Because life is like a bowl of marbles...

We have moved ...... but just right down the road

2012-01-26T12:53:00.001-05:00

So- this is going to be a short post- due to the fact that I am buried in boxes- but wanted to let you all know we moved this week. As I type on my little lap I am tired, thankful, tired, feeling blessed, and well.... tired.

Will post pictures later. Right now all you would see are Home Depot boxes- and if you really want to see those you could run out to your friendly Home Depot yourself!

Love you bloggy buddies!

Sweet Sounds

2012-01-10T17:50:00.003-05:00

This is the first time this baby hears his Mom's voice. How sweet when we know the voice of our heavenly father. Happy Tuesday

Things that should be complete......but they are not

2012-01-08T21:43:00.001-05:00

1. All of my lessons for Because of the times. The positive thing is that I DO have my theme/a lot of the materials purchased and know what games/prayer points I am covering. Yay me.

2. Thank you notes from Christmas. They have been written but don't add stamps to themselves do they?

3. Packing. We close on a house in one week and I don't have one box packed- yet what am I doing to avoid it at the current moment? Blogging. Do you feel the love? Emma however has packed 9 boxes and keeps reminding me that I need to step it up!

4. My list of goals for the year- I try to make a list every year. Has not happened yet. I guess on the bright side- my short term goals could be to complete this list.

5. Laundry- Wow the only person that I know in the universe that has their laundry always done is my sister-in-law. But she also has other super hero qualities.

6. Paint colors picked out- while I am at BOTT my amazing husband offered to paint some of the rooms of the glowing white home. Help - I am thinking of doing the same colors I picked out for our home in NC- but that is so five years ago- literally.

7. Organized my Q-tips in alphabetical order. Project needed completing when Numbers 1-6 are pending.

I hope you all have had a great weekend and you are off to an amazing new year. Love you all- I am off to tuck someone in bed. She just reminded me I am two day behind on her nightly devotional. I think number 8 is on the way :)

To be led

2012-01-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

Thoughts that keep tumbling in my mind today-

Please let there be less of me and more of you.

Please give me wisdom for each situation that I face today. Help my answers to be the answers that you would give- help me to lose my sarcasm button for one day.

Help me to know that you are in control. No matter how things look to me I need the authentic leadership of your Spirit in my life.

Many times when I cry out to HIM for wisdom it is not just for circumstances or situations but it also involves warm blooded people. People that can be hurt, misunderstood, misled, or caused to stumble.

I am led back to James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him."

Here it is in the amplified version-
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of he giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

Here it is in "the images that come to my mind" version (not sold in bookstores across North America)-
If anyone is deficient in wisdom- (that is me standing with my little white flag before the Lord). The great promise of this scripture is that he says he gives to everyone liberally (think of your Grandma's mashed potato portions), and undgrudgingly (like when someone gives you the last cooking from the jar), without reproaching (erase the ugly finger pointing face from your mind- pronto), or faultfinding (what a relief).

So He knows we need wisdom

He is waiting with the answers
He will not judge us, make a- "Wow you are so ignorant" list. Instead he is pleased that we have looked to him. He is ready and willing to be in daily relationship with us.

God pour out your wisdom on all of us today. Help us to have ears to hear what your spirit is saying to us and the Godly Sense to carry it out. In Jesus Name- Amen

Stage Fright

2012-01-04T00:59:00.001-05:00

I guess I truly can't explain my lack of blogging these past few months other than two words- Stage Fright.

I have this same dream over and over when under pressure. I am to be in a play. Everyone around me has on their costumes, their lines have been memorized, they are in places. I however am dressed in my every day clothes, I don't know where to stand, and I know that I have not even looked over my script much less memorized it. Regardless of my lack of preparation the curtain opens and I wake up - freaking out. Some wake up right after I open up my mouth- and -Nothing. Sometimes I wake up when the curtain opens.

Somehow the more I choose to not blog- the more I feel I have lost my footing- the fear of the curtain opening. But I chose to ignore it and taking the plunge. OH for the love of Pete Cylinda please stop blogging about blogging. Okay- 'nough said.

The girls were not happy to head to bed tonight- oh the dread of the first day back at school. I can still remember that feeling in the pit of my stomach when vacation and lazy days were over. My girls have taken full advantage of their last hours of vacation and have kicked into not moving mode!

So nothing going on here- I am getting my lessons ready for the MK class at BOTT which starts in two weeks, have been getting caught up on other MK lovely items, we are closing on a house in two weeks, and I have not packed box 1.

Seanna and I were in the picture taking mode the other night so to liven up this ~~lame excuse for a blog~~ entry I will close with some of our handy work. For those of you that are in my age category no references to Sally Jesse Rafael needed. Thanks!

Can it really be??? A New Blog Post....

2011-12-28T12:35:00.001-05:00

I had to smile the other day when I got an email from a friend who chastened me that I had not been blogging. I really did not know she even followed this blog. She is not on the "follower" list, she does not comment, and rarely do I hear from here in general. Her words were kind as she said that I actually had ministered a time or two to her. So thanks Sandy for spurring me on to good works. I will do better!

I hope you and your family had a great Christmas. We were doubly blessed this year to have John's family at our home for a week. During the same time my brother and his family were with my parents- so we had a double Christmas. It was good to be with family again. John's family headed out yesterday and my brother and his family on Monday. Amazing how the Christmas tree and all of the decorations just sit and stare at you quietly asking when they will be placed back in their boxes. I for one have ignored their rustling and have gone about my business.

Milestone moment for us this week was when my oldest left this morning for the AR Holiday Youth Convention. Kind of felt like that first day of kindergarten as I dropped her off. I didn't even get out of the car and hug her since that would be horrifying for anyone in the 7th grade.

MK Ministries has been so blessed with individuals, Sunday School classes, youth groups, and churches getting on board to send Christmas Gifts to our MKs. Amazing response. We currently have a drive to provide an e-reader (Kindle or Nook) to each on-site MK. If you would like to get involved with this project email me- I will be happy direct you to the online credit card giving link.

On a personal note- I have been trying to do a lot of kingdom praying. I was recently at a Kids Prayer seminar and was deeply reminded of the commandment in Luke 12:31 "But above all else seek the Kingdom of God, and He will give you everything you need." It is my responsibility to put kingdom prayers as a priority. I want my girls to know that HIS kingdom comes first and then our needs. How can I teach this if I don't example it myself?

To all of my friends, family, and bloggy buddies thanks for being there this year. Your prayers have sustained me every day. To those who invited me to speak to your amazing ladies groups and youth groups around the globe- thank you - They have impacted my life and taken residence in my heart!

Thank you Ladies Ministries

2011-11-01T12:32:00.000-04:00

Emma Praying at General Conference

2011-10-18T14:04:00.002-04:00

I just walk around by myself a lot smiling and hoping.......

2011-10-06T00:05:00.000-04:00

I don't have a group to hang around with- so I just walk around by myself a lot smiling and just hoping that someone will ask me to come over and hang out with them.

That is a private conversation that I had with a little girl that lives in my house this week.

The struggles of moving into a different school
The struggles of finding that perfect fit
The stuggles of dealing with friends moving on and not taking you with them.
The struggles of not having that person who will sit and giggle with you the entire 1380 seconds of your lunch break.

My heart has been broken this week.

Not just for the seeing and hearing about the daily throws of the trials of growing up
But my heart has broken because I can't wave a wand and just fix it- I can't make it all better.

So in the busiest week of my life- I have been stopping a lot to give hugs, to laugh extra long at the jokes she tells me, to surprise her with not-so-ovious little gifts- and to compliment even the tiniest of accomplishments.

As I sat and prayed for her this afternoon I thought of how HE must feel when we are not connecting.
How it must hurt him all the more knowing that he stands ready with the answers, the solutions, the balm of Gilead- but we don't stop to talk to HIM about it. We run to every resource but him.

I asked the Lord to forgive me for trying to be the Belle of the Ball and not pausing long enough to thank the HOST of my life for having me over.

As for my little one- she will make it. She will emerge stronger because of this. After tucking her in and saying prayers with her tonight I came back to my computer to finish up some work. She sent me a text from her phone. It simply said- Mom thanks for loving me and being there for me. You make even bad days great.

Tomorrow at 6:00 AM we start this whole process again. She is going to have a great day!

Feeling Overwhelmed?

2011-09-28T09:49:00.000-04:00

Don't be- HE has it all in control!

Jehovah - The Lord - Exodus 6:2-3
Jehovah-Adon Kal Ha'arets- Lord of Earth - Josh 3:13
Jehovah-Bara - Lord Creator - Isaiah 40:28
Jehovah-Chatsahi - Lord my Strength - Psalm 27:1
Jehovah-Eli - Lord my God - Psalm 18:2
Jehovah-Gador Milchamah - Mighty in Battle - Ps 24:8
Jehovah-Ganan - Lord Our Defense - Ps 89:18
Jehovah-Go'el - Lord My Redeemer - Is. 49:26, 60:16
Jehovah-Hashopet - Lord My Judge - Judges 11:27
Jehovah-Helech 'Olam - Lord King Forever Ps10:16
Jehovah-Hoshe'ah - Lord Saves - Psalm 20:9
Jehovah-Jireh - Provider - Gen. 22:14, I John 4:9, Philip 4:19
Jehovah-Keren-Yish'i - Horn of Salvation - Ps 18:2
Jehovah-M'Kaddesh - Sanctifier - I Corinthians 1:30
Jehovah-Machsi - Lord my Refuge - Psalm 91:9
Jehovah-Magen - Lord my Shield - Deut. 33:29
Jehovah-Ma'oz - Lord my Fortress - Jer. 16:19
Jehovah-Mephalti - Lord my Deliverer - Psalm 18:2
Jehovah-Metshodhathi - Lord my Fortress - Psalm 18:2
Jehovah-Misqabbi - Lord my High Tower - Psalm 18:2
Jehovah-M'gaddishcem - Lord my Sanctifier - Ex 31:13
Jehovah-Naheh - Lord who Smites - Ezekiel 7:9
Jehovah-Nissi - Banner - I Chronicles 29:11-13
Jehovah-Rohi - Shepherd - Psalm 23
Jehovah-Rophe - Healer - Isaiah 53:4,5
Jehovah-Sabaoth - Lord of Hosts - I Sam 1:3
Jehovah-Sel'i - Lord my Rock - Psalm 18:2
Jehovah-Shalom - Peace - Isaiah 9:6, Rom 8:31-35
Jehovah-Shammah - Present - Hebrews 13:5
Jehovah-Tsidkenu - Righteousness - I Cor 1:30
Jehovah-Tsori - Lord my Strength - Psalm 19:14
Jehovah-Yasha - Lord my Savior - Isaiah 49:26
Jehovah-'Ez-Lami - Lord my Strength - Ps 28:7
Jehovah-'Immeku - Lord Is With You - Judges 6:12
Jehovah-'Izoa Hakaboth - Lord Strong -Mighty - Ps 24:8
Jehovah-'Ori - Lord my Light - Psalm 27:1
Jehovah-'Uzam - Lord Strength in Trouble - Is 49:26

We need each other....

