GodandMe2theMax

Every good and perfect gift, even COVID and 2020

For many, 2020 is the year that was. For me, it was a year of blessings, so many that I cannot help but publicly praise God for all that He did.

2020 marked my 29^th year in the travel industry. My job has been very stressful for many years, and toward the middle of 2019, I was praying God would provide a way of escape for me. In November of 2019, I was promoted to be in charge of training for all of North America for Key Travel. I thought that was how God was answering my prayers for a way of escape, but little did I know what God had planned on the horizon. How little did we all know what 2020 would hold.

COVID devastated the travel industry, perhaps like no other industry. April 10^th was my last day with Key Travel, and God allowed me to exit with maximum severance offered. Two weeks later, nearly all the rest of the operations staff in the US was let go, with virtually no severance. While I certainly never expected to leave my position at Key Travel without having another one lined up, God had other plans. 

I’m here to testify that when things don’t go the way we plan or expect, we need to remember that God’s plans are always so much better than ours. Always.

After being rejected for a job at AAA, with the rejection letter saying I wasn’t qualified (even though the job was doing the exact same as my first management job with AAA), I realized it was because I had never finished my Bachelors degree. Had the COVID domino not fallen over on the travel industry, I never would have been motivated to complete my degree. Yet, in just over 4 months, by God’s grace, I completed 29 credit hours and received my Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (focus areas of Education and Business) from Liberty University – exactly 30 years after I withdrew after my junior year.

And of course, commencement was cancelled at Liberty University due to COVID, but that didn't stop us from celebrating. I planned a full commencement ceremony, including all the fanfare, with Dr. Frank Banfill bringing the commencement address. It truly was one of the happiest days of my life. Only God could bring such joy because of the COVID domino.

My final capstone class for my degree also birthed an idea for a future business. The details of that idea are still "percolating" -- stay tuned. But again, had the COVID domino not hit, we would never even be discussing it as an option. 

In July, Frank decided we needed to get away. I fought it. Big time. I was buried in my final Capstone class, and it was extremely time-demanding. Besides, who travels on an international vacation right in the middle of a pandemic? Well, the Banfills did, and it was amazing. Jamaica had very few cases, and Frank felt strongly that we should plan to go -- in faith -- knowing the booking allowed us to re-schedule without penalty. We have no regrets; it was truly one of the best trips of our life!

God provided a “deserted beach vacation” in the middle of a global pandemic. It was a much-needed blessing, and I believe we were safer on that deserted beach than if we stayed at home! Our entire plane had to produce negative COVID tests, and once we arrived, the Jamaican government made us all re-take the COVID tests. Who would have thought that the COVID domino could bring such joy, but it did…in abundance!

 

To say the beach was deserted is an understatement.

The COVID domino also hit KiDs Beach Club, where Frank is the VP of Strategy and Growth. Last year, they had over 300 schools across the nation who partnered with them, holding Beach Clubs in public schools. In 2020, that number dropped to about 7, thanks to COVID. KBC didn’t let COVID stop them from pursuing what God called them to do, and when kids could no longer come to Beach Club at their local school, KBC made the decision to bring Beach Club to them – in their homes. Thus, the “Beach Club at Home” concept was birthed: create 30-minute professionally produced “Beach Club at Home” tv-quality episodes that mirror the elements found in the live Beach Clubs. It was all happening very fast, with no money budgeted to make it happen. But God knew that the COVID domino was going to hit, and He miraculously prepared the generous hearts of donors to give BIG. The first 6 episodes of “Beach Club at Home” were launched, providing a way for kids to interact and experience what was no longer possible within their local schools.

However, the original production company decided to topple their own domino; for KBC, it initially looked devastating. The production company said they could no longer write and produce the remaining 15 needed episodes and basically said what KiDs Beach Club was asking was impossible. Looking back, I’m reminded of Matthew 19:26 for sure!

Frank spearheaded the “Beach Club at Home” project, and I will never forget the look on his face as he told me what the original production company said. In case you don't know him, you should know that Frank is a leader that is not easily discouraged. Yet that afternoon, he really was distressed, trying to understand how God wanted KBC to move forward after hitting such a concrete wall. Trying to brainstorm with him, I told him I could write the remaining 15 episodes. I really threw that out there only to try to show him there were options. It was a grasp at straws of desperation. In nearly 30 years of marriage, I so rarely have seen him even close to discouraged, and I had to do something!

I’ll be honest. I really didn’t think that domino would fall in the direction I suggested. I kind of "thought" I could write the episodes, but the doubt-meter definitely swayed more on the “NO” side of the pendulum. And it was definitely a lot harder than I thought! But, KBC needed a writer, and nothing else was materializing.

We decided for me to write my first screenplay and submit it to the KiDs Beach Club president anonymously. This would avoid embarrassment for me, had he not liked what I created, and it would avoid apparent conflict of interest for Frank. That’s when the original production company’s domino intersected with mine. Jack Terrell, the KBC founder and president LOVED what I had created. He didn’t know I had it in me, and to be honest, I didn’t either. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that God would provide for KiDs Beach Club while simultaneously providing for our financial needs in 2020 by having me write and sell 15 original screenplays! God worked out all the rest of the details for a new production company, CRM Studios. Most of the filming for all the episodes is now complete and in post-production. Only God could orchestrate what has taken place!  He crumbled the financial mountains for KiDs Beach Club to make this happen, and somehow, all my crazy ideas for the scripts came to life.

KiDs Beach Club at Home
(Episodes 1-6 were done by the original production company, and I wrote the remaining episodes. More will be added in February)

 

The COVID domino also tumbled over our health, with both Frank and I contracting COVID. His case was much worse than mine, developing double pneumonia, a blood clot in his lung, and spending 5 days in the hospital. My doctor said he is lucky to be alive, but we know luck has nothing to do with it. The fact that he is alive is 100% God. Perhaps even more miraculous, He spared my 80-year old mother (who lives with us), keeping her from catching it.

In 2020, I learned it's ok to not be ok. (Taken from my favorite song of the year: by Matthew West, Truth Be Told)
In 2020, I learned that it’s ok to not be constantly busy.
In 2020, I realized that I had let WORK snatch me from the things that really mattered. Losing my job was an incredible blessing.
In 2020, I saw God provide for our family in miraculous ways.
In 2020, I re-discovered my love for creativity that had been stolen by my stress-filled job (whether through writing or creating "masterpieces" like the tree picture below (term used loosely) or the table trivets I started making as gifts. And who knows, maybe I'll start really blogging again.

And on the last day of 2020, I read the words that for 13 years running, I still do not take for granted: “Cancer markers undetectable.”

Yes, 2020 was good to me. I'm actually kind of sad to see it go, because I don't know how 2021 could top it! Sure, like many others, I could dwell on the negative domino effect and bring in the new year thanking God it’s over. But the TRUTH BE TOLD, I’m a much happier version of “me” going into 2021 than I was going into 2020.

I praise God for every good and perfect gift, including COVID and 2020.

 

-- Beth Banfill
[email protected]

 

 

No greater joy...

“I have no greater joy than to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
III John 1:4

 

As we prepared to go to Africa, this is the verse that kept running through my head.  In my mind, though, the phrase was “than to see my children walking in truth…I have no greater joy than to SEE THEM walk in truth...”  And from this mom’s perspective, seeing my children live out their faith on foreign soil was a visual image I wanted to invade my memory, never to leave.

You see, in 25 years of marriage and 20 years of having children in our lives, we have never had our entire family of four on the mission field together.  I have been overseas with Frank about 4 times, one of those times with Amber & Frank, 6 other times with just Amber, a bunch of other times without anyone in the family with me, but never have either one of us been able to serve overseas with all four of us.  (And in case you’re not keeping track, that means the missing element has always been Jacob.)  Not only was this trip a dream come true, but we both believed it was a mandate from God to allow Jacob this opportunity before he graduates and moves on in his next phase of life.  We also knew another opportunity like this was quite unlikely, so trust me when I say that I did my best to soak it all in and savor the moments and memories.

Jacob is…well, let’s just say he’s a typical teenager.  He is anxious to conquer the world, but if I try to offer advice along the way, it is too often quickly discarded as irrelevant and unfounded.  Hanging out with mom is something he does only under duress, and I suspect that isn’t going to change until he really lives the hard-knocks life of adulthood.  I believe that one day, he will realize mom is one of his biggest advocates, and I’m clinging to that tenet!  Until then, he remains a typical teenager who tomorrow morning will begin his last “first day of school”. 

