Becky's Bytes

beckythomas — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:10:06 +0000

This is it! This is what makes it so wonderful to attend the Girls’ Ministries retreats for the Penn-Del District. These girls hear the word. Then they act on it. The tear falling from the nose is an incredible testimony of how God moves.

In the midst of the uncertainties of life … God moves.

What wonderful things God has in store for the rest of this weekend! I cannot even imagine.

Good job, Sharon Poole!!!

When these girls hear the Word … it helps them to STAY THE COURSE. What an impact it is!

Love

beckythomas — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:39:37 +0000

“Some people care too much, I think it’s called love” ~Winnie the Pooh

After talking of how I am stingy with saying, “I love you,” the impression on my heart has been that someone needs to know they are loved. Maybe you are the one who is generally the encourager. Maybe you are the one who keeps contact with family and friends. Maybe, at this very minute, you are saying a silent prayer of, “Just someone please show me that you care!” Continue reading.

A favorite story has been the parable of the lost son in Luke 15:

¹⁷“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ ²⁰So he got up and went to his father.
”But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

²¹“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²²“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

²⁵“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ²⁷‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

²⁸“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

³¹” ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³²But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.‘ “

This story tells of how the father’s love was always waiting. The love was not dependent on how the child behaved. It was not dependent on what the child said. It just simply was. The father came running to his son. He did not look at what the child was, but what he knew the child could be. Oh, the love of our Heavenly Father … to love us in spite of what we have done, loving all the while as we strive to become what He wants us to be.

God has shown time and again throughout the Bible that He is always right there with us.

Held In His Hand

He longs for us to reach up and take Him by the hand. I imagine the love in His voice as He speaks to Adam after the “fall”. “When they heard the sound of God as he was walking in the garden and they hid, and [He] called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ (Genesis 3:7-9)” Can you hear it? Can you sense the deep love for His creation as He says, “Where are you?” As a parent would call to a child out of sight in a crowded mall, “WHERE ARE YOU?” with an urgency burning in the heart, with a love wanting to keep the child protected and safe … that is the love I hear in God’s call to Adam. He did not have to ask Adam where he was. God knew. He saw where they were hiding. He asked as a way to show His love even through the disobedience.

Wherever you are, whatever you have done, remember that God loves you. It is unconditional. When you feel that no one cares, remember the love of the Heavenly Father and know that He is jealous for your love, too. Take Him by the hand and walk with Him today.
How He Loves (John Mark McMillan)

He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy

When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful You are
And how great Your affections are for me

And oh, how He loves us so
Oh how He loves us
How He loves us all
Yeah, He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves

And we are His portion and
He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking
And Heaven meets Earth like an unforeseen kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest

I don’t have time to maintain these regrets When I think about, the way…

That He loves us so
Oh how He loves us
How He loves us all
Yeah, He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves

Love; I Didn’t Want To

beckythomas — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:55:17 +0000

“You made me love you. I didn’t want to do it.” I remember singing this song when I was in a group called “Sisters of Swing”. How I didn’t realize that this song’s words would apply in a different aspect more than ten years later!

The word love seems to be all too ordinary. I am not one to easily say, “I love you.” If I do tell you, you should know that it comes from the heart. It is something seldom said, but meaningful when spoken. There should be effect in that spoken word, therefore, it is used sparingly.

India. Ah! Aw! Now that has a special place in my heart. I can truly say, “I love India.” So, you can imagine my dilemma when I felt compelled to go to El Salvador. Yes, there was excitement of going someplace new, of the unknown, of a different type of ministry. However, there just wasn’t room for love. That was reserved.

This picture, this tear makes the necessary accommodations. I now can say, “I love India. Yes, but I also love El Salvador.” El Salvador, you made me love you. I didn’t want to do it! I didn’t want to be torn between “where” I should go. I didn’t want to make room in my heart, because it does take its toll.

The toll is priceless when it encompasses a soul. The expense of loving returns substantially. Reservations are not observed. “There is no fear in love. 18”

The love for El Salvador was tangible. Each one prayed for was to be touched. They could then feel God’s love through us. “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.16 … love is made complete among us.17 We love because He first loved us.19 (1 John 4)” We were able to be God’s hands and feet, bringing love to His children. Even those who stood in the distance, they were beyond our touch, but not our reach. They were able to hear of God’s love.

Beloved, feel His touch today. Feel His loving arms around you as you face the uncertainties of this life. Let His love rain down on you as you listen for that Still Small Voice in the quiet hours. He is love. God is love. He loves you unconditionally. May you feel that passion deep in your soul today and know that you are never out of His reach!

Beautiful Joy In El Salvador

beckythomas — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:25:13 +0000

Oh, El Salvador! What a hold it has on my heart! The natural beauty of the landscape is astonishing. When traveling, you just want to try soaking it all in. And then you meet the people …

I love India and ministering to the children there. I knew it would be the same in El Salvador. I enjoy so much reaching the kids and hugging them. Little did I know that an older lady would take my heart.