2011-09-26T16:21:00.000-04:00

This picture is from an article called "The Rescuing Hug". The article details the first week of life of a set of twins. Each were in their respective incubators and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two, threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace.

The smaller baby's heart stabilized and temperature rose to normal.

Wise words from fellow blogger- Curtis Scott

2011-09-19T16:18:00.000-04:00

This is from Fellow Blogger- Curtis Scott- Amazing Words that I needed today-

Jesus was the son of a carpenter. As such, wood and nails literally sustained his life. They were the tools of his father’s trade, the materials that put food on the table. In the end, wood and nails were the tools that facilitated his death at Calvary. The things that supported life later helped take it away.

I’m asking the Lord for the wisdom to know what things were once supportive that I should let go of today.

Feel Good Friday

2011-09-16T15:06:00.001-04:00

He had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire. She is pregnant. The firefighter was afraid of her at first, because he had never been around a Doberman before. When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest. A photographer from the Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper, “The Observer,” noticed this red Doberman in the distance looking at the fireman. He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and wondered what she was going to do. As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her babies, and kissed him, just as the photographer snapped this photograph.

If you work with Children's Ministry this is a great song-

2011-09-14T11:50:00.002-04:00

Greater is He from Kids on the Move on Vimeo.

Scratch and Sniff Pizza T-shirts, Cloud Swimsuits, and Dented Hair.

2011-08-18T11:49:00.000-04:00

For some reason today- memories flooded back to me of some of the horrible things I wore to school.

1. My scratch and sniff pizza T-shirt.
2. For Swimming class - my blue and white polyester cloud swimsuit with matching cloud coverup-
3. Green and red polyester dress (dress was green with red/green striped collar and sleeves) this was worn all throughout the year.
4. In 5th grade I had to do my own hair- (yep it was as bad as it sounded) and I put my hair clip in the same place every day- until it was like a permanent ridge in my hair.
5. My Country Day School White and Orange T-shirt with an A-line polyester black skirt.

Are you seeing a theme yet? All things Polyester Lived in My House. Might have been my era. I bet it cut down on ironing. Did I mention I grew up in St. Croix - USVI- as in HOT all year.

I am pictured above with my best friend Troy, my brother Steve (holding Tiny), and my lovely red and green polyester dazzle outfit. Don't be a hater. You can get your own polyester and sweat too! BTW what is up with the yellow hair clips and blue bows? Full rainbow effect on my head!

Is that a yellow bus at the gas station?

2011-08-13T13:58:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I saw a big yellow bus filling up at the gas station. HELP SCHOOL STARTS ON MONDAY.

This summer has flown by with trip to Madagascar, Kenya, Crusaders Camp, trip to China, Singapore, Drama & Music Camp- and a 3 day stay-cation for my family. Feeling blessed beyond measure.

Prayerful for all of our kids as they return back to school. Here is a great prayer to pray over all of our kids.

A Back to School Prayer
by Tonya Nash Lord, I pray that you be with every child that is returning back to school this year. Protect them as they wait at the bus stop, ride the bus, travel by car, or walk to school. Keep them safe from dangers seen and unseen. Help our school crossing guards and bus drivers to remain attentive on their jobs.
Give our children favor with their teachers and help them to pay attention in class. Let this be their best year yet for academics, sports, and fine arts.
Be with our children’s teachers this year. Help them to teach in ways that each student can understand. Let them have reasonable expectations of our children and give them patience whenever their patience meter is running low. Bless the teachers with administrative support whenever needed.
Help our children to stand against peer pressure. Empower them to make decisions that will be pleasing in your sight. Surround them with good friends that are positive influences. Keep drugs and alcohol out of their reach. Help our children to keep their hormones in check, avoiding sex before marriage. Protect our children from bullies and those that mean them harm. Help them to work out their problems instead of fighting with each other.
And finally Lord, help us as parents to be even more supportive of our children this year. Strengthen our discernment. Let us know when something is going on with our children. Help us to keep them on track with their homework and study time. Help us to remember all of the subjects that we took many years ago so that we can be effective in helping our children complete their homework. Provide for us financially so that we can allow our children to go on field trips, buy school yearbooks and pictures, have appropriate clothing for the seasons, school supplies, or whatever else our children need to enhance their educational experience. Give us favor on our jobs so that we may be able to attend activities that our children may have during the work day. Remind us of the need to pray daily for our children.
In Jesus’s Name,
Amen

Is that Pee splashing on my head?

2011-07-24T13:57:00.000-04:00

The Chicago waiting room was crowded, jammed with people of all ages and all walks of life. Older Chinese men stood with their mouth open as the custodian changed the bag in the trash can. It must have been the neatest thing they had seen all day.

Couples that were traveling with empty car seats- I can only imagine to take home newly adopted babies. Families that were returning with their adopted daughters to visit their homeland. Business men. Business men who were clearly married making moves on single Chinese girls.

Then there was "Andrea" and" Megan". Those are the names that I gave to the American high schoolers going on a group trip to China. Andrea arrived at the gate first. Her nails shone brightly with her fresh green polish. She looked quickly at those around her and must have thought I looked harmless enough to sit by. She pulled out her I-phone, earphones, and a journal. Ready for personal avoidance she was lost in the letters on her pink zebra journal. She had an ID badge on her bag. She was with the group. Next came the "leader “who introduced Megan to Andrea. After the polite hellos Andrea got up and left. Megan looked at me with a thin smile. Looking for any sort of human contact. I tried to give her the most comforting smile I could. She looked scared out of her mind. She had thick blond hair and eyelashes that would fan you as they flittered. With her ID badge remaining tightly around her neck she quickly pulled out her IPod Touch, her phone, and her beige journal and started feverishly writing. At this point I am unsure if it is a requirement to journal to be a part of the group. But if it is- they get an A+.

I called and texted my goodbyes to my loved ones. John reminded me that it was my turn for a "good" seatmate. I always end up with adventures on the plane. I said- yes- I had already prayed for that. Getting ready to board I was told my seat had been changed to two rows closer to the front. Great. As I sat down I was later met by the most pleasant American business man. He has been to China 8 times and was most gracious. We had an empty seat between us. Just enough room for my guardian angel.

All was going well until lunch service started in the cabin. Suddenly the ceiling starts pouring out water on to the center seat in front of us. The man next to me starts yelling- is that pee splashing on my head? At the same time water starts pouring out of row 21 and 22 on the other side of the plane. It was even more forceful over there. Gails of water are washing on their heads. The flight attendants did not know what to do. Paper towels, linens, and blankets were not stopping the steady flow. I was holding about 25 paper towels and it was still pouring down. Finally one of the pilots came back and told us that the upstairs galley had poured 1/2 a coffee pot of water down their drain. The drain comes between seats 21 and 22 and there was a block in the plumbing causing it to leak. I was so excited that I was the "chosen" one on our side to hold the towels, blankets, and linens as the flight attendants finished their meal service. Finally the water stopped. That must have been the biggest pot of coffee in the world. Everyone around me was done eating when I started in on my tasty meat and potatoes. The man next to me said- wow- you sure have a great attitude about all of this. You act like you go through this every day. I said sir when I fly I expect adventure and I am never disappointed.

We are now 6 hours into the flight and everyone is asleep around me. It looks like a blanket tornado has hit the plane. Mouths are open, snoring is in full chorus, and all modesty is lost. What am I doing? Typing, going to the bathroom about every 15 minutes, and pacing. I am not a good "sitter “or "sleeper" on flights.

Well that’s about all folks. Just wanted to update from my soggy seat- reporting from seat 22 H- over and out!

Funnies from the road

2011-07-14T17:15:00.003-04:00

So just in case from reading two post ago you think- wow there was nothing funny that happened on her trip? Um- yes there was. That magical post was an article I wrote.

I did not include things like:

1. My luggage did not arrive until a week and a day later- so I had the same clothes on for 8 days (that includes travel time). Thank God Paula had a washer. The outfit was a black skirt, white long sleeved tissue t-shirt, and a black sweater vest type thing. In the pictures above it was only like day 2 and three. The shirt still looked white and the vest has some form to it. Not so much after ~~sweating~~ speaking in it for 5 sessions. I was so sick of it when I arrived in Kenya and saw my bags I put my old outfit in the trash. Yep. I did. I have a sneaky feeling that Francis's (the Crumpacker's helper) wife has a new black and white outfit.

2. When we were in Nairobi I was in desperate search for an avacado. I was in the fruit market and a guy comes up from behind me and says "Can you Shake it?" I turned around was puzzled. He said when you shake the avacado and you can hear the pit rolling around in the middle it was ripe. I bought the avacado. It was not ripe. Thanks for the disturbing comment Mr. "I don't know my fruit man."

3. When I was flying from Little Rock to Chicago I looked in my bag to realize that I did not have my epi-pen with me. I am deadly allergic to all seafood and fish. To the point that if I eat something fried in the same oil I will immediately be dealing with a closed throat and it only gets better from there. I sent an email to Paula and gave her a heads up. When we arrived we found out that the medical missionary that they deal with had a vile of Epinephrine but not an adult pen. He had his toddler's pen that he said I could take. He told Paula if I had any problems that she could give me the dosage with a needle and vile he provided us with. He also added that if she gave me 1 cc too much I would die of a heart attack. All the while I was smiling and trying not to sweat in my one outfit but assured him that all would be well. I was thinking on the drive back to their house. Great I don't think our will has been updated- and I will die in this ugly outfit. Why did I ever bye this ugly sweater vest from 1/2 of 1/2 in the first place? If I did die in this outfit would they make me something to bury me in so I would not be buried in black and white?

I did not have to use the toddler epi-pen, nor did Paula give me a shot. I had a close call in one of the Pastor's homes. They served a lovely white inclusion in the veggie appetizer- calamari. God is faithful and I did not eat it.

4. When I arrived into Istanbul I was staying at a hotel in the historic district. I changed money. Got my luggage and went out to get a taxi. The older gentleman without teeth led me to a second taxi driver who did not speak English. I had the paper with my address and asked him by hand signals if he knew where he was going? He shrugged. I pointed to the phone number and made a call them signal. He called and then gave me the thumbs up. I asked how much he said the amount. I said OK. We drove and drove and drove. I knew that we were close when I started recognizing things from the area I was to stay in. He was a horrible driver that was yelling and screaming at the traffic. Very relaxing after the long flight. So he then takes me to a side road and in his anger hits a restaurant sign. He really blew up at that point and went back to the main road. He told me to get out (again all by gestures) I told him no. He said yes. He then got out and opened up the trunk and took out my luggage. I said okay. He asked for the full fare. I said no. So I gave him part of the fare. I stood on the side of the road and really wished I could see my guardian angels even though I knew they were near. I waited for about 4-5 minutes- saw a second taxi and he pulled over. He did not speak English. He did know where the hotel was and I was at the hotel in about 10 minutes. When I got to the hotel I just about kissed the entrance- but there was the whole- how do I rub Purel on my lips and kiss the floor then rub Purel on my lips without looking like a weirdo thing- so I opted not to.

