Relationships

In my short lifetime I have been honored with some wonderful relationships. (I’ve also had some not so wonderful relationships.) But I have also had the privilege to watch some amazing relationships. 

One such relationship was that of my father, E. Lamar Howe and Pedro Hernandez.   Two men from different countries bonded by two common goals: “To share Christ and make Him known and a love for children”.  Especially among the children near and around Guatemala City, those who live at the Casa Bernabe’ Orphanage.

Their relationship is completely over now, both of them are worshiping the LORD around His throne in Glory!  But the effects of their relationship are far reaching, even to the second and third generation.  I miss both of them dearly, but I am glad to have had the opportunity to witness their relationship with each other. 

At some point in my life I hope I have a relationship with another human being which will further the Kingdom here on earth in such a way!

I realize that first and foremost I must have a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but out of that relationship others form which will impact the world for Christ, and make His Kingdom come!!

True Peace

Jesus said:  “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NASB)

Yesterday morning I woke up with an overwhelming sense of PEACE.  Peace that everything was going to work out for God’s Glory.  The this morning my verse-a-day that I get in my email box had this verse.  I could attest to that PEACE that Christ gives those who follow Him. 

Peace in the good times.  Peace in the hard times.

Christ is our PEACE!! What a awesome assurance.  May the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts as you rest in Him.

Joni & Friends Family Retreats

For the past three years I have had the privilege of attending the Joni & Friends Family Retreat for families affected with disabilities.  This camp is held at Spruce Lake Retreat.  It’s amazing!!

This year my role is changing, instead of being a camper I will be serving in the capacity as a STM (Short Term Missionary).  My focus for the week will be to serve a specific family.

I’m excited about this role change, but a little nervous.  When I woke up this morning I had an overwhelming sense of PEACE that everything was going to be just fine and that the week would go GREAT!! 

The theme this year is: BE FREE … “where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

My prayer is that I will be the hands and feet of Jesus, as well as the ears.  Pray that God will give me an extra measure of understanding as I work with “my family”.

Driving Solo

Last evening I was sitting at a stop light waiting for the light to turn greed.  As I sat there I watched the cars drive by and the thought came to mind, only about 1 in every 7 cars that drove past me had two or more people in a car.  

Now days we do so many things alone, we even drive alone.  I thought, “What might all those people be thinking?”  “Do they feel as alone as the appear, as they drive past me?”

When I was a little girl, and my older siblings went to youth events I remember that there was never just one person going in a car, we went together.  In the times we live in, it’s not unusual for a family with teenagers to have one car per driver parked in their drive.  I think we only had one car for all the teenagers in my family. 

Has this independence brought anything better to our society?   What would happen if we started depending on other people to get us where we needed to go?   Would we be closer knit communities?

My Great Aunt Beulah, who is almost 94, remembers when she and her husband bought their first car.  It was after their firstborn was around a year old.  I asked her, “How did you get places?  Did you walk?”  She said, “We went with friends.”

I was challenged.  Should I feel blessed that I can live a life where I can “Drive Solo”, or should I be saddened that we no longer seem to “depend on” others like our parents and grandparents did?

So many questions …

Something Glorious

Something Glorious by revive

You're staring at the ceiling
But the stars are out tonight
You're looking for some meaning
But you're afraid of the Divine
Open your eyes
To see through the walls of doubt
Open your heart
To live beyond the shell that hold you down

Show me something Glorious
Show me something Glorious
I'll show you the Maker of it all
Show me something beautiful
Show me something beautiful
I'll show you the One behind it all

You're standing on the surface
You can't tell how deep it goes
Searching for a purpose
To this life you've come to know
Open your eyes
To see through the walls of fear
Open your heart
To live behind the shell that keeps you here

Show me something Glorious
Show me something Glorious
I'll show you the Maker of it all
Show me something beautiful
Show me something beautiful
I'll show you the One behind it all

You're staring at the ceiling
But the stars are out tonight

Every time this song comes on the radio I think about the world which God has created.  But also about the glorious things he does for each one of us.  So many times I too am staring at the ceiling, instead of out looking at the STARS. 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

This is something GLORUOIS!!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.    John 3:16-17 (ESV)

Another GLORIOUS thing!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Oh, what a GLORIOUS thought!

