrate YaYa's husband's 60th birthday. It should be fun, good friends are hard to find these days and we are blessed to have several in our lives from years gone by. No real news, we had to make a trip north for an appointment on Friday, God is always faithful and our time was fruitful. Keep trusting Jesus, HE truly cares for each one of us. Nona

Nona's Thoughts Today April 9, 2008

I am a bit overwhelmed with the lack of purpose I feel now that I find myself home in Oregon. Popa and I are ernestly seeking the Lord for direction. We find ourselves truly dependent upon HIM, the maker of heaven and earth. How does one traverse these difficult waters of decision without God's leading? We are pressing into God with all we have and know HE has a plan that will satisfy the longing of our hearts. It has been a real joy to see our darling grandchildren and visit with our daughters and their hubbies. They want to see us fulfill all that God has for us and they are praying for wisdom and guidance. I once read that a missionary is only truly happy when they are in the "air" coming or going....it might be true!!!! Jesus is all together lovely and HIS ways are perfect. May you find yourselves leaning into HIM with all your being. HE will never leave you or forsake you. NONA

My thoughts are just my thoughts!

I cannot believe we have been home for five days. I must admit that the No Jet-lag pills we got from AAA really helped. I am still not completely turned around on this time thing but I am at least functioning to some degree. Someone asked me if my trip seemed surreal now that I am back home...the real problem is that life in Sri Lanka and even life in China had eternal purpose and I for one am not willing to return to life here in Oregon without that eternal purpose. God alone knows where I can best serve HIM and I want to find myself in that place very quickly. Popa and I have never been people who can sit on the sideline and let life go by; I do not believe that is God's plan for us now. Our last Sunday in Sri Lanka....Popa and I both got to share in People's Church it was wonderful to be able to minister God's word and to minister to his people. We anxiously await our return to the beautiful island and the people we love so much. In case, our friends next door to the flat are reading this blog, please email me....I forgot to get your email addresses. The American Nona of three Sri Lankan grandchildren.

Nona's Thoughts in Sri Lanka

Today is March 24th and Popa and I were able to spend the day at Mount Lavinia Hotel south of Colombo. It is a beautiful beach and the weather was perfect. We had a buffet breakfast and fish and chips for an early supper. We got too much sun! Our time here in Sri Lanka as been fabulous and we are sad to see our visit coming to an end. Popa and I have been playing Wii with the kiddos next door to the flat, oh what fun. Popa was quite exhuberant in his competitiveness this evening. While he played I went for a quick birthday visit for one of the pastor's wives. We had chocolate cake and a nice visit. The availability of products is quit surprising and life is actually quite enjoyable now that we have air conditioning to sleep with. We enjoyed a wonderful meal yesterday with our Sri Lankan family and then went for espresso with the eldest son and his wife. It is amazing to be old friends and to share the goodness of God with one another. One week from today we will begin our journey towards Oregon, where oh where has the month of March gone. My thougths today are simply about the faithfulness of my God, the true and living God! I am overwhelmed with HIS love for me and want to remind each of you that HE loves you. The travelling Nona.

Nona in Sri Lanka

Today is Monday, March 10, 2008. Popa and I are at People's Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka using their Wi-Fi, after using other modes of internet connection this is superb. I am also sitting in an air-conditioned office awaiting the morning tea. My oldest daughter is going to be disappointed as I cannot find the sweetner you hold between your teeth as you drink your tea. This has been an adventure of a lifetime. It has been amazing to return to this beautiful island after 24 years and meet old and new friends alike. My hair has begun to curl, I do not know whether this is good or bad or if it even matters. Popa is excited to be able to get a latte on a daily basis and we are enjoying the rice and curry. The traffic is horrible and that is putting it mildly. I just close my eyes and trust God to get us to our destination safely. The fact that has become crystal clear to me is that no matter where we go, God is there. His word says, HE will never leave us or forsake us and so we are always in HIS keeping. There is no better place to be than in the hands of our God. May you each one find time to reflect on HIS guidance in you own lives today. More from the travelling Nona later.

