Author Lisa Harris

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

It's hard to believe that it's 2006. For me, the past year was one of huge transition. Not only did we make a major move from Joburg into northern South Africa, we spent two months of the year back in the States. Through it all, though, I've seen God's hand work in so many miraculous ways, and I'm exciting to see what this New Year will bring.

We've spent the past few days hosting some friends from Angola. They've been missionaries in that war-torn country for eight years, and God really blessed our time together. One highlight was a day at Kruger National Game Park. Unfortunately, the animals must have all been on Christmas break! We saw a few elephants, tons of buck and zebra, but not much else. We had more activity at home than in the park. Coming home, our guests found a mouse in their room. In trying to catch it, the mouse ran under a heavy piece of furniture. We were out of raid, so used cooking spray to fumigate the mouse out from under the furniture. Crazy, I know, but it worked. We chased it outside and our dogs took over from there.

Needless to say, Scott brought home a kitten yesterday to help take care of our mouse problem. (Scott hates snakes. I HATE mice). The kids are so excited about 'Max' and thankfully he doesn't seem to mind being carried around all the time by one of them. Tonight he's even sleeping in Mariah's doll crib. :-)

Another significant event of the last few days was New Year's Eve. We spent the evening playing game with some of our South African friends. At midnight, we had a communion service and spent time in worship and praying for each other. It was such a moving experience. I felt the presence of God among us as we dedicated this coming year to His service.

I was personally challenged in a number of areas. One of the main things is that I want to become more of a prayer warrier during this coming year, espicially for the work being done throughout southern Africa. The need is so great here, and prayer is a part of our armor as Christians. God has called us to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. . .to be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18) May each of us use this coming year to serve Him with everything that we have.

Don't forget to check back soon! Tomorrow I'll post the winner of my free book from last week's contest and a recipe.

Blessings to each of you in this coming year!

Lisa