Singing

I woke up this morning, my heart bursting with praise. Old hymns like "Such Love," "Constantly Abiding" and "He Lives" and choruses like, "God Will Make a Way" just came from nowhere! Does every day start so joyfully and optimistically? Not necessarily. But I am discovering that joy and contentment are more of a choice than I ever before realized. The hope and grace God offers us with each new day is amazing. I do feel sad for those, both Christians and not, who cannot see past rules and the failures of others to experience these blessings. What if our kids were like that....not able to see our great love for them because we do not let them play in the street or eat only chocolate for breakfast? Anyway, I'm thankful for His grace and strength when we are weary.
There are moments of weariness along the road Todd, the kids and I are traveling these days, but there are also times of needed renewal. I know that is true for everyone, regardless of whether you are being faithful at the daily grind or find yourself strangely displaced from "normal." This difficult separation from Todd has allowed us to spend more time with my family and has probably made us appreciate each other and time together even more than before. It has certainly given me a new level of respect for all of the wives and kids left behind when their husbands deploy for a year at a time with the military!

Thanks to everyone who continues to pray for the MAF guys in Haiti and of course all of those still left with scars from the earthquake (jobs, houses and/or loved ones lost, emotional and physical injuries, little or no shelter as the rains begin.....). The overall picture in Haiti seems to have improved significantly since the quake hit, but there are still many hurdles facing those involved in the rebuilding process. It seems that a longer-term plan is being created, stores and markets have re-opened, limited electricity has returned to much of the city, debris has been cleared in many areas... However, just yesterday there were long lines at the gas pumps due to rumors of expected fuel shortages for up to several weeks. It seems that for ever two steps forward there is a step backward. Please pray that government officials and others seeking quick wealth and power would not prohibit the relief efforts but that everyone would be able to find a way to help their neighbor rebuild the country. It will be a slow process, but we are grateful to so many who have given time or money to send relief supplies down. Continue to pray for God to use this bad situation for good.