Thoughts from Sri Lanka

Today is March 3rd, 2008, we arrived back in Sri Lanka two days ago. It is a bit overwhelming to return after 20 something years. We have been emotionally challenged the last few days with memories and wonderings about what ifs. It is beautiful here, the palm trees and the beautiful flowers. The people are much as we remember. Those we knew are older just as we are older. It is the favor of God on our lives that allows us to be here. Popa has suffered daily with the heat and my leg has swollen to three times its normal size but these are physical trials that do not compare with all surpassing glory of our Lord. We are humbled to think God would ordain us to once again serve him for this month in Sri Lanka. I have so many thoughts I do not know what to share in this blog. We had three divine appointments enroute and felt God sustain us physically on the long journey. Our friend and interpreter from years ago has been serving in Lebanon for the past 10 years as a missionary with her husband; they will be returning to Sri Lanka in April. If they are coming the first part, we may extend our stay in order to see them. We are expectantly waiting on the direction of the Holy Spirit. Be encouraged God has plans for all of our lives, plans to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future. More from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka later. love, Nona

Jumbled Thoughts

Yesterday was my baby's 29th birthday, it seems like a lifetime ago she was born in Sri Lanka and yet the years have raced by. I spent most of the day today ironing for our upcoming trip to Sri Lanka, we leave a week from today for a month long visit to our old stompping grounds. There are so many details to attend to. Last week-end was very busy with a business conference in Portland. We stayed a couple of days with my Mom and her husband. While we were gone, the baby and her family moved into our house. They will be living here until their house is finished. The boys are very excited with their Moma's birthday present. She got a ten week old puppy named BEA. My joints have been aching a lot and I am hoping a change in my thyroid medication is the culprit for the pain I have been experiecing. Yesterday, I was thinking about how the school of the Holy Spirit is based upon voluntary attendance. The sweet Holy Spirit is always on duty ready to lead, guide, and direct each of us into all truth. I hope you all have a blessed week. I will try to keep writing on a regular basis during our upcoming trip. NONA

Wild Thoughts!

Today is a crazy day with lots of doctor appointments for Popa. It is also my birthday, I am not getting older just wiser. Ha! An old friend called, I have not talked to her since 1985. She remembered it was my birthday and decided it was time to reconnect. She wanted to thank me for being someone she could look up to when she was part of our college group. The good news is...she lives less than 25 miles from my home and we will be visiting sometime in April. She has to wait until April because today Popa and I booked our tickets for a return visit to Sri Lanka. I cannot think of a better birthday gift then to have finalized our thirty day visit with our Sri Lankan family. Tonight dear friends are making me a birhtday dinner, even delivering it to the house and sharing the meal with our local family. Popa spoke at Pastor Oscar's church last night and then came home and wept most of the night at the goodness of God. He said "I cannot believe how good it is to preach the word of God". I know I'm prejudice, but it was awesome and received so warmly by all those in attendance. We drove home really late last night so Popa could make it to the surgery center by 7:30 a.m. today and get a couple of epidural injectin before the upcoming trip. We visited the primary care doctor after that and Popa will go in this afternoon for a cranial fascia release massage. It has been a really full day already. I have been contemplating Baritmaeus in Luke 18 and how important it was for him to know what to ask Christ for, it seems quite obvious to us that a blind man needs his sight, but it was much more important for the blind man to recognize his own need of sight. How many of us are spiritual blind and do not even realize it? Dear Heavenly Father, help me to know what I need from you....give me insight into the right answer when you ask a question. Thanks for listening you faithful bloggers. The good news is that I will be taking my laptop to Sri Lanka and blogging faithfully about our adventures in faith. Blessing from the wiser Nona! Oh, I must be getting older, I do ramble on and on....

Last Thought of the Day

The one thing that is here to stay is change. I think Popa tells me that quite frequently. I was thinking tonight this is true and change is difficult in and off itself but it is almost impossible without your friends. Friends make almost anything bearable. So, to all of you who have helped Popa and I weather some difficult changes the past few years we thank you. Your friendship and committment to us has made the difficult days much more pleasant. We bless each one of you in the name of the Lord. Just one more thing, tomorrow and the day after will all have their degrees of change. Nona

Last Thought of the Day

Catching a Thought for the blog before....

My life is hectic again this week. I am heading to Portland to see my mom and then to visit with a couple of pastor friends. Popa and I will stop in Silverton to keep three little grandchildren for a couple of hours on the way up. Fun! I made several little gift bags this past week for an event at the Hilton this Wednesday, I will work the event with two others for three hours. I made 1200 bags to be exact and am not really sure what I did the rest of the week. My oldest two grandchildren spent the night with me on Friday night after a swim birthday party for grandchild #3....needless to say...I did not get much sleep and spent most of yesterday laying around catching up. I was thinking about my girls baby books this week and even about my own baby book. None of them are complete. The stories only partially recorded. I realized how awesome God truly is, HE faithful records all of our lives, there is nothing that remains hidden from HIM, no detail left out and yet HE as the ultimate Father continues to remain committed to bestowing HIS great love upon us. HE does not hold our past against us, HE does not keep track of our failures or short comings. I started down this road of thought because someone in my life made a comment about my own history and I was amazed at their inability to see me differently. The issue is mirrored by their own life and yet they remain totally unaware...isn't that always the way it is. We can behold the splinter in each others eye but miss the beam in our own. Popa preached a message about our being able to recognize in others what is so predominant in us because we are so familiar with the material. Anyway, thanks for listening you faithful readers, it is always very helpful for me to share my thoughts in writing. Take Heart, God forgives and forgets, unlike people who can sometimes forgive but rarely are able to forget. Thank you, Lord, that you love me and are committed to the end result of my life...totally committed to making me into your image. Help others to recognize your great grace at work in me. Be blessed as you traverse this week.