I look at him and wonder how that bright eyed, silky haired boy with the big dimples turned into a big-haired mustache wearing almost 18 year old.

Alas, I digress.  Forgive this mom for the reminiscing.

Back to Africa… 

It was our last day of ministry, and in fact, it was our last day before we started our return to Texas.  We were to leave early the next morning, and the one memory I had hoped for had not yet been made:  I had yet to hear Jacob share his faith -- not even once during the entire trip.

Early on in the trip, Frank was able to go out with him; Amber had teamed up with him a few times; and even Dr. Vance, one of our other team members was able to go out with him one day.  But me?  Nope.  Jacob wanted nothing to do with that idea, and in fact, he vetoed the opportunity when it was presented.  Providentially though, on that last day, we were a bit short on translators.  That my friends, was about the best news anyone could have told me.  Not only did we spend the day together, but an added bonus: Amber also joined with us.  (Frank was at East Africa Christian College finishing up the class he was teaching, so I am the sole possessor of this priceless parental memory!)

Our translator Willfred was on a mission, no pun intended.  He knew where he was taking us, and it’s probably good he didn’t tell us ahead of time.  We crossed the road and followed him on an adventure that none of us will forget.

It was clear that the only way to forge this hike was with high steps through the fields. 

Our guide had a brisk pace, and we all had our eyes on the ground, trying to dodge the cattle dung.  We trekked down the side of a cliff-like ravine, crossed the stream, and then we pressed on up, up, up the mountain. 

I lagged behind the others as I tried to snap some pictures to capture this experience.  By the time we stopped at our first home, we weren’t at the ‘top’ of the mountain, but we were definitely a lot closer than I ever thought we’d get!

The above pictures is with full zoom, looking down on where the church is located.  
When I snapped this, we weren't even all the way up the mountainside yet!

 

As I said earlier, our translator was on a mission.  Every step up that mountain was intentional.  Willfred knew exactly where we were going and why:  to tell his friends about the Lord.  We came upon a central area where we were met by some of his friends. 

In Swahili, Willfred explained that we had come to Tanzania to share with them, and together, they went and gathered together all the extended family who were available to listen.  We must have had about 8 adults and 15 kids that finally gathered around – maybe more.  They were all waiting to hear from these strange white people.  (I’m pretty sure some of those children had never seen a white person, but you’ll have to wait until the next blog entry for that story.)

With all the extended mountain family together, it was determined that I should be the one to share with them first.  I shared my testimony of how as a small child, I made the most important decision I could ever have made:  the decision to put my faith and trust in Jesus.  I went on to share the specifics of what the Bible says about becoming a Christian, and Amber then shared the Evangecube with them.  She started out by asking what they knew about a man named Jesus.  Their response: They knew nothing; in fact, they had never even heard His name.  Can you even imagine that?  We live here in the USA where most of us hear the name of Jesus being taken in vain nearly every day.  Yet these people had never even heard the greatest story ever told – the story of Jesus and His unending bountiful love for us!

As Amber shared, they hung on her every word.  Before she even finished, one of the adults interrupted and said, “I want that for me.  How do I get this free gift of salvation for me?”  Wise beyond her years, Amber is ever-so-cautious of leading someone in a prayer without them fully understanding the commitment that it means.  So she finished articulating the Gospel to make sure they fully understood what it meant to put your faith and trust in Christ and accept His free gift of salvation.  Then each family member, along with some of the older children bowed their heads and prayed a simple prayer of forgiveness, confession, and commitment.  

 

The angels rejoiced; this mom did too, because I have no greater joy than to see my children walk in the truth.

The next home we visited was just a little further up the mountain. (We didn't think it was possible, but it was!)

It was a similar scenario as the last hut:  Willfred had us stop in a central area while he gathered up all the extended family so we could share with a max amount of people possible.  At this hut, however, it was Jacob’s turn to share why we came to Tanzania.  He opened up the Evangecube, and as he began to speak, this momma’s heart was about to explode with pride. 

I watched in silence; I listened intently; I pinched myself.  At times, Jacob would struggle to find the right words.  As if they could read each other’s minds, he just had to glance over at his sister, as if to make an invisible “tag” for her to take over.  Then and only then, would she jump in to bridge the words he struggled to find. 

And as soon as the thought was complete, she in turn would invisibly tag him back, allowing him the ability to take the lead in sharing the Gospel.  It happened like that about three times, maybe four.  If telepathic tag-team witnessing was an Olympic event, they would have won the gold medal, hands down. 

Sometimes you wonder if it is really worth it...all the hours you pour into your children trying to "train them up in the way they should go."  You wonder if they really "get it" and if anything you have taught them really sinks deep.  Of course I know it's always worth it, but it was at that moment, as I watched my children lead others to Christ that I said a silent prayer.  I thanked God for allowing me the privilege of witnessing my children share their faith....not my faith, but their own personal faith.  And I thanked God for answering my prayer to see it happen.

There are truly no other words to express the overflow of emotion in my heart when I say, “I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth.”

 

 

-- Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

Anastazia Robi, born in the year of the locust, and my Rafiki for life.

Matthew 25:35-40

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited me in…”  

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “

 

Kubitierere.  A village marked by incessant tribal warfare with Koritambe, its direct neighbor.  A village known for its members being vengeful and unforgiving.  A village with a deserted church building from years past, due to the pastor being held at spear-point and told to fight or die.  Bloodshed marked the lawn next to the church building, as entire families were killed by spears on their way to church one Sunday.  The pastor and his family fled for their lives.  Innocent people were lost.  And the church that once was thriving dissipated.

Today, things are different.  There are still many vengeful families, and there is much work still to do, but the empty church building no longer exists.  God is at work within this village in a powerful way, and that church now has Christians attending each week and a pastor who is willing to shepherd them. 

It is here in the village of Kubiterere that God gave me my favorite memories from my recent trip to Tanzania.  We worked in three villages while we were there, 2 days in each village.  All of the work remains special in my mind, but over the years, it seems that God always has given me a special blessing of a memory that just “makes” the trip for me.  In this last village of Kubitierere, He did that not once, not twice, but three times.  Three amazing mental images I will never forget.

Today, I write about the first.  Her name is Anastazia Robi.  I don’t know much about her, really, but I can tell you I love her deeply, as if we were old friends.  She had but one child, a son.  Having only one baby in African culture is a stigma, because having many children is looked at as a sign of prosperity.  While Anastazia Robi had only one, her son apparently made up for that barrenness by having 12 offspring.  I also know that she was born in the ‘year of the locust’. My Tanzanian translator told me that he thought that the locust hit Tanzania in 1940, but when I googled it, the year appears to be 1949.  That would put her at only 67 years old, but her leathered hands appear to be so much older.

Our team was originally supposed to host a medical clinic, and we are sure she walked into the church building for that sole purpose.  But God had other plans.  We were on our lunch break when I first laid eyes on her. She was a tiny thing; carried a stick nearly as big as her, and she walked very slowly. 

When I saw her struggling to negotiate the step into the church building, I immediately stood up and grabbed a plastic chair for her to sit down close to the door.  I then pulled up another chair for me, and thus began a sweet rafiki-friendship.

Since it was our lunchbreak, I had no translators nearby to help me know more about this sweet lady that just walked into my life.  So I sat there.  She talked to me.  I conversed back with her.  She pointed at the ceiling of the church, and I responded that yes, I see those cobwebs up there.  She said something else in her native tongue, and I responded that “this is Africa, and I agreed.  I had to learn to not be afraid of spiders.”  The conversation went back and forth like that for quite a while, until one of our translators returned.

I cannot explain to you the feeling of chatting with this sweet woman about two completely different things, all while being 100% unified in spirit with her.  We laughed together, and I knew a bond of friendship was forming.  Even without a translator present, there was one thing evident:  this woman had a serious toothache.  She kept opening her mouth wide so I could take a look.  (Of course I didn't realize until later that the toothache & the original plans for a medical clinic was what brought her into the church building to begin with!)

I just kept telling her that I couldn’t do anything about that toothache she had, and I really didn't even want to see it.  Then I would change the subject to something else and try to be funny.
She seemed to laugh on cue.  I guess this mzungu (white person) intrigued her!  

About 20 minutes of chatting had passed when our gracious hosts from the community marched into the church with several large pots of rice, cabbage, beans, and some beef chunks in broth.  I immediately got up to get her some food, which she of course gladly accepted.  She made it clear that she didn’t want to have anything to do with the cabbage, and it was also apparent that she couldn’t chew that meat, but she gladly accepted a healthy portion of everything else.  

