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Monday, January 07, 2008

On glory and grief


We are in Austria, at the foot of snow-laden mist-shrouded mountains, nestled in a castle whose dark past of witch-burning and Nazi-occupation has been transformed into a Christian retreat center with clean beds and fire-places. But best of all we are enveloped in the love of our World Harvest Mission family, the people who have been praying without ceasing and supporting us through the crisis of the last month. Pastor Scotty Smith from Nashville is leading us in daily teaching from the book of Revelation, the encouragement to Christians who are suffering to show that God is still in control and bringing all things to newness of life. Very timely. And we are also studying a book about team dynamics to build our leadership wisdom. And praying together, weeping, hearing stories and offering solace from shared struggles. The kids are fascinated by the twisting stair cases and secret turrets, the icy sledding hill and fun input from the Spain team. All in all just what we needed at this point, strong Austrian order and peace, strong WHM friendship and prayer, and family togetherness. We are so grateful to be here.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh how wonderful, Scotty Smith! I know that will be a blessing. Praying for rest and renewal, both spiritual and physical! We love you guys.

shannon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
shannon said...

oh, i am so excited for you guys. i sat under scotty for most of my childhood years. i pray that you will find joy and refreshment in being on retreat. love to you all, shannon southard harris

tea88 said...

My family is with you all. :) I'm glad it is a restful time. WHM retreats really are good times to regroup.

Anonymous said...

Dear Myhre family,

We have been praying for all of you and the situation in Uganda since we heard about it. Joel M and I had a nice visit with the Massos when they were in MA last month. We are thankful for answers to prayers and continue to pray for God's comfort for those who lost loved ones during the outbreak. My God's kingdom continue to be advanced.

Joel M's Dad (Larry)

Rebecca said...

I'm looking forward to the next mission-wide retreat! I'm praying for each of you!
With love,
Rebecca xx

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! That photo is remarkable. I pray the Lord is creatively working all sorts of new and grand wonders in your hearts through the weight of all of this. Glory is the only word that could capture what He brings out of the rubble. Yet, like the dry bones, it rises and grows and knows no limits.

Anonymous said...

How thankful I am that God has provided this time and place for refreshment and renewal for your family! Continued blessings!

Dan said...

Glad to hear that this has been a time of rest and healing. Thanks for your prayers for us here in Philly.

Anonymous said...

I've thought of posting this during your recent trial, and thought how much it reminds me of your statement on your homepage regarding paradox. (From "The Valley of Vision",Arthur Bennett, ed.) May the Lord bless you all!

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,

Thou has brought me to the valley of vision,

where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;

hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold

thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up,

that to be low is to be high,

that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all,

that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

that to give is to receive,

that the valley is the place of vision.



Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,

deepest wells,

and the deeper the wells the brighter

thy stars shine;

Let me find thy light in my darkness,

Thy life in my death,

that every good work or thought found in me

thy joy in my sorrow,

thy grace in my sin,

thy riches in my poverty

thy glory in my valley.

Cindy Nore said...

So glad to hear you are experiencing restoration and a time of peace, which is much deserved. Praying for rest, comfort, a knowledge of how appreciated your sacrifices are, a special peace for your children, and that you all would not miss your dog too much - the last in a long line of losses. I am in awe of your spirits and your attitude.

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer and Scott, Your last post and photo shows a setting of joy and peace and comforts which you all sorely need. I pray that your souls and spirits have been greatly blessed by the companionship you have had. I am praying constantly that you are finding the strength to go back to the stresses of loss and grief, and to a very different living situation, with hearts at peace and spirits renewed. I miss your postings but hope that means you are truly immersed in renewal. My prayer for you was part of our Bible study: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit, you may be rich in hope." Romans 15:13 Judy in HMB