July 23, 1987 - prayer

July 23, 1987  Bogota, Colombia  -  Cool

"Surely god is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." ~Psalm 54:4

Thank you Lord for sustaining me, for giving me strength when I am weary. Father I commit this day to you and ask that you help me see the things you are doing so that I won’t waste our time. Grant me discernment Lord. Teach me your way, train my hands for battle. Instruct me in the night. Lord this morning I recommit my life to you. Help me father to overcome my weariness within myself. Father, I desire to glorify you in all I do and say. Father, I pray for protection for our children today as they go their various directions.

Continue to minister to our parents, Lord. Bless them. Bless our home with your love and peace. Amen.

July 22, 1987 prayer of thanksgiving

July 22, 1987  Bogota, Colombia  -  Warm

     "God Looks Down From Heaven On The Sons Of Men To See If If There Are any Who Understand, Any Who Seek God." ~Psalm 53:2

Lord, I know that I am a sinner saved by grace but I pray that when you look down from Heaven  I could at least be one of the ones who seek you and to do your will. Father, continue to renew my mind and change my perspectives to be like yours. I pray that I would walk with you and fellowship Lord. I love you Lord.

Thank you for my Husband and children and for the opportunity to serve your people Lord. Thank you for our parents Lord. Father, please bless them and keep them in your care. Thank you Lord. Amen

Nurturing the Eternal Life Within Us - Nouwen

This is a comforting devotional reflection from Henri Nouwen on preparing for death and eternity

"The knowledge that Jesus came to dress our mortal bodies with immortality must help us develop an inner desire to be born to a new eternal life with him and encourage us to find ways to prepare for it.

It is important to nurture constantly the life of the Spirit of Jesus - which is the eternal life - that is already in us. Baptism gave us this life, the Eucharist maintains it, and our many spiritual practices - such as prayer, meditation, spiritual reading, and spiritual guidance - can help us to deepen and solidify it. The sacramental life and life with the Word of God gradually make us ready to let go of our mortal bodies and receive the mantle of immortality. Thus death is not the enemy who puts an end to everything but the friend who takes us by the hand and leads us into the Kingdom of eternal love."

July 21, 1987 - fatigue

 July 21, 1987  Bogota, Colombia    -    Warm

 "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." --Psalm 51:12
        Father, I feel so weary right now, so tired from serving. I know its good to sow to these relationships and to do all these things but I am so tired.

        On Sunday, Pastor Jarvis, Rick and Janet Allen, Bill and Jaime Miller, Karen Rankin came to stay a week with us.  They are very nice people, I really love Jaime's spirit especially. She teaches Dance & Worship and I wish the girls could partake in her gift. They are seeking the will of God, for their lives right now. Lord, we too ask for your direction in their lives. It feels like there is potential for an eternal relationship there.  Karen and Pam flew back to the States this morning.  Our girls are in school, John Wesley is at the park with Soraya. Its good to be quiet in the morning. Johnny's foot, (which he burned by the coffee) is doing better, (PTL!)  Ruthie has finished her meds for Tonsillitis. Joseph is still taking meds, Oh Lord, when will this end? I didn't ask for this. Lord Jesus, please watch over our children and protect them as you did for me and keep them away from those who would lead them into harm. Father, save them from that pain, strengthen them Oh lord. Amen

July 16, 1987 - 34th birthday

July 16, 1987 Bogota, Colombia Warm

"Create in me a pure heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me." --Psalm 51:10

Lord, this is my desire. That you would continue renewing my mind and making me to be more like you.

Today, I am 34 years old, After the girls went to school we left John with Soraya, and went up to the North end of the city to look around and have lunch. Joseph bought me a small camera for my birthday. Then at 4:30 we had cake with Soraya and Claudia. It is also Soraya's Birthday. Mom and Dad also called to wish me a Happy Birthday and to tell me that Daddy had had the surgery for the cancer on his ear and they took the whole ear.

Dear God, please be with them and heal them. Please watch over them, I love them.

July 15, 1987 - identity

July 15, 1987 Bogota, Colombia - Warm

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me and prepares the way so that I may show them the salvation of God." ---Psalm 50:23

Lord, I thank you for everything and I pray for your guidance.

Last night, I watched a movie called "Yentyl" and it stirred up alot of feelings and showed me what I have been carrying. God created me to be a women, but I am much more comfortable as a man. I'm much more comfortable doing manly things (milking cows, working on the farm, building things, etc.) I feel a great void inside.

