Christmas Is Thanksgiving

It's December. A precious time. A busy time. This is the month I do my annual pilgrimage. I go to El Paso to see my only brother (never had a sister). Then to St. Charles, IL to visit my oldest son and his family, up north a bit from my house to see my middle son, and off to Longview, TX to see my youngest son and family. All this traveling makes it a different month and there is only one reason I do it, they are family and I love every and each one of them. They are precious to me.

This really isn't the reason for Christmas as we all know. We certainly celebrate the wondrous gift of God with the birth of Jesus our Christ. But we have also made family time a part of our celebration because God blesses families.  God chose to become our Heavenly Father and we his children placing us in his family. In the Old Testament God repeatedly tells fathers and mothers to develop strong families. 

What a joy it is to have a family. I am blessed with three sons and their wonderful gracious wives. They have blessed me with eleven grandchildren and two great grandsons. This does make a wonderful family especially when they all love the Lord and are following his teachings.

Yes, Thanksgiving day is past but the spirit of Thanksgiving carries on into December and the wonderful joy of Christmas, the gift of Jesus Christ, and the blessings of having family. I am so thankful for my family.

And yes, I am thankful for my friends. They too are precious gifts from God as well. They surround me with good things, they bless me and care for me, they show up when I need them. Very special gifts from God.  

Christmas is a time for giving, a time for sharing gifts, but I think it is also a special time to thank the Lord for the wonderful gifts he has given me with his Son, my family, and those wonderful friends.

Thanks Father.

Blessings,

Donna

Time with the Creator

Hi God!

Thanks for opening the door to heaven for me God. This is certainly different than I ever expected. You are amazing and here I am getting to talk with you? I just don’t understand it. I must be dreaming because surely it isn’t me, just an ordinary human being getting to see you and even having a conversation with you. May I call you Father? I did that in all my prayers so will it still work up here? Okay?

Father, I have a lot of questions but my first one is this. You are the creator of the world, no the whole universe. You made all the planets and stars and every thing. And then you made the world. Just look at it with all the mountains, valleys, trees, flowers, plants of every kind, hundreds of different animals, and the beauty of it all. And then you made Adam and Eve and all those other people we have read about it. Right now there are over six billion people all over the world. I can’t even conceive how many that is.

Okay here is my question Father. Why when you are so awesome and so powerful and so majestic, why do you the creator of the universe care about me, one little human being? I am just one little person among all of those billions and yet you talk with me, you care for me, you have a special plan for me, and you make special things happen for me. So Father, this is my question, Why do you care so much for me? Wow! Am I ever amazed at the attention and care you give me. Wow! Amazing. You, the creator of everything care for me. Wow! Am I ever blessed!

I did make it to India again. This was my 17th time and every time gets better.
Here is a bit of information on my trip. I left home on October 29 and returned on November 12 although my head didn't seem to get home when I did. Too many time zone changes.

I claim Psalm 139: 9,10 on a journey like this and the Lord was with me all the way.
It is a joy to see the growth and scope of this ministry since my first days here in 1986 and subsequent trips. They have enabled millions of Indians to know Jesus Christ and to have a better life here as well as hereafter. People were coming from all over India, the U.S. and Australia for the wedding first of Samuel’s son and then for the pastors conference.

The wedding was quite an occasion. There were over 1000 people there in the conference center that IGL built 5 years ago. It has a great auditorium seating around 1200. This wedding was typically India covering three days with an engagement party, a bride’s party, the wedding and the reception. There were 14 clergy involved including me although the Bishop of the South Indian Church didn’t know how to respond to a woman. All guests were fed dinner of curry and spices placed on banana leaves (their form of paper plates).

One thing about India, you arrive in the middle of the night and you feel the darkness heavy everywhere. When you get to Sharon Gardens, Samuel’s campus, you see the light , the joy, and the hope in Christ. On the roads you also see the multitudes as Jesus did and cannot help but have compassion on them. There are all kinds from the lepers, to the crippled, to the extremely poor to those driving Mercedes. Yet only 2 percent in India are Christian. They are mostly Hindus but also Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Muslims of course.

We went to a church in Thammanpatty to give micro loans to women. There were 130 women sitting on the floor waiting for us. We had a great service and then gave each one funds to buy a goat. They are to repay the loan so other women can be blessed later. It was a joyful time for them.

I had made friends with an attendant on Air France. Finding out that she flies to Bangalore regularly but has never been out of the airport or their chosen hotel, I offered to take her with me to Salem. She got permission so she spent the first two days in Salem and saw India through different eyes. Here is the email she sent me after she returned to Paris which is her home. Pray for her.

“Hello Donna,
Back from Bangalore, I can’t stop thinking of you and all that you made me discover. Thank you so much! I’ve been to your internet web site and looking forward to reading your book. Many thanks.
Claire.”

