Great is His Faithfulness

It struck me tonight as I was talking with Brian how encouraging it is to be reminding each other of God's faithfulness daily.  Perhaps it is because our conversations are so brief these days, that our words are more purposeful.  We don't want to waste precious time, but to make the most of our time.    And testifying of  God's faithfulness centers us.

Once again from Brian's text this evening--

"Thunders rolling while I'm typing this message.  The storm came a bit early today.  We had to get off the site early, around 3:45.  We have about two more hours of trim work to do on this our third house.  Boy does that sound good:  3rd house!  The new home owner is a single mom.

We're all doing well.

Marilyn just gave us some great news.  One of the sites we visited last year had a large Voodoo ceremony happening while we were there.  We took the time to pray for the single Mom receiving the home but also prayed over the witch doctor's home.  When Marilyn visited the mom earlier this year she noticed that the neighbor's home no longer had voodoo flags flying.  Marilyn asked if he had moved.  The mom said no.  'He's become a Christian.'  What a blessing for the team!!!"

I remember Brian talking about this prayer "event" last year.  There was a fair amount of spiritual warfare that the team was faced with on that particular mission.  How exciting to hear of God's faithfulness. 

Later as I talked with Brian he emphasized again the great work that takes place on the work site.  The team--they "go" all day.  By now, everyone is getting to know their jobs really well.

Brian shared with me his highlight from yesterday.  He had gone outside in the evening to sit alone and in the quiet.  From not far away he began to hear the singing of "Great is Thy Faithfulness".  It was Pastor Giordani.

Later he came inside and heard Sonya reading scripture and then she and Cam singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness".  Each evening the team has their own worship time together.  The first night Cam led it, the second evening it was Sonya and last evening they led together.  They sang hymns together.  Brian said, "I don't know if I should even tell you this because you would want to be here--it was so rich and beautiful."

Tomorrow is the Sabbath...a time to worship with the church there and a welcome day of rest.

"Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me."
--Thomas O. Chisholm

It's All About Team

Before I get into the events of the day, I thought I would "introduce" the team to you which will hopefully provide you with a little more of a "face" as I talk about the various people.  There is a picture on the church blog and I suppose it would be possible to put that here, but that is way beyond my computer skills.  ha,ha

John is the builder.  He hails from a town about an hour from our city and has been to Haiti previously to put together these prefab houses.  Brian said tonight that John is a "taskmaster" as a leader...never gives anyone a break.  Of course Brian said this as John walked into the room:)  The joke at our church is the John had to come because no one trusts Brian to be the builder.  :)

Sarah is the Haitian born woman who was adopted by a Canadian family when she was four.  She is finding the poverty overwhelming.  The Haitians of course assume she lives there and can speak Creole.  A lot of people are approaching her expecting this.

Michelle lives about an hour from our city as well and was to Haiti a few months ago building homes.  She will actually be staying to assist Marilyn with a medical team when our team comes home.

Of the above three, I have only met Michelle briefly.

Marilyn is from "World Partners and has given so much of her life to the people of Haiti.  She is an amazing, beautiful, godly woman.  Brian cannot speak highly enough of Marilyn and the depth of experience she brings to the team.  She understands the people, and the culture and is therefore invaluable as they face so many challenging aspects of ministering in this country.

Brian I. and his daughter Emily are part of our home church.  This is their first short term mission experience.  Emily and Sonya were roommates this past year as they attended university and I understand that Emily is quite happy to take the credit for introducing Sonya and Cam to each other:)  Thanks Emily!!!!

Poppy is also from our church and this is her fourth time to Haiti.  She is a powerhouse of a woman.    Seriously!!  Not only does she do a ton of behind the scenes preparatory work, but she has no problem holding her own on the work site.  I think Poppy is always smiling when I see her:)

James is a young adult from our church.  He has been to Haiti five times.  His first experience was a month long stay with his family quite a few years ago.  Since then he has gone with a team.  According to James, "It's all good."  :)  He and Cam are best of friends which is why he will be Cam's best man on July 14.

Cam is my amazing son!  He has been to Haiti four times, and it was the second time he went which turned his life upside down and has set him on the life course he is on today.  And now it seems to be in his blood.  He only packed a knapsack for 10 days which tells you two things.  One, he packs only the bare essentials and two, the rest he will borrow from others:)  Yep...that's his philosophy!!

