encouragement from Amy Carmichael...

by Alanna

From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher,
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified,)
From all that dims Thy Calvary,
O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay
The hope no disappointments tire
The passion that will burn like fire,
Let me not sink to be a clod:
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

“To any whom the Hand Divine is beckoning; count the cost, for He tells us to, but take your slate to the foot of the Cross and add up the figures there.”

Strength of my heart, I need not fail,
Not mine to fear but to obey,
With such a Leader, who could quail?
Thou art as Thou wert yesterday.
Strength of my heart, I rest in Thee,
Fulfil Thy purposes through me.

“We profess to be strangers and prilgrims, seeking after a country of our own, yet we settle down in the most un-stranger-like fashion, exactly as if we were quite at home and meant to stay as long as we could. I don’t wonder apostolic miracles have died. Apostolic living certainly has.”

growing pains

By Mary

When I was little there was a period of time when I kept waking up in the middle of the night because my muscles were so achy. And I couldn't understand why. My mom told me it was because I was growing which didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Why did growing have to hurt? She spent so many hours holding me late at night, sitting in her rocking chair rocking me back and forth till I could sleep again.

The ladies Bible study at church is going through a study on the life of David by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. And during the discussion last week I was reminded of those nights.

Spiritual growth isn't easy. It costs something. It can be painful. There will always be opposition and things getting in the way. Transformation doesn't come in two simple steps.

But it's worth it. The blessing and the trials, the highs and the lows, they all work together in God's glorious plan to form one more feature of our lives into one that reflects Himself.

hope

By Alanna

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3-5)

Last night at bible study we read these verses, and talked some about hope. How good character brings about hope, because hoping is such a hard thing to do sometimes. How our hope should be grounded in the love of God- and thus it will never be disappointed. I want so badly to really hope for things- that amendment 62 will pass; that these children here will be adopted; that God will save the unbelievers here; that He will do radical things. Although I don’t allow myself to say it, I often view some situations as “hopeless.” Oh how God has proved me ridiculous this past week. Emma getting adopted, Faye soon leaving also. Our God is not a god of hopelessness, but the One whom I desire to earnestly hope in- without doubting. I want my prayers and hence my actions to be characterized by hope. Our God is indeed worthy of it.

“Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Living life on purpose

by Mary

A friend at church asked me what I'd been up to all week. And I couldn't think of a thing to tell her. Maybe its just my lack of memory. I know I've felt busy lately though I don't have a job or go to school every day. But maybe it's a lack of living life purposefully.

God rained purpose on my life when He redeemed me from an eternity of just deserts. My life will never be without reason. But do I live that way, with a goal for each moment, each action? Do I take every thought captive and and inhale each breath to know and serve my Savior and Lord?

Whether in Colorado, North Carolina, or South Africa, yes God is faithful. But He also asks things of us. He has desires, a will, a plan for us wherever we are.

A friend once told me "be content, but don't settle." Don't let life carry you along where it wills like a twig caught in a current. Think and speak and live with intention. Live life on purpose.

the work God wants of us

By Alanna

It has been now nearly two weeks since I arrived back in South Africa. TLC is the same n so many ways, much more familiar than even I expected it to be. It is also new- with different volunteers, different babies, and a lighter work load.
The past two Monday nights, we’ve had a bible study around the bonfire, which has been very encouraging. We have been praying together there- especially for the older kids here who are still not free for adoption. God has answered some such prayers already, in His infinite goodness. One of my dear little Lions, who will be three in just 11 days, is getting adopted next week! Also the beautiful girl here with CP, is looking likely to be adopted internationally before Christmas. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
At bible study we talked about loving well. About being stand-in mothers and fathers for the children here, and about praying for them hard and often. Zoe also said something very convicting. That we are here ultimately not even for the children, but for God. This is the work He has us doing, but if He tells us to do something else, we wll stop this and do what He tells us. It seems so natural- this obedience thing. But really it’s something I am constantly learning. I am so heart-full to be in South Africa now. Not complete, because I am so far away from those I love. But I feel full of joy because THIS- loving these children well- is the work God wants of me, at this time in my life. May He be glorified, and may He empower me to be obedient to wherever else He calls me.

p.s. TLC is struggling financially. Everyone who has been involved here long-term says that it’s never been this bad before. The cupboards are fast emptying and there is no money to fill them again. Last night we had only potatoes for dinner, and today I don’t know. We need milk and bread and basic food for the babies and all of us. I don’t believe in begging for money, only presenting a need. If God puts it on your heart to give, don’t hesitate to ask me how.

Wall Street

By Mary

There's been a few too many posts by Mary lately and not nearly enough Alanna. She's arrived safely at TLC and is settling back into working and loving and serving. Please be in prayer for physical and spiritual health for all the volunteers. Working long hours with so many little kids, you're always a little sick. And I long for spiritual revival to sweep over the whole ministry. Also be in prayer for Thea Jarvis who has been dealing with a lot of health problems over the past few months.

Who knew you could miss someone so much when you never see them anyway?

The days lately have been full with one thing and another--church events, projects, time spent with my brother and sister-in-law before he starts his new-found job, phone calls to home, cleaning and cooking and shopping and Bible study and lots of prayer.

Perhaps it's due to the many people who are on my heart. I can't be with them so I pray for them. And one of those beloved people has been reminding me that God is powerful. "We have not because we ask not..." So I'm asking. For big things. Things only a big God can do.

I'm investing more of myself here...my time, energy, thoughts. I'm so happy that my dearest friends are willing to put in the effort to stay in touch as I haven't been very good at initiating.

The weather here has cooled down significantly since a tropical storm came through and dropped over ten inches in one day. I'd still love to have a chilly fall day in Colorado with crunchy leaves, hot chocolate and my friends and family.

On our two month anniversary, I went to see a movie called Wall Street with my husband, my brother and my sister-in-law. I wasn't really sure what it was about or if it would be good but I really enjoyed it. The acting and filming were great. The story was interesting and though-provoking. I felt like I could sit back and observe the characters actions and feel involved without actually relating to them. And I saw Bible truth, though neither the characters nor I'm sure the people who came up with the movie support Bible truth.

"If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, and is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we shall bring nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

I was reminded of how fleeting the things of this world and even the lives we live in this world really are and how shaky is any foundation besides the Rock of Ages.

It was a modern day telling of King Solomon's life, and though the characters may not have reached his same conclusion, the film clearly portrayed that the conclusion of the whole matter is to:

"Fear God and Keep His commandments
For this is man's all.
For God will bring ever work into judgement
Including every secret thing
Whether good or evil. "

a new morning in North Carolina

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness...