Shine Like Stars

Hollywood Star or Heavenly Star?

When I step out our back door at night, I see a clear sky. We live on the outskirts of a large city, and here in the boonies the stars shine brightly. There is no pollution, just clear nights with shining stars. The beauty of God's creation is visible without the pollution of civilization. When I look at the night sky in the city, I don't see stars. But they are there––just not shining through.

There are days that I am polluted too. It's difficult to see Jesus shining through the pollution. Do you know the feeling? You're tired or complaining and maybe even grumpy too. Philippians 2:14-16 says, "Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..."

My friend Debi once asked me (more than a decade ago), "If you were to win the Lottery, what would you do?" It's kind of hard to win if you never buy a ticket, I thought. Before I could answer she said, "You don't have to answer. You'd go back to Bolivia, right?" Right! 

At the time, we were raising support to return to Bolivia. We didn't know if God would have us return to Bolivia or if He had another plan for us. We prayed for His plan, but in our hearts we hoped to return to our ministry on the field. We wanted to hold out the Word of Life for the Bolivian people and shine like stars for Jesus––showing His light through us. God gave us the desires of our hearts and provided for us to return to our ministry. Debi has since gone Home to be with the Lord. She was a star for Jesus on earth, and now she walks among the stars of heaven with her Savior. 

We are stars for Jesus on earth. Some days we may not shine as brightly as others, but at least our light flickers on those days because He lives within us. The world will see Him shining through us––whether as a tiny star or a galaxy of constellations.

Wouldn't you rather be a Heavenly star with eternal rewards instead of a Hollywood star with only earthly rewards? Not many of us have a chance to be Hollywood stars, but we all have the choice to become heavenly stars––shining for Jesus.

Walk on Water

Sunset at Sandy Cove Bible Conference

My husband and I were blessed to spend our first year in full-time ministry at Sandy Cove Bible Conference. In this beautiful setting, we served God along side dedicated staff members, and we had the privilege of sitting in on sessions taught by both famous and notable spirit-led Bible scholars. If you've never had the joy of visiting this spirit-filled place, you are missing out on one of God's blessings this side of heaven. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, notice the sign when you enter the conference grounds. It says, "Jesus Never Fails." And, I'm sure when you leave, you will never forget those three words.

When I lived in this beautiful place, I walked hand-in-hand with my husband to this sight by the water many nights. Not long after moving from our home town to North East, MD, to serve at the Cove, our first visitors arrived from our home area. They also loved this view at sunset. They'd been good friends for many years, and of course, we laughed together often. When their visit was coming to an end, I suggested we all go for one last walk to the pier, but that wasn't what I said. Instead, I blurted, "Let's go walk on the water."

My loving friend responded, "Oh, now that you are in full-time Christian ministry you can walk on water?" A good laugh was had by all that night. But, the disciples didn't laugh when they saw Jesus walking on the water. In fact, they were scared and thought Jesus was a ghost.

"When the disciples saw him walking on water, they were terrified." Matthew 14:26a (NIV).  I have to confess. I know the Bible says God works all things for good, but sometimes I am terrified about my circumstances just like the disciples were––when I am not walking by faith.

"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water and came toward Jesus." Matthew 14:29b (NIV). There he was, walking on water going toward Jesus. He experienced God's power. Can you imagine the scene? Wind blowing, waves splashing, but Peter wasn't thinking about his surroundings. He was just caught up with looking at Jesus. But then he saw the wind, the Bible says. Yes, he looked at the wind and not at Jesus. He took his eyes off the Lord and instead, looked at his circumstances, and he began to sink. His faith faltered. He cried out for the Lord to save him.

And then the Scripture says, "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him." Matthew15:31 (NIV). Jesus didn't let Peter sink. He reached out and caught him––immediately. And what about Peter? When he focused on the high winds and waves, his faith faltered. But what he did next is significant. He looked to Jesus for help. While the waves pulled Peter down, his hand reached out to Jesus, and Jesus caught him. Peter was afraid, but he still looked to Jesus for help. He had faith that Jesus would help him. He wasn't focused on the waves then but on the One who could help him.

At times, we splash through the winds and waves of difficult circumstances. To maintain our faith when we are thrashed about, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and not our circumstances. Sometimes our faith may falter, and we may begin to sink, but Jesus will always be there to stretch out His hand and pull us out of the waves.

"And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down." Matthew 14:32 (NIV). Sometimes the winds howl around us, and other times they die down. But, whether safe in the boat, or on the water tossed about in the waves, we know we are safe because "Jesus Never Fails!" And, with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can walk on water!

