It's Here!

The countdown to Operation Christmas Child drop off week is here!!!!!

Got your boxes ready????

At our home church back we used to do Christmas in Shoeboxes for local outreaches. We have also visited the nursing home for the past several years to either sing with a choir or just ourselves. We've missed doing that. Since we have just moved, we did not really have a local ministry to be involved with this Christmas. No nursing home to visit or choir to sing in. You don't realize all the little things that make Christmas the holiday that it is until they are not there.

Well, this year Veggie Tales had a promotional on their Christmas video that shared about Operation Christmas Child (a Samaritan's Purse outreach). The kids really wanted to be a part of this. So I said, "Sure!" We went to the website and watched some of the videos of past OCC deliveries. We checked out the rules and details and found a drop off site in our area.

Then, we collected up empty shoe boxes and started doing a little shopping. The kids were totally excited about picking things out for other kids. When I came home one day and was trying to sort through the items (We are putting together six boxes.)... my third child exclaimed, "MOM! I just so hapy we are doing this!"

I cannot really describe the joy in his face. He was bursting with enthusiasm at giving stuff away! (He actually wanted to clean out his closet and toy box to send overseas... but we had to reign it in a bit.) This simple activity is really helping him and my other children put Christmas in perspective.

The drop off is this week! You can put your shoebox together tonight! (or find another ministry to be a part of this holiday season)

Here is the website if you want to check it out.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/

A sense of urgency...(blown away by the truth)

(I can't really claim the original thoughts for this. It is taken from the pastor's sermon at Parkcrest this past Sunday. The thoughts were just too good not to share. So here's my version.)

Here in the mid-west they have their fair share of a natural weather wonder (some would say "terror"). It is called a tornado. Since they know tornados occur pretty regular (during certain seasons), the powers that be have nicely set up "storm warning" sirens that will blast out a warning signal for miles around when the weather conditions are right for a "twister". The idea is that people would have time to get to a storm shelter in time and be safe.

Sunday in service the Pastor was sharing how when he and his family had first moved from California to here in the mid-west they were not unaccustomed to the whole tornado concept. [Earthquakes... yes!... tornados..nope!] The first time a siren blasted out they all quickly ran to the safe room with their flashlight and mattress and prepared to stay the night. When he had tried to leave the safe room to go to the restroom his wife had even cried out to him, "Don't leave us." The sense of fear and urgency of possible doom was very real and apparent to them. The first few times, in fact, they were very fearful and concerned when the sirens came.

As months went by and the alarm would sound and their home was never affected, their attitude changed. They went from fear and urgency, to realizing they had a bit of time to prepare, to just checking out the window to see if it "looked o.k. to them". It is a precarious position to be in, one of making a judgment call on how dangerous the weather might be. The Pastor had mentioned that even though everything seemed to look "o.k." when they peered out the window, they realized that the impending storm could arise out of nowhere in seconds and they would not be prepared.

Pastor Ted noted that when he talked with long-time residents of the area, they pretty much had the same lackadaisical attitude towards the siren warning system. Life had to go on despite the warnings, so they just went about their business of life. [anything ringing a bell here...]

I too had experienced this laid back attitude when I had flown out to look for houses here a few months ago. I had heard one of these sirens while out getting into my rental car at the airport. I had asked someone about it later and they flippantly told me it was probably "the warning siren". I sort of wondered at the time if it should concern me... but I just "went with the flow" of the attitude and went about life. I was fine... no big worries.... until one day when I'm affected.

The house we rent here in the mid-west is managed by a nice family run business. On January 7, 2008 one of those "twisters" changed their life forever. Not only was their home damaged, but next door their mother's house was devastated... and their mother was injured and did not survive.
Click here to read the story.
Click here to see the pics.

Pastor Ted described how we as Christians have pretty much lost our sense of urgency towards many things in life... particularly towards winning the lost. We look out our spiritual windows and think "well everything looks o.k. to me" and we go about just daily living. We know the "end of the story" (if you will), but we have grown comfortable with just living. "I can't really change anybody.... They won't listen to me.... What does it matter?.... I am not responsible for them; I just take care of my family...." We have grown... dare I say it... complacent.

Do we not know that we are the "watchmen"? And that we are responsible to spread the massage the Lord has placed in front of us? And, well, to pay attention to the sirens?

Ezekiel 3:17-19 (King James Version)
17Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
18When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
19Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

When I went to look up some of the scriptures from Sunday I searched for "watch, watchman" at www.biblegateway.com and was completely taken aback by the number of scriptures that call us to "watch, pray, and be ready". From the Old Testament all the way through to Revelation it is commanded us... be prepared! Scripture actually says blessed is he who is found watching even into the second and third watch. The apostles plead and prayed and watched over cities that they felt called to minister to. [Many who did not listen to their messages... but they weren't responsible for the response... just the message.]

I was recently astounded to learn at how many people are being "called" from other countries to the USA to be missionaries in our land. When we who are here do not heed what the Lord has set before us, He calls others to do the tasks. [Ouch! On so many levels.]


Portions of Jeremiah Chapter 6, when the Lord spoke through the prophets and kept asking the nation of Israel to turn back to Him and yet they refuse (Read the whole chapter, it is an enlightening read.... history supports all that God said would happen to the nation):

10 To whom can I speak and give warning?
Who will listen to me?
Their ears are closed [a]
so they cannot hear.
The word of the LORD is offensive to them;
they find no pleasure in it.

16 This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'

17 I appointed watchmen over you and said,
'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'
But you said, 'We will not listen.'

I usually like to keep my posts somewhat light hearted and find the humor in daily living. [and there is much humor there] I'm not a doom and gloom kind of gal. Really. However, lately I'm just sensing this urgency.... not just for myself and my family... but this urgency to reach out more and share. I have to tell you in this day and age... it's a scary thing. So many are not receptive, but if we truly know the Truth... then how can we do anything less than share it. Unless, that is, do we not believe what we say we do?

In the recent past a video on YouTube shows comedian Penn Jillette [an atheist] commenting on a person in the audience who gave him a Gideon Bible after one of his shows. He was so taken with the gentleman and his kindness even though Penn knew he was proselytizing. Penn felt this guy sincerely believed so much what he was sharing that he "had" to share. "How much do you have to hate a person to not proselytize?" was Penn's comment. I'm not a big tv fan and don't watch this particular comedian, but all I can say is.... Wow!... and Ouch, again! [warning for those of you who may look it up on YouTube... language is used]

Rather than just digging our hole in the ground and making sure we take care of ourselves, we should be standing at the door of that shelter and pointing the way in. "After you!" should be our mantra!

On my to-do list this week:
1) get our emergency tornado plan ready and reviewed with our kiddos
2) start praying and having our "answer ready for those that ask"
3) planning on spending a little more time asking God who He wants us to talk and spend time with...