The ministers conference was by invitation only and they completely filled the conference center with 1200 pastors from across India. There was a wonderful spirit in every service. Forty pastors were ordained and our team spoke most of the sessions but not all. I have attended scores of ministers meeting but never have I felt the spirit of God among us as I did there. These pastors were drawn to take the gospel to the areas where the Hindus are militant and killing Christians. They are addressing the need to go to the north of India where there are few Christians and churches. Every offering was to take the gospel north. 25 pastors were commissioned to go soon to north India and start introducing Christ and planting churches. The spirit of that meeting was that they would do whatever it takes to reach those for Christ even if it costs them their life. What a service. What a commitment.

Samuel and his teams have planted 45,000 churches in the last 10 years. They made the commitment there to reach for 100,000 churches by the conference time in November 2010. They see the need, they hear God call, and they are responding.

There in a nutshell is the essence of the trip. Some of the team went on to have a pastor’s conference in Sri Lanka and I came home. It is so rewarding and fulfilling to have had a part in the development of this. I am also so very glad that others have stepped forward to continue the ministry allowing me to now focus on reaching internationals around us here.

Send me any questions you might have. Dthomas29@indy.rr.com

Blessings,

Donna

The Trip

Yes, I have a trip ahead. It's another trip overseas and this time to India...again, my seventeen time. For someone that grew up not knowing there is a world out there, this means a lot. And the worse time on any trip for me are the days just before I leave, and that is now, right now.

In spite of all this I do want to go. This is a wedding of another of my "other" grandchildren. I am blessed to be the American Grandmother to the children of those I have worked with through the ages. This is Danny Stephens' wedding and I certainly must be there. And added plus is that Becky Stephens Stanley's baby boy Joel will be dedicated too. Great!

The other side of the coin is what does the Lord have in mind for me on this trip? I know Samuel Stephens has several things in mind for me to do from dedicating a couple of churches, speaking at Rotary, and participating in the Association of Interdependent Churches Conference. I am also sure the Lord will show me something special on this trip as well. It has been on trips that I get a message from him as to the direction or involvement I am to add to my list. So....I will go and look and see what might just be next.

I do value your prayers so please do pray for me. I leave home on the 29th of October and return on the 12th of November. This will take me through Paris, Bangalore, and Philadelphia.
So there you have it. This is what I'm doing next. Please pray with me that I will be useful to my Lord Jesus Christ in every situation.

Blessings,

Donna

Okay Lord, what do you have in store for me today?

This is my morning prayer and I do ask the lord each morning, "What do you have in store for me today?" It is so totally amazing then how each day unfolds. Yes, I am amazed as he seems to have something special for me every day. I am so glad he is my boss, my master and I am to get my orders from him.

One thing about this prayer is that it makes me look at each day differently. After I pray this, then I do start looking for what is ahead, and also I am learning to trust him more knowing that he is in charge. It's about time I learned this. But looking at each part of the day and each activity to see what he has for me to do, gives everything more meaning, more purpose, and a privilege to look at it differently than I would have on my own.

So what happened last Saturday? He brought me to Oklahoma City on Friday and on Saturday my cousin drove me to Siloam Springs, AR. I was to see my only older relative, only 4 years older than me, as he is in a nursing home and quite incapacitated. It was a long drive and a short visit but I was able to talk to him about getting ready for his final trip to meet the lord and to give him a book to read. He is so alone. No family around. Just my cousin who drives the two hundred miles every couple months or so. How do I stay in touch when I am so far away and he doesn't have access to any of these modern methods of communication? But I am praying and trusting the lord to speak to him and completely prepare him to be in his Kingdom when the time comes.

And what happened Sunday? I spoke at Heritage Baptist Church here in Oklahoma City. That was quite a day. First with 15 5th and 6th grade girls challenging them to be missionaries. Then to senior adults challenging them to get out of their comfort zone and see these internationals, start a conversation, develop a relationship, and lead them to an opportunity to know Jesus. They really were quite receptive which encouraged me and made me ready for the next session.

Next was lunch with the Missions Team and again sharing how I can help them work to make all the congregation missionaries to foreigners in Oklahoma City. Then to the Missions Possible team with basically the same challenge. Missions has changed so very much in these last few years. We aren't to find a couple and send them overseas. Now it is to train all the congregation to be missionaries to these foreigners they meet every day.

Okay that was over and the next was a special dinner that evening to those interested. I did shock them asking them what was the difference between their church and a country club. I think we all have to think about that from time to time. Then I was telling my stories, challenging them to see, to start a conversation, to develop a relationship with an international. Also telling them how easy and simple it really is and how rewarding too. The only problem is that this gets in your heart and you simply can't quit.

Yes, how do I slow down? How do I retire? Oh I know, a Christian doesn't retire because I am the Lord's disciple and sure enough, the Lord does have something in store for me every day.

