A unexpected final bloom. How marvelous is a rose?! Even a short smell activates the happy sensors in the brain and increases the body's immunity! Is it just me, or does it require more faith to believe that this beautiful, fragrant, therapeutic gift of nature happens by chance than to believe it is intended here by a loving Creator who cares for my wants and needs? God, just like the rose, is available to meet my needs, all that's required of me is to pause and allow it. "Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts..." Col. 3
This summer marks our 12th year of raising support. In other words, we raise all the money that funds our ministry, our income, our health benefits, our social security taxes; i.e. everything. I was casually chatting with a friend over lunch yesterday (casually because we were sitting on damp beach blankets while our kids picnicked in swimsuits in the backyard) about how God has changed my view of this task of support-raising over the years.
When we began fresh out of college, the idea of support-raising seemed daunting, but faith-stretching. And I worried what people would think of us. Would they think we are beggars?
We focused on "God, will you meet our needs?"
"Yes, I will; in my time," answered the Almighty.
He slowly led us to compassionate individuals, many of whom we had never met, and we had the privilege of experiencing His provision through the compassion of His people.
The abundance of His provision has ebbed and flowed over the years--needs always met, …
When we began fresh out of college, the idea of support-raising seemed daunting, but faith-stretching. And I worried what people would think of us. Would they think we are beggars?
We focused on "God, will you meet our needs?"
"Yes, I will; in my time," answered the Almighty.
He slowly led us to compassionate individuals, many of whom we had never met, and we had the privilege of experiencing His provision through the compassion of His people.
The abundance of His provision has ebbed and flowed over the years--needs always met, …