Seasons of God's goodness- Blessings and Grace

 

As I am sitting down to write this blog , we are today welcoming the rain once again here in England. How refreshing! We have experienced this past month quite a heat wave- no rain for almost the whole month of July. The beaches were packed, the Brits looked like "lobsters" and the land was beginning to look quite parched, reminding me of the Scripture found in Isaiah 35:7 " The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water...".

The word "Grace" seems to sum up my life this past month as I sit and write. There is a song that goes, "Hallelujah, grace like rain falling down on me". It truly has been just that! A lot of stretching on my mind and also on my physical body, but it's been great!

Some of my grace moments this past month:

1) ministry during the York Conference. God allowed me to not only encourage other pastors wives throughout UK, but I had an opportunity to share my lifetime scripture verse in an assembly which was "Be still and know that I am God."

2) folding two new families into the church through much counselling and prayer, and seeing God's reassurance of His love and peace in their hearts as they step out in this new direction.

3) driving lessons on these British roads. Grace has been my helper as I am still learning and by far have a long way to go. With so many signs and rules to learn, my mind can be boggled, but I know that "In my weakness He is made strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9. On the positive side, my instructor is giving me lots of grace, as I have so far only driven on the "wrong" side of the road one time! I am sure there will be more times, but as I am driving, I continually try to reassure him that it takes time to retrain this old American brain to now do things opposite from what I have been used to for the past 47 years! LOL. This I know though, as I am faithful to press on, with God's help, those "American moments" will begin to slowly leave.
1 Thessalonians 5:24  "He Who calls you is faithful, Who also will do it."

4) hosting families coming through Exeter. Learning to be instant in season and out of season as I minister to their physical needs. Always having my "Elisha Room "ready for these weary travelers with clean bedding, towels and food. I had never seen till now how precious this gift of hospitality can be and how rewarding it is to my heart to serve in a small but great way. So Bob and Jeanne's B&B is open and ready to receive all who may be coming this way!

As an update, the women once a month brunches have been such a blessing . The ladies are so blessed not only sharing God's Word together, but also fellowshipping around food.

We are continuing to look for another new location and believe that God has something special for our little fellowship of Exeter. We continue to pray for a large facility, as most venues have very limited seating with high prices. So, as we believe and continue to look, God will be faithful to supply all our needs.

Although it has been a busy season of travel, hostessing and cleaning this summer, God has been faithful with His abundant grace to pour down on my life like rain filling my heart with abundant joy as I serve Him in this land. Waking up each day, I am forever grateful to have been called to serve Him here in this beautiful land of Devon, England at this moment and at this time in my life. I am reminded of this scripture found in the Psalms-

Psalm 143:8 -"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning , for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. " Although it seems I never know what each day will hold, I do know who holds the future and this scripture gives me great comfort and joy to see what God has for me as I serve Him moment by moment!

May God's richest blessings shine forth in your hearts as you serve Him faithfully where He has called you moment by moment. Though at times you may feel it's not great, remember it's great with God and that is all that matters! 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, "The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it".

Thank you for your prayers each and everyday, we are eternally grateful for your faithfulness as we serve here in England.

Prayer Requests:

New location of the church by September near the University

Ongoing discipleship

Safety in driving and to learn quickly with confidence

Women's brunches throughout summer

Evangelism

Future ministry training school

Plymouth outreach

Grace to host the visitors who are scheduled to visit us over the next couple of months