A Song for Him

Do you ever just feel so close to God that you think you are seeing the bigger picture from His angle? I do sometime and at those times I believe I am truly able to worship Him.

Let me tell you about just such a time.

Saturday, the 27th of Jan. I went to Fellowship Baptist Church where our daughter Hillary and son-in-law Terry attend. I was part of the team of people who were decorating the room for the family baby shower given for their new son Riley.

When Terry’s mother Mary arrived she wanted to play the beautiful grand piano. She began and asked us who were watching to sing with her. It was just me and two of my girls, Lois and Chelsie and Mary’s youngest daughter Tina.

It was so beautiful. It was special because here we were waiting for the shower guest to arrive, standing in a rather chilly and empty sanctuary ( some of Terry’s brothers were there) and just praising the Lord with  song.

God is the theme of my song. He is my delight. I hope I can please him with my life. It isn’t easy when the ugliness of sin steals into our lives and our families.

Sometimes when my children speak with anger and ugliness to each other I just want to cry. I pray a lot about this one. I so love it when we get along and I really love it when we are all singing together.

Yesterday we did a nursing home ministry and Lois, Chelsie and Andrea and I sang for the people. It was lots of fun but I really enjoyed the practice time even more. We were singing for no audience except Him.

Sing and make music to Him in your heart.

Once Upon A Time/ A little girl’s story

We were young and energetic and eager to get back to Bible college and see Jim start his second year at Baptist Bible College in Spingfield, Mo. We had a beautiful little fellow, Jimmie, our first born who was now a year old. As we made final preparations to travel from our home in Ohio to Missouri I had a growing suspicion that was expecting. In a few weeks my suspicions would be confirmed by all the little clues that I had experienced with our little son. Well, our dreams of getting back into school would come to a halt as money ran out and we would head back home to find a place to work in hopes of saving enough money to try it all again. We spent a few weeks in the home of my parents and then the Lord took us to the city where I was born, Newark, Ohio. There, my honey would find work at Denison University as a housekeeping supervisor. A few months later we would be blessed by the safe arrival of our sweet daughter, Hillary.

I have always been privleged to be a keeper at home while Jim has worked hard, many times working more than one job at a time to make it possible.

When our precious baby girl was born just 21 months behind her brother, Jimmie, we felt as though we had the most perfect family, a boy and a girl and a bright future to look forward to.

We did, too.

Since that time God has added to our family many more precious babies. Each one has been an incredible gift from God. Each one has brought to our family a precious part of what makes us a family, but this is the “little girl’s story”.

As this little girl grew anyone could see she was very special. She always seemed to copy everything her mommy did. She loved to get fixed up pretty, wear her mommy’s clothes, high heels and make up. She liked to help mommy cook in the kitchen and one of her very favorite things was to copy how mommy cared for each new baby that God brought into the family. Only for a short time did she have to pretend with her baby dolls for very early this sweet and gentle little girl began ministering love and care to her very real dollies, her brothers and sisters.

Many times I would marvel at the wisdom God had given our little girl, Hillary. She was so gifted at settling little and big issues that came up with such grace and wisdom. Very early on she could be trusted to take care of her brothters and sisters while Jim and I had an evening out.

We always said what a wonderful mother she would make. We knew that while many young girls looked forward to their futures and what they would do, our little girl would grow up to be a wonderful mother. She would do many noteworthy things under the noble title of “homemaker” and we knew she would do them well.

Well, one day, November 21st, 1998, to be exact, our precious baby girl assumed her title of homemaker as she was married to her sweetheart, Terry. She and her husband Terry moved into their home and began the beautiful wonder of married life. Hillary was also privleged to be able to stay at home and care for her home and her new husband. She is indeed a wonderful homemaker. She has such a gift for making things pretty and homey. Her gifts include being a seamstress, a great cook ( just ask her husband), a briliant decorator and all around great homemaker.

One of the things that Hillary and Terry looked forward to was the day when the Lord would bless them with children. Both Terry and Hillary grew up in homes that recognized children as a blessing and gift from God.

One day the happy couple were elated to discover that they were expecting a baby. It had been several years since they were married. They had waited what seemed like a very long time. Now, they would be blessed with a precious baby at last, but it was not to be. Just a few weeks into her pregnancy Hillary’s doctors discovered that the baby had died and she could expect to miscarry soon.

