A road never taken

Part of my incredible all-day day with Jesus yesterday was my walk. I have written before how I enjoy my weekend long walks, this one just turned out to be a bit different – quite longer than the rest so read it when you have more than just a few minutes………….

I was so excited to be walking with the Lord, I decided not “run/jog” my usual part of my route – I didn’t want my heavy breathing to get in the way of hearing God’s voice. Hold on, I want to clarify for those of you that really know me and know that I DO NOT, under any circumstances run, much less run for pleasure or exercise. If you have ever heard the story of me breaking my arm when I was trying not to run, you know that I don’t run (if you want to hear it, you’ll have to ask. J). I just don’t run. Well……….have you ever heard that Africa changes a person? Well, it does. This is one of the ways it has changed me. We live at high altitude with mountains all around. One of my walking paths includes several shorter inclines and then you make a sharp turn and then down you go. One day, I must have been in a hurry (it is now getting dark here by 6:15 and when you get out of work at 5:00 and have to change your clothes, every minute counts) or I might have actually slipped and needed to pick myself up in a hurry, or maybe I thought it would help me lose weight, I’m not sure what it was, but I was lurching forward in a sort of “run” or what I remember to be a run, sort of way. Now, when I coax myself enough, I actually start running/jogging when I reach the downward slope that continues in a downward slope for quite some time. So, to credit myself a bit, I do run/jog, but then again, it’s downhill, so how hard is that? That was a real long winded explanation, but those of you who know me wouldn’t have read any further otherwise – you would have known I was not being truthful. So, now that is all cleared up……. Yesterday, I decided that I was NOT going to run – so I could hear God’s voice. I heard it alright – I had been hearing it all day. At this point in my day, I felt a little nudging to take a new road. Just at that point where I start to run, there is a choice – go down the hill or around the bend. Well, yesterday, I went around the bend.

I could make all the parallels to God and His path for me, and I did. This is all “part of the process” remember, so I was definitely soaking it all in. I started out on the clear path, which then turned into somewhat of a trail, which wasn’t so assuredly marked, but I pressed on, pressing in. I saw where He was leading the trail; He had pushed down branches and trees for me. Sometimes, it wasn’t as clear and a few times I got off the mark, but He always brought me back. Ahead looked rocky and a bit scary, but I kept on, knowing that God would lead and be with me the entire way. I was walking by our outside fence, which represented more than just my separation from our neighbor’s property. I continued walking up and down slight rises in the property – praying that a snake would not be anywhere near (nothing, nope, no animals on the entire trip). Soon, I got to the end of the fence – it made a sharp turn UP a hill – larger than ones I had previously maneuvered. There were rocks – steep rocks – I actually had to grab hold of the fence to leverage myself to the top of the rock.

By this point in the story, I’m sure you are saying to yourself, why didn’t you just go back? You don’t know what is ahead, and it is getting harder, why don’t you just go back? Here is your answer: at that point, to me, it wasn’t really an option. I kept thinking that the trail would lead me around the mountain – God was taking me on a new adventure and I was trusting Him. I didn’t want to second guess Him, and really, didn’t desire to go back on the treacherous path I had just come from. I knew there was a better and easier way, and if I could just keep going, it would get better.

I kept climbing – yes, I know it was climbing, because I was grabbing stuff (trees, braches, flowers, rocks) with my hands almost like a crawl. I kept telling myself to keep going. It was going to be dark soon, and if I could just get to the top there would be an easy way down. I kept going. Higher and higher it got. I could see the top of the next ridge, but there was always more after that. I kept on, pressing on and pressing in.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, finally the top. Wholly cow, I’m on top of a mountain! How did that happen? I knew I had been climbing, but not that much to get that high – over on the very top edge of the property, on top of our highest mountain, Mooihoek, over 7,500 feet above sea level . WOW! I was real thankful not to be climbing anymore that I almost forgot to enjoy the view. God had a special sunset just for me that waited until I could see the orange fireball go down and set on the mountains in the west. Knowing that I would probably need rescuing, I knew God would get me down, but knew also that He has put people in my life to come to my rescue. Again, more parallels, but I’ll let you read into them what you would like- if I don’t, this post will never end. Seriously, there is so much good stuff in there.

