Plans

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Dear God, 
I had a wonderful day today, thank you.  We played tennis for just over an hour, and he was as "good" as I was, which made it great fun!  Afterwards we went swimming, and he helped me when I had a cramp in my calf.  He also taught me how to float.  Don't know when that will come in handy, but it's cool.  We also exchanged Christmas gifts - he liked his, and I liked mine: a mini tripod and a photo album for my trip to Korea.  

Been thinking how I am enjoying my moments these days a hundredfold.  Everything seems perfect.  I am content inside me.  I am happy with my weight, my looks, my life.  Of course there are things imperfect.  And I sure am not happy about those, but today I had a great day.  And I hope and pray that it will continue like this, not because I am leaving and am appreciating the last moments of my last days in SA, but just because You are in my life, and I am excited about everything You have for me. 

Also, Father, these last few days I have been sorting through my files, throwing away paper (and bringing it to the recycling depot), going through my clothes, my shoes, my books, my things, and realising how easy it is to actually give things away, or clear out my life.  I only want to take with me the necessary things.  And I want to sell my possessions and give to the poor.  Okay, truth be told, I want to sell my possessions and have enough money not to be in overdraft, but baby steps.  After all, I am still stuck on the idea that it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish.  

Father, You have been so good to me, and I just want to take this time to thank You for the many blessings in my life: my friends and family, and I know they love me.  It feels great to be loved and to know people care about you and enjoy your company.  I love my life.  I love life.  That is something someone once said to me, and I loved that attitude.  I love life.  And I want to experience more of it. 

Just driving into the tennis club this afternoon made me realise that I have been so afraid of doing these "active" things as though it were a competition every time, or a show, but meanwhile it really is just a combination of fun and exercise, and I love both!  And in the sun.  I want to do more: more sports, more outdoors activities, more things that I am embarrassed to do but are actually character-building.  

Otherwise I have a favor to ask You.  My stomach is soar.  Would You please remove the pain from me?  I don't know where it's from, but Lord, You said I can ask for anything in Jesus' name and it will be done, so I am asking You, in the name of Jesus, to please remove the cause of the pain in my stomach and replenish that area with Your incredible healing power. Amen.  

A dear friend sent me some scriptures this afternoon.  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29.11) & "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13. 20-21)

The first scripture I have heard many times and believe it.  I do believe You have a plan for my life, and it is a good one.  That is why I am not worried about my future in Korea.  I trust You have prepared me for it.  And I trust You have prepared them to receive me.  But this scripture was more of an encouragement for my parents, since we were discussing them yesterday.  And I would like to know if You would like me to simply pray this prayer for them.  

I can't believe I am writing to the very same God that brought back Jesus from the dead.  Am I being respectful enough, Father?  Is it okay for me to talk to You like this, real and from the heart, about everyday things?  I hope so.  So far I have not felt bad about it.  I wonder if others who will one day read this will think to themselves, how dare she write to God and speak about the mundane things of life, without proper format, style or register.  But so far as I am feeling connected to You, I see no harm in it.  

You say You are working in us.  Thus my friend was again referring to my parents.  You are working in them what is pleasing to You, not me.  Not according to my expectations, but Yours.   My dear friend gave me two great gifts yesterday: the one was inspiring me to write to You, without his knowing nor mine, for that matter, and the other was making it clear to me that You do not see the sins of my parents.  From Your perspective - so was this explained to me, and please correct me if I am wrong - You see them without blemish.  You have forgiven them their sins.  You love them, and You have removed their sin.  You died for them.  

It is up to Your grace to reveal to them the truth of who You are, Your Word, and the life You wish for them to have.  It is up to You, and my prayers for them, to bring them to the cross, where they can receive eternal life.  That is what I want for them, and I want to ask You to let Your mercy and favor speak for them, in Jesus' name.  

With love, 
Inktaps

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