Brand new in Christ!

For every GLORIOUS thing God has shown me, I want to Praise Him.

Prayer Walking

Recently the Lord has laid on my heart to do some prayer walking in the community surrounding my home congregation, Rockville Mennonite Church. 

1. That I would have a heart of compassion toward the people in the community of Rockville, and a desire for them to see the truth of the Gospel . Viewing them as people lost without the Shepherd.

• When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.   Matthew 9:36 (ESV)

2. Pray for doors to be opened to declare the Word of the Lord.

• At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.     Colossians 4:3-5 (ESV)

3. As I am in and out of the community, that my light would shine brightly.

• In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

I have grown up going to church in the community of Rockville and for some reason have in the past 5 years really had a burden, but never knew what I, a single young lady, could do to further God’s kingdom.  Now God has given me the answer.    I CAN PRAY!!!!! 

I can help to penetrate the darkness with the power of the Cross, Christ in me the hope of Glory!!!

Set an Example …

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech,
conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those
who believe.   1 Timothy 4:12 (NASB)

Just on Sunday I was challenged with living a pure life.  Our preacher, one of our missionaries home on furlough, preached on “Purity the Door to Intimacy” – I was challenged to say the least.  And now here, I was sent an email verse.  Just the verse I needed!!!  I am called, by the God who loves me, to set an example to all who believe (and those who do not believe) be they older or younger, in my speech, the way I conduct myself, my love for others, my faith in God, and my purity.  Wow!! Talk about a high calling …

Father, help me to be true in these areas of life! Yours, Julia

The Birds Story

This afternoon I had the leisure of sitting on our new back deck.  I set up my tripod, zoomed in on the bird feeder, and waited patiently for the birds to fly up.  It did take some time before they were brave enough to embark on the adventure of feeding, while I was sitting only 10 feet away with all my equipment.   But the wait was well worth it.  

Here are some examples of what my patience produced:

I so enjoyed the time in-between pictures of birds, when the birds had flown away.  In the nearby tree, I saw them there, chatting away the entire time.   I can just imagine what they were saying:

“Is it worth the risk”

“If you go, I’ll go”

“Wow, that was a close call”

Upon hearing my shutter open and close: “What is that strange noise?” 

I’m glad that they were brave enough to embark on the mission of food, because I had a blast taking their pictures.  Looking forward to more days like this in the months to come.

I heard a sad statement today …

  As I was helping a couple at the cash register I made a comment to the husband and his reply almost broke my heart, he said:

“Ask the boss (referring to his wife), what do I know? I’m just a man”

As he spoke the words I wanted to scream.  My heart did die a little inside, it broke for him.  He didn’t see any true worth in being a man. Satan has so blinded the eyes of men and women in this world, in truth he has warped their thinking completely. 

Where are the true men?  Will they ever stand up for truth?  But then I am challenged all the more, will I step aside and allow the men in my life to stand up as men and take the charge?  Will I allow them to be the “boss”? 

Produce Coolers

Periodically I get to walk into the produce cooler at Dutch-Way, where I work.  (It’s not as big as this one)  Every time I walk into the cooler wonderful memories come to mind.  

I grew up on a farm where we grew fresh produce in the summer time, since I was one of the youngest I didn’t have to do very much of the picking, like my older siblings.  But, I got to ride in the truck and deliver produce with my Dad. 

One such delivery place was West Chester Produce and Sam (the owner) always gave us a banana… we also delivered to places other places and at every place there was something special awaiting. 

Those were good times, I had a good childhood and a wonderful family.  I still have a wonderful family, and treasure my memories.

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you that for refuge to Jesus have fled?

"Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

"When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake."

I was thinking about this song today on my way to an appointment that I was not looking forward to, but I had a TOTAL PEACE about the entire situation. 

What caused this peace?  How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your FAITH in His excellent Word!

When we have faith in God’s Excellent Word we are FIRM and standing on the Rock of Ages! Because of this foundation we can go through fiery trials, and not be burned. The deep waters, and not be overwhelmed. 