*Photo used by permission from Sandy Cove Ministries

Fi Fi Faces Her Fears

We all have things we fear. But, what about children's fears? How do we help them through their fears and teach them to trust God? Really Rare Rabbits Book 2: Giant Green Ghosts and the Secret at Peppermint Pass is a tool to help children overcome their fears. These rare, adorable rabbits will take you on a dangerous journey with them to meet their grandfather. On the way, they meet new friends, face their fears, and learn to trust God.

We all go through storms in our lives or face giant obstacles in our paths. Maybe they aren't giant green ghosts, but all the same, we are afraid when they appear. Children also face their giants. Fi Fi trembles when she meets the giants, but she remembers a Bible verse tucked away in her racing heart. "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

I'm sure you will fall in love with the adorable rabbits brought to life by illustrator, Samantha Bell.

Read more about the Really Rare Rabbits books at: http://www.amazon.com/author/peggycunningham

Hooray––47 years!

Look at those babies in the picture! We've proved the statistics wrong! All the odds were against us. Married at 19, from two different faiths, and two opposite personalities. But God, huh––there's the difference. But God brought us together for His purpose!

If I hadn't given this boy a once-in-a-lifetime date––his only date, I thought––then this anniversary today would not be happening. A senior in high school and a little snooty, (sorry to say) I had little time for this pesky boy in my life. But, oh, he was persistent. Now, I'm not going to tell the rest of the story. It's included in Amazon's bestselling romance collection Heart Bouquets, released by Write Integrity Press in February 2013. My story is "Stolen Ice Cube". Along with my story, my five co-authors have heart-warming stories in this book.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's don't miss God's best for you. Never settle for second best when God wants to give you His best. When God was changing the direction of our ministry, I thought I'd help him by being obstinate. You know, that stubbornness that takes over when you buck change. I said it something like this: "But God, we are fine right here where we are, why would you want to change our whole life now?" And, what if I had insisted on my way?

If I hadn't allowed God to be in control of my life, I would have missed the best part of my life and ministry. Going forward with God, He led my husband and me to begin a new mission, build a house and mission base, and He gave us a new ministry reaching children for Him. What if I had settled for second best? When I allowed Him to lead, He gave me the best husband, the best ministry, and the best life!

"God gives the very best to those who leave the choice to Him."~ author unknown

Really Rare Rabbits Book 2 is Released

Pix-N-Pens Publishing just released the second book of my children's series, 

Really Rare Rabbits Book 2: Giant Green Ghosts and the Secret at Peppermint Pass.

Fi Fi and her brother heard about Jesus when they ventured down their mountain in Bolivia and peered into the windows of the missionaries' house. Now, she and Chi Chi are starting a long journey to meet Grandfather who went to visit his Inca relatives of long ago. He's waiting for them at the mysterious Winding Wall. But first, they must journey through secretive Peppermint Pass.

She's heard stories of giant green ghosts at Peppermint Pass, and she sure doesn't want to meet any ghosts––especially giant green ones––along the way. So, the morning they leave for the big trip, Fi Fi tells her brother about her fears. Chi Chi waves them off as just stories. While Fi Fi trembles, she remembers a Bible verse tucked away in her racing heart, "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

Fi Fi realizes why it is so important to memorize Scripture––so it stays in your heart always and comes back to you when you need it. Even so, she has no idea how much she and her brother will need to call on God for help to rescue them from the dangers that await on their journey through Peppermint Pass.

Available on Amazon, http://ow.ly/ox13k

And Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository and by special order at local booksellers.

Chi Chi and Fi Fi invite you to view their trailer,  http://youtu.be/DlwNfLzUNVk

Miracle Mashed Potatoes

Warning: This is not about a recipe. It's about a miracle. 

Do you believe in everyday miracles? If not, let me introduce you to one that just occurred last week in my kitchen. Don't believe me? I have witnesses.

We've been back in Bolivia for about three weeks, and the ministry picked up where it had left off in June––before we left for a six-week trip to the States. We're reconnecting with our churches and scheduling our classes and getting all those hugs and kisses from our Bolivian "family" who missed us and are happy we're back. Yes, I know, it's a blessed life––"family" above the equator and below it.

We had been invited to various homes and events since our return. Now it was my turn to invite our neighbors for a meal––a lovely Quechua family. Imilio is our community president, and he is respected by all the little communities around us. He's well connected politically and works hard to get our area help from the city authorities. His wife, Miteria, is a sweet friend to me. We are always invited to their family gatherings. This day, it was a family gathering at our house––but surprises were awaiting the cook (me) that day!

The afternoon sun scorched our skin as we went to the gate to be greeted by Imilio and Miteria. Their two adult children who still live at home weren't with them. "No problem," Imilio said. "It's their loss." We all laughed at his remark. There were nine of us at the table, and I surprised them with a very American meal––roast and mashed potatoes. This is not a meal they ever eat, and they certainly never have mashed potatoes!

