Someone Understands

Do you ever struggle with feelings that you can't quite find words to describe? And, if you could, you wouldn't be gutsy enough to share them with others because they just wouldn't understand? I've certainly been there...as recently as today.

Sometimes we wonder if anyone else on the face of the earth could comprehend the complexities of our battles. Then, out of the blue, we discover that someone has actually written about the exact thing we're dealing with. Keeping those thoughts to ourselves for fear of being misrepresented or misunderstood can lead to dangerous introspection but at times we just can't get them out there.

A book I refer to time and time again is Bright Days, Dark Nights by Elizabeth Skoglund. I've mentioned it here in Pilgrim Scribblings several times. She skillfully uses the writings of the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, attempting to bring light to the dark subjects of depression, anxiety and loneliness among other things.

Skoglund quotes J. B. Phillips whose book Your God Is Too Small is a classic. Phillips uttered these words of confession, "The hardest thing of all to bear is what I can only describe as a nameless mental pain, which is, as far as I know, beyond the reach of any drug, and which I have tried in vain to describe to anyone."

He continues, "It would have been of inestimable comfort and encouragement to me in some of my darkest hours if I could have come across even one book written by someone who had experienced and survived the hellish torments of mind which can be produced. And, alas, I know very, very few clergy or ministers who would even know what the sufferer was talking about."

So we carry on, alone to a degree, but we know that God DOES understand the pain we bear. And so, again, we are forced (why does it have to come to that?) to cast our burden on the Lord knowing that He will sustain us and bring us out of that dark, hideous place. Rejoice that we know One who was there. He was the Man of Sorrows and he's very much acquainted with grief.

Take Heart Pilgrims!

Psalm 36:7
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.




Posted by Terry

Storms

Thanks to our dear Pilgrim Pal, Saija, who posted this quote over at Thro' A Glass Darkly.

I'm so grateful that the everlasting arms of our eternal God are nursing us as we pass through the storm.

Rest in Him, dear Pals, and thanks for your prayers as I'm tossed by the waves of doubt and uncertainty. God is my refuge and strength!

Here's that quote:

"The brightest souls which glory ever knew,
Were rocked in storms and nursed when tempests blew."
~ Anonymous

Pie Jesu

I want to dedicate this video and song to the Page family.

It moves me to tears whenever I hear it and also comforts me

LATIN
Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu,Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu,Qui tollis peccata mundi;Dona eis requiem,Dona eis requiem.
Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei,Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei,Qui tollis peccata mundi;Dona eis requiem,Dona eis requiem.Sempiternam, sempiternam requiem.

ENGLISH
Lord, have mercy,Lord, have mercy,You who take away the sins of the world;Grant them peace,Grant them peace.
Lamb of God, Lamb of God,Lamb of God, Lamb of God,You who take away the sins of the world;Grant them peace,Grant them peace.Peace everlasting,

Posted by Amrita

For Of Such Is The Kingdom Of Heaven

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008 06:02 PM, CDT
Thursday evening and I just got home. Doing my usual routine. Get the mail, say hello to the kitties, and seeing if I have any email or posts on caring bridge. This site has really been a light in my darkest of days. Seeing the video posted by Aaron on Youtube (Tribute to Erin Page, please watch it!) really made my day Sunday! I wouldn't have known about it if it hadn't been for Caring bridge and his momma posting a note here. I'm sorry I didnt get to see everyone at Erin's birthday celebration but all i would have been doing is crying and I'm tired of crying. I appreciate Kimberly and her entire family doing that to honor her. I was looking at Erin's pictures on Kimberly's myspace when she was a little girl and it's hard to think of her being gone from this earth. I wonder if it ever will get any easier? I miss her so much and I dread the coming holidays. Sometimes I sit and try to run the last 7 or 8 months through my head. Trying to remember the last things Erin and I talked about or where we ate together last or where we had went the weekend before she got sick and endless other things. I dont wanna lose my memories. I dont wanna forget one thing about my life with Erin. I cherish every memory I have with her whether it's good or bad. I remember carrying her out of the room into the hall so everyone could see her when she was born and i remember praying over her in nashville when she was leaving us to go and be with Her Lord Jesus. I think about the last fifteen years and how my life has changed and where i've came from. In some ways I have advanced, in some I have stayed in the same place and some I have probably regressed. I am honored to be erin's dad. That's the best part of my life past present and future. I love her more than any other thing or person in this world. I know you're supposed to love God more but is that humanly possible? I guess what I've written may not make alot of sense to anyone but me but it does me good to put my feelings down here. I appreciate everyone who visits this site and if you have any pictures of Erin from any time in her life I'd love to have them. you can send them to me at ccepage@charter.net. I'll be sure to make sure Kimberly gets them too! Erin, daddy loves you!

