I have so much to share---so many things on my heart, and so many stirrings in my spirit. But not tonight. Tonight I am just thankful. For what? Well, I guess we could all write a book on the many things that we are so thankful for. But for tonight my heart is overflowing with gratitude for God's amazing provision.
Our family knows what it means to live by faith. Yip, been there, done that! We have served the Lord on the missionfield by faith. As our family has expanded we have continued to trust God to allow us to live on one income by faith. We know what it means to not know where our next loaf of bread is coming from, or how the next bill is going to be paid, but by faith God has always provided. He has NEVER, not once, let us down---ever! Sure, He has stretched us many times, calling us to press in to Him when things have got tight. But oh my goodness, He has ALWAYS come through.
God's amazing provision---my heart and my mind cannot fathom it. How He blesses us, not just in morsels here and there, but in abundance, so much more than we ever need or deserve. In a world gone crazy over consumerism it is so easy to get caught up in the 'got to have more' mentality. I do it all the time. I have to remind myself daily that my Jesus is more than enough. That His provision for my family is more than enough. That if I never have the latest and greatest, that is okay---He is ALL I really need.
I am absolutely, positively convinced of one thing---giving God what is due to Him, what is rightfully HIS (not ours), HIS tenth, unlocks the door to abundant provision. What an incredible journey of blessing it is to do what the Bible tells us to do. I know that there are many who disagree on this issue, but for us it is simple---if the Bible says it, we believe it.
I am so thankful for God's incredible provision tonight. I am so thankful that He knows just how much we need---and will give to us according to what we need, not want!
I am so reminded tonight that my God knows my needs before I do. That He will NEVER let me down. He is so faithful and good. We have chosen to not look at a bad economy and despair, instead we will keep our eyes fixed on our Father and Provider. The ONE who's economy is alive and well.
I am so thankful!
January 29, 2009
January 26, 2009
The Simple Woman's Daybook
One of the greatest desires of my heart is to find simplicity in this life. I long to understand what it truly means to live a simple life. I LOVE simplicity, and I am striving to cut out those things in my life that cause stress, busy-ness, and rushing. I long to live each day simply---slowing down to enjoy that which God has given me. Each day just seems to pass way too quickly for this mommy. I long for every day to be slow, uncluttered and beautiful. I have a long way to go---I am still learning.
I have decided to dedicate my Monday blogging to the Simple Woman's Daybook. I love the idea---and I hope to share with you, my friends, my journey toward simplicity. Thank you for journeying with me.
FOR TODAY JANUARY 26, 2009
Outside my window~~~
Our temperatures and dropping again. We have been blessed with a mild winter, and I am so not complaining :) What a beautiful day in the mountains---cold (10 degrees), with fresh snow falling.
I am thinking~~~
That life is so wonderful and I am so blessed. Disappointments and hurts have already reared their ugly head for me this year. As I go about my day, I am CHOOSING to think about ALL that is lovely in my life. For me, it is so easy to focus on the things that are hard, and forget the blessings along the way. Today I am choosing.
I am thankful for~~~
Today I am so grateful for friendships. The last 7 1/2 years have been an amazing journey for our family. We have moved, traveled and uprooted ourselves so many times. Parts of the journey have been extremely tough, but there has been such joy in the friendships we have been blessed with along the way. I am so grateful for new friends and old friends, a handful who hold up my arms when I need it. Most of these precious women are scattered around the globe---some I wait years to see. But, that does not matter to me, I know that they are just an e-mail or a phone call away. True friendships are not governed by the distance between us. I KNOW that no matter where God leads our family---they will ALWAYS have a piece of my heart. Today I am grateful for those woman I truly can call my sisters---a handful of faithful friends who stick with me, no matter what. They look beyond me, the sinner, and love me for who I am in Christ. How grateful I am for them today.
From the learning rooms~~~
Our homeschool has been slightly challenging this year. We took on a curriculum that we definitely should not have. Oh, how I learn along the way. I should have listened to my gut instinct that warned me about the thing----but noooooo, I had to learn the hard way! Since the beginning of this year I have taken control again and have pretty much given up the curriculum, we just pick and choose the things we want to learn. It is working so much better---so much less stress. I'm doing it my way again. And as the saying goes---when mom's happy, everyone's happy! Right?
From the kitchen~~~
Are all the ingredients ready to make a hearty minestrone soup for dinner---wonderful on such a cold day. Together with some fresh wholewheat bread, my precious family will be satisfied with God's abundant provision.
I am wearing~~~
Jeans, a sweater and cozy socks, oh..and my slippers.
I am creating~~~
I am looking around my home and feeling the need to decorate coming on strong. Mmmmm, did I tell you that things don't stay the same around here very long (just like my hair color---which is once again VERY dark brown :) ). I love to decorate and I LOVE paint. I'm collecting paint samples and trying to decide what colors should be next. After all, after a year of looking at the same colors, I am so ready for a change :) I love to create a warm and inviting home for my family to enjoy.
I am reading~~~
Still reading Lorraine Curry's book "The Easy Homeschool Companion. How I have enjoyed reading and gleaning from her years of wisdom as a homeschool mom. I am wondering what to read next---there are so many books on my list.
I am hoping~~~
That we get quite a lot of school done this week. The weeks seem to fly by.
I am hearing~~~
The laughter of happy children sitting at our kitchen table, they're writing letters to mail to their friends.
Around the house~~~
Four loads of laundry wait to be folded and packed away, beds wait to be remade with freshly laundered linen, the dishwasher needs to be packed, toys are lying around pretty much everywhere, soup needs to be made---how lovely and beautiful it is to serve my family in ALL these things.
One of my favorite things~~~
Is to wake up early in the morning. To sit quietly with the Lord, with my Bible and my journal (and my coffee). Together we'll ponder the ups and downs in my life and in the lives of those I love. I'll pour out my heart to Him---and He'll receive every prayer I offer. So many friends and family are in such tough situations at the moment---I am STANDING with you, precious ones.
