New Citizen

I created a new collage' for my husband. I made it to celebrate his becoming a NEW AMERICAN CITIZEN this week. It was a proud day for all of us. The process was fairly simple - just lengthy. He sent his paperwork in last June...and finally got his interview this last Monday! The ceremony was simple and there were many nations represtented (plus there was one other Canadian from Ontario in the room). All immigrants raised their right hand and pledge their oath to the United States.

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

We heard a message from President Bush, saw a short movie with pictures representing the diversity of our nation. We also saw a music video with patriotic clips with Lee Greenwood singing, "Proud to Be An American."

The new Americans received their paperwork, a copy of the constitution, a small flag and then said the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. I think the only thing that would have topped it all off was everyone singing "God Bless America!"

I'm so proud of the new citizen in my home!

Waiting for Blessings

I find it so hard to wait!

Waiting for a friend's planned visit. Waiting for a major event/holiday. Waiting for a job offer. Waiting for the birth of a baby. Waiting for pain to end. Waiting for answered prayer. Waiting...

I was reading in Habakkuk (who reads Habakkuk? :>} )I love the Old Testament!

"This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed." Habakkuk 2:3

My dad believes in the "Nick of Time" theology. He believes God never comes too early (because then we wouldn't know it was Him,) and He NEVER comes late.

The Bible always reminds me that God has a specific timetable that He uses to accomplish His purpose in my life. Sometimes that timetable seems excruciatingly slow, cruel and painful, but...always needful. I know God has a storehouse of blessings He has reserved for me, but my timing to receive His blessings is not the same as the Lord's timing.

When I think about Joseph and the time he spent as a slave, wrongly accused, thrown into prison and forgotten...I would be trying to second-guess what God was doing in my life! If I were Joseph I would go over and over the dreams of my youth, the mistreatment by my family, my wasted years as a slave, years spent in prison...what on earth was God thinking...clearly not about me! Or was HE?

I like to think my "character" is in order. My own self-assessment gives me pretty high marks, and I know God has taken much time over my lifetime to develop my character. But..I also know He's not finished correcting me and my character flaws (no matter my own self assessment). I even believe some of my "blessings" have been delayed due to my refusal to be corrected.

I want to be able to "motivate" God on my timetable. Something needs to happen...yet sometimes He keeps me right where I am. Nothing is moving or happening and it feels as if my whole life is at a standstill...or moving at a snails pace. I begin to feel discontent and wonder if God is evening listening. I want my circumstances changed...I want my life changed!

I believe Joseph had come to a place with God where he resigned himself to remain wherever God had chosen to keep him. He had become dead to his circumstances. I don't think that means I can't long for better days, but there is a Godly contentment that allows me to remain in any condition with a peace that passes all understanding.

Even though it is sometimes difficult to understand, the Lord is just and gracious in His dealings with me. When He does move on my behalf I know I will appreciate any delay and may even better understand the reasons for that delay. I know without doubt the Lord longs to be gracious to me. He rises to show me compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! (Isaiah 20:18)

I will wait...my dreams...I ask the Lord for His grace to sustain me. I know it will be worth the wait!