5. On the way back to Little Rock from Istanbul I litterally was checked by security or passport control 8 times. I kid you not. It was like I might as well have duck taped the thing on my chest to save time. I was about ready to- then I thought - that is not a good look for me - so continued to smile and give it to them when needed. Also when I got home- how would I get the sticky residue off of my passport? I am a thinker people.

When we were in the ~~holding cell~~ waiting room before another check I noticed a lady that was traveling with one of the hairiest cats in the planet. It was huge and hairy. Oh I am sorry I already mentioned that. So I thought- great- watch me get stuck with her for the entire flight home. Did I mention in number 3 that I am also allergic to cats? Nope- my bad. Here I'll put that out for you- I am also allergic to cats. So I board- (yep I go when they call the elite travelers even though I am not elite I felt elite after this trip so I thought why not)- I sit in my ~~hard~~ comfy seat and wait to meet my seat mate. Cat lady is slowly approaching, she walks by and a cloud of fur gathers on my skirt. I exhale only to find her circling back and says oh- here is 9b. I could not see the numbers. She puts the cat next to me and says- oh I hope you are not allergic to cats- we are here. I said actually I am- and there is no way this is going to work. At this point I was ready to take the cat and leave it in ~~the bathroom~~ the waiting room just to get rid of the 7 inches of fur that attached to my body. I tried to make eye contact with anyone who had eyeballs ready to depart quickly. I finally saw a lady two seats back. I said are you allergic to cats? She said no. I said would you please change seats with me? This lady has a cat and I am most allergic to them. She answered back in Turkish. I then began gestures of all gestures until the man behind me could not take it any more and spoke to me in English and her in Turkish. She agreed and I ~~kissed~~ ~~her~~ gleefully went to her seat. Close call my friends, close call.

Follow us on Twitter....

2011-07-14T16:22:00.000-04:00

You can follow MK Ministries on Twitter now @upwithmks

Long Over Due- Madagascar/Kenya/Turkey Thoughts

2011-07-12T14:38:00.001-04:00

I have been asked to do a couple of articles on my trip- so here is what I wrote. I finally got pictures posted this week on to FB and started writing again. Don’t pass out or anything. Thank you all for your patience and your notes saying you didn't hate me for not blogging :)

--------------------------------------

Madagascar is a beautiful country filled with rice fields, rolling hills, beautiful people, and even a few lemurs. It was a great honor to be able to visit the country of Madagascar and speak at their national ladies conference. Chris and Paula Richardson- both MKs are doing an excellent job in the work there. Chris is the third generation of the Richardson family that has worked in this nation. The work is strong and has an excellent foundation and is thriving and growing. The work in Madagascar is a great example of what the Lord will do through a single vision leadership. All of their churches are at capacity and their Bible School produces new workers every year. It was so moving to meet some of the leadership there. They are some of the most gracious and caring people you will meet.

Their worship is lively and there is a deepness about the people that you don’t often find even in thriving churches in North America. Chris and Paula are both excellent translators in the Malagasy language. Paula works on translating books into their language. They have a full printing press where the people can purchase songbooks, Bibles, and several other books. Again- growing people is their passion and it is evident in everything they do.

Jared and Richae are their two MKs. Jared is homeschooled there in Madagascar. Jared is one of the smartest MKs you will meet. He has a tender heart towards others and loves to laugh and make those around him laugh and have fun. He is doing excellent in school and will be leaving in the fall to attend Rift Valley Academy. RVA is a boarding school for MKs from around the world. Richae currently attends RVA. Chris attended this school when he was a teenager in Madagascar.

After leaving Madagascar I was able to travel to Nairobi Kenya and be with Mary, Warren, and Joash Groves. We were joined there by Richae who was on a long weekend break from her school. We had a great time of laughing, eating, and even went on a brief safari there in Nairobi. Mary is driving in Nairobi and doing an excellent job at attending college there. Mary has such a warm heart and a compassionate spirit. Warren is finishing up school and in the middle of writing a book. He is talented in so many ways. Joash is such a joy to be around. He is a natural comedian and full of life. He is also working on school in the ACE program. They are all 100% involved in the work of God and had recently helped their parents in a service where they did children’s ministry. They are doing such a great job in Nairobi!

We had a great time of devotion together on Sunday morning and God’s presence was there as we opened up and shared and prayed for each other. Of course we had to complete the afternoon with a great meal at the Nairobi Java House- an excellent restaurant if you ever get a chance to head to Kenya.

After a great weekend we headed north to the Rift Valley Academy otherwise known as home away from home for Richae. She has fully adapted into her boarding school culture. She is a natural leader and is loved and admired by all that meet her. She does excellent in her studies and applies herself in extracurricular activities as well. Her school has weekend outings where they go and minister to kids who are handicapped and also minister in a home which houses HIV positive children.

Rift Valley Academy is an amazing school. It was an honor to visit her school where so many of our Mks have attended. This is a school for MKs that has been in existence for 100 years. All of the teachers are fully sponsored to teach there which keeps the curriculum price down for the student. It was pretty awe inspiriting to realize that you are on a campus with 506 Missionary Kids. They start with Elementary age up to grade 12. It was a pleasure to see the campus, eat with Richae, and meet some of her friends. The Lord opened up a door to minister to the 9^th and 10^th grade girls. It was a special time for sure.

After returning to Nairobi it was a pleasure to have dinner with missionaries- Poitras, Sisco, Crumpackers, and even had a short time with the Smoaks. All of them as so special to me and I felt like this was a just a bonus from the Lord. I would love to have stayed up all night and hear their stories and ask even more questions than I did but I knew that I had a 3 AM departure the next morning.

Thank you Melinda, Candra, Jason, Jill, Orrin, and Gordon for sharing your parents and grandparents with the world. I know that there is not a day that goes by that you don’t think of them and wonder what they are doing on the other side of the world. Your daily sacrifice is noticed not only by those around you but greater yet- your reward is growing in heaven. I know there are days when it seems unfair, hard, and even lonely and for this I want to say- Thank you. You have every right to be proud of your parents. I know that I sure am. The last night I was in Africa I found myself at the side of my twin bed thanking the Lord for those that said yes to the call and pleading with the Lord to send others to fill shoes of those that are getting close to the retirement age. Who will go? The need for workers is so great. Where are the laborers?

After our sad goodbyes (a hard thing for all MKs) I headed off to Turkey for a day’s adventure with MK Rebecca Turner. She has been living in Istanbul teaching English for the past 5 years. Her life and burden really touched my heart. After prying into what prompted her to head to Turkey she told me of sitting in a Foreign Missions service at General Conference and seeing Else Lunds shoes on the stage. The question was asked- who will fill her shoes? Who will go? She knew that she had to do whatever she could for the kingdom. Her path led her to Istanbul where she has taught English in a private school. She has hosted many guest and has been a strength to the work there. We had a great time eating together, visiting the location of the orient express, seeing the blue mosque, and going through the spice market.

At the completion of this trip I found myself to be really reflective. I did not want to open up to anyone about the things I had experienced until I could wrap my brain around them myself. I want to thank Jerry and Vicki Richardson for having faith that I wouldn’t flop at the Ladies Conference in Madagascar. What a leap of faith you took. Thank you Paula and Chris Richardson, the Groves, the Crumpackers, and Rebecca Turner for your excellent hosting while in each country. Thank you even more so for your burden for missions and saying yes when others said no. I know that you have times of sacrifice, that you miss you friends and family in the US but you have remained strong and have chosen the path that few take. You and your families are and inspiration to all of us.

As an MK I find that each country I visit wraps itself around my heart. I remember as a teen and even an adult praying – God send me – I am available. Imagine my surprise when God would call me to minister to the very children, teens, and young adults of all of the nations. You all are my true heroes. If I can ever serve you or your family in any capacity- I think I speak for all of our team when I say- we are here for you. Thank you for saying yes to the call. Your life is a remarkable one. Embrace your journey, live your life hard, and know that you being used of God in such a great way we can’t help but marvel! You are loved and remembered daily in prayer. I guess we can sum it up by saying- you have my heart!

Leaving on a jet plane

2011-05-26T16:34:00.000-04:00

So I am in the midst of getting out the door. Wanted to tell you all bye and the next time you will hear from me I will either be in Turkey, or Madagascar, or Kenya.

Prayers appreciated.

Love you all.

PS Pray for Seanna- she got braces on today- Pray for JOHN with them both :)

Emma and Lexi singing Blessings

2011-05-23T16:19:00.000-04:00

Emma and Lexi sang "Blessings" yesterday. They did an excellent job. Emma is singing verse one- Lexi verse two. Emma has only been playing a couple of months. Thanks to her piano teacher- Carolyn Gimnich and Kerri Moore for helping them with this.

Kidzlife Service- Let God Be God

2011-05-23T16:11:00.006-04:00

Yesterday Kidzlife took over the 11 AM service at New Life Church, Cabot. Here is "Let God Be God" done with blacklights and a glow in the dark wall. Thanks to Kerri Moore for the video.

I'm digging that little piece of hope out of my pocket.... and remembering

2011-05-18T17:36:00.001-04:00

I see the tiny two year old holding the soothing part of her blanket to her face and rubbing it. She then quickly puts it back in her big dress pocket and holds unto it tight. Not wanting to let it go. It is her security, her safe spot, and essentially represents all that is good in her life. It is her little peace of hope

Some days you have to remember the HUGE PLANS that HE whispers to you at night when you call on HIS name.You have to dig the little piece of hope out of your pocket and rub it on your face again. When is it vital to do this?

Days when you go to four craft stores to find black core board.
Days when you cut out letters with an exacto knife until you can't feel your index finger.
Days when you know your emails come in faster than go out.
Days when laundry is not done.
Days when you just need to pause to get into HIS word.
Days when you can't get out of the house because of the phone calls.
Days when there is no food in the house because you have not stopped to get it.
Days when you list are longer than the time.

Its days like today that I stop- Exhale- and inhale HIM. I get my little piece of hope out of my pocket- and give it back to God. All of my dreams, my visions, the things I think HE said we would do together. I put those things tightly into my hand and quickly tuck them into my heart.

As a child I remember praying all the time that God would use me.
I remember crying for my friends because they did not know about Jesus like I did.
I remember memorizing sermons on tapes until my parents would finally pay me not to listen to them.
I remember being struck by such a strong passions for others that I would go through toys and give away only my favorites.

I prayed today that in all of my movement of life I will not forget that passion. That I would still desire MORE of God and less of things- as I so aptly heard on Sunday.