Yes, this is Monday and it has been packed with more opportunities. I thank the Lord for still using me. I praise him that he gives me these meetings. I love to be his child and his servant. I just pray I will be faithful and do what he wants in every circumstance. I do know too that he loves me and if I fail, he still loves me and forgives me and still has his plans for me. How wonderful this all is. I trust other Christian, and all Christians will catch this vision too and enjoy being his servant, his slave for his Kingdom's sake. This is my day, your day, to be his disciple and serve him in every way. Praise the Lord!

Donna

What am I holding on too?

Did you ever wonder what controls you? What you really want out of life? What you are holding on to? I got a new look at the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17 this morning. How many times have I read that and easily said, that's not me. I am not rich. I don't hold on to money. Poor guy, why didn't he see that Jesus was more important than his riches.

But there is more to that message than just money. Now I need to put some other word in there besides money. What am I holding on to? Is it to be a great author? Or maybe known for speaking? Maybe I just want to be important? Humm. It is interesting to stop and think about this. Nobody can answer this question but me. I have to step back and look in my soul and see what really does control me. I need to listen for the voice of God, to see me as he sees me, and to be honest with myself.

Jesus' reply to the young man was "One thing you lack, Go sell everything you have and give to the poor. Then come follow me." I think his reply to me is "Go get rid of what is controlling you and come follow me." Now the choice is mine as it was the young man's. Humm. I never saw this message in these verses before but there it is. Yes, Jesus I want to follow you and be useful to you. Cleanse me and use me for your service according to your agenda. I open my hands and lift up my arms and give myself to you.

I want to do what you want me to do.
I want to say what you want me to say.
I want to go where you want me to go.
I want to be what you want me to be.
I want to give what you want me to give.
You are my God, my King!

Blessings,

Donna

What Are Your Thoughts?

Okay, I have been blogging for a couple of weeks now. Evidently you have read some of these or at any rate are tuned in today. I would appreciate it if you would read a couple and add your comment at the bottom on the right. I could use your ideas, your thoughts, your advice, because I have discovered (years ago) that I'm not perfect. :-)
I am hoping to be perfect when I enter that Pearly Gate but it won't happen before then.

So what are your thoughts?

Blessings,

Donna

God Has His Purpose (of course)

It's a week later and now I realize God's purpose in sending Joshua here. This is just another example of how big our God is and how small our world is. God doesn't worry about distance or language or time. He sees us and wants the best for us regardless, and then he works it out. What love, what concern, what tender care from Almighty God, creator of the Universe, and he loves even you and me.

In this past week Joshua has learned much about American culture and how we do things. We do them differently, not better or worse, than they do in India, just different, our way. In India the more important you are, the later you can show up for a meeting. Not so here. And of course they drive on the other side of the road. And there are many other differences too. But in their culture and in ours, and in all others, relationships are the most important thing we have. Joshua now has some great relationships here in the U.S. and he also values even more fully the precious relationships he has back home in India.

This reminds me of my precious relationships. My most precious relationship is with my Abba Father. What a privilege to call him Abba and to have his love over me every day, every hour, every where.

I also have a wonderful family and I want those relationships to always be foremost in my heart and mind. And my special friends! Wow! The Lord gave me you and I cherish all of these too. Relationships. Yes, at church, at the grocery I regularly go to, at my favorite restaurant, at the bank I use, I have special relationships. These are in different degrees but they are there and I thank the Lord for giving them to me in all these places.

My relationship with Samuel and Prati in India is why I am going over in November for their son's Danny's wedding. I will also get to see Joshua again and so many of the people from previous trips.

My relationship with my extended family will be renewed when I go to Oklahoma in October. I plan to see my Uncle Tom, whom I haven't seen for years and is in a nursing home. He is first on my list along with my cousin Chet and his wife Maureen. Who knows how long they or I will be around to enjoy each other and to cherish all that has been given us.

Yes, Joshua's coming has helped him value relationships and also helped me value mine. We all need to remember those around us and what each one means to us. And our relationship with Jesus Christ is to be stronger and more precious each and every day. This reminds me that Jesus is always available for time with me. I have to be sure I am available for him.

Blessings,

Donna

One of God's Surprises

For several years now my prayer each morning has been, "Okay Lord, what do you have in store for me today?" There were often very interesting encounters. Sometimes wonderful opportunities. Occasionally things beyond my expectations. And sometimes there was nothing unusual at all. This last Tuesday I prayed that prayer again and by noon had a very interesting surprise.
My phone rang and I discovered it was Joshua from India. Of course I know Joshua. He is Samuel Stephens brother whom I met many years ago. He has a ministry similar to Samuel's in the area of Banglalore. Well, Joshua was in Indianapolis and he told me he had been praying about coming to the United States and when a lady in India gave him the funds to come, he felt this was the Lord's answer. He had my phone and he knew how I had helped Samuel and not realizing that I was no longer doing that nor involved in Project Partner or any ministry of that nature, he came asking for help in finding partnerships for his ministry called Arms Open.

