Hope For When Darkness Threatens

By Donna Pyle

(This devotion was reprinted in the March issue of the Nebraska Family Times. If you would like to read more to “inspire, encourage and motivate you on your Christian walk,” request a

FREE sample issue of the Nebraska Family Times

 by e-mailing your address to shelly@shellyburke.net or calling (402) 750-3496.)

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky boasts a specific claim to fame: it's the world's longest known cave system. Containing more than 390 explored miles, early cave guide Stephen Bishop called it a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place."

Twenty years ago, I visited this amazing labyrinth. An adventurous person by nature, I signed up to experience a cave excursion first hand.

The morning dawned crisp as our huddled group awaited to descend into that strange and wonderful world. The tour guide greeted us, counted heads, and our adventure began. With great care we descended 250 feet below the earth’s surface on steep steps through narrow crevices.

Talk about creepy!

Our leg muscles shook from overexertion as we reached the bottom of the cave. The ground leveled off and we found ourselves in a large, cavernous space lit by electricity. Once the tour guide ensured everyone had descended safely—and after issuing the proper warning—he turned off the lights.

Few words can adequately describe the absolute blackness that engulfed us.

The thick, oppressive darkness felt as if it was literally pressing in on me. My chest felt heavy. My breathing came in short gasps. I blinked my eyes frantically. I put my palm in front of my face, but couldn't see it.

I began to panic and stretching out my arms into the darkness. I needed assurance that I wasn't alone.

The tour guide continuously spoke to us in low, smooth tones to remind us of his presence. After a few minutes when our eyes adjusted to the absence of light, he struck a solitary match.

The effect was astounding.

We could clearly see every person in our group and the cave walls and ceiling. The small light had completely expelled the cavernous darkness.

That experience left an indelible impression on me. It illustrated far better than words where the blackness of sin would have taken mankind had Jesus not freely offered His light in the place of our darkness.

We may panic when dark seasons occur, but God's soothing voice speaks volumes of comfort and assurance to us through His Word: 

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you
nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

                                            

"You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light." 2 Samuel 22:29

If you are walking in a dark season, lean in and trust God. You may be shaking from overexertion. Your chest may feel heavy. Take a deep breath and listen for His gentle whispers reminding you of His presence.

The Lord himself will be your light. The only light Who can expel that darkness completely.

You are NEVER alone.

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Reprinted by permission of the author.

Donna loves blogging about faith-based issues on her blog Hydrated Living. You can also read more at Artesian Ministries She’s also on Facebook at “Donna Pyle” and “Artesian Ministries”.  Donna has authored 18 Bible studies, and published several shorter Bible studies and magazine articles. In November 2011, she released her first DVD-based Bible study series, "Your Strong Suit", based on the armor of God. (I just completed the “Your Strong Suit” Bible study and learned so much! I highly recommend it.) 

Catch Up Post about a New Job, Blogging Challenge, and Cadbury Mini-Eggs

by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher

·         What I’m doing: I got a job! I’d been struggling with the decision of getting a job. I have really missed nursing since my private duty patients died several years ago. However, I didn’t want to give up publishing the Nebraska Family Time; continuing with the paper would be almost impossible if I had a full-time job. I left it up to God. “If You want me to continue with the Nebraska Family Times, Lord, I need a job that is part-time, in town (I hate to drive on bad roads), and something I can do after being out of hospital nursing for many years.” He answered me very clearly with a 2-morning a week job at Columbus Surgery Center! The nurses are fantastic, the doctor is wonderful, the patients are fun and I am blessed! I prepare patients for eye surgery and next week will start learning how to take care of them when they’re in the operating room.

·         What I’m bookmarking: I love editing and publishing the Nebraska Family Times, and one of the things I enjoy the most is researching websites to suggest to readers. This month I attended a video Bible Study titled Your Strong Suit, by author and speaker Donna Pyle. I learned so much from the first video that I checked out Donna’s websites (Artesian Ministries) and blog  Hydrated Living ). I liked her writing so much that I asked her permission to reprint her blog post, Hope for When Darkness Threatens  in the March issue of the Nebraska Family Times—and she said yes! Thanks, Donna! (To receive a FREE sample issue of the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net with your mailing address.)

·         What I’m blogging: I will be taking part in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge in April, as I did last year! The challenge is to blog every day in April (except Sundays), with each day’s topic beginning with the letter of that day. The theme of the Nebraska Family Times blog entries will be devotions that will “inspire, encourage and motivate you on your Christian walk.” I’ll also be blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide , where the theme is “Teach Your Children Well.”  If you would like to receive the blog posts in your in-box, sign up in the right-hand column of both blogs!