I was taking pictures of the ministry, trying to get the “perfect” picture. As I looked around, one lady’s and my eyes locked. There were two members of our team praying for her, so I kept my place. Our eyes, however, kept connecting.

As the team handed out the balloons and candy to the children, my heart went to this lady. I asked a fellow team member to stand and let me get their picture together. The lady was willing to do this for me. As I showed her the picture of herself, beautiful joy spread across her countenance. She immediately began smiling and laughing and jumping up and down. She spoke to me in a language I didn’t understand, but I understood the heart. She was overjoyed that we took “her” picture. So of course, we did anything we could to get a joyful reaction from her … so I could get her photo.

The beauty that was found in simple joy … a photo … will forever be a part of my heart. Oh, El Salvador! You don’t know what you have done to me!!! I WILL be back.

Hidden

beckythomas — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:23:33 +0000

Oh, the hidden dreams!

As a young girl, I always pretended to be a great gymnast. I would take my Dad’s two-by-four lumber and lay it in the grass. Then I would make my flamboyant beam routine, complete with cartwheels on the lumber. Ah, such dreams!

Just six days ago I got to do another stunt. It was bold. Daring. Quite inventive. I’m sure it was such a sight to behold.

I was at the top, making my decent with such grace and ease. Then came the bobble. Ah, but to recover with a somersault! This began the routine that no one, not even the most skilled gymnast should attempt.

Okay. So the acrobatic stunt took place in church. Holy roller I am, because roll I did! Again, may I remind you: DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS AT HOME or church or anywhere!

I had finished filling in on PowerPoint Sunday morning. Services ended and the congregation was quickly filing out of the church. I wanted to catch a friend, so I gathered my stuff and took off down the stairwell.

Only one or two steps down, my heel caught on my pant-leg. The bobble. As I pitched forward, with one arm full and the other with my purse, I tried to catch myself. I missed the metal railing by just that much! My arm went between the railing and the cement block wall as I continued making the decent with momentum. That momentum, and having the retardant of the railing against my arm, caused my wonderfully graceless somersault. Have you seen the Kung-Fu fights where one flips the other while holding their arm? That was me! Only my assailants were the steps and railing.

Needless to say, I came to rest in a sitting position on the landing. I will tell you, the steps are cement with green paint. That green paint made it’s mark on my pants. Praise God I was wearing pants! One thing that caught my attention was that my belongings were not strewn all over the landing. It was as if they were laid down, awaiting my dismount.

Today, I still have numerous “reminders” of my less-than-professional acrobatic stunt and greatly bobbled dismount. I should have known I would do something crazy before leaving on Monday for a two week Girls Ministries El Salvador mission trip. The visible reminders are healing. Praise God! However, those “hidden” reminders are delaying the healing process.

The hidden wounds are the most dangerous.

Ah, how this is like our Christian life! Those “hidden” sins: bitterness, anger, fear, etc. hinders our relationship with Christ. Our past can be one of our most dangerous wounds. Praise God that He is the Savior of all sins! There is nothing He sees that He is not willing to forgive. Nothing! “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Hebrews 4:13″

Heal The Wound (Point of Grace)

I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew the me back then

I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I’ve been
But it’s the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I’m free

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don’t take pride in what I bring
But I’ll build an altar with
The rubble that You’ve found me in

And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

Don’t let me forget
Everything You’ve done for me
Don’t let me forget
The beauty in the suffering

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

So even as the hidden wounds continue to heal, there is joy in knowing God sees it all. He knows our every need. Let Him heal your secret wound.

Praise God that, with your prayers, our team will be able to share of a Healing God to those in El Salvador. Please continue to hold our Girls Ministries team in your prayers during our mission July 12 -23, 2010. I am expecting GREAT and MIGHTY things!!!

Precious

beckythomas — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:19:21 +0000

Oh, what a night!

I again had the privilege of taking photos at the PennDel Girls Ministries Retreats. I am taken out of my comfort zone by doing these retreats … 1. meeting new people 2. being all over the multipurpose room IN FRONT of everyone 3. rooming with someone I’ve never met, and 4. PRAYING ALOUD for others. Oh, but what a blessing both the Stars Powette and the Friends & Girls Only retreats were. These retreats were for the girls, yet, they ministered to me as well.

The theme was Precious In His Sight. As I took photos of the girls worshiping our Lord, I saw how precious they were. Their willingness to forget their friends and neighbors standing next to them and praise their God … Precious! They shone like precious jewels …

“Be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land.” Zechariah 9:16 NKJV

Although the weekends didn’t go perfectly (those rain showers and the unexpected creepy crawlers on the hot dog sticks), they proved to be exactly what was needed. I returned back to work in “the real world” and found out what a haven those retreats were. I want to go back!

Yes, I was out of my comfort zone … but found that I enjoy being out of that comfort. I enjoyed doing what was unexpected of me … especially running through WallieWorld both weekends in dress clothes and high heels. I enjoyed hugging the girls and praying with/for them, and meeting a new friend/roommate. How God not only worked in those girls’ lives, but also in mine.