I made the rescue phone call – just basically to ask for the easy way down and knowing that it would be dark by the time I actually got down, and that I would really enjoy a ride home the rest of the way. Come to find out, there is no easy way down! Oh dear – sun has set, and there is no more light blue sky, instead it is turning a much darker blue. I am now starting to walk downhill. The flat rocky part lasted 15 minutes or so and now I was descending. Where to descend? Ahhhhhhh – Lord – help me. You have guided me up until this point; I know you will also get me down. Not being able to see what was in front of me, my butt served as a “nice way down” so my feet could spread out in front of me making sure there was still ground I could go on verses the cliffs that the very slippery rocks formed. My rescuer had sent out for additional rescuers and as I was probably a quarter of the way down the mountain, I saw several lights. One rescuer had even started to walk up the mountain to come and help me down. We finally met 20 minutes later to continue the descent down the mountain. A few more slips and falls, and more scratches added to the arms and legs, and we were back on my normal walking path. 4 hours and 45 minutes from the start of what I thought would be a “normal” walking day, I was home, safe, warm, and now getting clean.

What an adventure God has in store for each of us! Are we willing to go down the path He has for us, which will include uphill and downhill battles and joys, flat top beautiful moments, points of clarity and times of uncertainty, and so much more? God, I am willing to follow You through it all. Thanks for bringing me safely home into your arms where you always are.

An entire book in ONE day!

Today was an awesome day! Today it was just me and Lord talking together, enjoying one another, listening to one another – it was incredible! I long for our times together when we get to do that: brief moments, hours, drives, anything I can get! I am seeking that out more and more, hungry and thirsty for my Lord. An ENTIRE day with my Daddy wasn’t something I planned, but Praise the Lord, He created it – just for me, now, today, and I was smart enough to stop and soak it all in! WOW!! Awesome, yes indeed!

Several months ago the Lord told me something – something I’m sure He had told me before; I just didn’t want to credit or believe Him for what He said. At the end of it this time, He said, “I’m excited to go through this process with you.” Process?! Oh wow – this was going to be something! It’s been a little quiet on that front, but I continue to pray and work on the things I know I need to work on. Just the other day, I felt prompted to buy a particular book. I purchased it in town, stored it away, and now pulled it out, ready for the reading. God was right beside me, holding my hand as I turned each page, comforting me, whispering how much He loved me, how much He was going to continue to be with me as I “went through the process,” as I read what I was ready to hear. God’s perfect timing, me being patient and willing, brought this day to fulfillment. Clarification, peace, a willing attitude to “let’s go do it together”, and a grateful heart telling God “thanks for the steps”, flooded me. I knew then that I needed to fast and hunger and thirst for my Lord all day wanting to soak up and enjoy every morsel God had for me. I decided I would try something new – instead of just fasting from food, I would also fast from drinking anything – I would fast from everything food related. The book I have on my nightstand and have been reading as I can, was all about “Coming Thirsty” (by Max Lucado) so I wanted to do just that. God and I were definitely on a new adventure together!

I stopped reading the book at Chapter 7 or so and decided for some fresh air and sunny scenery. God and I went on quite a walk together. (I will have to tell you about that tomorrow. That is a story all in of itself.) I got home, showered, and finished reading the entire book! 191 pages! Ok, 191 smaller pages, but a complete, real book just the same! I have never done that before – I have never read a book from start to finish in one day! God had His perfect timing – a perfect day for me and Him to spend some great quality time together – lasting ALL day long – teaching, guiding, reassuring, and loving ME. My God is wonderful!! Wonderful, yes Wonderful indeed!

I hope that you are soaking up all He has for you today…..and everyday.

Leaving Behind

What am I leaving behind?

I’ve wondered this a few more times than not these days as it has been brought up in a number of different arenas.