Our hearts were broken for them as we knew how much they had treasured this little life.

Then, one day in October a call came from the adopion agency. There had been many already, but this one sounded so encouraging. There was a birth mother. Would they like to be considered? Of course! Each day what seemed like a dream came closer to becoming a reality. Was it a girl? No, a boy. They would fly to Florida to recieve their baby.

Preparations were made. Suitcases packed. Baby clothes washed and folded.

They arrived in Florida. Then the call came. We are so sorry. The birth mother changed her mind.

With broken hearts and many tears the couple returned with empty arms. Oh how we grieved for them. It seemed too much. Would they ever have a home with children of their own?

Hillary had been doing regular babysitting since she was in high school and now there were the precious little ones she cared for, sweet and yet ornery little Ryan, sweet little Mady and Makenzie. When could they have their own little one. There was the beautifully decorated nursery, the warm and loving parents just waiting to be there for that little one.

Then, one cool day late in November a call came from the agency. This time there was a birth mother who would give birth in just a matter of days. Were they interested?

Finally, Hillary was able to reach Terry and tell him about the call. They waited. They prayed. They hoped. Each day more details. Each day seeds of hope grew. Plans were made to travel to Florida. This time they would drive. The suitcases were packed. Then the phone call. The baby boy had been born. They could come and pick him up right from the hospital if they could get there in just two days.

I can share this in the first person as I was honored to be a part. We drove through the night. We got fresh and went to church and heard not much of what went on. We went to lunch. We took a nap. We drove to the hospital. We were early. We waited. We waited. Is that the car. We walked up. We waited. We waited. Then, “You may come into the nursery.”

He’s beautiful.

Hillary said after a few minutes. “So, can we go?”

As an old mom/grandma tells this story I can tell you that it has been such a rewarding experience to see how God has brought this miracle about. My heart is full of thankfulness. I am so grateful that the Lord has given them this great joy.

Before we entered the hospital I prayed a prayer in my heart for little Riley and dedicated his life to the Lord. I have prayed it again since. I pray that one day he will give his heart and life to God. I pray that God will bring his birth mother to know God. I pray that Hillary and Terry will be blessed with many more such gifts from God and that little Riley will be a leader and strong tower in his family.

I am so happy for you, Hillary, a wife, a homemaker and a mother, just what you always wanted.

Looking Forward

Today’s news tells us that the democrates have 51 seats and that oil prices will continue to climb and that there is no end in sight in Iraq and will we indeed have a woman as the speaker of the house?

Life certainly looks bleak at times. When an older lady in our church and I talked after prayer mtg. last night I told her that I had recently confessed to praying too little for our president. I struggle with being consumed with my own little world and neglecting the big world.

That is when I become overwhemed with what is happening “out there” and want to resign from the human race.

On the home front, when I become weighed down with what is happening in my home, my church or my family I have learned that the only way to have a quiet heart and joyful outlook is to turn it all over.  I must just pour out all of my worries about what could or might happen if things continue on their current course. Then I simply plead with God my Heavenly Father to handle these things in His perfect way. I have come to recognize that I seldom have the best answer. His ways are so much different than my ways or ideas.

Then , I must ask Him again to help me be all that I can be for Him where He has placed me and to help me rest in Him.

Then and only then can I look forward with confidence to what He is doing.

Psalm 124:8 “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Seeing the Light

Do you ever think about what you are here on this planet for?

I like to think that my life has purpose, I’m not just a product of chance.

In the Bible there is a verse that says……….”I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Another verse in the ancient book of Jeremiah states…………..”Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee….”

Jeremiah was one of God’s prophet. He was persecuted by his own people because of his bold obedience to the commands of God. Jeremiah carried God’s words to the Jewish people that they needed to get right with God or accept the consequences for their behavior. The dark consequences were that the city of Jerusalem fell.

Not only did God say that he formed Jeremiah in the womb but He also states in the same verse that He sanctified him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations, all this before He was even conceived. Isn’t it just possible then that the great God who created our great universe and even has the hairs on our head numbered also created each of us and has a purpose for us to fulfil?

So, what are you here for? Doesn’t it make sence that in order to find God’s purpose for our lives we need to communicate with the one who orders and plans all things. How better to communicate than by listening. I listen through studying His word. That helps me get to know Him better. It helps me get in sink with how He thinks.

