sunday

Today is sunday and I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  Mostly because I wanted to go to our wonderful church and hear THE WORD from Bill or Shelton.  Not only did I want to hear God's word but I wanted to worship and sing.  We are so weary today....stayed in our place most of the day, but went out to get some groceries and had lunch with ksenia.  We truly feel like a prisoner in our own place.  We are so ready to come home and hours seem like years here.

Although we sleep a lot, we are tired of the same 4 walls and are ready to go home to see our children.  We literally are counting the hours until our court date.  We miss our kids and chaotic life so much.  Remind me of this later when I am complaining of laundry and cleaning. :)

I am doing some knittig and may have to knit us a blanket.  We are so cold and even though the sun shines some days we can't seem to get our feet warm.  Jeff is reading a lot and we are both checking in with Jack Bauer on 24.  He makes us feel like we don't have any problems at all, since he usually is saving the world from a nuclear attack of some sort.

Not many words today...just a word from Priscilla Shirer.  She is Tony Evans daughter and wrote the most beautiful piece just for us I think....becuase I have read it three times.  You need to read this outloud with conviction.:  It's called He is the First and the Last:

He is the first and the last, the Beginning and the end.  He is the keeper of Creation and the crator of all.  He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.  He always was and He always is and He always will be....unmoved, unchanged, undefeated, and never undone.

He was bruised but brought healing.  He was pierced and eased pain.  He was persecuted and brought freedom, He wasedead and brought life.  He is risen and brings power.  He reigns and brings peace.

The world can't understand him, the armies can't defeat Him, the schools can't explain Him, and the Leaders can't ignore Him.  Herod couldn't kill Him, the Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and the people couldn't hold Him. 

Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away.  He is light, love, longevity, and the Lord.  He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.  He is HOLY, RIGHTEOUS, MIGHTY, POWERFUL, and PURE.

His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.

He is my Savior, He is my guide, and He is my Peace!  He is my Joy. He is my comfort, He is my Lord and He rules my life.

Serve Him becuase His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. 

I follow Him becuase He is the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the rules of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come.  And if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size......

His goal is a relationship with ME!  He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!  When I fail, He forgives me!  When I am weak, He is strong!  When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage.  When I stumble, He steadies me.  When I am hurt, He heals me!  When I am broken, He mends me.  When I am blind, He leads me.  When I am hungry, He feeds me.

When I face trials, He is with me!  When I face persecution, He shileds me!  When I face problems, he comforts me!  When I face loss, He prvides for me!  When I face Death, He carries me Home!  He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time and every way.  He is God!!!!!  He is faithful!  I am His and He is mine!  My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.  So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure (Here in Ukraine) understand this....He said it and that settles it!  God is in control.  I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul!  Everyday is a blessing for God is!

I wish I could memorize this...becuase this is so comforting! 
Only two and a half more days!  God will sustain us.
love to you all,
m and j