P.S. Daughter #1 you are a wonderful young woman and I treasure being your mother. I appreciate your heart and the honor you bestow upon me. Your children are blessed to be your offspring...you are teaching them honesty and how to communicate with others. May God grant you all the desires of your heart as you pursue him. Your husband is a great guy too. Love, Nona

Snowy Thoughts

Today was the second day of snow here at our house. We live on the shady side of the street and the snow tends to remain on our property longer than our neighbors. Popa and I shoveled the driveway three times yesterday and twice today, not to mention having to keep the snow off the swimming pool dome. The good news is that I got to enjoy the hot tub twice during the past couple of days of snow, once with Popa and once with the grandsons who live up the street. I am always reminded of the fact that tho our sins be as scarlet the blood of Jesus washes them white as snow. It the knowledge that God the Father sees our lives as spotless as snow when HE beholds us through the cross of his beloved son, Jesus Christ. I am once again compelled by HIS love to choose the pathway of righteousness. HIS love is everlasting, it never comes to an end; HIS love is unchangeable, not based on my behavior but rather on HIS own nature. I am baffled by HIS unstoppable love and yet so comforted by the meaning it adds to my life. I pray that no matter what the weather is outside that you will know for certain the love of an all gracious Heavenly Father on the inside. NONA

Lots of Random Thoughts

Hello you faithful blog readers. I imagine some of you as your read my thoughts and wonder if they touch your heart like they do mine.
1st thought today has to do with being uneasy or not at rest...I believe this happens when our God given directive is stifled. I can only use myself for an example...someone said to me on Wednesday when isn't my life busy? This comment provoked some thoughts within me...I am always busy, hopefully, serving others as that is what God has gifted me to do. I love to serve others, I am not even particular about who it is as long as I can serve them for the sake of the Kingdom. I learned in 2006 as I was caring for my three grandchildren for several weeks in a row that it was much easier if I served them as unto the Lord....in fact it became a joy to Popa and I. That does not mean we did not get tired...it means there became something eternal in the giving of ourselves in the time of need. We are to love our brothers (and sisters) as ourselves. I do not know about you but there is very little I truly deny myself. We live in a very selfish culture and the environment of self-importance has leaked over into our living out what it means to be followers of Christ. A note to young parents...your children are the only thing you can take with you into etenity...please invest in them wisely in the few short years they fall under you parental authority. Do not let your children define you... it is your job to define for them a Godly perspective of themselves. To teach them to love, to serve Christ and others, and to honor the very life God gave them.
2nd thought as to do with our getting weary in well doing...we often find ourselves in a struggle because we assume "this" is all there is. We are at the end of the story. God help us all to stay tune for "the rest of the story".
Our perspective can define us if we let it. God, however, is not done with us. HE has a hope and a future for us. Jeremiah 29:11. It is for good and not evil, HE is at work in us completing HIS good pleasure. HIS work in us is progressive, some trust or hope in horses, some trust or hope in chariots, but I trust or hope in the Name of the Lord. Psalms 20:7. Lately, God has been correcting my perspective, HE is not done with me, there is more to the story HE has designed for my life. I do not know how HE will accomplish HIS design for my life, but I pray I stay tuned in until HE performs all of HIS promises over my life. HIS word and HIS name are trustworty. I am encourgaed in the Lord today and I pray you will be too...God has something better for us than we are currently experiencing. I love the phrase, "always for more, never for less". There is always, always more in God for our lives.
May each one of you find yourselves re-engaging in your God given directive this week. I bless you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

Popa and I were privileged to be in the Portland area twice in three days then to have two wonderful little boys grace our home for a couple of days this week. The pure love of children is a priceless treasure to this Nona' heart. More thoughts later from this random thinker!