Chris Page


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2008 01:46 AM, CDT
Hello Everybody! It is about 2am on Saturday, October 25th. I can't sleep, however that is not unusual these days. Everytime I lay down and try to go to sleep, I think of my baby girl. I replay everything that happened from the first moment my baby girl got sick until the day at Vandy when we had to make the choice to let our baby girl go to her Heavenly Home!! I will never forget Dr. Fleming standing next to me, putting his stethoscope on Erin's chest, putting his hand on my shoulder, looking me in the eyes, and saying, "She's gone"! That was the worst moment of my life! I know it was the moment of Erin's going home. But, it was the first moment of mine and our whole families lives changing forever! I love to hear the stories about Erin and how her life and death have changed so many lives. It continues to amaze me how my precious angel has changed so many lives including everyones' in our families. Erin's passing and testimony have brought so many people closer to each other and so many lives to Jesus. I don't really know what I want to say but I am hurting! We are all hurting! I so appreciate all of the compassion, love, caring, and prayers we have received. I know you continue to lift our families up in prayer. I thank you for that. I ask that you continue to do so as we get ready to face the holidays without our baby, our angel! Erin left so many people behind who ache for her physically. We know that she is in sheer paradise, while we wait here on Earth to join her. Please continue to lift us all up in your prayers. Chris, Carolyn, Brian, and myself as her parents. All of her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and her friends who continue to ache. Thanks for listening (reading) as I vent. It helps us to know that people are there and that people care.

I love you Erin Michelle Page!!!!! Your Mommy












http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/erinpage

Pilgrim Time...Around the World

Hi Pals!
I just changed the world clock from GMT to EST...is that okay with everyone or is it supposed to be on GMT? I wasn't sure so I thought I'd try to change the settings and see what happened. Amrita, is that okay with you, especially?

LPP

INDIA WORSHIPS

I am posting 2 Indian worship videos.

The first one features musician and composer Anil Kant with his wife and daughter . They are singing a Psalm like song.They are Hindu converts.

Come all you people of the earth

Worship the Lord

For He is good

And His faithfulness endures forever.

___________________________

The second video is from a rural church in Central India (I am guessing from the language on the banners) Churches like these are flourishing all over our land.They have a large open shed like place where believers gather.There is a similar worship community of more than 5000 Christians (mostly from rural areas) on the outskirts of my city.

The music on the second video is by the Yeshua Band from Bombay. They are not performing on stage.

They are singing

Come Lord Jesus Come

Let your glory shine in me.

You can see people of all ages worshipping theLord together.

Posted by Amrita

Greetings Pals

A very precious and dear friend of mine sent this picture to me this week.....it was exquisite and full of the created work of God ....she must have known how happy it would make me....the sunrise, trees, clouds, water.....the minglings and mere touch of his handiwork...a loving pick-me-up...





this morning as I was reading ....2nd Timothy 2:1-2...

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus...and the things that thou has heard of me amony many witnesses, the same commit though to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

I stopped to thank God for all those faithful followers of Christ, trustworthy brothers and sisters in Christ, who helped me experience God's favor. What a privilege it is now, for me to invest my time in a relative, a store clerk, a young child, my own sweet grandbaby, a teenager, a young woman, an elderly man...all through the power of the Holy Spirit. There have been some hardships and heartaches that have changed and shaped my life.....and I pray that I forever speak the truth in love to others.


It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord
and to sing praises unto they name, O Most High

To show forth thy loving kindness
in the morning and thy faithfulness
every night.

Psalm 92 1,2
Thinking of you today LPP and LMG .....may God's comfort and peace surround you...
...Passing-Thru, Terry, Jel who is busy taking care of her mom, Felisol, Amrita, Saija, Pilot Mom, Vicki, David,Lauren, Laura, LMM, Julie C....keeping you all in prayer and have missed being here and hearing from many of you....

blessings,
donna

A Letter to the Union

I just finished typing up a letter to my Union to address the lie someone has stated about me, saying I gave false information in regards to a job reference. I didn't have to write the letter but I am not going to have it on my file that I mislead my Employer when I clearly did not. The lie about me is ludicrous to say the least and I'm sure it can easily be proven untrue. It's so silly - so childish - some people are just bend on the distruction of others. O how the devil must dance for joy when he gets someone like that to do his evil work. Ah, but I have Almighty God on my side and no matter what the outcome - I triumph because of Jesus - He is my sword and shield.

You know, we pray for world peace and yet so easily say malicious things about each other, not caring how it will damage the other person's life. And to do it when a person is already down with an illness is just cruel. Please pray that the person or persons behind this lie will repent.

Thanks my friends.