My Mom is in Michigan, rummaging through years and years of things; pictures, books, clothes, mementoes, letters, cards, albums. A couple of months ago, my grandfather went home to be with Jesus and joined my grandmother, who went there two years earlier. He was born and raised in that 2 story farm house with 7 bedrooms and 1 small bathroom and died there 93 1/2 years later. Ninety three years of life, all lived in the same cinder block, farm house. He left behind much more than the tangible objects my Mom is sorting through now. He left a Christian legacy of prayer and service. He ministered to countless men in prison through the Gideon Bible ministry; planting seeds to which I’m sure more than a few have grown and started to produce fruit of their own. He demonstrated and lived out a Godly life, sharing personal testimonies of Christ with those he met wherever he went, loved my Grandmother with his whole heart, taught and raised my Mother and her siblings in God and love. He left behind an incredible legacy of God.

Mary Jane, my precious and oh so dear neighbor in Hawaii, passed away months ago. She wasn’t your run of the mill neighbor; she was my friend, surrogate mother, grandmother, watchdog, confidant, teacher, cook, movie date, walking partner, pool party host, educator, and Hawaii volleyball sports fanatic. Stephanie and I were just talking about her again last night as Stephanie got to enjoy her birthday day making guava jelly in her kitchen. Not only did Mary Jane leave behind tons of memories which come flooding back every holiday and special occasion, and lots of pictures, she left behind all her pots and pans and secret yummy receipts that we can still enjoy today. I can even pretend I am her when I am wearing one of her Hawaiian Mumu’s.

In Wednesday morning prayer, and in Thursday night Thrive Church, we have been talking about the glory of God and leaving that in our wake. To everyone we meet, in all that we do, we should be glorifying God. People should see Him in our smiles, our talk, our attitudes, in EVERYTHING! God should be seen in our physical, spiritual, and emotional appearance and felt in every ounce of our being. Am I leaving behind the glory of God? Can people still feel Him when I leave the room? Could you get a glimpse of Him in this reflection?

What are you leaving behind?

The Healing Power of God

More than a few weeks ago, I got to teach an intern class. They were learning about Supernatural Living, and wouldn’t you know it, I got to teach the class on the healing power of God! God loves it when I take something I am struggling with to honor and glorify Him, learning and leaning more on Him in the process. Not only did I have to do it when I was teaching the interns, but I get to do it again now. I get to check back in and make sure I am learning something. Our lesson was about God’s Dynamite Power, His power to heal the sick. Paul had Dynamite Power. I, as a spirit-filled believer, have Dynamite Power. I need to turn on my faith, letting the dynamite power flow.

I continue to battle daily headaches. My body is getting better, but my head likes to pain up right behind my eye, at the bottom of my skull, around the back of my head, it moves around, but remains. I continue to cry out to God for full and complete healing, trusting Him for His dynamite power over me and my body. I want to be just like the woman with blood that Jesus talks about in Mark 5: 25-34, who stopped at nothing to get to Jesus.

This woman had hemorrhaged in her body for twelve long years. She had been separated from her family and friends; she was considered an “unclean woman.” If she had been seen in public by one of the religious leaders, she would have been stoned to death. She was lonely and in despair. She had spent all of her money on treatments from many doctors, and was actually getting worse (vs. 26). One day, as she lay helpless in her despair, she heard about Jesus. She heard about his Dynamite Power, His healing power. She didn’t care what other people thought; she didn’t care if she got caught. She was desperate. She left her family, who, probably, encouraged her not to go out, not to disgrace the family name. She didn’t listen. She didn’t stop. She heard of Jesus’ Dynamite power and had to get a glimpse. She burrowed through the crowd; she would stop at nothing until she could see Him, get close enough to touch Him. I’m sure she didn’t feel good, probably didn’t have much energy, but kept pressing on – pressing in, pushing to reach Jesus. Nothing, nothing, was going to get in her way. Once she finally did get there, she reached out, no second thought, no “I shouldn’t be here,” no “What are people thinking of me?” nothing – all she was concentrated on was Jesus. She knew He could make her well. She didn’t even tell Him her problem. She spoke her faith, She boldly declared, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well” (Mark 5:28). As soon as she touched his cloak, the Dynamite power in Jesus flowed into her, healing her body instantly. What a miracle!! She stepped out, would stop at nothing, and believed!

