Our Family Circus

A Journey of Hope

2012-01-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas my mom blesses the children and I with a new ornament. She loves Christmas ornaments and is a Hallmark Queen! I had told her last year that it was no longer necessary that she give me an ornament, but she is my mom and well, she disagreed!

My Dear has been putting the tree up with the children as a surprise for me while I was away at our church's annual Christmas Tea. They did not have the tea last year so I simply sat on the couch, uninvolved. I received the new ornament in the mail and kinda tossed it into the storage tub in no mood to unwrap it or the other ornaments dating to 1995! I was going through a private battle in my life and could see little beyond it. Frankly, the only reason we even had a Christmas tree was because My Dear put it up and the children begged him to do it!

This Christmas I was in a much better place-MUCH! My Dear put the tree up and I opened the storage tub and enjoyed trying to create the Norman Rockwell Christmas. The ornaments were a bit a mess because My Dear and the children had packed them at the end of the season last year. I sorted through, opening boxes and sharing stories with the girls about the ornaments. Then I picked up an ornament I did not remember. The date was last year's. It was the ornament from my mom, the one I was "unable" to see last year. God knew I would not look at the ornament last year so He put a message on the ornament that would be a reminder to me this year of what He had done. The word I claimed for my journey last year was HOPE and sure enough the ornament read just that. It reads "Hope" and is dated the year that my HOPE truly came alive in Christ!

Another Christ in Christmas Activity

2011-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

Repost from 2008-you can check out other ideas there as well. Another fun way to keep Christ the JOY of Christmas.

Shepherds Point of View

Here is another option to allow your children the THRILL OF CHRIST in Christmas!
Last year, after opening presents, we read the Christmas story in Luke 2. We listened how the shepherds were told about Jesus birth and went to find Him. Here is what to do:
Place angels in different rooms of your home like a scavenger hunt. I referred to the children as Shepherd Dolly (age 3) and Shepherd Billy (age 6) and we went on the hunt for Baby Jesus. The angels should be visible from one room to the other so they can spot them. Ours were more like a straight path with angels along the way to reinforce them. The end of the hunt lead us to our unfinished basement-damp and cold, probably like a stable. There, hanging from the ceiling, would be the final angel and under it was the Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. That year, behind the figures, we chose to cover and reveal an additional gift for each of the children.

This year, I think we will simply hide Mary, Joseph and the baby and allow the children the thrill of a scavenger hunt to find them. If you are like us and have a nice age gap from oldest to our youngest child, perhaps a group of Shepherds play first then a group of Wise Guys will follow stars and hunt after the older siblings. This would be especially fun for the olders to set up for the youngers after they have played.

Give it a try and add your own touches! Have fun as you teach the true meaning of Christmas!

The Inn Keeper

2011-12-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, My Dear and I along with Billy were gifted an amazing gift-a trip to Israel.

While on the trip we were able to see so much and learn even more! We of course went to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Interesting enough, any place thought to be holy has a church built on top of it. This was the believed birth place of Christ. It was heavily decorated and it was impossible to visualize it as a stable with all of the candles, paintings, and fancy lighting which was needed since we were in a basement. Yep, that is it in the picture above. The location was crowded and people were packed in for a Christmas carol and then lead out like an elementary field trip.

Our guide then took us next door. It was not crowded at all, actually our group was the only one there. It looked far more like a stable of that time would appear, stone and cave like. The guide then shared that most groups did not go there but he wanted us to see it. The place where we were was where the Inn would have been....(such a poet, arent' I! ) It is the place were the so called nasty Inn Keeper turned away the Christ Child--who would do that?

The hotel of that day were one large room that everyone slept in together-everyone staying in the hotel-everyone! It would be filled with noise and people drinking and partying. So when Mary and Joseph came to the door, the so called grumpy Inn Keeper had compassion for them. He did not want Mary to be in that environment while she had her baby. He wanted privacy for her. He wanted Joseph to be able to care for her without fearing for her and the baby in the setting. He wanted baby Jesus to have a "Silent Night."

I ran my fingers over the stone realizing this is more what it would have been like, like this Inn, cold and hard and how sweet a bed of straw must have been.

I thought about the gruff image I had of the Inn Keeper and my heart was filled with thanksgiving for the compassion he showed this young family. So it seems to me the Inn Keeper has gotten a bad wrap. He truly had the families best interest at heart. He had room for Jesus in his stable and likely in his heart too!

Keeping Christ in Christmas Activity

2011-12-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

I hope to repost a few of my favorite Christmas activities that we have done over the past 10 years with our children. Billy and Dolly loved this one as preschoolers and now they are the ones helping Miss B. to enjoy it! I use this one every Christmas with the preschoolers I work with at church as well. They LOVE it!! Hope your little people do too!

In Mexico, it is tradition for children to march through the town carrying the figures of Mary and Joseph. They knock on doors and ask if anyone has rooms for the figures. They, of course do not. We did this with our children as well.

I walked down the hallway with the children while Billy carried Joseph and Dolly carried Mary. They knocked on each door in the hallway. Their quick daddy jumped behind each door to answer their knocks. He changed his approach and character with each knock. They asked if there was room for them to stay the night and each time, My Dear shared that no there was not. When they got close to the last door, My Dear said he did not have room but suggested they use the broom/linen closet. We made room for the figures in the closet and talked about how it was not as nice as the bedrooms but it would have to do, just like the stable so many years ago. As we were about to set the figures on the floor, Billy reached up and pulled a blanket down then sat the figures on it and Dolly stopped us and asked us to leave the light on. Their hearts were captured!

Christmas morning they ran up the hall not to race to the tree but to the broom closet where they found that Mary and Joseph now were joined by Baby Jesus. They called out, "They had their baby! Baby Jesus!" The real thrill of Christmas!

The Gift of Reading

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am sure I have shared this a zillion times but can't help but share it again just incase someone might have missed it!

Last year at the end of the season, the children and I wrapped 25 Christmas books including a Bible. As of December 1st, we began to unwrap a book a day to read in preparation for Christmas. I know that sounds like a lot of books but you would be amazed how quickly they accumulate. Because the older kids realized last year that these are the same books, they are on the hunt for their favorites.

Miss B. wants the Little Critter book.
Dolly is watching out for the Legend of the Candy Cane.
Billy enjoys The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (which is also one of my favorites.)

I know there will be a day when they no longer have time for this silly tradition but as of now-it is a gift everyday-for them and for me!

DREAM DAY

2011-12-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

Billy had a cumulative final exam in 4th grade! I was nervous for me and concerned that I had not prepared him for it. I left a couple of days for review and then we went for it. I handed him his test and watched his shoulders slump over. He was already defeated, or so he thought.

He then told me that if he scored within a certain percentage, he was going to pay me for being such a good teacher. Cute huh! I graded the test and Billy got 98%! I went to the bathroom to clean up an accident and here comes Billy putting a dollar bill in my pocket! He reminded me that I had earned it. I think I might hang that dollar on the wall by my desk!

To make the deal even sweeter, we went to the park and invited some friends to join us. We decided to play soccer and Billy and another little boy chose teams. Billy got to choose and he picked me first! It was a good mama day! I made a buck and made the team!

You better believe, I was sure to remind My Dear of how we met-he chose my roommate for his wiffle ball team and she said she would not come without me. He won me by default! But my boy, chose me first! Who would have thought a wiffle ball game 16 years ago would still make me smile! My Dear would have been nuts not to chose my athletic roommate.

Passion?

2011-11-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Bass Pro Shop to get a specific item. We chose that store because there is so much for the kids to see! Well, apparently they have started the Christmas season. Parents and children were lined up through the store to see the Jolly Ole Elf!

The line was L O N G!

Santa had extra elves on duty just for this purpose. I questioned our sanity even going in!

As I walked past, I noticed the children were dressed up for the very important meeting and of course photo! The children seemed to be waiting patiently probably due to the "better not pout" lecture even though the line was way longer than the words to the song. The line seemed to be parent "driven" so to speak, but I am sure none of the children complained! Those folks were willing to wait.

We had to fight our way by them again to leave and this time I had a less than happy preschooler. Here are the conclusions that I came to:

1. That would NOT be me waiting in a line that long with children!

2. One would only wait in a line that long for something they are passionate about.

So, what "line" or inconvenience am I willing to stand in for my passion. Even now as I type this my heart is convicted. Is my passion obvious to others? Is it obvious to those in my home? (man, that is the tough crowd that sees all the ugly!) Am I that passionate for the case of Christ?

Lesson in Love

2011-11-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

It is important to me that our children get to be with other children. It is especially true for our Billy since he is the only, well, "he" in our school. I was tempted to "pad" a group for Billy at AWANA to make sure he had a guy friend in his group. But God was just setting the stage. One of the young men placed in his group is not likely to be someone that Billy would hang out with. Billy is his father's son and likes sports AND likes to win! This little guy had played on a team with Billy years ago and it was his first time playing. We were all his cheerleaders, we just wanted it for him! Billy remembered this child as well and being human, he was not drawn to love him.

He admitted this to me and said that the child tells them every week that he is hungry as Billy gave the eye rolling expression. I responded that he probably is hungry. I know that Billy knows the greatness of our country and the poverty in many parts of the world but I am not so sure he ever thought about it being someone he knows. He was taken off guard by my response to his comment.

Tonight, as we were preparing to go to church, Billy seemed to be dancing around something. He finally asked if we could take the young man, something to church. I asked what he had in mind and he reminded me that he is always hungry. Although he wanted the child to have something, he did not want to be the one to give it to him. I left the ball , so to speak, in his court so we went to church empty handed.

After we got home, I took the girls to get ready for bed and a knock came to the door. Billy, pried open the door and said, "You know what I noticed tonight, he just wants stuff I have. Tonight he had a little car. It was pretty old."

Wonder what God will lay on my Billy's heart for next week. Although scripture memory would have been enough from AWANA, I am thankful that God is growing my Billy's love for others as well.

Thankful for...

2011-10-30T20:48:00.001-07:00

One day, after Billy and I prayed for his wife, he asked me if I prayed for My Dear when I was little. I told him I did not start until I was much older. He responded that God must have really wanted to give me someone special!

I am thankful that My Dear knows that after a long day of work, he has an even more important job to do.

...and it looks A WHOLE LOT like this......

Dear, I am thankful for you!

World Vision is All Dolled up!

2011-10-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

I am no better than our children! Really, I get the gimmies too!

Tonight it happened at the Super Center in the toy aisle! Have you seen them???

Hearts 4 Hearts Girls!!!

Changing the World One Heart at a Time

They are beautiful!!!! The dolls I saw cost just less than $30. I know, so what! Well, the dolls represent different countries where World Vision serves!

The doll from the U.S. represents ministries in My Old Kentucky Home-the coal mining, Appalachia Mountains. There is a doll for Ethiopia, India, Belarus, Mexico and Laos also. Oh they are beautiful! Each doll has a "heart" for her area and how she serves the people there. This description is included with her as well as Internet link information.

Perhaps the best part is that World Vision gains some of the profits on these precious dolls.

The website is http://www.hearts4heartsgirls.com/

Is it wrong that I want to talk the girls into wanting one (or 2)!?

How to Turn 4- B. Style!

2011-10-09T19:18:00.001-07:00

1. Train your hand to hold up 4 fingers! This is essential for taking the first picture of our now 4 year old.

2. Direct (or should I say, command) the decorating for the fan club coming over later. If it is a party, it has got to look like one! Big sisters are GREAT at this and big brothers reach much higher to hang streamers.

3. To insure you get presents. Remind your mom to buy you some a week or so ahead of your birthday. Then remind her of what she already bought you and said you could have it, "on your birthday." Insist that you wrap that gift she forgot and decorate the paper with rolls of princess stamps.

4. Take your BFF to Chuck E. Cheese the night before to play games. Giggle lots! Get daddy's tickets to get big prizes and remind your mom to bring the camera...next time!

5. Wake everyone up to get them to help you bake cake and brownies.

6. Wash the fun decorations you have chosen for your cake.

7. Lick the fun decorations clean after blowing out the candles.

8. Get a big girl haircut prior to the party!

9. Fill your lungs with oxygen and B L O W out your candle!

10. Insist on being rocked in the rocking chair for bedtime and suggest that you do it all again tomorrow.

Rock'n!

2011-10-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, we celebrated the birth of Miss B, 4 years ago. She was beyond exhausted and had trouble calming down to rest. Through her tears, she asked if I would rock her. I had pulled the rocking chair out of her room to give them more play room but now, it was being requested.

I pulled the rocking chair back into her room and snuggled up with Miss B in her fuzzy robe, "night hat" on, and blankie in hand. (She wears a hat her Nana made her when she gets out of the warm bathtub and sleeps in it.)

I would have never dreamed I would be back in the rocking chair with a 4 year old. As I rocked and Baby Praise played, I was able to once again reflect on all that God has taught me in the seat of that rocking chair. My heart became filled with the honor of rocking a child to sleep, the smell of clean baby shampoo fresh from her little hat wearing head and the responsibility I have to her-to protect her, grow her, and lead her. It leaves me humbled that God would entrust us with such a HUGE task! I want to savor her and every little rock in that chair because I'll never know when it will be the last time she wants to rock, wear her hat, or even sleep with her blankie.

The One Room Schoolhouse

2011-09-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

I picked up a box of flashcards in the $1 section of the states with some information on each card as well as location. We do what we call, "The Nifty 50 States." The children have developed a journal with a spread for each state. Dolly started her journal last year. As she read or learned about a landmark, she recorded it in her journal. It was her journal that assisted in our trip to D.C. this year.

Each of the big kids draw 2 cards every other day or so. They list the state and capitol in their journal as well as anything else they know about that state from their cards and from their sibling's cards. They locate the state on the map and practice saying the capitol. Billy is learning to spell the states as well. He is quite proud of spelling Massachusetts and Dolly is of course proud of
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I!
They are making travel plans and hopefully all of the early American History stuff we just learned is falling into place for them as they see the locations. They both like "Nifty 50" and quiz one another as well. They like it so much that they told me to "blog it."

We started dental health this week. We soaked an egg in vinegar to learn about acid destroying the enamel on our teeth. We then checked some food labels and Billy had a talk with someone he cares about, concerning their diet. One day this week while reading, Billy said,"Can we hurry up because I feel like I really need to go brush my teeth?" I love when the lesson sets in immediately!

One of the benefits of our one room schoolhouse is that older siblings are both students and teachers. B. knows what the school time routine looks like and chooses what she wants to work on. I was not sure how she would approach schooling this year but she has progressed greatly! She can not only cut hair but on a line too!

SALUTE!

2011-09-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

On this day in 1789, Benjamin Franklin organized the first United States Post Office. It is located in Philly! While we were in Philly we stopped by the B. Free Franklin Post Office which is still in operation.

Franklin named it B. Free to aggreviate the British.

With that being said, we say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE!" Thank you to the men and women that work in all kinds of conditions to bring us greetings, magazines, packages from grandparents and Amazon and for bills....(well, 4 out of 5 goodness is not bad!) Our family says, "SALUTE!"

Love Notes

2011-08-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Remember when I posted a picture of the "Welcome" sign. Well, our family has changed a bit. We have added teenagers to the mix. We are parenting backwards! One wonderful perk is that I know when they are on youth trips, they are in the BEST hands! Of course, I am VERY partail to the minister!

We are integrated everyone into the new schedule, routines, and responsibilities.

I enjoy sticking notes in their stuff with silly comments. Today someone had the word BEHAVE written on the outside of a pack of notebook paper. Tomorrow morning when someone gets the peanut butter out for breakfast, they will find this note.

I am truly enjoying these people and the fun of leaving little notes!

Everlasting Arms

2011-08-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

As a little girl, no one is stronger than your Daddy! My parents were very affectionate toward us growing up and still are. They hugged tight- none of those framed armed hugs. My dad's arms could squeeze me like a snake with his prey and I loved it! The feel of his tight hug became a part of me. As I worked with children with special needs I realized I had my own occupational therapy need. I need deep pressure at times, the deep pressure my parents offered when they hugged me. My dad's hugs were especially special.

After I went to college, met My Dear and married I could still receive my dad's tight hugs but My Dear's hugs were needed as well. My dad is a much bigger man than My Dear so their hugs are different. When I self diagnosed my need for deep pressure, My Dear quickly learned the Boa Constrictor Squeeze and since he was far more accessible to me, those hugs worked. My Dear knows that when I flop toward him like a wet noodle that is when I need the tightest squeeze!

While on a mission trip to V*etnam, I really missed those hugs! One day on the trip I had such a moment before God it drained me....literally drained me. You know, like the wet noodle. In V*etnam, a man is not to hug another woman's wife. Although my girlfriends offered their hugs, it was not my daddy's hug nor was it the Boa Constrictor hug My Dear gives. Our friend Bob was on the trip. His build is a tiny bit more like my dad's with big (and hairy) arms. (Guess folks in V*etnam do not have big nor do they have hairy arms.) I knew it was against V*etnam social norms but I knew Bob's wife (my friend) and My Dear would not hesitate so I stole a much needed big armed, man hug which worked!

Recently, I was challenged to explain what God is to me. All I could think about were those strong arms that have held me and hugged me when I needed it most. Those arms that comforted me through the saddest days of losing someone I loved, the arms that held when I could take no more. I recall the moments when the hugs were tight out of pride on my wedding day, my college graduation, and when we announced a baby was coming. Those days were the days the I felt God most of all...in the joy and in the sorrow.

One day, in church, the pastor shared a passage in John 12 about the "arm of the Lord." THOSE were the arms I had felt all of those times. That was the Boa Constrictor squeeze telling me to press on from My Dear. The squeeze to DELIGHT me from family and friends! The hugs just because He loves me from my dad and the big arm squeeze I received in V*etnam to tell me that He forgives me. There is a lot of curiosity about God and what He is doing and what He looks like but this I know, I have felt his Everlasting Arms.

FIELD TRIP!!!

2011-08-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

The last of my 8 cousins got married in the D.C. area so we partied with the family then headed out for our field trip!

We pricelined a hotel and had a yard sale to pay for it and packed up the darlings and went! What a GREAT TRIP! We loved it! I follow www.aquiverfull-christy.blogspot.com and they have made the trip twice. She has excellent suggestions and well, it was indeed awesome! We used the metro and spent a couple of days there with our picnic lunches. We may make a quick trip to a museum and we may come back for more. Since the majority of attractions are free in D.C., My Dear and I could say "yes" and say it often.

Dolly wanted to see the flag that flew over Ft. McHenry from the War of 1812. It is the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner. We read every word of information in that are at the Museum of American History. In fact, we did this museum two days because of the "kid" areas in the basement.

Billy, My Dear and I all loved Ford's Theater where Lincoln was shot. The theater has been rebuilt and is a National Park now. Museum in the basement then a lecture in the actual theater. Very good! Billy, as a second grader would read anything he could get his hands on about Abraham Lincoln so he had a strong base to build on! Even B. knows he comes on the $5 bill. She can't read the 5 on the bill but she knows "Abewaham Weencon!"

The children were good with walking through the monuments but it is the new World War II Memorial that really caught their attention. It is done so well and connected some history dots for me. The display of stars, each representing 100 American lives lost in the war stopped all of us in our tracks.

The zoo is also free so Miss B. enjoyed the few hours we were there and watching the funny Pandas. It was suggested that one of the Panda was the actual panda used in the movie Kung Fu Panda as it layed spread out on a rock-fat and happy!

The Natural History Museum had a nice insect exhibit with included a greenhouse area of butterflies. My brother had gone and strongly suggested we go. He even told me when the free day was to see the butterflies! So that is what we did on Tuesday and that was EVERYONE'S favorite activity of the day.