Sonya is my future daughter-in-law which is still surreal to me.  I love her to pieces already.  She is no stranger to the mission field having spent most of her life in Mexico with her Mom and Dad and brother and sister.  I find it so beautiful how God has orchestrated her life and Cam's to share a passion for missions.

Brian is the love of my life and right now, missed very much.  But I hear such excitement in his voice as he shares with me the God happenings of each day.  Brian puts hours and hours of Creole language study in before each trip.  It just blows me away.  He so desires to be able to communicate to the best of his ability once he is there.  He's also passionate about team and works very hard to bring unity both prior to going and while they are there.  Brian said today the team is doing great!!!

And You...You and I are the rest of the team.  Because you see, in the economy of God's kingdom it doesn't matter where we are, there is this incredible gift called prayer that God uses along with tangible sweat equity, to bring a little more of His kingdom here on earth.  So keep praying.

And now for today--  Brian's text

"Another great and interesting day.  Pieces missing again so off to Lejeune for Michelle and myself to pick up the missing pieces for the current house and the next two.  Trip went well.  Sat on top of a big truck for the ride.  Unbelievably rough ride and hot."

I asked him during our phone conversation if that was safe.
There was a delay and then he responded, "Absolutely!!! What else would  you like to know?" :)  The reality is that I KNOW that each time he goes to Haiti I never get ALL the details.  And yes, that is for the best.  Back to his text--

"The team at the site had to take a break because it was so hot.  It was 33 in the shade and the thermometer wouldn't work in the sun.
We almost finished the house today but had to stop because of thunder and lightening.  Not good on a metal roof!!!!  Today we build for Adner Jean and his wife Lacroix.  They have five children.  They too lost everything in the earthquake.  He's a journalist.  We are blessed.  So are they."

Brian expressed to me that they will almost for sure not be building five houses.  They are missing pieces for the 5th house and these would have to be sent from Canada.

Tomorrow they will finish the second house...about half an hours work and then build the third house.  Sunday will be a day off.  He expects that one of their days will be a "Blessing" day in which they will travel to each home and give the families gifts.  They were unable to go to Imoyse's  home last evening.

When we began our conversation this evening Brian said it was pouring rain.  Cam, Sonya and James were standing at the edge of the house where the water is rushing over the roof.  They were having a riot...throwing water at each other, etc.  It must have looked enticing because John was heading there to join them and Brian planned to as well.

"Living God,
the day slides away westward,
the rhythms settle slowly down.
Let that way of gentling things,
gentle me."
--William J. O'Malley
"Daily Prayer for Busy People" 

Building Has It's "Moments"

"WE'RE BUILDING A HOUSE!!!!!!!!!"

That was the text I received from my hubby at 10:30 a.m.  I think someone was excited!!

The team arrived at the site around 9:45 a.m. and began the process of finding the correct panels, etc.  Because the materials are not in an organized fashion there is added time required to put everything in order.  Then the work begins. 

Hot, heavy, hard work.  One is lifting and carrying panels, and screwing pieces together, with so much of this being done above one's head.  It was an all day build in the hot Haiti sun working on a pad of concrete.  A tired but satisfied crew arrived "home" for dinner around 5:30. 

Imoyse is the Mom who will be moving into the house with 3 of her 5 children as well as her sister and her 2 children.  Imoyse's 2 older children have returned to Port au Prince to live. They were living as a family in Port when the earthquake happened.  Her husband died in the city--they have never found his body.  They literally left with nothing but the clothes on their back.  I realize I have just written two sentences with the barest of words to describe the catastrophic nightmare this family has lived through.  I have no comprehension and there are no words to adequately portray such horror. 

Tonight, the team had plans to return to the completed home...bless it and hand the keys over to Imoyse.  Brian's words..."I'm sure it will be deeply touching."

Reading his words was the first time I have ever had the thought,  "I wish I could be there."  

What a "moment" that will be.  Unimaginable.

On a very different note, Brian has shared his displeasure with a variety of house guests they are keeping company with.

Let's see now--
A cockroach in the shower and another one that was killed in the night
A mouse running around in the livingroom with some of the team chasing it
Ants all over Brian's bed and the wall.  He had to wait to go to bed until this was all taken care of.
Dead ants everywhere

And, it would seem as though there is a city wide dog fight every night...all night.  Brian wore his ear plugs in order to get some sleep.  He remembers this being the case four years ago as well.