Lord, I pray that you would fill that void. Lord, I realize that the desire to have a woman to disciple me is probably a desire not met in my childhood. Lord, I choose to forgive and forget that part of my life. Lord, heal the void and please end the ceaseless struggle within. You have been faithful in the past and I know that you will continue to be. You are a God of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow and I pray that you would be with the child within me who is still un whole. Your word says that you are a Father, to the Fatherless. Can you also be a Mother, to the Motherless. Can you restore my heritage to me as a woman because the enemy has surely stolen it away. Amen.

July 9, 1987 - trials

July 9, 1987  Bogota, Colombia     -       Cool & Rainy

 "Great is the name of the Lord, and most worthy of praise." ---Psalm 48:1

7am: We had a prayer and said Goodbye to Karen and Pam. The Lord rally has touched their hearts with eternity. Father-complete your work in them. Lyle, Carol, Olga, Joaquin and Ricki went to the Airport to see them off and bring Joseph and Frank home. They have returned from their conference with the Pan American Missionaries in Medellin. 

Yesterday was a hard day, Rod called about the money that the Church owes us , Joseph called and said that his wallet was stolen and John scalded his foot with hot coffee and we had to take him to the Doctor. He has 2nd degree burns. The Lord, really touched him because he didn't really cry last night and woke up happy and bouncy this morning. 

Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness to us. For a neighbor who is a Doctor and so much more. Amen.

July 7, 1987 - Sarah's Birthday

Bogota, Colombia         - Warm

Today, our Sarah Beth is 11 years old, and becoming a lady in many ways. Yesterday, Joseph took her out to lunch and to see a movie (Star Trek 4). She dressed up really

pretty in a we between (blue) jumpsuit and a blue top. They had lunch at Pizza Hut. It was a really special time for Sarah, Joseph said she held is hand and talked constantly while they walked. 

Today I took her to Col Subsidio and she picked out a pretty blonde haired, blue eyed baby doll for her present. She was having a hard time deciding between the doll and the clothes, as if she was on the line for childhood and womanhood.  Joseph is in Medellin so Marta Castillo baked cupcakes and decorated them and we celebrated with Aunt Carol, Uncle Lyle, Soraya, Claudia, Patricia, Fernando (Soraya's sister & brother) and Mommy, Jessica, Ruth and John. We sang "Happy Birthday" and ate cupcakes, ice cream and lollipops from Uncle Lyle. 

July 6, 1987 - surrounded with troubles

July 6, 1987 Bogota, Colombia Cold

"God is our refuge and strength and ever present help in trouble." --Psalm 46:11

        Last night when I went to bed, I felt burdened. I felt as if everything around me was (is) being shaken. Dan's mother is dying of cancer, a young couple that the Dunaways know just lost their 2 week old baby, Mark and Tacee are going through severe problems.

       Lord, so much is going wrong in our Church back home. I feel so discouraged, like a real failure. We thought we were building right--what went wrong? I feel so bad for Rod and Sandi. Lord, what did we do wrong? But then with the Psalmist I can say you are our refuge and strength and ever present help in trouble and we cry out to you Lord.

July 4, 1987

Bogota, Colombia Rainy & Cold


We must be having our "winter" now, because it has been wet and cold for almost 2 weeks now. The Immel’s have gone home, it was hard to let them go, and the Dunaways and Pam & Karen are here. It has been a refreshing time for all, I think. I'm feeling pretty tired (the pace I guess). Ruthie has been pretty sick, she started last week with fever and coughing and now she has Tonsillitis. We finally had to take her to the Doctor ( A very nice man , Pediatrician) who prescribed some tests and had some tests run at a clinic. She began taking medicine Wednesday and finally today is feeling better. (PTL!) Joseph is also feeling better, no problems for about a week now.
Joseph and Frank plan to go to Medellin Tuesday. An Evangelist named Leroy Henry has come into our lives, he is a friend of Kico's. He is also very strange and always preaching even when we are at the table eating. If you name a place- he has been there. If you name a person--he knows them. Seems rather strange to me. His stories are rather incredible and trigger caution in me.

Father, I pray for him and ask that you bless him, but I also ask that you make it clear if you have sent him to us and ask for grace to receive him if he is sent by you. Sometimes it seems that Joseph accepts everyone, I just ask for protection and wisdom to recognize those who wish to deceive us.

Today is the 4th of July although it doesn’t seem like it. I am emotional and sad because of all that we have left behind. Help me Lord, to look ahead and to keep my eyes on you.

