Sowed $2.75, Reaped $100

I'm connected into a wonderful church here in Toronto, it used to be called the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, planted by John and Carol Arnott. It is now called Catch the Fire (CTF) and has, since the outpouring of Holy Spirit began early in 1994 (called the Father's Blessing), multiplied across Canadian borders into other countries. Their annual conference started on September 23rd this year with a rich line-up of speakers including John and Carol themselves; Steve Long; Duncan Smith; Marcus Lamb; Kenneth Copeland and Rheinhard Bonnke. I cannot remember when I first heard of Rheinhard Bonnke but I recall working through a set of DVD's designed by him for home group discussion when in Austria in 2007. I don't think I grasped the fullness of what he was saying, seeing it was all in the German language, but I do know I was moved to a greater faith in Father God by watching and learning from this mighty man of God. 

Later on, while in Wales, I connected with Rheinhard Bonnke's ministry, called Christ For All Nations, (http://www.cfan.org.uk) and through the leading of Holy Spirit was able to sow into their ministry of holding gospel crusades in Africa and beyond. Like Angus Buchan, Rheinhard Bonnke, is a simple, humble man who has believed God, simply preaching the gospel with the result of mighty exploits for the Kingdom of God. So far CfAN have led 74 million people (and counting) to salvation in Jesus Christ. Rheinhard Bonnke is now 75 years old, that's basically just under a million people for every year he has lived. Extraordinary. How can we not be inspired to be all God has called us to be when we hear of these great exploits. Jesus said, greater things than these will you do*. 

Looking back, it was a dream of mine to meet Angus Buchan (http://angusbuchan.co.za), you might have heard of this 'Faith Like Potatoes' man. He has hosted hundreds of thousands of men at Mighty Men's conferences in South Africa and around the world, preaching the gospel and seeing miracles of healing, not just for the men but for their families too. God orchestrated a divine encounter with Uncle Angus (as we call him) when I was on a farm in Worcester, England two years ago. I stood next to him, slightly awestruck, while the anointing he carries silently fell over me. Just a few minutes in his presence brought such sweetness. I was humbled that God would give me such a divine encounter! Not only that, I again met him last year in Northern Ireland when, through an unprecedented miracle of God, an orange lodge parade was cancelled for a two day preaching event in the middle of the town of Magherafelt. The farmer from Africa held nothing back in sharing God's heart for the people who came and many miracles of salvation happened. And with many people pressing in on him for prayer, we were again highly favoured to get an opportunity to talk to him and get prayed for too. From that high to another...seeing and hearing Rheinhard Bonnke exhort us in person. 

So when I heard that he was one of the speakers at the CTF conference, I confess I didn't quite believe it. The reality of it had not hit home until the day before Rehinhard was due to speak, here's why: I had a return flight to the UK booked for September 10th. In the last two years of being a full time missionary, I have not used my return flight once, in it all I have learned that God has His plan and when I follow, even if I don't understand, His perfect peace accompanies me. Again, He told me to forego the flight, so I stayed. What a crazy but incredible way to live, just trusting that if Father says He will provide, you can take His word to the bank. Before this, I had no idea whether I was even going to be at CTF for the conference as my journey with God is to just take one day at a time. 

The church had asked for volunteers to help with various jobs during the conference, as a reward each volunteer received a free pass, which would normally cost $180. Once I knew I was going to stay, I asked Holy Spirit if I should volunteer and He gave me the green light. The form asked for my area of preference, I wrote: wherever you need help, I'm happy to help. I prayed that God would show the coordinator where He wanted me to position me. He did, I landed shifts on all four days...in the kitchen! Cooking and hospitality are my God-given talents and if I had stated my preference, that's exactly what I would have chosen. I was so grateful to have been chosen to help, not only that but in the very area I delight in. 

