My good or God's glory?

What an amazing week!

Praying for a dear friend undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, another dear friend's son's heart surgery and the list goes on.

I am ashamed to even admit the fact that every time I lift someone up in prayer (whether it's for deliverance, finances, health or healing) whatever the request might be, I am always awestruck not only by God's faithfulness to hear but His willingness to work in the situation - in spite of my bungling intrusions! Isn't that always the way? We believe we know just what that person needs and waste no time in making that known to our Father - The Creator of the Universe, the Blessed Controller of all things, the One that hung the stars in space and spoke things in to existence! The Bible tells us He knows even before we ask. I know what you're thinking...well, if He already knows, then why do we have to even ask? Your mom or dad knew you wanted to go shopping (my example) but didn't you have to ask to borrow the car?

I can't help but smile as I think of Him, leaned in and listening intently to me as I cry, ramble and stamp my foot in childish selfishness. After all, I know exactly what that person needs, right?

Then it hits me. How could I presume to know all the details, every 'in' and 'out' and complicated aspect of that person and their situation! I mean well, I do. I promised I'd pray and I am. And my Heavenly Father is still listening, smiling, maybe even nodding His head in agreement. But I have forgotten one very important aspect of interceding on behalf of others...His PERFECT WILL!

I have determined this very morning that I will try not to assume I know it all. I will try to pray according to HIS will, not my wishes. ( ) After all, isn't that what we truly want, God's will in our lives? Oooo! That's a hard one to admit sometimes because HIS will doesn't always match up with our idea of what should happen. Come with me sometime and meet the hurting people that attend our GriefShare meetings each week and you'll witness them discovering that very thing for themselves.

I'm convinced that, just as we are all unique, so is God's will for our lives. Designed especially with us in mind, the Father has a perfect plan for all of us and sets it in motion from the beginning. What's the problem? WE are the problem, my friends. You and I. It's our free will, that childish, foot-stamping, think-we-know-better free will of ours! We delay, disrupt and derail. Reminds me of a group of people called "God's Chosen" when they had to wander in the wilderness for forty years over a trek that should've only taken them 11 days! Hmmm...

Mayoral UPDATE!!

After the first "strategy meeting" last night, I must tell you, my head is spinning! (and it's not just because I've got a sinus cold either!) Eldon has determined to run a positive campaign in all senses and I'm so proud of him for that. No negativity, no name-calling or "look what so-and-so did" stuff! God is in these details, folks and there is NO doubting that.

FYI: We will be having a Dessert night at our house in Lowell on Friday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome. This will give you a chance to come and voice your support for Eldon, as well as get further information about the campaign, etc.

More later...

Pam

BIG NEWS!!!

I apologize for not keeping updated lately but things have been really "hopping" around our house.

Now that some things have come to light, I can share with you that my husband of 37 years, Eldon, has decided to run for Mayor of our city in the upcoming November election! He (and I ) have been praying about this decision since he was approached about it last October. Seeking the Lord's face in fervent prayer has resulted in this decision and those of you that know Eldon personally, know that he doesn't make any decision flippantly or without much deliberation and prayer.

We have also been contacted by the state of Arkansas regarding the purchase of most of our land (house and business) for a future East/West corridor across the north side of I-540. Rumors of such a project have been flying around for the past 10-12 years and we haven't taken it very seriously until we began to see maps of the project, talk to state representatives and other people "in the know". I know, I know. The Bella Vista Bypass has all priority at present but this road WILL develop, we just don't have any timetables at this point. What we DO know is that the Highway Department is purchasing land now from our property west to Highway 112 in Cave Springs. There is also talk about some sort of "link" to a new airport road and that is controlled by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Authority (or some such organization!).

Suffice it to say that we have had much to pray about lately, much to organize and much to think about regarding our family and its literal future.

We have lived in Lowell (at our present address) for 30 years and, although terribly difficult to even think of leaving our home and property, we are compelled to stay in Lowell for business sake and now, in the event that Eldon does win the election in November, he would be required (common sense, really) to reside in the city.

I am excited, a little nervous, apprehensive maybe but never fearful. I recently finished the Bible study of Esther with Beth Moore and the truths that came out of that seemingly insignificant story that I had learned as a young girl have been re-told to me in a way that confirms that God not only holds our destinies in His hand but that we are all perched and waiting for "such a time as this"...we just may not realize it. Our destiny is here in Lowell, we believe.

Join with me, friends, in praying for us and this new work on the horizon but also for our city.

More as things progess...