I pray for you today that God tugs on your heart and puts ripples of desire for more of HIM. He is all that matters. His work, His plans, His will. Life is but a vapor- But he is permanent. Hold on tight.

Graduation, Happy Mothers Day, and catching up...

2011-05-16T14:21:00.000-04:00

The verse that has been continuously going through my head this week is this- "Before they call, I will answer." Isaiah 65:24

I know so many this week that have dealt with loss, hurt, questions, trials, dark periods. To you I want to let you know He is still in control. The answer IS on the way. I am praying for you and sending out long distance hugs. Please help me pray for the Marshall family who lost their 18 year old son this past week in an accident. Terry Marshall was an MK to the Philippines growing up. Praying for the entire Marshall family.
---------------------------------

I was blessed to be able to go to my niece- Kaylin's graduation the weekend of the 6th/7th of May. It was so exciting to see her complete a task she took on four years ago. I am so proud of her and know that GOD is going to keep his hand upon her. She was a music major at Indiana Bible College where she graduated with honors. Such a special time as the college asked my dad to be their keynote speaker. My brother and sister in law were there and that was such a sweet blessing of God as normally everyone is in the Dominican Republic.

I also got to see some very special missionary kids. They are doing such a great job in college. Amazing to see all of their talents and abilities and how they all bloom while in college. Love them!

I was so glad that I flew as I would have been stuck here in AR due to all of the flooding last weekend. Mother's Day was awesome at New Life Cabot. The mothers got the red carpet entrance experience complete with photographers taking their picture. They were seated by ushers, given a crown by their kids, and had a special place to take a picture with their children. John and the girls treated me like a queen with brownies (my favorite), cards, and a shopping trip to a special store I love. Love those 3 - so blessed.

I am in "getting ready" mode. We have a kidzlife service on May 22nd at 11:00 Am (the kids are taking over), then Seanna has a Birthday on the 24th, she gets braces on the 26th, and I fly out that night at 7:00 PM for Madagascar. Please be in prayer for me. I am speaking at their ladies conference. I then head over to Kenya to be with some awesome MKs, then to Turkey to see more awesome MKs then home.

Below are some of May 6th-7th pictures. Happy Monday! Love you all- even the ones that never comment :)

And the Winner is......

2011-05-04T11:10:00.001-04:00

Curtis and Amanda Scott-Congratulations.

It helped that they had 12 entries- It pays to tell people about it. No comments on my ~~chicken scratch~~ beautiful handwriting or the great way it was slanting. There were 55 entries.

Just because I love to give away prizes - I clicked on it again and Kristi Landaw's name was chosen- so guess what- she gets a $50.00 gift card too!

We will do this again in June it was so much fun. Thank you all for reading, re-posting and following.

This is a crazy day today- working, getting Kidzlife ready, getting ready to go to Indy EARLY in the AM. My niece is graduating from college this weekend. I get to see some AWESOME MKs while I'm there. Can't wait. I love my job.

PS. Speaking of my job......This contest is not in any way shape or form being supported financially by MK Ministries or the PIMs from MK Ministries. If you would like to join us in becoming a financial partner with MK Ministries however please do so at this link FMD Website- just click on Missionary Kids

$50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway.....

2011-04-29T23:59:00.001-04:00

Yep- You read it right. I am giving away a $50.00 Gift card on Tuesday. Because I love you all so much.

Why an Amazon card? It can be used internationally- MKs can use it - YAHOO! Plus I have a lot of readers from other countries that I NEVER HEAR from and I want to know you who are :)

How to qualify -

If you Comment- That is one entry for drawing
If you post this on your blog- That is another entry for you (Come back and just post your link to your blog)
If you refer someone to this blog- That is another entry for you (they have to comment that you referred them)
If you follow this blog that is another entry. ( I will see that you follow on my RSS feeder)
If you re-post this on your Facebook page- that is another Entry for you. (Post comment that you have reposted on FB)

Your names and amount of times you can enter will go in a random generator and Tuesday evening I will announce the winner. I am so excited I almost want to enter myself. Wait- I can't do that- It is my blog :)

Hope you are the winner~~ Much Love- CMN

Pssst.....

2011-04-28T21:31:00.000-04:00

Something is happening tomorrow that I am so excited about. I can hardly keep my socks on. Why am I wearing socks? I am about to go walking- that is NOT what I am excited about.

Tune in tomorrow if you want to know........

Have a good night Lizard Lips

The Brown Paper Sack

2011-04-28T10:55:00.000-04:00

Reliable, Consistent, Faithful, Remaining, Never Changing.

Do these adjectives describe you? Do they describe someone in your life?

They describe my brown Plymouth Reliant. It was a two door, faux wood interior, dusty brown beautiful exterior. The seats were a cream, tan-ish color. It was the car that would not die. My Dad helped me pick it out. Never buy a car in the rain. There is no way to tell if the paint is worn, or if it is shiny and brilliant. The Reliant, when dry, best resembled a large paper sack. My Dad told me it would be a great car for me; it had low mileage and would be safe. I quickly asked how long I had to keep this car. He said- until it dies.

It never did.

Five years later I married John and it made the trip being pulled by the tiny U-haul. I discovered upon our late arrival in Charlotte that a hand mirror had been reflecting on the dash the whole way and caused a wonderful burn mark. My poor brown paper sack.

The door started screeching so loud that it announced my horrified arrival to those in a 10 mile radius of my sweet brown paper bag car. I remember the day that John said it might be time to get rid of my reliant. I wanted to leap for joy- but was afraid I would hurt her feelings. She had been so faithful. She had heard all of my rants, laughed with me upon occasion, and never told about my late night arrivals during my dating years. She had been my consistent friend. She chewed up many of my cassette tapes, even sang with me upon occasion. She held my belongings she toted me around town, and never complained a bit. She never talked back and she was always there for me and was willing to go with me where ever I would navigate.

I am so thankful that God has been that solid, reliable, steadfast friend to me. He has heard me rant, he has laughed with me, he has held my hand as I cried, and he has even not told about some late night dates. What he has done is to change my life. His consistent love has molded me. I have learned that even though our relationship might not be the flashiest, the most sought after, the latest trend- it is the true thing.

Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to me. There are days that I ebb and flow. There are days that I am scared out of my mind- but on days like that I go back to the well worn page on my not so shiny red Bible and read this…..

“He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust

Surely he shall deliver you ….”

Psalm 91:1-3

I hope that you have the privilege of learning the value of that consistent love. That you will allow him to shelter you and that you will lean on the almighty and let Him lead you. As to the Brown Reliant- she was sold for 100.00 to help a single Mom. I hope she saw the beauty in my not so shiny brown friend that I fell in love with. I miss you Reliant- sure wish Penelope my Pilot could have met you.

Top 100-

2011-04-26T23:21:00.001-04:00

I stumbled upon this- It is by "Live the Charmed Life"

If you know me at all you know I ~~am obsessive compulsive~~ love lists. This one just made me giddy it had so much good meat to it. Since I ~~am obsessive compulsive~~ could not stop reading them- I just thought you might enjoy. I think number 1 should be- Get a hold of God Daily- but it is not my list...

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1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds

2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired

3. Get 8 hours of sleep per night so that you think more clearly

4. Stick to your budget

5. Start saving and investing every week, no matter how little you can spare

6. Balance your checkbook

7. Don’t try to be friends with everyone. Cultivate closer relationships with fewer people.

8. Don’t try to do business with everyone. Identify your target client and take very good care of them.

9. Before getting angry, ask yourself if it will really matter in 20 years

10. Focus on being a good person, not on pleasing others

11. Stay home this Saturday, and finish off that nagging chore that you need to finish

12. Kiss and make up

13. Make a weekly menu, and shop for only those items at the market

14. Ask your grandparents the best way to uncomplicate life, and try it for a month

15. Fill up your gas tank when it’s half full

16. ~~Don’t drink alcohol when you’re tired, sad or mad~~- Cylinda's note- don't drink-

17. Pay your bills on time

18. Get an annual physical examination

19. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children. Studies show that more marriages last, and fewer kids use drugs, when these words are spoken every day.

20. For just one day, imagine everyone’s intentions are good because most people’s are

21. Give away clothes that haven’t been worn in two years

22. Throw out clothes that are in disrepair, and can’t be mended

23. When you have a conflict with someone, talk it out. Don’t let it turn into more than it is.

24. Know what your priorities are in life, and act as if they are your priorities

25. Tell the truth

26. Don’t cheat

27. Don’t steal

28. If you’re holding on to a ridiculous grudge, let it go

29. Clean your house weekly, so that it doesn’t become too large a chore

30. Do your best at work, or at school

31. Don’t eat when you aren’t hungry

32. Eat when you are hungry

33. Be yourself

34. Say no unapologetically

35. Cook simple meals

36. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses

37. Pay off your car before buying a new one

38. Organize your desk at the office

39. Change your smoke alarm batteries when the clocks spring forward, and again when they fall back

40. Organize your important paperwork

41. Take only half the clothes that you planned to take with you on holiday

42. Help your children with their homework every night, and have an open dialogue with their teachers

43. Have white sheets and white towels in children’s rooms/bathrooms, because they’re easily bleached

44. Spend your time with nice people

45. Avoid drama

46. Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving

47. Turn off the television/video games/computer; they’re time consumers

48. Don’t engage in office politics

49. Refuse to gossip, or talk behind other people’s backs

50. Do the dishes right after dinner

51. Never go to sleep angry

52. Ask nicely for what you need and want

53. Walk 10,000 steps per day to help your heart

54. Do 20 push-ups before speaking in anger

55. Leave work at work

56. Don’t befriend anyone that isn’t trustworthy

57. Don’t envy others

58. Have your oil changed

59. Take vitamin C BEFORE you catch a cold

60. Don’t work more than 8 hours per day

61. Weed your garden weekly

62. Wash your car weekly

63. Have a spring cleaning month every year, and do one room at a time

64. You don’t need to be best friends with work colleagues, but build respectful partnerships

65. ~~Don’t drink and drive~~- Cylinda's Note- Don't drink~

66. Don’t look for reasons to be angry or sad, look for reasons to be happy. You’ll always be able to find plenty of each.

67. Be friendly with your neighbours

68. Return emails and phone messages promptly

69. Schedule in free time

70. Don’t procrastinate

71. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it

72. Be more flexible when you’re able to be

73. Forgive and forget. End of story.

74. Break the consumerism habit…put a three month moratorium in place on buying anything not deemed a necessity

75. Start your diet on September 1, rather than January 1, so that you won’t also have holiday pounds to lose

76. Take care of any health issues or concerns

77. Have your tires rotated

78. Have your brakes checked

79. Have your eyes checked

80. Don’t let your imagination run away with you

81. Let go of perfection in others

82. Let go of perfection in yourself

83. Don’t try to help those that refuse to help themselves

84. Find a way to reduce your commute to work

85. Have an allotted amount of worry time per day/week, that you strictly abide by

86. Drink more water

87. ~~Eat more salmon~~~ Cylinda's note- big no no for me- I would be dead!

88. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

89. Wear your hair in a classic, easy to care for style

90. Finish what you start

91. Wear classic clothes and shoes that never go out of style

92. Create a daily routine

93. Have a 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plan for your financial and life goals

94. Slow down

95. Eat out less often

96. When you ask your husband which outfit looks best, thank him for his answer and wear the one he liked rather than focusing on why he didn’t like the other one

97. Allow your children to grow up

98. Clean out your garage, and donate anything that hasn’t been used in the past year

99. Stretch every day

100. If a relationship is over, let it go

Some Days are just Big Fat Flops....

2011-04-19T00:06:00.001-04:00

I failed at being a great Mom today.
I woke up with a fever and chills and a voice that was gone.
I don't even remember getting the girls hair done, telling them goodbye or praying with them.
I know I did these things- but was out of it.

I failed at being a friend to someone that reached out to me today.
The return phone call was never made.

I failed at being the Kidzlife Children's Pastor to one of my teachers today.
She called with a question and I did not get the phone call back to her.

I failed at answering an email today from an MK~ I prayed over what she asked about~ but she is yet to know that.

I did not hug my girls when they came home.
I only quickly asked how their days were and let them go on auto-play.
I did not really ask my husband how his day was.
I did not count my points to my food today for Weight Watchers.
I did not dust the furniture.
I did not get caught up on the laundry.
I did not get the floors clean.
I did not press any situations that I would have normally pressed through.
I did not answer a lot of text.
I did not respond to a lot of emails.

What did I do? I experienced God's unmerited favor and grace in my life today.
I felt him meet me at 9:30 PM when I stopped to tell him some days I am a just a big flat flop.
I felt his presence just wash over me and he wrapped his arms of love right around me and told me that tomorrow was a new day. He told me that I have nothing to prove to him- he loves me.

What did I do? I experienced a miracle of God today. When I went to bed last night there was a huge problem that needed to be solved. At 1:30 Am after going through all of the list that I could go through, after consulting every website I could, after thinking every thought I could on the matter- The Lord told me to go to bed and rest. I woke up today- followed his instructions- took some risk and the Lord came through.

What did I do? I snuck into my girls rooms and prayed over their darling heads as they slept. I kissed each of their foreheads as tears fell from my eyes. I prayed for God's divine anointing and favor to rest upon them. I prayed for his wisdom and for them to know that HE is here for them daily.

I hear the voice, the voice of the one I love,
He's calling my name.
I hear the voice, the voice of the one I love,
He's calling my name.

He's saying, come up higher, you'll hear the angels sing.
Come up higher my beloved,
Come up higher and leave this world behind.
You'll find me to be beautiful

(CHORUS)
I am running, running after You
You become my souls delight
I am running, running after You,
Here with You I find my life

No Don't Pray it....

2011-04-15T00:49:00.000-04:00

I had my little lunch time Bible study lesson ready. It was a fun and quirky one that would make the ladies like me. I felt so cool as I hit the hay on Wednesday night. Then at 3 AM- the Lord woke me up and said- you are to teach on patience. Really? - Lord this has to be a dream. He stopped me and gave me a couple of scriptures that went with it.

I woke up to do another lesson on the topic "God why are you taking so long?". The lady who helps interpret had to keep stopping to regain her composure- she was crying so much. The presence of God flooded into that living room. The Lord- as always knew what he was doing. The new lady asked I could teach part two of that next week. I thought part 2? I have a really fun and cool lesson for next week already planned. The Lord jabbed me in the ribs- and I quickly said- sure I would love to do part two.

One of the things about patience is that we don't want to pray for it. We are afraid we will be hit across the head with 1250 trials as soon as the prayer escapes our lips. One of the ladies right before we closed in prayer said- No don't pray it. I said pray what? She said- for patience. I was not about to. I stopped and slowly prayed- Lord- give us the grace to go through what you have planned for us this week. Help us to know that when things are piling up- you are in control and you will help us.

Love when he interrupts my plans and my day. Especially when I was walking out the door and one lady said to the other one in Spanish- now that was a great lesson- it was what I really needed this week. Humble pie table for one please. Thanks God for keeping me on my toes and actually helping me to help others and for insisting that I put aside that horrible lesson that I thought was "it".

IS. 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with

wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Miracles Still Happen.....

2011-04-13T22:49:00.004-04:00

Prison Break.....I am Free!

2011-04-12T10:04:00.001-04:00

I love reading about prison breaks. I think it is the the passion, the planning, the under-dog element of it all just gets me. People like John Dillinger who escaped prison by carving a wooden gun forced the guards into his own cell and fled in the Sheriff's car. Frank Morris and his two friends that made "heads" out of toilet paper and human hair and escaped Alcatraz on a tiny raft. Some that fled prison were never to be seen again- but most of them were apprehended and returned for even a longer sentence or even death.

The true heroes are the men and women that escaped the German concentration camps. Men like Rudolf Vrba who on April 1944 hid under a wood pile for days narrowly escaping the guard dogs who were onto his scent. He finally out-waited them and fled. I can't imagine the rush he must have had knowing that he had gotten away from the torment, the daily grueling work, the torture that he was not created to withstand. For days he must have paused at the crack of a sapling and paused at the whisper of the wind.

I look at my own life and realize that in so many ways I have allowed myself to be a prisoner. A prisoner of fear, doubt, insecurity, accepting negative thoughts, worry, and bitterness. Unlike the prisoners listed above all I have to do is repent, change my ways, and give God the reins of my thought life. God has already paid the price and given me a free- get out of jail card. I have the ability to just open up the door and walk out to freedom.

After speaking to a gentleman who was once incarcerated I asked him what he missed the most while serving his time in prison. He said what he missed the most was the sound of children laughing. That somehow struck a chord with me. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that "The Joy of the Lord is our Strength."" The enemy wants to take away our joy, to squash our hope, and any chance of new life.

You have the key to your prison break today. HE is ready to free you from whatever you are facing. No matter the circumstance Isaiah 65:24 tells us" Before they call, I will answer." He already knows what you need today before you ask.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

"Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things are passed away; behold, new things have come." II Corinthians 5:17

Sugar, Ducks, and one handed TP roll changing- I am a talented lady!

2011-04-08T17:04:00.003-04:00

I am sneaking away from my job of re-doing our website to post some stuff on here.

1. I think that I have been failing at blogging. I think it is because I have not wanted to be transparent lately. I hate when I go to prayer though and the Lord tells me to continue to be transparent. So I should be blogging more. Lets be real- bloggers live for comments (we are just that strange) ....I get discouraged for some reason when I see that 150-175 people read a post and then only 1 person or a spammer will comment. Kind of a drag. I love ~~chocolate~~ feedback.

2. I have a Spanish/English Bible Study that I do on my lunch hour on Thursdays. It grows every week. I brought three shiny chairs this week and I always bring desserts- do you think that is why they come? I am humbled to be able to do this. The things that these women have lived with or lived through amazes me. One has a husband that was in Jail in NM and now in Mexico. One has a husband that works away in another state. She is not from the US so misses her family in the other country. One has a husband who has disappeared and she does not know where he is. One has a husband that lives here and works on the base. She is from Peru, lived most of her life in Japan, and now in our tiny city. They all speak Spanish. One speaks Spanish/English and Japanese. One is from here. Has several children and is not excited about what we are doing or Jesus {Yet} but we will keep loving here. So that is the ladies that are in the nest right now. Can you pray for them? They all need strength.

3. Some of you have asked how I am doing at my reducing. The house is doing great- really streamlined. I have gotten rid of TONS of stuff. The garage has not started yet. I am slower. I am off of diet coke (only one per day and now not even every day). I am drinking water and walking 6 days a week. I have re-signed up for weight watchers and have gotten rid of all of the horrible snacks in the house. I have only lost 5 lbs. But hey that is 20 sticks of butter. Lighten up people. I can't stop myself with the play on words today.

4. Kidzlife is going full steam. We are in the midst of practicing for an Easter Play. ~~Not ready to be too transparent on how I pull out my hair with plays yet. Maybe the Lord will work on me more.~~ It is going great and I love it. Read between the lines :) Really the kids are doing great. They are really really put 100% into it. Amber Holden is a God-send and she amazes me at how she really gets them to sing until the veins pop out of their neck.

5. I don't know why I think so many things are funny that no one else does. I have all of these fake scenarios that play over in my head and I just laugh. I think I have always done this to entertain myself as I was raised in the mission field and a lot of my life was spent waiting on Mom and Dad without much to entertain me. My friend Alan totally gets my weird sense of humor and a couple of other people (that I think are amazing). This week for example I was thinking of gross things that I could say I hold the world record in. You know things like:

A. Vacuuming up 3 pounds of sugar the fastest. I can even give you a class in this if interested. Handbook is an extra $4.50. Online seminar at www.plugvacumeinandpoint.com

B. The fastest Advent calender window opener. Does not include eating goodies if you have them in the box.
C. Able to change out toilet paper with one hand while talking on the phone faster than anyone in my house. I did this the other day and caught myself throwing away the new one and putting the old tube back on. My mind= steal trap!Seminars not available yet for this. Working on curriculum.

D. Able to sustain 6 ducks in one paper box for 4 nights now and they are ~~almost dead.~~ doing great. Really they are living in my kitchen in a box. My parents are out of town and I am duckling-sitting for them. They get released to the lake in 18 days. But whose counting?Let's be real 1700 newspapers later- I AM!

E. Able to lose all of my children's sock partners in a single wash. I am thinking of the whole family dressing in Amish style clothing so that I don't have to match socks. Is that drastic?

Okay. I am going back to work. I just had to stop and share these things or my brain just might explode. Doubtful.... but who wants to chance it?

Website of the Week:

1. If you have kids that can log onto the computer for themselves. Please go to www.myjobchart.com it will change your life. You put your kids daily jobs in there. They log in complete task and can save money for family outings, buying things on Amazon, giving to charity, or just put in savings. It is free people. WHAT DOTH HINDER YOU? Seanna is 197% into it. Emma sat in the middle of the floor and cried and said I might as well take her Birthday toys back to the store she will NEVER HAVE TIME TO PLAY. Yep Drama at our house.

Have a great weekend. I am heading out to Houston in the AM to return in the PM. Going to MK Naomi Edge's wedding.

Ten years of love

2011-04-05T13:40:00.000-04:00

So Emma turned 10 yesterday. WOW. She told me she secretly did not want to turn ten because people would not think it was okay for her to play with her dolls anymore. I told her I wanted her to play with dolls until she was 20 if she wanted to. I reminded her that I loved her and her wonderful imagination was one of my favorite things about her.

