Hello friends and happy 2008!
It is hard to believe that the new year is here and moving steadily along. For me personally, it seems busy and hectic. In addition to a new bible study and upcoming women’s conference with Daily Disciples, my personal life has had its share of challenges. I spent most of December dealing with physical health issues. It was strange in the sense that I never knew where or how I "caught" them. From a bad stomach ache to strep throat to a case of hives…and no one else around me had them or contracted them from me. Then, the rains here in San Diego have been heavier than normal since the start of December. My husband and I moved last year and are still working on our driveway and landscape, which to a great extent has been in danger of flooding for the past month with the rains. There is something symbolic about feeling a little sluggish or slow and then walking or driving through thick mud just to get out of your driveway. I could go on with more illustrations but the point is not so much in the details but in the reality of life. Life goes on and it does have its issues and challenges. In my walk with the Lord, sometimes I think I am really beginning to understand Him better, only to fall on my face knowing that I do not, grateful that I can say I know Him at all. There are days when I hear Him say in that soft, still voice, "Will you still praise Me today…even in the storm?" To worship the Lord means we choose to worship Him, regardless of how life is treating us. I have been challenged in this truth and have learned to recognize its testings. Yes, Lord, I praise You. Yes, Lord, I worship You. That is the response He wants from me. That is the response He wants from us all.
Tonilee and I have been through a lot these past couple of years, both personally and in the ministry, but we know that in the end nothing matters but God. He is All that matters. He is God and there is none other. We pray for all of you this coming year and we covet your prayers as well. We go forward desiring to not only speak the truth of God’s Word but also being willing to speak the truth of life’s reality. Who are we trying to fool as Christians? Is this Christian life easy and burden free? No…but Jesus says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Getting lined up with Him is the challenge in this world today. We pray that 2008 is a new beginning—a fresh start for the right changes.
If you live in San Diego, please join on January 26th, Saturday, at Point Loma Nazarene University for a day of New Beginnings. Bring a friend and spend the day really focusing on what God has for you, today and forever. Let’s be honest…let’s get real…let’s make a difference for the kingdom this year.
God bless you all! Bobbye
