Prayer for Cross-cultural ASL Sign

Yesterday, as I was working I really struggled to find a good sign for the Word cross-cultural. No matter how I phrased it, I couldn't find the word on ASL videos that I needed. I could find cross, culture, or cross country, but not cross-cultural.

I cried out in my heart. It was not a voiced prayer. "God, I just need to find someone that can help me in person to know how yo do this sign." 

Last night at the art show an old church acquaintance, Geri, came up to chat. 

As she was talking she shared that she is an interpreter. I hadn't known this or forgot.

I asked, "What do you interpret?"

She said, "For the deaf."

I couldnt believe it. God gave me Geri on the very day I needed it. I shared with her that I was trying to find the sign for cross-cultural but I couldnt and I needed help. She asked questions and I explained what I was doing. After processing several motions she helped me settle on a motion that would work. 

I now have my story motion for cross-cultures! I am so excited. 

I don't know why it always surprises me how God provides the answers to my heart prayers, but it does. I felt like dancing and skipping after chatting with Geri. 

God heard my prayer and He answered. He knows my needs and the why's. He answers so sweetly to show me He is so kind. 

Feeling very blessed!

Rivers of living will flow

Living water will flow!

This is my first attempt at painting water rings and droplets. 

Water is critical for life. Here are a few quick stats I found.

55% to 75% of the body is made of water.

Water is a shock absorber for the brain, spinal column, and unborn baby in the womb. 

Water flushes waste out of us.

Water enables growth to occur at the cellular level. 

It is estimated that 71% of the earth's surface is covered with water.

It is estimated that 96% of the earth's water supply is in the oceans.

Water is the fundamental component of every living creature. 

Water gives life.

Water sustains life.

Without water we die with in days.

Spiritually we need life giving water, too. It only makes sense that the One who created heaven and earth would be the One who will give living water.

Jesus once said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Does anyone believe in me? Then, just as Scripture says, rivers of living water will flow from inside them.” (John 7:37-38)

We can have "rivers of living water flow from us" when we believe in the One who is the River of Life. 

Life giving water that quenches our thirst. 

I was trying to convey in this image how the life giving water has a ripple affect even if it is in just one little drop. 

I have to giggle because I just realized as I look at the image the water of life is smiling back at me. 

Father, Thank You for the gift of water and it's life sustaining power. Thank You for Your Son who gives living water that quenches our thirst. Help us to believe in Your life giving water and to give it freely. Let the ripple affect of Your sustenance bring life to all who receive it. In Jesus' name, amen.

What to do in relationships based on Matthew 7

I was listening to a podcast this week on Ask, Seek, and Knock by Dr. Tim Mackey with the Bible Project. He said that we should read Matthew 7 focusing on relationships when we ponder what we should ask for. 

Then as God would have it, I read this chapter this morning in my routine. 

So, I decided to read it with the focus of how to be in good relationships. This is the list of good helps that God showed me.

In relationships...

1. Do not judge.

2. Focus on fixing yourself not others.

3. Stay away from those that devour others or trample on people. 

4. Persistently seek God for wisdom.

5. You will know people by their good or bad character. Watch for it.

6. Do the will of God.

7. Listen to the Word of God and put it into practice. 

This is when we will be known as a person of authority.

Okay, so when we just don't know or we feel confused. We should persistently pray.

O Father, Help me not to judge. Please forgive me for judging. LORD, show me what I need to do, change, or let go. Please guard me from those that devour and trample on others and help me with this person that makes me feel devoured and trampled on. Please, guard me from being the person who tramples on or devours others. I beg you for wisdom in this situation.  Show me their character and the best way to respond.  Father, I do want to do Your will but I don't know how. Please guide me. Show me how to love, forgive, serve, walk, and guide others in all truth. In Jesus' name, amen.