We put the miles on our tennis shoes and on the stroller! But we loved it!

In fact, we loved it so much we added a day to our trip and went to Philly! Independence Hall, the "Liverty" Bell (Dolly's favorite), Betsy Ross's home, and first post office in the US and it is still in operation. We had read about this post office and the work of Ben Franklin. Billy had read about William Penn's coming to America as a Quaker and his views that all are created equal because we are in the image of God! Very cool to see what we read about!

We LOVED the "Once Upon A Nation" story tellers who set up around Philly and told stories of less than well known heroes. I learned, I don't know a lick about history really and our text books are limiting! Even the homeschooling book we have used was disappointing.

Billy, Dolly, and My Dear joined the regiment and were trained while Miss B napped in the stroller and I laughed! The children LOVED it as folks were dressed in period costumes. One of them asked Dolly what "Colony she hailed from?" Seeing that we are not from an original colony-she just froze. He asked if she was Scottish because My Dear was wearing plaid shorts. I of course wanted to eat a Philly Steak while there...yum!

After a night in a historical building turned hotel (thank you Priceline!), we hit the road! But since we were so close to Valley Forge decided to stop for only an hour......ok, that does not scratch the surface!!! We MUST go back again! I want to take the bicycle tour of the area! We did get to hear one of the "Once Upon A Nation" storytellers.

The trip was filled with extended family, points of interest for everyone, picnics, 2 birthdays (Billy and I), swimming, history, and sleepovers every night!

The HIGHLIGHT of My Week!

2011-07-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

I skip church on Sunday nights, I confess, I do! To make matters worse, I drop the kids off for childcare at the church and then leave-it is typically a no, no but... I skip church and go up the street to my neighbor's home where I get to hang out with some precious young woman! It is without a doubt one of the highlights of my week! We challenge one another! This past week it was to learn a few scripture verses. As the girls recited, I allowed them to reach into my goodie bag and draw out a prize but I wanted to let them know how precious they are to me as well, so this is what God put on my heart.....

It is a tiny thing but I hope as they head back to school they will be reminded of how precious they are! Go ahead, STEAL this idea for a student you love!

SHOUT OUT....thanks Katie for taking a picture!

2011-07-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

This month we celebrated a very special birthday at our house! If you count by 10s, you will say the age that someone in our home turned. Billy will soon fit this description as well but this person is a bit older and seeing that this is my blog, you know IT'S NOT ME!!

I love birthdays with children because they love birthdays. They love to give gifts, decorate and gift wrap. Thought you might enjoy a picture of My Dear's packages compliments of Dolly and Miss B. I purchased the bows with Christmas clearance. I think we got our 13 cents out of them! Too precious to open arent' they!! (Unless you are the birthday boy!)

Two weekends in a row we were on the road to visit family. This visit with Pops proved to make everyone feel as if they were royality. Lucky for the children, their aunt lives in the same neighborhood so they could ride to see her. This vehicle only has seatbelts in the front seat and making car seats difficult. This is the part where our parents wondered how they ever raised us to adulthood without all the safety gear our children have.

Sometimes I just take pictures so I won't forget. I know there will be days that I will miss the circus of activity that having young children holds but rarely do I stop and make note of the joys in my life right now! When I do, I am overwhelming blessed! It happens everytime! I grabbed my camera to head outside to take a picture and this is what I walked past. It just looked strange! PERFECT for the things that would describe our lives right now! Time for new brakes, thankfully they were still under warranty! YIPPPEEE!

There will be a day when no one plays with these little guys! They will be donated or sold in a yard sale or perhaps stored away when another young person enters our home. As I glanced out the window, I smiled at this picture. These little guys have brought lots of play time to our lives.

See the rope hanging on the railing? I have GOT to get a picture of that! Dolly has invented a way to assist Miss B. and other younger friends with traveling up and down the steep hill. She put a dog collar around their waist as they repel with jump ropes....clever and it totally works!

As I turned to head back into the door, I saw this.......

and I felt God say, "Do you really mean it?" He is nudging us around a bit!

Adventures in Parenting

2011-06-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

This is what Miss B looked like on a Friday when we went on a field trip. She and Dolly enjoyed trying on the pioneer type clothing from the Civil War era. Dolly likes the Little House picture books so this was right up her alley! (note the outlet in the background!)

The following Saturday, the 2 oldest children and I were preparing for a trip out of state to attend my niece's high school graduation. I knew the event would be too much for Miss B and we agreed that she and daddy (who had to work) would stay home.

In the busyness of packing suitcases and doing chores at the house, I was doing laundry. The large capacity washer and dryer can hold a lot of little clothes and those were the ones I was washing. I folded them all in the basement and headed upstairs to find these out on the bathroom counter...

a wastepaper basket pulled out with shiny, long, red deposits in it and this little face, Proud as Peacock!

This is picture was taken after she was informed that cutting her own hair is not a good thing. She put her hair in the trash and tried to clean up and was honestly proud of herself. But this picture is the one where I removed the hairy t shirt and put her in her bed for time out. Pitiful isn't it! I totally spoiled her party!

Since I was heading out of town, I called My Dear to tell him and emailed a picture to a friend who does magic with scissors. My Dear took our lopsided- head child to church and my friend Sam met them there to clean her up after the service. I called home and asked My Dear how it looks, "You will just have to see it, " he said!

Hum, wonder where she got the idea for such a short hair cut? Miss B. and me and our summer hair! I must say, I like her short hair but it could be because I am a big fan of this little girl!

My Ole' KY Home (& a funny kid born there!)

2011-05-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

My sister was to celebrate her Big 4-0 so KY seemed the place to be for Derby Weekend! The children and I had fun with aunts, uncles, cousins, and horses!

Growing up in KY, I just assumed all kids could tell a horse from a cow from a distance. It is hard for me to swallow that my younger 2 can not. I also assumed that everyone had historical stone fences that went along the road with hills of grass. Nope! I miss that! My allergies do not, but I do! Isn't it beautiful!

The kids and I enjoyed the Kentucky Horse Park and we learned some cool stuff about horses! Like, those tiny horses are not ponies, they are indeed horses and were bred to be small to work in the coal mines-cool huh!

Our Dolly loves animals! A few weeks ago, she asked me how to tell a boy dog from a girl dog. I told her the same way a doctor tells a boy baby from a girl baby. She found a picture of a dog and knew the gender. So, you can imagine her generalization at the Horse Park-the special educator in me appreciates the transfer of knowledge from one animal to another. She knew discussing such matters was a private conversation but I must say I LOVE that she is willing to talk about it with me! I want our children to know they can come to us about ANYTHING you know!

Now for the funny girl part....

Yesterday, My Dear began to comb the heaps of Dolly's thick curls. She said something and I started laughing. Our precious girl told her bald daddy, "It must feel good to brush hair again?"

She cracks me up! I can't even keep up with the kid's funnies, laundry, dirty dishes and definitely behind on their scrapbooks but I so enjoy them! That may be why I am behind on all the other stuff! Oh well....some day I will be bored and will get all of that done!

Laundry Basket Memories

2011-05-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

In doing the laundry today, I pulled out a pair of underwear that belongs to Billy. He will be so thankful that I am talking about his underwear on the web! Honestly, he belly laughs at this story so I think I am in the clear to share...that and....well, he does not read my blog.

Several years ago, Billy was in need of new underwear. He was ready for a pair that did not have Grover or Thomas the Train on them. Let's be honest, those little guy undies get yucky fast. It is part of the toddler years. So while we were out and about, I picked up a package of boy's underwear. I was not sure what size to get because every size is not represented and some shrink. BUT they do offer the chart on the back to help you pick the size that would work best for your child. So I read the chart and decided on getting the size 6 underwear for our 4 year old according to his weight and height.

I talked hype about the new underwear and how they really were big boy underwear with motorcycles on them. I washed them and had them ready for a doctor's appointment since they have to be in their undies, it would be nice for the doctor to have to deal with a new pair, you know (or maybe I was looking for the mother of the year award.)

Little man was excited about getting to wear his big boy draws' but I was a bit concerned that maybe they were a little too big! They seemed to hang off of him. You know when you have talked it up and there is no turning back, I was there. So off we go with Man Cub in his BIG underwear-hanging a bit off of him.

Our pediatrician was a deacon in our church and since My Dear was an employee of the church it was important to me that we had best foot forward. I now realize this was not all about being church members but lots about being a new mom and constantly questioning myself. So I did not want my boy to look like he was wearing someone else's old underwear or that we were unable to buy proper fitting underwear....you know, I did not want to look like an unfit parent.

The doctor was of course super nice. Billy being 4,listened like a 4 year old boy. The doctor was talking with him and Billy was sitting on the exam table with his head down. Billy notices that his underwear are too big when he sees that they are hanging off of his body a bit allowing a gap between him and his underwear. Believe me, I noticed too! As the doctor attempts to talk to him, my Billy, puts his entire arm through the gap in underwear and begins flapping his arm and waving at the doctor! Here I am, the new mom-completely embarrassed and this professional, Godly man trying to have a conversation with a 4 year old waving his arm out of his underwear.....oh my! I was speechless and probably a million shades of red! Dr. Ron smiled made a simple joke about funny kids, and corrected Clay's behavior since I was PARALYZED in embarrassment! I was so ready to get out of there!

Billy and I still crack up about that story! I wonder if the doctor lost it when he we were out of view!

Do you want to know how big those underwear really are!? Well, he was 4. The package said size 6 and Billy is quickly approaching 10 years old and THEY STILL FIT! I guess I should be thankful that he did not put both arms through there!

DELIGHT!

2011-04-28T20:57:00.001-07:00

We have had a tree in our yard that has been dead since we moved her almost 7 years ago. It seemed tricky, at least for me, to take down because it is on a property line and could easily fall and damage a fence, a house, a play set, an outbuilding.... you name it- risky. I used to fear any strong wind, that it would blow the tree over our neighbor's fence damaging their property. I have lost sleep over that silly tree!

Well, the weather has been quite interesting around her the past few weeks. Last Friday night, we woke the children at 2 a.m. to move to our "mostly" unfinished basement due to a tornado or 2 in our area. The storms have been so often that Miss B. is not quite as rattled by the thunder. When she does get upset, she just runs to our bedroom and assumes the position-you know the one right between mommy and daddy!

Apparently, last night was just as eventful but I too have learned to sleep through the excitement. When I went toward the restroom this morning, I glanced out the window and to my DELIGHT, I saw this:

The old tree was down-really down! In fact, there is hardly a stump to mess with. It laid across the strange, kinda useless, little patio without missing anything that we could have lost or might have missed. I looked out, smiled and said, "THANK YOU GOD!" I am so thankful that old tree is down! AND you know what an old, dead tree means.....critters and lots of them. So the scientists went to work!

Billy said he could not wait to get to that tree so I knew we had to do some other school work first or I would lose him for the entire day! Billy armed with a tool kit, Dolly armed with a microscope and her nature journal and Miss B. armed with her flip flops headed out for what Dolly called an "ADVENTURE." I could hear their squeals and thrills with each new discovery.

Thank you God for delighting me in one less concern and for delighting the children in an adventure in Your creation!

Love Kept Him There

2011-04-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks the Holy Spirit has shown me a couple of aspects about His death on the cross. Maybe you already, "got this" but here it is.

The sign language for Jesus is the middle finger touching the palm of the opposite hand and then repeated for the other hand. It helps to remember the nails that were placed in His hands (or wrist.) As I was teaching this sign to a group of little girls, I was able to tell them the significance of the middle finger in signing. It is an "emotion" finger. It shows mercy, love, those kinda things. It occurred to me as I explained the sign to the girls that it was because of God's Mercy for us that Jesus died. A person could have decided that the sign was with the pointer finger and no big deal, but it is not. It is with the love, mercy finger-that is what held Him to the cross. Our Mercy is through Jesus. The sign is Biblically correct and well, it preaches!

Along with this point, I learned this weekend that it was not so much Christ's love for us that He died because remember He asked that the "cup be passed." BUT Jesus did it because of His Great love for God, His Father. It is God's Mercy on us that Jesus died for our sins. It is God who gave His only Son. It is God who Jesus wanted to please and therefore died. It is God's Mercy, just like the sign language, that nailed Jesus to the tree.

PRAISE HIM!

You Might Be a Homeschooler If...

2011-04-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

As soon as the children get their chores and school work finished, I can answer "yes" to most anything they ask. This keeps them pretty motivated. So motivated in fact that this is what I found after a little "break" in our day.

You might be a homeschooler if...............

Where You Go, I'll Go...

2011-04-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

The week prior to our Spring Break, we were loading buses and vans to send children home from AWANA. As we were lining up and getting head counts a 12 year old decided she needed to go find her friend. I told her no that she needed to stay with the group and we would insure that her friend was on the bus. The child, same height as I am, pulled away in anger and giving me an ear full. I held on to her until I was able to position her in a corner for her to calm down. The entire time I am in this situation, she continues to "let me have it" and I continue to repeat the instructions to her.

Two things that went through my head....#1. I am not very strong, mental note to eat before AWANA because this confrontation was physical draining. #2. So this God, is why you had me teaching special education and going through the training for safe physical management.

You will be pleased to know that "the friend" was on the bus the entire time, but I now had a new enemy and a bus ride to take to talk to a mama. I rode in the back with other children to bring some kind of peace to the ride.

The younger sister of the 12 year old rode in front of me. The chewed me out the entire way to her county line home! I responded very little and talked to the children around me. I knew that my lack of response would be new to her. In fact, she did not know how to take it. It was sad and I tried to not let those words hurt my heart or the love I had for the child. So, I did what I had to do. As she continued to go on and on about something she truly knew nothing about, I closed my eyes and began to sing aloud. I knew it would catch the children off guard but I needed to say it out loud!

Out came Tomlin's, "Where you go, I 'll go. Where you stay, I'll stay. When you move, I'll move. I will follow you." I repeated the chorus, again and again. At first the children fell quiet and listened. Then the "abuser" began again. She continued until we got closer to home and then she popped around and immediately began apologizing. I did not make it easy for her and had her name the specifics of why she was apologizing. This then opened the door for me to tell her why I do what I do. Why Troy, the bus driver, picks them up. I told her about the Jesus in my heart that allows me to love her and forgive her. I will be honest, it was draining. But this I know, He called and...."Where you go, I'll go."

A Lesson and a Bless'n!

2011-03-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

Our AWANA ministry has grown into more of an outreach then a ministry within the church. A couple of weeks ago, it occurred to me that the children from the bus ministry would not be going anywhere for Spring Break! Our church family would visit family and vacation but those kids would have zero plans. In fact, their being home would be a financial hardship on most families. They would have to feed the children 3 meals a day instead of just one.

I mentioned an idea to a couple of ladies and as always they responded, "Let's Do IT" and more!

A grocery list was established and we asked for volunteers within the church to fill them. We requested foods that the children could prepare for themselves knowing that many of them would be home alone. Bread, PBJ, fresh fruits and veggies along with cereal and milk were presented to families! A few of us meet to pray and go deliver. As I was driving a church van, I looked at my co-pilot Janet. I asked her if she remembered where we were a year ago? She said, yes and it had been heavy on her heart as well that just a year ago our lives were changed forever on a mission trip to Vietnam. As we rode in a van with our 5 children, about 10 gallons of milk and a bunch of groceries rolling around I asked her, "Do you think we would be doing this if we did not do what we did this time last year?" Janet and I both felt sure, that we would not.

There is so much that we learned from that trip! In fact, over half of our Vnam team is involved in the AWANA ministry and the outreach it has become. Upon delivering groceries, we were able to talk with families, bless them, share their burdens and surprise them all the same! This week has been its own little mission trip right here in our own town! I will post more on that later but I want to leave you with what God showed me HUGE while in Vnam!

He is GOD, He does not need our help! But, He invites us to join Him for our benefit!

Just like Janet said, we would probably not be where we are today if we had not been in Vnam last year. God invited us to go so we went! He filled us with a deep desire to serve Him by serving others. We have, and still struggle with the "American Dream," the price of eating out a meal, and spending money on "stuff" when we have seen how little others have and with so much more happiness! He has shown us "our Vnam" and it is right here in our little town!! A whole "nother" world! Oh how He has blessed us by allowing us to serve in "our" Vnam!

So, I challenge you! Stop and watch where God is working and join in! He will have a lesson and a bless'n all wrapped in one!

More to come about our Spring Break outreach!

A Now or Never Weekend

2011-03-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

My Dear and I were college students when we got married. Two other couples, our friends, married the summer before. They were students too. My childhood best friend had prearranged my friendship with Christy before I transferred to this college, she knew we would love one another and she was right! Christy's best friend was Nancy-I won her friendship by default, lucky me!! It just so happened that My Dear was friends with the men who became their husbands. We were poor, married students. We were one another's entertainment-livin' on love!

These 2 couples were a STRONG support for us as students, as a couple, and as followers of Jesus Christ. They were such a blessing to us and provided such sweet memories and accountability. They asked the hard questions.

Facebook and blogging have made it easier to keep up with one another. Last summer, we were able to get together for the first time in at least 10 years. Among us we have 11 children, we all homeschool, all of our husbands are in ministry and seeing that they are all in ministry means that ............we will likely never live near one another again, a girl can dream!

This weekend, I did something I have never done. I flew on an airplane all by myself. There was no sweet husband like on my honeymoon, no toddlers like when I went to visit the parents, and no mission team, just me. But it was a now or never situation! We girls had talked about a girls' weekend last year and it never happened but it HAD to happen this year! You see, my friend Christy, her husband and their 5 children recently sold their home, got rid of the majority of their possessions and have moved into what they lovingly refer to as the cottage. In two weeks, they will leave the cottage and rid themselves of more possessions before completing training to move. Yep, move again. This time the move is to Africa to once again do what God has called them to do.

It was a now or never event. We isolated ourselves in a hotel to talk, laugh, encourage, and got to love on the youngest of the 11 children, 6 month old "Jr.!" We ate without preparing or cleaning up, had dessert, watched what we wanted to on television, toured a landmark, worshipped, dug through treasures at Goodwill and looked for long skirts that were acceptable in Africa, in sizes for mama and 3 sweet girls.....but we did them together! The pace was slow and company was perfect!

I had no idea how much I needed this weekend. We talked marriage, ministry, Jesus, schooling, children....all of those things that you do with girlfriends who speak truth in your life. When I think of these ladies, I sometimes get sad that we do not live closer. But they would not be the friends that they are if they were not obedient to God's call on their lives and for that, I am so thankful. When Nancy and her family moved farther away once again after a few years living closely, the song When We All Get To Heaven played through my head as we cried and hugged in my front yard. For now, we will keep up when we can, but know that we will have eternity to catch up. In the meantime, we will be working to see that a bunch of other folks are there with us! Will you be one of them?

Joyful Giving

2011-03-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

What if we all approached the offering plate to give as UNDIGNIFIED as this guy?

at our house

2011-02-26T21:03:00.000-08:00

I call this picture-pitiful! We have been sick more this year then any year! This was a 24 hour stomach bug for one while the other just slept the bad germs off. Needless to say, that DVD player was burning it up this day! Thankfully it only hit these 2.

Dolly had a math lesson at the store last week and came out $1.25 richer! We have a pump and she wanted balloons. Making animals was not as easy as they thought but the swords were way doable so the battles have been frequent. We got a book at the library and look what Daddy can do....with some artistic help from Dolly. The boy builds bathrooms and balloon animals!

Look at this floor! It took him days to get a roller coaster built! He loves models like these especially when they work afterwords!

