PSALMS 91 REVISITED

It has been suggested that " A good photo is worth a thousand words."
Words alone just fail to show the sad and dis-heartening, conditions these KAREN Refugees live under. This is a community of young family's, singles and the elderly. Many hold fast to their Faith, as in the book of Jude, " once delivered to the saints" and do find shelter in The God of Living Hope.

On break time I took these pictures. Jim taught the Inductive Seminar.
I celebrated my 59 th birthday there and Jim woke me in the morning tickling me, and brought me a 5 a.m. Cup of coffee, kisses and cards with sweet gifts.

The students attending Jim's class, graduated after long arduous study, having completed all assignments. We all were very thankful for work well done.

village Life

Morning coffee with the social gathering at the long table is tradition and elemental to village life.
Technology seems out of place here with the encroaching jungle overgrowth just barely minding its boundaries, and the ever present threat of the wild elephants crashing through the trees and plantations of pineapple to forage and destroy.
Apparently I was the only one who wanted to see such wildlife. Of my prayers to see such were unappreciated.
Village life is about the people and their traditions. While having a keen eye for the "ill tempered sun" as I call it, they think in terms of crop health, as to the drought.
Global warming does not enter in to conversation here, but global love for Jesus Christ does.
Life is slow, with a rhythm ever cognizant of its past, and anxious of its future,
These are a traditional people posed on the precipice of change. Their question seems to be, " How to remain as purists to their culture, and theirs Faith as they progress.?

I believe that the strong ever present love they maintain for the Bible, and their subsequent adherence to It's Directives saves them on any and all concerns. After Jim taught the Evangelism Seminar and had them share their personal testimonies, these students realize
the power and influence of Gods Word.
Not a "new thing " but a revisit to an old tradition.
Jim is holding a water purifying system, given to the Bible School.

PAINTING, Tribal Mother and Child

New work
3x3
This painting depicts the anxiety that refugees live with. As with any mother, the well being and safety of her child is ever present in her expression and on her mind.
This KAREN woman is wearing a dress of woven materials with beadwork.

February 25th we will be in a KAREN VILLAGE where we will be working.

"Leave well enough, Alone"

Frequently I had heard this phrase through my childhood,, Leave well enough alone.
Later I understood it in terms of limitations.
In other words, impose self limitations if you cannot improve your status quo.
It was so carelessly used that it begged to be challenged.

Change can bring incredible depth of character and joy into our lives, but we must disturb and challenge the doldrums of " LEAVE WELL ENOUGH! ALONE"

On my canvasses for example, when I finish a painting , but am not
pleased with it I put it aside to return to it later.
I know I will work further on it. I have painted some of my best works , under revision, or change.
Discontent drives us to improvement. This remains true in our spiritual life.

And what of our walk of Faith and spiritual disciplines?

Hebrews 12 :1 "
... I lay aside...




At present, , I am devouring books downloaded to my IPAD such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer's
books' A Biography , The Man and The Martyr and THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP.
The latter address our tendencies to lax into spiritual lethargy or Cheap Grace, as I understand .
I desire to challenge the "Well Enough's " in my spiritual disciplines to make a greater difference for Christ in the lives of those He Loves.

Life in the Provence

Life in the Provence 

Life in the Provence is really about people. Such as the quiet soft spoken Christian man , who is well known and respected in the Business Community, and loved by fellow Christians, quietly slips away from home in early morning hours to fellowship  and  encourage the simple fishermen on a local beachfront .
Hidden from curious onlookers, he just spends time with them, often bringing a simple offering of food for them.

We have sat alongside the Pastor and his beloved wife who bear the telltale signs of betrayal:
Grief, shock, depression.
We can't make sense of the " whys" but offer  Ministry of Presence

Too often, opportunities are presented if we can  recognise  people we encounter may  need encouragement by  less words and more a ministry of Presense. 

It seems  natural to fill a void of  silence,, but in the company of  tenderness, much is accomplished and grief is shared.

It seems this has been an intense time of likemindedness with the many who do suffer forrighteousness sake.

Like the depiction of the storms and overcast skies, the single photo of the balloon bouquet promises joy.

Jesus promised us He would never leave us. Weeping is for a night, but there is joy in the morning.

We are blessed to know the God of Love . In and amidst the storms , present and impending, He is the God of all comfort. Life in the Provence Knows this.

This is where we stay when  we are here.  It is a warm and small  cozy home away from home for  us , but we are happy. 

Sub Tropic Distress

Jim and I arrived here in the Philippines 48 hours ago. But already it seems like a couple of weeks. How can that be I ask? Things here have to be coddled, nurtured, spoken tenderly to such as ALL technical components. Our staff are available to help and do and so we are so thankful.
We were unable to get on line, to receive and send emails for the first 18 hours. The follow 18 hours was spent investigating and improving. Some how we managed to get it all done with tropical heat. Such is the first 48 hours now we are settled in. And remember Nothing moves fast in the Province.