Since the government had put a nix on our plans for the medical clinic, the only thing I could offer her for the toothache was a Tylenol, which she gladly accepted.  

Soon afterward, we began to dialogue; thankfully, this time with the use of a translator.

I then had my translator ask if I could take her picture so that I could remember my new ‘rafiki’ (friend).  She told me, “No, because if you take my picture, it won’t be fair because I don’t have a picture of you.”  Now that was not the response I was expecting, but God interceded in really a miraculous way.  For the first time that I can ever remember happening, one of our team members brought with her a Polaroid camera!  The rest of the team had noticed my ongoing chatting with Anastazia Robi, and without missing a beat, the awesome Olivia Grace Todd came to my heart’s rescue with her camera.  I almost had to pinch myself to see if what I was experiencing was true - just another example of God's providential plans!  Together, we watched the image appear of the two of us, and at that moment, I knew that she loved me back just as much as I loved her.  A tear fell from her eye as she realized she would have a picture of us together to cherish.

In my heart of hearts, I felt that I needed to invest in this woman, meet her physical needs as best I could, but I also was compelled to build a relationship with her before sharing the Gospel.  Missions is not just 'telling people about Jesus."  It's about being sensitive to God to know when you need to meet physical needs & build relationships, and it's about listening to God's timing on when you should move the conversation to the spiritual.  My very wise pastor John Meador (FBC Euless, TX) has said that "relationship" is the most important word in the English language.  After my experience with Anastazia Robi, I believe that we were able to bond because I met her physical needs first...even that silly tylenol that we take for granted.  

After about 40 minutes of taking care of Anastazia Robi, I knew it was time to get down to business.  After all, we weren’t on lunch break all afternoon, and soon we would have to break for our discipleship groups.  I knew that it was time to start sharing the Gospel with her.  I then quickly learned that my translator spoke Swahili, but Anastazia didn't fully speak Swahili.  She understood some, but her native tongue was Lugha.  So I shared with her in English, which was then translated to Swahili, and then translated again to her native tongue of Lugha. 

She told me she was from a works-based religion.  In most cultures, her religion means her entrance into heaven was based on the works she did or did not do here on earth.  I shared with her that being a good person and living a good life is not the way to have a relationship with God.  I then shared with her the plan of salvation and showed her the verses in the Bible that say it’s not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to God’s grace that we are saved.  (Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9).  On Tuesday, August 2^nd, Anastazia Robi bowed her head and with tears in her eyes prayed a simple prayer of forgiveness.  And at that moment, God invaded her heart, never to leave her.

Since she had her picture of us, she was now more than happy to let me take pictures, and that I did…en mass.   We took selfies together.  We made silly faces.  (Well, mostly I made the silly faces, because try as she might to imitate my facial gesture, the look on her face never really changed much!)  We laughed.  Big, belly laughs.  She referred to me as “rafiki”, and all during the discipleship group, our hands stayed gripped together.  As our first day in the village came to a close, I didn’t have any idea if I would see this sweet woman again, but I knew that she had made a decision to accept Christ for herself, and because of that, I would see her in heaven one day.

On our last day of ministry before leaving Tanzania, we met again in the church building to go out in teams and share the Gospel.  I knew she wouldn’t be there, but I hoped she would be back in the afternoon for the discipleship group.  Hope did not disappoint.  In fact, she was there waiting for me, big toothless smile across her face.  Empty chair saved just for me, her new rafiki.

We took more selfies.  We laughed.  We talked as if we could understand each other, and she swatted away the children who were trying to photo-bomb “our pictures”.  I took some video of us together, and she even learned how to say my name and “I love you” in English.  During the discipleship time, she once again gripped my hand, and every time I glanced over at her, she would look back with a sweet smile.  My Rafiki, my friend – Anastazia Robi. 

As our hands were inseparable, I knew our time together was drawing to a close.  Through my translator, I explained to her that I was leaving to go back to the USA the next day, and I had to say goodbye.  She understood, and she told me that she would be waiting for me to come back next year.  I made no promises, only that I would try!  I slipped my favorite necklace off my neck and latched it around hers.  I made her promise that she wouldn’t let one of her grandchildren have it, and that it was for her, as a symbol of our friendship.  She promised to keep it, and then I helped her through the door of the church, down the step, and she sat there waving goodbye until I was out of sight.

I still know very little about this woman who impacted my heart.  Her name is Anastazia Robi.  She had but one child, 12 grandchildren, carried a stick nearly as tall as her, and she was born in the “year of the locust.”  I know that she is my life-long friend, and I know God's timing is perfect.  Had the medical clinic taken place, I never would have had the opportunity to invest in her, nor she in me.  She is my rafiki, but most importantly, she is a friend of God now.

Notice the picture above, my black & silver necklace...
then in the picture below, she is wearing it.  :)

And this story, my friends, is my sweetest memory from this last trip to Tanzania.  I'm so blessed to have opportunities like this that make a forever impact on my heart.  

Pray for the people of Kubiterere.  Pray for those in this village that has been through such times of tribal warfare.  Many are still vengeful for the wrongs that were done to their family and need to know about Jesus.

And please pray for my rafiki, my friend, Anastazia Robi. 

 

-- Beth Banfill

www.GodandMe2themax.com

 

 

Reflexology Reflections

Proverbs 16:9 “Man makes his plans, but the Lord directs his steps.”

About a month ago, Amber and I were out shopping at Ross.  Upon leaving the store, we returned to find something under the windshield wiper.  I looked around and you guessed it: every vehicle within view had one of these same flyers:  Sunny Foot Spa: 70 minutes of reflexology massage for only $25, $5 off their normal price.

Normally I get pretty frustrated when people leave solicitations on my vehicle, but after looking at the paper, I suddenly wasn’t upset any longer.  I mean, how can you beat that?  I’m all for massage, and just the mention of the word makes my sore back and neck muscles long to be deeply touched.  With excitement, I showed it to Amber, who quickly rolled her eyes in typical daughter fashion.  She’s not one for massage, and she’s definitely not one who advocates for frivolous spending.  To her, massage = frivolous spending.  To me, massage = heaven on earth; the deeper pressure, the better.  So I tucked the paper away to use sometime in the future (likely for after she went back to college) and we went on our merry way.

Fast forward about a month to this last week.  My friend Sharon and I were looking for something to do together in the evening after work, and I asked her if she knew much about reflexology.  Now, you have to understand something: Sharon is a ‘go with the flow’ friend who is often agreeable to about whatever I suggest.  I knew Sharon wasn’t too keen on massage, but I knew she liked pedicures, so I figured this reflexology thing might be kind of a mix between the two.  She looked at the flyer, and she was “all-in:!

I must admit, even though I am a massive believer in therapeutic massage, as we walked into the storefront of Sunny Foot Spa, it quickly became clear to me that I was a little disillusioned about how this reflexology thing worked.  I peeked around the corner to try to check out the situation.  All I could tell when I tried to glance beyond the tri-fold screen that led into the open room was that I wasn’t so sure Sharon was going to like this thing.

 

 

“How does this work?   Are we allowed to talk?  I asked.  And most importantly, “Can you let me use this coupon for both of us?”  There was clearly a language barrier, so the staff member went to get someone else.  Unfortunately, the answer was pretty much ‘No” for all of the above.  I took a few steps toward the room to get a better look at what was behind the screen.  It was an open room filled with several pieces of furniture, kind of like ottomans, pieced together and covered with white towels.  I double checked with Sharon to get approval; she nodded, and from that point on, there was no turning back.

 

 

We followed the staff member to our stations (aka our personal ottomans.)  It truly was a strange set-up, at least strange for me.  We were told to put our belongings in a little tub at the top of our stations, and I started to pull my hair up on top of my head.  With a broken English accent, I was quickly told to not do that because I was going to be getting a head massage.  Now, I’m all for a head massage, but this one thing I know:  if they tried touching my feet and then putting their hands anywhere near my head, I was going to have to create a scene.  (Yes, I have foot issues, but that’s another blog.)

We were told to lie on the ottoman with our legs hanging over the side so our feet could soak in a fancy bowl of hot water.   I can’t say that was really a comfortable position, because if you have any amount of junk in the trunk like I do, it kind of hurts your middle back to be in such a position.  Sidenote: If there’s one thing I am known for at work, keeping my mouth closed is not it.  My colleagues would be so proud of me, really, because as I glanced over at a perfectly happy Sharon, I decided to silently live with the temporary discomfort.