So, anyone want to join in the wondrous works that God has in store for next year? Come on Girls Ministries Retreats 2011!!!

Rustling

beckythomas — Wed, 26 May 2010 03:03:53 +0000

“The leaves of memory seemed to make a mournful rustling in the dark.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

There is a mournful rustle in my heart. Three years ago this Thursday, a dear friend left this world. Two years ago, a friend ceased contact. Both are in themselves a loss.

Why is it that when you allow yourself to love someone you also allow yourself to be vulnerable? I don’t much like being vulnerable!

“The greatest of these is LOVE,” is stated in the Bible. OUCH!

“If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” ~Bob Hope

So in this time of mournful memories, it is best to be able to have the memories. Time will heal, but still, there is a rustling.

Incredible Amazing India

beckythomas — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:37:16 +0000

The experiences since arriving in India have been too great to tell. I entered the airport after a frustrating start to the trip and said, “It smells like home!” Today, it even felt like home. It felt like these people were my family.

There have been so many wonderful things to happen: I got to ride in a rickshaw — totally cool; we walked as the people walk … into the slums; we shopped at a market; we took communion with the Hindi speaking congregation. So many experiences that cannot be put into words.

However, the most awesome experience today was to sit on a cement outdoor “sanctuary” floor and partake in communion with others of another tongue. The words were not able to be understood, however, the language and purpose were the same. We serve the same God. What a blessing!

The God of our hearts is God of the universe. He is the same in the United States’ English speaking services and in Delhi, India’s Hindi speaking service. He is the same God. What perfect peace that brings.

Do As I Say?

beckythomas — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:43:36 +0000

These past few days preparing to go to India on a mission trip have proven to be challenging. I know that God is going to do a mighty work. I realize that in order for this to be hampered, the devil will do anything possible to change even the littlest thing … like attitudes!

Lately, my attitude has needed quite the adjustment! I dare not say what some thoughts are, but I have thought them just the same. Shame on me. I realized this last Sunday night as we starting singing. Worship is an attitude … not a type of music. However, my attitude stopped me from singing the words to a song. The song I knew well. But I also knew full well that I was not “doing as I said”!

The song states: Every blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise/ When the darkness closes in Lord STILL I will say / Blessed be the name of the Lord. Really? Do I do as I say? The blessings in my life … do I turn them back into praise for my Lord? When the darkness … and lately it has been pretty dark … closes in do I still say “Blessed be YOUR name”?

So, I am taking the time now … when the circumstances of life are so frustrating and consuming … to say, “Thank you Lord for Your blessings on me. May I never cease to praise You for WHO You are … not for what You have done in my life (which alone is worthy of praise)! Even when I feel as though I have nothing to offer … when I feel inadequate compared to others … when I have nothing to give … I still have so much, because I have You. Your name is Great! Help me to do as I say, and praise Your name!”

The Smallest Things

beckythomas — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:20:01 +0000

God can be seen in the smallest things!

The bitter cold tears through the bones. As the single snowflake lands on the chest, the heart instantly warms. The chill of the wind is obsolete. The realization of the intricate design of that snowflake, the detail — however minute — in just one snowflake, melts the coldness.

The year past had been a tough one. As 2009 went through review, it left a feeling of no accomplishment, no productivity. Challenges were faced that NEVER could have been imagined. Some went through events without someone to hold their hand. Others went through the year not daring to share their circumstances. Some let the bitter cold freeze their hearts.

However, the moment the snowflake landed on the chest, warmth ensued. God knows all. God sees all. God cares. 14 The Lord upholds ALL those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. 18 The Lord is NEAR to ALL who call on Him, 19 … He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him. He hears their cry and saves them. (Psalm 145) Those verses remind the heart what the mind knows: He is NEAR.

The year in review showed He was near in the big and small events. He was seen in the smallest things. It just took a snowflake to bring that realization. He could be seen in the compassion in someone’s eyes; in the words written in a card; in the text message sent at just the right moment; in the voice-mail; in the question, “How are you really doing?”; in the embrace as one prays for the other; in the listening ear and sharing a tear. The greatest “sightings” of God were found in the smallest gestures that made all the difference in the world. Just a smile may change someone’s life, bringing peace to the soul.

So, if you are having trouble finding peace from the year past, or even in these few weeks into the new year, know that God can be seen in the smallest things. For this new year, I want to learn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the present … and help others realize their dreams.

May you find the peace that passes all understanding in our Lord Jesus Christ this year. May you know that all your hopes and fears are found in Him!* May you always feel Him NEAR!

Peace Peace (Sara Groves, Ben Gowell, Aaron Fabbrini)

Peace Peace it’s hard to find

trouble comes like wrecking ball to your peace of mind

and all that worry you can’t leave behind you

all your hopes and fears

are met in Him tonight*

peace peace it’s hard to find

doubt comes like a tiny voice that’s so unkind

and all your fears they conspire to unwind you

all your hopes and fears

are met in Him

And in your dark street shines

an Everlasting light

and all your hopes and fears

are met in Him tonight

all your hopes and fears

are met in Him tonight

peace peace