6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

[goodnes... this was a wordy one.... glad you made it to the end!]

Fall Update

Just a small update on our status.

Missionary Man hit the ground running at his regular job soon after we arrived. There were some health issues that caused other pharmacists to be out of work and some scheduled vacations. So not much of a breather for dear MM.

He has been into HCM several times to help with some minor inventory and to learn how to order/pack for an upcoming trip. He is "learning the ropes" a little piece at the time from the wonderful HCM people here.

HCM has been helping with the emergency in the Phillipines and other Asian countries. They are looking for volunteer medical staff for some possible upcoming followup.

Click here to see some pictures from some of those trips.

We have met another medical family here working with HCM. The husband just came back from Ethiopia and the wife will be leaving soon for the Lillian Thrasher orphanage in Egypt! (I sure would love to go there.) If you can add that to your prayer list for the next couple of weeks; I'm sure the team would appreciate the prayer coverage.

MM has an upcoming training/CE out of state this coming weekend he has to attend. Pray for his travels.

Start praying for the next scheduled trip for MM in January. It will be a long one with a lot of "hiking and trekking". (Hmmm.... guess we better start training him now.) You can click here to see the upcoming trips with HCM with dates and even nice little maps to show you where they are going. So see if you can figure out which on MM is heading on. ;o)

Zeke's 3rd Year

Yes, I have been remiss about posting. Life has been busy, busy!

More later, but for now..
We celebrated Zeke's 3rd family day this past weekend.

Enjoy the video!

HCM needs large hard-sided suitcases!

Here is a need from HCM...
Anybody have any old suitcases in the attic they would love to get rid of??

Greetings Friends!

HealthCare Ministries needs your help. We are severely low on large (26 in.) hard-sided suitcases to pack the medicines and supplies needed for our medical outreaches. We are currently packing for two different trips—one to Ethiopia and another to northern Africa—in the next month and we’re short on these suitcases. If you have any and are willing to donate them, please let us know. We need the larger hard-sided luggage in order pack a large amount in one and to protect all the materials while traveling. If you, or anyone you know, have any suitcases available and would like to donate them, they would be greatly appreciated. They may be shipped to our offices at—

HealthCare Ministries
521 W. Lynn St.
Springfield, MO 65802

If you have any questions, please call us at (417) 866-6311 or email. Thank you and God bless you. HealthCare Ministries

Moving: Part 2 (The Miracle Move)

Why is it that when you set a date for any major life event, all sorts of things happen to try and prevent or prolong that event from happening??? You know, all kinds of crazy things that seem to pick the worst possible timing to happen... Yep. That's what happened with us. But, you know.... God is a big God and He has everything under control... whether we realize it or not.

=======================================
[SUNDAY EVENING (2 days before the move)]
I walk in the door late Sunday night from running to the grocery store for Benadryl. (Our youngest child had decided to have unexplained hives that second day of moving and we wanted one more dose in his little body before we went to bed.) I see MM sitting in the middle of the floor looking tired and "weepy". Of course, I assume that being less than 48 hours away from a major moving deadline and having packed for about 18 hours a day the last two days in a row might have had a teeny-tiny influence on his emotions at that moment.

Me - "You O.K.?"
MM - "I'm just overwhelmed."
Me - "We'll get it all done, honey. You just go on to bed and tomorrow we'll keep packing."
MM - "That's not it."
Me - "Huh?"
MM - "I'm just… overwhelmed by all those people who just left our house. They just showed up...."
(Maybe I should just stop here and explain a bit.....)


[REWIND A BIT TO LAST SPRING]:
We finally were to a point where we could actually set a goal of moving in September. I think as soon as we started telling people, “Hey! We’re actually moving!”… life happened! MM’s work exploded, kid’s got sick, MM had another knee surgery, I was taking college courses, we traveled back and forth between states to look at houses, we couldn’t find a house, and we couldn’t find a truck… yada...yada….

Difficult or not, September came anyway and the time was upon us to move. We had both innocently thought our last couple of weeks we would pack like crazy and get it all done. Ha! (Note to self: have all packing done 2 weeks before you want to move... you will NOT have time to actually pack those last 2 weeks!!!) Between goodbye parties, honoring services and friends just wanting to have one last meal or one last Ranger party, one last important meeting, or one last test or .... When could we stop to pack?

Then, of course, MM was working crazy hours out of state and finishing one last project. Throw in the last activities the kids needed to complete and, well.... when could we stop to pack??? The calendar was literally full every night the week before we moved (and MM was working during the day).

The week before the move we had some dear friends from out of town stop by to bless us with dinner. They helped pack up dishes and photo frames while we visited, then we all enjoyed dinner. They looked around and said, "My... you still have a lot of work to do!" (umm... ya' think?)

I was selling furniture and packing non-essentials in between everything else happening. One week later though, it all came down to we had a five bedroom house to pack... in 4 days! Literally. Those nice people at the ABF Trucking Center would be coming to pick up their "relo cubes" and we had better have them ready to go. Besides... we had to physically be at the new address in time to meet up with those relo cubes.

Then came the rain. Oh, not a little rain... the biggest flooding seen in our State since 1919! There was no way under God's creation were we going to be through in time. NO WAY! [Can you say "STRESS"... with a capital "S"????]

It was now Saturday evening and we had company. My mom had come Friday night to see the kids’ last Tae Kwon Do testing. A neighbor came to grill out. A friend's family was there helping make special moving "cradles" for MM's equipment. MM was cleaning out the shed. We had been packing all day between everything else going on. I was in the kitchen cleaning up, making dessert and getting dishes out when my mom walks in and says, "What are you doing?!!!" "You need to be packing!" (ummm.... ya' think?)

At this point we are less than 3 days away and no where near packed. I just looked at her and shrugged my shoulders. What could we do? We were going as fast as we could and so much was happening to slow us down. It was downright depressing. We prayed that night with the kids (and Grandmother) for God to help us get the house packed.

======================================
[FAST FORWARD BACK TO SUNDAY EVENING:]

MM and I sat there on the floor humbled and overwhelmed. One friend had stopped by earlier that day and saw how much we still needed to do. He ran home and came back with part of his family to help us pack the rest of the day. Then another friend stopped by and saw the incredible need and said, "I can stay an hour..." (He left at about 10-12 hours later that night!) And they did this all in down pouring RAIN!

MM - "I'm just overwhelmed at the people who just left our house. They just showed up.... and worked like dogs... and nobody asked them to! I told them I'll never be able to repay them back... They just said, 'Pay it forward and help someone else.'!"
Me - [sitting beside him in the floor now, so tired I could barely move after two 18 hour days of moving boxes] "Yes. I do not know what we would have done without their help."