Before I knew it, the therapist stretched a dry white washcloth across my face and over my eyes, blocking my vision.  Not seeing what’s going on is unnerving to me.  Not knowing what’s going on is perhaps even more so.  I like to be “in the know” and the unnerving thing was more so that I could tell there was movement around me but I didn’t know what or who was around me.  All I could think of was that someone was getting into my purse, located in the bin on the floor just above my head.  At this point, reflexology was not delivering relaxation.

I hated that washcloth over my eyes, but about half way through my session, I realized I could position it in a way that I could see the therapist (now working on my feet) through the bottom where my nose lifted the edge.  Success.  I could finally relax and enjoy the session.

Soon it was time for him to work on my back, and as I turned over with my head in the built-in cradle, my mind started to replay what I had experienced for the last 35 minutes.  It dawned on me that my desire to be “in the know” kept me from enjoying the first half of my experience at Sunny Foot Spa.  And as I lay there, I couldn’t help but realize the object lesson God was trying to teach me about “me”.

You see, for the last several years, our family been kind of living with some washcloths over our eyes.  We’ve not been completely in the dark, because God has let us take plenty of peeks along the way.  We knew He’s been preparing us for a change, but we just didn’t know what exactly that meant.  Was it a move out of state?  Was it a new job for my husband?  Was it a move to the other side of Dallas for a school that better fit our son’s learning style?  These are all things we prayed about and investigated.  And with each “no”, we got another peek through the bottom of the washcloth.

Then it happened: the washcloth was removed completely, or so we thought.  One day last spring, I got a call from my boss asking me to consider providing leadership in our Irving TX office.  In truth, in all that time of being unsettled and knowing “change” was on the horizon, it never dawned on either of us that the reason for an upcoming transition would be related to my job. 

We only live about 60-75 minutes from the Irving office I was asked to lead, but I already work a lot of hours each week.  Personally, I just didn’t have another 10 hours a week to give the company in a commute, so the decision was obvious.  (This is not to say that the decision was easy, because coming to grips with leaving my comfort zone and moving to a new area after 16 years of being in Wylie was one that came with many, many tears, but that’s another blog, too.)

Within a week, we had our home on the market, and we had a plan in place.  It all seemed to make sense and fall into order.  We spent at least one day of each weekend this last summer looking at neighborhoods out near the airport to figure out what area to relocate to.  We went to open house after open house, and most importantly, we visited churches all around where we thought we would end up living.  Our plan: to find a new church home and get Jacob assimilated into the student ministry, so that when our home in Wylie sold, we would already have a jump start on getting him settled for the start of his junior year of high school.

Within a few weeks, we had a great offer on our home, but before we could accept it, the buyer had to withdraw his offer.  Over the course of the summer, we had two more crazy-low offers that we couldn’t accept for obvious reasons.  And as of today, nearly 100 days later, our home is still on the market as we wait on God and His perfect timing.

Yes, we had our plans.  We wanted Amber to be able to help pick out our new home before she went back to college for her Junior year.  That didn’t happen - she went back to California 2 weeks ago.  We had plans for Jacob to start his junior year in a new school district.  That didn’t happen.  We had plans to be settled into a new home and already active in a new church.  Obviously, that didn’t happen either.  We didn’t realize it, but that washcloth we thought had been removed was right back on again.  God had only given us a peek into what was coming.

And as I lay on my stomach at Sunny Foot Spa, I realized that my whole experience there was reflective of the summer that had just ended.  I thought things were going to go a certain way, but what I experienced was completely different.  God had gently placed a blindfold over my eyes for the summer, allowing me to peek a little here and there, but only for a short period of time.  Just like I had to trust that the experience at Sunny Foot Spa would be a positive one, God confirms to me over and over, “Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.”  Just like I had to go through a little discomfort on the ottoman, God re-assures me, “I know this is a little uncomfortable now, but keep trusting me; don’t complain; it will be worth it.” 

When Sharon and I finished our session, we both looked at each other in amazement at how awesome the experience was.  Next time, I won’t care about that blindfold being on my face.  I know I can trust the process to accomplish its purpose.  And you know what?  There’s never been a doubt that I can trust God that the end product when we move will be something amazing, too.

I debated to even put pen to paper about my Sunny Foot Spa reflections.  In truth, my life has been kind of on “hold” for so long that I just figured it would stay “on hold” until we moved.  Even though I’ve been waiting on Him, as patiently and positively as I know how, I’ve kind of just been “existing” instead of living.  I’ve put so much on hold and have hated that blindfold over my eyes so much that I haven’t allowed myself to enjoy this period of waiting on God. 

Because I struggle with the “need to know”, I didn’t really enjoy my Sunny Foot Spa experience until it was more than half-way over.  And because of the same thing, God showed me that I’ve not been living life to its fullest during this transition and enjoying this stage of my life.  I haven’t been using my gifts or been involved in ministry at all, and it’s left me feeling very empty. 

Over the last month, I have playing one song on my phone, over and over (and over) by Casting Crowns called “Just Be Held.”  If you haven’t heard it, you must do so immediately.  I’ve listened at least 100 times, and the words are golden…

Verse 1
Hold it all together.  Everybody needs you strong.
But life hits you out of nowhere and barely leaves you holding on.
And when you’re tired of fighting, chained by your control,
There’s freedom in surrender, lay it down and let it go.

Chorus
So when you’re on your knees and answers seems so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world’s not falling apart it’s falling into place
I’m on the throne stop holding on and just be held.  Just be held.

Verse 2
If your eyes are on the storm you wonder if I love you still.
But if your eyes are on the cross you know I always have and I always will.
And not a tear is wasted in time you’ll understand,
I’m painting beauty with the ashes; your life is in My hands.

Bridge
Lift your hands, lift your eyes, in the storm is where you’ll find Me
And where you are I’ll hold your heart, I’ll hold your heart.
Come to me and find your rest in the arms of a God who won’t let go.

Chorus
So when you’re on your knees and answers seems so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world’s not falling apart it’s falling into place
I’m on the throne stop holding on and just be held.  Just be held.

It didn’t dawn on me until this weekend that even though my faith in this process of moving hasn’t wavered, I’ve personally just been “holding on” – exactly what the song talks about.  I have been taking a big breath and coming up for air only when I have to.  I had stopped writing, and I had pretty much stopped looking for ministry opportunities.  Blindfold removed or not, it’s clear that God wants me to enjoy this process of faith and not just “sit and wait” holding on.  The blindfold doesn’t mean to stop pressing on, it just means to press on while holding the hand of my Guide more tightly.

Yes, I’m a little out of practice at this blogging thing.  And yes, I’m more than a little out of practice at trying to be brief.  (OK, in truth, I didn’t try this time.)  But this one thing I know, I'm committed to not just “hold on” any more.  I’m committed to enjoy the process from here on out, start to finish, blindfold or not. 

 

 

And one more thing, I'm definitely going back to Sunny Foot Spa as soon as I can!  There's something to this "reflexology" thing, and it definitely gives you reason for reflection!

 

-- Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2themax.com

 

 

Wipe that look off your face!

 "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow, the Lord will do amazing things among you."
Joshua 3:5 

This was the verse that God gave me on Sunday.  I wasn't sure why, but it stuck with me, and I kept being drawn back to it, even after our class moved on further in our study of Joshua.  You know, when you read something like that, you don't necessarily think God's talking directly to you, but something inside me just felt like He might be doing just that.

Ceartainly you've heard the expression "Wipe that look off your face before I wipe it off for you."  Nearly everyone has. Perhaps you've had it said to you, or in the heat of the moment, perhaps you've said it to one of your children.  (No, certainly not the latter with me.  Never.)

If you've ever had it said to you, it's also quite likely you didn't even know you had that look on your face!  You're just simply unaware of it.  But those words (ok not exactly, but that concept!) is what Father whispered to me Tuesday morning: "Wipe that look off your face!  I AM GOD  What do you expect?"

Let me back up.  As you know by now if you've read anything I've written this summer, my daughter and I spent time in Zambia in July, working with orphans.  When I first came back, I was gung-ho about telling each girl's story, hoping and praying God would move someone to sponsor one of them through what is called the "Father's Heart" program.  

But honestly, I didn't feel the love reciprocated.  I knew I couldn't expect others to share my passion for these girls. Until you've hugged them and looked into their eyes yourself, I'm not sure you can fully share that passion.  But I still hoped and prayed that God would provide a way for them to be sponsored. Every few days, sometimes every other week, I would post a snippet about the need for them to have an education on my facebook page.  I talked about it with anyone who would listen, yet aside from a few, most were not moved to action. 

