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
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
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.
Hugs and prayers.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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!
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)
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)
Friday, August 28, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
"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)
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)
Saturday, August 8, 2009
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!)
[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!)
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