There were still two more days of packing to go. We got ready for bed and said our prayers and praised God for those people!

[THE AMAZING PARTS]

The AMAZING PART was that the next day.... they showed back up! With their families!!! And then another mother showed up to bring us dinner and helped for a while. Then another family came and brought more dinner and their whole family stayed and helped several hours!!! (In the middle of all of this, we still had people stopping by to say goodbye.) Somewhere around 11 p.m. they all left again! MM and I found ourselves in the floor one more time just in awe and what happened! We were exhausted... overwhelmed.... and just flat out blessed!

So... the REALLY AMAZING PART was that the following day.... they showed back up AGAIN!!!!! One entire family came back... then the mother that had brought food came back with her kids and stayed most of the day so she could list and then drive our donation items to the donation center. Then another mother that had brought food stopped by for an hour and helped after she had worked ALL NIGHT at her regular job.

That last day we were actually packing one last relo cube that the trucking company had brought us that morning while they were hauling off some of the other cubes. The funny part was that while we were finishing that last little bit the ABF driver came in the house and helped me take down a curtain that had been left in the kitchen!!!

I have to say that I am not really quite sure what to call it.... maybe the "spirit of helping".... I just know that I've never quite seen anything like it. People just showed up out of the woodwork and, well... HELPED! All of them had the greatest attitudes (even the truck driver).

We had never even asked anyone to come and help… they just did! At one point I looked around at the 10+ adults in the house and the 15+ kids and thought “What a circus we have!” But, you know, they were awesome. Even the kids helped out.

The last relo cube left and the truck and trailer were packed. We hugged the last of the packers goodbye and just sat in a big empty house amazed. We slept in sleeping bags that last night (on the floor again) and I just wondered if this was what Mary, the mother of Jesus, felt like when she just “pondered all these things in her heart?”

[FAST FORWARD a couple more days]
We have been on the road for a couple of days driving to our new home. MM gets a phone call from that couple that had visited us the week before our move. He tells them about our incredible move and the people who just came out of the woodwork to help us. Our friend says to MM, “Good. My wife has been specifically praying since we left your house that God would send people to help you pack and move! And He did!”
(ummm…. Ya’ think!)



[FAST FORWARD even a few more days]
One of the men who helped us move called MM up to see how we were doing. They chatted a while, then our friend shared his take on the move. He said he was out driving home and just felt compelled to come by and see us one more time before we moved. Then he came by and saw the need…….


I have to tell you that MM and I were exhausted and weary from everything else we had going on in life. We certainly weren’t in the best of character during our move. [I think I only had about 3-4 “woman fits” during the whole process.] Packing up an entire home with four children is an emotional feat in and of itself. We certainly didn’t feel like incredibly spiritual people. But, there again, we have an incredibly spiritual God whose got everything under control.

We are so grateful for our special “packers” who just followed that tugging of their heart and came to help us move. If we missed telling any one of you how wonderful it was to watch you work and how blessed we felt… I’m telling you now! Hugs and blessings to each of you. You’ll be getting some “extra jewels in your crown” someday for all your labor.

Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. ……
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Crisis in the Phillipines

Because some of you have asked about this... thought I'd share a bit.

We actually know of several missionaries in the Phillipines and other countries that have been so devastated by the tyhpoons and subsequent flooding. Just thought I'd share from a recent letter we received so those of you who want to can pray a little more specifically.

Crisis in the Philippines

As you have no doubt seen in the news, the Philippines has once again been struck by a strong hurricane. According to one report, the water has run as high as 20 feet in some subdivisions in Metro Manila. Many drowned. The following is an excerpt from an email sent by the Rev. Bill Snider, the AGWM area director for the region, who lives in Manila and was on the scene when it happened:

“Going through the neighborhoods in Metro Manila and seeing so much and seeing so many who have lost everything, the feeling that overwhelms you is how great the need and how small the resource that we bring. But that’s in the natural.

I’m convinced that many people are touched deeply by acts of kindness and compassion in these days. I preach this and believe it that small acts can have a big impact. But those small actions must be coupled with prayer. Can we pray together for our churches in these affected areas for the pastors and leaders and the congregations that they will be a shining light and that our assistance to whatever measure we are
able. Being there shows partnership or fellowship in times of suffering.

In the Philippines right now, we have not only a small Convoy of Hope team, but a fairly large Health care team from the US . . . . Let’s pray for all of these efforts.”

And and update posted from the HCMers FB earlier today....

Healthcare MinistriesPhilippines update :: our team saw over 350 patients yesterday and will move to a different site today. The pastor they will work with today was stranded on top of her roof for 13 hours before being rescued. Please keep this effort in your prayers as they continue to do relief work.

And a newly updated website...
click here

Moving: Part 1

I am constantly amazed at God. I suppose I shouldn't be; after all, He is well... God. But I guess it is because He is this big omnipresent, all-powerful, God that I am truly amazed when He shows up in the little stuff in ours lives. It's this constant reminder that He really does know and care about us that astounds me. That is how I feel about this big life move we just made. Astounded and amazed at all the little "God connections" involved. So, I decided I just had to share a few of them with anyone interested....
[Part 2: "The Miracle Move" coming in a few days]

Part 1 (a/k/a "Desperate for a Truck")

[THE NEED]
Five or six months before we actually started moving, we started preparing for the big move. (OK... those of you who helped pack, don't laugh! I know you probably thought we only started 4 days before we left... but we really did start preparing.) One of the things we had decided on was downsizing a bit. (Again, packers... don't laugh.) Part of that downsizing was selling Missionary Man's current "dream truck" (which only seated 5) and purchasing an economical truck that seated six. We had planned to sell his truck and the small commuter car we had to pay for the truck. No biggie, right? Wrong.

Mix in this crazy, weird economy we have going on right now and the fact that the value of a used truck went up like crazy this past summer. We sold our first truck easy enough (to one very happy teenager who reminded me a lot of MM's personality... what fun). The problem was that we had set a price and a couple of "must haves" on the truck we wanted to purchase. (like seating 6)

Fast forward 5 + months later and one week before the move. (Which also happened to be the day of our anniversary.) We had still NOT found a truck in our price range. MM had been driving that little Toyota and I was starting to freak out because we were moving in a week and needed to pull a trailer.... with NO truck. MM had even been looking at some of those new trucks with the zero percent financing.

[THE TEST]
I had been selling furniture items from the house and trying to clean out stuff when MM comes home and I, well... er... had a little "woman fit" about getting a truck. [I know... there are those of you much more spiritual than I and you never have these.... but PTL we live under grace and God sent me a DH that handles these quite well. 'Nuff said.] Anyways, we sat down and had a heart to heart talk about what we really needed in a truck and that we did not need to incur any debt. Then I left to go buy more trash bags (shopping therapy and quietly praying in the store) and MM had his own little conversation with God.

