Clarity ... one "click" at a time.

I am sure you , or many of you, have had an eye exam. It sort of comes on slow and you don't actually realize you aren't seeing clearly. Then one day, you realized that you no longer can see certain things well enough to proceed. You need to go get an eye exam. Now, this machine pictured is the tool used to manually adjust lenses until you can see the chart across the room clearly. You know the routine ... "which one is clearer, this or this?" This is a great illustration for how I am feeling and the season I am in right now here in the Philippines. Each day is a click of the manual lens. Clarity comes through conversation, facts, experiences, opportunities, prayer, and the counsel of scripture. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean own your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" Pr. 3:5. As I look for neighborhood, a house, learn travel routes, encounter people, make friends, participate, learn the language, invest in friendships ... all of these are "clicks" that bring clarity and adjustment. I feel God's presence and I see his fingerprints on these different details ... I am in good hands!

My new ride!

This picture was taken yesterday and as we left the house this was also my first time to drive in the Manila traffic. I did good but you will have to experience it to appreciate the full challenge. I have heard some say that driving here is like skiing down hill, you just head in one direction ... and go! This is also in front of Keith & Judy's house. They live in a subdivision near to Faith Fellowship Aurora.

Lifting off ... moment of departure!!

Home sweet home!

This is Mar and Bella's house and I will call it home for a while! Just 13 miles from Camiling.

Six days!

"Open hands"

Now only a few more days. Was packing up the house yesterday, final boxes and bags, deciding what to take, leave, or give away. Got a text from my sister Jan and we had a short back and forth about traveling light. It challenges me on the issue of ownership, the priority of things, and stewardship. Holding all of my things with open hands, even experiences, allowing God to just freely give, take away, and change ... and being more than ok with that, but encouraged, because he knows best.

E-ticket MYERS/GARY 10JAN PDX - AS2450

One of the best moments of leaving is heading to PDX, all packed, ticket and passport in hand! By then, all that needs to be done is done, what isn't done will have to wait. All I have to do is enjoy the journey. For a guy who enjoys a life without borders ... it doesn't get any better. :) However, leaving friends and family pulls on my heart.

Being in the center of God's will, and knowing it, is the best feeling ever! g.

"Till now ... "

I am not a new years resolution guy, however, today I have one; to be mindful and appreciate all God has done for me this far, and let the fact that he loves me and has called me to himself warm my heart and be evident in every area of my life.

Till now the Lord has helped us. 1 Samuel 7:12. The phrase "till now" points in two directions, to the past and to what lays ahead. You can look back and see how God has been faithful in sickness and health, wealth or poverty, honor or dishonor, in joy, in trial, in prayer, in temptation ... till now that Lord has helped us. Till now also indicates that there is more ahead, still a distance to go. "More trials, more joys, more temptations, more triumphs, more prayers, more answers, more toils, more strength, more victories, and then we face sickness, old age, disease, and death. Is it over then? No! Then there is wakening in Jesus' likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the company of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. Be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise your banners, for -

He who hath helped thee hitherto

Will help thee all the journey through.

When read in light of of heaven, how glorious and marvelous a prospect will the "till now" provide for your grateful eye". (adapted from Morning and Evening devotional)

. . . to appreciate God (more) is my new years resolution!

Well, I am trying to get started here. :) I went online and came across this way to share the gospel. I am looking forward to getting into the local community in Tarlac and making new friends. Have been praying about ESL/TEFL and the local college (Tarla College of Agriculture) and ways to build relationships. Pray with me on this.

Prayer Card

I will be leaving for the Philippines on January 10!