Do you have some heavy questions about life that you struggle with? Why not get conversant with God, the real God, the one who created all things including you.

I have started reading through the Bible. I don’t know how many times I have done this in my life but everytime I see many new things that I just never saw before.

Once you start listening to His words you will never be the same again.

Talking With God

When I was young only a few children were being called ADD or hyper. Now everyone has a label. I am glad my parents kept us busy and encouraged us to work. I have simply tons of energy. I am so thankful for it now. As a young mother with many children running around I rested in my might many times. It was only when I was burdened down with pregnancy fatigue or sickness that I had to rely on God’s strength to get through a day. In that respect it was a handicap. It took me much longer to learn to rest in the Lord and the power of His might. As I age and my children mature into capable, hard workers, I have a lighter work load. I like to get to bed by nine o’clock in the evening. I usually go right to sleep and wake completely refreshed around 3:30 or 4:00. I love having all that time to spend talking with the Lord. This is becoming the norm for me and it is a huge blessing.

Another lady that influenced me in my prayer life was Becky Tirabassi. I read some of her books and heard her speak to the ladies at Gull Lake one year. She shared what a blessing writing out her prayers to the Lord has been in her life. I did a lot of my praying that way when the children were working on their school work at the table. I’d sit down with my Bible, notebook and pen and write my letters to God. I still pray that way but now I have this time in the night where, (when no one is sleeping on the couch ) I can talk out loud to the Lord. It is also a blessing just to sit and listen to Him. He is truly my Lord and my shepherd and my counselor. I sometimes break into singing. Very softly, mind you. I try not to wake my family in my moments of extreem joy or extreem pain. The Lord has really been growing me in this area in the last few years in this time.

I joke around a lot about being a slow learner but I am also grateful that God is taking time to teach me even as I approach my 50th birthday. Maybe God only gives a few people the kind of energy that He has blessed me with. If you are occassionally troubled with not being able to sleep I hope that you will spend your time wisely. I love my time with the Lord in the early morning before the sun is up. God’s Word is clearer and His voice is stronger. His arms are there to embrace me. I delight in Him.

The Sun Rise

It’s just starting to get light outside and the ground is all wet. It’s still quiet in the house and I am enjoying a cup of camomile tea. I sit here an wonder what it will really be like to live on Australia. I think a lot about what it was like when we visited. It was May of 2003. It was a little cool at times but nothing like here. It was really warm most days except for the day that we did our running around. That day was a little cool and rainy but that is the day I like to think about. Jim and I had the whole day to ourselves. We rode the train a good bit of the day and sat in the sand of Bondi Beach. We walked all around at the Rocks which is a little part of the down town where the old stone prisons are made into little shops. We returned from this adventure hungry, cold and a little worn out and were met at the door by dear Margaret Lane with a, “Come in,Love, you must be cold. I made you some pumpkin soup.” What a treat that was and that night Harold and Margaret had a log burning in the woodburner to take the chill off the air.
I long to be sitting in my own little home, reading my Bible and sipping tea, and waiting for the sun to rise. We will be going over again in June for another visit and we have already been told that our dear friends, Harold and Margaret Lane will be our hosts. I can hardly believe it. I really can’t wait. Perhaps then we will return to finish our moving preparation.
Dear Lord, Let it be. We long for our family to be settled in our new home, even a tiny cottage that we can call home in the land we love and long for.

Australia – How Long?

I’m so glad we are still going to Australia. It’s so hard to wait. It looks like we will go in spring for a visit. I hope Chel and Lois can go. They want to go so badly and it really would be great to get them involved from the get go. We will visit the church at TumbiUmbi and also the work at Taree. I can’t stand it. I have been working hard to finish my schooling. Sometimes I feel so stupid. Sometimes I just don’t get it. Most the time I just don’t get it. I know God gets the greater glory when He uses the simple but my goodness. Well, I love the Lord and I love people. I hope He can use me even in my weakness.

We went to church last night at Harvest and it was great to have Josh go with us. It was a great service and the music was such a blessing. Not a very big group but such precious young people.

I know that some of the awful things we have been experiencing have been to distract us from what God wants us to do. It is one of the evil one’s best things- just get us chasing our tails. We really must pray more to stay focused.

I must get to bed so I can have a great quiet time. It all starts there. Thank you Lord for always being here for me.