The deadline for sponsorship was Tuesday - October 1st, and both Amber and I have been overwhelmed with grief and emotion, knowing that some of "our girls" will attend school next term, and some in the same community will have to stay behind and watch their friends leave for school.  The thought of them thinking that "Auntie Beth worked hard to find sponsors for the others, but somehow Auntie Beth didn't find a sponsor for ME" has haunted me, honestly.

Monday morning, my daughter Amber left for school with tears in her eyes and a pack of brochures in her hand.  She said she's determined to somehow find a way to get the rest of her girls sponsored.  She had planned to walk the Kroger parking lot after school to tell people about the Father's Heart Program and "her girls" that still needed sponsored.  That was her plan, anyway, until I told her she wasn't allowed to solicit at Kroger.  I just looked her in the eye and told her God knows.  God knows which one of our girls must be in school this year.  And if for some reason they can't be sponsored this year, then maybe next.  I told her we'd done everything we can do, and the rest was up to God.

Yes, to say I had pretty much given up would be an accurate statement.  We both have hugged each other and cried together over these girls that we fell in love with this last summer.  But we were downcast, losing hope.  And God said, "Wipe that look off your face, oh ye of little faith!"  

I don't know why I lose faith so easily sometimes.  He's proven Himself faithful over and over again.  He is incapable of faithlessness.  In fact, earlier in the day on Monday, I had received word that someone was looking for a girl to sponsor and had selected Agness, one of the girls from my group.  I checked my email later in the evening, only to discover the whole story.  You see, the day SNAPS (pictures) were taken, Agness wore a pink Batman t-shirt.  The family who was praying over which child to select was immediately drawn to Agness, because the husband is a huge Batman fan.  They referred to her as the "Batgirl" but they didn't want to pick her solely on the t-shirt, so they decided to let God choose.  They prayed over 3 girls, and then put their names in a cup...whichever one was chosen would be the one God wanted them to sponsor.  And of course, God orchestrated for them to choose Agness' name, aka "Batgirl."  

I don't know when it started happening.  Maybe 6 or 7 PM on Monday.  But I got a message from my friend Susan Kendall, the wife of the founder of Family Legacy.  Unbeknownst to me, she decided to "feature" Amber's girls on her facebook page to see if anyone was interested in sponsorship.

Susan sent me a message, asking for some specifics from Amber about a particular little girl.  Amber and I looked at each other with tears flowing down our face, excited about the possibilities.  Our jaws were dropped to the floor in awe. And God said, "Wipe that look off your face!  I am God  What do you expect?"

We checked Amber's sponsorship page, and within the hour, that one person who had inquired about one of Amber's girls felt led to sponsor not one but two of them.  Within just a few hours, all but one of Amber's girls were sponsored, each with an incredibly unique story of how God moved in the heart of the person to hand-select just the perfect match of a sponsor and child.  And God said, "Why do you sit there with such astonishment?  I am God!  Wipe that look off your face!"

Even after "Batgirl" Agness was sponsored, I still had 4 girls that remained unsponsored.  Truthfully, the older they get, the harder it is to find sponsors.  They aren't as "cute and adorable".  But I can tell you that I spent time with these older girls, and the real beauty is on the inside.  God allowed me to catch a glimpse through His eyes and see these girls as royalty - His princesses.  

I decided to check my sponsorship page pretty late in the evening, but something was different. Memory, the smallest of my girls was moved from the "Needing Sponsored" column to the "100% sponsored" section.  I did a double take to make sure I read that correctly, and indeed I had.  The name of her sponsor:  Sheri Reaves.

Let me tell you, the fact that this "Sheri Reaves" sponsored Memory is nothing short of a miracle, and I must tell her story.  Their story.  It is a God story.

Last week I was in Niagara Falls for a week of meetings with our operations/management team, including some of our international staff.  The President of our company sponsored a blanket for one of the girls from my group, and in return, I had promisted to bring him a picture of the girl with the blanket.  It was the first opportunity I've had to see him since I went to Zambia, so as soon as he was free, I went up to him and gave him the picture.  Of all people, the one girl randomly assigned to the money he donated for a blanket was Memory.  

Our speaker for the meetings was perhaps one of the best I've ever heard, and his name was (is) Chuck Reaves.  Well, Chuck made it clear throughout his presentations that he was a Christian.  There was no hiding it, and no reason to hide it.  He was transparent, and you could tell the hand of the Lord was on him, with incredible wisdom and power.  Chuck just "happened" to be standing right there when I handed Mike the picture.  Mike showed it to him with a big smile on his face, told him briefly about me going to Zambia, and that was that.

Or so I thought.

You see, God has a way of putting people together, and there are no accidents.  It turned out that Chuck had an interest in Zambia and in the past, he's been involved in putting wells there.  We chatted a little, then it was time for the meeting to start again.  That evening, our dinner consisted of a "progressive meal", rotating from restaurant to restaurant at the hotel, including rotating who we sat next to at each venue. And who would God put next to me during the appetizer?  Sheri Reaves, Chuck's wife.

We talked as if we were old friends.  Chuck had already told her that I had worked in Zambia, and she wanted to know all about what we did and the minsitry we worked with.  Of course, I was glad to share, too!  In fact, I'm sure I talked way too much!  Our conversation jumped from her church name (Twelve Stone) to my church name (Five Stone) to my cancer, Zambia, Tanzania, and everywhere in between. We covered the globe, really.  The appetizer was soon over, and it was time to rotate to another location, so Sheri gave me her email and asked that I email her information on the ministry in Zambia so she could learn more.

When I got home, I followed through, sent Sheri some links, and I really thought that would be the end of that.  

Until I saw the name of SHERI REAVES listed as Memory's sponsor.  

I emailed her immediately to thank her and give her more information and pictures of Memory, and what she replied to me was nothing short of a miracle.  

Why did she choose to sponsor Memory?  

Because MEMORY was her grandpa's name.  (TRUTH!  She said they called him "Mem" but his real name was Memory!)  When she saw "my" girl by the name of Memory, she knew God wanted Sheri to sponsor her!

And then God said, "If you don't wipe that look off your face, I'm going to wipe it off for you!"  

No seriously, why am I always so astounded when God does what He promises to do -- be 100% faithful?

I mean, is it by "chance" that there was a little big eyed girl by the name of Memory in my group this summer?  Is it by "chance" that my president was randomly assigned as the sponsor for Memory's blanket? Is it by "chance" that I would choose to give my president the picture in person instead of mailing it to him months ago?  Is it by "chance" that our speaker would be a Christian and would happen to have an interest in Zambia?  Is it by "chance" that I would sit next to his wife and that he would have already told her about me?  Is it by "chance" that Memory would be unsponsored?  Is it by "chance" that Sheri Reaves' grandfather's name was Memory?  

Even an atheist should know the answer to those questions. And when he answers them honestly and contemplates these said "chances", God will say to him as well, "Wipe that look from your face!"

I could share several more stories of God-ordained matches, but blogs are supposed to be 750-1000 words, and I'm pushing 2000 right now.  In case you haven't noticed, I've been working on keeping things more brief, but sometimes, God-stories are not to be told in an abbreviated way.  And this is the case today.  I want to share every detail so you can shake your head with me, eyes glazed over (hopefully in tears) and know God is faithful.  Always. In every detail.

So when you're weary; when you want to give up; when God shakes you in your Texan cowboy boots...
When you stand in awe and say, "I can't believe this!"  Just know, you can believe it.  So wipe the look of disbelief off your face.  Because He is God.  And you just never know what He might do when you take the Word of God literally.  Consecrate yourself, for tomorrow, the Lord will do amazing things."

And He did just that.

 

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

 

PS - As of right now, one of Amber's girls and 2 of my girls are still needing sponsorship.
The deadline is less than 3 hours away.  I am believing God will be God.  If nothing else, please pray for 6-year old Melody and 12-year old Jane and Stella, that God will provide for them!  Because, He can and will do amazing things!

Update -
Since the deadline is officially now past, there is a very outside chance that for the next few days, perhaps you can call the ministry and do a late registration for sponsorship. By the grace of God, Melody was sponsored just 25 minutes before midnight, and that leaves just Jane and Stella needing sponsorship!  Please pray for God to provide in His perfect way and perfect timing!

 

 

The Choke Hold...