Little Missionary

For All Of Us

Dears Pals...I got this in my email this morning. It has helped me!
It will help you! Love Terry


On His Shoulders
READ: Luke 15:3-7
He shall dwell between His shoulders. -Deuteronomy 33:12
Our family likes to hike, and we've had some grand adventures together. But when our boys were small, our enthusiasm caused us to walk too fast and too far, and their legs often grew weary. They couldn't keep up the pace, despite their determined efforts and our assurance that the end of the trail was just over the next hill.

"Dad," would come the plaintive request, accompanied by upraised arms, "will you carry me?" "Of course," I would reply, and hoist the child on my shoulders. He was not a burden, for he was little and light.

How often, like my children, I've grown weary, and the end of my efforts is not even in sight. I can no longer keep up or accomplish the task. But I am learning that I can turn with arms upraised to my heavenly Father, who walks beside me, and I can ask Him to carry me.

I know He will lay me on His shoulder as a shepherd carries the lamb that was lost (Luke 15:5). There He will joyfully carry me all day long, for I am little and light-no burden to Him. There I find rest, for "the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders" (Deut. 33:12). - David H. Roper

Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you-
He will carry you through. -Palmer


The God who holds the universe is the God who is holding you.

Another Happy Birthday to PT

Hello, Passing-thru!

I just want to make sure you know how much we all appreciate you...I'm putting up ANOTHER happy birthday post, but please scroll down and you will see the first one.

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace...
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Numbers 6:24-26; Proverbs 10:22
------
A happy birthday to you
A happy birthday to you
May you feel Jesus near
Every day of the year
A happy birthday to you
A happy birthday to you
and the BEST year you've ever had!!!!

May God's richest blessings come upon this year, Passing-thru!

Discovered in the Archives

This morning I re-discovered the following thoughts as I was digging through my computer archives. I was challenged and encouraged all over again. My prayer is that you would be reminded afresh that "the eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27 (KJV)

Here's that "old" devotional thought from the past:

My favourite scripture verse is Deuteronomy 33:27 “The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.” I quote it often. The “epistles” I send out often bear this verse. To my discredit, some of my friends often quote God’s word back to me when I fail to fall back into those everlasting arms.

The founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance penned the following words that meant much to me this morning:

“Art thou sunk in depths of sorrow,
Where no arm can reach so low?
There is One whose arms Almighty
Reach beyond thy deepest woe,
God th’ Eternal is thy refuge –
Let it still thy wild alarms;
Underneath thy deepest sorrow
Are the everlasting arms.”

- Rev. A. B. Simpson

Run to your Refuge today and find solace in those strong arms!

In God's Waiting Room

Many of our Pilgrim Pals are in a "waiting" mode. Waiting for God to provide, waiting for an opportunity to arise, waiting for a new position, waiting to see how the Father will deal with a particular circumstance.

I know that I'm in that mode. He has asked us to wait on Him. To emphasize His point He often uses the word "wait" twice within a verse. "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." - Psalm 27:14 (KJV)

This morning I read the following poem in OUR DAILY BREAD. Be encouraged by this today, dear Pals.

Wait and, in waiting, listen for His leading;
Be strong, thy strength for every day is stored.
God forth in faith, a let thine heart take courage;
There is no disappointment with the Lord.

Happy October Birthday Passing-thru

I had a special request that we Pilgrim Pals wish to our dearest Passing-thru a very Happy Birthday We are really not sure when the exact day is but one little bird in our group did figure out the month to be October, so whether this is earlier or later, our thoughts and prayers go out to you Passing-thru. Maybe one of the bakers in the bunch will bake you a fancy cake!
Love from all of your Pals ...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is a song for you!

Psalms

My eyes fell upon the following verses from Psalms and gives me hope in the face of those who I think are behind a lie being told about me. Tomorrow I have a meeting to get some direction on how to handle this - please pray for those behind the lie to be convicted in their hearts and repent - pray for their salvation.
Ps. 27 vs 10-12 "Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes; for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence....."
Ps. 28 vs 7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and I am helped."
Ps. 54 vs 4-7 "Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one who sustains me. Let the evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them...."

It is comforting to have a God who moves heaven and earth to defend us in the face of lies and those who seek our downfall. Even though His justice isn't on our "microwave" time, we can take great comfort that He will come to our aid in His perfect time - God will have the last Word and He is the Truth!

Little Missionary

Walk by Faith

Hello Pals!

We sang this last Sunday at church...it touched me so much, I thought I'd share it with you.





here are the lyrics:

Will I believe you when you say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Help me to RID my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With the one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do

yeah, yeah , yeah, yeah, ya

well i will walk by faith
even when i cannot see
because this broken road
prepares your will for me

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face
Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me
(Repeat)
Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Hallelujah, hallelu


I will walk by faith, I will walk by faith,
I will walk by faith ......