In the meanwhile, I had no money left. Whilst I've been here, Father God has from time to time, supplied me with money - this is used to bless others, to tithe, for transport and basic needs like toiletries - and the last lot I received had almost run out. I didn't have enough to get the bus to church to volunteer. The Sunday before the conference started, as we got ready to tithe, I thought about sowing the $2.75 I had left in my purse. I second-guessed that thought, wondering if I was being a money-martyr. That's a term I use for myself, as I can easily and very quickly give it all away! I doubted, which is unusual for me and ended up not sowing what I had. As the week progressed I waited, in faith, for finances to arrive and they didn't. Confused, I wondered why nothing had come in and thought this was another stretching of my faith. But I was not stranded. I had a choice, so I humbled myself and asked for bus tokens from my host family. They gladly helped me, thank God, in addition they and others gave me rides into and out of church. God had me covered, I had no problem being present to volunteer. Phew! 

There was an opportunity to sow on Friday night at the conference and this time I didn't need any prompting to finally give my $2.75. As I sowed the last of my cash I suddenly realised I should've done it last Sunday. Nevertheless, I had such joy in sowing it then and there.

Earlier that Friday, I met a lovely lady who was sitting outside at the picnic tables, I headed there after my shift to get some fresh air and sunshine. We chatted and Holy Spirit prompted me to pray for her. It was a divine moment. That same lady, led by Holy Spirit, came up to me the next day, the last day of the conference and sowed no less than $100 into me. She said, I felt yesterday that this was for you but I couldn't give it to you until today. Ah the timing of God! He gave me a second opportunity to sow the $2.75 and thank God, He enabled me to perceive it and grab it without the previous hesitation. That is the grace of Father God. I shared with my new friend how I had sowed the last of what I had the day before. A simple act of faith produces miracles. If I had sown in obedience that last Sunday when prompted to instead of entertaining money-martyr thoughts, provision would have come sooner! Lesson learned.

Rheinhard Bonnke was as fervent as ever as He spoke to us on that Saturday night. He said, among other things, there is no comfort in unbelief. It's true, when we have no hope, nothing to believe in, there is zero comfort in that. But when we have faith in God, He comforts us. He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and with us, one of His roles is Comforter. You can listen to Rheinhard's talk here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ_Z3fTIy0U. I highly recommend it. You may be prompted to go out and buy a bow and arrow afterwards and frankly, I wouldn't blame you. This mighty man of God, along with all the others that fed us from their testimonies, by being vulnerably honest about their lives, refreshed me with renewed hope. It's what I needed and I thank God for every second of it, what a treat! 

Father God is our greatest Encourager. Ask of Him, He will connect you, teach you and enrich you through His Holy Spirit and through those in the body through whom His Spirit flows freely. Dream big!

*"Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works I do he will do also and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father." John 14:12 NKJV

The Love of the Irish

Warm raspberry and white chocolate scones, with lashings of real butter and a hot cup of tea, just one of the hallmarks of my time in Northern Ireland. As much I liked the scones (and the wheaten bread) the most memorable and meaningful thing that I encountered when I lived there, was friendship. It was not just meeting new people or the fun I had with them but the continual, intentional investment of time, prayer and affection that results in a deep rooted and growing love for one another. 

Walking with God means He makes key introductions along the way, leading to beautifully, rich friendships that reflect His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. You just never know who you are about to meet and why but as believers we can be confident that all through our lives, God will knit us into His colourful, vibrant family in interesting and surprising ways - knowing this, we can also partner with Holy Spirit to call forth these divine connections by faith. It was probably five or six years ago that I met one of the most beautiful women I've ever known at a healing conference near Surrey, outside London. It was a lovely day and I headed outside with my lunch tray, looking for sunshine - I got what I was looking for and so much more. 

There she sat, a right bonny lass, her deftly styled pixie haircut framing beautiful eyes. I asked to join her... turns out she was struggling with the same affliction I had been healed of, so she was eager to hear my story which she needed as encouragement for her own journey; we both knew God was at work. She said, you should come and visit me in Northern Ireland. I said, I'd really like to. We both meant it yet years passed and though we exchanged a few emails, we didn't make firm plans to see each other again but nothing is in vain with God, there is a time for everything. So when I found myself in England, living alongside another beautiful Irish lass (hoping it's contagious), I mentioned that I had a friend from her neck of the woods...turns out nearly everyone knows everyone, or their nearest relative, in Northern Ireland, so no surprises, they knew of each other too! Shortly thereafter I was on a God-assignment in none other than Northern Ireland and finally Naomi and I got to fulfil the desire of which we spoke of that day long ago. Our friendship blossomed as we got to know each other more, we spent time eating together, praying and encouraging one another along the path that God had called us to walk. Not only did she invite me into her home but she invited me into her heart, and so did her husband, Mark. They became wonderful friends who spoke prophetically into our lives, sowed tirelessly into us through prayer and also through finances, obedient to Holy Spirit's leading. Their presence was an oasis to me, being with them refreshed me and gave me great joy. I'll never forget their kindness, the key part God called them to play in my life in that specific season and how they obediently and with joy, played it. It was a glimpse of the Kingdom in its fullness. 