In the end when all our dross is removed, and our gold refined we stand up and say ”The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to it’s foes; that soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!!!!”

You may be wondering about my appointment, God worked it all out! And even though it was not what I prepared for I still have a peace, about the issue, if it may come up again!

Photography …

I enjoy Photography.
I need to learn how to “think outside of the box”.
Now, let me put these two sentences together.   I enjoy Photography but find myself getting bored with the possibilities I see around my place.  I need to “think outside the box”, I’m sure that there are tons of great shots to be made – but where are they??
AAAAUUUUGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!! Frustration!
I look at other people’s pictures and find myself wishing/longing to be “good” like them.   But I’m sure they sometimes feel bored with their surroundings. 
I end this short post like this:  I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!!!!

Tornadoes

I’ve always had this obsession with tornadoes.  They draw me to them.  They fascinate me, to say the least.  I have this strong desire to see one with my own eyes, yet a fear of the power that they display and the realization that I may not live if I see one up close.  I get a thrill from watching the movie TWISTER, for the adventure and excitement that comes from being a “storm chaser”.

They say that in the eye of a tornado there is almost a complete silence, and this has always been a beautiful picture for me! (maybe that’s why I like tornadoes so much)

When I think about the storms that I face throughout my lifetime, the many things that take place on the exterior.  The rumblings, the thunder, and the lighting that can cause destruction, even during these times there can be a CALM.  As I rest in the center of God’s will for my life, though the world around me may not make sense, there can be a place of quiet rest amidst the chaos and seemingly destruction that is taking place.

My soul, wait thou (be silent, be still, hold your peace) only upon God; for my expectation (hope, ground of hope, things hoped for, outcome) is from him.      (Psalm 62:5 KJV with additives from the Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions)

May I always strive for this place of quiet rest!

A Different Me

As I walk down the street, and interact with people I see, they see a different me! I put up a front that looks good.  I guess you could say, “I’m a hypocrite”.  They don’t see the real me.  The one who struggles with living a pure life, a life worthy of the calling.  I even put up a front with some of my closest friends!

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”   Matthew 6:1 (NASB)

I have been convicted.  I’ve been thinking about this especially since I’ve been teaching the 3rd grade Sunday School class.  I appear to have it all together, I’m serving in the church, I attend church regularly, and I say all the right words when people ask me how I’m doing!

But do I really have it all together? NO!!! I have believed the lie that I’m doing alright, when in reality I’m not!  I have slipped, and almost fallen! 

With God’s help, I’m ready to get back up and say:  “I have sanctified Christ as Lord in my heart, always ready to make a defense to everyone who asks me to give an account for the hope that is in me, yet with gentleness and reverence.” 1 Peter 3:15 (personal paraphrase) 

It starts TODAY!!! Thankful for the Grace of God, by which I stand. 

A nugget from Greek class.

I want to share something I learned at Greek Class this evening.

We were translating Revelation 1:8 and came across the Greek words egw eimi – these two words put together mean “I myself am”

The context: Jesus speaking to the Apostle John and assuring the believers in the seven churches that He Himself Is. This verse is translated: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Rev. 1:8 ESV) So in a sense what Jesus was saying is: “ego eimi (I myself am) the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Now, let’s go to John 8:58.  The context: The Jews interrogating Jesus: Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" (John 8:53-57 ESV)  Jesus’ reply is: "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." From the Greek: Truly, Truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, - egw eimi – I myself am! Jesus was telling the Jews that even before Abraham existed “He Himself existed in the present tense”  

No wonder the Jews picked up stones to kill Jesus. Because of what Jesus said, claiming to have existed before Abraham they could (by their law) accuse Jesus of blasphemy and sentence Him to death!  

A Greek word that was of interest to me this evening: anaginwskwn – this word comes from the Greek word ginwskw which means: to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel (Thayer’s Greek Definitions) – notice the three letters added to the front of the word? Those letters are the prefix ana. This prefix brings a deeper intensified meaning to any word is precedes.  So in this case anaginwskwn means: to understand, or to read so you come to the understanding of the subject. A deeper knowledge, UNDERSTANDING!!!

I hope you enjoyed this little word study! Even if you didn’t get anything out of it, I did!