A few plans for the rest of the week~~~
Ooohhh, amazing Husband and I have a DATE on Saturday---our annual one! I know, we're sad :) We're leaving some of the kids with friends and some with a babysitter! Yes, a babysitter, what a novel idea---we have NEVER had a babysitter. We either take our kids with us wherever we go, or we just don't go out if it is not 'kid friendly'. I cannot wait to spend some quality time with the man I adore.
I have decided to dedicate my Monday blogging to the Simple Woman's Daybook. I love the idea---and I hope to share with you, my friends, my journey toward simplicity. Thank you for journeying with me.
FOR TODAY JANUARY 26, 2009
Outside my window~~~
Our temperatures and dropping again. We have been blessed with a mild winter, and I am so not complaining :) What a beautiful day in the mountains---cold (10 degrees), with fresh snow falling.
I am thinking~~~
That life is so wonderful and I am so blessed. Disappointments and hurts have already reared their ugly head for me this year. As I go about my day, I am CHOOSING to think about ALL that is lovely in my life. For me, it is so easy to focus on the things that are hard, and forget the blessings along the way. Today I am choosing.
I am thankful for~~~
Today I am so grateful for friendships. The last 7 1/2 years have been an amazing journey for our family. We have moved, traveled and uprooted ourselves so many times. Parts of the journey have been extremely tough, but there has been such joy in the friendships we have been blessed with along the way. I am so grateful for new friends and old friends, a handful who hold up my arms when I need it. Most of these precious women are scattered around the globe---some I wait years to see. But, that does not matter to me, I know that they are just an e-mail or a phone call away. True friendships are not governed by the distance between us. I KNOW that no matter where God leads our family---they will ALWAYS have a piece of my heart. Today I am grateful for those woman I truly can call my sisters---a handful of faithful friends who stick with me, no matter what. They look beyond me, the sinner, and love me for who I am in Christ. How grateful I am for them today.
From the learning rooms~~~
Our homeschool has been slightly challenging this year. We took on a curriculum that we definitely should not have. Oh, how I learn along the way. I should have listened to my gut instinct that warned me about the thing----but noooooo, I had to learn the hard way! Since the beginning of this year I have taken control again and have pretty much given up the curriculum, we just pick and choose the things we want to learn. It is working so much better---so much less stress. I'm doing it my way again. And as the saying goes---when mom's happy, everyone's happy! Right?
From the kitchen~~~
Are all the ingredients ready to make a hearty minestrone soup for dinner---wonderful on such a cold day. Together with some fresh wholewheat bread, my precious family will be satisfied with God's abundant provision.
I am wearing~~~
Jeans, a sweater and cozy socks, oh..and my slippers.
I am creating~~~
I am looking around my home and feeling the need to decorate coming on strong. Mmmmm, did I tell you that things don't stay the same around here very long (just like my hair color---which is once again VERY dark brown :) ). I love to decorate and I LOVE paint. I'm collecting paint samples and trying to decide what colors should be next. After all, after a year of looking at the same colors, I am so ready for a change :) I love to create a warm and inviting home for my family to enjoy.
I am reading~~~
Still reading Lorraine Curry's book "The Easy Homeschool Companion. How I have enjoyed reading and gleaning from her years of wisdom as a homeschool mom. I am wondering what to read next---there are so many books on my list.
I am hoping~~~
That we get quite a lot of school done this week. The weeks seem to fly by.
I am hearing~~~
The laughter of happy children sitting at our kitchen table, they're writing letters to mail to their friends.
Around the house~~~
Four loads of laundry wait to be folded and packed away, beds wait to be remade with freshly laundered linen, the dishwasher needs to be packed, toys are lying around pretty much everywhere, soup needs to be made---how lovely and beautiful it is to serve my family in ALL these things.
One of my favorite things~~~
Is to wake up early in the morning. To sit quietly with the Lord, with my Bible and my journal (and my coffee). Together we'll ponder the ups and downs in my life and in the lives of those I love. I'll pour out my heart to Him---and He'll receive every prayer I offer. So many friends and family are in such tough situations at the moment---I am STANDING with you, precious ones.
A few plans for the rest of the week~~~
Ooohhh, amazing Husband and I have a DATE on Saturday---our annual one! I know, we're sad :) We're leaving some of the kids with friends and some with a babysitter! Yes, a babysitter, what a novel idea---we have NEVER had a babysitter. We either take our kids with us wherever we go, or we just don't go out if it is not 'kid friendly'. I cannot wait to spend some quality time with the man I adore.
January 25, 2009
Let Us Pray!
Saying grace at our house has become quite hilarious. Haven has got so used to our dinner routine---we set the kids food in front of them, once everyone is seated we hold hands and Anthony says grace. As soon as she knows the moment is coming, Haven closes her eyes as tight as she can, scrunches her little nose and tries so hard to be part of what we are doing. We wait for it, peeking to watch her nightly routine---it is soooo hard to stay serious! God knows our hearts---we're grateful, even if we're distracted during grace :)
January 22, 2009
Thankful Thursday
I love my sweet friend, Linny's, idea of having a Thankful Thursday. I love the idea so much that my kids and I have set aside a Thursday as a day to offer our thankful prayers to the Father during our devotions. It is good for me, and it teaches the kids to have thankful hearts. (By the way, please continue to pray for Linny as they try to salvage precious treasures in the rubble of their destroyed home.)
So, today is Thursday---Thankful Thursday. How appropriate the timing is to share something I have been pondering in my heart.
