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