Nelson’s journal 3/3/22

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Margaret

Nelson was always on the alert for God’s messages to him, trying to remain open to his ideas, especially those that seem impossible at the time. This applied to everything from career choice, living situation, even filling out tax forms. How does a person make good plans without becoming controlling? In this journal entry, he’s figured it out.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

March 3, 2022

Isaiah 55…One of the all time greats. God reminding us that his thoughts are not our thoughts nor his ways ours.

I have seen so many times how he leads us in a way and for a reason we could never have guessed, so how can we even plan anything? It’s funny we even try. But we sure do.

Plans are good, but the outcome is always in the hands of the Lord. If I try to honor him and do the right thing, that’s the important part. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness… that’s what matters, not where we go or what we do.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

I want to be honest, but not a fool or a sucker. For example, doing taxes takes a skill I don’t really have, but I paid a guy to do it all those years, then realized I’m smart enough to do it. I just don’t like the dirty feeling I get once I’m done.

There’s no way I know to do it without feeling like I have to either screw myself so bad or that I’m somehow cheating. So now I do it somewhere in the middle and try not to feel guilty. Anyway, lots of things have gone that way for me. I used to obsess on them and they ruined my life and became gods.

Now I mostly let things go and leave the results up to the Lord. Maybe it’s a release of control. I think so. People who try to control everything seem so much unhappier than the ones who just focus on living and less on the bottom line.

Working with Tim yesterday was fun, and I enjoy learning about electricity and like the thought of being an expert at something. I’ve always been the jack of all trades, master of none. I’d love to at least be an expert in something. lol.

Maybe God doesn’t care about that, but I would like to try to become a licensed electrician in the State of Hawaii. How hard can it be? Once you learn something, it instantly becomes easy.

Been praying for Ukraine at church and in Kokua Crew. It’s been good. Also, I like how it has eclipsed the whole corona virus thing. That was getting so old. Hard to believe they made such a big deal about that for so long, when it was basically nothing all along. A lesson in what the media can do.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

“The Lord of Hosts has sworn, ’As I have planned, so shall it be’.” (Isaiah 14:24)

Nelson’s journal 3/2/22

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Margaret

Today is the due date for Baby Boy Nyman to arrive, but he didn’t get the memo and was still tucked in tight by the end of the day. As for Nelson, he is still having a tough time finalizing a few decisions, and so, as always, he hashes it all out in his journal.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

March 2, 2022

I had this thought this morning about repentance. Like in the Catholic church. Have I been in the active practice of confessing my sins? In my prayer times, I don’t know if active confession is a part of it like it used to be.

It’s 6 am and Annso and I are stirring around in the dark before I head to work with Tim out at Waikoloa. It’s a couple days a week at this point, but it doesn’t seem like something that will work for us, given the circumstances of our lives and the support we have.

We don’t even really need the money, so it’s just about getting educated in electrical work, which I like, but at what cost and what’s the need for that?

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

”Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8)

Nelson’s journal 2/22/22

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Margaret

Ann Sophie and Nelson continue running the Kokua Crew ministry in Kona, Hawaii, staying busy around the clock with Youth With a Mission. The idea of becoming an electrician still has appeal, but the ministry still tugs firmly. Nelson is realizing that a traditional 40-hour job that is calm and predictable might not be the way to go.

The one thing he knows for sure is that as God guides, he’ll follow.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

February 22, 2022

The more I lead the Kokua Crew, the more I realize that these are my people. The BBC people came for their Mission Journey and the difference between the two groups is clear. I’m way more of a worker than a diplomat or office person. I’d rather be up in a tree than at a meeting… Anyway, we are glad to be doing what we’re doing.

Being an electrician doesn’t seem like a compatible life to this. Or it seems like a complete abandon of this life and all it has and demands. The demands and perks are different from those of a “normal” job.

Like Peter said, “We trusted God and look how it worked out for us.”

Lord, when I was working at his (Tim’s) house, I thought about that and have seen you do that for me so many times. Every time I’ve “Made a Plan,” it’s turned out to be second-best. You have always done more than I can ask or imagine. Maybe we should just stick with that.

Also, the two we asked to step in as house parents declined. So we’re left with a space open for next quarter. I hold it all loosely and want the best for our family, even though having a baby still seems like a dream. But the due date is anytime.

I pray, Lord, that I would never fear man or the churches that send us, the leadership here, any disease, any deportment or exclusion. I pray that you would always be the boss and the one I look to for orders, value, and self-worth. I pray for wisdom about spending Saturday with this team or sticking with the new Sabbath transition we are trying to start.

Even last week, there were commitments that tried to get in there and did. Lunches with people and other work-oriented things. We are happy to work, Lord, but even happier to spend the Sabbath together without work.

I pray for the courage to defend Annso and our baby boy above everything and everyone else, and not to let business or work come in the way, or fear of man, or fear of not having enough money or whatever, to stand in the way. I’m grateful for today, for the work we have, for the meeting tonight, for new starts and for fresh appreciation of what we do and why we do it.

Thank you Lord for the team from BBC that’s here and for their kindness to us bringing the dresser and coming all this way to bless us for such a short time.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

“Think about the Lord in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)