More Thoughts or Food for Thought

We had a very busy weekend, but a very rewarding one. Saw more people than I can name at the moment, besides I really want to share my God thoughts with you not lists of names and places. It dawned on me that the greatest need for the survival of mankind is hope. I will elaborate on that thought more as we go along in this particular blog....Back to last week and my thoughts regarding Lot. In order to leave Sodom and Gomorrah Lot had to travel through the valley of Zoar...I realized in further contemplation that in order to get to the mountain top God has designed for us we must travel through the valleys of life...the valley floor is the richest soil, because so many give up and loose their way that their decaying carcasses become the fertilizer for future life. I do not want to become fertilizer I want to be the one who benefits from the fertilizer. Ezekiel was prophesying to the dead bones of Israelites who had lost their hope in God...they gave up on their dreams to be a united people with a land of their own...they let their past...slavery, disobedience and wars define who they were. It is important that God and HIS eternal hope define who we are; not circumstances....the key is to keep moving forward in faith. Faith is best contrasted by doubt. Faith only becomes faith when it overcomes doubt. Don't despair if you have found yourself doubting the promises of God....encourage yourself in the Lord and ask for an abundance of faith to overcome the obvious and reach for the miraculous. I believe Popa is still alive today because his faith rises above his doubt when the physical symptoms present themselves. He encourages himself in his God, he puts his hope in the fact that God says HIS mercies are new every morning. The Bible says in Hosea 2:15 I...will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. It was Achan sin that led to his stoning and the valley was named the valley of Achor or the valley of trouble. There is trouble on everyhand. The scripture even says don't worry about tomorrow, today has enough troubles of its own. The very thing that could destroy you can be turned by Almighty God in a door of hope. There is no one like our God. Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; HIS faithfulness continues through all generations. As parents and spiritual leaders we embrace the goodness of God and his everlasting love, we proclaim to those following us that the faithfulness of God will never end. There is hope in our God. I read Psalm 25 today and was blessed by the Psalmist cry that God remember him and vendicate his plight. No matter where you are today, cry out to God and ask HIM to be your hope and your strength; to give you HIS peace that passes all understanding. That literally means it defies the current circumstances. Psalms 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord,for HE is good, HIS love endures forever. Proverbs 23:18 There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. That is a promise from God, Hope brings strength to your bones. Psalms25:4&5 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; gude me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. My prayer is that all day long we remember the author and finisher of our faith. HE who has begun a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. Teach me Lord, how to trust in you through every moment of every day. Blessing on you all...may God encourage you with HIS love today. NONA

Focused Random Thoughts

It has been an anxiety filled week of recovery for Popa. The procedure on his eye really fractured his nerves. We are finally on the upswing and things are moving back to normal...whatever that may look like. I have spent much of this week reading and pondering 1 Corinthians 15. The Apostle Paul presents a very convincing argument for the resurrection of Christ. It is the pivot of our faith as Christians. I was extremely aware of verse 19 when it says that if all we hope in is found in this life then we are most miserable. There is an eternity with God that awaits us on the other side of death. I heard someone say again today none of us are leaving this earth alive. Of course, to that I add unless we are still here at the final trumpet call. The truth is we begin moving toward death from the first breath we take. After church on Wednesday evening my friend, Sharon, and I ran into some mutual friends...once again I believe it was a divine appointment and I really enjoyed being out and about till after midnight. Only you night owls would understand the thrill of a late night. It was busy week for us, as we visited with our eldest daughter and her children in Silverton for one evening and then met our friend from China for lunch in Salem, hurried home to meet for a couple of hours with some old friends from Roseburg. Then today, Popa convinced me to attend a Bar Mitzvah of an old friend's son. It proved to be very moving and extremely meaningful for our friend that we were there. It is so good to see the personal growth that takes place in those we know. Tomorrow is Sunday and we will be in Portland with more dear friends to worship and share a meal. We will spend the night with my mother and head home on Monday to begin yet another week. Knowing that God holds all of our tomorrows is comforting. We like the Psalmist say...Only God knows my comings and my goings...HE has designed the course for our lives. May each of you experience his great peace and direction in your lives this next week. P.S. it would be comforting to read again for yourselves 1 Corinthians 15. Much love to you all. Nona

More random thoughts from Nona!

