It's been a while...

Dear blogging world,

I am so sorry that I neglected you for the last 3 months. It was not my intention…life just happened and so here I am. Deepest apologies and let’s still be friends, ok? Cheers.

It’s been almost 2 months since my supervisors have been gone and I’ve assumed the role of guest house manager. While some days are better than others, I am getting the hang of it (by His grace!) and adjusting to the new constancy of it all. A day off is hard to come by, so always a welcomed rest and relief. I’ve had to think quickly on my feet, delegate, be “assertive Suzanne”, be gracious, eager to serve, humble, patient and know when to say no. I’ve had the whole range of emotions- from joyous elation to being so frustrated and exhausted to the point of tears. But true to form, He has been faithful.

One thing that has not been compromised is my time with Him. Though it was tempting a couple of days to just go without it, which was just not an option. Just last week I cried out to Him before getting into His Word after an emotional day, “Father, I just need You to be my balm in Your Word.” And that next hour was just that. EXACTLY what I needed. He spoke to me tenderly and yet, at the same time as a warning not to view my situation like I’m the victim; such as “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” [James 3:17-18] See- I need His Word implanted, which is able to save my soul.

My Bible just got a make-over done. I’ve had this Bible for almost 10 years. I purchased this Bible for the purpose of being a student of the Word. It has lexical aids, a Hebrew and Greek dictionary. It has been very loved on through the years; so much so that the binding needed a little TLC. So I got it rebound in buffalo skin- how cool is that?!? A colleague of mine bought this from Zimbabwe so that he could get his daughter’s Bible rebound and had to buy the whole hide. The cost of the buffalo skin and rebinding of it cost somewhere between $25-30. What a steal of a deal! Here are the before and after pictures:

A much loved and worn Bible

Ta-da! Isn't it a beauty?!

Woot!

Glad to have my friend and constant companion back in my possession and what a blessing it has been to get it rebound so that we can have many more years together. I say with the psalmist, "If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction." Psalm 119:92 And that's not to be dramatic, it's just that I've needed something beyond me, namely the Father, to give me the strength that has been required over the last couple of months. May I give off the fragrance to others and give the admonishment to cherish and savor the Word and drink deep His river of delights (Ps36:8-9)