I really do love the life that God has chosen for me. Have I always been this way? Nope! I shared here that I never imagined that God would gently lead me down this path. Two kids was IT for me. But, here I am with my five, homeschooling them and loving every minute---well, most minutes :). I absolutely have my days of thinking about how fun it would be to get a REAL job. The kind where I would drop the kids off at school, have the whole day to myself (and actually USE my brain,) and then come home just in time to make dinner. But, the times that I think those thoughts are fleeting---God always brings me back to MY reality. (I absolutely know that the lifestyle God has chosen for me, is not for everyone---this is just the road He has me on.)
My amazing (and to me, super hot :) ) husband works for a Hospice where he serves as Chaplain. He loves his job. And, he is amazing at what he does---not too many people can be fulfilled loving dying people all day. Anyway, with the nature of his work comes a lot of discussions between us---how short our time is on this earth, how we have just one shot at making it work, how we never want to have any regrets when our time comes to pass on. You get the message. With his job has come this urgency in both of us to make the MOST of what God has for us on this earth, one day at a time---no regrets, no looking back, no "darn, I should have done (blank)!" Just absolute surrender to God, and embracing ALL that He has for us.
My point? Well, I never imagined that my life would take this road. I never imagined I would NOT be a career woman---and LOVE it. I have been pondering this for days---how children truly ARE God's reward! Yes, Psalm 127:3 says that "Children are a reward from Him". Goodness, I have read that a hundred times in the past, but only recently am I getting it! I know, I know, sometimes I am just slow to GET IT. My children are His reward to me.
I LOVE what the message says about the same scripture---"Don't you see that children are God's BEST GIFT". Goodness, not just a gift but his BEST GIFT! How amazing is that? That sure does something in my heart. It tells me that there is NO greater gift that God can give me. The message continues to say that, "The fruit of the womb is His generous legacy". WOW, it really is not about the challenges of parenting, the ups and downs of raising Godly children, the daily same old, same old---it is ALL about the legacy that we leave behind, the ones who will become the next generation of mighty warriors on the earth. That really puts it all into perspective for me.
These days I am seeing my children differently, I am seeing my 'job' differently---it really is ALL about the seed that we leave behind. Will I leave behind fruitful (Godly) seed, or not?
I am so thankful today---thankful that God has chosen to bless me and my amazing hubby with His BEST GIFTS. The Webster dictionary defines "reward" as something given in return for a deed or service. Oh Lord Jesus, what did I ever do for You to deserve your BEST GIFTS? I cannot think of anything that I have done to deserve such beautiful gifts from You. My heart is overflowing with gratefulness on this Thankful Thursday.
So, today is Thursday---Thankful Thursday. How appropriate the timing is to share something I have been pondering in my heart.
I really do love the life that God has chosen for me. Have I always been this way? Nope! I shared here that I never imagined that God would gently lead me down this path. Two kids was IT for me. But, here I am with my five, homeschooling them and loving every minute---well, most minutes :). I absolutely have my days of thinking about how fun it would be to get a REAL job. The kind where I would drop the kids off at school, have the whole day to myself (and actually USE my brain,) and then come home just in time to make dinner. But, the times that I think those thoughts are fleeting---God always brings me back to MY reality. (I absolutely know that the lifestyle God has chosen for me, is not for everyone---this is just the road He has me on.)
My amazing (and to me, super hot :) ) husband works for a Hospice where he serves as Chaplain. He loves his job. And, he is amazing at what he does---not too many people can be fulfilled loving dying people all day. Anyway, with the nature of his work comes a lot of discussions between us---how short our time is on this earth, how we have just one shot at making it work, how we never want to have any regrets when our time comes to pass on. You get the message. With his job has come this urgency in both of us to make the MOST of what God has for us on this earth, one day at a time---no regrets, no looking back, no "darn, I should have done (blank)!" Just absolute surrender to God, and embracing ALL that He has for us.
My point? Well, I never imagined that my life would take this road. I never imagined I would NOT be a career woman---and LOVE it. I have been pondering this for days---how children truly ARE God's reward! Yes, Psalm 127:3 says that "Children are a reward from Him". Goodness, I have read that a hundred times in the past, but only recently am I getting it! I know, I know, sometimes I am just slow to GET IT. My children are His reward to me.
I LOVE what the message says about the same scripture---"Don't you see that children are God's BEST GIFT". Goodness, not just a gift but his BEST GIFT! How amazing is that? That sure does something in my heart. It tells me that there is NO greater gift that God can give me. The message continues to say that, "The fruit of the womb is His generous legacy". WOW, it really is not about the challenges of parenting, the ups and downs of raising Godly children, the daily same old, same old---it is ALL about the legacy that we leave behind, the ones who will become the next generation of mighty warriors on the earth. That really puts it all into perspective for me.
These days I am seeing my children differently, I am seeing my 'job' differently---it really is ALL about the seed that we leave behind. Will I leave behind fruitful (Godly) seed, or not?
I am so thankful today---thankful that God has chosen to bless me and my amazing hubby with His BEST GIFTS. The Webster dictionary defines "reward" as something given in return for a deed or service. Oh Lord Jesus, what did I ever do for You to deserve your BEST GIFTS? I cannot think of anything that I have done to deserve such beautiful gifts from You. My heart is overflowing with gratefulness on this Thankful Thursday.
January 18, 2009
Springtime---not really!
Aaaahh, the joys of living in the mountains---we never really know what the weather is going to do. But, doesn't God know just what we need, when we need it? This weekend He spoiled us with warmer days---absolute bliss. So, what does any family do when the temperature hits 50 in winter in the mountains---you head outdoors! What fun to play in the park without coats, hats, gloves and a scarf on.
While Mom and the little kids played in the park, Dad and the big boys shot some hoops.
Okay Mom---have I told you that I do NOT like the park? Yes, since Haven's school experience she has decided that the park is the enemy :) We think that she was probably overwhelmed by the mass hysteria on the playground at school. A little too much for this little petal. Just a another little hurdle to overcome. She'll once again learn that the park is a safe place.