Popa had an outpatient surgical procedure done on his right eye this week. The retinal specialist deposited a steroid via needle into Popa's eye to try to stop the bleeding and swelling. It was a very anxiety producing experience for Popa. We arrived home with an instruction sheet that dictated eye drops every hour on the hour and the head of our bed raised for 2 days. Not much sleep happening the first couple of days, but we are improving in that area now. We are very hopeful that it is the doctor's skill that God will use to bring a ready solution to this health dilema. Craig's sister has been put on a kidney waiting list as she is in kidney failure. It seems like a continual battle to keep these two physically well. I pray God intervenes in 2008. This blog will be rather lengthy as I try to articulate my thoughts regarding God for the past several days. I have had thoughts that have raced throughout scripture so brace yourself; here goes.....
1. Unity is not one mind - it is one heart for the things of God. Romans 15:5
2.You can be obedient to God and be going through hell - look at the disciples, Jesus told them to go to the other side of the lake - they were obedient to get in the boat and found themselves in a fierce storm. Of course, they encountered the divine walking upon the water. May we all encounter the divine in the storms of life.
3. Genesis 19:16 it is the story of Lot procrastinating against what God had told him to do. verses 23-26 says that Lot's wife looked back from behind him and was turned into a pillar of salt. verse 30 God says to Lot to go through the plain (the valley) to the mountain top. We aren't meant to live in the plain/valley. David said in Ps. 23 tho I walk through the valley...Ps 121
I look to the hills from whence cometh my help. God designed us to live on the mountaintop, the valleys are for passing through. Take heart, there is help in the storms...Jesus comes walking on the water -there is a way of escape! Look up, look ahead, keep moving don't camp out in adversity. The mercies of the Lord are new every morning. If we are continually stuck in the past we are likely to miss our future. We wait patiently on God to move us to the next mountaintop of our lives. Thank you God for 2008, it is 365 new beginnings.
4. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. John 10:27 says "my sheep know my voice" Because of the wording "know my voice" we associate this with hearing, but I am more and more aware that it is a spirit to spirit connection - a sense of knowing HIS will and connecting with it...I pray, Lord, I want to be beautiful in your sight, soften my heart, strengthen my faith and fill me daily with a great measure of your spirit....may the purpose of my life be to please you.
5. I know you are tired, but just a couple of more thoughts, ok maybe a couple of long thoughts.....Being one of Jesus' sheep is followed in Scriptrue by the fact that HE knows us (John 28); so often we put the emphasis on knowing HIM, but it is all encompassed in the fact that HE KNOWS US - the knowing from a female mind has a lot to do with conversation...so we engage in talking to God about ourselves (as if we could enlighten HIM on anything) HE already knows our lying down, our rising up; the intents of our hearts...what if it is simply about us listening to HIM as HE makes Himself known to us?
6. Job 13:15 "though HE slay me, yet will I hope in HIM" Hope is the paste that sticks the fabric of our lives to God. Never to be torn away. Isaiah 46:10-11 says "MY purpose will be established, and I will accomplish my good pleasure. I will bring it to pass, I have planned it, surely I will do it. God's good pleasure being brought to pass is dependent upon HIM....HE declares "I will do it" This bring great comfort to my life...it is about HIM using anything and everything to bring me to HIMSELF in greater revelation. I am truly being conformed to his image. Last thought I promise
7. Ps 4:6 "who can show us any good? Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. Phillipians 4:8 Finally brothers, whatsoever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about these things." As Kingdom people, we must quit being enticed by the dark shadows and be totally enraptured by the lgiht of God, HIS character, HIS nature, HIS love and finally HIS enternal victory....please help me advertise that we are more than conquerers in Christ. Thanks for reading and listening with your spirit. NONA

Nona's Thoughts about Popa's Birthday

My original blog regarding Popa's Birthday somehow did not get published or saved as a draft. So, I quess it was not to be! Popa's birthday ushered in his 57th year on this earth and our hopes for a blessed new year in health and spirit. We celebrated with friends from Portland, our youngest daughter and her family and one of our cohorts on our trip to China. Daugher #1 was here in the a.m. and her family helped Popa say goodnight to 56 on Wednesday. It was a great day and Popa got some really cool gifts some of which he will purchase for himself tomorrow. Look out, he is getting the surround system he has wanted for a very long time. Wednesday of this week he will have a minor eye surgery to try to stop the retinal bleed he has had for the past several months. God knows and we rest in HIM, the author and finisher of our faith. We are excited as we move forward in Christ; knowing HE will provide for all of our needs and that we are an extension of HIS life in us. Middle daughter is in Charlotte for an interview and then onto Louisville, Kentucky for another interview and then to New Orleans for 2 more interviews.....we are praying for God's perfect placement for her as her residency begans in the fall. God is always faithful and we are excited about HIS hope being released afresh and anew in our lives. Press on in the faith and continue in the way of our Savior and Lord, His mercies never come to an end. Nona