John 7:38, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” Living water, flow out of me………

Happy Earth Day

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Earth Day! Who knew there was such a day? With all this talk of global warming, debating if it’s getting hotter or colder, or what we are doing to the ozone layer, I think we miss the whole point – we miss out on giving the creator of the earth all the glory. We miss the things on this earth He placed here for us to enjoy. Take for example, the wet, dewy, almost snow like looking stuff right outside my window shining on the grass this morning. The tree behind it created the shadow so as not to let the frost melt before I saw it. What about those early cold mornings where you can see the low settling fog off in the distance encasing the low mountains and not quite high enough to reach the top tips of the others. What about the chiseled, and now snow covered mountains in Qwa Qwa (yes, the picture taken just yesterday when I was there). What about my warm blue ocean in Hawaii that I miss so much? What about the wild purple, pink, and white flowers that line our dirt road giving me an extra smile to God for placing them there for my pure enjoyment? There is so much on this earth to enjoy! Thanks God for creating such a beautiful earth – a place I can enjoy until I get to be with you. Earth Day – a great day to read again the account of Creation as told in Genesis 1.

Girls Day Out

Spring, summer, and autumn weather is coming to a close here on the 2400 acre game reserve and all around South Africa; winter cold months are quickly approaching. Last weekend, taking full advantage of every ounce of sunny warm weather, I took the Thrive Africa staff girls out on a little outing. I love to drive, especially when the sun is out in fullness, no clouds in sight – its rays fill the car with warmth and a sense of joy, peace, and happiness. Five of us staff girls (Kelly, Cassie, Aimee, Brittany, and I) piled into the bakkie for a girls drive complete with car dancing, story telling, laughing, waving, and singing through the winding, twisting roads in the Free State mountains headed towards Royal Natal. Just over an hour, we made it to our destination: The Tower of Pizza. More good times and laughter ensued and then just smiles as we all were busy enjoying the yummy pizza and our mouths were full. A great girl’s day out!

Rain brings out the Reign

As I was walking today, it started to rain. At first it was a light rain, then a bit harder, then it stopped all together, then the cycle would start all over again. The rain beat down on my face and my arms, even my pants got a little wet. I love the rain. It’s refreshing. It feels as though the old is washed out, new is coming. The rain helps the grass turn green and the plants to grow. I couldn’t help but think how God reigns. He has come to wash out the old and soak me in His newness. He has reigned down on me to help me grow. Oh Lord, come and reign all over me.

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" 1 Chronicles 16:31

It’s raining and reigning again now. I can hear it, I can feel it. What an amazing God we serve! I am clothed in His strength. I am firmly established in Him. God is reigning over me!

“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” Psalm 47:8

“The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.” Psalm 93:1

Happy Birthday to my "Little Bro"

Today is my “little bro,” Andrew’s birthday. I was there, in the birthing room, when he was born 25 years ago. I stood tall and proud at the nursery window telling everyone who would come and look, that that little boy over there was my newest brother. As I was beaming full of pride, Andrew started turning blue. The nurses came and took him away immediately. I knew something was wrong when I went back to see my Mom and Dad and they were crying. A friend of ours, who was working in the hospital, took me out to McDonalds for lunch and explained to me that my brother was not like other kids, he had something called Down Syndrome. He was born with an extra chromosome and he would learn much slower than other kids. He would need extra help and lots of therapy. I didn’t understand what all that meant but knew that I had a very special brother.

A very special brother indeed. He did learn slower than other kids, but he also laughed a lot. He smiled and played and I was right there to help him. I taught him how to read, helped him write, and went to his after school therapies. He drew out my passion, my heart to help others with special needs. He untied God’s gift and plan for me.

He has gown up so much and I have hundreds of funny, hysterical, heart wrenching, and tear dropping stories of my incredible “little bro.” He comes and wraps his arms around you when you are feeling low or even when you are jumping for joy, he brings laughter into nearly all situations, he knows how to make you feel like the most important person on earth, he knows how to give and share love. He has brought love and laughter to the Marion household like no-one else can.

Happy birthday “little bro.” Here’s to many more years of fun laughter and good times! I love you Andrew!

It flew in here.....