I really didn't know what to do or where to start but I knew that if the Lord had made a way, I was to help him all I could. I immediately got help from Tim Broyles and Andrew Gale at Church at the Crossing and then the Lord gave me a couple to house him and a friend that was willing to drive him to various places. That was a tremendous help.

So far, we have been able to introduce him to a group of mission pastors, attend the Overseas Council meeting last night, and a meeting of mission leaders tomorrow morning. I also have a call to a pastor in Kansas that might be able to be of major help to him.

My prayer now is "Okay, Lord, how do you want me to help him and where do I start?" I do want to be a partner with the Lord in this and not a hinderance. Therefore, I am asking you, my friend, to pray with me about this that much good for the Kingdom will come through God divine appointments and his plans for each day while Joshua is here.

This does make each day exciting and filled with expectancy as to what the Lord is going to do today. I'll keep you informed. And if you have any ideas, let me know. Dthomas29@indy.rr.com

My Bucket List

Several friends had told me about the movie Bucket List. Just from their conversation I got the basic idea and started thinking about it. This week I finally rented the movie to see it for myself and it carries quite a story.

Of course it is secular and there are words I don't approve of but the overall idea can also be gleaned from the scriptures. It is basically what do you want to do before you die? What is of vital importance to you? And what legacy do you want to leave behind?

Having caught this idea of a Bucket List from a friend, I started thinking about my own. The fellows in the movie wanted to go to see the Taj Mahal, the pyramids, the great wall of China, Hong Kong, and a host of other places. Well, thinking about all those places I grabbed my pencil and paper and started listing all the places like that where I have already been. I have quite a list and have actually done all those things. Mine were side trips however, while doing what the Lord had me doing in these various countries. (A special blessing from the Lord)

Now for my list for my future. One of the first things I put on my list was taking all my kids to a dude ranch in Colorado for a week. Now that isn't exactly cheap. But with the assurance of my son Paul that it could be done, I did it. Yes, last July we were altogether at the North Fork Dude Ranch. One of the neat things about that was the communion, the bonding, the enjoyment we experienced. It was a great fantastic and wonderful week. And I can now mark that one as done.

I am working on more on my list, writing things down, and seeing when I can accomplish them. Just this alone gives me hope and vision for the future in a new and different way. Amazing. I was talking to a young man this morning about his purpose of life and his future. He doesn't have a written list but he is beginning to work on one. One of the things he can now mark off is that he has quit smoking. Of course he is proud of that. Another is that he is learning to take care of his health. And another that is growing in importance to him is his desire to know the Lord better and become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Pretty good list, wouldn't you say?

Okay, I am still adding to my list and working on it. Have you considered a list for yourself? Actually this is fun, exciting, and adds a special joy to each day. Try it and see what you think.

Blessings,

Donna

An Ordinary Day

Recently I was asked what I do all day. Certainly an interesting question for someone that is supposed to be retired. So I chose to just see what keeps me so busy. First this morning was meeting with a group I started last November. These are Missions Pastors and we go through some books together. I do enjoy that time although it is every Thursday.

Then home and there was a message from Delta airlines. I am going to India in October for Samuel Stephens' son's wedding. May 30th I made my reservation which is going to be a longer trip than I want but since I am using Frequent Flyer miles, I have to do it their way.
Now they sent me an email that some of the flights have changed. Okay, so working through all of this with Delta took one hour and 35 minutes on the phone. Ouch!

Checking my e-mails I needed to respond to Lener in Peru, Phonesack in Laos, a new widow I am helping in Kansas, and about five others. Yes, they take time but I enjoy the relationships. In the last few weeks I have been referring to my activities with internationals and others as my "parish"--people in need of help, hurting, or don't understand what Christ can do for them.

At 2:30 I met with Andrew Gale and he showed me how to do a blog. So here is the first one.
From there I checked on a friend from Japan and another from Vietnam. In an hour I am off to meet with another new acquaintance to walk a couple of miles to a restaurant for dinner. She too is searching for a relationship with Jesus. By the time I get home from there, I'll be nice and tired and ready to finish off my day.

I think that answers the initial question as to what I do with my day. They are all different, they are all the same. I start my morning prayer "Okay Lord, what do you have in store for me today?" and the day fills up rapidly with many needing help.

So what does a retired person do all day? "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Blessings,

Donna

A Starting Thought

Today, I am creating a blog to write down some of the things I am learning and experiencing. I hope people have the opportunity to read and respond to things I'm thinking through. Thanks for your interest.

Donna