Then there was Steven and Lynette who lived about a 15 minute drive from us. They were already great friends with Deborah but having only met them once briefly, I hardly knew them. It didn't take long though as I cannot remember a time of feeling like 'I'm still getting to know them'. Just like with Naomi and Mark, God had it ready and waiting. All I had to do was walk in His will and by default encounter the safety and refuge that was Steve and Lynette. They welcomed me with open arms. Both of them did, in equal measure. I really enjoy long hugs, sometimes people want to pull away at that time when its usually deemed appropriate but sometimes I keep holding on. There's a healing in that affection, it's a mystery and I don't know exactly what happens but we're born to experience that kind of physical embrace and not just fleeting moments of it. Off course, being a single woman, you can't always do that with men and the propriety that comes with Christendom creates definite, if unspoken, boundaries. Yet with Steve, this was not the case, not then, not now. Lynette recognises that, as with her, one of Steve's gifts is affection, he is equipped with that certain aspect of Father's heart that embraces and there's healing and refuge and strength and love in it. She gives him room to spend his gift on her, their children and on others. I'm so grateful that they do not let jealousy or insecurity stand in the way of giving love away because it's a delight to be a recipient! No awkwardness, no-elephant-in the-room propriety, it's such a relief as it made me feel so welcome and it's what I really needed. 

Their home is the kind where you can open the fridge and help yourself, sleep over if you felt like it or put your feet up on the couch at any time of day. In that setting, we enjoyed many laughs and prayer times; welcomed Shabbat with praises and thanksgiving; celebrated birthdays; ate many plates of butter chicken and just enjoyed being with each other. They were available and we needed them to be. The result was that Holy Spirit filled us up and we experienced healings and received revelation, so we could get even closer to Father God. Fellowship is a key to experiencing heaven on earth. Jesus taught us how to pray, He said, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. As we pray in faith, hear the will of Father spoken though the leading of Holy Spirit and then do His will, we get to see heaven on earth. Sometimes doing His will is having an open door, welcoming people, hugging them and sharing your food with them. Sometimes it's giving them freedom to open your fridge door and help themselves, because whatever you have, you're willing to share. One of my love languages is cooking/hospitality, it is my gift to others. As a missionary, I sometimes get that opportunity and when I do have a kitchen to cook in and the freedom to cook as I want, what I want, it's wonderful! Steve and Lynette gave me creative license to do in their kitchen as I would have done in my own. I felt so at home, and when I go back there, I still feel the same way. 

This brings me to, what is for me, one of the most beautiful psalms of David*:

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity. It is like the precious oil, poured on the head, running down the beard, on Aaron's beard onto the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord commands a blessing, even life forever more.

David writes of Aaron's head and beard. But we have a High Priest who is greater than Aaron, so David in writing this, prophetically speaks of something greater than the Aaronic priesthood, namely the Messianic priesthood. The oil represents the anointing of Holy Spirit, (for me, the pleasure of our Father) that is poured (not trickled, not drizzled but given without holding back) over Jesus Christ - and we know that whatever is His, is ours, because He shares freely with us** - and as it pours down His beard, it pours onto us, His body.*** 

True unity is loving one another. This brotherly, God-authored love is so powerful, that when we choose to do it, it is likened to the power of Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. This unity enables the body (us) to act as the Head thinks, then we are one not only with our Messiah but also with each other. So here is the double portion, do you perceive it? When we choose to dwell together in unity, we get the same oil (power and pleasure of God) that is poured out over Jesus because we are one with Him, i.e. directly under His Lordship. The resulting effect is that we come into an even deeper, greater unity with our Head and also each other (e.g. the eye and hand respond together in obedience to the thoughts of the Head). Unity begets unity and that leads to Father's blessing of life forever more.

