Windows of Hope 339 | The power of compassion

Some time for handycraft

Nature study strengthens the mind

There is nothing better than spending time in nature...its a best teraphy, becouse the glory of God is displayed in His handiwork. Here are mysteries that the mind will become strong in searching out. Minds that have been amused and abused by reading fiction may in nature have an open book, and read truth in the works of God around them. All may find themes for study in the simple leaf of the forrest tree, the spires of grass covering the earth with their green velvet carpet, the plants and flowers, the stately trees of the forrest, the lofty mountains, the granite rocks, the restless ocean, the precious gems of light studding the heavens to make the night beautiful, the exhaustless riches of the sunlight, the solemn glories of the moon, the winter's cold, the summer's heat, the changing, recurring seasons, in perfect order and harmony, controlled by infinite power; here are subjects which call for deep thought, for the strech of imagination. CG Chp. 6

The nature of missionaries

I experienced in Africa how busy you can be while doing missionary work. People were coming to mission house all the time and it was somehow not natural to say when there was day for rest "Its our rest time now, will you leave please!" some sick people came or were brought very late at night and there was no other choise than to take care for them, this involved a lot of self-sacrifice. In this working field burn out is easy to come, if not to be reminded to take time off. Thanks to God I didnt got burn out, but in the end of the weeks I felt my energy level was getting low. Praise God we could rest on Sabbath day.

I read Aventist Frontiers magazine 04.2011 and article written by Gideon and Pam Petersen (Opuwo, Namibia, Africa) captured me.

It is often the nature of missionaries to have martyr spirits, but this trait can be hazardous.

To be effective in ministry, one must stay healthy in mind, body and spirit. Finding balance is essential for sustained ministry. Ellen White cautions: "Man can shape circumstances, but circumstances should not be allowed to shape the man" (Gospel Workers, p. 192) Doing cross-cultural mission work in new environments, one can get caught up in numerous little habits caused by circumstances. The needs are numerous in the community, and people dont know when to stop asking for assistance. Circumstances often dictate that a missionary house is also the missionary office. This blurs the boundary between work and family time. Time management becomes a challenge. Office hours can become 24/7/365, and this is not healthy.

Pray for missionaries that God will give them possibilities to rest and recharge physical, mental and spiritual batteries.

good memories from Germany

Salad
fresh tomatoes
artichok
carrots
fresh dandelion leaves
sun dried tomatoes
sesami powder

I came back from Germany last week Tuesday with brother and friends. 2000 km drive to Estonia. I was drinving little bit in Poland at night, I had a hard time to keep my eyes open. Its great to see my dear family and friends. My mum got a car, and is very satisfied. Her handicraft was already waiting for taking on the market. This last weeks and coming week is busy time with preparation willow for handicraft...boiling, peeling, drying and storing.
This weekend I was on Estonian-Latvian music festival. It was powerful!I had a great time with dear friend J. We came up to talk about vision in life. If there is no vision then there is no mission...thats how it is...

Success in any line demands definite aim.
We were brought into existence because we were needed. How sad the thought that if we stand on the wrong side, in the ranks of the enemy, we are lost to the design of our creation. We are disappointing our Redeemer; the powers He designed for His service are used to oppose His grace and matchless love. (ST, Aprill 22, 1903 par. 5)

I want to share Bible verses that were uplifting for me this morning, from Job 22:21-28

Acquaint now thyself with him,and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mounth, and lay up his words in thine heart.

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.

Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.

For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.