Children Walking in Truth

Feb. 23, 2006

Following The Saviour

Dear Friends,

We want to thank you for your faithful prayers. We know that God is blessing our lives because of and through them.

We believe that God is going to take us back to Australia. It would mean so much to us to have your prayer support for we recognize that we are powerless without it.

Our hearts still long to be in Australia and we still believe that God has directed us to give our lives to serve Him there. Our plans are to move there and minister just as we had hoped.

We are presently in the process of building a business that would support us as tent makers there in Sydney.

We would love to keep you on our prayer team and mailing list and keep you informed of our progress but we need to hear from you. We will need to tighten our belts a bit to re-invest into our business. We are going to send out regular

E-mails but we will limit mailing hard copies.

Thank you for your interest and may the Lord bless you.

Your Faithful Servants,

Jim and Melony Evans and Family

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the Lord, Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

A Lady That Made A Difference

Jan. 31, 2006

A Lady That Made a Difference

I want to tell you about a lady who made a difference in my life and in my daughter-in-law’s life. Her name is Debi Pearl. She wrote a neat little article some years ago entitled “Carnal Husbands, Cranky Wives, and Cantankerous Kids”. It is still available on their web site www.nogreaterjoy.org if you would like to read it. I was rocked to my socks when I read this thing. It was as if Mrs. Pearl had been perched on my window sill. She knew me so well. Well, when I read her stinging rebuke I determined that day that I would with God’s help change for good, and I did. My husband is a much happier man for the change and my children are changed as well. Thank you Debi and thank you Lord.

Now let me tell you a little more about my sweet daughter-in-law. Amber and Josh had been married about nine months when I was given Debi’s book, “Created to be His Helpmeet”. I got so excited that I stayed up all night to read this book and wished it had been around 30 years ago. I decided that my daughter-in-law needed to see this book and so the next day I gave her mine.

Well, one day my son Josh called and said that Amber had read the book and that she was a good wife. Amber then told me that she had really stuggled with finishing the book. Everytime she read it she said she got mad but something made her keep reading. Amber told me this book went against everything she was ever taught. She was taught that she needed to go out and take care of herself and not to depend on anyone. But as Amber read through the book God was doing a work in her heart. She said one day, “If people just believed the Bible and lived like the Bible taught everybody would be happy”.

That day I realized my prayers for Amber were being answered in a big way. That night on the phone I was allowed the great joy of leading Amber the Christ.

God be praised!!

Now God is working in a mighty way in Joshua, too. He has a desire to learn the Word and be a godly dad and husband and Amber wants to stay at home and raise her children. She wants to homeschool.Wow! It just gets better and better.

Thank you, Debi. Thank you, Lord.

My Walking In Truth Story

Jan. 31, 2006

My Walking In Truth Story

I love to tell the story of my walking in truth. So many people tell me that they have been blessed by some part of my story. I love to share what God has done in my life.

I was living in South Haven, Michigan where my husband Jim was pastoring a church. We had just had our baby girl, Andrea Hosanna. A sweet man in our new church had given me a brand new computer to help me with my homeschooling. I knew nothing about computers or the web before that time but in a matter of a couple days I had figured out how to surf and was lost in cyberspace for about two days before I remembered I had a family.

One really great thing happened to me at that time that would change my life forever. I stumbled onto the site called “Laine’s Letters”. God took me there I know and He began to teach me of the precious fellowship that I had not previously tapped into.

When I read the testimony of Laine and how she had promised God she would spend time with Him everyday if he would just let Gabe live- well, the rest is history, as they say. If you have never read Laine’s Letters you must by all means check out her site.

What happened to me next was that I committed to spending an hour each day with God in prayer and Bible reading. I also vowed to God that I would spend that time with him before the children got up in the morning. At this time in my life I was schooling six school aged children, and we also had a two year old and a newborn.

Well, if you know anything at all about how God works you know that a promise like that was sure to be rewarded in a big way.

At that point, everything in my life changed. I had trusted Christ as my Saviour when I was just a little child and had done some growing in my walk with Him but in looking back it was like comparing taking a walk in the garden to down hill skiing.

I began seeing the love of the Lord as never before. I began being more loving and patient with my family and loving to people outside my family as well.

I began seeing prayers answered as never before.

I praise the Lord for all He has done and all He continues to do in my life.

May He be glorified!!