"The farmer sows the word.  Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown.
As soon as they hear it, satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
Others, like seed sown n rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life,
the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word,
making it unfruitful.  Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it,
and produce a crop --thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown."
Mark 4:14-20 

 

I'll admit it.  When I was a teenager, I was a "Big-Time Wrestling" fan.  I could cite stats on Hulk Hogan, Jake the Snake Roberts, Sergeant Slaughter, Andre the Giant (and a host of others) on demand and sometimes faster than Vince McMahon.  (Only a real fan knows that Hulk Hogan's real name is Terry Gene Bollea...and I knew that long before Al Gore invented the internet or reality TV arrived on the scene.) When I say I was a fan, I mean I was a die-hard fan.  I watched every match, hoping one of my favorite wrestlers would be up next.  

I went to some live matches, too.  I touched Hulk Hogan's shoulder once. He shook his sweat on me as he walked by.  I had Hulkamania posters on my wall; I had a Hulk Hogan "Stretch-Armstrong" doll. You get the idea?  I loved watching WWF wrestling.  No one could convince me it was fake.  Sure, I could see that might be a very slight outside possibility, but I wanted to believe it was real, and therefore, I did. 

Well, thankfully, I've matured a little, and that chapter of my life's obsession is now over.  But in those days, a common wrestling move was called "The Choke Hold."  Real fans also knew it as "The Sleeper." You can probably imagine what it looks like.  One wrestler wraps his arm around the other wrestler's throat until oxygen is seemingly cut off from the brain, causing them to pass out.  (Or at least appear as such.)  

As I read this passage in Mark this morning, I couldn't help but think of "The Choke Hold".  

How many times are we challenged (convicted) by something in the sermon on Sunday, but by Monday, we can't even remember what the sermon was about?  Why is that?  It's because satan's ultimate goal is to put that "choke hold" on Christians.  He can't win the match, and he knows that, but he wants to put the moves on us to make us immobile for the cause of Christ, so he uses the distractions of life to do just that.  

Take a look at verses 18-19:  "...still others hear the word, but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful."

Now, as you probably know, I have a brown thumb.  I have but one plant, and it's one that I'm told you just can't kill.  It was given to me by my boss when I was in the hospital with my 2nd cancer surgery, and it's very special to me.  But aside from that one amazingly still green and growing item in my home, no other plant exists.  My sweet neighbor keeps telling me in her adorable Indian accent, "Beth.  I will teach you."  I just giggle at her and shake my head.  You see, Ankita can try to teach me all she wants, but a horticulturist I will never be.  

A sports fan, though, yes!  That is me.  And sports analogies just work better with my tom-boy, 3-brother/no sister brain.  So when I read this passage, I don't think about the farmer and the seed; I think about a sports event - and in this case - a wrestling ring.  (I don't know why they call it a ring, anyway.  It's very clearly a square, don't you think?)

We are truly in a wrestling match with satan. His one and only goal is to put us out of commission, to put the "choke hold" on us.  The sleeper.  After all, what good are we for Christ when we are just doing nothing?  What good are we when we're distracted by the worries of life and things of the world?  Absolutely no good.  And satan knows it.

But as I thought this through and contemplated the whole scenario and satan's evil tactics, I remembered scenes from yesteryear.  Perhaps you've seen the images as well.  Do you ever remember watching one of those WWF matches and seeing one of the underdog wrestlers just about get beat to a pulp when out of nowhere comes another wrestler to his rescue?  Usually it's one of the really popular ones who has come to stop the slaughter - to be the savior of the day.  Well isn't that what God will do for us?  But the truth is, our tag-team partner Jesus Christ is right there the whole time.  He doesn't have to make an illegal move onto the mat to come to our rescue.  All we have to do is call on Him for help!  At the mention of His name the demons tremble, and the choke-hold is released.

I often wonder how many times I put the choke-hold on myself.  I allow fear to immobilze me from taking a step of faith.  Sure, satan is right there whispering in my ear telling me I'm not good enough, telling me I'm a nobody, telling me to not try because it's a worthless cause.  And it's at that point that I have to realize who is speaking more strongly in my ear.  Satan or Jesus Christ.  Who will I listen to?  Who is King?  And who is the all-time, undisputed, undefeated, reigning champion?  Is it a belly-wallowing serpant?  Or is it the King of Kings who defeated the grave and sin? 

And just like the wrestler, down on two knees, almost ready to concede finds the strength to stand, to defeat the opponent, and to claim the victory in Jesus Name...
Not by might, not by power, but by His spirit, Victory is gained and the choke-hold is broken.

Until the next match.

Be sober, be vigilent, he is walking around looking for people to devour.

 

 --- Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

 

 

Dads that Make a Difference...

“Point your elbow! Quit dropping your shoulder!”
As annoying as those words were from the batter box, how I wish I could hear them one more time.  From the point I could hold a ball and mitt or swing a bat, my dad started taking me out to the playground.  He taught me how to field ground balls; he hit countless infield hits to me as the pitcher; and he intentionally made me run all over the outfield to chase the ball when he would smack a homerun, just because he could.  He taught me how to play ball, just like I was one of the boys.  But I knew I wasn’t just one of the boys, I was his princess.

“Come on, Beth Ann, let’s go fishin’ at Rec Park. 
I’m making my famous dough balls.”  Yes, my dad taught me how to fish, too.  And he had this recipe for dough balls – I don’t know if he made it up or where he got it, but I do remember he would use an old tube sock to make it and you could smell the yeast throughout the house.  He swore it was the only guaranteed bait that the fish would bite on, and he was usually right.  Today, I can’t go fishing without thinking of my dad.  It’s one of my favorite recreational activities.  He made me bait my own hook, and he made me take the fish off when I caught it.  Of course, once I got married, I never told my husband that I knew how to do such things, so let’s keep that between us.   

“You wanna see my scar?” 
He would say while shaking his “World’s Best Lover” belt buckle.  That was one of his favorite lines.  While the recipient of his one-liner turned ghastly white at what might be coming, my dad would then lift up his arm and point to a little scar on the back of his elbow. The shock value alone was worth watching.  He loved to make people laugh with his quick wit, and in regard to that, I am my father’s daughter.  I have a lot of him in me.  Sure, I have his orneriness.  Definitely his strong will.  But mostly, I have his quick wit.  It’s what I like best about myself, actually.  And when I see that same wit in my children, I am quick to point out that they can thank their Grandpa McNabb for that attribute.

Today on Father’s Day, I honor my dad.  He loved Jesus, and I often woke up to find him sitting at the dining room table reading his Bible or praying.  I was his “ditter” and he was my daddy…my daddy who made a difference in my life.

 

How I wish Jacob and Amber could have really known their pop-pop the way I did.  Amber remembers him a little, Jacob not at all.  But as incredible of a role model that I had, I dare say that Jacob and Amber’s daddy may give mine a run for his money.  My best memories of my dad surround his non-stop antics, along with the quality time we spent together.  When my children look back at my husband, Frank, I believe the thing they will remember most is the Godly example that he was and the wisdom he freely and constantly imparted to them.

I have never met a wiser, calmer, more humble soul.   He knows just the right way to counter-act a hot temper.  He reasons his way through conversations with Jacob and Amber to help them dissect problems to see the bigger picture.  Earlier this year, Amber was so stressed about college.  Where to go, what to do with her life, how are we going to pay for it, and how will she ever manage 4 or 8 more years of school when she’s so exhausted from studying right now.  (Typical questions of an
over-achiever!)  In fact, the stress level was so high that she wouldn’t even open the college letters that she was receiving en mass each day.

But Frank, in his best daddy-wisdom, said, “Sweetheart, let’s try to break it down."  He then went on to ask her what makes her happiest.  He asked if there were any elements or experiences in her life that she knew had to be part of her career.  He asked questios like, "Do you want to go to college far from home or close to home?  Do you want to go to a Christian school?  What elements must be in  your future job for you to feel fulfilled?” 

Little by little, the stress level started to go down as the fog began to clear for Amber.  Although she wasn’t sure of her career choice at that point, through the wisdom gleaned from her daddy, she had determined that she wanted to go to a Christian college, probably double major in Cross-Cultural Studies and Spanish (possibly working for a non-profit organization), and because she’s a bit of a homebody, she wanted the school to be about 3 hours from home. (That final college qualification was quickly amended to be 3 hours from home or 15 minutes from a beach!)  Opening the letters from colleges were no longer a daunting task for Amber.  If they didn’t meet the criteria she had
established, thanks to the wisdom from her dad, she would just pitch them in the
trash without another thought.