I have had the privilege of being a part of this good and pleasant unity in many parts of the earth but most especially in Northern Ireland, where turmoil and division have been a theme and dark cloud over the land and people for years, there is good news, Father God has turned the tide and the oil is pouring forth. 

There are many others in those parts that welcomed me, fed me, prayed for me, sang and praised with me and encouraged me. The love of Christ in the hearts of those whom He has called His own, that I had the opportunity to meet there, is strong and continuing to grow. My prayer for those who stand in faith in that land and indeed all of the UK is, come Holy Spirit! More! I bless you a thousand times as much as you blessed me, may every need you have be met by our faithful God and may you see waves of revival hit your shores. Amen.

Though I have not written of all of you (aye, perhaps there's a book in it), I say thank you to each of you who impacted my life with the greatness of the Living God, whether it was a visit; a movie ticket; a hug; a testimony; prayer; a meal or coffee; a prophetic word; money; a car; fuel; a surprise birthday dinner and picnic; a tour around Belfast or even a smile, it all caused my faith in Father to increase and revealed more of His character to me. Keep going my friends! I love you, it is an honour to know you all. Catch the fire Ireland!

*Psalm 133 ESV

**John 16:12-15

***Colossians 1:18 NLT

Something afoot in the heavenlies

As I walked along the tree lined streets last week, Holy Spirit asked me, did you notice the season is changing? I had noticed as the temperature had dropped about ten degrees. But when He said that to me, as always with Him, there is something deeper. As I walked, I started to take note of the details: some of the edges of the leaves were turning brown and others yellow, some trees were bearing an abundance of red berries that created a mush on the path as they fell. Summer was indeed giving way to autumn. The natural points to a higher reality and as I pondered these changes, I knew God was saying, there was a change in the season for me too. 

On Monday last week, this was what I saw in the sky and what Holy Spirit said about it:

I had a return flight to the UK booked for last week, it had been booked three months ago. I have learned over the last two years of travelling with God, that a paid-for return flight does not necessarily mean you get on it. As with everything I have to enquire of Holy Spirit for direction, for His guidance. Friends were praying for me too. Most of the feedback I got personally and also from a couple of friends was for me to stay in Toronto. Additionally and most importantly, I had God's deep peace about staying. It's much easier to take a step of faith when you have God's perfect peace. 

The day before the flight, walking to the bank, I stopped to take note of the sunset and the cloud formation (as you can see God speaks through everything including the clouds), I noticed something peculiar but couldn't decipher it. So I asked Holy Spirit to make it clearer to me. Walking back the same way, the clouds had moved and formed, no less than, a maple leaf (the symbol on Canada's flag), I call that a sign. It was the seal on the guidance I asked for and I knew I was to stay. Father God also gave peace to my hosts so they also did not feel it was time for me to leave. Phew! Not out on my butt yet, a GREAT relief. My hosts are my friends and also believers; they hear Holy Spirit, so their peace was another confirmation for me to stay on. A change of season didn't necessarily mean a change of country.

As I sought Holy Spirit to reveal more of Father's heart to me for this new season, I also asked him for more fellowship, people I could sow into and vice versa. The week before my flight was booked to leave for the UK, the church advertised A School of Champions which is geared at familiarising attendees with the core church values. I felt a strong prompting to go to it, yet, it was scheduled for after my flight was to leave. So I asked Holy Spirit for specific confirmation in that if I heard the word 'champion' then I would know it was His will AND I would also know I shouldn't get on that flight. Days went by and 'champion' did not pop up anywhere. As I walked past the maple leaf cloud formation in the sky, I asked God why He didn't confirm my specific request like He does for others. He said, because you're not others. I knew that He was encouraging me to have faith and simply trust His prompting, so I registered for the school. An extra amazing thing was that it was gratis, yes totally free! We didn't even have to pay for the book. What a delight.

