Day
sixty-seven, 25 hours remaining. In twenty-five more hours I fly from Charlotte to New York's JFK. Today is shirt/tie/pants/sweater selection, packing, weighing luggage, more cash, gifts for hosts, final email and thank you correspondence, last minute phone calls to friends and interested parties, love letters for my kids, a
love letter for my beautiful wife, a search for gloves (where did they go?), final decision on what books to bring, tweaking of skype/WebMail, camera,etc., new voicemail greetings, final requests in case of ______, :). I developed a 22-point hit list this morning and have added four more points since. We'll get there. Isn't it awesome to live "by faith" where we can rest when we have done all we can? Then we say, "God, here I am. Send me, use me, as imperfect, sinful, and feeling somewhat unprepared. It is your work, it is your Kingdom, it is by your Spirit that you take the Word and change people's' hearts." I rest in that.
My next blog will be from cavernous, expansive JFK Airport...
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
Dear Mark,
ReplyDeleteYou're going so far but will still be close in all our hearts with daily prayer. A quote from someone on Tim Sowles' CaringBridge: "If you knew what was around the curve, it wouldn't be faith." Yes, you are safe ANYWHERE in Him.
Lots of love to you, brother---Kathryn
Dearest "older" brother,
ReplyDeleteYou should be in the air as we speak. Look left and you might see your wonderful brother-in-law, Victor, going south! :) We will be praying for you daily and "holding the rope". We already miss you!
Looking forward to your succinct posts! :)
Go Tigers!
Ellen
Dear Mark,
ReplyDeleteIt has turned cold here in Greer, but not like Vlad. Be sure not to let Pastor Graham trick you into surfing in the ocean there. Professors with pneumonia definitely have unnecessary limitations. We returned from my nephew's funeral in Maryland and were so encouraged by all the affirming testimonies from family, church members, and co-workers at Walmart. More later. Glad to know your trip went so well. We have been holding you both before the throne of grace continually. And, brother, be sure not to let responsibilities and opportunities for ministry rob you of crucial time in communion with your God. We must have the Holy Spirit exerting His mighty grace within us if any ministry with be fruitful through us. That vital life of God is maintained in His presence by personal communion with Him. Keep your heart, brother, keep your heart. I am confident the Lord Jesus will own your labors there for His glory as He has here. Please give our warm greetings to all the brethren there. We are privileged to be connected in fellowship with them.
Psalm 46:7,11 - "The Lord of Hosts is with you; the God of Jacob is your refuge."
Bob Selph