-------

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
--------


God bless you,
LPP

How Great is Our God

(Prem leading worship in his church)

I got an email from my BIL Prem saying when his factory

was about to be shut down due to financial crisis,

some of his non-Christian co-workers came to him and said,"Mr Premkumar you pray to your God and if He answers your prayers and our factory does not close we will believe in your God.

Well, the factory was closed for several months and some people lost their jobs too, but they survived the crisis and re-opened

in mid-August.

The folks who had challenged Prem to pray

came to him and said, "Your God has answered your prayer,

please give us directions to your church,

we want to come".

OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

Posted by Amrita

30 Million People

Yesterday was Blog Action Day on which bloggers worldwide chose a particular issue to blog about. This year 's was POVERTY. I have another post about it on my blog

Title: Food They Bought For One Week And The Number Of Persons In The FamilyGERMANY: The Melander family of Bargteheide - 2 adults, 2 teenagersFood expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07UNITED STATES: The Revis family of North Carolina - 2 adults, 2 teenagersFood expenditure for one week: $341.98JAPAN: The Ukita family of Kodaira City - 2 adults, 2 teenagersFood expenditure for one week: 37,699 Yen or $317.25ITALY: The Manzo family of Sicily - 2 adults, 3 kidsFood expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11MEXICO: The Casales family of Cuernavaca - 2 adults, 3 kidsFood expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09POLAND: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna - 4 adults, 1 teenagerFood expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27EGYPT: The Ahmed family of Cairo - 7 adults, 5 kidsFood expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53ECUADOR: The Ayme family of Tingo - 4 adults, 5 teenagersFood expenditure for one week: $31.55BHUTAN: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village - 7 adults, 6 kidsFood expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03CHAD: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp - 3 adults, 3 kidsFood expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23

A poor family in India has to survive on $1.50 a day . The family can consist of 6 to 8 members.Sometimes they end up eating bread and salt or potatoes.

Whether we live in a land of milk and honey or thorns and thisles let us as God 's people reach out to those in need.

This song by Todd Agnew speaks to me

Posted by Amrita

Spiritual Battle

Spiritual warfare calls for weapons the secular world would say is a waste of time...prayer! Prayer, along with proclaiming the Word of God, will protect us in this battle - we may suffer some battle injuries but we will NOT be defeated as long as we use these powerful weapons given to us by God.

I seem to have more than my share of warfare in the last couple years....one battle settles down and another one rises up. Some "battles" may begin on in the physical realm, they can quickly become a spiritual battle in our minds. Satan is a liar and he will "piggy-back" on anything to try and get into our minds to discourage us and get our eyes off of our Heavenly Father. This time I am pulling out the weapons - I'm a daughter of the King of Kings and He provided weapons....I'm using them! So watch out devil and watch out those who have cooperated with him.

Once again I am faced with a "situation" related to my workplace. I don't want to give the details - but basically a lie about me has been told by someone - I have good reason to believe a former co-worker (where I was being bullied) has said something untrue and the new job I got before having to go off on sick leave again is trying to use it to get rid of me. Please keep this situation in your prayers; along with other meetings and paper work I have going on regarding my illness.

Little Missionary

Indo-Canadian Thanksgiving

My sister Anjali( Above Mahima, Ashish, Anjali and Prem)
Celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with their Shri Lankan friends in Indian style. Anjali made Tandoori Turkey

Tandoori cooking uses Indian spices to bake fowl. Its really delicious.Wish I was there.

And Anju 's next 2 weekends are busy too

1.Prem is hosting a Saturday morning Men 's Prayer Fellowship with brunch.

2 After that is daughter Mahima 's birthday weekend so 9 of her HS girl friends will be coming over.

How 's that for hands full.

Posted by Amrita

Note To Amrita

Dear Amrita:

Be assured of our prayers during this very difficult time for Christians in your country of India. We are praying for your mother as well.

Please feel free to add a time clock to the sidebar of Pilgrim Pals.

We love you and we're all standing together!

Grateful for His love and grace,

David

Thanksgiving Soup

I've taken this post from Pilgrim Pal Paul's Still Rambling blog. I'm not sure I would be thankful if I was in his shoes but then...Paul is much more spiritual than the Pilgrim Father.

Paul writes:

One of my favourite Christmas treats is Candy Cane Chocolate Fudge Crackle ice cream.... I have never ever seen it come out this early... it's usually November before I find it.....but I found some today.....

and here's my Thanksgiving poem to show how truly thankful I am!!

