Five

That's the number of days until we fly out. I'm still filled with so many different emotions. We are at the point where we have to pack up and leave this home and move on to our permanent home. I have to say that is the most exciting part about it all. I think I finally realized that the thing that has been bothering me the most through this all is that our family has been without our own 'space' for three months. Now that just wears a person down. Last week I heard several great speakers that put this all back in perspective. There are people all over the world suffering to the point of death for believing like I do. This is one of the main reasons my heart aches to serve my FATHER by serving these people.

One of the speakers I heard was a woman named Sandy Hammock. She served in several places in the world and is now working in our medical clinic here (she's a nurse) and is starting to do women's ministry. I'm really excited cause she is one of the funniest women I've ever met. I just have to share the things she shared with us ladies. Her big thing is when you are in a place where you are serving the Father we need to thrive and not just survive.

Four Deadly D's:

Distraction--we get so caught us in our daily activities that we forget why we are here.
Doubt--we forget Whose we are
Discouragement--As Beth Moore says: 'Living a life of mediocrite is like living in the shadow of a very small cross'.
Disobedience--temptation will be used to take us out!

To combat this she gave us...

Six Pearls for Thriving

Pleasure in HIS presence--don't forget your first love!
Perform regular heart checks--constantly confess sin
Ponder my position--Who am I in Christ
Practice present living--don't live in regret of the past or dread of the future
Preserve precious relationships--let's face it, we need ladies to hold us accountable
Pausing for personal rest--keep the Sabbath, retain joy through the Word, restore my personal peace

I'm telling you, she came up with this for women in my position specifically but I thought it was so great for all women that are serving. I just couldn't keep it to myself! Now I'm off for a sound sleep. I have found rest in my FATHER!