{Emma and her Papa- in Mattoon, IL}

She had a hard time figuring out what to do for her big dinner. Our rule is that they can have whatever meal they would like. She said that she wanted to eat spare ribs, to have her best friend Jewel present, and for Nana and Papa to bring over the ducklings (all five of them) for her party. Since I was sick with a fever and cold I asked her if Olive Garden would do. She quickly told me that I might not be a good cook but I sure was good at loving people. Well that almost made me feel better.

Little did I know 10 years ago while crossing my legs waiting for that LONG hour to push while the Dr was held up with two other deliveries that SHE would bring so much joy to my heart. How could I know? She was only 7 lbs and 11 ozs at the time. I looked at that itty bitty body and fell in love permanently. She was glued to me the next 12 months as she was allergic to just about every formula under the sun. I remember begging God to please forgive me for trying yet another formula that made her projectile vomit for hours.

She makes me laugh, She makes me humbled to be a mom, and makes me proud. The other night I had such a sharp pain in my stomach it sent me to my knees. Emma ran in- helped me get up to a chair and prayed for me. She really prayed. She cried, she called on Jesus name, and finally she said- you are feeling better Mom aren't you? I said I was. She said- the Bible says if 2 or 3 agree it will be done. She loves to sing and pray and worship God.

She also lets everyone know I am VERY HUMAN and we have a VERY FLAWED household. The other day I took her to the Dr and she was in week two of a bladder infection, sinus infection, and some other things. She told the lady at the check in desk that her back was hurting too but that was probably because the springs had broken in the couch and they were poking her back. She then proceeded to share the same chatty dialogue with the nurse and finally our Dr. I gave her the "zip it" look when the Dr turned around and she quickly said- "Mom- why are you looking at me like that- you know that we need to do something about that couch." As I melted into my seat I could see our Dr. chuckling in the background. Yes- she definatly grounds me.

Emma has always wanted to start an orphanage, wanted to adopt kids from Africa, China, and any other place where they were hurting. Recently while preparing for a trip to Africa- she told me- Mom I am going to have to re-think this orphanage in Africa thing. I did not know they have mosquitos there. {Emma is terrified of mosquitoes.}

Emma- never loose your sensitivity to God, those around you, and those that are hurting. Always tend to the needy, open up your heart to others, and share your gift of making others smile. I know you have told me 1000 things that you want to be- but no matter what you choose- you will be just perfect at it. You have the mantle of missions on your life and no matter where you "mission" turns out to be- you will be a success.

I am just humbled and honored that you call me "Mom". I love you my little joy bringer- with every bit of me!

Disturb Us Lord..

2011-03-30T17:51:00.000-04:00

Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Sir Francis Drake -1577

Mist on the window.......

2011-03-09T14:12:00.001-05:00

I watched as my windshield changed and transformed itself right in front of my eyes. The vapor changed to mist. The mist was overtaken by droplets. The droplets morphed into drops- which hugged each other and turned into rivets of water. The tiny manageable mist suddenly took over my view until all that was seen was blurry. The things in front of me were lost now due to the very thing I had ignored earlier- the sprinklings of rain.

In prayer I cried and languished before the Lord. How could I have let things slip in God? I was busy pulling down cobwebs and dust and look at one corner of my heart to see utter disaster. Things that had been building there for days. I wanted have room to breathe so I quickly ran to the other side to find the same thing. How had "self" managed to get a hold of me? How did my plans and my desires build such quick yet shaky foundations?

I quickly heard the holder of my heart command me to clean out any thing that HE was not attached to. Anything that could bare the resemblance of "Cylinda", her agenda, her lists, and her plans. There had to be a full cleaning, a scraping, a rebuilding.

Cries left my heart, I hung my head in shame over the awkward hurt and humiliation that flooded my soul. It was becoming apparent to me that all along HE had a better plan. Once I got rid of me- and all of "my junk" had been removed there was finally enough room. Room for him to step in. To bring the lifting of the load, to bring the balm of Gilead that I had been bleeding for.

I stand naked- but yet clothed.
I stand alone- but not forgotten.
I stand cleansed- but with his coal of anointing on my tongue.
I stand willing and ready for his perfect will to be done.

I hated packing up all of my plans, my dreams, my aspirations and giving them back to HIM. I had arranged them so nicely and had even basked in the homey way I had set them up just right.

The journey of giving is one of life's hardest journeys. Giving away a book, a misplaced toy, a discarded gift- that is not hard at all- but giving of one's will - now that's a different story. It is a story that is worth the read for when he takes over he truly become the author and finisher of our faith.

May you stand triumphant in HIM today.

"Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right spirit within me." Ps. 51:10

Cancer....

2011-03-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

All of us know someone or have had someone in our family that has been plagued by this 6 letter little word. It is spoken once and changes a lifetime. I don't share a lot of fundraisers on my blog- but this one -YES!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE HOUSE OF KOOP

Once there was a GIRL. With a blog. You know the kind.

The kind with pretty pictures and pretty words. The kind that you

put on your RSS feed so you don’t miss out on the next post.

The kind that lets you into her world and sucks you in so far you feel like you know her.

Yes, you know her.

You know her because she’s in every one of us.

She’s your mother and sister. She’s your silver and gold.

She’s the loyal wife, the doting mama, and on her lucky days, she’s an artist.

Capturing details, memories and moments to be treasured. She’s a fellow photographer.

Well today, this girl is none of these things. Today she is a widow.

Today she pulls her hair back into that familiar ponytail, fingers wrapped around

that ever present cup of coffee, and stares in the direction of

where he used to sit. Where he used to sit, all day, every day,

fighting a losing battle called cancer.

Yes, you know her, even if you don’t really know her.

Her name is Valerie Koop.

http://www.beinthemomentphoto.com/blog

And she could be any of us.

This is not a story of pity, but a story of courage and strength.

A story of friendship and community that binds us all.

So many amazing souls wanting to reach out, but not knowing how.

Well, here’s how.

Valerie Koop is a fellow photographer and blogger. Her blog is a beautifully woven story of life….even when cancer is a part of it. Early this month her husband, the father of her two small children, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Numerous photographers, crafters, bloggers are joining with Matlida Jane to do an auction in her benefit. The auction is full of all kinds of really great items….tons of fun stuff! You can visit Valerie’s blog here and the auction here.

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IF you are a blogger- please re-post and help this family. Pray for them today and tuck them in your heart.

"Mom- I don't feel so good"

2011-02-28T12:16:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how six words grab your heart and shred it into tiny pieces. All activity stops and your mind stands still.

You don't feel good? Do you have a fever? What hurts? What can I do for you? Do you need a cloth on your head? Do you need a sprite? When did you start feeling bad? Why didn't you tell me sooner?

Frantically the questions fly out of my mouth. She is only 9 and I am way too busy. I should have noticed. I should have been able to see she was slowing down, laughing less, and not in constant chatter. Her warm cheeks a soft rosy color. The fever low grade. The prayers spill out for her as she sleeps. God touch her tiny body. Heal her,restore her.

This morning during my quiet time I reflected- surely that is how HE feels about me. I speak His name- five letters - J E S U S- and I have His full attention. He is willing, ready to meet my needs. My desperation is not lost on him. My faint cries. The times that my heart feels like it has been pounded until liquid- He is there.

Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.

Isaiah 59:1 NLT

What is the Word Lord? REDUCE?

2011-02-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

So every year..... I ask the Lord- what is the direction, word, thought, and focus HE has for me for that year. This year while praying about it I could only hear one word over and over- Reduce.

Reduce? Really God? I know I am fluffy- but this is getting personal here.

Yep- this was the immediate image I had floating in my mind when the Lord placed that one word nugget deeply into my thought path. Me- The elephant (with a cute tail and white toenails) trying to balance on a ball. If you know me at all much of my days are filled with trying to balance.

Then - as I begin to study the Word and pray more about that word- I fell in love with it.

So what am I doing?

Getting rid of the material belongings that we don't need in the house- Many trips to Goodwill are the lifter of the mind. The more I give away the better I feel. I have given things to people in need, to those that I just want to surprise, and have even mailed some things to people. It makes it 100% easier to clean as well.

Getting rid of negative thinking that clogs up God's will for me daily. Many wheelbarrows of junk that builds up in the brain- turned over to the Lord. This my friends is a daily process. It is a battle but I will win.

Getting rid of extra jobs that I am NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR. This one is a dying daily thing that I am still trying to work on. Help me Lord. Why is it so hard to say no? The fear of disappointing others plagues me. Again- help me LORD.

Getting rid of distractions, time wasters, and time sponges (that is a person that sucks the life out of you) , that take away from my few hours of the day that I have with my husband and girls. Family time is a priority- others can wait. I will not feel guilty. I am not accountable for everyone - but I am accountable for my family.

Getting rid of extra pounds that have plagued me for years. I know that I can be healthy with God's help. It is all about making wise decisions, moving, and making it a life decision. The easy solution to stress is another bagel (yes bread is the enemy), but I have been trying to stop myself and ask why I am eating as I belly slide into the kitchen. Now see I have given you a nice image for your mind.

Lastly I am reducing the hours of concern of what others think of me. Guess what. I am so loved that my redeemer died for me. He choose me. I am the true Cinderella story. He went into the field. Ignored my beautiful step-sisters- and chose me. The one who others had passed by became his obsession. The one that felt forgotten was first always on his lips. Jesus Chose me. If you don't understand this at all- read Song of Solomon- it is a direct love story from Christ to you. Now I choose to ignore the part where he says my belly is as a pile of hay- but all of the other kind words Christ says about me- I will accept.

So there you have it. I have fully spilled my guts to you. I have a feeling that the months of January and February which were my months of shaking, changing, and reflection have produced a better me through Christ help.

Now if I can move my computer out of this kitchen all will be well. Kidding folks. Get a sense of humor about yourself already.

So now to you. What is God's challenge for you in 2011?

PS - So what is in replace with all that is reduced? More prayer, More Word, and More of HIM. I can't get enough.

SCREAM!!

2011-02-15T12:24:00.002-05:00

I woke up today to tell the girls goodbye and then went back to bed. Sleep was not my friend last night.

The second time I woke up I screamed at the top of my lungs. It felt great. The kind of scream that makes your throat hurt. The kind that makes you feel like you are going to pass out because your air is leaving faster than it is coming in. That kind of scream.

I then walked into the bathroom and screamed again. This time it was after seeing how red my bloodshot eyes were from lack of sleep.

Sometimes a good scream makes you feel normal. Like if you were to get rid of all of the junk that is sitting on top of your brain not allowing you to breathe. It is as though if you express enough emotion all at once- the weirdness of life will stop and regular will step in.

It has been a crazy, stressful, and strange weekend. I can't even go into any details which makes it all the worse.

But I will tell you this. GOD is on the throne, GOOD things are one the Way, and after you scream your throat really does hurt.

In fact it feels a little raw.

