357 Undivided Heart to Honor You

357 – Undivided Heart

to Honor You

August 3, 1989 San Francisco

Psalm 86

verse 1 hear me

v 2 save me

v 3 be merciful

v 4 bring joy to me

Psalm 4:7 You have filled my heart with greater joy –

this means You put joy in me

v 11 teach me Your way

v 11 GIVE ME AN UNDIVIDED HEART that I may fear your name.

reference: Ezekiel 11:19 I will give them an UNDIVIDED HEART and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

20 Then they will follow My decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people and I will be their God.

18 remove vile images and detestable gods

reference: 1 Chronicles 12:33 the men of Zebulun experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, to help David—with UNDIVIDED LOYALTY.

reference: 1 Corinthians 7:34-35 But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in UNDIVIDED DEVOTION to the Lord.

Lord, remove pregnancy or every attitude about it that makes it a god in competition for my affections for You.

Lord, don’t take away my husband and children so I can be undivided in devotion to You, but bring us all into a place of unity of purpose—to please You in all things, and fulfill all of Your call for us.

356 – Into My Mind Popped…

356 Into My Mind Popped…

August 2, 1989 San Francisco

I woke up feeling unusual. Am I pregnant? Doubt pushed the thoughts away. I asked God to speak to me today about it—silently, in my heart. A very short time later, on my walk around Bridgemont campus, worshiping, fellowshipping with God, I asked God again to speak to me on this subject. Into my mind popped 1 Thessalonians 2:7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1!

This is what they say:

1 Thessalonians 2:7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 Now brothers about times and dates we do not need to write you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

August 3

Depressed—not pregnant. Why do I want to be?

pure: my heart has been changed by God so that it is now the desire of my heart

truth: yet, hope deferred makes the heart grow sick

flesh: I would be able to justify sleeping more

pride: it would show me and others God’s favor on us

practical: I feel it would be good for the boys to have to become more helpful, independent in the kitchen, and good for Daniel not to be the baby.

I am always surprising myself that I am so real with God and myself.

354 – Rejoice Instead

July 26, 1989 San Francisco

I am still obsessed with thoughts of pregnancy. I try to keep relinquishing it to the Lord. The trouble is that I know He is able to perform His will against all physical impediments. And I love miracles. And besides, every other day there is something to draw my attention to it. Today Mr. Rogers said—Oh, sometimes ladies feel wonderful when they’re pregnant, better than normal! So my mind turns that way. And I have friends who have the baby yearnings, also.

The boys had an autobiography of John Newton. Some of this is quoted, some is paraphrased.

Through ignorance and unbelief we often mistake the Lord’s dealings with us, and are ready to complain. If we knew all, we would rejoice instead! When our eye is fixed upon the Lord, we are more than conquerors over all that would withstand our progress.

Looking back, I see that mercy and goodness directed every step.

What our ignorance once called adversities and evils, were in reality blessings which we could not have done well without. Nothing befell us without a cause; no trouble came upon us sooner or pressed down more heavily or continued longer than our case required. Our many afflictions were, each in their place, among the means employed by divine grace and wisdom to bring us to the possession of that exceeding and eternal weight of glory which the Lord has prepared for His people.

Interesting. Be a rejoicing person. Be prayerful.

353 Encouragement from the Holy Spirit

353 – Encouragement from the Holy Spirit

July 17, 1989 San Francisco

Dan and I were always wondering, what’s next? Are we being effective here, is this Your will, or are we to move on?

We were attending the SF Foursquare Church and also Sunday morning Japanese Sunday School. I wrote in my journal that I heard God say during the Japanese teaching: I can earthquake you out of this place and into My will. Our part is to seek Him, cry out, praise, and REST. He will get us where we need to be. This was prophetic, because we—and everybody else—were surprised by a 6.9 earthquake three months later. And we moved!

In the grocery store, observing the throng, I realized: the devil knows whose are his own. He can put thoughts in their hearts to do evil things or think evil things.

We are wise, cautions, praying, watching, avoiding.

I have found GRACE meeting me more and more—to be peaceful, to be wise, to receive from the Lord, to be quiet.

July 19

Helen prayed powerfully for us at church tonight. This is what I remember: The time is ticking away; we need to be involved with Japanese people. We can, better than born-again Japanese Christians, reach certain people for Christ. She prayed that lies and weaknesses and insecurities would be bound and that we would go forth into the relationships the Lord has for us with Japanese people.

Mary exhorted us that only arrogance and pride will refuse to accept Christ’s death as atonement for ANY sin. She gave us Exodus 14The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Look up!