Peek-a-boo, I see you!
Cade took a break from the monkey bars (which he finally conquered from one side to the other), to prove to me that "of course I can read, Mommy".
"Do you see my cross face, Mommy? Can you see that I DO NOT like the playground?" Dang---sometimes we mothers just don't get it! Nevertheless, she is still just absolutely beautiful---even when she pouts :)
Sweet sister, on the other hand, makes the most of EVERY opportunity. This girl lives life BIG!
I went shopping at Goodwill (which absolutely HAS to be God's gift to mothers with big families) and found these adorable dresses for the girls. They LOVE girly things. The FIRST thing they had to do was show Daddy how pretty they looked. Isn't it just amazing how little girls NEED that affirmation from Daddy? Anthony made them feel so special, and had to take a pic to show them how beautiful they are. I feel so blessed.
And last, but certainly not least---my precious daughter has kind of attached herself to an M&M; costume that we had lying around here at home. Mmmm, we have princess costumes, ballerina costumes, tutu's, you name it. But no---it HAD to be the M&M;! She will have nothing to do with any of the others. Last week we could not get this thing off her, she loves it! She must know that chocolate is one of Mommy's favorite things in the world. Aaaah, the joys!
What a blessed weekend---warm weather, time outside and just being with family. There can be nothing sweeter, for this mother. I know that the cold weather will return (we still have at least 4 months of it), but for just two days, the sun was glorious. There is nothing better than feeling the warm glow of the sun on my face. Seeing my children running and playing and enjoying the simple things in life ---like just BEING with their family, brings my heart such joy. How blessed I am with these whom He has given me.
While Mom and the little kids played in the park, Dad and the big boys shot some hoops.
Okay Mom---have I told you that I do NOT like the park? Yes, since Haven's school experience she has decided that the park is the enemy :) We think that she was probably overwhelmed by the mass hysteria on the playground at school. A little too much for this little petal. Just a another little hurdle to overcome. She'll once again learn that the park is a safe place.
Peek-a-boo, I see you!
Cade took a break from the monkey bars (which he finally conquered from one side to the other), to prove to me that "of course I can read, Mommy".
"Do you see my cross face, Mommy? Can you see that I DO NOT like the playground?" Dang---sometimes we mothers just don't get it! Nevertheless, she is still just absolutely beautiful---even when she pouts :)
Sweet sister, on the other hand, makes the most of EVERY opportunity. This girl lives life BIG!
I went shopping at Goodwill (which absolutely HAS to be God's gift to mothers with big families) and found these adorable dresses for the girls. They LOVE girly things. The FIRST thing they had to do was show Daddy how pretty they looked. Isn't it just amazing how little girls NEED that affirmation from Daddy? Anthony made them feel so special, and had to take a pic to show them how beautiful they are. I feel so blessed.
And last, but certainly not least---my precious daughter has kind of attached herself to an M&M; costume that we had lying around here at home. Mmmm, we have princess costumes, ballerina costumes, tutu's, you name it. But no---it HAD to be the M&M;! She will have nothing to do with any of the others. Last week we could not get this thing off her, she loves it! She must know that chocolate is one of Mommy's favorite things in the world. Aaaah, the joys!
What a blessed weekend---warm weather, time outside and just being with family. There can be nothing sweeter, for this mother. I know that the cold weather will return (we still have at least 4 months of it), but for just two days, the sun was glorious. There is nothing better than feeling the warm glow of the sun on my face. Seeing my children running and playing and enjoying the simple things in life ---like just BEING with their family, brings my heart such joy. How blessed I am with these whom He has given me.
January 16, 2009
The Saunders Family
The Saunders family (missing a few kids) at Christmas time. Elizabeth and Elijah had just got home from Uganda.
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Sweet friends,
PLEASE continue to pray for the Saunders family . If I thought that things just could not get any worse for them---yesterday they did! Their son ended up having an emergency surgery. My goodness, how much can one family handle? It all just seems too much!
They have lost everything they own. Their house is pretty much completely destroyed. These are amazing, truly inspiring people. Talk about pouring out their lives for the orphan! They have chosen to live a life that goes against the 'norm'---a life of sacrifice. A friend has applied to Extreme Home Makeover to have their home rebuilt. How amazing would that be? A Christian family, loving and serving God with ALL theirs hearts on EHM? Oooohhh, how God would get ALL the glory! If you have not yet read Linny's blog, PLEASE go over and read it and send them a word of encouragement. Then, go to the makeover site I just mentioned (just click on the word 'friend') and write a note about why you think they deserve this makeover. I know that ALL the comments are going to count in their application to EHM.
A few years ago the Saunders sold their huge home and scaled down to get out of debt---all so that they could bring home MORE children. Their little log home was just about 2000 sq feet. Nice an cozy with a LOT of kids :) How I am trusting God that He is going to give them beauty for ashes in all of this (literally!). That their new home is going to be bigger---just so that they can accommodate their ever-expanding family.
Come on CHURCH---let's all chip in a do our part to help a family so desperately in need. A family who truly does deserve it. Let's BE the hands and feet of Jesus!
This is the Saunders house before the fire.
-----------------------------------
UPDATE!!!!
I just read that the Saunders' beloved dog died today. Wednesday---house burns down, Thursday---son has emergency surgery, Friday-----dog dies!
Oh my goodness, time for some spiritual warfare for this family! Time to say NO MORE!
Sweet friends,
PLEASE continue to pray for the Saunders family . If I thought that things just could not get any worse for them---yesterday they did! Their son ended up having an emergency surgery. My goodness, how much can one family handle? It all just seems too much!