Praise God from whom
all blessings flow
this ice cream came
before the snow.

while shopping for
some pumpkin pie
these tubs of GLORY
caught my eye

i bought two tubs
I plan ahead!
But sad to say
I'm an air head

I plunked the tubs
inside my trunk
while driving home
I heard a clunk

I ended up
with out my car
and walking home
seemed just too far

Canad'ian TIRE
I saw with glee
garage doors open
just for me

We limped on in
my car, and me
to see what kind
of help they'd be.

"Your Batt'rey's dead"
his words brought pain
some of my cash
those words did gain!

but cash aside
and truth be told
I'm thankful for
those words so bold.

No tow truck came
no long long walk
I'm thankful for
mechanic talk.

But whilst I fixed
my battery dead
the ice cream slipped
my mind... oh dread.

So now I'm home
and here's the scoop
my ice creams' merely
Ice cream SOUP!

but I'm stillllllllllllll thankful for it!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wondering What's Next

Hi Pals-
I just posted this entry on my own blog but I thought I would also post it here. Sorry it's so long- I'm very confused right now, and whenever I struggle with something I write....and write, and write, and write!! I've had a hard year dealing with failing and struggling to find my way, which is hard for me to admit, so I'm sorry if I ignored posting here and on my own blog for way too long! I went for a big Thanksgiving hike with a few friends here today and felt a little bit better when I got home.
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Pals...I'm so thankful for all of you!
~lauren-mary


I’m a firm believer that God has a plan for our lives, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering my favourite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. During so many rough times in my life I have clung to the fact that God has that perfect plan for me. However, lately that really hasn’t been helping. I’m looking at the hand of cards God has dealt me, and I feel like yelling “deal again, because these cards STINK!”. I don’t want this plan; I want to know Plan B, Plan C…Plan Z!!

I went home a few weeks ago to visit some friends, go on a few job interviews and take care of my parents’ house while they were in Vancouver. While I was there I met up with two of my friends, Heather and Tracy, for lunch at one of our favourite Kanata restaurants. We laughed so hard, and it felt so good! We got caught up on each others lives and went over all the old funny stories from when the three of us used to work together. I felt so good to laugh so much that my sides were hurting and at one point I actually had tears in my eyes! When I got into the car afterwards, I sat for a minute and realized that I couldn’t remember the last time I had laughed that hard. It made me really sad, which I know may sound crazy- who gets sad over being happy?! It made me miss the “old days”, when I was happy with my life and everything was going well.

I don’t deal with change very well- I like everything to stay the same. This past year has been a constant reminder that everything in my life is changing. I feel like I’ve lost all my old church friends- out of the ten of us, I’m the last single, childless one. Whenever I see them I feel like I don’t fit in anymore; their lives and priorities are so different than mine. It’s hard to hear “Lauren, come hear about my great new job/hold my new baby/meet my gorgeous husband” when nothing is working out for me. I know, I sound immature right now!

If I could, I would snap my fingers and go back three years. I was so happy then- I had school, swimming, horses, jobs that I loved, friends that I could laugh with. I feel like I used to have everything, and I’m just sort of sinking right now. My grandmother said that everyone needs to fail at some point in life, but I’m not enjoying it. I got very used to being an honours student, varsity athlete, sports editor for the campus paper…I sat on committees, went to conferences, rescued cats (does anyone remember little Jack?)!!

I went out to the barn when I was home to say hi to some of my barn friends and see some of the horses, and as I walked down the aisles of the barn, it really hit me: everything is different now. The staff is almost completely different- most of us have moved away or gone on to other jobs. I used to know all the clients, and as I read the names on the stall doors I thought “I don’t even know who half these people are, and I’ve only been gone for four months!”. I guess the change had happened slowly over time, but it really hit me that day that people are moving on and growing up.

I think I could handle this better if for me moving on meant moving on to something better. Right now I’m struggling so much with work. My work in Muskoka got extended to the end of October, but it’s only volunteer work. It’s been a great experience (I’ll have to post pictures soon), but I’m ready to figure out what’s next. I’m applying to every job I can, and barely getting any interviews. I’ve been looking into going back to school and I’ve found a few programs I’m interested in, but without a (paying) job, I have no idea how I’m going to afford it.

I consider myself an optimist, which I would say is a result of my faith- that God will never give me more than I can handle and that He had a plan for me that will give me hope and a future. I like to smile and laugh and I just wish I felt like it more. I know in my heart it will all work out, but my head is having a hard time getting it.

Blessed Thanksgiving to All!

Love to all the Pals from number two picture snatcher![No!, not David but Terry! David is number one!!]]

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Pilgrim Pals.

What a beautiful time of the year!

We are grateful to God that my mom was able to come home from the hospital for the weekend. She had been there for over 11 weeks!

God is certainly GOOD and we praise Him for the blessings He lavishes on us.