Having divulged some of the less enjoyable moments with you, I have realized that thought I had earlier about wishing I was there, has mysteriously disappeared:)

"Goodnight...sleep tight...don't let the bed bugs bite(or any other creature)"

"Blessings, prayers and sweet rest-- Marilyn, John, Sarah, Michelle, Brian I. Emily, Poppy, James, Cam, Sonya, and Brian"

The Trek

And so the story unfolds--

The team arrived in Hinche early this morning and began to take stock of what was there.  Unfortunately, they did not have the makings of a complete house.  So it was time for "the trek".  Three of the team road in a large dump truck and the rest in a pickup as they made their way to Lajeune to pick up the missing pieces.

Lejeune is a 15 km trip which took 1 1/2 hours. Marilyn, from World Partners said that was "really good."  It was said that if you drive a standard it's like never getting out of first gear.  Brian thinks it would be faster to run:)

But a successful journey it was.  They managed to load up enough materials to complete three houses.  At some point, some of the team will need to return to Lejeune in order to retrieve the pieces for the other two houses.  The plan...to complete five houses is still expected to be achieved.

Tomorrow is a building day and the team is excited and raring to go.

Haiti--and so begins another God-sized adventure

 This was my hubby yesterday afternoon packing for Haiti.  It seems there is so much preparation and then suddenly it's here!!

It is a team of 11 this year.  I love that Cam and his fiancee Sonya are able to experience this together since it is their heart's desire to eventually be long-term missionaries.

One of the women joining the team is from Alberta, but Haitian born and then adopted by a Canadian family.  This will be her first time returning to her birthplace.  I can't imagine what this experience will mean to her.

If all goes as planned, the team will be putting together 5 prefab houses.  The five foundations have already been laid and the houses are ready and waiting.  A much different scenario than last year for those of you who remember.

For sure there are always lots of kids who enjoy all the loving attention.  The soccer balls were packed and ready to be pumped up and given a good workout.

Important items to pack...as you can see :)

"The Away Team"

 This is my personal "Away Team"...Cam, Sonya and Brian.  For Cam this is his 4th time to Haiti and for Brian it is his 3rd.  Some have deduced that this must be "old hat" for me by now.  But truthfully...no.  For sure I know what to expect in terms of communication and what it is to be on my own with Ashley, but I still don't find it easy to send them off.  I know that many people have relatively few issues entrusting their loved ones to God but that has never been my story.  And this year, there is a lovely young lady in the picture who has captured my heart, which means three precious people to place into the hands of God.  I seem to have to put a lot of sweat equity into trusting coupled with the Holy Spirit working overtime in order for me to surrender...and have that sweet peace I long for.  But oh the richness when I get to that place of rest.  It was Sunday afternoon this time and I am enjoying His calming, reassuring Presence

I am a little concerned as to whether they will even let this man on the plane!!

I think Sonya has her concerns as well!!!!  

"The Home Team"

And yes, we are "The Home Team"...Ashley and I.  Also known as "The Prayer Team".  As much as I will miss my husband, and Cam and Sonya, I will enjoy one on one time with my daughter(provided she is home long enough for that to happen...ha,ha)  From the sounds of her itinerary today, she has her own "away team"!!!!  It's a good thing I enjoy being alone.  

I received a text message from Brian about 15 minutes ago that he would let me know when he is out of the pool(at Wall's Guest House) and then I can call him.  Sounds like they are off to a rough start!!!  

Just got off the phone with my hubby.  And the adventure begins!!!!  It turns out that quite possibly all of the houses are not in Hinche (where they are supposed to be), but just pieces of the houses.  The rest may be in Le Jeune.  First thing tomorrow morning they will assess what is actually there.  If there is a complete house a team will begin to put it together and another team will travel to Le Jeune to pick up the rest of the houses.  Please pray for these logistics and the team as they begin the work God has prepared for them.

My eyes have just passed over a quote here on my desk:

"Craving clarity we attempt to eliminate the risk of trusting God."

--Brennan Manning

It sounds like the Haiti team are well on their way to a trusting God kind of mission.

 

 

 

Grace Infusion

It has been such a difficult week. 

My emotional health seemed to plummet almost overnight and was bound and determined to wreak havoc throughout my days.  And when this happens, every little or not so little challenge in my life is exaggerated to unmanageable proportions.  And right now, because of all the changes unfolding in my life, I felt myself completely overwhelmed. 

Yesterday, the "sun" began to shine its rays into my dark clouds.  Hope has once again resurfaced.  I am deeply grateful for the timing of this grace infusion.  On Tuesday morning Brian, Cam and Sonya leave with 8 others for Haiti for 10 days.  And I will be honest-- it is a sacrifice to send them off...my precious family, and that a level of trepidation is part of that.  I have not felt strong in facing this goodbye.