I came home and MM said, "Well, I prayed and told God what our needs were. We need a truck with...[lot's o' details]... and in town... today.... because we just don't have the time to go and look for one right now.... And I just picked up the phone and called the in town dealerships and there just happens to be ONE on this lot in town... and it's [this price]....and I'd like to go look at it." So off drives MM with our eldest child to this dealership and I'm thinking in my mind..."What's wrong with this truck?" (OH, me of little faith.)

MM had taken our eldest child with him to look at the truck so he could show him what to look at when you are purchasing a vehicle. [A little economic homeschooling in action.] A nice young salesman watched as MM talked through the whole examination process with our son. [We later learned that he thought MM would start "bad mouthing" the truck in order to get a better deal.] Then MM called me up and had me look up prices and values on line. I gave him the info on the truck and the car as a potential trade in. Then I told him something that I had felt for a while, but wasn't sure that we could do.... we should give the car away instead of trading it in.

That man of mine, didn't bat an eye... just turned around and told the salesman lot's of nice things about me and that we weren't going to trade the car in, but give it away through the church. The older, manager salesman had walked in and was hearing all this and looking very oddly at MM. Then MM just asked the manager what his best cash price was.... and after about two sentences back and forth... had a price that made it so we had a truck paid for with cash and were able to give the car away! The young salesman was just astounded... he told MM he didn't know what just happened! [We do... it's a God thing.]


[THE WITNESS]
There is actually a bit more to this story... it is so much more than about a truck.

We had to go back the next day to finish up the paperwork and pick up the truck. When we went back these people came out to meet me! They wanted to meet MM's "bride" and his family. Apparently, in this secular, non-family-oriented world we live in... you don't see a man bring in his son to train him. Or hear a man be honest and straight forward when making a deal. Or see a family give away a vehicle. Or hear a man talk so positively about his wife and family (he was in a big hurry to get home for our anniversary date).

Apparently, MM had made such an impression on this young salesman that he went home and set a wedding date with his long term fiance'. He told us he "wanted what we had after fourteen years of marriage" and that "we had changed his life". The lady that did the paperwork in the office pronounced to all within hearing shot, "I've been married 30+ years... and my husband doesn't call me his bride!" The older manager had actually given MM a couple of hundred more dollars off the price of the truck so MM could take me on a "good anniversary date".

We felt so incredibly humbled. No, we are not so good.... but our God is. We just needed to be ready... Ready to wait for the right time... Ready to give a vehicle away (which was kinda' fun... actually!)... ready to just be patient for the Lord to finish the good work he had going on in those people's lives... as well as ours.

So, for our Anniversary this year, we got a long-awaited-very-blessed truck... within our price range (better actually) and with all the "must haves" that we needed (including seating 6!)... and a great story to go with it!

Blessings...


James 1:17-18 (New International Version)

17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Matthew 6:8
.....for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

I'll be back in a few days with Part 2!

We're here! (and a prayer request)

We are here and still unpacking! The boxes are down below waist level now and there is actually food in the refrigerator. The nice telephone man was finally able to fix my Internet today. I have so much to share about that I decided to do it in short multiple posts. There were just too many small amazing "God moments" for me not to write about. So keep on the look out in the next few days.

===================================================
On to a matter of serious prayer request. I'm sure that many of you have heard about the typhoons pounding parts of SE Asia. HCM actually already had a team on the ground there for a med trip. The team is in the mist of this disaster and need prayer along with prayer for all those who have lost homes, livelihoods, food supplies and loved ones. Pray specifically for disaster relief teams going out right now to help with the dire situation there. HCM is also sending another team along with meds/supplies.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091001/ap_on_re_as/as_asia_storm

This really hits home for us because my dear husband was asked to be on that team and bowed out because we would be moving. Please remember that the "fervent effectual prayer of the righteous avails much" and they need some effectual prayers right now.

Hugs and prayers..
T

Soon to be "Pod People"

We are in the count down to the days we become nomadic pod people. Well, at least for 2-3 days. Half the house is in a box... the other half should be, but I'm moving slow... literally!

It has been a wild and rushed week full of last minute good-byes and lots of fun stuff. I think one of the highlights was the fun supper with many of our RR commander families. Just standing around telling each other the things we ought to say more often, yet wait until we're leaving to do so.

MM and I celebrated another anniversay (yes, we squeaked in just a couple of hours to ourselves). We decided that we would "do it all over again" even after having known each other this long. :o)

Now we just have 3 more "events" left to accomplish, a ton of paperwork, and two days of packing the pods... then we shall be off on the next venture of our lives. I will try and keep everyone posted as soon as we get all reconnected in our new abode. Make sure you put in your email in the "subscribe" area to the right so you will be updated. I will also try and email out our new address, etc.

I thought today I would leave you all with a picture of my sweet baby "helping" me pack and a "life verse" given to MM by the pastor here.

Psalm 32:8 (New Living Translation)
8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.

Hugs and prayers.

Cleaning cabinets..

I have now learned a new thing....

That it possibly costs more to ship all our household "stuff" than what the "stuff" is actually worth! Well... maybe not quite... but it really is an eye opener.

Needless to say, we decided lightening the load is a good thing. So instead of just packing I am also weeding out non-necessary items. It's amazing what you find in your closets, attic corners and cabinets! (Did you know that we had at least three different types of potty training seats in our attic??! Why?? Your guess is as good as mine.)

I originally thought I'd post a picture of our mounds of boxes. I have to admit that it was rather boring... and really messy. So this is more fun...

Coffee mugs... We don't have a complete matching set. And I have now weeded out the ones with broken handles and missing parts. Here are some fun ones deemed worthy enough to pay to ship them to our new home.


The lovely professional travel mug given to those who are inclined to do medical missions.


I mean... does anyone NOT have a moose mug??? This is a must for hot cocoa in the winter, right?!?

Only the elite MPact girl volunteers are worthy to use this mug. YOu must survive at least one girls all night sleep over to even be considered to be given one.


The professional pharmacist mug. You know... everything MUST have a technical label in the pharmacy world... even caffeine.



This one in my personal favorite... "The Politically Correct" Mug! Ha! Sarcasim for breakfast.


Yes... sometimes a veterinarian just says it best.... "Keep your paws off my mug!".... and nobody gets hurt!

Matthew 6:18-20 (New International Version)
Treasures in Heaven
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

August Update

In the mist of talking with the realtor every other day, packing boxes, figuring out work schedules, and planning for upcoming missions trips.... I have been reminded that certain grandparent figures in our lives would like to see a few pictures....