Be blessed today!

- David

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Canadian Pals!



'I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.' Philippians 1:3-6

~Laura

The night before Thanksgiving

Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep.

I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned - the dark meat and white,

But I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation,

The thought of a snack became infatuation.

So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door

And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,

Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling so plump and so round

'Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky

With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.

But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees...

Happy eating to all - Pass the cranberries, please.

May your stuffing be tasty, May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes 'n gravy have nary a lump,

May your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize,

May your thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed!

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Pals,(even the ones who have to wait a month before they can enjoy a scrumptilious turkey dinner!)

Love,

Little Montreal Girl

For God So Loved

One of my favourite Southern Gospel groups is the Triumphant Quartet. I've heard them LIVE in concert and have spoken with several of their members.

Listen here to a moving song entitled For God So Loved. Be blessed and encouraged as you're reminded of God's great love.

- David

Glad to be Home

Is God's Word alive in you.....are you sharing the gospel?

I was driving home yesterday, experiencing the breath taking scenery of the
fall colors.....I was on the highway called The Future 99 Corridor in
northern Pennsylvania, when I found myself surrounded on every side by the rolling hills and
magnificent beauty of His creation ........

When I share the gospel....His Word is alive.....
and I find myself surrounded by the awesome beauty and love of Him....

it's good to be home again....





How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him that bringeth
good tidings, that publisheth peace
that bringeth good tidings of good
that publisheth salvation
that saith unto Zion
Thy God reigneth !!!

Isaiah 52:7



blessings
donna

P.S. there are more pics over on my blog...

God is Good

Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.
Micah 7:8

This photo is of the Dal Lake in Kashmir.

The Lord gave me this verse in my morning Quiet Time.

It gives me such hope and strength.

Sometimes during the course of the day it seems as if the enemy is gaining ground.This is a word to remember and breathe anew.

Things to praise God for

1

We got a lady to massage my Mum 's weak arms and legs at a very low cost otherwise we would not have been able to afford it.

2

Mrs Noori sent us word that she has started reading the Christian material we sent her.

3

From Oct.26th-29th there will be a Christian Conference at a venue just walking distance from my house (I don 't have to worry about the transport). I will be attending. I am so excited and rejoicing because its after a gap of 7 or 8 years I will be able to participate in a Believer 's Conference. There will be people from all over my state and other parts of India, many of them friends.I just hunger and thirst for occasions like this and the Lord has granted me the desire of my heart.

I only have to find someone to 'babysit ' my Mom while I am away for the day.I will do all the house work and cook her food before leaving for the meetings each morning and I can come back in the afternoon to check on her. I am encouraging her to concentrate on getting well and build up her strength, so she can attend one or two of the evening meetings. I can request one of my friends to take her in their car.My Dad and Mom attended scores of these conferences and helped organize and run them in their younger days.

OUESTION AND SEEKING PERMISSION

Is it OK if I add a world clock in the side bar? Its kind of interesting to know what time it is in differnt parts of the world where our Pals live.Let me know Pals if its alright with you.

POSTED BY PAL AMRITA

India 's Tears

Posting this article from Christianity Today, so that we may raise prayer support for the suffering church. I have video on my blog which can only be viewed by strong hearted people.