Wisdom.  Some people have it, some don’t.  And Frank Banfill, the father of my children and the love of my life has it in surplus.  He models Christ for our children, and he has lived a life of humility for them to see as they grow up.  He's in Tanzania this Father's Day, and in fact, he's already gone to bed for the night, but I want to publicy honor my husband today.  There’s no doubt that he's a dad who is making a daily difference in the lives of Jacob and Amber, and I’m so grateful. 

I would love to sit here and say my dad was the most awesome father in the world.  Jacob and Amber could build a pretty strong case of the same for Frank, too.  But the truth is that the judge would throw both cases out of court.  You see, God in heaven, my heavenly father, my Abba Daddy, trumps all.  I cannot even imagine what my life would look like without having a relationship with Him. 

So many people don’t get that the relationship is the key.  They say, “I believe in God,” and they think that’s their ticket to heaven.  But the Bible says that the demons believe in God, and they’re afraid.  No, just knowing isn’t the answer. 

It’s like this.  Let’s just say you grew up with a wayward father.  You knew he was out there somewhere, but you would have no reason to trust him, and you certainly wouldn’t have faith in him.  Why?  Because you have no relationship with him.  He’s not shown an interest in you or even acted as though he cared.  On the flip side, if you were blessed to grow up with your dad in your life and you
have a good relationship with him, would you even doubt his advice or guidance?  Most would say no.  Why? Because you trust him.  Because you know he has your best interests at heart.  Because you know He loves you and cares for you.

I’ve just finished a Bible study a few weeks ago, and one recurring theme was that God pursues us. 
Unlike the wayward father, my Father pursues me.  In Genesis 15:1, He came to Abram.  In Genesis 3:7, he came to Cain and told him the right way to live his life.  I Peter 3:12 says that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer.  Isaiah 30:18 says the Lord longs to be gracious to us, and He’s waiting on high to have compassion on us.  Psalm 10:17 says He listens to our cry.  Exodus 14:14 says He will fight for us.  And I John 4:16 says that we know and can rely on the love God has for us!  Those are some pretty strong words! 

All these things sure sound like attributes of a great Father, don’t they?  Someone who loves me unconditionally.  Someone who will fight for me.  Someone who listens to me.  Someone I can count on.  Someone who guides me in truth and shows me the right way to go.

John 8:32 says “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  And the truth is
that it’s not by my own works that I can be saved, it’s only through the grace of God.  (Ephesians 2:8-9)  The key is putting your faith and trust in Him as the only true way to heaven.  John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  And what did my
Heavenly Father do?  He loved me so much that He sent his son Jesus to earth.  He lived a perfect life, and He suffered a terrible death, for your sin and mine.  When He rose from the dead, he defeated sin and death, and He made a way for us to get to Heaven.  Doing good things and living a good life won’t get me there.  It’s only by having a point in my life when I’ve made a conscious decision to put my faith and trust in Him as the only true way.  John 14:6 says “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father, except through Me.” (through what Jesus did on the cross!)   

I love the play on words in this old song…  “He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt, I could not pay, I needed someone to wash my sins away.  And now I sing a brand new song, Amazing Grace, all day long, Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay.” 

I’m so thankful that my mom introduced me to my Heavenly Father.  As a small child, as best I could,
I knelt beside my bed and asked Him to forgive me of my sins and come into my life and save me.  I told Him I wanted to live for Him, and I put my faith and trust in Him, and Him alone for salvation.

Whether you had a great relationship with your dad or a terrible one, the truth is that if you don’t already, you can have a relationship with this same God that I do.  He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  (Proverbs 18:23).  He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5).  And He promises, “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with your whole heart.”  If you don’t know Him personally, why not start today?  What’s keeping you?

He’s a Dad who made a difference in my life.  In fact, He’s THE DAD who made THE ONLY DIFFERENCE in my life.

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

 

 

God has some big plans up His sleeve - Only God. Only God!

 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord,
and My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” 
Isaiah 55:8 (New Living Translation)

 

I had it all planned out.  Or so I thought.  After I got back from Tanzania last year, my excitement and love for the people in Bukabwa was overflowing.  My one and only goal was to go back to Tanzania as a family the next year - on the June trip.  The one that leaves this next week.  I started praying about it; Frank started praying about it.  As much as our desire was there for our whole family to serve together in Tanzania, it was becoming evident that this wasn’t necessarily God’s plan.  Still, I held out hope, waiting to see if circumstances would turn around, praying, and seeking God for His perfect plan. 

But in January, that all changed.  Quickly and radically.  Seemingly out of the blue, I received an invitation for Amber and I to go to Zambia this summer to work with one of my long-time clients, Family Legacy Missions International (FLMI).  The call of God for us to go was so clear and evident that even this strong-willed girl abandoned her previous heart’s desire.  After one nearly sleepless night of praying about this new possibility, the only answer I could tell God was "How can I say no?"  My earlier prayers of going to Tanzania as a family were replaced with wonder, bewilderment, and excitement at what God had up His sleeve. 

Let me back up.  A few years ago, I took Amber with me to the FLMI 10-year anniversary celebration.  At the end of the evening, she was ready to sign up for a trip.  Zambia orphans and Family Legacy have been on her heart ever since, but the timing has just never been right for her to participate in one of their summer programs…until now.  And that’s what God had up His sleeve!  In just a few weeks on July 2nd, Amber and I will leave for the trip of a lifetime, and I can’t even explain every detail that God has ordained. 

If you know Amber, you will know that she is a “kid magnet.”  She loves children!  And this summer, we’ll each have assigned to us 10 orphan children in a program called CAMP LIFE.  You see, for every person that attends CAMP LIFE, 10 orphaned children get to come too!  While we are there, we will love on these kids, hug them, sing with them, and play with them.  But most importantly, we will be able to share with them that they have a Heavenly Father who cares about them and loves them unconditionally.  They have a Heavenly Father who will "never leave them or forsake them."  (Hebrews 13:5)

So many things had to come together for us to make this trip.  Yet somehow, like He always does, God connected all those moving pieces, linked them together, and has formed a beautiful chain that we can look at and say, “Only God.  Only God.” 

In one of our team meetings in March, I heard the President of the ministry, Greer Kendall, share about some critical needs, one of them being the need for the volunteers to bring with us feminine products for the older girls who are in full-time residence with the ministry.  Feminine products are terribly expensive in Zambia, and he said that in March of this year, they ran out of the supplies that were donated the year before.  (If you’re a guy reading this, forgive me for being so direct, but it’s just a fact of life!)   But seriously, can you even imagine?  As women, whenever we want, we not only go to the store and buy what we need, but we also buy what we want.  We pick from our preferences, no matter how much it costs.  Why?  Because we can.

As Greer spoke, my heart broke for those girls.  I prayed and asked God to show me how I could help. I didn’t know how it would happen, but in my heart of hearts, I knew He would somehow use me to help meet this critical need.  I didn’t know what God was up to, but I knew He expected me to do my part in what He layed on my heart.  I also knew that I never wanted to hear Greer say again that they “ran out.”

I was speaking with Greer’s wife Susan one day about wanting to provide pads for the girls, and she suggested to maybe look for some coupons.  Immediately, God brought to my mind my friend Laura Sparks who I knew was an “expert couponer!”  Now, when I say EXPERT, that’s no exaggeration!  Laura has been couponing and finding the deals long before “Extreme Couponing” became a popular television show.  I knew if anyone could help me, Laura would be able to.   To say she helped me is an understatement.  Laura got back to me within a day of me calling her, telling me how to use coupons to get pads for about a quarter a pack.  Not only did she tell me about it, but she started to make it her mission, too.  Even when she was on vacation, she went out shopping for those girls in Zambia.  Both she and her mom Nona Pageler donated dozens and dozens of packages toward my growing collection.  God used them immensely to meet such a critical need, and I can't thank them enough!

 

 
Never in my wildest dreams would I ever guess that God could stretch a dollar the way He did, but what I did know was that God cares about every little thing in our life, even pads.  Yes, I actually wrote that.  And I’ll say it again.  God cares about pads for orphan girls in Zambia!  He cares about our needs.  The smallest ones and the biggest ones.  We just have to “cast our cares on Him because He cares for us!”  I Peter 5:7.  What a lesson He’s taught me about the power of prayer.  I went to Him and prayed a simple prayer, “God, please help me find a way to get these girls the products they need.”  And how true Philippians 4:19 is “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.” 