June 25, 1987 - The Big White Elephant

Bogota, Colombia Rainy & Cool

"Why must I goo about oppressed by the enemy? Send forth Your light and Your truth and let them guide me. "--Psalm 43:2

Lord, until we began to share our struggles with Dan & Grace and began to tease and laugh with each other, the tension and the oppression were an unbearable weight. Thank you Lord for sending your light and truth. Thank you for hearing our cries and answering. Thank you for your faithfulness.

Today, Frank & Carol arrive from Costa Rica and Pam & Karen from the U.S. Lord, please continue to guide and direct our paths. The men who have been touring Medellin, Hague and Calli are all blessed by their result and are having wonderful times as well as trying ones. The big white car has had several problems, the guys have even had to get you and push it some. Lord, please redeem this situation.

"Long Journey" Robert Plant and Allson Krause

God's given us years of happiness here
Now we must part
And as the angels come and call for you
The pains of grief tug at my heart

Oh my darling
My darling
My heart breaks as you take your long journey

Oh the days will be empty
The nights so long without you my love
And when god calls for you I'm left alone
But we will meet in heaven above

Oh my darling
My darling
My heart breaks as you take your long journey

Fond memories I'll keep of happy ways
That on earth we trod
And when I come we will walk hand in hand
As one in heaven in the family of god

Oh my darling
My darling
My heart breaks as you take your long journey

June 24, 1987 - "friction, friends and laughter"

Bogota, Colombia Cool

"As the Deer Pants for the stream of water, so my soul pants for you, Lord." --Psalm 42:1

            Father, my soul truly does desire more and more of you. Father, draw me closer, help me to hear your voice more clearly. Help me to see what you are doing. Lord, obedience does not come naturally even though my desire is to be obedient and submissive to you. Please forgive my willfulness and stubbornness. Please change my stubborn heart, I desire to be a willing and useful vessel for you.

            Lord, Joseph and I have had a lot of friction lately, and a lot of misunderstanding. I find myself being cool towards him and he toward me. In the afternoon, we went out with Dan & Grace and laughed and relaxed. Laughter truly is good medicine. It changed our perspective to a positive one. Thank you Lord, for Dan & Grace. Amen.

July 15, 1987 - giving thanks

Bogota, Colombia - Warm

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me and prepares the way so that I may show them the salvation of God." ---Psalm 50:23

Lord, I thank you for everything and I pray for your guidance. I feel a great void inside. Lord, I pray that you would fill that void. Lord, I choose to forgive and forget that part of my life. Lord, heal the void and please end the ceaseless struggle within. You have been faithful in the past and I know that you will continue to be. You are a God of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow and I pray that you would be with the child within me who is still unwhole.

June 22, 1987 - spiders and faith

Bogota, Colombia - Cold

"Blessed is the Man who makes the Lord, his trust." --Psalm 40:4

As I read from Elizabeth Elliot's book today, she was giving an illustration of faith. She had a picture of a large black scorpion on the screen from when they were in Ecuador. She said beyond it was a yard surrounded by large palm trees and a beautiful pineapple garden which was not evident in the photo. Faith, is being able to see past the ugly things in our lives to see the "bigger picture" and the bigger things that God is doing in our lives. Also, just as Jesus spoke the word "Peace" to calm the Sea, he is also able to speak the word into our lives to calm any situation.

Lord, please give me strength to see past the events of my own life to see what you are doing.

June 18, 1987 - site seeing

June 18, 1987 Bogota, Colombia Warm

"Oh Lord, do not forsake me, be not for you from me, Oh my God. Come quickly to help me, Oh Lord my savior."---Psalm 38:21

Father, I dont feel well today. I'm very tired and I have a sore throat and wanting to avoid people. Please touch me, body, mind, spirit at this time.

Yesterday Lyle took Dan, Grace, the Girls, Marta, Ellie to Monserrate and then we met them Downtown and had lunch together. Afterwards, Lyle took the kids home and we went with Dan & Grace to the colonial part of the city, the military museum, the Presidential Palace and then went home. Then last night, the guys went to San Andrecito and Dan bought us a Tv to go with the Beta Max so the girls are really into videos today. We also got our transfer and opened a Bank Account. It seems that things are beginning to fall into place.

June 15, 1987 - more visitors

Bogota, Colombia Cool

"Say to my Lord, I am your salvation" . --Psalm 35:5

Lord, more and more, I know that you are my salvation and my breath and my life and I thank you.