I love mashed potatoes. I could eat them at every meal and never tire of them. So naturally, I had a big pot of potatoes boiling on the stove that day. I even put a few extra potatoes in the pot just to make sure there would be enough. And, leftovers were in the plan too.

While everyone chatted around the table, I served the meal Bolivian style. It isn't Bolivian custom to set the food on the table family style as we do, so I served each plate from the kitchen. I generously piled the potatoes and meat on each plate along with coleslaw and green beans––and gravy too. I couldn't wait to taste the first bite of those mashed potatoes with gravy. And, I was happy to see I planned the right amount of potatoes and would have some extras for seconds––provided not everyone asked for seconds.

Just as I began my meal, and while savoring the first bite of those creamy mashed potatoes, a knock at the door surprised us all. Opening the gate, we were greeted by Imilio's youngest daughter. She had a surprise for us. Her older sister, husband, and two children had arrived from Argentina and came to visit also. The thoughts of piling those potatoes high on the dinner plates flashed before my eyes. My first thought, Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves of bread then, he could stretch those potatoes now. I wasn't sure I had enough food for the extra visitors and how could I not offer seconds if everyone liked the food and wanted more.

"His disciples answered, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd.?" Matthew 15:33 (NIV) Potatoes, how would I have enough potatoes to feed such a crowd?

I remembered what Jesus said to the disciples. "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. Matthew 15:34 (NIV). I didn't need loaves, I needed potatoes. Lord Jesus there aren't enough potatoes in this bowl to go around once, I thought. Think about the fish and the loaves. So I did. And, I prayed, "Please  multiply the potatoes as you did the fish and loaves of bread."

"He told the crowd to sit down... Then he took the seven loaves and fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them..." Matthew 15:36 (NIV).

As I scurried to set more places and gathered more chairs for the crowd, I invited my guests to sit down. I returned to the kitchen and began serving the recently arrived guests. I filled their plates, not skimping on the potatoes. Whew! The potatoes stretched. Looking into the bowl I pondered, Do I dare ask who would like seconds? There were still potatoes left in the bottom of the bowl––not many, but enough for at least one more serving, I guessed. I asked the question--everyone answered yes, they'd have a little more. I kept scooping out the potatoes until all who wanted had second helpings. When I did dishes that night, I calculated there were enough miracle mashed potatoes left for one more small child. That would amount to the few extra potatoes I had added to the pot at the last minute––just to be sure I'd have enough. A little wink from God. He didn't need the few extra potatoes!

"They all ate and were satisfied." Matthew 15:37 (NIV) The only explanation––they were miracle mashed potatoes!

Back in Bolivia

What is the hardest thing your missionary will ever face? I can tell you without a doubt that it's not the bugs, the food, or the language learning that's most difficult or challenging––it's separation from family and friends––friends are family too! And, most missionaries leave their families for more than two years at a time. Sometimes it is three or four years before they are reunited with loved ones.

We just returned to Bolivia after six weeks of traveling in the States. It was a blessed time! I was honored to be invited to the AWSA Conference and also attended ICRS in St. Louis. Meeting my publisher, Tracy Ruckman, for the first time along with fellow authors was a highlight of the trip. After that, we headed to our daughter's home where we spent three weeks with our grandchildren––our son-in-law and daughter too. :-) While there, my husband received medical help from one of the top hospitals in the country. He is now on his way to full recovery from nerve damage in his back. God directed and blessed all along the way.

From the moment we arrived back in Bolivia, our work resumed as though we never left. I should say the void of leaving our family and friends was filled because God's work is our passion and serving Him gives us joy. Of course, we miss our family and friends, but God gives peace that passes understanding. Our work is people––serving them, teaching them, and most important leading them to the Savior. It's said if you choose a profession you love, you will never work a day in your life. However, as much as I love what I do, I'd have to say (from my experience) missionary life is work. But if we serve God and work for Him, our work is never in vain. "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Our work has heavenly rewards that last for eternity. 

Although we are sad to be separated from our family and friends, the joy of serving God is indescribable––except for saying it might be compared to heavenly joy! Most times it is more than two years between our furloughs, but we find God's promises are true. "Faithful is he who calls you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV) Yes, we can do all things through Him.

And, God has given us "family" in Bolivia. Our Bolivian brothers and sisters in Christ will be with us throughout eternity. It's about eternal things––serving God so that others can be with their family for eternity. We are privileged to be called to share Jesus with those still waiting to hear about Him. Praise God, our labor is not in vain!