Isn't it romantic! His and Her computers! My Dear does his work in the living room and I in the bedroom but with the help of a wireless router.....love can keep us together! It is amazing how much more I got done with a little bit of company and how much later I stay up at night! I will keep one but need to leave the other if you know what I mean.

This girl loves her hats and apparently it keeps the vacuum from being loud too! You know, I think she is on to something. When I was sick, I wore a hat. If it works for B., I bet it will work for me too. Sure enough the ski hat my MIL made was perfect for keeping me warm and hiding my messy head! Haven't tried it for vacuuming yet. But if you see me in the van on the interstate with a ski hat on, you will know I am trying it out for volume control!

That's some of what is going on here.....

What Comes Around Goes Around

2011-02-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

I see several folks on Facebook comment on Karma. So here are my thoughts. What comes around, goes around....but maybe not the same way you would think.

2 Cornithians 1:3-4 says,
Praise be to God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comforts, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received in Christ.

So all the mistakes, hurts, habits, hang ups, heart breaks that I have survived and received comfort for, I am to share that same comfort with others, the comfort that only Christ can give. My sweater vest wearing friend Bob reminded me, it is like stepping in a big hole and looking back at others coming and saying, "WATCH OUT FOR THAT HOLE!" Some will see the hole due to the warning but others will fall into it just as I did. Then I can share that comfort that I received. So, what comes around, goes around.

I did not survive those situations for nothing nor did the Lord allow them for nothing, He allowed them for His benefit and if I am honest with myself, He allowed them ultimately for my benefit.
God has surrounded me with some amazing women! In fact, the past couple of months, I have heard God working in their hearts to warn others or to share the comfort with others. One lady shared that she needed to tell young girls the mistakes she had made so they would not make them. Another lady, shared that because of her past, she could share the love of Christ without judgement because of where she has been.

The challenge I feel God calling me to and the challenge I pose to you is, are you warning others? Are you comforting others? Are you living your life in evidence of what comes around, goes around? Don't you wish someone had done it for you?

To Be Held

2011-02-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

WOW! The strangest thing happened a week or so ago. My Dear left for work and returned home around lunch time to find me on the couch with all kinds of activity going on around me. This happened the next day too but instead of coming home he got a phone call from Billy saying, "We are hungry, come get us." Momma was sick!

We were pretty sure it was flu. I could not hold my eyes open but would go to the couch to be in the middle of the activity during the day. The children continued to work in some workbooks with math and language getting done everyday. They would wake me with questions or Billy would help Dolly. At one time, I heard someone reading. The vocabulary seemed a bit hard for who I thought I heard reading. My eyes popped open to see Dolly have "story time" in her little rocking chair with B. parked on a blanket just like at the library. I would have never invited Dolly to read that book but she was knocking it out and so back to sleep I went with a smile on my face. I also got to see B. "read" a book from the rocking chair as Dolly sat patiently in the floor never once saying, "that is not what that book is about" to the "librarian."

God showed me that those kids are going to be okay! Despite their messed up Mama, they were teaching themselves and caring for one another when I couldn't. I don't think I was capable of that when I was their age.

I developed a sinus infection which landed myself at the doctor. My balance and my vision were off as a result. Although I longed to spend time with the Lord, I could not make out the tiny words on the white pages of my Bible but with breaks could read from Miss B's Beginners Bible.

One night as I lay in bed, I so desired to spend time with Him that I began to pray aloud. I had tried to worship with the radio but it was not working with my headache. As I prayed He laid these things on my heart to praise Him for.

1. After days of a runny nose, I has actually used a tissue to get something solid out of my nose. Gross but true and I was indeed thankful!

2. I now know what area of my abs is most exercised by coughing and I felt BUFF-enough coughing to feel fit and trim!

3. After going days without eating I told My Dear, I better have lost some weight and the scale at the Urgent Treatment Center confirmed I had (but as of today and the sweets of Vtime's Day-I am pretty sure some of it is back!) Another thing to be thankful for!

4. He reminded me of the song To Be Held. My Dear was no longer sleeping in our bedroom but was camping in the living room leaving me my germ filled sanctuary. I stole his pillow and his electric blanket control and truly felt wrapped, cushioned, bundled, and warm. My father in law told me once that there is a time that we need to rest in the lap of Christ and that is where I felt Him most-holding me.

I knew God had a word for me then as He does for me today. Sometimes the lesson takes longer and sometimes I am quick to get it but through it all, I am so thankful that He sees me teachable and when I need it most He too knows when to hold me.

Our Family Circus or is it Freak Show?

2011-02-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday evenings My Dear and I split to two different locations and the children to another. My Dear loads them up for the drop off before heading to his small group of Jr. and Srs. My study is in our neighborhood so I get the children ready and he takes them. Works great-MOST OF THE TIME!

While preparing to load the children in the vehicle, Miss B. dropped to the floor in a crying heap. I scooped her up and loved on her a bit then buckled her in her seat. While I did that My Dear ran back into the house to retrieve the bb blanket-it was an obvious bb moment!

His phone rang as he was pulling out-someone from another church I think. I walked back toward the house to prepare for group. Use the bathroom, put shoes on instead of slippers, get my Bible, fix my hair from laying around all day.....you know, those things.

I went to turn the handle of the door but My Dear had shut both doors and they were LOCKED! He was still in view so this would be an easy fix. In fact, he was still in the driveway! I yelled his name but he did not hear me. I waved my arms like a crazy woman. I thought maybe the kids would see me but being in a car rather then a van, their view is blocked. He began to pull out!

I ran after the vehicle calling his name, waving my hands, yelling, running.....can you just see it? All the while I am in my slippers and a black hoodie from the military that was my dad's.....my dad retired in 1992! I decide, just like television, I would take my slipper off and throw it! He was close enough I am sure one of the kids would ask what the noise was when I HIT THE BACK WINDOW with my slipper! Apparently, any TV is too much TV! I throw but it was as if my slipper just fell right in front of me, yep, right in the snow! I tried to catch him as he drove off , chasing him on the road with no luck.

So here I am, slippers and an antique hoodie standing in my driveway with snow all around! You have a moment when you are in that position....what does the older couple across the street think of the drama I just gave them! They probably think My Dear and I are at odds......to say the least! It likely spurred a call to friends to share the humor or the "prayer request."

Well, nothing else to do-no key hidden anymore after a few teenagers showed us it was too easy to find by entering our home a couple of years ago...they did not and would not hurt anything but we never replaced it.

I pulled my hood up, secured my slippers and started my hike with a full bladder and nappy head up the street to small group. A family stopped on their way there and since I had slippers on in the snow, I took them up on the offer of a ride. I giggled the entire way there! I called My Dear and he said he got a good laugh out of my message.

Sometimes life gets hard and a moment like this would have really been a problem but this time, it was not. Since the last week had been one of those "hard times" just so happens the isolated walk with a case of the giggles was just what I needed........even in my slippers!

For This Season

2011-01-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

It is D Now weekend!!!! Teenagers go to live in small herds together in the homes of church members. A Bible study leader is assigned to live with them as well. It is like a mini camp! Our friends come to do the worship music and we get to hang for just a bit! I know I wanted to be a part of the large group sessions and "Mami" our adopted(well, you name it, she is it) agreed to hang with what ever little people would rather stay with her.

We were able to hang with our friends for a bit last night and made plans to meet up for lunch today and their daughter to come play. As we talked last night, I shared with my friend Joanna that I knew that more then anything God has called me to minister to our children because the season is just 18 years. I was so looking forward to what God would do over the weekend, then Man Cub got sick.

So, today, I am thinking and praying for those kids while we lay around the house and watching far too much television. Wishing I could be there to watch them enjoy all that My Dear puts into the weekend but instead, I am called to my primary ministry. God has a way of putting me in my place. He reminded me that currently, Man Cub is half way there. Learning about sacrifice, silent service of prayer, and a few too many things about animated Super Heroes, but I only get this season to get it!

Lesson on Forgiveness by a 3 year old

2011-01-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

I have told you about bb before. BB is a small blanket that our Little Miss B. carries. She uses it mainly at nap time but for many other "hard times" she brings it along. The bb used to be pink but it is now an indescribable color although we still refer to it as being pink.

Last week the bb was hauled often. Not sure why more that week then this week....but aren't some days, weeks, months....just like that. The bb has been tossed on the kitchen table, dropped on the kitchen floor and even taken to the bathroom. I asked if I could have it to wash because frankly, it was grossing me out!!! It resembled more of a rag then a blanket.

As I looked at that nasty, filthy dirty blanket held close to the face of our precious daughter I knew she did not care how dirty it was. She loves her bb!

Isn't it just like God. He created us perfectly. He had plans set for us and directions in the Bible for us to follow. We are all clean, pink, soft, and beautiful. But then, we make choices and go places we shouldn't and we end up marked, dirty, and no longer the pure color God made us to be. But God, in His infinite love for us-longs to be with us, hold us tightly, and even snuggle the filthy rag we are up to His face. He knows where we have been, how disobedient we have been, how numerous our sins, but He is not scared of how gross we are. He holds us close, breathes us in, and HE LOVES US! Of all the blankies that are out there-new and old-He still longs for us-the nasty, used to be pink blanket with stains covering us. He covers us with His mercy and grace and like our little B. with her blanket, all He can really see is a perfectly pink BB with flowers on it.

....so thankful.

Freedom in America

2011-01-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

Both children had writing assignments a week or so ago that I wanted to share.

Dolly's topic was Freedom of Worship and here is what she had to say....although it would be much cuter to see her handwriting with giant and some backwards letters.

I will try to type as she wrote.

I LiKe my Church.

We donot have to go to church

But we choose to.

I LiKe Kids Church.

I am glad we can pray.

I Love America!!!!!!

Billy made a book called, I LIKE AMERICA.

I like America because it is a good place.

I like it because we have money to buy food and shelter

and DSi (he has been saving his money and just purchased this handheld game system.)

We have tools to make and fix "thinks."

We have doctors to help us.

We have school to learn.

And that is why I like America.

The End

Reminder to me of the wealth of our nation and that God will hold us accountable to what we do with what He has given us.....including these 3 little people wrestling in my home right now!

A Closer ROCK With Thee

2011-01-10T21:55:00.001-08:00

Too often bedtime is a mess! If I get started later then scheduled, it is a rushed process. In the rush, the little ladies have a hard time falling asleep. My impatience carries right over to them! It seems most likely to happen when the day has been long for both My Dear and I or when My Dear is away at bedtime.

It eventually comes down to the girls needing a back rub, an extra million hugs, a song, or for Miss B. to be rocked. I know it would take about 10 or 15 minutes but I am still too anxious to do it. But when I put the me aside, I climb to the top bunk to whisper sweets into Dolly's ear and give her those extra squeezes. It is like medicine for her she goes to sleep feeling calm and loved. Miss B. grabs her bb and is ready to "wock." She even makes a request of what song she wants me to sing.

On those nights, in the dark of the girls' bedroom, with the sound of a squeaky glider, the warmth of a sleepy toddler against me, and the sound of sweet voices, I enter into a time of worship and praise. The girls will sing along with me what they know and then fall fast asleep. I will close my eyes and sing to the Lord. For He, at that time, is my only audience. When I am in that sweet spot with God, I wonder why I don't go there more often? Many times, I just let the girls toss and turn trying to put themselves to sleep. Why do I withhold such sweet fellowship from myself? God said, if we do not praise Him the rocks will cry out. Well, at my house I want the praise to come from our hearts and that has got to start with me. So I will accept His invitation to enter into His presence with praise- me and a steady beat from the squeaky rocker.

Jesus Recycles

2011-01-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Grumpy me loaded the recyclables and the children to get to the recycling center. We had a LOAD! Grumpy's children were uninterested in helping. Well, I thought one was but after getting out of the vehicle in the cold they confessed they did not want to help only to go into the Reuse it store. Just what we need MORE STUFF!!! Grumpy ordered that child back to the vehicle-too cold and dangerous to be standing around not working. Grumpy was so grumpy that others heard the sharp tone in her voice and even passed a glance my way. There goes mom of the year and we are in the first days of January!

I unloaded my stuff and jumped in the vehicle to leave. I saw a older lady out of the corner of my eye (and activity) getting out of her stuffed vehicle. She was moving slow and it was cold. I took note of her and began to pull out. It was going to take her awhile and with it being so cold, she will be a "cube" (of ice that is.) She is small as well, can she even reach? I pulled out only to whip the vehicle around and park with the gang all strapped in. I invited anyone who wanted to join me to help....but they are my kids, and chose to stay in the warmth.....like I said, little humans.

The sweet dear could not even reach the receptacles and she allowed me the honor to assist her. As we finished disbursing her goods, she asked my name and spoke with me awhile. She then asked why we moved here and I said for My Dear's job which led to where does he work.

She shared her religious training with me and that she is now taking care of her husband. A stroke has left him in a wheelchair and the once a week Bible study they went to, they can no longer attend. I hugged this sweet lady in the cardboard shelter and prayed with her. My parents have been caregivers. My in laws (both sets) are caring for a parent. My sweet mama friend was a caregiver to her little angel until recently when her princess went to be with Jesus for complete healing. I have seen it and know it comes with exhaustion, depression, and pure selflessness. I knew this lady was likely facing the same thing.

It is not everyday, you tell a person your name and where you live as soon as you meet. It for sure does happen to me that a sweet little lady would ask that I stop by sometime. Needless to say, I saw the Holy Spirit at the recycling center today. With all of that being said, I have evidence that Jesus would not recycle. He was there at the center that day! Although, I have and continue to mess up, I pray that my life will be evidence of Christ recycling.....cause I am remade! Thank you Jesus!

Sweet Surprise!

2011-01-04T19:01:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day I got a sweet phone call from a lady I met in Vnam! We chatted and teased and then Amy asked if I would be home the following weekend. I told her yes. She said she had a gift for me, assured me it was not carrot juice (which she had me drink for tummy troubles in Vnam-yuck!) and that I would like it! I watched the mail for an arrival.

I got a phone call from another lady I met on the trip a week later. She is the missionary wife here in the states. I found it odd that she would call. I shared with her that My Dear's family were coming to visit. She wanted to meet up with me to give me Amy's gift and that weekend...when the fam was here.

Then the phone rang again-it was Amy! How odd is that!? I get to talk with both of them right after one another.....well, because they were together! Our sweet Amy who lived on the west coast was in our state!!! She wanted to surprise us but was getting no where. I asked permission from My Dear's family to leave that evening and I loaded some of the Vnam team up for a road trip. They knew that a gift waited for them but they did not have any idea it was Amy! Such a sweet way to start the year-precious family and rock'n ladies!

We enjoyed dinner at a Viet Bristo halfway between our 2 locations. The food had its own American flair about it like Chinese here so I enjoyed the meal! It was not like in Vnam-"and that's the truth" as we joked about in Vnam. I did try the fish sauce knowing I would be going home to my own bathroom if it did not set well. Amy teased the fish sauce was the source to speaking Vnames. I guess I will never speak it!

We all tried our hand once again at chopsticks and then Amy pulls out a fork. She said, you eat like in my country and I will eat like in your country! She is so much fun! AND as funny as she is, she is just as passionate for the love of her Savior and sharing His love to the world-especially Vnam.

While we chatted and caught up the missionary's wife asked us if we remembered one of the translators there. I most certainly did!!

In this picture, I am one person away from my God slamming me! That probably sounds harsh but let me tell you, it was just what I needed. God had began to deal with me on parts of my past. I questioned His doing so since I was about to head to the other side of the world (I think God finds great humor in my "know it all" attitude.) The feet I was about to reach would become even more precious to me because this woman's prayer was what God wanted to deal with me about. I prayed over the other ladies but for this women, I washed her feet in my tears! I not only prayed, I called out to God and begged Him to bless her with this one precious gift!

I have continued to pray over this woman and her husband. This women, whose name I do not even know, has no idea the role her tiny feet played into my life. This women, yep, the woman whose prayers are being answered!

When the news was shared, our table was pleased but I cheered as if Billy and Dolly had kicked their first soccer goals! It was a THANK YOU GOD moment and I was led to worship and praise Him right there! I was the loudest white woman in the place! By the way, in the place where we learned was open for the first time on New Year's Day....exactly when needed it to be open!

Dear God, when I call you a good God- it is indeed an understatement!

God Moment

2010-12-20T19:08:00.000-08:00

My Dear and I have been encouraged to look for God Moments! God is at work, we need to be watching for that work, join in, and praise Him for it!

Last week, our AWANA ministry hosted Hope For the Holidays for families who send their children to us but do not attend church with them. Many of these families have financial needs as well. It was such a cool night! Families had their pictures made together and a delicious spread of food laid in front of them. A church member was seated at their table to build relationships, carols were sang, craft and the Christmas story for the children, and a message of Hope from the Manger for the adults. It was one of those nights when you wondered who was blessed most, those served or those serving!

I had asked my friend "Co Co" to be a table host. Co Co sings-beautifully I might add. She is in front of people often using that gift. She really wanted to be behind the scenes because of that. I tried to convince her otherwise wanting her to be a table greeter. She agreed but then I talked with her again, she just was not comfortable with coming, sitting, and eating while others served. I agreed she needed to do what she felt she needed to do.

That night, Co Co went behind the scenes to sort through some gifts that were donated. While doing so, she had a gift bag rip and the contents spill on the floor. She began to pick it up and her heart sank. She revisited her childhood when gifts were used and missing pieces because her mom was unable to provide new toys and clothes. She faced feelings of insignificance from her childhood. As she held the gifts in her hands, God told her to go! She grabbed the arm of a teen girl and said what do preteen girls like? So much activity going on in the building and there was a women fleeing frantically to go shopping at Wal Mart for a preteen girl she had never met. Wrapping paper was flying in the room and the gifts were ready at time for pick up.

The child that would receive the gift had come that night but her parents had not come with her so a friend and I delivered the gifts. When I got home from the delivery and others, Co Co had sent me a message to double check that what she did was alright. When I had walked into the child's home with the gifts that night, the silly bag ripped again but out fell beautifully wrapped gifts appropriate for a preteen girl. I was so glad Co Co had followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I had seen the gifts in the bag and thought nothing of it. God had prompted Co Co to be behind the scenes because He had already prepared her for this night.....it was a God Moment!

A 3 year old's View into the Manger

2010-12-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

When my parents moved south leaving my brother the blessing of their "stuff." I asked about the nativity my mother set up when we were children. No one knew exactly where it was, but had their ideas. This summer, I ventured into my brother's attic to find Barbie, Little People, and Strawberry Shortcake that my mother had saved for her grandchildren. But among the rubble, I saw the old nativity. It was so beautiful to me as a child and was always placed higher then our little hands could reach. My mom was there, so I immediately asked if I could have it.

The nativity is not expensive. It is not exactly Biblically accurate, but I love that I only found 2 magi because we know of 3 gifts does not mean that there were 3 men. The men are not in this picture because they did not see the baby at the birth spot but at his home. I enjoyed setting up the nativity. I looked at each piece noting the price tags of simple amounts on the figures and displaying it as accurate as I could.

The day the big kids began unloading the Christmas tubs, I called for B. to clean up a mess. When she did not come, I went looking and found her, chin on the table looking at the toy nativity set. She said, "Wook at this!!" Needless to say, I left her in awe and went to clean up the mess.

The figures get played with and end up in odd places. Today, I asked her if she would put the figures back in the stable. She went right to work, placing each figure where it goes. This is what I found.................

I think she gets it! Yes, B. it is ALL about that Baby!! Now, to fix my nativity and my heart!