This afternoon after my nap, I lounged on the couch reading Cynthis Heald's, "Drawing Near to the Heart of God."  I have come away knowing my Father's touch and hearing His words of truth. 

His gifts of grace started with these words:

"Our willingness to endure is an essential that we bring to our journey--but the ability to endure is a gift from the Lord.
The more we learn to receive and depend upon His grace in deepening measure the less anxious we will be about what the future holds and whether we will have the strength to face it.  Our journey to the Father's heart will intensify our confidence to infuse strength in the midst of suffering.
It doesn't matter what we encounter in life, what we must endure, what burdens we bear--God's grace is sufficient to carry us through."

This is a an area of my life that falls so short of where it needs to be.  My focus on the untold possible anxieties of the future diminishes my trust in His sufficiency.  Cynthia's words remind me that WHATEVER unfolds in my life, God's grace is sufficient.

Paul's words push me to Him..."For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13

And Hallelujah-- it's not something I have to muster up within myself! Timothy reminds me, "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."  2 Timothy. 2:1

Oh the beauty of my High Priest who..."understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."  Heb. 4:14-15

It's hard for me to imagine Jesus being tested with anxiety over the present and the future, and yet we are told that He faced what we do.  He is also our example in all that we face.

Again Cynthia calls my heart to trust..."To view our trials as a means of experiencing more deeply the power of Christ is to understand that God is enough."

I don't understand the mysterious, powerful workings of the Holy Spirit, but I do know what it is to experience Him as a dynamic living, active Presence in my being.  I know that I opened the pages of this book with fear still holding on to my soul, and that 30 minutes later I had strong reassurance that God was enough.  I know that none of the circumstances of my life have changed, but God has changed me.

Grace infused. 

"Father
For the way in which you have heaped on encouragement 
to my soul today
ThankYou
For the grace You have poured over my fainting heart
ThankYou
For the promise to meet ALL of my needs
ThankYou
For Your challenge to offer all of myself to You in trust
Here I am 

 

Hand Held Memories

Today marks 42 years since my Mother was so quickly taken from my life.  It strikes me that regardless of the time that has passed, her place in my life, though not a physical presence, remains sacred.  Perhaps it is because I have virtually no memories of our mother/daughter relationship and must rely solely on pictures and stories shared, that she holds such a cherished place in my heart.  Pictures give me glimpses of her personality.. her loving touch has she cradles me as a baby...her head thrown back in laughter...her gentle, warm smile.  And this picture I love.  It is enlarged and framed here in my home.  She had written at the top of the photograph..."Fishing 1969"  I am sitting next to my mother, perhaps a little squeamish with the whole fish thing, but she is right there alongside of me, helping... smiling.  My sister Chris seems much braver with her fish, which would be an accurate picture of our personalities.  It was the following year that she died.


This past February her older sister, my aunt died.   Aunt Edna was a very special woman and was someone who helped to "connect"me with my Mother.  She shared her memories and was a special support and encouragement as I grieved my mother's death as a grown adult.   I discovered a few weeks ago, that some of the tangible memories of my Mom that she had been given, her daughter, was now giving  to my brother, sister and I to choose from.  I chose this purse.  It finally made it into my hands a couple of days ago, and oh, the emotions that surfaced.  To be touching again, something else that was once my mother's was beautiful.  I opened it and inhaled deeply searching for a remnant of her scent.  And though it was only the aroma of a purse....it was her purse.  Her hands touched it, carried it, filled it with needed items.  And now it is my hands.  Such a timely gift for this day of remembrance.

Today marks both sorrow and joy.  This afternoon Ashley and I will join Sonya, her Mom and sister and go dress shopping for the wedding!!  What fun we will share together...trying dresses on...parading around for each other...laughing, talking, sharing a meal out together and building our relationships.  There is invariably a  sadness in me that my Mother is unable to be a part of my son getting married, meeting my future daughter-in-law, or able to watch my own daughter be bridesmaid for the first time.  But I know she would celebrate with us and would want me to fully enjoy these motherhood blessings that she never had the opportunity to.

"So I will remember you today Mom, with love and peace, and yes...a quiet ache for you.  But I will also celebrate the gifts that my mothering heart is able to enjoy.  Perhaps you will even be "joining" us in our laughter and fun later this afternoon.  
 Missing you and always loving you,
Your daughter, 
Juanita"

A Symbol of His Love

I am quite "needy" these days.  It's not something I'm proud of, or happy about, but I decided to call it what it is.  Why pretend that all is in order in my soul, when truthfully it's not?

