Vicki Pooley

A Father's Love

I can still smell the wonderful aroma of the coffee floating through the air in our car. Dad would ask me to pour him cup after cup, as we traveled across country. Flying was out of the question. Two adults and four children; not economical.

We did a lot of bonding during those long drives, and us kids did our share of fighting. "I get the window!!" A car is a small space for so many children, but there was nothing we could do about it, but "deal with it!" However, as I look back on those times, I have memories that still cause me to chuckle.

I miss my Dad. He's gone now. He died of a massive heart attack; one minute he was here and the next minute he checked out of life. Totally blew me away. Dad has been gone for a number of years now, but his memory lives on.

My Dad made a career out of being in the military. He was in for 30 years before he finally retired. I can still see him dressed up in his uniforms. The memory I love the most is when Robert and I got married, and my Dad was dressed up in his uniform. He looked so brave and strong. When he put my hand into Robert's, there was this look of, "I like you, but don't ever hurt my baby girl"...take good care of her I'm trusting you to do that.

I've been missing my Dad, but we can't have some things back no matter how much we cry or how much we want it. We have to love other's while they are here. My Dad was a man of few words, but I never doubted his love.

I guess there are always times I wish I would have done some things differently or showed my love even more, but Dad never doubted my love either.

One can never put these deep feelings in words, but the one thing I do know is there's nothing like a Father's love.

I love you and I miss you, Dad.

The Gift of Time

The other night I went to dinner with my Mother-in-law. As we walked into the place where we were going to eat, and as we were walking to our table to be seated, I noticed groups of people sitting together.

I was struck by the fact that people were spending time together. Most of the people I saw looked like they typical family, but then I saw that same typical family, but it also looked as if some extended family members were sitting there too. As I looked closer, I could see that friend's were having dinner together, and couples were having dinner together, and so on.

The busyness of life often keeps the family from spending time together. So, it was a precious thing to see people enjoying each other's company. I heard people kidding each other followed by laughter, I saw people nod their head's as they agreed with what the other person was saying, I saw people sharing their food with each other, and in general having a good time. I noticed all of this in a very short time, but it left a deep impression on me...the importance of family.

My Mother-in-law and I had a great time. We took the time to share our hearts and thoughts with each other. We also laughed and had a great time talking to one another. I was thinking...we need to do this more often.

As I have gotten older, I try to find different ways to spend time with the people I love and are close to me. Time has become one of my most valuable possession's, and there is no way to put a price on being with people we love. When we give of our time, it's a gift.

If you can't remember the last time, or a recent time that you spent time with someone you care about, get out the wrapping paper...it's time to give the gift of your time. Loving each other, making memories, comforting, encouraging, and listening is one of the best gift's we can give or receive.

Root of Bitterness

I guess I am always amazed at how deep the root of bitterness can actually run. Believe me, it runs deep in a lot of people.

The root of bitterness is one of the greatest hindrances to the flow of God in a Christian's life.

After a certain amount of time, we have to let our differences go, and if we don't the root of bitterness is all to happy to set in for the rest of our life. I've purposed in my heart to live as peaceably with everyone that I can. It's not always easy, and sometimes I have to pray and then pray some more.

Have you ever been judged, misunderstood, or come to the point where you just had to agree to disagree with someone? Me too!! It's awful. Then maybe you are casually shopping at the grocery store or out to lunch and you see that person(s), and they stiffen up, act cold, or half-heartedly say hello. It's not a good feeling.

Again, I have chosen to live, as much as possible, at peace with anyone that I have ever offended or those who have offended me. Our bitterness quenches the Spirit of God. I don't ever want to quench God's Spirit, if I can help it.

If God lives in our hearts, He will speak to us about bitterness. You may not feel this way, but bitterness to me is a form of hatred and unforgiveness. These are quite the opposite of the attributes of God.

When we get hurt, we may feel "justified" in our feelings, but it's not pleasing to God no matter how you slice it. Every slice has been laced with that form of hatred and unforgiveness. All I can say is...Lord, I beg, plead, cry out to you, for the heart to forgive. Lord, you forgave us for every sin and put them as far as the east is from the west.