The kids finished a music camp last week and also had their end of year Celebration/Graduation with Rangers and MPact Girls.


My eldest with MM and another Commander (looking waaaay too serious).












My little "Super Star".... she's such a sweetie.
















Little Mister getting his Gold (and moving up to the big boy class! waaaa... where is my baby?)
















Some of our fellow teachers... everybody knows RR/MPG are the most fun teachers! ;o)

Just thoughts...

... to pass along...

a friend posted to me about this ministry in Uganda...
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/2009/08/be-warned-i-always-re-read-things.html

Then another posted this song by one of favorite artists...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_q3LGYR3oM

Then I also got bombarded by a message from Chip Ingram...
Uncovering Counterfeit Christianity - Fatal Deception: Are We Kidding Ourselves to Death? Part 1
http://www.livingontheedge.org/home/broadcasts/online_daily.php
(I have to admit... I've only heard part 1... it was convicting enough...)

Seemed so appropriate things come together together.

I'm like the Psalmist David...
Psalm 70:5
"Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay."


Revelation 22:20
"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Hugs ya'll!

"Perfect boundries"

Well... you know... sometimes you just have to share the "little stuff"... because God is so concerned the "little stuff" in our lives....

So, we were embarking on a trip to MO to continue the great house hunt. We contact some folks that we stay in touch and tell them we are heading out for another round of looking. Of course, we get the standard.. "We're praying for you." from some of the sweet saints in our lives that continuously pray to keep us on the straight and narrow. Then we get an email from a cohort and inside it says, "We are praying that God has the perfect house for you." I first thought how sweet for them to pray for us a house. Then the thought crossed my mind that "Is there really a "perfect" house? And does God really even care what house we are in as long as it isn't a bad fianancial decision?" Hmmm....

Fast forward a day or two... a different friend calls me back and we chat [while I grocery shop... a mother always multi-tasks]. She tells me that it was so funny that I called and left her a message earlier in the day when she was at Bible study and prayer. She was praying specifically for our family and us finding a house. Then she told me the scriptures she had for the day....

The Message (MSG)

5-6 My choice is you, GOD, first and only.
And now I find I'm your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then you made me your heir!

NIV
5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Some translations say that He has set the boundary lines in "perfect places".

My friend just wanted me to know that God had the perfect house and situation for us and not to fret over it.

Isn't God just so..... well, awesome??!!!??? He has this big plan and yet He is still so interested in the little details of our lives! Right down to even the bricks/mortar and fence lines in our lives.

So... we are back from MO and nope... we don't have a house yet. We narrowed down our choices, put a offer on one, was rejected... and we are still searching! But somehow I know (way back in the recesses of my mind) that God has set those boundries exactly where they need to be and in the time they need to be. So keep praying....

God's got this plan.... and I still haven't figured it all out yet. ;O)

Parenting, House hunting & Surgeries... oh, my!

Well... there hasn't been a tornado at our house, per se; however, life has definitely been a whirlwind these last few weeks. I feel like Dorothy being blown around in the sky with our whirlwind of constant activity.

[Toto: we're not in Kansas.... yet!] The great house hunt is still ongoing. (We're not really that picky... just haven't found that right "fit".... yet!) All of this compounded by the fact that we are half a continent away doesn't help matters.

[The Lion:] Missionary Man (MM) himself had to study for the "Missouri Boards" and take that test (something about needing a license to practice). Well.. HE PASSED!!! Woo hoo!!! He's the man! Now we can all live with him again! ;o) Pray for him as he tries to finish all the work/jobs he has to do here and prepares for the work/job he has upcoming in MO.

[The Scarecrow: read... feeling mindless here.] I did finish one class and am on the down swing of finishing another class. My first online course... it's been a bit of a challenge, but all is well. The scientific calculator and I have learned to be friends.

[The Tin Man: that would be the doc with the ax... ha! ha!] MM had his FOURTH knee surgery at the end of last month (such timing this man has... I told him that it did not exempt him from helping with the move!). The surgery went well and he is very much on the mends. PTL!

[The Munchkins:] In the mist of it all we still have to take care of the little chickens. They are all "growing like weeds" (in the southern vernacular) and "chicken feed" is costing us an "arm and leg" right now! The older chicks are finishing up piano, drums, tae kwon do testing, and Royal Rangers/M-Pact girls advancements. #1 Sweetie is preparing for his first black belt testing. The next two are just a few belts behind. (They have some serious-dangerous kicks... I'd hate to be the board that meets up with their furry.) #3 Sweetie will Gold medal for finishing the three years of advancements in Ranger Kids. #1 Sweetie (who is almost as tall as me now!) is furiously working to finish the last merit for his Gold Medal of Achievement (equivalent of Eagle Scout) before we move. #2 Sweetie will have to finish her last year as a "Star" in MO to finish her honor star. So as not to leave out little bit (Z-man), he is pretty much potty trained (except for nights), talks in paragraphs now, counts to 20, says his alphabet (and the sounds associated with them), has half the people he meets wrapped around his little pinkie, and will probably be swimming by the age of four the rate he is going in the water right now!

Well.... since there really isn't a good fairy in a big pink puffy dress that comes and makes all things right and easy.... guess I better stop typing and go pack some more of those lovely brown cardboard boxes. God has a bigger plan than we can always see and things always seem to fall into place as they need too. (Think house falling right where it needs to...)

We would covet and so appreciate your prayers as we follow that "yellow brick road" to MO. As soon as we have a firm address we will email (en mass) info for those who want it. (So please feel free to email me and let me know your physical/email addresses so I can reciprocate back at you... hopefully soon!)


(Man! We forgot our ruby-red slippers!)

1 Chronicles 22:19 (New International Version)
19 Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God.
(So hard to do in all our daily activity.... but so necessary!)

2 Thessalonians 1
11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.[b]
(Amen.... what the apostle said... for all of you!)

House Hunting 101

Well.... I'm back! What a whirlwind trip!

I feel so blessed sometimes. I mean, I travel half-way across a continent within a matter of hours, stay with people I've never met, spend 3+ days with an organized/industrious realtor I didn't know(who kept me very focused), and come back feeling it was a positive experience! Hey! I even got to stop by and say "Hi!" to several of the regulars at HCM.

God always seems to know just what we need. The missionary friend lived near HCM and I felt like I found my long lost aunt (hope she enjoyed me as well as I enjoyed her!). The realtor was a wonderful lady with a sense of adventure (which was right up my ally). We even got to experience a little Springfield culture with a play and fireworks on Friday night!

Nope.... didn't put a contract on a house... but I think that dear realtor and I drove over most of the land mass within a 30 minute radius of Springfield! So the saga continues... but with me much more clued in to what life in that area is all about!