Joseph, Paul and the boys left Friday for Ibague and are returning today. I pray that Joseph is feeling well; he has been very sick with an internal infection. Dan and Grace arrived Saturday and it’s so good to have them, Although, I feel even more homesick by seeing them. They went to Buenas Nuevas last night with Lyle (He preached). I know its good for them to touch the culture before they come. The big girls start their month long vacation today.

June 12, 1987 - low point and prayers

Bogotá, Colombia Warm

"I sought the Lord, and he answered; he delivered me from all my fears." --Psalm 34:4

I can’t remember how many times I've reached a low point and cried out to you Lord, and you heard my cry and answered me. Thank you Father, for your faithfulness in me.

It is so good to have Paul here. He spoke at our home meeting yesterday and it was so good. Afterwards, the Holy Spirit was present so we prayed for a number of young people.

June 11, 1987 - prayer for healing

Bogota, Colombia - Cool & Misty

"For the word of the Lord is right and true, he is faithful in all that he does." --Psalm 33:4

Lord you are faithful, thank you. Father, because of your faithfulness I ask you to heal Joseph. Lord, guide us in what you have for us. You are greater than the power of the enemy, strike down the enemy that is attacking us.

It is good to have Paul here, I sense a release in God's grace for us. Last night we shared at Buenas Nuevas and were well received. Today, he will share here in our home with the people that attend our home meetings. Lord, please give us a sustaining word, direction and encouragement. Please speak to us Lord, Saturday Lucy said that we were spiritual parents for her and the Prophecy Ron P gave about me being a Mother in Bogota came back to me. Thank You Lord.

June 10, 1987 - visitors

Bogota, Colombia, Warm
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." --Psalm 32:1

"Lord, I realize my smallness and weakness this morning and your greatness. I sense the price that was paid for my sins and what a blessing it is to be forgiven. Thank You, Lord."

Paul is here, it is truly a blessing. Becky sent me a letter and gifts for all of us. When I read the letter I began weeping, I don’t really know why.

I guess I sensed a kindred spirit, a sense of understanding.

Joseph, Lyle and Paul and the boys went sightseeing today. Paul said that he is surprised at Bogota's similarity to Belgium. Belgium was a Spanish colony some 200 years. We went to visit Eleanor Berchtold at 6 pm. Joseph is still very sick and in pain, Lord please heal him.

June 8, 1987 Bogotá, "sadness"

Monday Cool
"Weeping May Remain For A Night But Rejoicing Comes In The Morning".--Psalm 30:5

I feel sadness this morning. In conversation with Dan & Grace this morning they said that our mutual friend would not be coming, and that she is near a nervous breakdown.

"Lord, be near her during this time, watch over her, protect her and restore her. Lord, be her rock."

Dan & Grace will be arriving on June 13th at 6:30 pm, it all seems so unreal. "Thank You Jesus, it will be so good to visit with them. Thank you for the provision for them to come visit in 2 weeks."
What a faith builder. Even in the midst of all the homesickness and stress I feel the assurance of God's faithfulness to me. His constant gentle presence with me. This is my anchor --His faithfulness in me. I feel such quietness within me, as the Holy Spirit is brooding within me- "speak Lord, they servant hearth. Let it be done, to me according to Thy will." Amen

June 7, 1987 in the mountains

June 7, 1987 Bogota, Colombia
Cold

“The Lord Is My Strength And My Shield, My Heart Trusts In Him And I A Helped. My Heart Leaps for Joy And I Will Give Thanks For Him In Song". -- Psalm 27:7

Mom Holbrook called this morning and we talked for about 5 minutes, everyone is doing well. We went to Vima yesterday, a small area that has a Nursery (plants), a Furniture store, and a huge beautiful Playground for children with Llama rides. It is in the country about a 30 minute bus ride, we hope to take the kids there soon. It is surrounded by Mountains, I didn’t want to come back to the city, it is so restful. But we did come back to the city and it was so strange to see a 4 lane highway like Rte. 33 in Lancaster and stand there waiting for a bus.

Even stranger is traveling in a big bus like Greyhound which goes from city to city, stop in the middle of nowhere and pick us up. The bus driver was a really nice guy (in his 50s) wearing a hat with a brim. He was really intrigued with our English and asked Joseph to sit next to him to chat awhile. I must say, I am very fascinated with the buses. When we came back, we went to the bookstore that carries books in English. It cost $12 for 2 paperback books which would have cost $4-6 back home. Then we went to Bonanza (a Bario) and bought a table, a hutch, and 6 chairs for 67,000 pesos ( $250 US), loaded it all in a covered truck, hopped in and brought it home. It cost 1,200 pesos to have it all brought to our house. So now we have some furniture, its seems strange, the house seems odd to me. Thank you Lord for your blessings, we had a good meeting today with 30-35 people there.