It's A Dad's Life

2010-12-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

Anybody else married to "the dad life." (minus that awesome lawn mower!)

20/20

2010-12-08T20:37:00.001-08:00

When I went to test for my driver's permit, I failed the vision test. I did not know I had a visual impairment. I had always had it and did not know my vision was "different."

Since My Dear and I have only been married to one another, we did not know marriage could be different. We would both agree that we have a good marriage because we truly love and care for one another and.... that is all we know.

As I begin to unload my baggage, it is like I am sitting in the courthouse for the driver's vision test. I see there is a problem. With each passing week, I am able to shovel up another heap and pitch it! As I dig, I unearth 20/20 vision! I see this precious gift that has always been there but the blurry vision of my past has kept it hidden. But no more!

What is weighing you down? Do you believe that the God of every good and perfect gift has something better for you? I know He does! I am proof!

HELLO out there!

2010-12-03T18:49:00.001-08:00

So much for being a blogger! I guess my post are now once a month!

We are still here! Life has taken over and my hobby of blogging is taking a back burner. My heart and head get full and there are notes jotted with what to blog but it does not always happen.

So, here is what is going on.....

We just returned from a trip south to visit precious friends and their cherubs....10 people in a house keeps the kitchen and the dishwasher busy. I sure love those people and am awaiting the arrival of a package containing the items we left at their house. That package will be full of all kinds of surprises and a pair of little, pink, fuzzy boots. How can a person over look packing pink, fuzzy boots?

From there we went to the grandparents. Our children are blessed with 3 biological sets of grandparents all living in different parts of the south as well as a couple of adopted sets living in the North. We enjoyed our time with family and My Dear always get some fishing or golf in regardless of temperature. We end up at an indoor fun park when we visit and each time the grandparents agree that we are not going back...well, it is habit now since we have been there the last 3 visits. The kids love it! I teased my mother in law that she really is horrible at saying no. She agreed!

When Billy was born, My Dear and I adopted the Grandparent Clause. The clause gives permission for the grandparent to allow the child to do things that would normally not be allowed -within reason of course! Along with the clause is that I will be the "bad guy" and say no. Because, I for one, am well seasoned in doing so! Some grandparents are better at no then others and that is just fine!

We took Tgiving day to travel so lunch at McDonald's and dinner at Waffle House.....pretty sure I do not want to eat at either of those places for awhile. Because we went to friend's first for the REAL meal, Dolly was in practice of saying, "Ms. Nancy." When we got to the grandparent's house she would say, "Ms. Grandmother." Made me smile every time!

When we arrived at our friend's house, I unloaded some "hand me downs" for their new daughter. I looked in the van and could not find the trash bag of clothes I brought. Miss B. pretty much totaled out her outfits because she was so small and wore them longer. That along with the drooling made her a swiffer wet jet for our floors and her clothes rags! I was able to find some that did survive to share. BUT when I asked My Dear about them he said he did not pack them but he DID take a bag of trash out to the trashcan! OH MY!!! I recycle! Like, I recycle everything I can! I try not to throw anything away that might be usable. I even take a ragged clothes to an auto mechnic in town to use as oil rags. Here is a mama that needs clothes and I have perfectly good clothes in a nasty trashcan ready to be picked up and hauled off!

After talking with My Dear the following morning, I learned he did not pull the can to the curb and a neighbor came and got the bag out of the can. Yes, our neighbors are that good! So, looks like our friends will be getting their own goodie box after I do a bit of laundry!!

Oh my! It is so hard being us!

I have been trying to watch the amount of sweets I eat. Sometimes watching means that I watch myself eat them! I came home from a meeting to find this......

Talk about accountability! Billy's note says if I eat any of them, I owe him a dollar! So, I didn't! It totally worked for me! We took these sweet treats to our friend's to help us get rid of them...they were the mama curse and we celebrated when they were finally gone!

Since we were leaving town, I did not go to the grocery. My Dear asked that I pick up some cereal at least. On my way home from the meeting, I did just that. BUT so did he and the children. We were in cereal heaven!

Lucky for me, cereal does not count as a sweet for me....just yet.

Dirty Work

2010-11-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

Last week, I was kneeling at my washer and dryer doing laundry and thinking about the people who wear the clothes I was handling. I would very much like to protect them from ANY hurt in the world. But then God showed me how shallow their faith would be if they never had to rely on Him.

I am going through a time where I have to rely on God for healing. Because of the "dirty work", I am falling even more in love with God as He shows more of who He is. His mercy and grace overwhelm me! It is because of the hard times, that I have fallen into this communion with God. Why would I want to keep my children from this type of relationship! I wish they could just have it, but I know it comes from God revealing Himself. So I prayed that He would protect their hearts, bodies, and minds as He grows them in deep faith in Him.

Last night, tummy troubles made Billy anxious. He was probably more scared then hurting knowing that 2 things would likely happen to ease the pain in his belly. He did not want either one! He was afraid to go to sleep. As he laid in bed, I put my hand on him to pray. He would doze in and out trying his best to stay awake. When I finished praying, his little eyes came open. He said, "You know what I just realized? I realized that I don't trust God enough. God is in control of all germs. If He wanted to, He could just take them away." I reaffirmed what he was saying and reminded him that the same power that brought men back to life is the same power that can control germs. He continued about that power saying, "and can move mountains." He then peacefully feel asleep for awhile.

Not until this morning did I realize that God wanted to show me that He can teach through the hard times and they may just be tummy troubles. I thank God that He loves us enough to grow us. He can challenge and grow us even on a tender scale. I am thankful that even a child can stop and listen and maybe he will be able to avoid some of the dirty work by getting the lessons early.

Library Fun!

2010-11-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

What an exciting weekend! Dolly enjoyed her first sleep over. We ate and laughed with our small group and I got to share once again about what I saw God doing in VNam and in my life while I was there.

AND the girls took their stuffed animals to have a sleep over at that library. No, the girls did not sleep over but the animals did! B. chose to take Sharky. She took a BB type blanket along with Sharky for the night. She did not like the idea of leaving Sharky there but, did not realize we had done so until it was too late . Mental note, 3 year olds are more then willing to take their toys places but they want to come home with them as well.

The girls made picture frames while they were there. They returned this morning to get their animals and the picture frames they made along with a little treat! (sorry for the poor scanning job.)

Surprisingly, Sharky likes the very same book B. does! He also sat at the computer and listened to Mercer Mayer's Just My Grandma and Me while he was at the sleep over. I guess since Sharky is from Florida and was given to B while she visited her grandma the beach scene in this book was perfect! They say, pets become like their owners, I think, we have a very observant children's librarian.

Dolly's spoiled Annie went as well along with her bed! By no surprise, Annie was reading Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy! Dolly knows to go to the O section for Fancy Nancy books and then to nonfiction for dog books. If ever there were a Posh Puppy, Annie would be it! What a little treat for the girls and for me....the event and our sweet librarian!

2010-10-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

A lady in our church had a vision for her neighborhood and the hurting people in it. She went door to door inviting children to AWANA. She said with each door the kids got excited and then followed her to the next door. She said she looked like the Pied Piper! At the end of the walk, she realized she needed help and enlisted, a more then willing, bus driver to collect the children to bring them to church.

One specific family has 4 little boys whose names all start with the same letter. Last week, only one little boy came. I had those leaders asking me if I knew where the others were. This week I prayed specifically for that family.

This morning at church, I popped into KIDS Church to help cover for teachers who would not be there. I was reading over the scripture preparing a lesson when I head the "NEWBIES" announced-those are the kids that are there for the first time. I heard a familiar name paired with another familiar name and then another-I turned around quickly, much to my DELIGHT were 3 of the 4 boys!!!! They were at church on a Sunday!! The fourth little boy was in our preschool department!

I hugged each of them and asked if "the Pied Piper" had brought them. They said no. I asked if their mom dropped them off and went back home. They said no. I asked if she brought them and stayed and they said YES!!! THERE MOM WAS AT CHURCH!!! I plopped myself right between those kids. I know there are needs in the family so I attempted to "fill them out" so to speak. I looked at one child and he had on ADIDAS tennis shoes. Our Billy had,had shoes just like those but had grown out of them. I then looked at the feet of the oldest of the children. To my surprise, he was wearing my old shoes! I had gotten rid of the shoes because they were worn out with missing tread on the bottom. Billy has to wear an orthopetic insert so none of his shoes have insoles in them.

I had to leave the room to cry...those precious boys were wearing our discards! They were not even fit for Good Will so I had taken them to the recycling center to be given away. Now, I looked at my old shoes-3 sizes too big for the feet they were on.

I was completely humbled. I thought I was doing a good job of getting rid of the "stuff" in my life. Those things we consider needs are often wants for others.

Several months ago, I bought Billy a pair of tennis shoes off clearance. Well, they just do not work for me. I attempted to take them back but I had no receipt and, well, it apparently was a long time ago when I bought them. They offered me $4 for them to which I said, "No thank you." I saw those shoes tonight in the closet- size 3-just the size the little guy told me he wore! I think I know a little boy is about to get a brand new pair of shoes that FIT!

Tenth Avenue North "You Are More"

2010-10-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Do you see your "name" on the wall? YOU ARE MORE!

Family Circus

2010-10-28T20:10:00.001-07:00

There was a little confusion at our house recently....this strip sums up a similar conversation that I had with Miss B.

Written In the Sky

2010-10-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

While we were in FL, we went to Orlando to meet Lien, a young woman I met in Vnam. We had to drive through all of the entertainment excitement. In doing so, the children noticed a skywriting and we guessed at each letter. They were thrilled to read "Jesus Loves U!" I wished I had taken a picture but I did not. Thankfully, a friend on Facebook had been there too and gave permission to use her picture. (Thanks Betsy!)

Again and again, this plane would minister to all of those folks scurrying to get to what is likely to be the family entertainment capital of the East coast....all of those people!

This pilot used what God had given them to go about their Father's business. Makes me think of 1 Corinthians 12, that we are all a part of the body with a different role. In Romans 12, we are reminded that we all have different gifts. No need for me to want to be a skywriter in FL, cause someone is already taking care of that and I will be real honest, I am so THANKFUL it is someone else cause I sure love where God has me right now!

Laying It Down

2010-10-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

We usually leave our shoes at the door when we get home. All three of the children, as toddlers,made note of this and would ask us where we were going if we had our shoes on. I recall them telling My Dear to take his shoes off as soon as he got home to insure he would not be leaving.

With cooler temperatures, the tile was cool yesterday and I wore flip flops in the house. As I was seated with my flip flops on, Miss B. sat at my feet and asked me to take my shoes off. She has been a bit needy and I knew she wanted me to stay put. She was so needy in fact that she had hauled her precious blanket around all day. The blanket is small and was pink, once upon a time. She calls it B.B. It is the essential tool for boo-boos, hurt feelings, and for a sleepy little girl.

I explained to her that the floor was cold on my feet and I would continue to wear my shoes. She again asked me to take my shoes off. I repeated why I had my shoes on. She then took her precious BB and laid it at my feet and said, "Now, take your shoes off." This may seem like no big deal to you, but to me, it was extremely humbling. You see, BB is her treasured possession. She took BB and laid it on the ground for my feet to be warmed.

I thought of Jesus washing the feet of the 12. What a humble act of service to them especially since He knew the choices they had and would make. Our Miss B. was giving of her precious BB, what I am willing to give? Am I ready to lay down my treasures? Am I willing to be like Jesus and serve even those who I have been hurt by? (ouch!)What is my BB and am I ready to lay it down? Are you ready to lay yours down?

Fall...So Far, So Good!

2010-10-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

This is what we have been up to this Fall....so far, so good!

Dolly lost her first tooth. She actually pulled it herself! It is that time of year, especially because it did not happen this spring-window cleaning!

As a family, we participated in the Walk For Life fundraiser! Dolly's BFF and her mom joined us to make the walk even more fun (esp. for Dolly and me.) We, by far had the cutest wagon load there!

The night before a birthday, we take some fun pictures of the birthday child while they are still "young." Miss B. turned 3!! She is still trying to form her little fingers into 2 for her last pictures as a 2 year old.

This is my favorite picture of that night! She is about to be "caught" by daddy in a game of "You can't get me." Love that face! She and Dolly now have bunk beds and no more toddler bed.

For our 3rd annual B Day, Miss B. chose to go to Monkey Joes! This picture is a reminder of why those inflatables are not always for adults. But the darlings had a blast with their cousin Alex. Such a fun place to play! Monkey Joes is a chain so you may be able to find a location of inflatable fun close to you! Hope your fall is a harvest of fun too!

Just a Closer Walk

2010-10-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

A lady invited me join her for prayer once a week. We met a few other ladies and since we live close to one another and the location. We decided that we would walk together to meet the others and pray. Our walk is about 30 minutes so we have that time there and back to talk with one another.
As we joined together to pray, we share what we see God doing and what is on our hearts. We then pray-aloud together.

Praying aloud seems so intimate. It is listening to someone else communicate with God-just them and their Savior and Lord. There is something about praying with a person, you begin to see their heart. In walking and prayer time with this lady, I have grown to love her.

God spoke to my heart so clearly when I thought of this "grown" love. He said, "This is what I want....this love....this loves that grows from time spent with Me." God wants us to love Him, to know His heart, to enjoy fellowship with Him. For me to be in that love, I have to Show-Up! God is there and waiting to share that time with me.

I was challenged by the thought that I need to make an appointment with God and then show up! Set the time and have study, prayer and fellowship with Him just like I do with my friend and then DO IT!

Last week, I allowed satan (lower case s cause he does not deserve a capital one) to push my meeting time back and I showed up late and tired but not this week. Cause I am looking at the clock and I have 2 minutes to post this "puppy" cause I have an important appointment to keep!

The Backdoor to Ministry

2010-09-29T19:29:00.001-07:00

My Dear and I have supported our local Pregnancy Care Center since moving to this community. We have donated items, we walk in the Walk for Life, and host a table at the banquets. We get their newsletter and try to know what they are up to. My Dear has volunteered time teaching and has used the center's educators for youth events. We pray for the centers and with church members working there, we have learned even more about this ministry. With all of that being said, we know about this organization!

Today, I joined the staff of this ministry for my first meeting as a part time team member. It is way cool! God has been preparing me for this ministry for years, although I was unaware of it. In fact, if the opportunity to work for them had been handed to me at any other time in my life, I likely would have walked away.

Well, let me tell ya! Today as I sat at the table, for the first time with these amzing people, I heard testimony after testimony of the WONDERFUL things that God is doing in and through this ministry! These are people who are simply serving to educate another generation. They LOVE what they are doing and it shines through them. They become people who the young, scared, and "at their whits end" depend on and seek out for help. They are in our schools, churches, and in our communities. They are even sitting in their homes emailing questions and we may never see their faces. They are hurting. This organization is there for them!

So, I thought I knew about this ministry, but I did not know the impact they are having on our world one baby at a time. I know now that this position is not something I can do on my own but will be all about what God can do through me!

I am hanging on! Ya'll know how I like a little adventure!
Oh, and yes, Darla, you are a blog post!

Settling

2010-09-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Nana purchased the children sand pails and shovels to have at the beach while we were there. The kids were looking forward to using them. They used them in the house holding their goodies but B. really wanted to go to "Nana's sandbox."

We went to the beach and the parking area of course had sand in it. The children hopped out of the car and grabbed their buckets while My Dear and I unloaded the rest of the comforts for the afternoon. They collected sand into their buckets and were content to play with this small amount of sand.

They were completely satisfied with the sand in the parking lot but an entire beach of sand was just beyond their sights. Made me think of how long God has been waiting for me to come to the beach instead of "settling" for the sandy parking lot. What about you? What is it that He is calling you to do, to step out and trust Him? What is it that you are throwing into your sand bucket when He has a beach waiting for you? Wait no longer! Kick off your flip flops, grab your bucket, and join me! The journey may be bumpy but the view is AMAZING!

Heart Full

2010-09-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

I know I have not be around much but God has been busy blessing me and teaching me. I wonder if I will look physically different soon! More on that later...

When God calls couples to ministry it often means that we are to leave our extended families behind. We miss out on Sunday lunches and holidays together. We miss out on the free babysitting services. Birthday gifts are mailed and since your time together is limited it is sometimes hard to know what to purchase for one another. God fills those gaps for me. We have friends that fill in those roles for our children. They hug, cheer, congratulate, babysit, and one even baptized for our family! So thankful for those people but they do not replace our family.

My Dear went to Puerto Rico this summer. On the way back, the flight was overbooked. So My Dear and a few others opted to stay the night in a hotel and give their seats up. My Dear was rewarded some sky miles so we put those to use. God blessed us by allowing our family of 5 to fly south for about $250 out of pocket. So we could go see...........

Nana and Pa!!

The children were excited about the flight and enjoyed talking with those around them. Miss B. proceeded to sing the B I B L E to those who were seated around us. She did so in the only volume she knows-LOUD! Folks were entertained by her questions and comments on the flight. Billy and Dolly were seated by a kind gentleman on one flight. I assured him he was about to know more about our family then he ever wanted to know. He responded with telling me where we were from and why we were traveling. Dolly had not wasted any time!

Pa reliving the days of taking care of little girls. I am not sure who enjoyed this more me or Pa.

I was also able to visit my grandmother who is still beautiful! She accepted Christ in the past 10 years and is growing in her faith. She hugs and kisses on our children and adores our Man Cub in a family over ran by little girls. Billy did well with all of the hugs and such. We were blessed with a home to stay in for free. The children had plenty of room and My Dear had cable television for football season. Billy called it his dream home. Dolly told my cousin she would cry when we left. My cousin confirmed that it was hard to leave grandparents. Dolly said, "No! I don't want to leave this house!" We swam, napped, watched cable television (what a treat!), fished, explored the ocean, rode bikes and spent time with family.

Besides seeing my parents and making memories with them, my heart was full to a weekend of answered prayers. Two babies I had been on my knees for arrived-healthy and beautiful! It is medicine for the heart to see prayers answered in such a precious form. The other answered prayer was that........

Lien is in the U.S.! I met Lien in Vnam while there and fell in love with her. I learned she was engaged to a pastor in the U.S. but could not get her Visa. My Dear and I have prayed and communicated with her and her love in attempt to assist them getting her to the U.S. We emailed one another details while I reminded God that I would be in their area on these dates if He would allow me to see her. They were home and My Dear arranged for it to happen. (That boy loves me!) I wept as soon as I saw her and we stood in the parking lot embracing....what a journey of prayer. Now wonder what God will do with some Sky Miles so I can head back for a wedding and maybe another hug or 2 from my mom and dad!

Just Us

2010-09-05T19:50:00.001-07:00

The little ladies enjoyed a picnic lunch this weekend. We awoke to cooler weather and both girls were excited about wearing jackets. The hood was likely not necessary but hey, they are excited about jacket weather!

I noticed this little Barbie shoe in the back window of My Dear's car. Made me smile! We would have never dreamed we would have a single Barbie shoe in our possession 10 years ago and that it would be on display in our car window.

I know it is fuzzy but for some reason I love this picture! Took several pictures of those tiny hands wrapped around the neck of her hero but just could not capture the innocence of them. The little girls sure loves that man, but so do I!

Proof that even princesses need an education. It was way fun to go to a couple of yard sales dressed as royalty. Seeing that Dolly has never met a stranger, she and her dress made lots of friends. Each child had a dollar that they received in the mail.
Billy bought ski gloves for a quarter. Dolly bought a new dog collar and a baby bottle and B. bought a used cell phone for 75 cents. Sometimes it is so easy to please them.

Enjoying these small details of our lives.... for this season.

