It is hard to believe that we are already a month into the new year. I trust this finds all of you well and busy serving the Lord. I know for some this new year has already begun with new challenges and for some of you it has begun by giving birth and welcoming a new life into your home!
Beverly Hammett – Streams in the Desert
The phrase used at the end of verse 6, streams in the desert—also the title which I have chosen for these updates—is a powerful word picture. A desert is a barren wilderness, a place where water is very scarce. But a stream in the desert brings life. Along the stream will be trees, grass, and other forms of vegetation that normally would not be seen in the desert—and many different kinds of animals and birds.
Kristin Hammett – Village Vista
What a rainy time of year! Our rainfall is one of the greatest in the area making it a lush tropical paradise. It is not uncommon to a storm system move in for a week, without any taste of sun. But it sure cools things down. I love rainy days!!
Debbie Wilhite – Africa’s Ambassadors
Well, we’re back in Africa. The days of fellowship and furlough almost seem like a lifetime ago. For me, communication with “the other world” across the ocean has been limited to a few texts and an occasional email at an internet cafe’ …when it chooses to send.
Loyalty
Have you ever been in a conversation with another girl when she began talking about how much she didn’t like some decision her parents had made? Or how unhappy she was with something that her teacher did? Or maybe you have been tempted to discuss these ideas with friends or brothers and sisters? Those are great opportunities for you to demonstrate the character trait of loyalty.
The Skinny on Models
If you consider yourself a normal teenage girl, I would venture to say you have someone in your life you like to model. You adapt their way of thinking, acting, dressing, etc. I always laugh when I see a small group of high school girls walking in the mall dressed exactly alike! What’s with that? Usually it’s because one girl in the group is the model for their fashion dos and don’ts…not a whole lot of individuality going on there.
One Day at a Time
Sometimes in life, we come to stages of time where we have never been before. And it is in these times where we might not be exactly sure where to go from here. The image of the Israelites walking in thousands across the wilderness comes to mind. They had no way of knowing where the next water supply would be. All they knew was that there was a Pillar of Cloud in the day and a Pillar of Fire in the night that they were to follow. When we come to these stages of life, we all need to slow down and take one day at a time.
A Simple Reminder
And once again the Lord used one of my children to remind me of a lesson that I need to remember often: Pray. Pray often. Pray much. Pray about everything.
Heart to Heart – A New Column For Women in Ministry
Way back in September, when all the writers for the Grace and Honor met together, one of the topics of discussion was about new columns that we could start to make our publication more interesting and to appeal to more ladies. One that was suggested was a column for preacher and missionary wives, discussing different elements of life in the ministry. Our fearless editor laughingly remarked that I would be a good candidate to author that column, considering I was the oldest in the group and had the most experience in this area.
Security
“All I want is to feel safe and secure.”
Have you ever heard that before? Have you ever said that before? We value our security; as Americans we pride ourselves in it. Security can be found in independence (I can meet all my own needs) and it is also found in dependence (I will trust this person to meet all my needs). I think, as women in particular, we value our security in life (knowing that everything is going to work out okay in the end). But what exactly is security and how does it relate to my relationship with God?
Desperately Dependent
Desperate and dependent. Naturally, I strive for independence: “I can do this, and I will do it my way.” Christian, beware: To be dependent is contrary to my natural being; to be independent is to be contrary to my God.
Make Today Count
How much does today matter to you? How about tomorrow? Are you interested in making a difference in your “todays” and “tomorrows” this year? Then this may be the book for you.
Missy’s Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Looking for something new and special to make for your loved ones for Valentine’s Day? Or any day? Look no further, if you like the yummy combination of chocolate and peanut butter!
An Oldie, but a Goodie!
What do you do when you are hit with a virus, a cold, or any other – itis? Well, most people head to the drug store for a box of pills: Sudafed, aspirin and other decongestants. While others put there stock in more traditional herbal remedies. They can be very effective, if given early. All these may have a place in the average medicine cabinet provided it’s not too serious. But perhaps you should consider a more natural effective option. One that will boost your immunity, even when you feel good. I’m referring to Vitamin C.
Looking Well
Aren’t we sometimes like an ostrich who buries their head in the sand to escape reality? I think the “ostrich” way of living is an easy trap to fall into, especially relating to finances. Solomon said we should be diligent to know the state of our flocks and to look well to our herds.