The bright morning sun, with a bit of warmth to its rays, was out in full force this weekend mornings. Snatching up every bit of warm summer weather, I was more excited than normal for my long weekend walks. It was warm enough for a tank top; I wanted my shoulders to feel the touch of the sun. All geared up with headphones, iPod, and sunglasses, the day never looked so clear. Half way up my normal route, I must have been singing and dancing along to the artists singing in my ears, or perhaps I was ohhing and ahhhhing over one of our many species of animals, or perhaps I was even catching my breath up the hill. Regardless, I had my mouth open. Not wide open, just open enough for a BUG, yes BUG to fly in. I spit, I spat, the silly little thing, or was it more a bigger bug (?), didn’t come out. Regretfully, I swallowed.

As if that weren’t enough, today, on my two hour walk, I was nearly home, when the same thing happened! Twice in two days, yes, I am serious! This time however, in my spitting and spatting, I saw the little buggerd shoot right out. Thankfully, I was able to swallow with ease.

Dear God,

“God, I want to hear You. I want to see You. God, I want to know You. I want to experience You. God, I want to follow hard after You. God, I want to trust You with all my heart, with all my mind, and with all my strength. I say yes to You and all You have for me today.”

You know you live on a Farm in South Africa when....

you hear this sound before you go to bed....and as you are trying to sleep.....and even still yet when you wake up (if you were ever able to fall asleep in the first place)...... Turn up your speakers, this is what I hear right outside my bedroom window.....




This is the sound the fallow deer make as they find .... (and I think capture)...their mate.

Story Tellers continues

If you haven’t seen the amazing Thrive Africa Story Tellers book, you are missing out. It is a great compilation of real life stories for each of the departments here at Thrive. Beautiful pictures, beautiful people, beautiful stories. Check out the blog and acquire one of your own: http://www.thriveafrica.org/2008/03/story-tellers/

I got to see the remarkable book for myself just the other day, however, it wasn’t mine to keep. Instead, I was supposed to make a delivery; 2 deliveries as a matter of fact, to the boys who made the first page of the booklet. 2 boys whose lives are changed forever because of the impact God has had on their lives. 2 boys whose lives were changed forever because people like you invested your prayers and finances into what is happening here at Thrive Africa.

My first delivery….. Lucas. Lucas is one of our amazing coaches. He has a real passion for the youth and it is contagious. He called just the other evening trying to figure out more ways that he, as a leader can encourage his group of coaches and students. He believes so much in what God can do in and through him to students all over Qwa Qwa. He pours his heart, soul, and energy into those kids and so desperately wants them to have a personal relationship with Christ. He invests in his students and desires them to make the right choices in life. Thabo is one example of Lucas’ prayers, passion, effort, and time. Thabo was a student in one of Lucas’ Leadership Summit classes. Thabo used to smoke, do drugs, and hang out with the wrong crowd. Lucas started talking to him, mentoring him, sharing personal stories and experiences with him, encouraging him to get off the wrong road and choose God and the right road. After many weeks, Thabo decided the life he was living was no longer something he wanted to be apart of and stopped doing drugs and hanging out with the wrong people. Their whole story is shared in the Storytellers book.

Delivery number two……..Thabo. Thabo is the boy who decided to make a change; Thabo, the boy who quit smoking, doing drugs, and hanging out with the wrong people. It was only fitting that Lucas come along to make such a delivery and return to the school where he had impacted so many lives. The principal welcomed us with open arms, eyes growing wider as soon as he opened the book. “That’s my boy! That’s my school” he said before going any further. He started to read and exclaimed, “Thabo is STILL choosing the right road. He comes to class on time, does his studies, and has good behavior in class. He is doing well.” Thabo entered the principal’s room, a tall boy, his head looking down at the floor but once he saw Lucas his head lifted and he stood a little taller. They embraced as though they were brothers and exchanged words and smiles. Thabo open the book and his face grew bright. His story was there for all to read. He couldn’t wait to go and show his friends. His principal couldn’t wait to share it either. He wanted another copy so that he could show his entire school, sharing with them how important Leadership Summit is and what a difference it could make in their lives. What an example Thabo and Lucas are to many.