Haiti Quake Relief, Legacy Standard Bible Update, & Puddleglum Song

Haiti Earthquake Relief

I've read that 2,200 or so people died in the earthquake in Haiti that happened recently.  Yes, so many other crazy things are happening around the world and in our country (and even some flooding in the state that I live in) that this major quake has gotten pushed into the background in many of our minds.

Yes, we as Christians need to pray for those in Afghanistan (Christians and also Americans), for those (especially Christians) in China being persecuted, and the myriad of things going on in the U.S. and Canada, etc..  There are a lot of things to focus on, but this circumstance is urgent as well.

There are Christians in Haiti, and people who have basic needs besides buildings that need replacing.  One church that is facilitating aid through those they know in the vicinity affected is Grace Community Church.

They have it set up so that a person can give by choosing "Haiti Disaster Relief" amongst their choices on their giving page.

HAITI DISASTER RELIEF

Legacy Standard Bible

The full Legacy Standard Bible is available for pre-order...at least the small print handy sized version.  I read that the larger sized print (well, I don't consider it large...more normal) should be available next year.  It's still exciting though!

Legacy Standard Bible (Pre-Order Site)

Puddleglum's Anthem

Some family members shared about a singer recently, and this was the first song by her that I listened to.  I know C.S. Lewis was off some (confused in thinking the ransom was paid more to the evil one rather than God saving us from His own just wrath).  At least that is the impression I've gotten about him.  Anyway, I still appreciate the fiction Narnia stories over all.  This song is more of a take off from it, because she jumps from the story to Peter's denial of Christ, etc.  I don't know the singer, so of course, I don't vouch for her on the whole.

This song is interesting though.

Nearer To My Final Destination

 Life isn't all cake and cappuccino, and it isn't all sorrow and stress.

Sometimes it may seem like the latter, but even in this crazy world there can be reasons to laugh or an encouraging word.  The best encouragement comes from reminders of God's lovingkindness and His ultimately good purposes.  

Sometimes sunshine, rabbits, and flowers are a reminder of God's blessings in this life.  Even the rain and thunder can remind a person of God's power.  He rules over the weather...not the weatherman or anything we do.

I recently finished the Biblical Doctrine book, and I listened to and watched other things about future times.  Knowing of the final outcome...Christ's future reign here and into eternity with a new heaven and earth...it really is like a true happily ever after for those who belong to the Lord.  Some of what is now and in between seems fearsome, but I know it is only temporary.

Daily a reminder is needed to trust God through the difficulties and suffering and uncertainty.  The world truly seems to have gone insane, and often we seem helpless.

God is our helper though, even if sometimes we seem to be about to drown without care.  Even when I don't know what to do, I know that only in Him is my hope.  I must trust Him not to let go of us, and it doesn't depend on me.  Even in the tossing waves, God is bringing us nearer to our final destination.  May God cause the waves to grow me closer to Him.  The fires that destroy wood also purifies gold.  The waves that can topple a sandcastle or cause a bird to run can cleanse a wound with the salt though it stings.  I may not know all of God's purposes, so I must remind myself of the truth about Him and pray that He will work in me and through all of the insanity going on in the world.

There are so many little things to remind myself of that God has given me to enjoy, and He's given me His Word to learn from.  I just need to remember to look and find there is something to be thankful for.