They have lost everything they own. Their house is pretty much completely destroyed. These are amazing, truly inspiring people. Talk about pouring out their lives for the orphan! They have chosen to live a life that goes against the 'norm'---a life of sacrifice. A friend has applied to Extreme Home Makeover to have their home rebuilt. How amazing would that be? A Christian family, loving and serving God with ALL theirs hearts on EHM? Oooohhh, how God would get ALL the glory! If you have not yet read Linny's blog, PLEASE go over and read it and send them a word of encouragement. Then, go to the makeover site I just mentioned (just click on the word 'friend') and write a note about why you think they deserve this makeover. I know that ALL the comments are going to count in their application to EHM.
A few years ago the Saunders sold their huge home and scaled down to get out of debt---all so that they could bring home MORE children. Their little log home was just about 2000 sq feet. Nice an cozy with a LOT of kids :) How I am trusting God that He is going to give them beauty for ashes in all of this (literally!). That their new home is going to be bigger---just so that they can accommodate their ever-expanding family.
Come on CHURCH---let's all chip in a do our part to help a family so desperately in need. A family who truly does deserve it. Let's BE the hands and feet of Jesus!
This is the Saunders house before the fire.
-----------------------------------
UPDATE!!!!
I just read that the Saunders' beloved dog died today. Wednesday---house burns down, Thursday---son has emergency surgery, Friday-----dog dies!
Oh my goodness, time for some spiritual warfare for this family! Time to say NO MORE!
January 14, 2009
Let's Pray!
Please pray for my friend, Linny, and her family. Today their house burned down. They have lost just about everything they own. This precious and amazing family has just got home from Uganda with not one, but two babies! And, they are waiting for travel approval to pick up their new daughter in China. That will give them 11 children--most of them through adoption. They have grown children and are starting all over again with young ones---in their 50's! They are truly incredible people---so willing to do crazy things for God.
I just cannot imagine loosing everything! Yes, it is all just STUFF, but much of it is memories accumulated over the years---that can never be replaced.
Thank you for praying for the Saunders family. Please continue to pray for sweet little Abby too.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I sit writing this and am so struck by how much NEED there is in the Body of Christ. God's people are being stretched and challenged in every area. Sickness, financial struggles, tough relationships, houses burning down, on and on!
Come on Body of Christ---let's PRAY! Not just a "yeh, I'll pray for you"---and then we never utter a single word to God about it. Uuuggg! But to truly intercede for those going through trials. Fast---get on our faces before the Father! Amazing breakthrough happens when we FAST and PRAY! I'm sure we all know of people going through hard times---let's make an effort to intercede like never before. Satan is on the prowl---he wants to destroy our marriages, our homes, our families, our employment, our children, our health, you name it. Let's rise up and say NO MORE!
There is so much need, all around us. There is POWER in the Body of Christ coming together in prayer---satan cannot stand against it!
What an amazing tool blog-world has become to let the world know of the needs of others. Join me in using our blogs to mobilize the Body---who cares if we do not know each other; prayer is prayer. God hears the cries of His people everywhere. Let's PRAY and see God move. Lets have praise reports ringing out in blog-world of ALL the amazing things that God is going to do.
I just cannot imagine loosing everything! Yes, it is all just STUFF, but much of it is memories accumulated over the years---that can never be replaced.
Thank you for praying for the Saunders family. Please continue to pray for sweet little Abby too.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I sit writing this and am so struck by how much NEED there is in the Body of Christ. God's people are being stretched and challenged in every area. Sickness, financial struggles, tough relationships, houses burning down, on and on!
Come on Body of Christ---let's PRAY! Not just a "yeh, I'll pray for you"---and then we never utter a single word to God about it. Uuuggg! But to truly intercede for those going through trials. Fast---get on our faces before the Father! Amazing breakthrough happens when we FAST and PRAY! I'm sure we all know of people going through hard times---let's make an effort to intercede like never before. Satan is on the prowl---he wants to destroy our marriages, our homes, our families, our employment, our children, our health, you name it. Let's rise up and say NO MORE!
There is so much need, all around us. There is POWER in the Body of Christ coming together in prayer---satan cannot stand against it!
What an amazing tool blog-world has become to let the world know of the needs of others. Join me in using our blogs to mobilize the Body---who cares if we do not know each other; prayer is prayer. God hears the cries of His people everywhere. Let's PRAY and see God move. Lets have praise reports ringing out in blog-world of ALL the amazing things that God is going to do.
He Sets The Lonely In Families
You may recognize Mark Richt from 'Facing the Giants'---this is his adoption testimony. I believe he is a football coach for a college. God is just so amazing---how He LOVES to set the lonely in families.
Look how precious their daughter is---abandoned because of her deformities, BUT now so loved and cherished by her parents. Oh how I love the Father!
Look how precious their daughter is---abandoned because of her deformities, BUT now so loved and cherished by her parents. Oh how I love the Father!
Beautiful
When I stand before God
at the end of my life,
I would have not a single
bit of talent left.
And I would say;
"I used everything You gave me"
~~Erma Bombeck
at the end of my life,
I would have not a single
bit of talent left.
And I would say;
"I used everything You gave me"
~~Erma Bombeck
January 13, 2009
The Riggs Family
Oh my goodness, precious friends----a call to prayer!!!!
I have added a badge on the right hand side for Abby. This sweet little girl was adopted from Guatemala, she is absolutely precious. Abby (and her family) so desperately need a MOVE OF GOD! She was diagnosed with cancer last year. Initially she was given a 70-80% chance of survival. That has recently dropped to 20%. Abby is entering her most intense time of treatment this week---and a phase where she is least likely to survive.
PLEASE commit to praying for Abby. Pray for her family as they go through this. Trusting our FAITHFUL AND TRUE God! Together, as the Body of Christ, let's carry Abby and her family through this time when everything must seem so difficult. My heart just cannot imagine.