Mama's Prayers

2010-08-22T20:20:00.001-07:00

I have used The Power of a Praying Parent as a guide to pray over our children. But God has spoken to my heart specific prayer request for each of them.

For Billy, I pray that he will have a love and deep understanding of the Word. I recall when I saw it being answered. Billy was reluctant to do his school work. I began reading the next chapter we had been reading in the Bible. Billy begged me to read more even though he had finished his handwriting assignment. By no means, is this prayer fulfilled but I see it playing out in Billy's life.

When she was just an infant, God spoke to my heart on Dolly's behalf. My prayer for Dolly is that people would be attracted to her so that she could share salvation found through Jesus. We pray that God will use her pretty face and beautiful heart for His purposes.

My prayers for Miss B. are that she will love people with the love that only Christ can give and that she looks upon people with compassion. As you can see, in her attempt to get herself loose of her cousin, God has a big job but He is already chipping away!

The First Days of homeSchool!

2010-08-17T19:21:00.001-07:00

Before I homeschooled, I wondered how it worked-what does it look like? Now, I wonder from year to year, what it will look like with Miss B. in tow!

So here is a shot from the first day!

She wanted to be like the big kids. So she has her own journal, stickers, markers and a shelf of activities that are just for her. Yesterday she learned that, she has to put one thing away before she can get another out. (I hope that information transfers to her room and the rest of our home.) As I looked her journal, she also taught herself same and different. She placed colored smiley face stickers in her journal-yellow with yellow, blue with blue and red with red. I am glad I stepped out of her way so she could show me what she is learning.

Today when Dolly finished part of her work, she helped B. with this activity to add to what she did yesterday. It was so easy and kept this little one busy. Both big kids wanted to work with her as well.

Dolly chose a sticker for B. B. took the sticker and matched it to the paper on the wall. Each time Dolly gave B. a sticker, Dolly would name the color. This was fun for all of us and B. said several times that "daddy will be so 'boud' (proud.) The colors were mixed up so she had to find the correlating paper while she heard the name of the color.

This morning we were greeted by a beautiful butterfly on the carport. We had read about moths and butterflies this summer so we are of increased interest. We caught the butterfly in a garage sell butterfly cage. The kids studied it for awhile then I handed them journals. I have wanted to have Nature Notebooks since I began schooling, it just never happened.

Billy piped up that they could draw a picture and then write about what they found. They did just that. Please do not tell Billy that is exactly what I wanted them to do with the books. It always goes over better when it is there idea!

Dolly had a friend to play later that day and she and Dolly recorded a "nut" that they found in the yard. I love this little notebook and pray they continue with it.

Billy thinks they should do it every morning, I think it is a great idea! B. of course wanted to be in on the action. So we traced her fancy flower sandals into her notebook creating 2 wings for her to color. She thought that was pretty fun and she liked adding to her journal as well.

After the journaling was complete, we headed to the library to pick up The Nature Handbook. It is suggested for those who teach with Nature Notebooks and the Charlotte Mason method of teaching. We are trying to learn the name of the butterfly we found but the search continues.

I love when learning just shows up!

Black Beauty

2010-08-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

For our anniversary, My Dear and I set out to shop for a new fridge. Our chest freezer had died while we were saving money to go to Israel so it did not get replaced. Out little fridge was getting the job done but sometimes the door would not catch when we shut it. It is likely an easy fix but we were out of room. We bought the fridge 14 years ago when it was just the 2 of us. It has served us well. We have a kitchen of mixed matched appliances as well. Not that we would run to the store just for that, but it would be nice. We also would love to have an easy way for the children to drink purified water and not have to buy gallon jugs of water at the store.

With all of that in mind, we thought we would shop. We decided a side by side, black with water and ice in the door would work best for our wallets and our needs. BUT we left the store without it. Neither one of us could handle the price tag. I am sure it was a good price, but that was a lot of dough for us!

My Dear bought some home improvement store gift cards on an internet auction and we began to save money that way to be a new fridge. We had very few conversations about a fridge after our shopping trip.

One morning, I got a FB message from a new friend (one I already adore!) I have only known her a month or two and we usually talked about church and our children. She had noticed our fridge was small for our growing family. She said she had a black, side by side in the garage that was there when they bought the house. She wondered if we might be interested.

Knowing my heart got all excited, I thought I would "test" this one out. So I messaged her back asking if it happened to water and ice in the door and how much they wanted for it.

Indeed it has water and ice. I love when God shows off! She then told me she felt as if God was telling her to give it to me. She said, "why else would I notice the size of your refridgerator?" She asked us to take a look at it first because a handle had been damaged.

We loaded up and checked it out! It is exactly what God had laid on our hearts!

The children are so proud of it! They have told their friends and showed it off to anyone who will come in and look at it. I find cups of water sitting around all the time but know that fame will die away and they will be more responsible with using the water.

This fridge is a constant reminder of God our provider! How can I look at it and not be thankful for the way that God continues to DELIGHT me!

Please Stand If You Are Humble

2010-08-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

While at camp, I was asked to entertain the campers while the staff had a meeting. The camp dean came to me afterwards and asked if I was a teacher. I smiled but had a sense of pride from his comment. He liked what I had done with the kids.

God began to remind me of humility. He has spoken it to me several times over the past couple of weeks. I needed to turn my pride into praise to Him and thank Him for what He was doing through me.

The last day of camp, the Dean recognized the volunteers. He called them by position and thanked them. Bible Study leaders, cabin leaders, camp nurse, the music team, the craft lady....I know my position would be named too and I would stand and the kids would cheer wildly-cause what kid does not LOVE game time!?

After all of those were recognized, he announced that the next person had done more to make camp a success that week then anyone. I thought that was pretty strong to say but I would take the compliment. Then he said, "and that person is..." NOT ME! I could not help but sit and smile. God sure knows how to keep me humble! The Dean did not mention my position at all. I smiled with a little chuckle and thanked God for making humility so easy for me!

He knows!

2010-08-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Dolly and I were heading to camp. Billy did not want to go so he thought he might like to stay with his cousin in another state. I drove him and the little sisters there while My Dear was away at another camp. We had a quick, but fun visit! Billy had been so excited, but when it was time to leave....he did not want to stay. He was caught between wanting to stay and wanting his family.
We headed home-with Billy in the backseat, head hung in disappointment and questioning his decision. Poor little man is struggling with growing up.
We hit city traffic at rush hour so I pulled off to eat dinner. Billy's stomach was too upset to eat so he ate a piece of bread and sat quietly. The girls and I finished our meal and the server brought our ticket. When she laid it on the table she looked at Billy and said, "Remember, no matter what, you momma loves you." I quietly thanked her for speaking the truth to my little Man Cub who needed to hear that.
The children chose treats for the ride, I paid with cash, and we were off! Only when we reached another state did I realize that I did not tip that wonderful server! We were at Cracker Barrel but who knows what city it was!?
I prayed and asked God to please bless our server in a special way. I continued to pray and asked the children to join me as well.
This week at camp, we put the campers to bed and then I sat in my van with a flashlight to have some time with God. As I was studying I bent down for some reason and picked up a piece of paper off the floorboard. It was the receipt from our dinner-address and server's name included!!! I gave a big THANK YOU GOD and will be putting in the mail, a nice tip and a note to thank that sweet server for the way she blessed us!
Thank you God putting me in my van, in the woods, in the dark, all by myself to find the receipt that you had waiting on me.

from Vnam to a New Land

2010-07-26T20:45:00.001-07:00

I fell in love with the most precious woman in Vnam. Lien is in her early 20s and is engaged to a minister here in the states. Whenever we talked about him, she lit up!

Mr. Lien, her soon to be husband, sent me a friend request on Facebook so we could get to know one another.

I knew that Lien was having trouble getting her VISA to come to the states. I asked Mr. Lien why that was. Turns out that he did not make enough money to be her sponsor and he needed a co-sponsor. I gave Mr. Lien My Dear's phone number and we were in business! During the process, I realized I did not know Mr. Lien. But God reminded me I needed to trust Him to take care of Lien.

Mr. Lien had asked me to help prepare Lien for being a pastor's wife. I had no idea what to tell her because I did not know what it was like to be a pastor's wife in Vnam. I did know that those wives (in rural churches) prepared lunch for their entire church prior to service-yeah....no kidding! I am good to feed our tribe of 5 and sometimes Pizza Hut does it for me!

I began to become fearful for Lien. She is coming to a new place to live, new people, new roles, and to be a wife-WOW what transitions. I wondered who would be there to hold her hand, to be her friend? Did God want me to go and help her transition? Oh, even the changes her body will make when she comes....I feel for her already!

Last week, on my Facebook feed a status showed of someone who is not my friend but the spouse of a friend. I knew the state they lived in but not the city. The feed showed the name of the city. I quickly posted a message and learned that God not only heard my prayers but he supplied the scoop of ice cream on top. B. tells us she loves us more than oxygen with a scoop of ice cream on top-Dolly added the ice cream part but God scooped it out on this one!

This sweet young woman lives in the same city my Lien will be moving to. My friend Brooke is not only close to Lien's age, she is a pastor's wife! Not only is she a pastor's wife, she is passionate about her relationship with Christ. This chic is no pew sitter!!! Just like my Lien! It is a God of details that both young women are beautiful and oh so precious!

Brooke is so excited about meeting Lien and loving on her! Here, we live in this small town. I get to know this young women for a few years before God calls her to serve Him elsewhere. In the mean time, I am on another continent and meet a young woman who will need my little town friend. The prayers of my heart have been in His will and planning all along. He just blesses my socks off! AND that is just one of the things He showed me this weekend! So, when Lien arrives...ROAD TRIP and I will get to see 2 precious women!

So Long....

2010-07-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Dear nap time,

Thank you for the precious couple of hours each school day that I could focus my attention on 2 sweet students. Thank you for the opportunity to hide away in the tiny classroom away from the phone, computer, door, and the dishes. Thank you for all of the exploring and discussions we had as we dove into books, charts, and maps. Thank you for the "pin drop" silence as we read through the wanderings of Moses and the battles of Joshua.

Thank you for summer when school was eased to reading and relaxing on the couch. Thanks for the 2 days that I actually took a nap myself! Oh, thank you nap time! I saw what I was missing! I did not care to miss out on the free movie at the theater or the school aged activities at the library because nap time was well worth it.

Thank you for allowing me some one-on-one time with a sweet little blond and instructions in Legos from our Man Cub. Thank you for the clean floor that I was able to find within those sweet hours. Thank you for the yummy dinner I was able to prepare all while the little darling rest.

But I see now that my prayers are being answered. Our little B. is growing. In the growing, the nap disappears. There will no longer be a squeaky rocking chair after lunch, a weary toddler requesting "Amazing Grace" or a momma plopping in a computer chair in search of some contact from the adult world. Looks like my employer has just adjusted my hours!

Thanks nap time for the sanity you brought but we no longer need you. I think I can handle it from here.

Parting with sweet sorrows,

Melanie

Pierced

2010-07-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

This Friday Nana (who was visiting from the Sunshine state) and I took a pink haired Dolly to get her ears pierced. Seemed like the perfect time to do it since another BIG event was to happen in her life. This piercing was to remind her of this.......

Isaiah 53:5
But He was PIERCED for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.

Dolly was baptized on Sunday. Daddy was in the water but Dolly asked "Mami" to baptize her. Since we have no family around, Mami and Dolly kinda adopted one another while Dolly was in the nursery.

I could not help but thing of Mami'a past year. The word cancer leaked into Dolly's vocabulary and came out in prayers and then celebration! Thank you God! We told Dolly as little as possible so that her hugs and behavior toward Mami would not change but be medicine to her. This celebration of one life became the celebration of 2 lives and a testimony of ministry even to a baby!

Look at that smile! There were 2 more of those smiles right behind her! She picked a favorite shirt to wear. My sister says this shirt is a direct reflection of Dolly's personality, I think she is right!

My Dear then baptized Dolly's buddy. Dolly immediately applauded when her friend went under the water! Precious stuff! Those little darlings were giddy with excitement! Dolly wanted everyone to be there! She wanted everyone to know! I think we adults could learn a thing or 2 from Dolly and her little friend.

Do you know what Dolly knows? Are you giddy about your salvation? If not, leave me an email address in the comments and it will be my pleasure to get in touch with you! Otherwise, get giddy!!!

Confessions of a Piler

2010-06-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am a child of a piler so I guess I can say I inherited it! I will be honest, the piles on the bar in our kitchen make me nutty but there is always stuff there! My friend commented on how clean the drawers are in our home but her counter tops are always clean. She finds a spot for things but I have to put them in THEIR spot. But many times I don't know where that place is...therefore, I pile.

I am reading all kinds of teaching inspiration-organizing for homeschoolers, Cathy Duffy just to make sure I am on the right path, and Diane Hopkins of Love to Learn. I am dreaming big! I have materials to do for Social Studies and pulled books off the bookcase to read with the children on related topics we have in Science and Social Studies. Thus, I have created another pile! By the way, I am loving reading this summer and PRAISE GOD my reluctant reader has become a bookworm!!!! We are doing more Social Studies and Science this summer and it is totally working for us and drives our reading as well.

This is one angle of the pile on my desk. It includes the book I just finished reading, Thin Places a memoir by Mary E. DeMuth. I have become a nonfiction junky but this reading was not the record the facts kinda book but more like, watch my God kinda book. It was given to me by a family member and I wondered how she knew how messed up I am to give it to me. It then occured to me, that I am not the only one! God loves my mess! It gives Him plenty of opportunities to shine through if I let Him! That is exactly what DeMuth does with this book.

This is the scene in my bedroom today. I LOVE laundry baskets! One is odd socks that I tackled last night, another clean laundry that is now put away. The white basket is hand-me-downs from my niece to be stored. The odd blue basket is homeless stuff that goes to the basement to find their home. I am about to turn those frames into white frames for the girls' artwork to be displayed in their room. When that gets done, I will send you a picture. Just need the frames painted cause the artwork is obviously in a pile on my desk!

Soap Box (cause that is where I am standing!)

2010-06-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

When I step out our door in the afternoon, I know it is hot.

The children want to check the thermometer in our trusty 'ole van.

Everyone is saying, "IT'S HOT!"

But when I look at the numbers it is still cooler than what it was in Vnam this Spring.
It is much, much cooler then it was indoors of the churches and the training centers where we served and were served.

We complain about the heat and head into our air conditioned homes. While.....

my friend Lisa is sweating it out in Haiti right now along with 100s (if not 1000s) of other volunteers.

Hai and Quang are traveling Vnam hosting Bible Schools with enough children to represent the adults that would fill the seats on a Sunday morning.

a young mom receives chemotherapy.

youth leaders and camp staff are giving all of themselves to teach your children about missions and leading them in Bible Studies.

children in the US are going without lunch because there is no school.

children, around the world, are being treated as adults in too many ways.

Christians are being killed-willing to die for the cause of Christ.

military families are waiting and praying for their loved ones to return home.

my friend is driving an hour, one way, everyday, to a medical facility to be treated for depression.

women give up their homes and time with their own families, to live with, care for, and nurture orphans.

family members have lost track of what day it is as they pace hospital floors.

Nashville flood victims are still trying to put the pieces together.

all the while folks in my town are complaining about the heat and the WalMart remodel cause they can't find anything.

Yep....

What God Has Been Up To!

2010-06-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

A dear sister in the faith hopped on an airplane this week to take care of herself. She found herself in a hospital that carried the name of Christian but had no Bibles. She used a few of her minutes for phone calls to call me to send Bibles for others there. I KNEW it was a God thing....all of it! I posted the need for 17 Bibles on Facebook. A family member had already stuck a check in the mail to help out (I am so blessed with my family!!) Got a message to contact a lady in our church. She had boxes of new Bibles stored at her home that the manufacturer was unable to sell due to damage to the boxes. Right there God handed me 18 Bibles! " FOR FREE!" (that was a joke in Vnam that our Vnam Pastor would say in his limited English.)
They are leather bound, study Bibles. I am sure those Bibles cost about $50 a pop! When the boxes were handed to me, I physically felt the concern of shipping such a heavy box. Even if I paid $50 a box for shipping, there was still a considerable savings! That week, God provided a babysitting job that would pay for at least one box and with the other check coming in, I did not think I would have to dip into our budget....not that My Dear and I were not willing! I prayed that God would "lighten" the boxes before they went on the scale. My Dear reminded me to ship Media Rate. I did and it cost $16 a box!!! I actually had change left over from the loved one's check and did not have to use the other money. By no surprise, when I messaged Pops to tell him about the over payment, he said, "Keep it Movin'!" Will be interesting to see what God lays on my heart for that money!

Today, I joined this little darlin' in the waters! She prayed at home with her family to ask Jesus into her heart! Her mom drove her to each family member's house so she could tell them and each celebrate over her! I love when families celebrate this HUGE decision! I will be honest and say that this sweetie was disappointed thinking My Dear would do the service but since I was there, she snagged me.

Now these 3 ladies, I had the privilege of sitting beside them and their family's when they asked Jesus into their hearts. One little girl was at AWANA and the two sisters were the results of a conversation on Facebook. Carolyn, a former youth who we love, teases that Facebook is blessed by God and all the minor prophets! Who am I to disagree?! The girls were four of the 13 people that were baptized today!

Another man that was baptized is a coworker of a church member. When his family welcomed a baby 3 years ago, our class prepared meals and delivered them to this family in attempt to love on them-strangers. I love seeing how this was a link in the chain. Praying that his wife will see her need for a Savior as well. She did attend church with him and the children today!

This past week we concluded Sports Training Camps. There is a huge emphasis on sports in our community. We traded in Vacation Bible School for Training Camps-art, dance, basketball, and football. Myself and a host of sweet youth ladies danced it up all week! Twenty-one children prayed to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior!

One of the little girls to pray that prayer is a niece of one of my first friends in this town. She is the friend that will push the dried mac-n-cheese out of your kitchen chair with her hand just so she can sit and chat. The decision by this little redhead has been the prayers of my friend since she first heard this baby was growing in her mama's womb. She knows that God is going to use this child to bring a family to the Lord. YEE HAW!!!

Yep, it has been a busy week for our God! Hope you are watching to see Him move and joining in!

This Glorious Life

2010-06-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

I am still here! Not so much writing, but living. Tis summer ya know!

Friday night had us going in 2 different directions (probably because there are just 2 adults to get 'em there!) Billy had a ball game while Dolly and B. and I were in charge of the end of the year program for our school group. My Dear put some time into it as well. It was fun to look over our school year and recognize a mom who is graduating from Homeschooling. A sweet friend had a humorous but love filled tribute for what to do with a homeschooling mom when she is no longer a homeschool mom. B. has not even started school but I had the sore throat and watery eyes through this part of the ceremony.

Directly after, we jumped in the vehicle to get to KY to love on My Dear's "brother." He and Jesse met in college and his family became ours....adopted by love! Jesse reported for duty to be a military chaplain. They usually have about 80 in a class but his class will be 188! How cool is that! Bitter sweet that they will relocate farther away. Please pray for his family while he is in training for 3 months and his wife is home with 2 children and ready to deliver Jr. in 3 months...yep, I can do the math.

Sunday AWANA award night....I love me some AWANA Clubbers!!! Dolly and Billy had a great year!

Monday through Friday...Training Camps (instead of VBS)-art, soccer, basketball and I have the little dancers! They were so stink'n sweet tonight.

A few pictures of a few days in this glorious life.....

My Dear and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. We have literally grown up (and out) together. We snagged a sweet sitter and headed out to eat on an old gift card. Oh, My Dear is no longer growing out! He lost 31lbs in a Biggest Loser competition! Lucky for him, the last weigh in was the morning of our anniversary so no salad for this supper!