Deborah encouraged me that the Lord would provide a Japanese housewife to speak for me, that God’s language is agape (love). Agape would be my language and to not worry about it. Dan will learn it and the boys will catch it, and I am not to worry

352 – Comfortable Routines

April 18 1989 San Francisco

I looked around at our very little living room approvingly after breakfast this morning. We like it here, at Bridgemont, in this little apartment. It’s comfortable, we have routines. I’m walking every day, Dan can do his drafting in the room down the hall. The boys can run down to the Red Room and play and not bother anyone, the pool is always available, though a bit of a hike. Neighbors come and go, meaning they move in and move out fairly often, but there’s a good feeling among us and camaraderie happens easily when new tenants arrive.

Again, we began seriously to call on Jesus for success in our attitude and perseverance about home school. As a result, the kids are more cooperative and less complaining, and I am more organized and patient, and more confident that they are really learning something.

But my hope, my fulfillment, my satisfaction, are in Christ my Lord. For me to live successfully, peacefully, fulfilled, is all Christ. If I slide in my persistent seeking of Him and skip my Bible reading, my focus shifts and I’m in agitation and insecurities.

My journal notes are Bible verses and notes, enough to keep me going, but nothing stunning to write here about. I was re-reading Hannah Whitall Smith’s book, The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life. We had many good friends from church and we were very busy with home group, potlucks, following Giants and A’s baseball games with Bill.

We went to Reno for the wedding of one of Dan’s friends. We had overnight guests.

There is no diary of other family activities until July 6.

July 6

Last night after church the car would not start. Deborah and Cathy walked home from church and we took the bus. A bit of adventure doing it at night! We arrived home at 10:40pm. The boys were not able to attend a friend’s overnight backyard campout. They were very good sports about it.

349 – Lots of Encouragement

April 2, 1989 Sunday

I went forward for prayer for homeschool—that I could be Christ-like in it. We were instructed by Joyce to let God speak to us on the issue we had brought forth. I am not always trusting to do this, but took a risk and said, “okay, God—please speak!” In rapid succession, these verses popped into my mind:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me; My grace is sufficient for thee–for My strength is made perfect in weakness; whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying this is the way, walk in it.*

WOW He spoke completely by His Word!

I confided to Joyce that I had been up and down on this issue many times. She said very emphatically, “That sounds like doubt.” And it was.

Before the night meeting started, Joyce said she had prayed about our homeschooling (it was still something that few people did in 1989, and not everyone believed it was a good idea), and she felt the Lord had said: “The boys are at home because the constant change of friends and schools would end up being too traumatic over time. So He’s covering the bases.”

Dan prayed for a man who was a newcomer, and then the man prayed for Dan. He prayed that Dan would bring in the harvest, many souls, that we would go overseas, that our whole family would be involved in bringing people to the Lord. PRAISE GOD! The man himself was surprised at his own prayer! Dan wept.

Thank You for all of the encouragement, Lord.

*Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 30:21.

331 – My Yearnings for Orphans

December 14 Daly City, trailer park

We had a slower start than we had intended because we got up at 7 instead of 5am.

In my Bible reading, I got Luke 2:12 This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

I keep thinking of GG’s dream that there were seven of us in our family and she didn’t have enough beds for us all.

I keep thinking of orphans and widows, dreams and yearnings.

I keep thinking about also thought of the 40 Sri Lankan orphans that the pastor adopted, and Lillian Trasher’s Egyptian orphans.

Since last Christmas it seems very clear that the Lord is working in me the heart preparation for me to have a baby in my life once again. Thy will be done, Lord.

James 1:27 Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Matthew 25:36 I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.

Deuteronomy 14:29 Bring tithes…produce…for Levites and aliens—that the fatherless and widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Psalm 146:9 The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow but He frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right, seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

We called our friend Jan in the evening. She commiserated and will call people to pray for us!

327 – Going Out, Not Knowing the Details

327 – Going Out,

Not Knowing the Details

October 25, 1988 – I had JOY ALL DAY!! All glory to God!

TRIALS:

*We are going out NOT KNOWING our itinerary—by faith in God—praise Him.

*We are going out with Timmy miserable with a cold –praising Him in all things.

*We are going out with $250. Gas expense alone to Denver will be $200, so we are depending on the Lord’s provision. Praise to our God who is faithful.

*We are going out tomorrow.

Judges 12-21 was only distressing…. I got no encouragement…

October 26 Ohio

As they sent us out with loving goodbyes and prayers, the Pletcher family gave us snacks and popcorn for the journey.