I do have to share something funny with you though. It is about a dream I had from the time frame of about 2-3 AM last night. How do I know? Because I was waking up every hour looking at the clock. I dreamt that I was on a reality dating show and I was not married. The guy that I was on the "date" with looked at me and looked at my stomach. He said- wow I don't want to be rude- but why is your stomach so large? I said oh that? I just have parasites and worms. He said -what kind of business are you in? I said- I rescue Missionary Kids. He said good to know- like religious work? I said yes. He said okay - great meeting you I think our date is over.

I remember waking up and thinking was our date over because of my large parasite, worm belly or because I work with MKs? What a strange dream.

Okay- I am sure this is my strangest post ever- but happy that I sat down and actually posted today. Do you like my new background?

Love you bloggy buddies.

New MK Ministries Promotional Video

2011-02-07T22:26:00.005-05:00

Gotta Love it

2011-02-07T14:04:00.002-05:00

For the Loves in your Life.....

2011-02-07T13:07:00.000-05:00

I saw this picture today and was in love.

You could also put a note with your kids apple this week: You are the Apple of my Eye. Or a note with their orange- Orange you glad we are Valentines? Hmm Just a thought.

Happy Monday peeps! God is good and is the ULTIMATE VALTENTINE! He has my heart!

A Safe place to Land ~ He Leadeth Me~

2011-02-03T22:38:00.001-05:00

Somehow the words of this hymn came to mind tonight-
He Leadeth Me

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes ’mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

Joseph H Gilmore.

Walk with your Bible

2011-01-09T13:20:00.002-05:00

When I was a little girl I was raised in St. Croix. I remember the service leader asking- how many of you walked with your Bible? It was a question that was asked over and over. I am happy to say that I am in a country where truly they are walking with their Bible.

I was so moved today on the way to the ladies conference to see that SO MANY PEOPLE were walking with their Bible. They looked so beautiful in their bright colored skirts and tops covered with their lapa (the cloth that the ladies wrap around their waste if they are married- this is what is used to carry the babies). It was such a joy to see that on every street people were finding their way to church – whether it was by catching a large bus, a small bus, a taxi, a motorcycle, or walking. The little girls and boys had on their Sunday best. The little girl’s shoes shined under a pile of lacy socks. Many little boys had ties on today.

I saw a couple of families stopping by the shoes salesman to buy some shoes on their way. This consists of a large tarp that is covered with shoes in a pile. They were digging through the pile trying to find a pair for a little cute girl who had a bright pink and blue dress on. I hope they were successful.

There were less vendors today and the traffic was easier. It was not crowded even on the tightest of roads. One little family was walking in the dirt but looked clean and beautiful as the mother and daughter had on pure white- matching outfits. A group of men took advantage of the construction workers day off and headed to play football (soccer) where there is usually the hustle and bustle of road work.

The service was jammed packed today. The news station was there videoing the service. Let’s put it this way he was not shy about getting in your face. The cameraman interviewed Colleen Carter for the news. Yep ask for your autographs now while you can get them. I joined in with the praise dancing again today. The crowd was so great we had to go outside and then snake around back and forth. We kind of made our own serpentine line- the kind that you would see at an amusement park- but without the fence to help us. The crowd was too great to let everyone dance so they let the ladies dance by whatever region they were from. I think I was with the Accra ladies. So now I have my Ghana name and my village.

There was one point of the service where the worship was so strong the ladies were taking off their lapas (I am probably not spelling that correct) and waving them in the air. I loved it. The men that were at the service today had a time where they could dance and some of the ladies put their lapa down on the ground in front of them before they started. It was such a special day all around.

I felt so sad to say goodbye to these ladies. A couple of them asked me to stay here in Ghana. One of them wanted to tell my husband and children thanks for letting me come to Ghana. See what I mean? They are just that sweet. I hugged many, took pictures of the sweet kids and went into the Jeep. I hated waving bye to them at the gate. Many of the ladies were carrying their suitcases on their heads headed to find a bus or a way home to their village after the ladies conference. It only happens once a year.

I know that they were so tired, so weary from the heat and from the long hours but you would never know it by looking at the smiles on their faces. There were great testimonies today of what the Lord has done. THE LORD did so many amazing things. Many were healed, many were delivered, and 22 received the Holy Ghost.

On the way home I saw a chief getting out of a taxi and walking to a small home on the side of the road. You could tell that he was a chief by the clothes that he had on. He has nothing on these ladies. Even though he is royalty among his people- these ladies were bought were a price and are the daughters of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He reigns supreme in their hearts.

I appreciate so much the work that the missionary team is doing here. Please remember to pray for the Poitras family, the Sisco family, and Colleen Carter. God is using them in a great way in this country.

Goodnight bloggy buddies~ hope you had a great Sunday too!

Weddings, Funerals, and a few Bats....

2011-01-08T13:20:00.001-05:00

We headed out at 7:30 this morning. Coleen was our driver and she did an amazing job. Today is funeral and wedding day in Ghana. Funerals only happen on Fridays and Saturdays for the protestant world. Muslims bury within 24 hours of the death.

Those that die that are Protestants will be frozen until their family can save up enough money to bury them. This can take months. The family also has to feed people during the wake and after the funeral so that adds to the expense. The colors to wear to funerals are black, white and red. It is a deep red. At the grave sight the families will take a pick ax to the casket and break it up before it goes into the ground so that the grave robbers will not come and take the casket to be used for someone else.

Today we saw a lady coming back from a funeral – but no funeral processions. We did see a wedding procession on the way home. Weddings can last all day. The bride is usually late. They will have a meal for all of their family and friends after the ceremony is done. Guest bring gifts to the wedding.

Today was quite the selling day. I even made my first purchase today from the in-rode vendors. I bought two key chains- I know I know what a tourist. But the price was right.

Today new things that were being sold were: socks, Q-tips, dog chains, dog collars, Remotes for TVs, watches, perfume, car mats, vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, orange juice, chap stick, room spray, car deodorizers, mufflers for your car, warning signs that you put out by law when your car is having a problem, guavas, receiving blankets, globes, wall pictures of Huckleberry Fin, car wax, wall picture of racing stallions, toothbrushes, reading glasses, matches, interior car cleaner, and last but not least- moth balls.

Funny road side sights were teenage boys wearing little mermaid backpacks selling paintbrushes. Because nothing says masculine like Little Mermaid.

I also love the boy that was carrying 14 water bottles on his head and keeping them all balanced. They were empty but that is a lot of plastic.

My gross out moment was the same thing that gets me everyday- the man that is selling Grass Cutters by the side of the road. That is a large rat looking animal that is the size of a prairie dog that they eat. I also saw trees filled with bats hanging up-side-down. I have never in my life seen that. I thought it was leaves or branches but it was bats.

Today’s sessions were amazing with the ladies. God filled the room . I can’t begin to explain how powerful they were. The total so far is 20 delivered from depression, 7 healings, and 19 filled with the Holy Ghost. So many amazing things that happened. There were about 450 or 500 ladies there today. Hard to tell. yesterday about 350. Below is one section.

I found out today that everyone here has the name of the day of the week that they were born in their name. So if you were born on Monday- your name would be Adjua. I was born on Thursday so my name is Yaa. There are male and female of days of the week names.

Many of the tribes will take little girls that are too beautiful and will slice their face. I noticed so many of the ladies had slash scars on their cheekbones. Some of them have two and some have one. That is different from tribe to tribe. So sad. They are still beautiful with their scars. To me it makes them even more beautiful because man can’t destroy what God makes as beautiful.

Happy Saturday Bloggy Buddies Love ya!

A Hankie Swirling Good Day!

2011-01-07T13:56:00.000-05:00

With great excitement we headed to the vehicle today to head out to the ladies meeting. It was a bumpy ride filled with sipping on hot tea, eating a real New York bagel, and looking over notes, as we headed out of Accra to another region of the country.

New things on side of the road today:

Hat racks, netting, car covers (purple), jump ropes, newspapers- and then a whole lot of what I posted the other two days.

Funny sight of the day a lady yelling at a vendor in the middle of the street to kick in her hubcap as it was falling off. Another vendor was selling a newspaper to a person inside of the city bus. The person was standing in the bus so the man selling the paper was jumping high to give it to him and get his change back. Right then the bus took off. It was amazing to see him jump up and back at the same time.

We went out to the ladies camp today. It was a great day. The ladies here are SO beautiful words cannot describe them. They all were wearing their white head wraps and black and white wrapped skirts and shirts that had the ladies logo on it. They were all so sweet and greeted us warmly.

The conference began with singing, dancing, and praising. Handkerchiefs were used in praise today to signify flying like a bird, flapping, and waving wildly. They were also used to show fighting off the devil. This was my favorite as they shaped their hankies like a little bow and were shooting with it. Colleen had me join them and I danced with the ladies. I just waved my hankie and did not have any fantastic bird or fighting motions. I will have to work on them.

Then it was time for worship. Worship time is a little bit more sober and some were kneeling, a lot were crying, and openly talking to God. The District Superintendent did an amazing job in ministering to the ladies. I spoke to the ladies about finding joy in all stages of your life. God stepped in and ministered in such a huge way. The ladies ran to the alter in response to the Word. We had a good time of prayer and then Mom spoke to them. We left after they were dismissed at lunch today.

It was so amazing to see God heal so many, deliver others from situations troubling their minds, and filling 7 people with the Holy Ghost.

I loved seeing the elderly ladies helping the younger ones by carrying their babies on their back. They have the most beautiful smiles in the world. I took pictures of the service today- but again the Internet is slower here so I will upload them when I get back to the US.

Coming home from church we were behind a container that was not attached to a truck. We tried to lose it in traffic as recently another trailer was on a truck that slipped off hit the car behind it and killed the family and the taxi driver that were on the way to the airport.

The church of Ghana is such a testament of laying the right foundation. Years ago the Rodenbush family, the Blake family, Else Lund, and others started this work. Now the Poitras family, the Sisco family, and Coleen Carter are helping in the national board lead the country. It is amazing to see what God is doing with a work that was started 42 years ago by the Rodenbush family. There are now 250 churches and preaching points, over 20,000 saints, and 5 Bible Schools (including the satellite training centers). Don’t ever dismiss the start of small things. GOD GROWS THINGS IN HIS TIME.

So humbled to be here this week and meet these amazing ladies. Have a great night.

Please be in prayer for the services tomorrow- and for my honey at home (John) who now has the bug that Seanna had. Lord help my little household. Love you all.

Caskets and the sea

2011-01-06T12:13:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon-

Hope you all are staying warm and toasty- we are for sure.

Today we got to see a whole new list of things being sold by the road:

Paint brushes, boiled eggs, barber sets, lint rollers, books on Africa, Kleenex, magazines, steering wheel covers, shoe polish, doughnuts, cell phone cases, cell phone cords, towels, water guns, hankies, rosaries, Winnie the pooh, limes, corn, CDs, Juice, scales, fire extinguishers and more.

