This morning I read in Proverbs 6  that there are 7 things detestable to the Lord - one being "a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."  As Christians, I do not believe that there are too many of us going around trying to stir up dissension and conflict.  And yet, when we look at the reality of life -- conflict is so prevalent  - even IN Christian organizations!  Why?  Satan LOVES it!  When brothers and sisters get focused on the differences or on the obstacles involved in relationships or situations -- it prohibits the UNITY that Christ longs to see in the BODY of believers!  When we have UNITY and a focus on the COMMON goal, Christ's goal- we can accomplish so much more.  However, when we focus on the differences or obstacles - we can easily get caught up in our own little worlds and loose sight of the BIG picture.  As followers of Christ - we are in this together.  May we not allow Satan to distract us with his little games that he wages against us; may we instead join together in the battle and STAND against his evil schemes.

Please join with me in praying as Paul prayed, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."( Romans 14:5)

An Attitude of Gratitude!

I have been teaching a series for chapel at Cowman School on the attitudes of Christ. This week's lesson was "An attitude of Gratitude!" 

I have so much to praise the Lord for... so much to be thankful for!   

One being that we have had some rain to cool things off a little bit.  Some mornings this week I have entered my classroom to find puddles around my room.  One morning, one of my desk drawers had water in it and a cardboard-type puzzle inside was soaked. As I re-arranged my room to move all important items to dry places to prevent them from getting ruined; I rejoiced in knowing ----we will be getting a NEW roof soon!  

I have mentioned in a previous post that Haitian Schools will be opening up again on Monday, October 4th.   I have posted about how difficult it is to know so many people and to want to help them because I KNOW the need and KNOW and care for these people, and yet ....I do not have the means to help everyone!  I have been trying to remember to keep my eyes lifted to THE ONE who can handle all the requests for help.  I become overwhelmed on my own.  The Lord reminded me this week of how GREAT He is!  Earlier this week, a young man asked  if I could help him to send his little sister to school.  I told him that I would help him if I could, but I just couldn't.  I encouraged him to pray and told him that I would pray for them as well.  Yesterday, after I arrived home from school, this young man came to my door just to thank me for praying for him.  He said that the Lord has provided and his sister will be going to school on Monday!  Praise the Lord!  God is so Good! I do not know who or how....but I do know that GOD is AWESOME!

There are a couple of other issues that I have needed to deal with this week.  I asked the Lord for wisdom and guidance and to prepare the hearts of the people that I needed to speak with.  The Lord worked in these situations even better than I could have imagined.  Miraculous!  My heart rejoices as I think of the tough situations that we often find ourselves in - and how when we trust them to the Lord, He does the "impossible" for us!

Which brings me back to my chapel lesson.  We do not have to be thankful FOR every situation, but we are to be thankful IN every situation.  How?  Look at what God as already done, and give thanks for His deliverance....past and future!