So, I thought I'd share a few tips I learned in my 4 day adventure.....


"House Hunting 101"
1) Fly to the place you want to live and rent a cute candy apple red car to drive around in! (nope, it wasn't a convertible... but zippy none the less)
2) Find a fun and adventurous realtor (trust me...you'll find the adventurous part is mandatory at some houses!)
3) Give realtor an impossible house wish list for our price range (as we say down South, "Bless her heart!")
4) Get in car and drive 8 hours a day in 90+ degree unusually hot, humid weather, getting in and out of the car to look at homes.
5) Take notes on houses to remember them by: (the following are few of the more humorous notes.... you'll see why "adventurous" is definitely a requirement in Realtors):

House #1 - We shall call it "Le Orange" (can you guess the color of the exterior?)

House #2 - "The Lodge" - gorgeous woodwork, you could build a ship from the beams of this house! Too bad the back deck loomed over the steep incline down to the train tracks where a lovely train blew it's horn as it passed by.

House #3 - Never saw this house. "Beware of Delilah the Rottweiler!" posted in the realtor's listing somehow helped us head to see a different abode.

House #4- The Spider House. I have NEVER, EVER seen a free roaming spider that large outside a zoo before! I mean when the realtor and I (and the male realtor with us that day) are all pulling out our cell phones and snapping pictures... it had to be big! I need to post an ad in the the Springfield paper that someones' pet is loose... seriously!!!!

House #5 - The "Charming" Dump. Well... er,... what can I say? The outside had some "charming" potential... such a well spoken realtor, she really is.... the inside... well.... The realtor looked at me and whispered, "Seen enough?" I responded, "Yep." We left...

House #6 - The Suspension Bridge. OK. You know she's a fun woman when you look at her and say, "If you go first, I'll follow!"... then she hikes up her skirt and carefully throws her leg around the gate pole (the gate was locked) that was the entrance to the pool and scoots around. I shall mention that the gate opened to a bridge suspended over a nice deep gully. Well, I couldn't NOT follow... so I hiked up my skirt, threw my flip-flopped foot around that pole and scooted over there too! Such fun! :o) [Remember.... "adventurous"]

House #7 - The Incline. Graveled road... straight up hill.... that little red car jiggled mercilessly.... [can you see a Georgia girl driving up that thing in the snow and ice?]...but, hey!, there was a hot tub on the deck we had to see..... 'nuff said.

House #8 - The Missing Sign. Or should I say... the one we went 10 minutes out of the way to find.

House #9 -
(ah.... I figure you've had enough.... I won't get into the 1980's wall paper or the 1970's colored appliances.... or the two different dogs that about scared us snotless.... seriously.... people should consider these things when they want to sell their houses...)

6) Drive back to airport to check in hot red car, fly home, then drive in 9 lane stop-and-go traffic to get past a wreck to finally get home before midnight!

7) Kiss my honey and tell him that tomorrow is another day... and we shall keep looking!

===========================
To "K": I loved hearing all your missionary stories! We are dangerous together woman.... we could talk all night! Thanks for the show, fireworks and your generous hospitality!

To "R": Thanks for the yummy Mediterranean pizza! Artichokes are my new favorite! Your company was just lovely!

To "D" [my adventurous realtor]: Your patience, kindness and adventurous spirit is awesome. We WILL find a house! We WILL!!

Just thankful...

So much in life goes by at such a blur and seems to trivial to post about. In reality... it's probably more important than we realize. Not so much the stuff itself, but how we live/walk it. Know what I mean?? I was reminded of this once again yesterday (I'll get to that in a minute... first the update).

Daniel is studying his head off for the State exam. I've been house shopping online (amazing what you can do these days!) and taking my course. The kids have been completing all their "end of the school year" activities. A million little things happening all simultaniously it seems.

However, knowing that there is an impending move, I think I'm hugging people a little longer when I say goodbye. Making things a little bigger deal than normal knowing it may be "the last time" we do this living here in Georgia. Trying to make all those little group/family gatherings because "who knows when we will make it again". It may seem silly.... but it's a reality right now.

Yesterday, the kids had a rehearsal for their piano and drums recital tonight. I had to leave for class, so Daniel was there with the kids. Then at around 5:30 p.m. the teacher looked at her watch and sighed. Since Daniel was there and it was a calm moment, she said, "I have to tell someone this. Seventeen years ago at this very moment on this date, my son was hit by and car and died...." The story went on. It was all a tragic accident.... the wrong place at the wrong time.... no malicious act. Her precious first grader was struck by a car driven by an eighteen year old coming home for his birthday. A large tree in a curve prevented the driver from seeing the young child until it was too late. That was the beginning of many sad subsequent events in their lives. A day of play and rejoicing turned to tragedy.

So, I'm reminded once again.... go hug the kids once more (hey! go hug your spouse! it might shock them!)... make doing dishes fun, go ahead put up the streamers for my husband's birthday (even if it seems silly).... it's not about the money or the event.... it's about the walk/talk/attitude. What would I do differently if I knew this was the last time we would... [fill in the blank here].

Well, so as not to leave you on a sad note, our piano teacher and her family has been such a blessing in our lives these last five years. God has walked her through some tough stuff and I'm sure there are days she feels it. But she is such a blessing and "shining star" to us. An example of patience and resilliance and faithfulness. (And an example of someone who truly makes learning fun!)

Ephesians 5:15-17 (Amplified Bible)
15Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),
16Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
17Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

Philippians 2:14-16 (New International Version)
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[a] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Happy Mother's Day!

Sometimes someone says it so well.... well... no need fixing something that isn't broken.....

Happy Mother's Day!
The Familyman
Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries

Question: Of the following successful women, who has impacted your life the most--Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Mother Teresa, Hillary Clinton, Michele Obama, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Julia Childs, Julie Andrews, Susan B. Anthony, Vera Wang, Estee Lauder, Rosa Parks, or . . . your mother?

The answer is obvious, but sometimes when you're up to your armpits in dirty diapers and bad attitudes (they both stink), you're tempted to forget and think . . . "I'm wasting my life. I could have been something. So-and-So leads such a significant, glamorous . . . appreciated life."

Let me tell you, Mom, those lines you're being fed smell like smoke and come from the pit of Hell.

Your life as a mom is significant. All of the sacrifices you have made, are making, and will make are worth it. What you do as a mom is way more important than being a doctor, business woman, author, humanitarian, and world leader. You are impacting future generations who will never meet you or know your name and will only refer to you as great, great, great grandma.

Your sons and daughters will answer the above question the same as you did. The greatest impact on their lives will not be by a president, an inventor, or a business person. Without a second's thought, they will answer, "Oh yeah, my mom was the greatest influence in my life."