Casting Crowns has a song out called: East to West. One part says, "Jesus, can you show me just how far the east is from the west? Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again in the arms of your mercy I find rest cause you know how far the east is from the west? One scarred hand to the other. I know you've washed me me white, turned my darkness into light. I need your peace to get me through. To get me through this night. I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth your Word reveals. I'm not holding on to you, but you're holding on to me. You're holding on to me. Jesus, you know just how far the east is from the west. I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again. In the arms of your mercy I find rest cause You know just how far the east is from the west. One scarred hand to the other.

There's only one question that puts it all into perspective for me...If Jesus forgave us, the way we forgive others...how would that be?

RE: PLEASE PRAY FOR KENYA!

Because the format of the letter from Nairobi, and the format of typepad is different the punctuation and some of the wording is out of order, but you can look past that to the heart of the writer of the letter. My heart is breaking for Kenya.

PLEASE PRAY FOR KENYA!

Hi! This is some of the latest news Robert and I received concerning the situation in Kenya. By now, even some of this news will be old, but this is has a lot of information about what to pray for...please pray! This situation is SO serious!!

Dear Family and Friends,

No doubt you have seen or read the reports in the news of the tragic events that have followed elections on December 27^th here in

Kenya

.  The two top contenders for President have come to a political standoff with the support of their political parties.  President Kibaki had himself sworn back into power while the Honorable Odinga claimed a rigged election and is threatening to instate himself as the Peoples President.  There is much clouding the whole affair and efforts are being made by the international community to find an equitable solution with which both parties can agree. 

This has caused violent clashes and left more than 300 dead, the most horrific being the death of over 40 villagers, near the town of Eldoret (a town 185 miles from Nairobi), who fled to a Kenya Assemblies of God church in an attempt to escape vigilante gangs roaming the streets.  The church was torched as they were seeking shelter there and those who died were mainly women and children.  Over 70,000 have been driven from their homes since this past weekend.   

During our 32 years of serving in

Kenya

, we have experienced unrest and turmoil from time to time in various cities or areas of this nation, but never have we seen this beloved land gripped nationwide in such ongoing ethnic violence.  We believe God has strategically placed Kenya to be a powerful light to the nations in central, east, and southern Africa and the enemy has greatly risen up to diminish that light.   

Due to the unrest and insecurity in the city of

Nairobi

, our congregation was unable to gather last Sunday (Dec. 30^th) at the stadium where we meet.  However, we have been reaching out and ministering to our congregation through the leadership base in our cell group structure, which is once again proving a vital way to care for the needs of those affected by this difficult situation.

As a family, we are safe and we want to thank so many of you who have been in touch with us either by phone or email.  It means so much to hear from you and we are deeply grateful.  Several have enquired as to what they can do and our greatest need is prayer.  We are asking God to have mercy on our land, to turn the tide of evil that has flooded this nation through hatred and tribalism.  This coming Monday we begin our annual season of prayer and fasting, as a congregation, and will focus our hearts together in crying out for God to heal our land and bring revival to us as a result.  Here are a few Prayer Points in which you can join with us in agreement;

·    A ‘Million Man March’ has been reorganized by ODM, the main opposition party, for Tuesday, January 8th in

Nairobi

.  It was to be held today (3^rd) and even though declared illegal by the government, thousands tried to turn up and were dispersed by riot police, thus its been postponed now for Tuesday.  Pray for divine intervention.

·    Pray against the spirit of tribalism that is holding this nation hostage and is being fought out among the nations’ poor and young unemployed.

·    Pray for the thousands of displaced peoples who are fleeing to churches, schools, and police stations.

·    Pray for the spirit of humility to come to our political leaders; that they will heed both the local and international pleas to reach out one to another in dialogue. 

·    Pray for justice and truth to prevail in

Kenya

during this critical season of establishing a new government for the next 5 years.

·    Pray for the restoration of daily life, which has put the transport of even the basics such as vegetables, bread, and milk out of reach for many of the common folk, especially in the cities.   

·    Pray for our economy that has been losing about 2 billion shillings a day (apprx $31 million), for banks to return to normal work.

Again, thank you for standing with us in these most trying of times and we assure you that we feel so privileged to serve alongside our precious Kenyan brothers and sisters.  We say Jesus is Lord of this nation and our greatest days are yet ahead!

Don & Amy Matheny

Nairobi

,

Kenya