standing on the Rock...

 

He set my feet on a rock and gave me a safe place to stand. 
Psalm 40:2

There are days when I feel safe, secure, and stable in His hands.  And of course, there are days when I struggle.  I took this photo at the top of a 100 stair climb above a Hindu temple in Pune, India.  

While the rock itself was stable some of the steps were uneven.  Just as we began our ascent it lightly and briefly rained; causing the rock to feel slippery.  Upon entering the temple everyone had to take off their shoes. Which meant the only traction we had on those stairs were the soles of our bare feet.  With my head down I focused on firmly placing each foot squarely on the next stair persevering onward to reach the uppermost step. My reward was a panoramic view of the city; along with a sense of personal accomplishment for hanging in there to reach the top.

While reminiscing over photos from our time abroad this summer the above photo jumped out at me.  I was caught up in contemplating the journey onward and upward in Him. The path through the Refiner's fire has tricky spots to navigate.  Despite the fact that He is the firm foundation of our faith...there will be times when we struggle.  In these moments we need the Word to remind us that He is still there, watching over us, guiding us, directing us, even when we cannot see the whole picture.  

May we look to Him for the strength to take the next indicated step on the path.

And may we rest in the knowledge that He is indeed the Rock on which we stand.  

remembering the colors of India...

 

 

Bargain hunting

As Janina, Sophie, and I were shopping for wedding supplies on Laxmi Road I could not help but notice all the apartments above the shops.  I'm sure living above your store helps keep the prices low!

My store!

Even though I'm 50 years old, my mother, grandmother, and especially my Auntie Martha still call me Pebbles.

 And of course, I will always answer them!

Even to your old age...

Her face drew me in...numerous lines reminiscent of wave after wave on the Arabian sea. Concerned eyes as intense as the sun.  I find unexpected beauty in her presence.  She knows her products well.  She is ready to discuss each one and show off its features.  Her pots are on the ground, close to the street, everything is dusty, grimy, but she wipes them down carefully to show them off for prospective buyers.  Hers is the first stall we go to and the last one we visit as we look for items needed for the wedding.  Stooped over, with her saree tucked in to form a pair of pants of some sort, she bends low to wrap the pots for us and we are grateful.  None of her wares are very expensive.  One pot sells for 6 rupees (about 9 cents).  We leave with three small pots. The next day we return for 75 more.  I wonder how many more years she will be on the side of the road, bent low, selling a pot or two at a time?

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am He, I am He who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4

Counting down the days...

It's almost time to get all glammed up in the saree that Meesha gave me to wear at the wedding! 

Transporting goods...

Whether it's by truck, car, motorbike,  or bicycle; vendors have to get their goods from here to there!

Upcoming festival...

Ganesh idols are for sale here all along the streets.  A 10 day festival is coming and we've been told it's going to get loud!

third times a charm...

I got my ears pierced for the third time today...a perfect souvenir from India!

Ask, seek, knock...

 

I am so grateful for the doors God has opened for us! 

People in Pune...

Are you a people watcher? I am! I think God's creations are fascinating. And each time we travel to a new place we get to see more of His handiwork in action. These are just a few of the photos I took on our bus tour of Pune.  If you are friends with me on Facebook you can see the full album by clicking HERE.  

the family vehicle...

I've seen families riding on motorcycles in Belize and have wanted to get a photo. One of our neighbors picks his kids up from school on his motorcycle and it's such a loving sight. This photo is a bit blurry but as you can see they do it here in India too!  I am always amazed at how people make what they have work for their families.  Most of the families I've seen ride in the order this family is riding...the littlest one in the front and the mom in the back.  And if mom is wearing a saree then she rides side saddle.

Since we've been here I've ridden on the back of the bike several times.  The first time I was excited but scared.  Each time I go out with someone I feel more comfortable and not as exposed as I did that first time. I can see that there is a rhythm to the flow of traffic here and have noticed that the motorbikes are better able to weave in and out of the congested traffic much easier than cars can.  I still don't think I would do well driving here...but I used to say that about the freeways in California and somehow I overcame that fear!

all who are thirsty...

There is a first time for everything...and Sunday after church was the first time I'd ever seen a cow drink from a water fountain!

going for a ride...

We saw these carriages the other day...

I heard that some people use them for transporting the bridal party to the wedding! 

I haven't seen a procession yet.  It would be exciting if we get to witness one before we leave.  I've heard that the groom comes to pick up the bride riding on a white horse...I would love to see that!

a bit of Hallmark...

Found a store with a great selection of Hallmark cards in the neighborhood  the other day!

Acts 19:26

Not far from the flat we are staying in is a temple to the Hindu god Ganesh.  You can read more about him by clicking here.  There are many gods worshiped here in India and around the world.    

This photo was taken with my Galaxy tablet as we were walking home late one evening...

When I think of all the things that Christ has helped us through I cannot help but desire that others get to experience His overwhelming love and care.  Each time I pass this temple I pray for those who still do not know Him as the One True God.  

breakfast for dinner...

 

 

 

Tom was craving pancakes so we walked down to a place called Peter's Pan.  He got his pancakes and I was able to enjoy a cheese omelet with hash browns.  We will have to go again...the food was tasty and filling.  The night that we were there every table but one was full.  The little girl in the photo seemed to be having fun taking pictures of the kitchen and watching them flip pancakes!

feeling at home in His house...

 

 

 

Yesterday was Friendship Day here in India.  We were blessed to visit Naga Christian Fellowship and they used the holiday as the theme for the service.  As we entered the church we were greeted with a handshake and then had a friendship bracelet tied to our wrists.  All of the scriptures, songs, and the message revolved around various aspects of friendship.  One of the soloists blew us away and the sermon was very encouraging.  After the service there was a fellowship time and we got a chance to chat with several people.

One of the things that made our visit so special was seeing all of the women that I had met at the Bible study on Wednesday morning.  It truly made me feel at home to see so many familiar faces.  God has a way of allowing us to experience His loving presence just when we need it most!

Henna tattoos...

These guys were set up in front of the movie theater.  Before we leave India I may have to give this a try!

Yummo!

Mango flavored breakfast cereal? Yes, please!!