June 6, 1987, gratitude

June 6, 1987 Bogota, Colombia - Cold

"Wait For The Lord; Have Heart, Be Strong And Wait For The Lord." --Psalm 27:14

Thank you Lord for this day, for our small family, for Lyle for our home, for Bogota and all of Colombia. They are all yours. Thank you Lord, for our parents who love and support us with their prayers and money. Lord, bless them with every good thing, with every good gift, with life and health and physical provision.

June 5, 1987 - Walk around the colisum

June 5, 1987 Bogota, Colombia
Cool & Rainy

"I Love The House Where You Live, Oh Lord, The Place Where Your Glory Dwells". ---Psalm 26:8

Lord, I pray for grace to walk in the spirit more fully each day. Help me to choose Your way, instead of my own. "Set my feet on level ground; in the great assembly, I will praise the Lord. --Psalm 26;12

Each morning when I take my walk, around the Coliseum. I’m amazed at what I see. As I walk around the Coliseum I see beggars sleeping under the shelter of it on the hard concrete with a blanket over them. Sometimes, they lay out in the grass. In some places around he stadium, here are piles of manure where they have relieved themselves. And there are trash pickers who pick thru our trash and salvage scraps they think are useful. I watched one day as a family picked thru the trash. The man, about 20-30 years old, found a straw hat and proceeded to straighten it out and try it on for his wife. Grinning and strutting around some. He was obviously delighted with his find. This is a way of life, I cannot comprehend. I wonder how to relate to them. Is this the true poor, or do they choose to live this way? Father, grant us wisdom, help open our eyes to see what you have put before us. There is so much to do, help us to do that which you have called us to do. Separate us from the good things to do instead of the necessary things that you want us to do. Thank you Lord, for your love and care for us. We got a beautiful desk, curtains and bookcase. Thank you Lord. Rolsalba helped to deliver them, she is precious.

May 12, 1987 - laughter

May 12, 1987 Bogota, Columbia
Warm & Sunday

"But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me". -- Pslam 13:5 & 6

This morning after we dropped off Ruthie and Johnny at the nursery, I went with Joseph to Los Andes University while he took his mid-term exam. It's a beautiful campus on the hillside Afterwards we had an Arepa & Gaseosa. Then we went to Banco de Bogota to pick up our transfer. It only takes them 3 days to get the transfer but it takes them 10 days to give it to us. How frustrating, to say it nicely.

Anyway, this month’s transfer was $1,800, $500 for Lyle, totaling in $2,300 and 50,000 in Pesos. Joseph hadn't anticipated how large the pile of cash would be so he got frustrated and started stuffing money in his pockets. He turned around to walk out and stepped over the rope that separates the lines, and the rope fell. He tried to pick it up but it was broken so he awkwardly handed it to the security guard. \The clerk called him back to get the rest of his money (a few loose bills), he got then the clerk called him back to get a loose coins. By this time many people at the Bank were smiling and looking at the Gringo. We walked out and Joseph hailed the first cab he saw. We get in and he immediately starts to unload the money into my bag. I've never been so shook up, he reached into his pocket and pulled out 200 pesos for the Taxi Driver. We then went to go pay the girls tuition and then went to Burger King. Joseph placed his order and the girl behind the counter said: "I'm sorry we're out of hamburgers, would you like a Chicken sandwich instead"?

Well, the spirit of joy came over me and I laughed till I cried. Whoever heard of Burger King not having not having any burgers?! Ha! Thank you Don Crooks, for your prayers. Anyway, we made it home. At 9pm I called Daddy to wish him a Happy Birthday, Jack & Betsy had just been there to deliver the fruit basket and book I had asked them to get for him. They were a bit emotional but it was good to talk to them. They really seem to be doing well l and growing with the Lord. At 11:49pm Dan Immel called and we talked for almost an hour. He will be coming to Columbia on June 12th for 2 weeks. After his call, I got the giggles again and laughed till 2am.

NOTE from JOSEPH: I remember this well. It was traumatizing ... but later it was hilarious Humor is SO essential for dealing with the stress of cross-cultural adaptation!