I shared in another post recently about all the changes in our family.  And yes, I'm not big on change, but there is so very much that is good and joyous and exciting about what is unfolding.  And I genuinely acknowledge how blessed I am in the midst of this season in my life.

But I have had to be nakedly honest with myself and God about this place in my soul that is struggling.  And quite honestly, it has taken me completely by surprise.  I was filled to the full with joy with Cam and Sonya's engagement.  This, itself, was not even a surprise....we knew what was being planned.  Yet when the news became public it seemed so surreal.  I suppose I feel as though there is a part of my soul that hasn't caught up with reality.  The launching process that began in September is going way over the speed limit and my soul is careening around these crazy curves and having to climb steep hills.  I don't want to turn back the hands of time...not at all!!!  The anticipation of the wedding plans that we are just getting into, is fun and exciting beyond words.  But somehow, in between those two worlds this Mama is sad and afraid and lonely and confused and...

Needy.

I feel like I am losing my son.

Please hear me on this.  Cam has done NOTHING wrong in any way, shape or form for these feelings to have surfaced.  It's all me.  (And it's all normal, I am starting to hear as well)  A wealth of insecurities have arisen sparking questions and thoughts that have very little truth in them.

I wonder if Cam needs me anymore?.


His life has been changing so much the past 8 months and maybe the closeness we once shared is not important to him anymore.


He's too busy for me.


Who am I in his life?


I really, really miss him.

You see what I mean?   Most of those statements have "NEEDY" written all over them.  Now there are ounces of truth here and there.  Cam has been crazy busy....he has had a truckload of changes since September.  The decisions he has made and some of the pressures have been insurmountable for him and I soooooo get that!  And there is nothing wrong with missing my son.   But that is about the extent of truth in those statements.

I literally have times where I am pining away longing for his affirmation and just wanting some time alone with my son.

The other night as I tossed and turned with these churning thoughts, God very clearly broke in and turned my attention to Him.  He's been doing this a lot lately.  It was as though He said, "I'm here.  I will spend time with you.  I will give you all the affirmation you need.  Remember that My Son loves you perfectly."  

And then the scripture started flowing.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love.  Therefore I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3


"For the Father Himself loves you." John 16:27


"And may the Lord direct your heart into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ." 2 Thess. 3:5  (My verse for 2012)

"...abide in My love."  John 15:9

Such a beautiful covering of love it was that God placed over me as I drifted off to sleep.

The next day I went in search of a symbol that would remind me of Who I am to turn to in this season of change and upheaval in my soul.  I chose this ring.

Why?  Because the unending circle is first and foremost a reminder of God's everlasting love...that first verse He brought to my mind the night before.  Secondly, the leaves signify Christ as the Vine and myself as one of the branches.  Oh how I need to be always attached to Him...to abide with Him...stay... remain... in His presence.

As much as I dislike feeling needy, I know that Christ welcomes my neediness with open, loving, merciful arms.  He loves that I need Him so desperately.  He longs to fill this part in my Mama's soul that is feeling empty right  now.

And I am so comforted and secure when I rest in who He is and the sufficiency of His love for me.

Now if only I can remember to breathe:)

Living Just a Little

You know those people who live out of their comfort zone on a regular basis...
who are always saying, "come on...live a little"...
 who enjoy taking risks,
 love letting their hair down(so to speak)
 and who just seem to relish in the unpredictability of life???

Well I'm not one of those people!!!

I am not only grounded...I'm virtually cemented in routine and order and writing within the lines.

Except for today.

Today held one of those rare moments where I just sort of put that all aside and stepped out of "me" and did something I don't think I've ever done.

Now before you pass out from holding your breath, wondering what this incredible death defying act I put myself into was, remember this is Juanita talking. This was a "Juanita-size-live-a-little".

Some minor background information....on Saturday I was out looking for mother-of-the-groom attire.  I don't know colors or Sonya's thoughts as of yet, I was merely having fun and desiring to see what is out there in terms of style and color and price.  I perused a handful of ladies stores just taking it all in.  Today however, I went to a rather high-end fashion boutique.  I've been to this place a handful of times over the past 21 years.  In fact, it's where I purchased my wedding dress.  (It's quite a bit more upscale now...trust me)

Anyway, I haven't walked through the doors for several years,but today, just like in past visits, I immediately remember why.  It's sooooooo out of my league!  This thought always hits me the moment I step foot inside, but I always feel like I must take the obligatory 60 second walk-around before quietly exiting. 

