"Think less and thank more!"

This started as a FaceBook post but I couldn't stop writing so I switched it to a short blog. Lol!

In my ministry class we are going through Battlefield of the Mind DVDs series by Joyce Meyers and I am rereading her book by the same name. What perfect timing! She says "Think less and thank more!" We need to focus more on the things that are going right, what we are doing right, blessings He has blessed us with and how far we have come instead of dwelling on where we have stumbled, how we have messed up, the what ifs, the anger, the hurt, the worry. 

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:10

I have been continually amazed this past week at how much I can love others and have peace regardless of the circumstances. It is only a reflection of realizing how much my God has loved, is loving and will continue to love me! He is transforming me and it is so cool, amazing and worthy of praising Him! If you only knew me before.......you could see that this can only be God. It is kind of weird to be shocked at how you are reacting or not reacting to situations and know it is not by your will or power or frame of mind but rather something beyond your understanding, something supernatural.

Thanks for letting me take a moment to sing His praises with a thankful heart. I hope it encourages you to see Him in the blessings and progress He has given you! As my ministry verse that I use to describe my journey in Africa says---

"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." Ephesians 3:20

What Next?

This is the question I am seeking God on. So far this is what I have discerned.

The first step is to finish with Children's Cup well. It is a great organization and I want to end the year with it being the best it can be. I am still visiting sites, encouraging and monitoring that registers, feeding and sponsor letters are going well.
We have Christmas parties coming up next month that require a lot of preparation and only our small staff. The great news is we have lots of volunteers lined up to help on the actual days of the parties! Joy to the world!

The next step in line is figuring out where God has for me to go. At this point I wish God would just flash a neon sign with an arrow that says "Go Here". There are several ministries I have worked with in South Africa and Swaziland and others that I have become aware of. My heart is to not be in just a place that can use me but to be where God is reflected by my actions the most. I so want it not to be about me but about Him. Sometimes that means going where I'm not as comfortable and familiar.
Currently I feel God wanting me to stay in South Africa. I feel He had His hand in my transition here this past year. 
Although I love and treasure Swaziland and my friends there, when my separation from Cup occurred I surprisingly did not feel the urge to run back there. It was a sweet revelation that I am truly more settled here than I thought. I am not upset or afraid that He wants me to remain. Wow! This is just not how I would imagine I would feel.

The other insight God has revealed to me thus far is that of a renewed vision from 27 years ago, just after Michael (my youngest son) was born. It was GABRIEL House and stood for Girls And Boys Receiving Instruction, Encouragement & Love. At that time I felt it was a call to foster parent but I never followed through and the vision faded over time and circumstances. 3 weeks ago when I was crying out to God for direction, He started pulling the vision back but not as a house but as a ministry...GABRIEL Ministries - "Bringing the message of God's Love". 

My passion is children...nurturing children....teaching and modeling ways for loving, encouraging, educating and disciplining children to other adults who interact with children. How will that look? I'm not sure yet. Maybe it will be my focus as I partner with another ministry or multiple ministries. Maybe God will lead me to start my own ministry (way out of my comfort zone). When the time is right I trust He will let me know and I will pass that on to you. 
I pray you will all continue to support me with your prayers, finances and encouragement.

 I am not asking anyone to stop supporting Children's Cup. They are a great organization, impacting thousands of children in several countries across southern Africa. 

I am asking that if you have been supporting me or wish to start, please mail your donations or change your automatic withdrawals or charges to

www.WorldOutreach.org/donations -- select Sandra Chesterman from the list. The system can process USA & International cards. You can also set up automatic monthly Gifts with your credit card if you choose the "Monthly" option.
If you want to set up automatic gifts from your bank account
you will need to simply go to your online banking bill pay site or ask your bank to help you set up an automatic bill payment to
World Outreach Ministries
P.O. Box B
Marietta, GA 20061
and put Sandra Chesterman #286 in the memo section.
The bank usually sends these free of charge and even saves you the postage.
Or you my mail a check yourself at any time to the address above with
Sandra Chesterman #286 in the memo section.

If you have questions or concerns or word of insight or encouragement, feel free to email me at my new email addres
sandrachesterman07@gmail.com
(The'07 is for the year God rocked my world by blessing me to be a missionary in Africa)

As unsettling as it has been sometimes, God continues to show up faithfully through it all!
Thank you for joining me in this amazing journey!
I couldn't have done it without you and I look forward to what lies ahead!