I have added a badge on the right hand side for Abby. This sweet little girl was adopted from Guatemala, she is absolutely precious. Abby (and her family) so desperately need a MOVE OF GOD! She was diagnosed with cancer last year. Initially she was given a 70-80% chance of survival. That has recently dropped to 20%. Abby is entering her most intense time of treatment this week---and a phase where she is least likely to survive.
PLEASE commit to praying for Abby. Pray for her family as they go through this. Trusting our FAITHFUL AND TRUE God! Together, as the Body of Christ, let's carry Abby and her family through this time when everything must seem so difficult. My heart just cannot imagine.
January 12, 2009
Highest Places
Sometimes life is a funny thing, a never ending adventure. Some days I feel like I have it ALL figured out---all my ducks in a row. Other days I think I am so absolutely clueless.
Yesterday the Lord set me high upon a cliff---so high that I am afraid to look down. His reason for putting me there? Let me tell you.....
We had the most amazing time at church---the sweet, tangible presence of the LORD was there. It was one of those times in the Lord that I just did not want to end. Absolute bliss, heaven here on earth. So, there I was, minding my own business--just basking in the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit, when a prophesy was brought to the congregation. The word was SURRENDER----surrendering everything to Him.
So I said to the Lord, "Wow God, a word I sooooo understand, but I think this word is for everyone else here. You KNOW I have surrendered my all to You. You know I have been seeking to surrender in every way for the last few years. I think I'm good on this one, Lord." That message just had to be for everyone else.
NOT!
Just then, that still, small voice from heaven, "My daughter---there is ONE thing in your life that I do not have!"
"Oh my goodness, what could that be---you know I'll give it to you?"
"There is something that you have taken into your own hands. There is one thing that you have not trusted me with---I need it back. I need you to do ????? for ME. I need you to surrender it to ME so that My will can be done in this area of your life".
Oh my----not THAT! I tried so hard to reason with God as to why I just cannot do it. Yes, I gave Him my list of why it is just completely insane. In other words, "You can have anything you want, Lord, but that is just too hard, too uncomfortable, just too much".
I wondered how often I have been in this place. Where I long to surrender my ALL to the Lord, but tend to hold back when it is way out of my comfort zone. With God we are either in, or we're out. Life is so short---just a grain of sand in the bigger picture. How will I feel if I get to the end of my life with regrets---like this one thing? How will I feel if I know in my heart that I really should do something about it, but am too afraid. How will I feel if fear held me back from experiencing a HUGE blessing that God has in store for me and my family? Will I stand before Him someday and say "It was just to hard, Lord (and then proceed to give him all my pathetic excuses for NOT being obedient)". Uuuggg, I NEVER want to look back and regret.
So, here I am standing at the edge of a cliff. To take a step off the edge could be a seriously crazy thing to do. I can find a hundred reasons why I should not do it, why it is so much more comfortable to stay on the edge of the cliff. But, if God's Word is true, He promises me that if I seek FIRST the Kingdom of God, everything will be added unto me. Perhaps if I just jump off this cliff, I will find my Savior there---and the peace that passes ALL understanding will come when I have surrendered my ONE thing.
Are you like me? Do you have ONE thing that you are holding onto. Does ONE thing keep you on the cliff, instead of at the place where God has COMPLETE authority to do whatever He pleases?
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own;
it is not for man to direct his steps."
Jer 10:23
January 9, 2009
Longing
Living in the USA (and Australia before this) has been an amazing adventure. Knowing that our family is at the center of God's will brings a huge amount of peace. BUT, darn it---there are times when it is HARD to be away from the country that I grew up in. There are days when it is hard to be so far away from friends and family---from people who know me intimately and have shared my life for years.
This is one of those times. I recently became an aunt for the first time! Yay---PTL. I am so excited. But, truthfully, I also feel sadness. I am not in South Africa to hold my sweet little niece, Holly. I am not there to see her change week by week. I am not there!
This is one of those times in life when I am just counting the cost---there has to be a cost to follow Jesus. Like I have said so many times on my blog---it is never easy, is it? I mean, to follow Jesus. It is NEVER easy to lay our fleshly desires aside and FOLLOW HIM. No matter where He leads us. Obedience is the key. I know it's true---when we're obedient to FOLLOW JESUS (no matter where that leads us, or what journey He takes us on), He is faithful to take care of our every need, including bringing comfort when life just hurts!
So, that's where I am today, precious friends. Just missing and longing---but pressing in and trusting God that He will fill the place in my heart where it hurts. That place that is just longing to be with my family at this time.
Here is my dearest (and only) brother, Brett, with my sweet Holly
This is one of those times. I recently became an aunt for the first time! Yay---PTL. I am so excited. But, truthfully, I also feel sadness. I am not in South Africa to hold my sweet little niece, Holly. I am not there to see her change week by week. I am not there!
This is one of those times in life when I am just counting the cost---there has to be a cost to follow Jesus. Like I have said so many times on my blog---it is never easy, is it? I mean, to follow Jesus. It is NEVER easy to lay our fleshly desires aside and FOLLOW HIM. No matter where He leads us. Obedience is the key. I know it's true---when we're obedient to FOLLOW JESUS (no matter where that leads us, or what journey He takes us on), He is faithful to take care of our every need, including bringing comfort when life just hurts!
So, that's where I am today, precious friends. Just missing and longing---but pressing in and trusting God that He will fill the place in my heart where it hurts. That place that is just longing to be with my family at this time.
Here is my dearest (and only) brother, Brett, with my sweet Holly
January 7, 2009
Getting better
Well, life is starting to get back to 'normal' around here. Taking Haven out of school was the best thing we could have done for her---such a God thing. She is FINALLY using the toilet (willingly) again. Praise God. We have had no 'accidents' for the last two days. Yay!