Our Man Cub has us at the ball field about 2 times a week. He is one of the older kids on the team this year. It is amazing what a year can do.

My Dear helps with Billy's team but coaches Dolly's. They may not be the best team out there but they are for sure the cutest! Dolly loves being with the other kids and I believe she has gotten a bit faster! This picture would represent one or two of the other nights of the week.

Our AWANA program is 2.6 years old. Billy completed 3 books, did almost 3 reviews, and 2 workbooks...the most any clubber has completed. He can out recite me for sure. He came home and displayed his award on the wall beside his hanging vest. He moves to another group next year. So thankful their minds are like sponges and want to take advantage. I feel like an old dog trying to memorize but keep at it!

It is all clean, it is now all put away, and amazingly no one went naked for the benefit of this picture.....so goes this glorious life! (truly, I love it!!)

A Week of Fun Schooling

2010-05-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

The core Math, Language, Phonics, and Writing are finished for the year leaving fun stuff! We read everyday, work on handwriting and can truly enjoy more Science, Social Studies, and one another.

Monday we biked to piano/ music lessons. B. was asleep before I loaded her to come home. Yes, a child can sleep through the helmet and all the straps snapping her into and then out of the seat as well as the the bumps inbetween.

Here are a few other perks from our week....

Animal Classification project-we have talked about the names and characteristics and have even sorted plastic animals but now we are creating our own classifications with old magazine pictures! B. loves the glue and worked on cutting.

Thankful for warm, rainy days with a toddler who dresses herself and her siblings who are not afraid to get a little dirty. In fact, Dolly and a friend washed the plastic pool out today. It was loaded with bubbles and so were they!

Catching tadpoles at a local oasis! The family uses their property to educate children about nature and the God who created it! B. liked playing in the sand and Dolly was all too soon in the water!

Man, Billy's grandpas would be proud. He rode this boat with Dolly but later paddled a canoe with another child and then a paddle boat. He was the water tour guide.

Taking a hike to see some pretty cool, local stuff! Billy was able to identify the prints of a deer and a sassafras tree. He also located Baby (doll) Moses nested in a basket in the reeds of the water. He found a fresh water mussel. Do you know they are on the endangered species list due to being used to make buttons? I am sure the raccoons in our area do not help with that either. But I would think as often as they are in my garbage, they should be satisfied.

What a great week God has given us to learn together.

Raising Wimps

2010-05-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

I love our AWANA T&T clubbers! I want so much for them! Yes, they are children, but many of them have already invited Jesus into their hearts. My concern is that I do not see an authentic reflection of that relationship(as a group anyway.)

I have been reading One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda. I began reading it while flying to Vnam but did not have a pen to write in it so I had to stop reading. I only made that mistake once! My Dear is reading, Do the Hard Things by Brett and Alex Harrison. Both books push our children to do more. What is it that makes us think our ministry does not start until we are adults and ends at retirement?

While teaching these 3rd-6th graders, I gave the students minutes to come up with a list of what God did. When it was time to share, most of the comments were about what He created not so much about what He did. One child did add that He sent Jesus to die.

I made a quick list going through Genesis and partly through Exodus and the excitement brewed in me as I read what GOD DID! He created, flooded, gave a baby to barren woman, turned a another into salt, burned a bush but did not consume it, turned a rod into a snake, a well hand sick and back again, and then the plagues....so that is only through Exodus 11!

In Genesis 21:8-18, He is the God who answered the cries of a boy not of his mother! He even tells Hagar it was the cries of her son, a child that he answered!

God is not waiting for our children to grow up to use them, HE WANTS TO USE THEM NOW!! The moment they ask Christ into their lives, the same God that DID, wants to DO through them.

In her book, Ferwerda gives many examples of children and teens making a difference. But parents it is up to us to move our children that way. The church is not responsible for your child's spiritual growth, they can only supplement it! Why is it that your child's homework is ALWAYS done but they come to church or AWANA Clubs without a book or Bible because they can not find it?

We have recently lost a piano lesson book in our house. Do you know why? Because no one has been practicing with the book so no one noticed it was missing. Is that the case with the Bibles and literature at your house, the literature that tithers paid for your child to have.

Please hear me, I am not without fault in this area. But the same God that held the sun in position for 2 days so that Joshua could win a battle is the same God that entered the hearts of Billy and Dolly and that I pray on for B. and the other children God puts in our lives. He wants them now. So when families say, "he is just a kid" I agree, he is, "God's kid!" My choices on behalf of any child put in my care are to lead them to Him. I do not want to stand before God and have to explain why I did not grow a child to give all of themselves to Him.

I know the joy of seeing God at work! There "ain't no way" I want to keep that from a child who is ready to serve the water-parting, giant-defeating, walking on water, resurrected God!

May Godly conversations fill your home as you acknowledge the blessings that God has given you and what you see Him doing. Encourage your children to join in and call them to do "harder things."

What Can Happen Over Lunch

2010-05-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

After a packed weekend and a rainy morning, we were moving slow on Monday. We had no place to go so it worked out perfectly! The children voted for pizza for lunch so we sat to eat. We were pretty much finished eating when Dolly says to me, "I need to accept Christ." She has made this statement before but when we asked why, her answer was, "so I can get baptized." As the momma, I need to be ABSOLUTELY sure that they know what they are doing and why.

So I asked her why she needed to accept Christ. She explained,and I asked questions. Billy was biting his tongue wanting to answer for her. She then announced that she was going into the other room to "do it." We stayed seated at the table. She then returned around the corner and said, "Well, I need you to hear me!!" (in her best duh tone!)

We decided to call My Dear at work, put him on speaker phone and Dolly started a prayer that went, "Dear God, I hope you are having a good day" and ended with, "please come into my heart." As soon as she said Amen-My Dear began cheering, B. started clapping and Billy and I were both grinning from ear to ear (with momma sporting moist eyes.)

I thanked God for how he orchestrated the day even down to the frozen pizza! For today was Dolly's Spiritual Birthday!

She got on the phone calling the grandparents, some other family members, then to her Mami and our dear friends from college. Each phone call, she would have the speaker phone on and each person celebrated over her. Her face was a plastered smile!

We put a note on her AWANA leader's FB wall and she told me to include lots of "excitement marks" at the end of her message.

Such a big day for her and a big day for us too! She chose to celebrate with Chinese that night-buffet not carry out (she was specific) and we were happy to treat even if it was off daddy's diet!

She has already picked out the clothes to be baptized in....I think the girl is pretty excited! She told me a year ago that she either wanted to be baptized where Billy was (the Jordan River) or the City Pool! I think her heart has changed on that one too!

Monumental Mommy Day

2010-05-10T19:35:00.001-07:00

Well, it is gone! We took down the crib today. Between Billy and Dolly, there was no time to take it down! We took it down for a year or so before B. arrived. We have used the crib off and on for 8 years!

This time taking it down feels different. I wonder if we will ever put it up again. I wonder if our next child will be a baby,preschooler, school aged child or if we will only be Spiritual parents again. The easiest part of the wondering is that I don't have to know! God knows so we will wait on Him and hang on to the crib just in case. Not sure who would want Dolly's chewing marks on their crib anyway....but I sure love them!

The children were so excited to celebrate the "big girl bed" with B. They washed it off from storage and all piled in. At this moment, our tiny B. is sleeping soundly in her big girl bed, which is tiny, just like her!

A Group Effort

2010-05-02T21:36:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, in the rain, we had a yard sale to raise money to pay for My Dear's upcoming mission trip to Hait*. I mentioned the sale to the kids and asked them to go through their belongings and find donations. Dolly was on it! This is the child that wants to keep everything but for this cause she was ready. She even priced her own items. Amazing enough, they sold for the price she put on them!

Billy gathered several little cars and we decided they would be perfect for My Dear's suitcase and small enough to fit in his pockets to give to the Hait*an Children.

When My Dear began to make plans for the trip, Billy gave him a bank. My Dear would drop his change in it at the end of each day. B. saw the pattern and would find coins to add to the bank. On one occassion Billy asked to purchase something. When I asked how much money he had, he said he did not have any because B. was taking it from his room and putting it in daddy's bank. After he mentioned it, I realized my my wallet had been clean of coins!

The children have counted and rolled the coins for their daddy and have called him at work to annouce the total. Sending daddy has become a group effort, even Little B. has done her part!

Last week, I walked past the bank to see B.'s most recent donation. The girl has a heart for missions already! Too bad her sister's play money is not accepted by our local bank.

Adopted!

2010-04-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

The trigger of interest for me to go on the mission trip to Vnam was the orphans. I have followed many blogs of families that have adopted and have been on the praying end of those as well as friends from college and now high school who are adopting! I am an adoption blog junky!! My Dear and I are watching for God to tell us when we are to join the ranks of these parents. I wondered if Vnam might be where He would lead us.

In my readings, I have established a few rules for adoption....this is where families who have adopted laugh! We have 1 son and 2 daughters so naturally, our child would be a boy. Our child would also fall within the birth order meaning that he would be 2-3 years younger than B. keeping with the pattern of the ages. Yeah, I know, only God would smile at my arrogance with a "bless her heart" on His lips!

Let me just say, the little boy above broke the mold! He came into the orphanage later in the afternoon because he goes to a deaf school off campus. I attempted to talk with him at the orphanage but our signs were different-it was worth the try. I think he was in shock that someone was attempting to communicate with him.

We played with chalk and wrote our ages learning that he is 11 years old. We played Frisbee and ball as well.

The next day we returned to the orphanage. This was the day that Fay would lead the children through the plan of salvation by telling a story. The director said, "we welcome your Jesus story." Fay began with Adam and Eve's sin in the garden and then taught our need for a Savior-Jesus. She told how Jesus was born, died, and rose again (makes me want to say Hallelujah just listing them!)

The majority of the children listened. We invited anyone who prayed to ask Jesus to come into their hearts to come to the front. As children sometimes do, they all came forward- copying one another. In that crowd, I spotted my little friend.

I tapped him on the should and motioned for him to come and stand with me. He did so. We prayed with the other children and they went out for snacks and the goodies we had brought them. My little friend and I stayed in the upstairs classroom. We went and got the picture book, flannel board pictures, and a Bible lesson book that we had given the children with the story of Jesus in it. I began flipping the pages in the book. I touched the picture of Jesus in the manger and signed Jesus. We turned the page to a picture of Jesus as a toddler and I signed Jesus. Again and again, I found Jesus on the pages and then my little friend turned the page and found Jesus and signed to me. HE GOT IT! He would flip pages and point with his little eyebrows narrowed as if asking a question and I would answer with pointing to pictures and signing it. When he saw the cross he made the sign of the cross as most Catholics do. I showed him the sign language for the word cross. That little guy sat as I told him the very story that Fay had told the other children but this little guy was getting it!!! He wanted to know who hung Jesus on the cross and found a picture of an angry King assuming that is who did it. He found the pictures of a heart colored black and related that to Adam and Eve and a heart colored white and related that to the picture of Christ's resurrection.

We looked at a picture of Adam and Eve in the garden. I touched the picture-he signed them and I signed, "God Made" after each of them. Then I pointed to him and signed "GOD MADE!" His face lit up!!

It was an "I love you too God!" moment! I was unsure that anyone knew we were still in that upper room but my heart was thrilled. This little guy was hungry to know!!

I spent the rest of the afternoon playing with this little guy and that included the "God Made" game. When it was time to go, I looked at my friend Bob and said, "Can I keep him?" What an amazing little boy. It was easy to tell him I loved him.

This little guy did not fit my list but would have fit perfect in our family. Americans are not allowed to adopt for Vnam. If they were, I would have My Dear on his knees about this one. I shared with my friend the love I have for this child. She told me the government may tell me that I can not adopt him but no one could tell me I could not adopt him through prayer. So with that being said, this little guy is ADOPTED by me!!

You know the tongue roll is hereditary. He must be mine!

a little help, please.

2010-04-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

I had some reward money for being a customer at a store. I had to use it by today so last night we loaded up the troops so that I could go get some shirts that fit. A year ago, I cleanced my closet of stuff that was worn out or showed too much if I wore it. With that being said, I needed shirts.

I know I have gotten older but has fashion really changed that much? I am beginning to wonder if since the clothes are made in Asian countries are they measuring Asian ladies for fit? I have seen those ladies and they would be the first to say that WE ARE DIFFERENT! I will just call myself a typical, healthy American (I so need to get a post up on this topic while in Vnam.)

Due to my disappointment in fashion, I have develped a shirt test. I put it on and bend over in front of the dressing room mirror-if stuff is visible, the shirt is out!
The other test is to reach. If you can see that evidence of my last pregnancy (or 3!) when I reach up or what the back of pants hold, then that shirt is out. I do not have an office job. I work with children so I reach and bend a lot. I also run, jump, carry...the list goes on. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can wear those shirts!

I took several shirts to the dressing room and only one came close to passing the test but I did not even like it. So needless to say, Miss B. got some new shirts last night! A babydoll style fits perfectly around her round, milk tummy. Now, wonder if I can get some of those in adult sizes?

New Glasses

2010-04-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

Since our trip to Vnam, I am seeing ministry differently. I did not realize that I was looking at it through, "it's all about me" glasses. You would think I would already know how this works. I held ministry positions since college and even worked at a Missions camp. I was called to ministry and then called to be a minister's wife....I should have gotten it! But it was clouded through those "it's all about me" glasses.

Many times when My Dear wanted to hang out with the fellas or have teenage boys laying around our living room with game controllers, soda, burping, or the RISK game board-I wondered why he did not want to spend time with me. I resented his being gone every Friday night for football games and through the week for practices in a position he volunteered for.

Tonight, after a service mission project and then a game of Capture the Flag-we had My Dear to ourselves again. After dinner, we hopped on our bikes and rode to the park. We LOVE our bicycles! As soon as we got there, the kids ran to play and a teenager came up and started talking to My Dear. Our kids were too busy playing to notice. I knew what was about to happen-I learned this lesson within the first year of marriage-Has Ball, Will Play!

My Dear jumped in on a game of basketball with some teenagers. He not only played but gently coached the kids as they played. I could not help but watch and smile! Right there, My Dear was showing those kids that he cared about them. He cared enough to hang out with them and to teach them. He attempted to build relationships and give the kids a face they may recognize at school or in the community (and with his haircut it makes him easy to identify.)

I saw what My Dear sees all the time, an opportunity for ministry. I was able to look at the situation with New Eyes and I am liking my new glasses so much more!!

small framed-Spiritual GIANT

2010-04-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

My bed has been stripped of it's linens (thank you Billy) and lays naked under clean laundry waiting to be folded and put away. But I need to talk to ya'll!

My Dear just asked if we had mushrooms and peppers on the pizza we had for dinner-apparently, I did not clean up after B. very well.

Cool story-our local "Papa's Pizza Hut" as B. calls it agreed to put a flier about a new study at church on their pizza box lids. Because of that, the people of our church bombarded them with orders to thank them. So much so that they just laughed when I told them why I was ordering. He said, "we have talked to all of you tonight!" What a witness to those folks! My Dear has lost 17lbs so pizza is a no-n0. We ordered when he would not be home but he contributed the funds to pay for it. I pulled the wagon for a walk afterwards. Praying that God will see our goal and evaporate the extra calories! He is a mighty God!!

As you can see, I have some stuff to take care of BUT my heart and head have been so full I need to puke on paper as my friend Fay says. Speaking of Fay, let me tell you about this small framed-Spiritual Giant!

It was Fay, who told me about the mission trip to Vietnam. She asked if I would pray about her going. That night, I contacted My Dear (who was away at camp) and asked him about it. He said "GO!" I called Fay and we celebrated over the phone-we are going to Vnam!

Fay introduced herself to me when we came to the church. She knows about being a pastor's wife. When she began to talk to me, I did not know anything about her, but she sure knew what I was facing as the newbie. She is the kind of friend that you back your truck up to and DUMP! She has been there!

It was such a blessing to watch Fay do what she loves-tell people about Jesus!

Fay was asked to speak to the Pastor's wives at the conference in Vnam but became ill. You may recall reading that a taxi cab driver asked Jesus into his heart as a result of Fay needing to leave the conference. She had struggled with God bringing her across the globe to be so sick, but then she knew!

Because she was unable to speak at the conference, she was invited to share her testimony at a rural house church. She was unsure of what part of her testimony to share but knew God would lead her. She shared less about her life and more about her Lord.

After the service, a 23 year old woman (pictured below with her baby) was lead to the front. They asked that our group pray for her because she has leukemia. My hand, as well as others, immediately flew back to touch Fay.

Fay knows leukemia. Fay released her husband to the Lord 6 and half years ago at the age of 32 after a battle with leukemia. God blessed her with a husband (I am looking forward to meeting someday) and 3 little boys. Fay knew, that this woman is the reason God did not want her to share that part of her life. Fay stepped to the front of the church lead the prayer over this young woman. Short little Fay prayed with such boldness. Her voice never cracked and a tear never rolled from her eyes. ( I on the other hand was a mess!) Fay prayed with authority! I marveled at our God and what a divine arrangement He made. Once again, Fay was reminded why God brought her to the other side of the world. It was POWERFUL!

God gave me a sweet picture of Fay as well. Bob was heading into the China Sea to do baptisms. We were celebrating on the beach when I spotted Fay standing on the beach holding Bob's belt and shoes. It made me smile to think of how often she has played that role for her husband. I teased her about her experience with doing that and she teased back that she had held bigger seeing that her husband towered over her, much like her boys are beginning to do. Such a sweet picture in my heart!

Lastly, Fay was able to pray with a young women outside of a Buddhist temple as she accepts Jesus as her Lord and Savior. This was one of the highlights of Fay's trip! This woman was looking for something and had no idea she would meet Christ at the temple!

Now you have 2 more faces of Vnam women to pray over. I am so thankful for Fay and women like her. I am so glad she is on our team!

I'm MOVING!

2010-04-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

Some days I get so fed up with the STUFF in my life and the culture we live in that I want to put our belongings in the front yard with a for sale on it and pack the family up and move to a 3rd world country.

I heard God tell me before our trip to Vnam to prepare to move. Finally, He is going to do it! He is going to send us to Vnam!!! I told My Dear and he did his preacher laugh. Have you noticed the preacher laugh? It is the laugh to celebrate what God had done. Billy told me about the laugh when he called My Dear (in the car with 2 preachers) to tell him that he had accepted Christ. I asked Billy what the fellas said and he said, "they laughed!" Hence-the preacher laugh. So when I asked if My Dear was ready to move-he laughed.

As I sat with all of those folks in the insanely hot room I waited to hear God tell me to go to Vnam. I understood our leader's love for the country and it was easy to love the people. The fields are so ripe with folks hungry to know! Surely they could use a homeschooling mama and a white preacher....in case you have forgotten Lord, we are portable.

My Dear tried out some Vnamese on skype and Amy said he was very good (which is just like Amy.) I asked her if he should relocate and she said yes. My Dear took the opportunity to ask me, "are you staying?" I knew it was a loaded question and I could not answer yes. I assured him that part of my heart would be in VN (Vnam) but my body will be in NV (our little town.)

When we returned home, we were greeted by cold, energetic folks in the parking lot of the church. My Dear is taking a team to Haiti this summer and after a missionary spoke on Sunday, I believe another team will be forming. It hit! When God said get ready to move He was talking about our church. We are to fulfill the GO part of Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation! Mark 16:15

Sunday, I went to step into our comfortable worship center. I immediately felt overwhelmed. I walked back out. I could not sit in that room with everything perfect when my brothers and sisters were in the heat worshipping with the chickens. Let me tell ya it was some worship too!!