Hidden inside the popcorn container was a small refrigerator magnet that said:

YOU CAN DO IT – Philippians 4:13

[We kept it on the refrigerator for years.]

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Our first night stop was a surprise visit to some Elim friends who lived in Ohio. We had connected with them so well at the school, but our visit was strained. I guess 6 of us appearing late afternoon was a bit overwhelming to the newlyweds!

Ruth – the book of Ruth in the Biblee – AMAZING NIV notes are so appropriate for us!!

NIV notes in my Bible:

Ruth’s and Naomi’s self-giving love FULFILLS GOD’S LAW:

Leviticus 19:18 but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

NIV Bible footnotes: The Hebrew word for redemption occurs 23 times in various forms in the book of Ruth.

Naomi moves from emptiness to fulfillment through the God-blessed acts of Ruth and Boaz.

October 27- 31 Ohio, Indiana, Illinois

Dan’s mom, Beth (Bebo to the kids), and her husband Al, were HAPPY to see us in Wheaton, Illinois.

I had been able to pray in the Spirit one hour. I had also been asking God for encouragement, but I was caught off guard by this opportunity for prayer and love as we met Luann and Dennis at the Vineyard church on Sunday morning. We received the word: for the trip–rest, don’t try to teach. I decided give in. As the boys continue to take turns sitting in the front with Dan, he can exhort them, teach them about the passing geography and all manner of things. I will continue reading aloud to them as we bump along.

OH! Gramp Al, Bebo’s husband, gave Dan a VISA bank card to pay for our gas for the remainder of the trip! We used it for gas, giving thanks every single time and sent it back to him as soon as we got to Reno.

325 – Many Trials to Challenge Us

325 –Challenged by

Many Trials

October 18, 1988

TRIALS!!

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

*Dan’s tailbone is painful

*we all have raunchy homeschool attitudes

*a mix-up with Dan’s driver’s license

*cancellation of motorhome insurance effective Oct 25

*Steve has hives

*boys are desperate for shoes

*we are back at Pletcher’s but we feel awkwardness

*Daniel was due for shots, but we missed getting to the doctor in time, by one hour

October 19

You gave me another blessed day today! Rejoicing attitude.

2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph…please make sure I am always following You in Your triumphant course.

October 22

TRIALS:

*SNOW!! We are freaked! The weather has turned wintry and we haven’t begun the 3000-mile trek west!

*mailbox disappointment: we received $40 instead of the $400 we hoped for so that we could mail our boxes

*frustration at not being sure of our plans

ENCOURAGEMENTS:

*Walter was thrilled to have Dan DONATE the trade school plans he had drawn up

*got to share my heart with Cheryl M

*dinner at the Carey’s

*visited McAloons and got a word from the Lord and prayer

323 – Trust God and Be Flexible

October 4, 1988 West Chester, PA

Deciding that we needed a school day we stayed in a KOA Campground. Dan worked with Danny and Mark while I worked with Timmy and Steve. We all had showers and I did all of our laundry. Our next stop was Alexandria, Virginia, and our schooling would consist of an extended field trip to DC, focusing on American History and Science! We called my friend JoAnn from a pay phone to confirm our expected arrival time.

Joshua 9-11 I was encouraged to seek God specifically each day regarding school, and to not be hung up on my own understanding and my own plan.

October 6-8 Alexandria, VA

We had 2 full days at JoAnn’s, and we all got to sleep in the house! Reno was JoAnn and Ed’s hometown. Their family had moved across country so that Ed could work in Reagan’s administration. JoAnn and I had taught school together and she was one of my best friends. We had a wonderful reunion.

I got up early to do my devotions. I kept reading in Joshua (chapters 12-14) till I found something that ministered to me. Caleb was 40 when Moses sent him to Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. (I am 43) Caleb followed the Lord wholeheartedly and he and his children received an inheritance. Caleb claimed it and fought for it because the Lord had promised it to him. He drove out all of the enemies.

Lord, I can fight in the spiritual realm through confident prayer and grounded faith and be an overcomer! We can drive out all of our enemies—like Dan praying for Timmy and releasing him from anxiety.

Also read Psalm 6, Proverbs 6, Colossians 1.

Thursday JoAnn had plans, so our family went into Washington DC on the Metro, which was an adventure in itself. The next day JoAnn was available. Again, we took the Orange Line and had another wonderful day. We went to the Smithsonian, the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall. We befriended the teachers of a group of young uniformed Japanese girls. It was a great family experience to be in the Capitol.

On the 7th I read Joshua 15-22.

Be very careful to obey the law that Moses gave…to love your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and your soul.