Sunday, September 30, 2007

Rebecca's Journey - 92

30 September, 2007

Greetings Friends,

Autumn is here, along with its normal cold, damp days, and full schedules. Jessica Heskit, Rebecca's new helper, arrives in a couple of days. She'll overlap with Mary Beth for 6 days, before MB returns home. Mary Beth has been such a delight, and such a constant source of light and joy. We will miss her very much.

Susannah has now started her Master's program. She is also continuing to work at the European Parliament.

From Rebecca: This week I had a discussion with some friends about renewing our minds. I was reminded of something I had written in the margin of my Bible: "Change my mind and teach me what is good!" Often God uses our difficulties to show us where we need our minds renewed.

My accident is a good example of this. Just looking from the outside, one might think, "What a tragedy!" I certainly could be tempted to think along those lines myself. Here began the renewing of my mind. "Lord, Your word says everything works together for good for those who love You." Since that is true, there must be something wrong with the way I'm thinking - with the way I see this situation.

I needed Him to show me what He thought about it and to change my mind - change my thinking - and then to teach me how to see it and respond as He would. I love this, because it works out so practically in every area of my life.

Last week we had some relational difficulty in the house. I felt frustrated and angry. This was a challenging time, but I love it because those difficult situations act like triggers, and when the trigger was pulled, I remembered and saw something was awry. I was not thinking as Father thinks. I needed Him to change my mind. As Father and I looked at it together, He showed me perspectives I hadn't been willing to look at. Of course that included myself! And then, having seen a little clearer, I needed Him to show me how to respond, to teach me. Don't you love that too, when Father gets to teach us, and we get to learn?

I think the process of renewing our mind is one we'll get to do as long as we're living. At least I know I will. Father is faithful and He will do it.

Paul again! Please be praying with us for the Care-Givers who will be needed next year. Jessica will be here till December. Judy returns for her two month rotation in a few weeks. So from late December/early January, we'll need new Care-Givers.

Thanks for your prayers and communications. Grace to you!

Love,

Paul & Rebecca