Mission Trip

I am leaving on a mission trip to another country in a couple of days. My challenge has been to try to relax and let the Lord be in charge. I am not the team leader, but I have all these concerns about details such as having phone numbers, getting boarding passes printed etc., that our team leader is really not overly concerned about. I guess it shows me that I'm a little bit OC. I prepacked my bags a couple of days in advance as we're trying to go strictly with carry-on bags. I think it's probably my military training. I am reminded of a recurring dream I have where I'm still in the military and trying to move, but don't have everything I'm supposed to have done. I moved about 11 times in twenty years, not counting numerous temporary assignments. I like to plan everything out in advance, look at maps and pictures where I'm going. To know every detail and have every detail planned out before I leave on the trip. I guess I didn't know how anxious I could get by not being in control of all those details. I am able to relax and let it go, but I'm not totally at ease with it. Our team leader is much younger, and is well traveled. I am sure things will work out if I just put it all in God's hands...AND LEAVE IT THERE. I'll post after I get back. I'm sure it will be a great trip.

"The Crusader Attitude"

Pastor had an excellent message today. He was warning us against being too quick to judge and accuse others. I was challenged. It seems in our highly charged world today it is all too easy to take offense over things that really are of little concern. Pastor spoke of the "Crusader Attitude".
Paying more attention to the imperfections of others than to the perfection of Christ.
Placing the attention on the flaws and faults of others, vs looking for their good points.
Seeking credit by discrediting others.
Circulating rumors through gossip and false and evil speaking.

As this political cycle gets more and more intense, it will be difficult to stay away from "Black and White Thinking." That is, thinking that the opponent is totally evil, or that they're totally good. The news media and political advisers know that this works to great effect. It sells newpapers and attracts viewers to whip everyone into a frenzy about how bad the opposing side is and how we'll all perish if we make the wrong choice. I think we could end up with some really bad decisions if the wrong political party gets into office. But on the other hand, I don't think that the planet will disappear and life as we know it will become non-existent. I don't think the salvation of our nation is in the hands of one or the other political party. As Christians, we have to depend on the grace and mercy of our Lord. That doesn't mean I don't have strongly held beliefs about public policy, I do. But to demonize someone who has different beliefs about public policy is of no value, and only serves to polarize us. There are people who count on that polarization to get our support. Our job as Christians is to keep our heads, to keep as our foundation the idea that we are all sinners who have been saved only by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary. There is no saving grace in anything else, no politician, no political party, no nation, and no kingdom but the Kingdom of God. I have proudly served my country for over thirty years, I will give no place to anyone regarding my patriotism and love for my country. I have fought for it and put my life on the line for it. But it is not my savior, nor is any man. I choose to trust in the sufficiency of Christ and the providence of God Almighty to keep and save this nation. I will do my best not to make evil judgements and gossipy accusations against those whom I disagree with. I will feel free to defend the Gospel and disagree with policy that is anti-life and anti-Christ. I will try not to denigrate those who disagree with me, but more to challenge their ideas. I will try to stay away from caustic and denigrating blogs and news forums.

Happy New Year

Today being the 1st day of the year, we always think of fresh starts and new beginnings. New Year resolutions and all that. I've never been much of one for that. I did buy myself a copy of Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost For His Highest". I hope to stay with it through the year, but sometimes I get sidetracked or distracted. I have an opportunity to help a medical mission in Southern Mexico. Without going into too much detail. I will be able to go and assist with some medical procedures over a period of three days. I fear somewhat that I'll not be up to the task. I've never done it before. I haven't assisted in any procedures in several years, as my nursing practice is not that type anymore. I don't know if I'll have the stamina to keep up. I have some anxiety about traveling through Mexico with my very poor Spanish language skills. Oh, there are a thousand excuses. But I believe the Holy Spirit gave me a charge from Matthew 16:24-27; you know. "...let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." So I'm going to the gym to build up my stamina, listening to Spanish on my mp3 player and praying that I'll be a help to the missionaries and to the medical team. My anxieties have been quelled somewhat as our pastor has been teaching about overcoming fears lately (don't you just love God's timing in giving pastors the messages we most need to hear at the time we need to hear them.) If you happen to read this, please pray for those needs listed above. I'm sure it'll all work out and I'll be of help in this mission. God Bless You All.