But today I stayed.

Why?  I have no idea!!!  It just sort of...happened.

A sales clerk approached me and asked me what I was looking for, and I actually told her!!!  Usually I say..."Oh...I'm fine thanks...just looking."  But no, today I started to play my little charade of being genuinely interested.  She escorted me up this grand staircase to the area where all of the "mother of the bride/groom" dresses were.  Gorgeous, rich, lavish attire.  Initially she led me to a lovely silk two-piece.  It was at this moment that she inquired if I had a price range in mind.  I calmly replied that we hadn't discussed that yet.  When she told me the dress I was looking at was $875 I just smiled.  Immediately I knew that was NOT in my price range!!!  She moved on over to a beautiful 3 piece chiffon in cream...I loved it...all $675 worth!!!!
As she moved on to show me another dress, I explained to her that I really wanted something with a skirt/jacket as I needed to have something to clip my insulin pump to.  Did I really need to give her that information???!!!

She proceeded to explain all about custom ordering and fitting and altering a dress to a skirt and the time frame required for all of this.  I listened intently while she explained the most chosen colors these days...black and navy with navy being "the new black".  Who knew??!!!

She asked some more questions and I proceeded to thank her and make my way to the exit when she asked if I would like her business card.  By then, I truly felt like I was past the point of no return.  I mean what am I going to say, "Actually, there is no way on this planet that I will be back to custom order ANYTHING...in fact...do you know that the jeans I'm wearing are from a second hand store??!!!!

So I said, "Sure."  And she proceeded to write out the hours she worked and her day off so that when I returned with the bride and her Mom and bridesmaids, she would be able to service us.  Wait 'til I tell Sonya :)

I walked out to my vehicle smiling.  I still smile...every time I look at my desk and see her business card lying there.  It was like I had played an adult's version of pretend.  No harm.  Just some simple fun enjoying a tour of a fashion world that I don't live in.

It felt good to just live a little.

Choosing How to Pray

We are winding down in the reading of our study book, "He Loves Me!" by Wayne Jacobsen.  The women who make up our small group will gather in my home this Thursday to share the perusing their hearts have done as we have come to the last two of  three chapters.  The chapter I read this morning grabbed the places in my heart where so much is unsettled.

The author was offering me/us a powerful lesson Jesus taught His disciples about prayer.  Do you remember this prayer?

"What shall I say?  'Father, save me from this hour?'"

I gravitate towards this kind of prayer.  These are the words, in one form or another that I often send up to heaven, either on my own behalf or someone else's.  Do we not just naturally long to be saved from THIS hour???? And you can fill in what your THIS is. 

Wayne continues his teaching.

"His disciples understood that prayer well enough, but Jesus wanted them to learn a better way.  Even when it was his life at stake, Jesus was tuned to a better frequency.  'No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.'  What he wanted personally wasn't in the picture.  He was focused elsewhere--on the purpose that transcended his personal happiness.

Then he prayed the prayer he wanted them to hear:  'Father, glorify your name.' (John 12:27)

In this brief exchange you learn everything you will need to know about prayer and what it means to follow God in this life.  For in every situation you'll ever encounter, you will be offered two options in prayer:  'Father, save me,' or 'Father, glorify Your name!'  One will lead you to frustration and disillusionment, the other to the greatest wonders in God's heart."

After reading this chapter, I looked at my prayer list and noticed how often I ask my Father to save me or someone else from THIS HOUR.  And then I did something radical.  I began to pray the other prayer as I brought my friends and family to God's throne room.   

"Father, glorify Your name!"

This is not an easy way to pray.  It leaves God wide open to weave His higher ways into the confusing, heartbreaking, taxing situations of those I love...of me.

The truth is that I need this prayer for my own life.  As I said earlier, there are places in my heart where so much is unsettled.  And I suppose I have been trying to figure a way out of the confusion and struggle and sadness, wanting God to save me from THIS HOUR.   But this is not God's way!!!  Instead, He calls me to choose to pray beyond the "escape route prayer" and to surrender to that which will glorify the Father. 

 "Father, glorify Your name!"

 

 

Wonderful, Merciful Saviour

 Wonderful, merciful Saviour
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would've thought that a Lamb could
Rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men


Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost our way
Oh, we've hopelessly lost the way


You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for


Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we're falling before Your throne


--Selah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQzrqmcwg8o