Teaching in Valdemarpils, Latvija

Darkness greets me and bids me rest each day. The days continue to shorten for another few weeks until Christmas. When a dim daylight does eventually come, my view is of a pine forest and open fields, with a frozen stream running through them. Candle light brings a warm glow to the room, and a hot cup of tea takes the chill away.

I am blessed to be in such an idyllic place for this week, as I teach in the DTS here at the base. It's nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of Riga and enjoy the Latvijan countryside. The 'real' Latvija as some will say.

The teaching is on Biblical Worldview, one of my favourites to teach. How we see the world, and what we believe to be true shapes the way we live our lives, and thus shapes the world in which we live. What we think really does make a difference. I'm challenging the students, as I myself am challenged, to examine what we believe about who we are, what is our purpose here in this life, why is there poverty, etc., and determine the fruit or consequences of those beliefs. Do they line up with God's perspective and solutions? It continues our process of renewing our minds, to have the mind of Christ, to take on God's perspective. In such, we become a part of building a world around us, although fallen, that God intends - so that it 'will go well with us'. Obedience and conformity to the statutes of God's Word brings life and blessings...not only to our own lives, but moreso to the nations. Genesis 12:1-2

It's been over a month...

and since then, I've been in Australia teaching in a Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Adelaide, connecting with the friends there. It was a rich time! Being back in Australia is always refrenshing! The weather was turning warmer and the days longer.

As I write, snow is falling heavily, blanketing the ground. I'm no longer in Oz, but back in Latvija, where the days are growing colder and shorter. One hopes for snow, and it's beauty, to brighten the grey surroundings.

Winter holds a beauty of it's own...God's creation in a bit of a dormant state, in order to produce more fruit in the future. To hear the song of the black-capped chickadee sitting on the bare tree branch wakes one out of the slumber of the season, and reminds us not only to hope for the next season to come, but to live in, take in, and enjoy the current season.

Why is it we often want the winter season (whether literal or figurative) to pass by quickly and spend most of it looking ahead to 'spring'? God is challenging me to take in all He has for me in this season. There isn't a demanding schedule right now, other than teaching here in Latvija, and the specifics of the arts ministry being established here. It's more a time of re-assessing, equipping, and planning - looking to the future, but living in the present. He as been speaking of rooting myself more deeply in Him, to be prepared for what lies ahead.

When I first came back to Latvija to begin my long-term stay here, a dear friend wrote these words..."Latvija - a great place to enjoy the beauty God has made, spend time in His presence, carry out the mission He has given, to dream His dreams...a place to be inspired and creative...a place of challenge to move mountains...the right place to establish God's kingdom". In order to even begin to touch the possibility of seeing these come to pass, I have to be rooted deeply in God! It's not at all about what I can do to see these things happen, but what He can do. So, I take steps, then wait, take steps, then wait - all under His direction.

Developing a Heart of Gratitude

There's nothing like a misty, cool, spring day in the Adelaide Hills. I sit by candle light (mixed with a bit of computer screen light - ugh), reflecting on the last year and all that God has done. These moments of reflection have been inspired by the AGM or Annual General Meeting held here at YWAM Adelaide.

It seems we don't stop often enough to think about all that God has done, from where He has taken us, and dare to dream about where He wants to take us. These aren't geographic locations necessarily, but places in our relationship with Him, and plans He has for us to co-labour with Him to be agents of change - history makers even! Sounds big, eh?!

God is big! There's none more able to move us on, to equip us for things we never dreamed possible, than God!

So, looking back...

He has given me new direction and vision, as He promised!

He has prepared a place for me in Latvija

God is faithful!

He has provided finances to do what He's called me to do

He has provided friendships, teachers, and mentors

God is big!

He has opened doors for an Arts Ministry to take it's first steps toward becoming reality

He has provided a venue for an 'outdoor studio' in one of the prime places in Riga - Dom Square

God is good!

He has kept me safe and well

He has built bridges for me to cross into the art community in Latvija

God is compassionate!

He has been faithful to His word and gave us the completion of the first DTS (Discipleship Training School) held specifically in the city of Riga.

He has opened doors to disciple others, and tell others about His love and invitation to know Him

God is just!

He has surrounded me with family in YWAM Adelaide and Riga, and in through my churches in US, Australia, and Latvija

He has blessed me with a loving family

God is merciful!

He has opened doors for me to teach and disciple in Latvija, Ukraine, and Australia.

He given power to overcome the enemy and walk victoriously in Him

God is kind!

And all these, He is - faithful, big, good, compassionate, just, merciful, kind...out of love for us! It's the out of His love that His faithfulness, goodness, compassion, justice, mercy, kindness, etc. flows.

I could go on, and be more specific about the things He's done. It would be endless! However, I am reminded now, to stop more regularly to think, even in the course of one day, how much God has done. It's massive...and a sure way to develop a heart of gratitude.

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday - Bush Fires, Russian Festivals, and Climbing