That night, just before bed, scrolling through my news feed on Facebook, I spotted a post that said, WORD FOR TODAY from Sandi Krakowski, it said: The focus for this season for many of us is transition, the word signifies going from one place to another. We must look and anticipate forward and not look back. To look back during a season of transition is like driving through busy traffic with your rear view mirror as your focus. We can't do that, we must TRANSIT: go from one place TO another. Oftentimes the midstream is very challenging. It can cause is to fear forward and fall back. But don't let that happen, RUN forward...don't fall or fear back. You have God's DNA in you! You are a champion who digs deep into relationships but digs lightly into locations. The richest life you and I could ever live is one fully awake with child like anticipation as God leads! Woohoo! We're in transition! Say goodbye to one place, say hello to a new place! Get a core group of deep relationships around you but where you lay your head at night really doesn't matter. It is who is with you that is important. GOD is with us, He is cheering us on! Happy transition season to us all! Happy birthing to many of you! Some of you are pregnant with a new season! A new beginning! HAPPY transition! 

I highlighted the word champion for the context of this blog. God did confirm it after all! The thing is I have been praying that I would hear the still, small voice of Holy Spirit more clearly day to day and I would, accompanied by peace, instantly obey. Off course there are times like with the flight that I need to be accountable and ask for confirmation especially from those praying for me. But God was answering my prayers of hearing and obeying by giving me a strong prompting to go the School of Champions and I truly felt it so actually I didn't need another confirmation. But He gave me one, after I obeyed, anyway! Ah, I love my Abba. 

The school was a rich time of learning and growing, it wasn't just people explaining to us the culture and values of the church, these were people who have lived it and have real-life testimonies to tell because of it. Their sharing and the practical application times were a catapult into healing and restoration for many of us attending. Among other things, we practised using our prophetic gifts to bless one another. I asked God for something for the person next to me and I got a picture of a guitar, I asked him if that meant anything and he said, yes, I'm learning how to play the guitar. Then Holy Spirit expanded that he would get closer to the rhythm of Father's heart through his journey of learning to play the guitar. Love it when He speaks so clearly! 

So I got to sow prophetically, through prayer and sharing my testimony with a few people there. Father God was answering my prayer for more fellowship. If that's how the new season starts off then surely there is more to come! I'm so grateful to God.

This last Sunday in worship at church (which was wonderful) these things came to me:

1) I was promoted to pray out, forget the former things, behold I do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it.

2) I saw the word SHIFT, just like that, in big block capitals. After worship, the speaker opened their message saying, there is a SHIFT.  Yay God!

The same day we were preparing to celebrate Rosh Hashana which is also known as the Feast of Trumpets, ushering in the new biblical year, 5776. A wonderful, humble man at our church felt God lead him to host the Feast in a mall where he worked. I had no means of getting there and I really wanted to go. A few days earlier a kind friend invited me to go with her and even offered to give me a ride home too (which was quite out of her way). Yes please! I was so grateful, I even got a delicious lunch and more rich fellowship too. What an abundance poured out over me! I'm so thankful to God. So we went and celebrated with great blasts of the shofar, praise and feasting on Father's presence. One of the pastors at the Feast prayed out Isaiah 43:18-19: Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

This verse has been a key word to me this year, as Holy Spirit has highlighted it to me over and over again, even that very morning.

The pastor continued to pray and said, there is a shift in seasons and an open door stood before us. 

On Tuesday this week as I lay soaking in God's presence, I saw a door before me, a great light was behind it and as I approached it, it opened.

I pray in this new season that for all, including me, who are standing in faith for the new things that Father God has planned for us, that we will keep standing. I thank You Father for all You are doing, may our eyes be opened to perceive it, thank You for all the confirmations and the ability to bless others, may we take every opportunity presented to us. Strengthen us to run our race with perseverance keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising it's shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.* Father, refresh us with new hope, help us to put on the garments of praise and to stay in the flow of Your Holy Spirit listening out for His prompting and teaching. We are so grateful to You and give you all the glory for this new season and all that is in it. 

*Hebrews 12:1 ESV

Journey to the Falls

Ever looked at a map and dreamed far off places you'd like to visit? I first learned of the Great Lakes in high school (in South Africa) and being a dreamer, my instant thought was, I want to go there. But it was just one of the numerous silent desires suspended in my heart, I had no real hope of ever going there. 

Fast forward 20+ years, even in a time when I have discovered real Love* and been equipped with real hope, I had all but forgotten that desire to visit the Great Lakes and behold the majestic Niagara Falls. But God. 