·         What I’m reading: To prepare for the A to Z Blogging Challenge and improve my blogs I’m reading Platform; Get Noticed in a Noisy World. For fun I’m reading Because I Said So; The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales& Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to Its Kids, by Ken Jennings, the Jeopardy champion. The book investigates Dad-isms and Mom-isms like, “Stay away from windows during thunderstorms!” and “Coffee will stunt your growth!”

·         What I’m eating: Cadbury Mini-Eggs. What can I say besides YUUMMMM!

What are you doing? What are you bookmarking? What are you blogging about? What are you reading? Are you eating too many Cadbury Mini-Eggs like I am? Share your suggestions in the comments section of this blog!

Columbus Medical Mission Teams to Go to Nicaragua and Africa in February

By Shelly Burke, Editor

The Columbus Medical Mission Team took their first trip to Nicaragua in February of 2010. The team has grown significantly since then, with some members going on one trip and many going on several or all of the trips.

This year there will be two teams, with one returning to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, February 7^th-17^th, for their fourth trip. The other team will be traveling to the district hospital in Naivasha, Kenya, Africa, February 8^th-23^rd.

According to Carolyn Athey, who is looking forward to her fourth trip to Nicaragua, there will be some changes in that trip this year. Previously the team has worked with surgeons from California; this year they’ll be working with four Nicaraguan doctors. Carolyn says, “From what we know at this point, they are ENT (ear, nose, and throat) plastic and general surgeons. We are excited for the challenges that will come on this trip. We don’t know a lot of details yet but know that we can adapt to whatever comes our way!”

According to the Columbus Medical Mission Team blog (www.columbusmedicalmission.blogspot.com), “We have two new members, Cole Fullner and Catherine Johnston, and they will be joining Karl and Sue Tillinghast, Tamra Boettcher and Dean and Carolyn Athey. This will be the 4th trip to Nicaragua for the Tillinghast's and Athey's and Tamra's second trip.

Tamra will be taking on a dual role this time. Her desire was to lead the children's ministry and she will do that with the help of Cole and Catherine. She will also use her medical skills {as a nurse practitioner} when necessary but felt her calling for this trip was to participate more fully in the spiritual side of the mission trip. She has a lot of experience with the youth through her participation in her church and the people of Puerto Cabezas will certainly benefit spiritually and medically from her expertise.”

Last year several hundred people were seen in the clinic while the team was in Nicaragua, and did 87 surgeries. During their time there the team heard about an orphanage in which children lived in desperate circumstances, sometimes only receiving a cup of powdered milk and slice of bread to eat during a day. With donated money the team was able to purchase hundreds of pounds of rice and beans, meat, 30 dozen eggs, fruits and vegetables, oil, flour, sugar and other staples for the orphanage.

The team has already purchased the medical supplies they’ll need for this trip, but if you’d like to donate money it will be used to purchase supplies and equipment for the hospital, orphanage, or wherever the team sees the need while they’re in Nicaragua. Donations for the Nicaragua trip can be sent to: Dean and Carolyn Athey, 3471 E. 14^th Ave., Columbus, NE 68601.

Dr. Nila Novotny, a member of the Columbus Medical Mission Team since the first trip, had been thinking about going on a mission trip to Africa since she’d met several other surgeons who had gone there.

The team originally planned to go to DR Congo, but the political situation was too unstable to do so safely, so the team will be going to Kenya.

Dr. Novotny and her husband John, Kevin Harm, APRN (a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner), Wendy Kahloff, an RN in Labor and Delivery at the Columbus hospital, Molly Dreeson O’Tool, RN, BSN, Erin Scoggins, RN, BSN, and Megan Kresha, paramedic, make up the team from Columbus. They will be joining a group of seven other physicians, nurses, and ancillary personnel from the Fremont/Omaha area and working with the group Friends of Naivasha at a new women’s hospital that was built with donations from Nebraska hospitals. The team will be working within their specialties and Dr. Novotny will be working with a local otolaryngologist (a doctor who works with problems and diseases of the ear, nose, and throat).

Other team members will be working with a stove project designed to build stoves to contain the fires in homes, decrease smoke inhalation, decrease burn injuries and decrease time spent gathering wood. It also helps protect the environment as it uses much less wood and with less time gathering wood and tending a fire the children can attend school and parents can be more productive with their time. (Go to http://www.guatemalastoveproject.org/ to learn more.)

The Kenya team has the supplies they need for the trip (14 totes full!) but they’re still seeking money to help with the expenses of the trip. If you would like to donate, send your check to: Columbus Medical Mission Team, c/o Federated Church, 2704 15^th St., Columbus, NE 68601.