School was obviously just a little too much for our sweetie. With no way to communicate; soiling her pants was obviously her way of saying "this is too much for me". Being back at home has been the best thing for her. It took a few days, but she is finally going back to the way she was. We are so grateful. Phew---what a journey.
One of the greatest challenges we have had with Haven is knowing exactly what is going on with her in times when she is distressed. I remember when my bio kids were babies, I learned what their cries meant, I became so in tune to their needs. Now here we are with an eight year old who is very much like a baby---we are still learning what her cries mean, what her facial expressions mean, why she panics in unfamiliar situations. We are learning daily how to meet her needs, just like when our newborns were placed in our arms. We mess it up often, we get it all wrong---but we're learning. Praise God for grace!
This morning I was doing Hannah-Claire's hair in pig-tails. Haven watched with a longing look on her face, a look that said "I wish I could have those in my hair too". So, I got out some hairbands and we tried. IT WORKED! Her hair is just long enough to fit in. I gave her a mirror and she posed for two hours---giggling and playing with her pig-tails. It honestly brought tears to my eyes---her hair has NEVER been this long. She just loves it. I was convinced she would pull them out after a little while. NOT! She left them in the whole day, and every now and then I would find her in the bathroom looking at herself in the mirror. Tonight when Anthony put her to bed she cried when he took her hairbands out----guess what I'll be doing FIRST thing in the morning :)
Absolute sweetness!
School was obviously just a little too much for our sweetie. With no way to communicate; soiling her pants was obviously her way of saying "this is too much for me". Being back at home has been the best thing for her. It took a few days, but she is finally going back to the way she was. We are so grateful. Phew---what a journey.
One of the greatest challenges we have had with Haven is knowing exactly what is going on with her in times when she is distressed. I remember when my bio kids were babies, I learned what their cries meant, I became so in tune to their needs. Now here we are with an eight year old who is very much like a baby---we are still learning what her cries mean, what her facial expressions mean, why she panics in unfamiliar situations. We are learning daily how to meet her needs, just like when our newborns were placed in our arms. We mess it up often, we get it all wrong---but we're learning. Praise God for grace!
This morning I was doing Hannah-Claire's hair in pig-tails. Haven watched with a longing look on her face, a look that said "I wish I could have those in my hair too". So, I got out some hairbands and we tried. IT WORKED! Her hair is just long enough to fit in. I gave her a mirror and she posed for two hours---giggling and playing with her pig-tails. It honestly brought tears to my eyes---her hair has NEVER been this long. She just loves it. I was convinced she would pull them out after a little while. NOT! She left them in the whole day, and every now and then I would find her in the bathroom looking at herself in the mirror. Tonight when Anthony put her to bed she cried when he took her hairbands out----guess what I'll be doing FIRST thing in the morning :)
Absolute sweetness!
January 4, 2009
Sometimes
Sometimes~~there is no loud shout from heaven giving us all the answers we need.
Sometimes~~we just do not feel that God is sitting beside us, audibly telling us what to do.
Sometimes~~we just need to be still...to listen to that quiet voice speaking to our hearts.
Sometimes~~the answers are not so obvious, they require us stepping out and trusting the Lord that He has indeed spoken to our hearts.
Sometimes~~we just have to go with the PEACE that we feel.
And that's what we're doing. After much prayer and taking everything into consideration---we have decided that school is not the best place for Haven, at least for now. The best place for her? HOME! We feel that she just needs to be home, where she can overcome her fears and gain confidence in a place where she feels safe. Home---where she can learn and grow in a place where she feels secure. We feel that Haven regressed so much because school was, perhaps, just a little too much, too soon.
What a tough decision---we LONG to get Haven all the intervention services she requires. BUT, we long even more to see her overcome the many fears that she faces on a daily basis. Once she is more emotionally stable, the rest will follow. She has the rest of her life to learn---for now, she just needs to be home.
Thank you, everyone, for praying as we have tried to do what is best for Haven. We are feeling at peace in this decision.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you saying:
"This is the way; walk in it"
Isaiah 30:21
Sometimes~~we just need to listen (very carefully) to the voice behind us telling us which way to walk. I am so grateful we serve a God who is not a statue that cannot speak, or a god who is dead and in the grave---NO, we serve a God who is alive and well and showing us which way to walk ALL the time.
Sometimes~~we just do not feel that God is sitting beside us, audibly telling us what to do.
Sometimes~~we just need to be still...to listen to that quiet voice speaking to our hearts.
Sometimes~~the answers are not so obvious, they require us stepping out and trusting the Lord that He has indeed spoken to our hearts.
Sometimes~~we just have to go with the PEACE that we feel.
And that's what we're doing. After much prayer and taking everything into consideration---we have decided that school is not the best place for Haven, at least for now. The best place for her? HOME! We feel that she just needs to be home, where she can overcome her fears and gain confidence in a place where she feels safe. Home---where she can learn and grow in a place where she feels secure. We feel that Haven regressed so much because school was, perhaps, just a little too much, too soon.
What a tough decision---we LONG to get Haven all the intervention services she requires. BUT, we long even more to see her overcome the many fears that she faces on a daily basis. Once she is more emotionally stable, the rest will follow. She has the rest of her life to learn---for now, she just needs to be home.
Thank you, everyone, for praying as we have tried to do what is best for Haven. We are feeling at peace in this decision.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left,
your ears will hear a voice behind you saying:
"This is the way; walk in it"
Isaiah 30:21
Sometimes~~we just need to listen (very carefully) to the voice behind us telling us which way to walk. I am so grateful we serve a God who is not a statue that cannot speak, or a god who is dead and in the grave---NO, we serve a God who is alive and well and showing us which way to walk ALL the time.
January 3, 2009
Family Time
This ball is sooooo heavy, think I can pick it up?
I got it!
Just a little bit of a run up...that's all I need
Next...come to a dead stop! Ready...aim.....