God had laid this on my heart prior to returning home but I had forgotten until I stepped into that room. The two weeks prior, I had slipped my shoes off at the door to go to church. I was reminded by a friend, that I have to do what He is telling me to do! (I really like giving that advice but not so much getting it.) Again, I hear God say "MOVE!" "It is not about you and people looking at you-I am telling you to do this and when I don't want you to do it anymore, I will tell you." So, I found an old metal chair and walked myself in-late-sat in my ole chair and wept. Even a metal chair is exceptional seating from where I have been. But God is calling me to MOVE! Move out of my comfort zone- to be different-to give up comfort!

He is calling me to look up and look out for others. Do the little things! MOVE myself across town to assist a family. I need to MOVE my excuses out the door. MOVE the me out of the way. Yep, I'm MOVING! Taking baby steps, but MOVING cause I want to be on the "GO!" for Him.

You Never Know Who is Watching

2010-04-03T03:35:00.000-07:00

Just when I think my body is back to normal, I lay awake in bed. I am aware that the happenings of the trip have invited some spiritual warfare so please continue to pray for those you read about. So here is what has been on my heart to share with you.

Each time we left the hotel, we would pray together. When we got to Vung Tau we had enough room to stand in a circle holding hands right outside of the hotel. The hotel manager asked our translator Grace why we did that. Grace told me about her posing the question, told me she spoke English and prompted me to go to talk to her. Grace was our eyes and ears! She invited us to join in where God was working.

I walked into the lobby to check on Grace while the rest of the group waited for their dinner. I saw the young woman and went to talk with her. Because both of us had a strong dialect, I had to strain to understand what she was saying and I am SURE she had to do the same. I told her what I believed and then went back to our table to get a tract to take to her. I asked her to read it and she said she would.

She talked with Grace again. She told Grace that 2 people in her life had told her about Jesus. But 3 years ago, her boyfriend died while they were at the beach together so her heart had been hardened. In their talking, this young woman ask Jesus to be her personal Lord and Savior and she began a relationship with Him! Grace joined us at the dinner table to share the good news!

Sam and I would hug the hotel manager each time I saw her but then again Sam hugged everyone! The day we were packing to leave, this precious woman joined us in our circle to pray!

As I was walking down the steps to board our taxi/bus she held my hand as far as we could reach. She did not just hold my hand but we held tight. She stood on the porch until our bus was out of view and I watched and prayed for her as we pulled out. The tears came as I watched her stand there all alone. She was so heavy on my heart. I felt like we were her hope, driving out of her life forever. But then God laid it on my heart so gently, that we were not her hope, we left our HOPE there with her.

Her life is changed forever. Grace said she would return to the hotel occasionally and be able to encourage her. She also had suggested a church for her to attend in the area.

So what about you? Folks are watching and waiting to see Jesus in you! Are you pointing them to Him?

Time With Daddy

2010-04-01T03:27:00.000-07:00

I am up 2 hours early this morning. So, maybe I am off still a little bit on time or maybe it was the chocolate that Nana left when she went home. Either way, I am up. I awoke with prayers of those who accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior in Vnam-the hands I held and the necks I hugged. Prayed for them today as well as the ministers and wives that blessed me.

With My Dear working outside of our home and my being at home full time, the children miss their daddy. On Wednesdays, he kisses them good-bye in the morning and gets home to kiss them good night. In fact, he comes straight through the door to get to their bedrooms before they are too groggy to know he was there.

If there is an event or camp, I try to busy them so they do not miss him. But then it happens, a break down. My Dear and I have diagnosed the problem as "QT." One little person gets QT and can not contain themselves. They need Quality Time with daddy! Daddy sweeps in to cuddle, talk, read, and sometimes lay down beside them and it may keep them up past bedtime but there is only one cure for the problem. Although mommy is good enough for the events of the day, they want daddy at night.

A mom mentioned to me that she could never leave her children like I did by going to Vnam. But now I know that I needed QT with my Father too!

God kept my mind focused on the people of Vnam while I was there. He comforted me with knowing Daddy and Nana had the fort held down here. He even allowed me to talk with the family via skype and many times, the children were too busy to talk.

He had so much to show me...so much to tell me... so much to remind me...and so many ways to lavish His love on me. I truly needed the QT!

Not until I heard the shouts of "There's Mommy!" at the airport, did I realize that I did miss those little darlins'! I ran to them and the tears came as soon as I saw their little heads sticking out of the same window of the van. It made it possible to hug all of them at same time! (Thank you God!)

I am glad to be home with my little posse but so very thankful to have this experience. QT with my Father was just what I needed to be the mommy and wife that He called me to be. Thank you God for continually investing in me.

Rick-a-Saw

2010-03-30T14:13:00.001-07:00

We are now home but I have a heart full of blog posts and I can include pictures this go around. Our last hotel was not blogger friendly. The government attempted a block on Facebook and Satan stepped in to stop the blogging. I truly believe it was warfare with our church checking up and praying on us from our blog posts.

While in Vnam, we took a modern day ricksaw ride. When talking about going, I called it a "rick a saw." Not until it was brought to my attention, did I realize I had added the syllable. The team got a kick that I could make even a "rick-a-saw" a little bit Kentucky. I was sure to point out to them that Vnam people even have KY plastered across the United States on the map so there is no need to downplay the effects of Kentucky on the planet!

We were a parade of about 9 folks on the ricksaw ride. We got quite a bit of attention. People stared to see the line of white folks going down the street. I would wave as if it were a parade and they would smile and wave back. Our drivers were thrilled to have the business. Amy reminded me to take note of how hard the people have to work to make a living.

Doesn't Fay look so stink'n cute in her "rick a saw." Wonder if her boys will get one for Christmas?

We drew attention wherever we went because we looked different. My heart knew that God would use our appearance as being different BUT I had to be obedient to Him to BE different!

Amy asked my driver if he would let me drive him. He agreed and others joined us. We pulled to the side of the road and switched seat. Wonder if that had ever happened to them before?

You can imagine the attention we drew then! Folks honked (which Vnam folks love their horns!) and waved at us. Not only did God speak to the hearts of our drivers but He spoke to the hearts of those that drove past.

Don't let this picture fool you, I was just saddling up! I kept in front of the gang and my little driver waved his #1 sign to the others. The other Vnam drivers attempted to pass but I would speed up, must be the KY Derby in me! The other Vnam drivers thought that was funny and probably in fear for the man I was driving, backed off.

I asked my driver (through Amy) if I was doing a good job. He said, yes and agreed to give me a job if I would move to Vnam. (I should have considered this with the long flight home ahead of me!)

We carried Bible tracts with us. How much more receptive do you think this guy was to the gospel after I paid and gave him a tip for me to do some of the work? I am reminded...

the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.... Matthew 20:28

Ricksaws may not be driving around in my town, but the ministry opportunities are! I saw 3 of them in the airport and on the plane. I am sure there were more that I missed. Be on the look out-I know you will be blessed and you might even have as much fun as I did on the "rick-a-saw!"

To Restore

2010-03-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

Our team member Sam, has a story she tells of a family she knows.
Their grandmother was in the hospital and the family gathered. Sam describes them as being dramatic in that if it is good-it is very good and if it is bad-it is tragic!

Grandmother was about to have an operation and the family members were mourning and weeping in the waiting area sure that Grandmother would die. When Grandmother was fine, there was loud rejoicing! The daughter went into her mother's room and began loudly praising God, much to the alarm of the hospital staff. When the staff asked for the "preacher woman" to leave she turned to them and said, "It has long been my prayer that God would restore that which the locust had eaten!" (found it in Joel 2:25)

We have to be careful in using scripture in context but over the last couple of days with my stomach ruling my actions and diet I now feel as if my prayer is "for God to restore that which the locust have eaten!"

Hotel Water and Upper Room Water

2010-03-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

The last post I mentioned the 2 temperatures of water in Vnam. I shared my observation with our group. The ladies all laughed and the men looked at me funny. They informed us that hot water was provided with a flip of a switch, the switch we had all played with but did not know what it did. We are in a new hotel now but last night we ladies enjoyed our first HOT shower!

Before heading to Vnam, God began to deal with me on some baggage in my past. I asked Him again and again why are you asking me to deal with that now? I was hoping He would instead choose to prepare me for this trip. I knew He was speaking to my heart but did not know what He wanted me to do with the baggage. I was certain God would show me after I returned home from Vnam.

We were to go to the training center to meet with the pastors and their wives again. I was truly looking forward to it this time unlike the day before. These women were so heavy on my heart for what they faced each day for the gospel of Christ. I was ready to love on them and get the ME out of the way. Language barriers are only language barriers to the ME not to Him!

Because of their humble positions and lifestyles, I was in awe of them. God called me to humble myself as well. I spoke with Sunny, the speaker for the ladies, and shared that God had laid on my heart to wash their feet. Now, at least 2 of our group members have feet issues-feet gross them out. But they pushed the ME aside and agreed we needed to do this.

The women were unaware of what was about to happen. They were asked to make a large circle and we entered with large bowls and towels. I am not likely to finish this post without tears-I hope I don't short out the keyboard!

As we washed their feet with our bare hands-walls came down! It was humbling for every woman in the room. Tears fell from their eyes as they prayed aloud in the room. Two languages, 30 to 40 women- all praying to the same God. We prayed as we touched their dark feet, many that had traveled several hours to be there. God began to speak to me over specific prayers for these women. All the while, these ladies were praying for me too. After each lady, I embraced them in tears. I kissed their cheeks, but they push their faces into mine and literally breathed me in. It was the body of Christ- in unity as we washed the feet of Christ.

As I went to wash the last person's feet, I looked up to see the young face of a woman whose deepest prayer I knew. The tears began to fall as I then realized that God was indeed hauling my baggage out of me at that very moment! I sat at the feet of a women and pleaded to God for a gift that I had and misused-the baggage I have hauled for years. My tears bathed her feet as they fell uncontrollably. My pleads for this woman came from a heart that had refused the exact gift she was pleading for. I had prayed for the other women, but for this woman-I begged God.

No one knew what we were getting into! The moment was so powerful that we held up the training! The ladies then circled us up and prayed over us. They usually speak and pray so quietly but this time it was a call to a powerful God in a voice of boldness.

There are so many differences between us and them (I will post some of these later) but from this moment forward our connection to them was truly servants of the living God!! Hallelujah!

Dear God,
Thank you for seeing my life in your time line and for choosing to nudge me along to healing. Your ways are higher than mine and I am beyond thankful.

A Full Head-Heavy Heart

2010-03-23T14:34:00.001-07:00

It is 4:30 am here and I lay awake in my bed. My head is too full to sleep. Waking and praying is part of the sleep routine here. My heart is heavy for the pastor's wives. I am looking forward to spending time with them today and pray that I will be less hesitant to attempt to communicate with them. My heart is there, but the ME gets in the way.

One young wife, is small, has darker skin, is a tribal minister's wife, and her husband was an orphan. She is heavy on my heart. I hope to give her a gift today as a promise that I will be praying for her. She is one of those I wish to bring home and lavish her with love and the wealth of the states. I noticed her searching through her Bible and tried to help her. I then realized she can not read. I have multiple Bibles-my study Bible, a Bible in our children's classroom and I even have a bathroom Bible! Those are only my Bibles not the other family membes. How often I take for the granted the gift I have to read them.

Yesterday, we attended a Pastor's Conference. Bob at http://www.answeringthecallfor4life.blogspot.com/ did a great job describing many details so I won't go there. I will say that my friend Karen back home did the conversations for the temperature and if it is 97-98 degrees outside, so it was over 100 in that building! The breakers continued to blow due to the fans that the pastors were aiming directly at us. Pete, our team leader carries a towel when he preaches to catch the sweat as it rolls off of his head.

It was completely humbling as they marched us, by name, to the front to give us flowers. Tears rolled down my face. The last time I felt a reception like that was high school homecoming and I was so vain. This time, I stood ashamed of my yucky heart. The yucky heart that was not looking forward to this day and wondered if our time would not be better used somewhere else. Yes, that yucky heart.

I met 2 students who were studying to be pastors. They are English students as well and wanted to practice the language. I so enjoyed talking with them. One of them reminded me of my friend Brian C. from high school. My Dear would have enjoyed these two and a chance to encourage them in their studies and their faith. I am missing my preaching boy today but am thankful for Skype and a friend to share her computer.

When I was leaving, I was introduced to a children's minister. Not sure how to spell his name but I say it, with my southern dialect, Hi. I gave him a cheer when I learned of his heart and he said we would talk today. Children's ministers in Vnam........Yeah God!!!

One of our team members, got sick yesterday. She believes it is from some undercooked meat that she noticed too late. As you can imagine the temperature in the small building did not blend well with her stomach. We had to push Fay out the door to come back to the hotel to rest. She was caught between want and need and so wanted to share with those pastor's wife. She has encouraged me again and again in the role and I knew she would bless those women too.

Amy, the blessing that I have mentioned before, came back to the hotel with Fay. Amy talked with the taxi driver on the way back to the hotel. Although Fay could not understand what they were saying, she knew what they were talking about. Amy shared the news of Jesus Christ with the father of 3. He had NEVER heard about Jesus. He accepted Christ in the taxi with a sick Fay praying in the backseat!!! HALLELUJAH!!! Fay shared that she began to feel better after he prayed! DELIGHT!

Amy had gotten Fay medicine and attempted to fill her with coconut juice-as Amy's Vnam aunt suggested. Amy sat with Fay all day in her hotel room. I ran up the steps (7 flights!) to check on Fay and was surprised to see Amy. I asked what she had done just sitting in the hotel room. She answered so sweetly and matter of factly, "pray." Amy is such a blessing!

When Fay awoke, she asked if I heard about the taxi ride and I smiled and said I did. She was thankful that she got sick so someone could hear about Jesus and accept Him as their Lord-that's my Fay! If anyone but Amy had come back, this would have never happened due to the language barrier. I love my God of details!

Vnam lesson of the day.....
The shower knobs are colored blue and red.
Blue means cold.
Hot means maybe.

Heading to the orphanage for children who are HIV positive, I am already mourning over leaving and have not even gotten there. Tear filled for the pastors and their wives who are trying to provide for their families and share the gospel-we will leave them today. I used to use the word "sacrifice" in the states but am pretty sure that word has been redefined for me. Already in tears in this morning.

I (heart) Vnam.

Play Time!!-Day3

2010-03-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

God's calling for me to come on this trip was through children! I wanted to spend everyday at the orphanages. Today was the day to go to the one I wanted to visit most. My training is in special education. I was eager to play -therapeutically- with some dark skinned, dark eyed darlins'!

My "preschool whisper" friend Fay was also armed and ready! We brought balloons, beach balls and bubbles! Oh, yeah we brought rag dolls, blankies, and stuffed cars that a lady of our church made and toothbrushes and paste that another sent. I took a picture of my suitcase filled with goodies but did not bring my computer so pictures will have to wait until the states.

Most folks are unsure in such a setting. The kids look different and their medical needs can be intimidating. I was eager to get on the floor and play! Some of them had shaved heads probably due to lice. The center was very clean, the workers were kind and loving and seemed very dedicated to their jobs. They had to be! That center is now their life.

I played with younger children who were laying on a large floor mat. They made eye contact with us. Just like our B. and neighbor Eliza did when they were babies, they mouthed "Hi" when I said hi to them.

One little guy gave me a huge smile but another child did not. The smiler pulled his loose arm (probably due to Cerebral Palsy) up to my face to touch my cheek. I held his hand there and talked while he smiled. Whatever I did for one baby, I did for the other but the response was not the same. I tried balloons, Fay blew bubbles but this little darlin' just stared at me. I clicked my tongue and she watched. After several times, I saw her pull her tongue to the front of her mouth and I celebrated her attempt.

The little boy had pulled his hand up to my face again so I put my check against his and made a kissing sound. I am a sucker for a smile so that continued. I switched sides of his little face and wondered if he would anticipate where I would go next. He did not. He did like the bubbles and raised his arm to swing at them. Yeah for fun therapy!

The little girl was once again staring at me. I tried the check with kissing sounds and got a smile-HOME RUN!! Now, I continued for some time.

There was another little guy flopping on the mat attempting to get the bubbles. He reminded me of Anthoney, a child with CP that I taught in KY. Anthoney (yes, that is the correct spelling) gave me a run for my money but I LOVED that kid! I got permission to hold him and attempted to support his body while he reached for bubbles. He fought so hard, he pulled himself to a standing position although his little spaghetti legs could not support him. He was passionate about getting the bubbles! I laughed as he whapped my glasses off of my face! I think Anthoney did the same thing back in the day!

Chelsia, a team member, made friends with a tiny 11-year-old girl. She was in a wheelchair but hand the fine motor skills to use the wedding size bubbles. Sam had brought some hair clips and this little darlin' was putting them all through Chelsia's hair. This little girl will age out in one year. These children are not available for adoption. Many times, families return to get them. otherwise, I do not know what happens to them at 12. This little girl seemed only to be physically impaired. She feed another child, corrected one of our volunteers and stole our hearts. In the states, she would be in a general education classroom earning a diploma. I was ready to interrupt the birth order at my house and bring her home but I think I would have to fight Chelsia for her.

The workers were patient with us and we had to leave for nap time. I loved watching our ladies nurture these little ones. Of course I see them do it at church as well! We were able to meet with the workers and share why we were there. We loved on these young women a bit and gave them money for diapers, milk and food just what they said they needed.

The team left their hearts there and we stood outside with teary eyes just breathing and looking at one another. He is the Father to the fatherless.

Turn off the Paved Road-Day2

2010-03-22T04:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Sunday. We visited a "House Church." The directions to the church included, "turn off the paved road."

We drove to another providence about 2 and 1/2 hours away to attend this church. Our group of 12 took up a great deal of space in the church. We left home with 11 and ended up with 12, when Amy, a member of a church in Washington knew we were here. She is visiting family here and has joined us everyday. She is such a joy and a blessing. She helps us with our money and communication. She ordered lunch for us yesterday since known of us could read the menu. She obviously, has become part of our team and our jokes.

Amy joined us at the house church as well. We unloaded our bus to look for a place to use the restroom-tissue and "han-a-tizer" (as Dolly calls it) in hand. We walked to the back and were lead to a little building. It has tile floor and was wet. There was no toilet-which I expected-but there was no hole either. We learned it was a shower instead. Another building was located at the back. We had to practice our squatting!! We dipped water out of a bucket to "flush." Just to think we actually have heated and padded toilet seats in the states.

The church was attached to a house. The house was open-as in few to no walls. I actually thought the kitchen was a barn-it was covered in tarps with an open fire. I assume the dog and chickens in the kitchen threw me off. We store a lawn mower in a better facility.

In the service, we were seated in a variety of plastic chairs and stools. My roommate, Fay and I were seated on backless stools. We were there for about 3 hours in worship. The temperature is 36-37 degrees Celsius...check the conversions on that one! We assume that is the 90s.

Let me paint the picture of this church: hard-backless chairs, heat, lizards, roosters, and chicks....this was their church. Many times I groan at having to get up out of my comfy bed to go to church. The cushy seats and climate control are not considered. I could not help but think of how self-centered we are. There are churches in our backyards with all the comforts and we don't drag ourselves out of bed! I do not want to forget the privilege of worshipping as a body in such a wonderful facility.

Despite the conditions, there is something amazing about being in a room of believers. Although we we were not able to communicate with them, we were able to worship. The love for one another was obvious.