In 2013, God gave me a vision in which I saw myself being in the USA and also Canada. In May this year, as I journeyed in faith hand-in-hand with Father, I found myself in upstate New York - I had been in the USA for nearly 3 months by then so a part fulfilment of the 2013 vision. I was very close to the Canadian border and wondered if I would go there. Indeed it was to be as Holy Spirit led me into Canada for the first time, specifically to Kingston, a lovely town which is on one of the Great Lakes! Yes, I got to see Lake Ontario with my own eyes. It was a wonderful few hours on a warm Spring day and I felt loved in each moment I spent there. God had remembered my heart's desire and not only that, He had fulfilled it. I shared my delight with my mom and she suggested going to Niagara Falls too but I was only in Canada for a few hours and the Falls were on the far west side of Lake Ontario so that was not possible then, but I began to hope...

My first view of Lake Ontario...

I was resting in the UK after my mission in the USA ended and was also asking God, what next? I try to have a blank page when asking these questions so I have no expectations and am open to whatever Holy Spirit shows me. Still, I wasn't expecting Him to say, Toronto! Canada again, so soon, it seemed my few hours in Kingston was just a foretaste. As I was preparing to leave for Toronto, I took some time apart to seek God for anything He wanted to share with me to equip me for my stay in Canada. He gave me a vision in which a lady I would meet, would say to me, 'you haven't been to Niagara Falls?! Well, I'll have to take you there.' I journaled it and thanked God that He would raise up a friend for me and also that I would have some company when that dream came true. It's always nice to have someone to ooooh and aaaah with!

I have been in Toronto for nearly three months and in that time I have been tempted a few times to book a day tour to the Falls. I was surprised to pick up a pamphlet in the foyer one Sunday, there was even a tour operated by someone at church. For me it was a sign, God was saying, it's on it's way. Every time I had funds available, asked Holy Spirit if the money was for a Niagara Falls day tour but I had no peace, so didn't book. He had a plan and I had to be content to wait on His timing.

Then about two weeks ago, the mother of my host family, knowing of my desire to see the Falls, suggested either joining a day tour that was being organised for some church visitors leaving that Sunday OR going with her to Niagara Falls. She had no idea about my vision months earlier. This, I knew, was the moment I stepped into the dream becoming a reality, I chose to go with her and her children. 

I admit, at first glance it was all a bit surreal to me, a kind of pinch-me-I'm-dreaming moment. It took a little while to let the pounding waters of reality penetrate my half-awake mind. But they did! As I gazed at the waters that flowed unabated, thousands of clear blue-green litres per minute, I was in awe of God, His power and majesty and I was very grateful. I had great joy as the spray of the Falls plastered us; the tour boat carried us as close to the horseshoe falls as was safely possible. 

As I gazed at the wonder before me, I heard these words, Psalm 42:7 Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls, all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. 

Sometimes life can seem so overwhelming, like circumstances are swallowing us up. The psalmist knew something of this. Those crashing waters of Niagara Falls are beautiful to watch yet deadly if you're swept up in them. In the midst of a dream, like this one, coming true, you may find yourself, like me, still contending for the greater promises to manifest. I did not consciously pray about going to Niagara Falls, I did not harbour a constant longing for it for years as I do for some other things. It was a silent prayer of the heart from many years ago. Yet, God heard and He chose to make it a reality. Where does that leave us with the things we are praying in faith for, sometimes for years?

The psalmist goes on, thank God, he doesn't remain churning in the waters. In the midst of feeling swept up in what seems like hopeless circumstances, we can STILL have hope, verse 8 says: By day the Lord commands His steadfast love and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

Day and night God is with us. While He is making one desire come to life, He is working on the others He has planted in our hearts. Our enduring faith is pleasing to Him.** Keep going! The last verse of that psalm says: Hope in God for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.  

Look for His hand in each day and continue to ask for the little things as well as the big things. When you see His hand at work, even in the minutiae, allow yourself to be encouraged that we are one step closer!

If Father was working behind the scenes to make Niagara Falls possible, imagine what else He is working on... 

* 1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God for God is love.

** Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God for whoever comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.