So quit looking on the other side of the fence and wishing these days away so that you can get on with the important stuff in your life.

You are already doing the important stuff in your life.

Happy Mother's Day,
Todd

[I think I shall frame this and put on the bathroom mirror! Hugs and blessings! T]

Collossians 3:23-24
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Daniel's Philippine Report

Well, last Thursday Daniel came back from the Philippines after traveling for almost 24 hours straight to get home. There was the traditional unpacking of the little gifts for the kiddies, the mounds of laundry, the uploading of pictures from the camera, the catching up on family life issues and the missionary stories...

Usually I try and sit down and post some sort of "report" here after a few days of Daniel walking around the house telling me, "Oh yea.... and this happened too.... and you wouldn't believe.... and did I mention..." Well, yesterday I walk downstairs to see "Mr. Missionary" typing wildly on the computer to "save me some time" on writing about the trip. I smile and say "Oh...[big pause]... thanks, hon." [for those who know, laugh now.... for those who don't, my dear husband is anything but short on words]

Yep... it's a small book... but instead of re-writing it, I thought I'd cut and paste a little and give some words from "the man, himself"...
[comments in brackets are just my sarcasim and can be completely ignored!]

"Corregidor Island is located in the mouth of Manila Harbor giving it strategic military benefit. In fact it was during the Spanish era of the Philippines that bonfires were lit to alert Manila of incoming ships. Still recognized as having military benefit, years later, American forces placed gun batteries all over the island as part of a harbor defense system of Manila bay. Big guns were placed to repel sea invasion and smaller mortars were placed to prevent land invasion during the 1920’s, but guns were never upgraded to newer weapons by WWII. It was on this island that Gen MacArthur fled the Philippines, after promising his eventual return. After Bataan fell on April 9th, 1942, American and Philippine forces held Corregidor for 27 days and surrendered to Japan May 6th 1942.

What does this history lesson have to do with a medical trip to the Philippines? Well, we like so many Christians have built our churches “forts” if you will. Trusting in our “forts” and our church services we can ignore the gathering forces around us. We are already seeing this as churches have less and less services during the week. Church attendance is down and membership is declining. The state is granting less favor to benevolent giving to the church and is making inroads into the basic liberty of Christians. We are not upgrading the “guns” just like on the Island of Coregidor. Just what are our “guns” you ask, souls, adding as many Christians to Lambs Book of Life as we can possibly see.

In any mission work we are preparing “forces” or more Christians for the Lords army. Reaching souls that will be accepted into God’s kingdom. Rather than be just on the defensive (although often necessary) we need to be on the offense – being part of a church outreach or plant. In the Philippines just that occurred. The local missionaries were Dave and Debbie Johnson. They partnered with two local churches in the Bicol Region."

[told you he was wordy...good stuff though]

"There are active volcanos in the Philippines. One volcano that we worked right at the base of is called Mayon. As one counsoler said “ we have to see these people saved they live in the shadow of death from the volcano”.

Mayon did erupt 3 years ago and the gov’t doesn’t know how many people died est, are 1000 individuals. Roughly 70,000 people were displaced during that time."

[and you thought your neighborhood was rough..]

"Supporting the out reach was the Pilipino equivalent of our Health Care Ministries the Philippine Health Care Ministry, PHCM. This team supplied a full dental team including 3 dentists, support personnel and two different local doctors that traveled with us for the clinics."

[these people give up their time away from their jobs/families too]

"During the clinics we saw a total of 1,835 people and 1,069 people accepted Christ as their Savior. Never have I seen a response like this. Even Dave Johnson, the missionary made a comment that not all those professing Christ as Savior were true conversions. But he did make one important point – with all those “conversions” we definitely have two churches planted! In addition all the people will have a follow-up with pastors, relationships will be started and if not before then hopefully soon true salvation will occur."

[can you just say "Wow!"]

"Gen MacArthur eventually returned to the Philippines and Corrigedor was recaptured – history tells us what happened. The cost was tremendous in men, women, and resources.

We as Christians, however, know the spiritual war for this world is already won, but the “battles” between now and then have lasting effects on us as well as those around us. Lets make haste than to save as many souls for Christ and keep the casualties to a minimum."

[see why I married this man?!]

There is so much more... but you just may have to give us a call to hear some of those good stories.

James 1 (NIV)
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Praying for the Philippines

It's that time again. The UPS man rang the doorbell yesterday and delivered the "big suitcase" with medical supplies in it. Must be time to start packing.

Daniel and a pretty large medical team will be heading to the Philippines this month. It will be a long trip with some inter-country flying. There are a lot of logistical issues that need to be prayed for. And it will be HOT! I may be wrong, but I think I read something about 110 degrees in some communication we got. Hmmm...

Well, time to pray! He will be gone almost two weeks and I shall be taking my first 2 exams during the time he is away. (Yes, the timing... seems things always happen like that... something to do with wrestling against spiritual stuff... look it up! ;o)

Have a blessed Easter season and I will try and post some pictures when he gets back!

Hugs and prayers...

Oh, be careful little ears what you hear....

I'm going to give you some medical education today. O.K. so not exactly, but I will tell you an interesting fact about medical education. Do you know how they teach doctors-to-be to tell if an inner ear is infected or normal? They do something very interesting. They have them look at "normal" [inner]ears.... lot's of them... for quite a while actually.... over and over... until they know what "normal" looks like. So when they finally look at an abnormal (or infected) ear, they may not know what is wrong with it... but they certainly know that something isn't "right".

Many times I have thought about this fact when contemplating discussions with others on various topics. How do we "know" that something is "wrong"? or "not good for us"? or goes against a biblical principle? Sometimes things we do or say or experience seem, well, "harmless". I can't tell you how many times I have heard some person say "Oh, it won't hurt anything." or "What's wrong with that?" or... "[fill in your blank here]. The problem is, deep down... we wonder....

I tell you today's media [tv, ipods, computer, movies, websites, books, cds, radio... we are just overwhelmed with media aren't we?] is perfectly willing to share what they think is "normal". Many times they insert in just enough truth/facts in there and then mix it with emotionalism and opinions and even false doctrines. Daniel and I are becoming more aware everyday that the "teaching" that is given to us each day in just our regular daily routines is just inundating us with anti-biblical messages (some subtle; some very blatant).

So, how do we "know" what is right and good in the mist of being blasted by so many messages continually? Well, just like the teaching of what a "normal" inner ear looks like; we need to be so well versed in what is "right" [insert time with God and Bible reading daily here]... that when "wrong" comes along... we may not know why it is wrong (or even exactly what about it bothers us)... but we certainly know that it isn't "right". We have to be so exposed to the truth of God's Word every day in our lives that it becomes our standard for living. [I tell you... in this day and age... that is not an easy task.]

