...,but for God.

Doesn't that give you joy?  Anything and everything a Christian goes through in life is, but for God.  It's foolishness to those that don't understand because they haven't recieved God's gift of his Advocate (John 14:26, 15:26 ), allowing us a living relationship to God.

We are nearing the end of our time in California.  You've laughed with us, cried with us, rejoiced with us, and wondered at times why in the world we did it.  Yep, me too.  But, for God. 

There's more than my selfish desires to this world. 

There's a deep-rooted learning of who God is, why I exist in relation to God, and how I choose to live when I understand these things. 

I've been reflecting over the life of a missionary.  It dawned on me that there are certain qualities that are coveted to ease missionary living.  It requires a certain, "joie de vivre", if you will.  A "come what may" attitude and a willingness to not let your feathers get ruffled.  Puns and conundrums also come in handy.

Let's not forget the ability to get along with others.  Or living in small spaces.  Or being amused by the fact that you really didn't need to bring that sewing machine, or 5 pairs of coats (which oddly enough keep popping up in the strangest storage places...).   

Humor is a must.  After all, who else would think of playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors" to decide who gets to go out in the cold to complete an errand?  Or being mildly amused when you find a thin film of grease on dishes previously washed by your 8 year old (and later watching him ask, "Who washed the dishes last!?  These dishes are dirty!")

Flexibility is a must.  Plans change, and knowing different skills (poker faces are high on the list) just add to the repertoire of hats that a missionary wears.  You'd be amazed at some of the skills developed!

But for God. 

Everything flavored with the love of God; whether it be recognizing one's hardened heart and releasing one's selfish motives, or seeing the whole picture and being content with the moment. 

I'll leave you with one last thought from Colossians.  But before I do, thank you to all our financial and prayer supporters. 

You are the fuel that keeps us going.  And we encourage anyone who would like to join us in financial support to do so.  Your giving not only benefits our ministry, but you! 

When you give, God gives back to you.  There's a blessing that words cannot express when you unselfishly share.  So thank you again to our current supporters, and an encouragement to give for those that feel God calling you to do so.  Just email us at info@believersbridge.org.

 "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light."  Colossians 1:9b-12