What a Gift!!!

Gary just sent me this picture on his iPhone as he was closing the door to our apartment in Israel for the last time.

I have to admit that I cried when I saw it. This last year has been such a gift from Abba God, and I mean that with all my heart. I have no feelings of pain or regret at having to leave Israel. On the contrary, my heart is filled with such gratitude for having spent a whole year there, that I all can do is thank Him for that very special gift.  There are many memories attached to this apartment.  Great memories. The laughter, the friends we made, the friends from Texas who stayed with us, the meals served, the movies watched on laptops, the games played at the table, the worship at the keyboard and guitar, the hours of Bible study and meditation looking out over the Judean mountains.  Ahhh…..great memories!

Below is our first day in the apartment one year ago. So much happened here in one year!

I love the plans of God. I love His perfect leadership in our lives. He is the ultimate Abba!!!

Now on to the next empty house that we will make a home and memories we will create for many people, not the least of which are MY GRANDCHILDREN!!!!!!  I’m so excited that I am about to live with six of my seven grandchildren! It’s such a wonderful gift after living away from them for a whole year….something I thought I could never do.

This is the location for the new Brussels House of Prayer, BHOP, as we affectionately call it. We can’t wait to get started! Lord, may Your kingdom come and Your will be done in Belgium!

It’s all a gigantic gift. Life is a gift. All our experiences are gifts…even the bad ones. We develop character and a deep, inner life in God through the horrible experiences, and that is a gift.  He is Abba to me….not just Father or Mighty God or King of the Universe…He is my Abba who gives me good gifts because He loves me more than I can understand.