Not my will, but Thy will...

Wow almost one week since I've arrived in the Netherlands!

Today I got a chance to visit the Hensbroek Castle which is about 15 minutes away from my kerkrade. This castle dates back to the 1400's so everything is very old. One of the first things that had me thinking about the bible was when we came to the prison cell. The prison cell is on the lowest level of the medieval turret. It is a very damp place because it is so deep in the castle the moisture builds and stays there below. There are 2 beams lying on the floor one of them with an iron straitjacket attached which the prisoners would be in. The room can be bolted closed by a 10cm thick door. Prisoners back then were in absolute darkness and did not see sun light unless it shown through the small window.

As I looked towards the window about 10 cm out from a gevangeniscel (prison cell) and at least 1ft long and 6in wide, it reminded me of Paul from the Bible. He was at times a prisoner. I couldn't help but to imagine the loneliness one would feel in an isolated area held captive with others who may not have been in good spirits. A place where the things people did were shame full. Yet, Paul in his letters that he wrote from jail were that of a person who knew joy and wrote with encouraging words despite the situation. I am sure there must have been times when he was sad, but underneath it all Paul knew a God who was in control of his life-even life in jail. Seeing that prisoners might not have anything with them while captive it is indeed logical that he hid God's word in his heart. We may not know the lives that were saved in the jails that Paul was in but we can be sure that even then life in jail was to bring glory to God.

May you find it encouraging to rest in knowing that the Lord will always be there and can use all circumstances to bring you closer to Him. Looking now at myself I have gained a better understanding: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes..." Proverbs 3:5-7

Resting in His promises

First Full Day in Kerkrade, Netherlands

Hello! and welcome.



Thank you for all who have been praying for my safe arrival here in Kerkrade, Netherlands. I arrived safetly yesterday, Sat. 7.18.09 without any delays or mix up with the trains. Praise the Lord!



When I arrived yesterday it was raining very hard and I forgot to bring a warm sweater. It was chilly, but has worn off since yesterday. Today (Sunday)Today, Sunday I was given the opportunity to speak at my grandparent's church. Everything was good and after Sunday service they had a luncheon where I had the opportunity to hear from the people how God is moving in their lives. Sundays will be a growing experience for me because the services are spoken in dutch. This will be a training time for me to pick back up on listening & speaking dutch.



It is currently 7o'clock and yesterday the sun didn't go down till 10:30pm talk about a very long evening!

Blessings,

Carley

Praises

• I arrived safely to my grandparent's flat
• Jetlag is almost over!

Prayers

• I will get my blog pictures up and running
• Get good sleep
• I will further my understanding and speaking of dutch