Worse Than Ever

Christians knew the attacks were coming, but no one knew they would be this deadly.Susan Wunderink posted 10/09/2008 06:23AMRelated articles and linksLike many people in the eastern India state of Orissa, Nikhil Kumar Kanodia knew an attack on Christians was imminent. But unlike others, Kanodia was a police superintendent. When he declared that Hindu attacks on Christians in his district of Kandhamal would be prosecuted, he was immediately transferred. Soon afterward, Kandhamal became the epicenter of massive anti-Christian violence. Nationalist Hindus have killed, raped, and otherwise assaulted Christians, burned Christian schools, churches, and houses, and left tens of thousands homeless.Nina Shea, vice chair for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the attacks are essentially pogroms "to rid the state of the Christian minority." The World Christian Database says active Christians make up about 3.3 percent of the state's population.Christians are often warned by fliers or friends when an attack is being staged, said Sam Paul, secretary of public affairs at All India Christian Council. Still, some are unable to get out of their homes or flee to the jungle for safety. Paul told CT he had the names of 36 people killed in the violence by mid-September. Since then, there have been several more fatalities throughout India. The Times of London called it "the worst anti-Christian violence in India since Independence [in 1947]."Militant Hindus also attacked Christians in other states, particularly Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.Orissa made international headlines on Christmas Eve 2007 for a similar string of attacks on Christians, as well as 10 years ago, when Australian missionary Graham Staines and his children were burned to death in their car.Anti-Christian violence "could happen anytime, anywhere" in India, said Stephen David of the Centre for Contemporary Issues in Bangalore. "There is increased opposition and increased hatred toward Christians because the messengers of hate with the Hindu community have become more articulate and better organized."But in most areas of the country, the violence does not enjoy the level of support it has in Orissa. While mobs usually set up roadblocks to keep police and fire departments away, the local police and the state government are widely considered accomplices in the violence, said Paul Swarup, pastor of Christ Church in Noida, Delhi.Shea said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that governs Orissa and the militant Hindutva groups have "a symbiotic relationship," though "there's a separation between the terror and the political rule." Both the party and the groups say that India is for Hindus, even though the secular democracy has a millennia-long legacy of religious pluralism.Many Christians are participating in protests against the ongoing violence across India. Some groups, such as All India Christian Council, are calling for the state government to be ousted under an article of the Indian Constitution.The latest violence began after the murder of Hindu leader Swami Lakshanananda Saraswati, who advocated anti-conversion laws, and of several of his disciples. While a militant Communist group known as the Naxalites took credit for the murder, the BJP and affiliates blamed Christians.That claim is ridiculous, said Swarup. "Christian militant groups just don't exist. [Christians in Orissa] are the poorest of the poor. They probably struggle to put their meals together. It's impossible for them to purchase grenades and AK-47s" (the weapons used to kill Saraswati).But while they are not as well funded as the Naxalites, "some of the Christians are violent, too," said David. News reports said Christians retaliated against police in Karnataka state after several weeks of anti-Christian violence. Hindutva groups attacked police as well.Orissa's population is mostly Dalit, the lowest rung in traditional Hindu society. Christianity represents relative security for a convert, since India has many reputable Christian schools, hospitals, and charities. "Conversion is basically equal to development," said Sam Paul. For that reason, many Hindus claim that converts to Christianity were bribed or tricked into it.The majority of conversions are for spiritual reasons, Paul said. But some are more motivated by the possibility of increased social standing.The violence may get worse in the run-up to India's general elections in spring 2009. The BJP wants to replace the Congress Party, and Swarup said one of its main tactics will be to show that the current government cannot maintain order. Meanwhile, the mobs stoke nationalist Hindu sentiment as they scapegoat the Christian minority.Although Orissa has had anti-conversion laws since the mid-20th century, Swarup and other Christians cite the national constitution and their spiritual obligation to preach their faith."If we believe the gospel is life eternal for a person, if it is Good News to the poor, why should that Good News be stopped? It's their choice whether to accept or not, but it is their basic human right to hear that news."Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Posted by Amrita

Here I Am

Hello everyone...

I am still in Virginia.....

I am heading home to NY tomorrow morning....if you would include me in your evening prayers tonight and morning prayers tomorrow...

thank you

blessings
donna

Hey Where Is Everybody????

Not a Pal in sight!..............Love Terry

Prayer Request

Please pray for my Mom, since the past 3 months she 's been un-well.

Through prayers and changes in treatment she is better but extremely weak.Her spirit has been droopy and despondent too lately.

Please remember her in prayer her name is Hazel.

This photo was taken on her 77th birthday this June.

Posted by Amrita

When He Was On The Cross I Was On His Mind

from Terry

Hi Pals

Hi Pals, sorry I 've not been able to post anything here lately but I 've done posts on activities in my church , A Kidz Fest on Oct. 2nd and a visit by the YWAM team if you have time pop over to
YESU GARDEN
See ya
Posted by Amrita

Update on Prayer Request

Hello dear pals!

I'm sorry I didn't come over here to let y'all know how I did on Friday. First of all, thank you all soooo very much for your prayers! I read your comments when I came home from taking the test, and I was very encouraged. I had God's perfect peace there, and the test was fairly easy. I had to get certain ones right to pass, and those I am sure I answered correctly, and then a total of 12 out of 20 correct to pass...I think I may have gotten 2 at the most wrong, because they were very tricky and confusing! I had an interview which went well, and then I was told in 8 weeks I will hear from them to let me know when the ceremony will be! We are all excited. My grandparents are especially thrilled.

Thank you, again, for your prayers. Thank you for your continued prayers for my family. We have begun attending an amazing church in Montreal, and we are being encouraged and loved by its members. God is so good, and we thank Him for His faithfulness!

Please also keep in prayer the Jewish community in our area as we continually reach out to them with the love of the risen Yeshua Ha'Maschiah (Jesus the Messiah). A group of them blessed us with a plaque in memory of my dad at a local synagogue recently. I e-mailed Mrs. Shirkie the pictures if anyone wants to see it-- it is really touching, and quite moving.

God bless you all richly!

LPP

Who Is This Person?

