Fan the Flame

(Wrote this a few weeks ago... blessed to find the time tonight to post it.)

It took an hour to get the fire started this afternoon. Can you imagine having a house full of people with hungry bellies after church and it takes an hour just to turn the stove on? A bit frustrating, I must admit. I think the major problem was I kept lighting the fire, and then walking away to do other things. It's windy out today, and the flame just kept blowing out when I wasn't paying attention. After the fourth time of lighting the fire with no success, I took out all the charcoal, repositioned it, payed close attention, and fanned the flame properly until it was going strong.

For a few months, I've resembled the first four attempts. I read my Bible while I am running from here to there, or while juggling babies on my lap in a not-early-enough morning attempt to beat the crowd. I shoot up quick prayers when I think of it, and hope it catches fire in my heart to keep me going. Meanwhile, I'm hungry. My children are hungry. The big, quick flame is not creating deep, hot coals, and not satisfying the need.

My brother Michael is here visiting us along with our friend Matt and his daughter Gabbi. What a precious time it has been. We have been the "givers" for a year now... cheering on new believers and feeding them the Word like crazy. We've received much from these guys these past few weeks. Just worshipping God in Spirit and in truth... without wondering what I'm singing... has been an ENORMOUS blessing.

The Encouragers!

As I sat with the Lord this morning, I asked Him to break me. I need to be broken of all that I have hardened my heart with. We just had our hut "remodeled," and I pictured the guys smashing the concrete in order to make it nice. Whatever it takes, Lord... break me. I need to have a soft heart to honor and reflect You.

Michael was playing the guitar and singing some songs... which led to worship... which led to a prayer meeting. The five of us and Jesus. The presence of the Lord was tangible.

Just by sitting in His presence, I was reminded of the cross. Communion with God happens when we come to the cross in repentance. We see things so clearly at the cross... Our marred hearts as we truly are, and the love of God as He displayed it so perfectly.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

No need for smashing. Recognizing the Love of God breaks me of all my pride and melts me into malleable putty in His hands.

Lord, I've got the Christian words and behavior down pretty well. Unfortunately, I can even fake it sometimes. I want the sincere communion with Jesus to be a continual fire burning deep. Lead me to the cross and keep me at Your feet.

Gabbi... answer to prayer.

Julius taught Michael to play the Idungu.
Michael taught Julius some hymns
 sung to an African beat.

Tyler: "Have I mentioned how glad I am that Matt is here?"
He may have said that to me 5 or 6 times.

Pumping...

Pumping...

They Pumped Water... LOTS of water.

Micah playing catch with Uncle Mike.

Worth it.