Anybody remember that little song from preschool days?

"Oh, be careful little ears what you hear.....
........for the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear."

Last night Daniel and I were discussing this little song after renting a movie (PG and very mild by today's standards) that we fast forwarded through parts and were very disappointed in where the makers of that series had taken it. Then we talked about good movies that we had seen that were worth the time and how far and few they were produced now. [Hmm... think we'll just cancel our membership to the local movie rental place and join a club that mails only wholesome Christian movies.]

Deuteronomy 4:5-7 (New International Version)

5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." 7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
I Corinthians 1

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."[c] 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[d]


James 1:5 (New International Version)
5 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.

Spring Updates

So many things in the works....

Daniel is set for three upcoming trips. Lots-o-logistics going on right now. Details coming in the near future.

You can start praying for the medical student team heading to Asia. Also, for the works going on in Africa. [so many events happening there that affect so many aspects of life]

We will be keeping you posted as news can "officially" be released.

We are slowly working on cleaning out the house and "de-junking" for the impending move. Continue to pray for timing and the right living quarters.

Hugs and prayers to all!

P.S. Pray for Teri as she starts taking some classes to work towards a possible nursing or PA license.

Races and Rain Dancing

(I've had this on my mind for a while, but taking the time to stop and put it down seems to allude me lately. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me.)

RACES:
I have a friend who is the same age as I [we shall not disclose that one]. She and I both had this crazy desire to run in a marathon of some sort. (Well I'd be happy to crawl across the finish line of a 5K... she is so much more focused and ambitious.) She told me she had signed up for a half-marathon a few months back! I thought that she must have been in a lot better shape than myself! She just said, "You had better pray!"

A couple of weeks ago she called to remind me that she was running/walking the half-marathon that weekend "do or die trying." She also told me she was calling friends to get their favorite number and scripture to pray for them on that specific mile. [can you say "wow!" I'd be thinking about praying for breathing... and she wants to pray for me!] I, of course, told her that whatever number was that last mile... 'cuz I wanted to be with her crossing that finished line! Then I asked her if she was ready. She said, "No, but my goal is just to finish... and do it in 3 hours."

That Saturday after enough time had passed that I was sure the race was over [and I couldn't stand waiting any longer], I phoned her to see how it went. What she told me had me in tears....

You see this had been a journey for her. I can't share here what has been going on in her life... but let's just say that I admire more every day her courage and trust in God and hope I could be so steadfast facing some of what she has faced. She described to me that she had picked this race because it was "coming home" for her. It was where she had grown up and lived through many great memories in her life. But it was also bittersweet for her... she was coming home, but running a race with not a soul or friend she knew there to run with her and cheer her on. [well except one... that comes later in the story] It was a race she had to run one step at a time... one foot right in front of the other... one breath after another... sometimes running, sometimes barely walking up the hills.... but completely by herself. She said every turn and mile marker was a reminder of some part of her life; and another opportunity for the satan to "mess with her mind".

She said that so many thoughts went through her head: quitting, how silly it was to be there, all of her friends were elsewhere, she was tired, she was too weak and out of shape to do this... She pulled out her MP3 player to listen to songs of overcoming and victory that some friends had put there for her. She listened to sermons. She pulled out her little scraps of paper each mile to pray for friends and read the scripture they had given to her. [almost in tears at how appropriate the scriptures were at each part of the race]

Somewhere around the middle of the race she text messaged her Dad to tell him that it was just too hard and she really wanted to quit and go home. Her dad texted her back to encourage her to keep going. He told her he knew she could do it and to look how far she had come. She kept going. She even had to slowly walk up a "very curvy up-hill path" past a chapel on the trail. By then, she knew that she would be a part of the last group of folks to finish the race. [Winners had certainly finished an hour plus before.] She was just ready to get to the end. The funny thing was that myself and one of her other friends had requested she pray for us on "mile 13" because we both wanted to "be there" crossing the finish line with her. I had given her a scripture about God directing ours paths, but her other friend had jokingly given her the scripture John 11:35.

And then there it was... she could see the finish line ahead... not much cheering going on for the end of the pack of runners. She actually was feeling quite down that there she was and no one she knew was even there to see it.... well, that was until she saw him....

...her Dad. He doesn't walk too fast these days, but somehow he had managed to hike the distance from the parking area way across the campus and and work his way through a packed crowd to stand at the finish line and cheer his daughter home. He yelled out for her, "You've done it!!! You made it!!! Come on and finish it!!!" She cried.... nope, more like....she bawled her eye-balls out [you know, those honkin'- snotty-nosed-from-the-heart cries]. She said all she could think of is, "That's my Daddy and he's waving me home!"

[O.K. So at this point of the phone conversation I'm crying with her. How precious can you get.] She went on to tell me that after she got over bawling her eyes out at the finish line she asked him how in the world he was able to find her in the humongous crowd of people. He said that he had done "recon" in the military and certainly knew he could find her. Then she asked him about the walk. His response... "I was one determined man!" [yea... smile all you daddies and daughters out there... I know you're sniffling too.] Then he went on to tell her that not only had she made the finish line but she had finished in exactly 3 hours!

All I could say to her at this point was.... do you know what a picture you have painted??? It is like the whole race was one big "object lesson" of your life! I can just see Christ standing at the finish line screaming at the top of his lungs in sheer joy at his children [worn out and wondering if we would ever make it... fighting all the negative lies from satan that the race wasn't worth it] ... "You did it!!! You made it!!! Come on home!!!"

Yes, she got it. On so many levels.

God is so into the little details of our lives. Sometimes it is hard to remember that. Sometimes we just want to think that everything we do is not important or worth the effort or "why try?". God has a funny way of reminding us that everything is important.

Oh... the scripture verse from her other friend for "mile 13"/the finish line.... the one that was supposed to be a "funny".... John 11:35 "Jesus wept." [yea and God has a sense of humor too!]

RAIN DANCING:
From the email of yet another friend...

*Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain.*

My addition: just put on your goulashes when it gets deep...


Addendum:
Of course, I sit down to type this blog entry and the classic Phillips, Craig and Dean song on the CD playing blared away....

"Sometimes I still feel so lost
So far from where I should be
He gently calls to my heart
Just to remind me....
Mercy came running
Like a prisoner set free
Passed all my failures to the point of my need
The sin that I carried was all I could see
And when I could not reach mercy
Mercy came a runnin' to me."

O.K. so maybe God is not just standing at the finish line... maybe He has already ran out there [doing "recon"] and is pushing you across that line.... whatever works! I'm o.k. with that!

Galations 5: 6-8
6b The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

2 Timothy 4:6-8
7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Romans 8: 26-28
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.