May 2, 1987 - "Morning by morning"

May 2, 1987 Bogota, Columbia

"Morning by morning, Oh Lord you hear my voice. Morning by morning I lay my requests before you and await expectation" --Psalm 5:3

Lord, this morning I lay these requests before and await with expectation. Please watch over my parents, bless them and grant them peace. Joseph's parents also.
Our trip home in December, please make way before us. Make it clear, how long we are to stay. What things you'd have us do.
Our financial provision and abundance. So that we may the many things that we need as well as share with others. Why must we always be so tight? If it is your purpose, then so be it. But it doesn't fit my picture of "The King's Way" maybe my thoughts need to be changed.

April 18, 1987 - "Family"

Sometimes the call to serve God not only involves personal sacrifice, but those who we love most, our families, are also implicated in the cost of service. This is a hard thing ... to choose to serve even when our families must pay a price.



Saturday, April 18, 1987 Bogota, Colombia - Warm

It's been a bleesing having Andrew and Cathy McMillan here this week. Through them, Joseph as made contacts with Randy and Marcella McMillan the couple who started the Community of Faith Church in Cali and are responsible for the Community of Faith here in Bogota. Joseph also met some young men from Medellin and Cartagena. We had been specifically praying for contacts in Medellin and Joseph had prayed that he would meet these contacts within the next 2-3 years but had the impression that it would be within the next 2-3 weeks and he was right. I was a good time to make contacts and a time of refreshig Sunday and we attended the meeting, it was wonderful. Wonderful worship.

Sunday night, I called my parents. I talked to them. Tey are doing well and are attending Christian Union with John & Lucille on Sundays. (PTL!) Mom said Daddy, really enjoyed it and yesterday Gene, Amy and Judy attended with them because it was Easter. They also have a new lamb that they are really excited about. Mom said Dady wantedd to buy us a ticket home instead of them coming in July so we could have time with everyone and not just them. I felt disappointed and blessed at the same time. I love them and mis them so much. I am so grateful for my family. That has been the hardest part for me--not to have my family with me. If Mom and Dad were here, I think I would be fine. Lord, bless them financially for the way that hey have given to us. Bless their health and marriage. Bring them further healing Lord. Amen

April 1, 1987 - A Bad day in Bogotá

Debbie and I moved with our children to Bogotá, Colombia in 1987 to work as missionaries with young singles and college undergrads. This particular journal entry represents one of her low points, just a few months after we arrived. Good Morning Lord, I'm sorry Lord, but physically, I'm very tired. I took the 4 children and went to Carulla last night to go shopping and we were there for hours. I brought the girls some Leggo like blocks which they are enjoying. At times i get frustrated because there are always people here and now Kico and Manuel's car is parked in the garage so the kids can't play there. And if its empty and someone comes with a car, the polite thing to do would be to let them park inside, Everyone thinks that our stuff is theirs. I told Joseph "my house is not even my own", at times I feel like weeping. And yesterday the girls left the door open while they were having a picnic outside and somehow a man slipped into our house and took our radio, tape player, Sarah's organ and slipped out again without anyone seeing or hearing him. The Lord gave me Psalm 142 before all this happened-- He knew! I was sitting right upstairs at the top of the stairs and I heard nothing. I was so disappointed. The two things that were a joy to us are now gone. We are thankful that he didn't take the computer, but it still hurts. It seems like we'e doing all the giving and no receiving. I told Joseph that, maybe I need to become a Christian like the man in the "Pineapple Story". Lord, please help me to release these things to you. They are your things anyway, they were bought with money given by you- so if it gets stolen-- I guess you have a reason. Your word says that You are our protection, so I leave the whole matter with you. I can't carry it, it's too heavy for me.

The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Matt. 11:28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” The “Unforced Rhythms of Grace” is a phrase used by Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 in the Message translation. It became Debbie’s (and mine) favorite quote and a daily guide to the way she lived life. It reflected her ability to live in the moment, completely at peace, trusting God to take care of all the details of life without worry, stress or strain. After talking this over with my son on a trip to Key West this week, I decided to begin to read through her daily journal which she kept for over 25 years, and to post selections on here. My long term goal is to write the story of her life, in particular, the last seven years in which she managed to love those around her, be at peace with herself and stay intensely joyful while in a life and death battle with terminal illness. Please bookmark this blog and log in here on a regular basis to see posts from her journal. Thank you all for your love, encouragement and prayers. Joseph Holbrook