Filling Station

So, the first things that comes to mind is a gas station-at least in my mind. However in Bucharest this has taken on a new meaning for me...

Along the "canal" that I walk along (fondly called the Dimboviţa) there is a filling station. Trucks stop along here to fill their "tanks"-not with gas, but with water. The purpose: to drive around and "water the streets" before returning to start the process over. Why water the streets? I guess it helps keep the dust down-at least until the water evaporates. This goes on from spring until fall before snow and ice descend on the city.

I was thinking this evening as I walked home that it would be great if we had a place to be refueled. There are many days when I return to my apartment ready for refuge and rest.

As I pondered that, I realized that our "filling station" isn't confined to one location or season. If we long to be filled, God has promised to fill us. How amazing! No canal needed.

Matthew 5:6-Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Romans 15:13-May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 16:11-You have made known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Lord Jesus, please come and fill me with your love, strength, joy, and grace. Thank you for being available-anytime, anywhere.

FROG

Fully Relying on God

After I wrote my last email, I continued to see frogs everywhere-coming up the stairs in a house, inside a car door, clinging to random windows or doors. Somewhere in the midst of life, I lost count, but I didn't lose sight of the message-at least the one for me.

As I worked this summer to raise support, I was certainly asking God for his help, but I know that I was also doing things my way. As the time for my departure neared, it was evident to me that in my strength, I would not be returning to Romania this fall.

Graciously, God "began" (continued) to work and provide for my support needs. In two weeks I watched him blow away my efforts and provide in unexpected ways-beyond what I imagined was possible. As he began providing, I began to allow him to work, relying on His power and strength. My faith grew in ways I might not have chosen, but are necessary.

I wish I could say that I knew it was going to happen, but I only knew that God was able-not whether or not he was going to choose to act on my behalf in that situation in "my timeframe".

It is my prayer that I would continue to rely on God-fully and not allow what I perceive to be great strength in myself to interfere with the plans that God has for me-His timing and location.

How Not to Be a Lutheran

So, in my best attempt to be a Lutheran, I decided to participate in communion the last Sunday I was in Hutchinson. As the ushered up the front rows, I asked my sister to explain what the proper procedure was in this church, I figured I was "ready". It was pretty simple really: You go up, grab a cup, kneel and then the elements are served to you. I didn't think to ask about what to do if there isn't any room to kneel. Why would I need to know that?

Everything went as planned until I went to kneel and there was no room at the end of the row. The one thing I hadn't counted on.

Not knowing what to do, I knelt in the middle where there was room. The bread had already gone by. An observant pastor caught that and brought me a “wafer”. So, needless to say, I was supposed to start a new “row” when that one was served, but in the midst of the moment, I didn’t know what to do.

After church, we had a good laugh! I can only imagine that a few other people did as well!