Spring is Here

Spring is definitely in the air I can tell it by the sneezing and snuffling I am experiencing, as well as the warmer weather (after it warms up from a cool morning), the folks all out riding their bikes and strolling around, visiting, even the birds in the morning seem to be singing more happily. Most of the fields have been plowed here in the Valley. Other fields are being harvested of cooler weather crops. There seems to be busyness all over. And next week-end we jump into daylight savings time. Where has the winter gone???

We have also been busy with the usual donations, ec. We have collected enough kitchen supplies to help out the family in the area that was robbed, as well as provide them with linens for the present time. Those folks who have donated sometimes do not know where exactly their donations go, but every single one has found a home and a purpose.

We are still in  holding pattern as we wait upon the Lord for direction - the direction that He seemed to have given us to return to NW Arkansas and the ministries there. We have not sold our home yet but put our trust in His timing. We had an open house yesterday with quite a few visitors who proclaimed that our home was very nice, but no offers as of yet. Our timing is not His timing for sure, and I am trying very hard to practice my patience. We both are trying to take each day as it comes, and pray for His will to be done.

It is also the time of year when the Winter Texans are itching to return to their Northern homes. A few have already left, while others are scurrying around to get the last mintue things done - trips to Mexico for shopping, medications, dental work, etc. It seems like they just arrived and are now planning their trek homeward.

The church we attend at Mission Bell has only 2 more services, then it, too, will be over for the season. We want to find another church to attend, as the one we had previously gone to during off season is not seeming to meet our needs. This morning Pastor Jim had a great service, including communion service. Next week we will have a pastor appreciation gathering after the service. We so much appreciate Jim and his down to earth messages - not "feel good' messages, but messages from the Bible to help us understand more fully God's plan for us and our part in a relationship with Him.Today's message was based on Matthew 16:24-26. "Loss is gain". This does not seem to make any sense, does it?? You can't take your earthly possessions with you - whoever saw a U-Haul following a hearse? Those who walk with God and are content with what they have, have much. God's economy does not operate like the worldly one does. Loss is gain in God's world. Could you give up what you have if God asked you to? Missionaries have given up so much and are content and blessed. Abraham left everything to follow God, not even knowing where he was going but he went nd God blessed him. If God asked, would you give up everything The blessings that you receive from giving up are enormous. Following Jesus is a  conscientious decision,a personal choice. It needs determination to follow Him and not the world. It is a committed denial. You need to be willing to deny yourselves and go without the desires of the flesh. We are our own greatest enemies. Our ownself stands in the way to follow Him. Struggles with ourselves will continue as long as we live. Following Jesus is a costly departure. We have to take up our cross and follow Him and be willing to die for Him daily. It is also a continual desire. Not just on Sunday or Wednesday, but everyday To follow Jesus requires effort and a commitment. Where do you stand today? Are you willing to give up everything to follow Him? His life was for our gain. You do not have to sell everything and go live in a dessert, live on honey and locusts, but turn your life over to Him and He will show the way.