THE CATTLE ON A THOUSAND HILLS

"for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills". Psalm 50:10
"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness."
Psalm 29:2 

In Ethiopia, not all roads lead to Rome.  Some roads lead to Addis Ababa, some roads don't lead to anywhere...or so it seems.  We were nearing the end of our week in the Chencha area as well as completing the four kebele (village) visits we had planned. Solid roads gave way to 'soft' roads which gave way to pathways, which we took on foot.  I was tired and honestly, I did a little grumbling to myself but we had a great visit at Doco Eliza. The families and others present were very interested in our being there and appeared to listen hard to what was said about the family flock poultry projects. 
After the meeting, as we left on foot for our vehicle, I noticed a group of fly and dirt covered little ones perched atop the hillside waving as we walked by.  In the midst of the group was one of the most lovely young ladies.  Remarking to myself about her stand-out beauty, I was reminded of some of our recent discussions in our Koinonia Class back at Central Church, in the states.  We had discussed how we see things versus how God sees things.  I thought; God sees all those little ones as precious in his sight, as should we. 
Yes, I was convicted and with a contrite heart I turned back to the path to be trod and was rewarded by 'new sight' to see one of the "thousand hills." Psalm 50:10   Ahead, maybe a mile or so, was one of the most beautiful hillsides.  Small patches of terraced farm land encroached the foot of the mountain followed by some grassy pasture areas, then, a ring of small trees and brush protected the crown of the mountain.  Atop the mountain was a beautiful pasture with a mix of cattle, sheep and goats.  Yes, there it was; the illustration to go with the scripture..."the cattle on a thousand hills".  Thank you, God for giving me vision of eye and heart to see your spectacular creation...through your eyes. Psalm 29:2   Amen and amen.

HOPE ON A ROPE

From The Message: "So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things  we can’t see now will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
 So many times I've repeated the old adage; "When things seem so bad and you're at the end of your rope...just tie a knot in it and hang on."  Paul always encourages us to hang in there.  He knew God was faithful and ever present, just as some of us have learned.  We have friends in far away places who have so much going for them as a family and as workers in the kingdom of God.  Life has not only knocked them down but has kicked them in the gut.  If I know these folks...they are tying the knot, holding on for dear life and trusting God to pick them up and place them on solid ground.  That's what God's children know to do.  I anxiously wait for their story to unfold.  God is good and He is good all the time.  Life isn't, but with a good rope; some life teaching knot work and a strong faith in a loving Father...it's not just going to be alright...it's going to be 'amazing'.  I can't wait!

HOPE IS A GOLDEN CORD

"Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven." This was the opening line from today's "Jesus Calling", a daily devotional by Sarah Young. The scripture passages associated with this thought were: Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; and Hebrew 6:18-19.  With this kind of start to a day...wow!  I had the beautiful pleasure and blessing to have lunch, Friday with a special friend who also is/has been wrestling with cancer.  He was somewhat reserved yet anxious to share with me how the cancer just "seemed to go away" in the past several weeks.  Tests are great...x-rays are clear and he can breathe deeply, literally.  We rejoiced as I shared how God had renewed my energy and stamina for the trip(s) to Africa (more to follow).  It was the beginning of an absolutely wonderful weekend on the lake and in the spirit.  What a blessing from God to have friends who share their lives and their blessings with us.  Thank you, Father.