Throw it in the gutter!!! Phew, that was hard work for a four year old.
Daddy and Haven cheering the kids on.
The oldest---determined to beat his siblings
This is so much fun!
Sweet boy---who LOVES his Christmas hat!
I got it!
Just a little bit of a run up...that's all I need
Next...come to a dead stop! Ready...aim.....
Throw it in the gutter!!! Phew, that was hard work for a four year old.
Daddy and Haven cheering the kids on.
The oldest---determined to beat his siblings
This is so much fun!
Sweet boy---who LOVES his Christmas hat!
January 1, 2009
New Beginnings
I LOVE new beginnings! I love change---and all that comes with it. I love the beginning of a new year. There is a newness about it---an opportunity to kind of start all over again.
Today is a new beginning. This new year, I am being purposeful to reflect on the year ahead. For me, it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of day-to-day life, that I forget to live my life with PURPOSE!
I am so not a new years resolution kind of girl---I gave that up after twenty years of failed attempts (Maybe I need to work on being more disciplined :) ). But, I love being able to examine my heart, my life and my dreams at this time of year.
I thought I would share with you some of the things that are important to me in the year ahead...
~~~Yes, the first is ALWAYS to spend more time with my Father in heaven. Quality time.
~~~To learn more and more what it means to serve my family with my whole heart.
~~~Learning daily how to be the wife that God (and Anthony) needs me to be.
~~~To be so content and secure in what the Lord has called me to do in this life---to always stay on the narrow road that God has me on, and to be content with it.
~~~To have a heart that is SATISFIED---with little or much.
~~~To allow God to STRETCH my faith more and more. I long to be a person of faith---no matter what life throws my way, to ALWAYS stand on the ROCK!
~~~To live a life out of the box---never being content with the 'ordinary', but allowing God to do whatever He wants to with my family.
~~~To learn what the true meaning of SURRENDER is. Absolute dependence on God.
~~~To have the faith to trust my God for the dreams He has placed in my heart---some of them seem so ridiculous, so out of my reach. To trust Him for the greatest desire of my heart--- still an unanswered prayer.
~~~To learn to TRUST God with all my heart---knowing that He knows best.
Last night we watched Facing the Giants as a family. We have seen it several times. But, as we watched it last night both Anthony and I wept---being reminded (through a movie) that God is MORE THAN ABLE! That with Him, ALL things are possible. That there is no mountain we cannot climb with our Father---ALL He requires is a surrendered heart, a heart that that is willing to say "whatever, Lord, have Your will and have Your way!".
In one part of Facing the Giants, a prayer warrior is giving Grant Taylor an analogy of two farmers planting their fields in a time of drought. One farmer prepared his land to RECEIVE the rain, the other did not. Which farmer was blessed with crops when the rain eventually came? The one who PREPARED his soil. I want to be ready for God to move---I want my 'soil' to be ready to RECEIVE all that God has for me and my family. I want my heart, my home, my husband, my children---everything, to be READY TO RECEIVE! The times of drought do not last forever, precious friends---the RAIN does eventually come.
Let me leave you with this on this, the first day of a new year....
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
YET, I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength,
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights.
Hab 3:17-19
God is FAITHFUL and TRUE. Yes, the rain DOES eventually come---will you prepare your soil with me in 2009?
His love endures forever!!!
Today is a new beginning. This new year, I am being purposeful to reflect on the year ahead. For me, it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of day-to-day life, that I forget to live my life with PURPOSE!
I am so not a new years resolution kind of girl---I gave that up after twenty years of failed attempts (Maybe I need to work on being more disciplined :) ). But, I love being able to examine my heart, my life and my dreams at this time of year.
I thought I would share with you some of the things that are important to me in the year ahead...
~~~Yes, the first is ALWAYS to spend more time with my Father in heaven. Quality time.
~~~To learn more and more what it means to serve my family with my whole heart.
~~~Learning daily how to be the wife that God (and Anthony) needs me to be.
~~~To be so content and secure in what the Lord has called me to do in this life---to always stay on the narrow road that God has me on, and to be content with it.
~~~To have a heart that is SATISFIED---with little or much.
~~~To allow God to STRETCH my faith more and more. I long to be a person of faith---no matter what life throws my way, to ALWAYS stand on the ROCK!
~~~To live a life out of the box---never being content with the 'ordinary', but allowing God to do whatever He wants to with my family.
~~~To learn what the true meaning of SURRENDER is. Absolute dependence on God.
~~~To have the faith to trust my God for the dreams He has placed in my heart---some of them seem so ridiculous, so out of my reach. To trust Him for the greatest desire of my heart--- still an unanswered prayer.
~~~To learn to TRUST God with all my heart---knowing that He knows best.
Last night we watched Facing the Giants as a family. We have seen it several times. But, as we watched it last night both Anthony and I wept---being reminded (through a movie) that God is MORE THAN ABLE! That with Him, ALL things are possible. That there is no mountain we cannot climb with our Father---ALL He requires is a surrendered heart, a heart that that is willing to say "whatever, Lord, have Your will and have Your way!".
In one part of Facing the Giants, a prayer warrior is giving Grant Taylor an analogy of two farmers planting their fields in a time of drought. One farmer prepared his land to RECEIVE the rain, the other did not. Which farmer was blessed with crops when the rain eventually came? The one who PREPARED his soil. I want to be ready for God to move---I want my 'soil' to be ready to RECEIVE all that God has for me and my family. I want my heart, my home, my husband, my children---everything, to be READY TO RECEIVE! The times of drought do not last forever, precious friends---the RAIN does eventually come.
Let me leave you with this on this, the first day of a new year....
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
YET, I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength,
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights.
Hab 3:17-19
God is FAITHFUL and TRUE. Yes, the rain DOES eventually come---will you prepare your soil with me in 2009?
His love endures forever!!!
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