Who is this person profiled below? The one who knows us best is "us". We know our quirks, our warts, our struggles and our strengths. When I read the following profile on a blog, my heart resonated with hers. She is someone who I have come to know and love through her blog and her comments. I appreciate transparency! We need to be "real". This writer is just that...REAL!

Who is this person? Doesn't this sound like someone who tells it like it is?

Here's her self profile:

Freelance writer, retired nurse, friend to the broken-hearted. Out of sync with the world; utterly dependent upon God. Artsy, creative, and warm. Sensitive. Sometimes too sensitive. Introspective. Sometimes too introspective. Funny - I crack myself up. Missionary with a pen; soul mate to the weary. Easy going til I get freaked out. Sentimental, hormonal, sometimes both at the same time.

I believe in knee-mail, giving from the heart, speaking the truth in love, standing up for what's right, walking by faith, and relying on the inexhaustible grace of God. I've discovered that psycho-babble can't help me, the self-reliant can't understand me, but true spirituality is a living, breathing, saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

ANSWER: This is our beloved Vicki, one of our PILGRIM PALS! Be sure to check out her blog here.

Let's Try Again

Last week we mentioned that the Greater Vision concert at David Jeremiah's Church, Shadow Mountain Community Church, would be broadcast LIVE over the internet. It didn't happen. The concert is now included in the church's archives though. You'll enjoy this wonderful evening of Southern Gospel music and you'll get to meet Greater Vision's new tenor singer Jacob Kitson.

Click here to get to that concert! ENJOY!

Susan's Long-Awaited Day

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 4th, 2008 is the long-awaited wedding day of one of our original Pilgrim Pals, Susan Bunts. She will marry Chris Wachtel and begin a brand new chapter of life. We extend our heartfelt love, prayers and best wishes to Susan and Chris as they enter into this marriage bond. We love you Susan! We are excited to see what great things God has in store for you.

Note: I know that Susan wasn't sitting around waiting for me to post this "Wedding Announcement". She's far too busy today for that. But...within seconds of this post appearing on PILGRIM PALS Susan had posted the following comment:

Thank you so much David, Terry, Vicki, LPP and all the Pilgrim Pals. Busy days for Chris and I...but we extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your love, support and prayers on our behalf. We are most grateful to God for what He is doing in our lives...and the people He's brought along side us to encourage us to have a strong marriage with Christ as our center. We pray that the entire day will be pleasing to God. That all our guests will see the love of Christ and unity and joy in the Lord. That all conversations will be pleasing to Him. All our love...Chris and Susan

Susan posted the following on her blog, Susan's Blog: Be sure to click on the YouTube video as well!

One of the fun things that my fiancé Chris Wachtel & I did in preparing for our wedding day was to put together a video of our lives. We stand amazed…as we look back and see how God concurrently and providentially worked in our lives to bring us together. We clearly see how He used events in our lives to shape and form us so that we are so perfectly suited for one another. October 4th, 2008 on our wedding day…this video will be shown at our wedding.


We want honor and glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the Author of our love story. We thank our family and friends for their love, support and prayers as we become one. Chris…I am so grateful that my hopes, dreams and prayers will be coming true with you…as we begin our new life as husband and wife on October 4th. May Jesus Christ be the Foundation of our marriage and first place in our lives. After Christ, may we put each other first.


We fondly remember our parents who will not be here to share this day with us. We love you and thank you Leo & Ruth Wachtel, Frank Bunts and Gayle & Joseph Lorenat. I love you Christopher Leo Wachtel and can hardly wait to be Mrs. Christopher Wachtel!

Please Pray

Dear Pals,
Please pray for LPP's citizenship test tomorrow. It is at 8:30 Am. We will let you know when we know the results.

Thank you!
Little Montreal Girl

For What Is Our Life?

For A Limited Time
READ: James 4:13-17
You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. -James 4:14
On a crisp October morning, our local newspaper featured a stunning photo of sun-drenched aspen trees whose leaves had turned autumn gold. The caption read: FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY. The irresistible invitation to take a drive through the mountains to savor the brilliant colors conveyed the urgency of doing it quickly. Autumn leaves that are golden today are often gone tomorrow.

Our opportunities to obey God's promptings are also fleeting. James warned against an arrogance that assumes endless days will be available to carry out our good intentions. "You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. . . . Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (4:14,17).

Is there an act of kindness or encouragement that God has urged you to do for someone in His name? How long has it been since that first prompting? With so many demands on our time, the urgent tasks demand our attention while the important things can be postponed. But a time will come when even the important can no longer be done.

When we follow God's urging with our action now, today will be golden. - David C. McCasland

If God is prompting you today
To help someone who has a need,
Don't hesitate, the time is short;
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. -Sper


Doing what's right today means no regrets tomorrow.