The Eagle has Landed!

2010-03-20T02:55:00.000-07:00

After approximately 28 hours of flying....THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!!

We were welcomed to Vnam by 2 pastors and Grace our interpreter and a bundle of beautiful flowers. Folks were gathered outside the airport as if waiting for a celebrity. Apparently, there is no waiting inside the airport. No, they were not waiting for us but it still felt like a red carpet event-minus the cheers and photographers.

First lesson I learned in Vnam:

Laughter and Hallelujah are universal!

We were warned that sharing our faith and praying aloud may not be welcome. We pulled our luggage aside to get in the taxi. The taxi is a mini bus that plays Happy Birthday when it backs up. Not just this one, but many of them. Returning to the original thought....we gathered together to pray. Pastor "Smiley" raised his hands and loudly prayed thanking God. I was surprised by his boldness but could not help but say "Amen" as he spoke even though I could not understand a single word.

I did not get to sit with any of our group on plane but God arranged for me to sit with young women on the flights. One of which gave me a history lesson. She was returning to Vnam from the US after being gone for 16 years. Her mom is dying of cancer. She was sent to the US as a teenager by her parents when the US invited Vnam Americans-her father is American to relocate to the states. Her friend rode in a boat for 30 days to arrive in Hong Kong before the border closed to them. Amazing! Sad, how you miss history even while you are living in it!

I seem to be going backyards in this post. I will blame it on the time change!! To bad is does not upload like pictures!

On the morning we left, I was attempting to tie up loose ends at our house and left so much undone. We arrived at the church to find a host of warriors there to send us off. I had to remain in the vehicle awhile to have time with God but still fell apart when my cancer surviving sister stepped toward me with her arms opened. Just months early we celebrated the end of her radiation in a surprise gathering just like this one. My eyes tear up even now as I see God at work and the blessings of amazing folks in my life. Many folks said they were praying for us but not until I saw them standing at the church, was I able to see prayer in numbers. Overwhelming! I read a flair on Facebook that says, "If prayer was rain-you would be soaked." I felt drenched!

Check out these 2 bloggers also on our team:

this little light of mine at www.chels1988.blogspot.com

www.answeringthecall4life.blogspot.com is Bob's blog

You can click on both blogs by going to the blogs I follow.

Yesterday, 2 friends took off to North Africa.......pray for their safety.

Today, my friend Stacie left for Ethiopia to bring home her baby girl. There story is in my follow list as well, The Gift of Mercy.

We are to go to a house church tomorrow to lead their service.....should be fun for us and Grace our interpeter. She will be a busy lady!!

Thanks for checking in!

Our Dolly and oh my....

2010-03-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Our Dolly turned 6 today! It still seems like she is 4 and as the years go by, I forget more and more of what the children were like when they were younger. Seems sad, BUT I am SO thankful for healthy, thriving children.

As part of the celebration, Dolly got her nails done. She got to pick out the color and they painted her fingers and toes. She even got to sit under the dryer.

Our neighbor camped out at our house while B. napped so we could enjoy this event together. We are so blessed by our friends living right on our street. Not just this family but several. I think it should make the property value go up-just sayin'!

Billy went with us. It really was not painful for him, silly boy!

When I went to pay for Dolly's fancy nails, I realized I did not have any money. I was a bit panicked. The only collateral I have is the children and I was NOT leaving them!

They allowed me to leave and come back since the amount was so small. I picked up B. and headed back out to settle my debt. I was a bit anxious and then decided that is exactly what Satan wants so I chose to do otherwise!

When we got home, the beautiful weather allowed the children to play outside. Dolly called for me. She had a project going on in the backyard.

Two hours after our trip to the nail salon....check out my girl's fancy nails...

Lucky for her, her toes have been covered all day and still have all the polish on them!

Now for the oh my! part....

In 7 hours, I will be meeting with my team to head to Vnam! They day is finally here! We have marched through battles of Spiritual Warfare and are about to take off!

I read Good Night Moon with B, Moostletoe with Dolly, and started a Magic Tree House book about the Titanic with Billy before putting them to bed and I got a 12 day supply of hugs.

We will meet early (not yet bright) in the morning to head to the airport. Lucky for me, we have a handsome driver and his 8 year old sidekick taking us- buying me more time with them.

I have been building up to this day but it did not really hit me until our sweet Nana T walked into our AWANA club tonight. She has migrated north to help with the children. Nana was a confirmation from God that I was to go on this trip when she offered to help My Dear with the children. He is a great daddy but even great daddies need to show up at the office!

Please pray for our team of 11. I am looking forward to be the hands and feet of Jesus for those children. It is like Christmas morning waiting to see what God wants to show me!!! I hope to share with you from Vnam!

Until them......

Pleasing God?

2010-03-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

We have just left that stage in our lives where you chance going anywhere! You never know when or where you will be when it breaks loose! Yes, we are exiting....

the "Potty Training Zone."

We have used jelly beans, stickers, Skittles, and Tootsie Rolls to reinforce our children's potty usage. We paired these with the winning ticket-verbal reinforcement.

It was our cheers of "Good Job!" and "Way to Go!" that meant the most to each of the children. In fact, with our youngest, she announces to everyone in the house about her "performance" so that she can hear the approval again and again. If you do not respond, no problem, she will repeat herself! She may even announce it as she runs through the eatery you are dining in...eager to hear words of approval.

Galatians 1:10 says,
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Just like our 2 year old, we all appreciate words of approval but we must be careful. We have to discern if the approval is that of man or of God.

We must be careful that we are doing what we are doing for the Lord and not for men. Am I teaching a class at church, singing in the choir, or doing Bible Clubs for the attention of other people or for the Lord?

Allow God to be praised through you and seek out the approval of THE ONE who matters most.

DELIGHT!

2010-03-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart! Psalm 37:4

I have a brown coat that I love! I love that it is brown, it has a hood, works for dress or play and it was FREE! I love that old coat but I noticed it is looking just that, old! Sometimes love is blind even when it comes to coats!

I emailed my sister to see what she had hanging in her closet. It is pay backs for all of those times we shared a room and my clothes disappeared! She had nothing but said she would keep an eye out for a good deal on a ski jacket....it gets cold here!

I needed a white shirt to serve at a banquet being held at the church. I invited Dolly to ride with me to the donation center. We went by the ATM-that would not work. Dolly asked how much the shirt was and then told me she could pay for it cause of course she had her wallet! I took her up on it!

I took the shirts to the dressing room and did the lift and bend test-you know, lift your arms up and bend over to insure full coverage-only one shirt won. Got the shirt. Dolly found the coat she had spotted earlier that week for her baby and a purse. We were about to leave when I turned to find a ski jacket in GREAT shape. I checked the size-mine! Asked the price- 1/2 off of winter-$2.50! Tried it on-fit! Now...oh yeah, I don't have any money!

Dolly dumped her wallet on a bench, I dumped my change and we counted coins! I counted several times but we were just cents short! I hesitated, but asked Dolly if she would be willing to put the purse back. She agreed-how sweet is that!?

We went to the counter to pay. I reached into my pocket and found my grocery cart quarter so we got the purse too! When we left, I thanked God for providing every cent and for Dolly's willingness to do without. Dolly, thanked God for the bench that we counted our coins on.

I was SO excited about the coat and proud of the price! I put it on to model it for My Dear. He was impressed! I stuck my hand in the pocket and pulled out $4 in McDonald's gift certificates. I looked for information to return the coupons but no luck.

God not only provided the coat I had in mind, the blessing of a child who put her wants aside for another, but he also bought my dinner! Yep, that is what I call a DELIGHT!

Spoiled Pets!

2010-02-28T19:46:00.001-08:00

I think it is safe to say that most pet owners spoil their pets! Our Annie, who was named after a friend's daughter,is no different. She got this fancy collar last Christmas from my sister. The I.D. tag came in the mail last week from our friends. It is complete with name, owner's name, address, and phone. Dolly likes the sound it makes on the collar as Annie is being walked.

For Christmas, my aunt found this sweet bed for Annie. Dolly was thrilled that Annie had a new bed, all her own.

This weekend, Annie raked in the goods at the dollar section when we stopped in to pick up Billy's video game. Dolly was ready to spend her allowance and who could resist a shamrock leash!

Annie has enjoyed her new dish and Dolly keeps it filled. She takes such good care of Annie and loves her. Annie had a bath last week and then Dolly dressed her in a shirt to keep her warm and snuggled with her much of the evening. I think we can agree, Annie is a little spoiled.

Dolly loves Annie so much!!

See for yourself!

I like Annie too! She never wets on the floor, can be left for hours if not days at a time, and never complains about her diet of pretend water and Lincoln Logs. Yep, she is the dog for me! (thanks Uncle John)

Happy 1st Spiritual Birthday!

2010-02-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

Last February, our little man asked Jesus to come into his heart. You can read about it under a Sweatpant Week!

I was well aware the anniversary of that day was approaching but not sure that our Billy was aware of its quick approach. Today is as special as the day he was born so we were not going to let it go quietly!

First, he woke to find his door decorated.

We then gave him cards. Grandparents and teachers from church emailed, mailed, and Facebooked messages to him. There were no gifts because they could not compare with the GIFT he received last year. Dolly made him the sweetest card. It said, "Happy Accepting Christ Day!" B. brought him a Tootsie Roll and said Happy Birthday.

Then, off to PE class with a wonderful teacher...My Dear!

Home from class and out the door to Chuck E. Cheese-the place for parties! My Dear had taken a group of kids there on Wednesday and already had a cup filled with tokens and a great start to tickets! Three cheers for free fun!!!

Next, Billy, had lost his money and found it again. (That is the way to get him to save!) He wanted to go to the store and buy a video game.

We arrived home for him to pack for a sleep over at his buddy's house! He was so excited and said it was the perfect end to the day.

The children get to pick what they want to do every year on their birthdays and that includes no school! Spiritual birthdays will be much the same here-full of CELEBRATION!

Free Gift

2010-02-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

We have been to 3 funerals the last four weeks and my teddy bear of a brother called me at 1:30 this morning to inform me of another passing of someone I love. I, as well as the family, were unprepared. It left me tossing and turning because the question rattled in my head...were they ready?

There is a difference in the funeral of a person who has a growing relationship with Jesus and a person who does not. One funeral we attended, we had worship! Five-year-old Dolly looked at me and said, "We know he is with Jesus" although she did not know the man personally. I could confirm with a head nod.

God had laid this person on my heart long before today. But I wrote the name in my notebook and turned the page. Guilt stirred and I spent the morning dragging myself through the mommy motions. Did I send the note I intended to? Did they know the love in my heart was Jesus? Did they make a decision to be a Christian as a child? Did they know it is by grace though faith and not by our works that we are saved?

I felt physically ill. I prayed and asked forgiveness for not taking care of this. God sent two friends to check on me- neither knowing what was going on. Then just what a girl needs, my daddy called-permission granted to cry. God sent his comfort my way. God also reminded me that there are others on that list of folks to ask and one of them will be grieving at the funeral home.

Why is it that it is so easy to brush important matters aside? Why is it that we are concerned about offending others by asking? What are we afraid of? Where would I be if someone had not asked my parents-first generation Christians about their relationship with Christ?...I shutter to think!

I was born in sin and do it daily. Sin is what keeps me from God. I will NEVER be good enough for Him regardless of what I say or do. But God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins-even if I (or You) were the only person on the planet He would have done it. When I realized this, I prayed and told God that I am a sinner-I have done some bad stuff to myself and to others. I believe He is God and that He sent his Son, Jesus to forgive me of my sins -the things I say, do, and even THINK that do not please God. I needed to make Him the Lord of my life cause frankly, I am really good at messing things up! We were created to need a Savior. He knows-He created us!

I pray that you have done this as well. If you have not PLEASE send me an email, FB message, or comment on this post with contact info. I simply can not imagine life without the peace that God gives and I want the same for you.

If you have made this decision, what are you doing to tell others about the purpose of your life?

Let Your Fingers and Life Do the Talking

2010-02-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

I believe, 100%, that God orchestrates my day. How I respond to it is my choice! Sometimes I choose correctly but more often then not-I learn from my mistakes.

Being a stay at home, I feel like my contact with non believers are limited. I know God called me to be home with the children so I have to trust Him not just for that part, but all of it.

A month or so ago I went to the video store all by myself. Two things odd about this:

1. I don't care for TV so the video store is not my kinda place to spend money.

2. I went by myself-no little people!

While at the video store I waited in a line typical of a weekend in the winter months-LONG!

I noticed the man in front of me writing, pointing and occasionally making a grunting noise. I realized he was deaf. Here is the kicker! I actually have a degree in education for deaf and hard of hearing so I should sign and sign well BUT I earned that degree over 10 years ago and never used the deaf and hard of hearing part of it. So I am a bit rusty-okay like take me to the recycling center rusty! I knew I was supposed to use what I did learn those 5 years and thousands of dollars later and use it.

So I pulled off my mittens- stuck my purse in my pocket and sat my video on the counter. I knew the edict and put myself all up in his business. It wasn't pretty, but I helped the guy get his appropriately rated video and talked a tiny bit- not too much because of the line behind us and my retention skills were equivalent to those of a 2 year old!

As I left that night with a smile on my face, I wondered if I would ever see that man again and what place our conversation about where I was from (apparently I even sign with a dialect!) had in the Kingdom.

Tonight, I took Billy and Dolly to return the videos My Dear had gotten them in the FREE kids section and let them choose another FREE movie.

As we were checking out, the clerk said, " I see a lot of people in here but I recognize you. You sign, don't you?" We then talked about that evening a bit. I thought God was working on the deaf man but He was doing something else.

When I look back on the night, that I was in the store and that my hands were not holding on to a little person....I see HIS hand. I march forward into the mission field He has called me....it is wherever I am and I HAVE to be ready! Think I will start frequenting the free section at the video store!

Deaf Culture Lesson: Deafness is a culture not a disability so you identify a person who is deaf with deaf followed by man, woman, person... like I did above. Disabilities are exactly the opposite-the man with mental retardations or the child who is blind-you put the person first then the disability.

BIG Hearts-little People

2010-01-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

One night, I asked our little "Dolly" to get ready for bed. As she did, I began picking up toys off of the floor. She stopped me and asked me not to disturb this wagon parked beside the dollhouse. Yes, the dollhouse with a horse in it and no, she did not use the word disturb. She told me that the children were going to deliver groceries and flowers to people who have cancer. Why didn't I think to do that with my children and their wagon?

My Dear will be thrilled to see this picture but I could not resist the story. "Dolly" woke up not feeling well a week ago. "Billy" wanted cinnamon rolls and can pretty much make them himself. He decided to serve "Dolly" breakfast in bed-mom and daddy's bed.

They are just kids, but I love how God is molding their hearts and think I might take some lessons from the sweet darlins'!

Is this the lab?

2010-01-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

I recall having to sign up for lecture and then the lab in college. You learn it in lecture and do it in lab. The labs were usually hours long and put an interesting (meaning not cool!) curve in your day.

Yesterday, we had a sick one. Our kids are typically healthy but I am beginning to think it is through their illnesses that I learn. I better get it this time 'cause it is just not fair to the children that they are sick due to their hard headed momma!

Sick children are needy and Man Cub was no different. I entertained Lydia with reading, playing a game and having school since she did not have Clay to keep her busy. Blake napped as normal and continues to experiment with the potty....still!

This morning, I walked into the living room, one asleep on the couch and another asleep on the love seat neither of them interested in eating and especially not school. Now, 2 kids needing mama and another still experimenting!

Meanwhile, my heart is heavy to do something...So many lives lost in Haiti and so many more children orphaned. Our focus is on that country, as it should be, but I can't help but think of the lost souls in our own country and the orphans here. The need is great and it is ALL around us!

My status on Facebook says, " I want to get in a plane, fly to Haiti, tell them to give me some kids who need parents, come home and live happily ever after." It has stirred quite a train of post. We all want to do something!

I want to do something but I am weary in serving the family I have. I entertain sin by allowing myself to consider how I give and no one has any idea...which, is totally a lie because you know-mom of a newborn, of multiple children, single parent, teacher of a needy classroom, child of a parent with dementia...you know!

It is so timely that God would have me pick up the book I have yet to finish and read about true Servanthood. Rick Warren reminded me that ,"Servants think more about others than about themselves." He later says,"it is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less." Timely, isn't it! I am in the midst of service. I want to do something for Him, something BIG, but I have to do the small first (even if it does deal with bodily fluids and picking up dirty tissues.)

Luke 16:10 "whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much..."

So now, as I serve Him doing something little, I will feel His hands on me as He molds me for something BIG... because this is the lab I signed up for and it is all too temporary.

Hide It In My Heart

2010-01-07T23:22:00.000-08:00

I am working on scripture memory. I know it is not a lot, but it is a goal I can achieve. I am working on one new scripture a month and one old scripture. What? I should know the old one? You are right, but many times I quote and do not know where it is found. Like in the last post-I knew that scripture was in Psalms but I had to hunt for it to share with ya'll. It is like saying, "Somewhere in the Bible it says...." I am just not down with that.

You should also know, that I am not a numbers person. When we moved to our current home, it took me a long time to learn our phone number. I had to start with a new area code! I think our son and I learned it at the same time!! I never called it so I had to look it up in my wallet to complete forms-sad. I did know My Dear's cell number though! *Brownie Points!*

My new verse is Psalms 28:7-now I am going to have to check the reference just be sure-yeah, I was right!!

The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.

The old verse is the verse from the last post....gonna' learn the reference this time cause God has given me plenty of opportunities for saying this one!

Thank You God Celebration

2010-01-04T16:55:00.001-08:00

This fall, I shared with you about my precious friend learning she had breast cancer. New Year's Eve, "Mami" as our girls call her, completed her last radiation! What perfect timing to refocus with thoughts of a new year. All along her journey, she has pointed others to her strength-God.

Her journey has not only grown her but those around her including myself. She shared on a Facebook status asking others to join her by shouting out Thank You God at a specific time on the day she would be finished with her last radiation treatment.

So we did just that, much to her surprise, our shouts came from the parking lot of the cancer center as soon as we saw her face! What an honor to celebrate with her and so many that have prayed, cried, and called out to God through our tears. What a celebration! I think we all needed it.

Since God is in the business of details, Mami's doctor was leaving work when he saw us. He grew up in our church and now brings his family. It was so fitting that he was there to shout Thanks to God too!

Mami has shared this experience with us. She has allowed us to pray, to sit in the waiting room, provide meals, and even little hugs from "the cheerleaders" as I called our girls. How beautiful is the body of Christ!

After the celebration I recited this passage to myself with a big ole' grin on my face, "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3 THANK YOU GOD!

Christmas Cards and "More Dezus"

2009-12-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

I am less then eager to take the nativities and Christmas tree down this year. I love hearing 2 year old Blake yell, "there Dezus(Jesus)" or "more Dezus" when she sees a nativity. When praying at night she will pray for "More Dezus" as if that is His name, but what a great prayer....praying for more Jesus and less us, in our lives.

My friend read in Home Life magazine last year a cool idea she suggested I share with you. Instead of throwing Christmas cards away or taking them to the recycling center, put the cards in a basket and pull a card out each week to pray for that sender(s.) What a great idea!!

If you sent us a card or put a card on a gift.....we will be praying for you this year! If we don't have enough cards to get through the year, we will repeat so you might get 2 weeks of prayer out of us!

Hey, if you are glad Michele shared this idea-post a shout out to her!

When we draw out a card, we will be praying that the sender knows Jesus as their Lord and Savior and that they grow in Christ cause we all need "more Dezus" in our lives.