In total, we have 329 packages.  I don't know yet how much Laura and her mom spent.  I keep asking Laura for receipts, and she keeps avoiding answering me like the plague.  But whatever it is, when I add it to the $59.00 I spent on what I bought, that equals some God-stretching dollars!

I could share story after story about how God has met every need for Amber and I to serve this summer with Family Legacy.  Not only has He met our needs, but He has surprised us with a few bonus blessings that we never expected. 

My plans are not His plans.  No, they certainly aren’t, and I’m so thankful!  God’s plans are bigger, better, and more incredible than anything I could ever imagine.  My God cares about me; He cares about orphans in Zambia, and He cares about pads.  Yes, I said it again, my God cares about pads!  Only God.  Only God. 

--- Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

 

A call to prayer - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013 - will you enlist?

Brave Gideon had 300 men, the Mideonites had a host.
But Gideon had the Lord with him, and so he had the most.
Gideon had the Lord!  Gideon had the Lord!
He won the fight with the Mideonites, for Gideon had the Lord!

If you grew up in Sunday School like I did, perhaps you know the words to this song and were humming along as you read them.  As I share this morning, not only do I remember this old tune, but for our family this Wednesday, the story of Gideon takes on deeper meaning. 

In the eight year history of Maxpoint Ministries, founded by my husband Frank Banfill, we’ve never had a global call to prayer for our family and our ministry. The time is now.  We desperately are asking that you lift our ministry and our family up before Father, specifically this Wednesday, January 23^rd. (Of course, if you want to pray for us in between, then by all means, do!)

Gideon’s army was facing a mighty battle; one that looked insurmountable to the human eye.  But nothing is insurmountable when you have the Lord, and we know that.  So just as brave Gideon saw a mighty miracle take place as God used him and 300 men, we are asking God to give us an army of 300 people who will commit to pray specifically for our ministry and our family (Frank, Beth, Amber, and Jacob) on Wednesday.  We would ask that you pray for three things:  WISDOM, CLEAR DIRECTION FROM GOD, and for PROVISION.

Please pray as the Lord leads, but here are some of the Scriptures that we will be praying this Wednesday:

“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”
--Isaiah 49:23b

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times,having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
--II Corinthians 9:8

“I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
--Revelation 3:8a

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him.”
--James 1:5

If you will commit to pray for us, please comment on this blog, on my facebook page, tweet “praying” to @frankbanfill, or send me an email. If you prefer to text me, then by all means, do so!  Just let me know in some way of your commitment to pray for us.  We are asking God for that army of 300, just like Gideon’s army.

If you’re reading this, then at some point, our lives have become intertwined.  Maybe we have gone on mission trips together, attend church together or have in the past.  Some of you reading this went to college or high school with me.  And yes, I can definitely think of some who are reading this now who actually attended elementary school with me!  Perhaps our lives are connected because of our 16 year old daughter’s numerous mission trip outreaches and public speaking successes.  Maybe we’ve been able to minister to you through sharing how God’s grace has been demonstrated in the life of our 14-year old son who has overcome so many challenges (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfpKq-1rH4A).   Maybe our lives have been laced together through sharing my cancer story and God's healing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCN2MGSzym4).

Perhaps you’re reading this post because someone has passed the link on to you over the course of time or maybe you just stumbled across it “by chance”.  I truly believe that there are no “chances” with God, and if you are reading this, then God has a reason for it.  I am asking that you pray for our family and our ministry.  We are asking God for an army of 300, just like Gideon had, and I am asking you to let me know that you will be praying. 

Will you enlist, if just for a day, this Wednesday, January 23^rd?

*Pray for Frank, Beth, Amber, and Jacob Banfill
*Pray for Maxpoint Ministries
*Pray for WISDOM
*Pray for CLEAR DIRECTION FROM GOD
*Pray for PROVISION

Thank you in advance for being a part of the army!

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

The Ultimate Gift Challenge...

"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do ALL to the glory of God." 
I Corinthians 10:31

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."
Hebrews 10:24

 

A few months ago our church's "Marriage Mentors" hosted a date night where they showed a movie I had never heard of or seen before - The Ultimate Gift.  Truly, it was one of the best movies I have perhaps ever seen.  Although not overtly "Christian" the overtones of how God wants us to live our lives were evident and applicable for anyone looking for them.  The movie has a star-studded cast from James Garner to Bill Cobbs and Abigail Breslin.  When you watch it, you will laugh, probably cry, and if you ask God to soften your heart, you will be moved to action.

Last weekend while strolling down the Sam's Club DVD section, I noticed it was for sale - for only $4.98 - what a bargain!  On New Year's Eve, we watched it as a family, and I think even Frank had a little tear rolling down his face.  Me, well, even though I knew what was going to happen, the floodgates were open.  We finished the movie around 9:00 PM on New Years Eve. 

Perhaps it was the emotional effect of watching it with my children.  Perhaps it was Jacob saying, "This is the best movie I have ever seen."  (What?  Better than Captain America or Percy Jackson and The Lightening Thief?)  Maybe it was Amber giving a thumbs-up at our movie selection and saying it was a home run.  Maybe it was not having a dry eye in the entire room.  Maybe it was the pending new year and wanting to do a family project that would draw us all closer together and closer to God.  It was probably a combination of all these things, and suffice it to say my mind was spinning.  The emotional response within me from the movie was strong, and I wanted to do something more. 

But what?  The website for the movie (www.TheUltimateGift.com) has products you can purchase for discussion and action, but if you know me, I don't like to purchase something and do what someone else planned out.  No, I wanted to try to find ways to focus on the 12 main points of this movie over the next year and let God lead how that looked and panned out in our lives.  I thought about it the rest of the night as we brought in the new year.  I think I dreamed about it throughout the night.  Then I woke up at 4 AM on New Years Day still dreaming and scheming of how our family can incorporate the 12 themes (called "gifts") of the movie into our daily lives in 2013.  Now, these "gifts" are things that we have already been teaching our children.  We have tried to raise them with these very same values their whole lives and watching the movie didn't give me a new "parenting revelation."  My drive for action after watching the movie was wanting to do something intentional and impactful - something my kids will long remember after I am gone.  A challenge.

As Frank snored next to me, I tried to patiently wait for him to wake up so we could discuss my plan of action.  If you know me, you will also know when I get something in my mind that I believe very strongly about, there's usually no stopping me.  Frank figured that out a long time ago.  (He's pretty smart, that Frank!)  So when he woke up, I bombarded him with my plan for the family in 2013 and asked him to support my wishes and lead us as a family in this direction.  It went something like this:

1.  There are "12 Gifts" highlighted in the movie.  Can we focus on one of those gifts every month as a family?
2.  As a family, can we learn a coordinating Bible verse that would apply to the gift we are focusing on for the month?
3.  Can we document what we've done, either in written or picture form so that at the end of the year, I can make a photobook journal of our "2013 Ultimate Gift Challenge"?

Although I must say Frank wasn't completely on board right away, because as I said, the values of the movie are things we've always tried to instill in our children and be present in our family.  But I think he could see the passion in my eyes, and he agreed.  I then talked about my plan with Jacob and Amber.  I wanted to have their buy-in.  If it's a project that mom comes up with, then that's all it is - mom's project.  But if it's a family project, then that's different.  It unifies us.  Both Amber and Jacob readily agreed, and when that happened, I knew this was from God and not just me scheming.

So there you have it.  It's pretty simple, really.  Our family will do "The Ultimate Gift Challenge" in 2013.  If I'm ever stuck for ideas, I can turn to the movie's website for help, but I want God to lead us on this one, not a marketing person.  The more I've prayed about it and thought about it, I do believe this is what He wants us to do this year. 

I Corinthians 10:31 says "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do ALL to the glory of God."  I want to honor God in this "Ultimate Gift Challenge" and I want to invite you to join me.  I will blog once a month about what we did as a family and how God used it in our lives.  Please pray about joining me.  Hebrews 10:24 says "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." (NLT)  This is a perfect way to start out the new year and practically live that verse out.  

Will you join me?  I created a category on this blog for "The Ultimate Gift Challenge" where I will make sure any posts related to it appear.  It doesn't matter if you are married or single.  Have kids in the house or don't have any.  We can do this together.  If you haven't seen the movie, go rent it.  Scratch that - go buy it.  Once you've seen it once, you'll want to watch it again.  If you're in the Dallas, TX area, I can host a "watch night."  Contact me to let me know if you're interested.  But the important thing is, we can do this together and spur one another to love and good works.  

Who is in?

--- Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com