Please keep these teams in your prayers as they prepare for and go on their trips! They are so thankful for the support they’ve received at various fund-raisers! As electricity and time allow they will be posting at www.columbusmedicalmission.blogspot.com before, during, and after the trips. Follow-up articles will appear in future issues of the Nebraska Family Times. 

First Christmas in Heaven

Several of my friends are grieving the death of loved ones this past year. Friends and readers, I pray that this poem will bring you some peace and joy, knowing that your father, mother, son, daughter, friend and/or loved one has just celebrated his or her first Christmas in Heaven.

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Christmas in Heaven

I’ve had my first Christmas in Heaven,
A glorious, wonderful day.
I stood with the saints of the ages
Who found Christ, the Truth and the Way.

I sang with the heavenly choir,
Just think, I joined in to sing
And, oh, what celestial music
We brought to our Savior and King!

We sang the glad songs of redemption,
How Jesus to Bethlehem came.
And how they called His name -- Jesus --
That all might be saved through His Name.

We sang once again with the angels
The message they sang that blest morn,
When shepherds first heard the glad story,
That Jesus, the Savior, was born.

0 dear ones, I wish you had been there.
No Christmas on earth could compare
With all of the rapture and glory
We witnessed in Heaven so fair.

You know how I always loved Christmas.
It seemed such a wonderful day,
With all of my loved ones around me
The children so happy that day.

Yes, now I can see why I love it,
And, oh, what a joy it will be
When you and my loved ones are with me
To share in the glories I see.

So, dear ones on earth, here’s my greeting.
Look up till the day dawn appears.
Oh, what a Christmas awaits us
Beyond our parting tears!!

Author Unknown

May we be Light in this Dark World

by Shelly Burke, Editor

May God bless and comfort the victims of the shooting in Connecticut. It's almost more heartbreaking than I can bear, thousands of miles away and knowing no one involved...when I think of my kids, their friends and parents, and teachers I know and love, I cannot imagine the heartbreak of those in Connecticut. 

Here's what I've been studying this week: Jesus said, "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others..." Matt. 5:14, 16. May we let our lights shine God's love to help the hurting and grieving whether in different states or right next door. And as my brother-in-law says, "God bless us all. It's our only chance."

Christmas Quiz

How much do you know about the birth of Jesus? Take this quiz and find out. Hint: all of the answers are found in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and/or Luke chapters 1 and 2.

1. Who told Mary that she would give birth to Jesus?

A.      Joseph

B.      A multitude of angels

C.      The angel Michael

D.      The angel Gabriel

2. What did Joseph do after he found out Mary was pregnant?

A. Had her stoned

B. Married her

C. Took her to Bethlehem so no one would know she was pregnant

D. Sent her to live with Elizabeth

3. Who was the Roman emperor when Jesus was born?

                A. John the Baptist

                B. Joseph

                C. Caesar Augustus

                D. Pontus Pilate

4. Who did the multitude of angels, praising God, appear to?

                A. Shepherds

                B. Wise men

                C. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

                D. Inn keepers

5. What city did the wise men first go to, asking “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?”

                A. Capernaum

                B. Syria

                C. Bethlehem

                D. Jerusalem

6. God promised this man that he would not die until he saw Christ.

                A. John the Baptist

                B. Zechariah

                C. Simeon

                D. Paul

7. In which two Gospels does is the Nativity narrative recorded?

                A. Matthew and Luke

                B. Matthew and John

                C. Mark and Luke

                D. Luke and John

8. According to the Bible, how many wise men visited Jesus?

                A. 3

                B. 4

                C. too many to count

                D. no number of wise men is mentioned in the Gospels

9. Shortly after Jesus was born, and angel told Joseph to escape with Mary and Jesus to:

                A. Jerusalem

                B. The Red Sea

                C. Egypt

                D. Nazareth

10. What did John the Baptist do?

                A. Baptize Jesus

                B. Prepare the way for the Lord

                C. Protect Jesus as He grew up

                D. Guide the wise men to Jesus

ANSWERS: 1. D, 2. B, 3. C, 4.  A, 5. D, 6. C, 7. A, 8. D, 9. C, 10. B 

Click over to Home is Where the Mom Is to get the links to my very favorite Christmas music! 

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Medical Mission Team Returning to Nicaragua; Spaghetti Feed Sunday!

Mark your calendars for the Columbus Medical Mission Team Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser this Sunday, Dec. 9th, at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, from 12:00-2:00 PM, and silent auction and Christmas Bake Sale.

The Medical Mission Team will be returning to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua in February for their fourth trip. Read about the team and a previous trip at Medical Mission Team Traveling to Nicaragua.