We got to go to the casket store today which was awesome. It was on the second floor. They are all made and painted by hand. Today he had caskets in the shapes of a camera, a video camera, a Danish (as in a doughnut), a coke bottle, a beer bottle, a fish, a rooster, a carpenters plane, a pineapple, and a petroleum truck. If you were going to cremate your loved one you could buy a shoe, a South African Airways a pineapple, a fish, a cow, and a tiger. He makes about one a week and ships them out. It was on the second floor and Mom about fell through the floor- so that was interesting as well.

It was on the second floor of his house. I did get a lot of pictures of all of this but it would take too long to upload the pictures for you all.

We then headed out to take a peek at the sea. It was lovely to have a cold drink and sit by a little restaurant. We got to see some of the little boys swimming sans suits. They were using a seat from a car as a toy. They loved rolling in the sand and running back into the ocean. I felt like I was right back in the islands sitting there. Just that ocean breeze and familiar smell made me want to be 8 again and run into the ocean and play all day. Yep being raised in the islands sure has a way of spoiling you.

Please continue to pray for the ladies conference and Seanna. She went to school today and sent a text to John to pick her up. He did not. She sent me an email that she still did not feel well. Thanks to all of my Cabot peeps for being so sweet to my family. YOU all are amazing and have my heart.

The ladies conference starts tonight but it is not good for us to travel at night so we head out at 7 AM. Looking forward to great meetings. If you don’t hear from me the next couple of days it will just be that we will be busy busy.

Much love bloggy buddies. Thanks for the prayers.

Dusty Roads, Bright Eyes, and Quick Smiles

2011-01-05T12:38:00.000-05:00

Dusty Roads

Bright eyes

Quick glances

Warm looks (Well warm everything)

Smiling faces

Hustle, bustle, movement, calling out,

Making a living however you can

These are the things that filled my day today-

I love the fact that when you are in other countries the store comes to you- via the traffic light to your car window. Today people in the middle of traffic were selling:

Cashews, peanuts, flashlights, puppies, phone cards, mirrors, limes, plantain chips, statues, Ghana maps, Ghana flags, bags of water, shoe polish, shoes, mens belts, shoe laces, toilet paper, brooms, avocados, batteries, toy helicopters and the list goes on.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing a man driving his bike with a bed on his head (mattress) and fan on the back. I also saw another man that was driving a bike with a car battery and a man in a wheelchair that was in traffic. He had made pedals for his hands to zip by everyone. It was awesome.

I LOVE TRAFFIC in other countries. Always an adventure it is never boring. Have you every driven home from work in the US and can’t remember how you got home? That does not happen when you are in other countries. You remember every turn, every corner, every motorcycle you about hit, every bike that carries more than one person, every dog you about hit in the road.

I love seeing the mommas carrying their babies on their back and water on their head. I think about the task of parents and how it is a never ending job- no matter where you live. For a split second I was almost jealous of the lady of this lady as she carried her bundle of joy on her back. I could since the simplistic warmth of her life.

And then I saw turmoil as I saw a man and a police battling in the street. They were at blows and the crowd quickly gathered to watch. I was amazed that the guard kept his cool and was not clubbing the man with his baton in his hand. How quickly he could have ended the squabble.

As we drove home I wondered what the streets were like in Jesus Day. How he felt in the crowds, what he thought about. One thing I do know is that he had compassion and love for the people around him. I pray that no matter the people, no matter the crowd I can always show his love. I don’t know of a country that I have been do where I did not fall in love with the people or tell John when I got home- Honey let’s go- I am ready to move there. I am pretty sure that Ghana will not be any different. I have instantly felt at home.

Have a great Wednesday bloggy buddies. Thanks for the prayers for Seanna. She is doing better. She made it to school and then had to go back home but is slowly making progress.

The Bags, The Flight, The ________ (well who wants to type that?)

2011-01-04T15:53:00.002-05:00

I had a great flight from Little Rock to Chicago and then Chicago to Washington Dulles. Then it was the flight from Dulles to Accra. That was quite the story. I am an avid people watcher and love seeing international flights board. This flight was no exception. Two bag requirement was being ignored by the old and young alike. I found it amazing the amount of bags one can stuff into another bag to appear to be- well just one bag. The prize of the day goes to a lady who was bringing a Disney baby walker with her. I somehow don’t see that fitting under the seat.

We left on time and headed to the regular routing which takes you to the New York City area. We found out later that we had circled for two hours while the plane was in limbo as the radar for that area was down. We then were told we were heading back to Dulles as they we could not get out of that area. We had too much fuel to land so had to circle and dump fuel but also had to then land in Dulles to get enough fuel to get to Accra. That added about 4 hours in the plane to the 9 hour and 40 minute plane ride. We finally got all fueled up and were headed back to the friendly skies.

Friendly until the lady that shared the same three section of seats with me (about 4 hours into the flight) got sick. She passed out, then came to- threw up all over (yep it hit my blanket and pillow that I had resting on my purse while re-arranging. So if you know me at all you will know I am not the shiniest star during throw up sessions. I had to get up and go to the back. Mom- who was in the aisle across from me- slept through ALL OF THIS. I told her really MOM – I don’t make this stuff up. They finally got her settled down- they had to fill out paperwork as to what happened- the okay to give her oxygen on the flight. When asking her daughter what was wrong she said “She has altitude sickness”. Hmmm you might not want to try flying then. So when Mom awoke and was being served her breakfast I was trying to tell her the story in code (as I was sitting next to the people). During one of my explanations I managed to hit my ¾ glass of diet coke all over my lap. So yes- it looked like I had an accident during the flight. We did manage to get a good laugh out of it. It really felt quite refreshing when going down the steps of the plane and being welcomed by the 90 degree weather.

We made it through customs without a hitch. Well – I got reprimanded for having a plastic cover on my passport- but other than that- yes. Without a hitch. The Poitrases and Collen had arranged for a gentleman to help us through customs. We made it out the door to see the beautiful face of Colleen Carter. Love her to pieces. Then it was the interesting drive home to the moving salespeople all around your car in the traffic. I felt like I was back in the islands. Today Colleen bought a broom and some converters right outside of her car window. Gotta love it.

We had an amazing dinner of Taco Salad and don’t be jealous FRESH MANGO!! Hmmm. I truly think I am home! Good night everyone. Please keep Seanna in your prayers she is still throwing up and sick at home. I know that GOD can touch her!

Greetings fair friends ...

2011-01-03T18:16:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in the Chicago airport heading to Dulles- then heading to Ghana, Africa. I am super excited and super sad.

Super Excited to be ministering at the Ladies Conference in Ghana, Africa. Coveting your prayers.

Super Sad- I was up all night with Seanna who has the stomach bug. She was throwing up every hour on the hour. She also has a fever. Survey says- flu. I felt horrible leaving her. But I left her in good hands with her amazing Dad and Sister- the care giver of all care givers.

SOOOOO if you don't mind please say a prayer for Seanna tonight- and for John and Emma. AND if you feel so inclined I Will accept your prayers as well.

Happy New Years and love you bloggy Buddies!

It might be time to start the "New Years" Diet when....

2010-12-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

We went to the Miracle of Christmas play today in Branson. During intermission I was talking to John and stretching. I had my hands up and was stretching them in the air. I had on a sweater that had an empire waist. This elderly man walks by- pats my stomach and says "Looks like a little Emanuel is on the way huh?" I was so shocked I just stared and smiled.

Diet Indicator number 1- when senors think you are pregnant.

I am 42 - I am NOT WITH CHILD.

What a great laugh for the whole family. For me- I am going to wrap my body in Saran Wrap before leaving out tomorrow. Excuse me as I exhale. I have inhaled while typing in case you could see me through your computer screen.

Happy Wednesday!

Stay out of Jail!!!

2010-12-29T11:52:00.001-05:00

Just thought you all should know some of the laws that pertain to your states:

Alaska-
Whispering in someone’s ear while he’s moose hunting is prohibited.

Arizona
Cutting down a cactus may earn you a twenty-five-year prison term.

Arkansas
It’s illegal to mispronounce the name of the state of Arkansas.

California
You may not eat an orange in your bathtub.

Colorado
It’s unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor (Denver).

Connecticut
A pickle cannot actually be a pickle unless it bounces.

Delaware
It’s illegal to get married on a dare.

Washington, D.C.
It’s against the law to post a public notice calling someone a coward for refusing to accept a challenge to duel.

Florida
If you tie an elephant to a parking meter, you must pay the same parking fee as you would for a vehicle.

Georgia
It’s illegal to change the clothes on a storefront mannequin unless you draw the shades first.

Hawaii
All residents may be fined for not owning a boat.

Idaho
A man must not give his sweetheart a box of candy weighing fewer than fifty pounds.

Illinois
It’s illegal to take a French poodle to the opera (Chicago).

Indiana
The value of pi is 4, and not 3.1415.

Iowa
One-armed piano players must perform for free.

Happy New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas....

2010-12-25T10:51:00.000-05:00

I think it is only fitting that this is my 525th post- It's a Merry Christmas Post.

I could go crazy with math and say that take 525 and divide it by 5 and it would be 15 and you divide that by 5 and it is 3 and three is the number of gifts that Jesus got (well he actually probably got them a couple of years later) but it does represents gifts at Christmas......and guess what?

I consider all of you to be a great Christmas gift to me as well!

Love you all!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

10 things that have made me chuckle while on planes lately.

2010-12-21T09:56:00.003-05:00

10 things that have made me chuckle while on planes lately:

1. The fact that on my flight that was 15 hours and 50 minutes long- I sat next to a guy who took two Tylenol PM, drank 4 beers, and two glasses of wine and still could not sleep. He wanted to share all of his 4490 pictures with me during the long flight. I finally had to stop the special presentation. While plants all look different to someone who works with them daily. They don't to me. Enough Said.

2. Somewhere in that flight I had to get up and use the restroom. Shocker I know. I had a long flowing navy skirt on. When leaving the restroom I greeted the people that were lingering around the galley area stretching their legs and talking. Three rows up- a lady grabs me (she only spoke Chinese) and pointed to the back of my skirt. It had caught into the waistband- so I had been flashing all of the standers in the galley, smiled at them and then went for three rows (with viewers on each side) before I was told. I started yanking, running back to the galley- that was ----wait for it----filled with people. I could not get into the bathroom as they were both occupied.

3. On that same flight I sat next to a couple from Vietnam. They spoke only broken English. She had long toenails and flip flops on. Her first two hour assignment on that flight was cleaning out her toenails with her fingernails. I was on the aisle- that is when I had to lean over and befriend my Tylenol PM taker friend so I would not vomit on the seat in front of me. I am not a foot person on a good day- so this was a stretch to sit there in the midst of toe world.

4. What is the deal with having a separate area for razor disposal in the bathroom? What do people have to shave so much during flights that they wear out razors? Am I the only one that is bothered by this.

5. A person that was ahead of me must have been brushing their teeth in the bathroom- I thought that globs of toothpaste were reserved to home sinks only. Apparently not.

6. In Hong Kong- the only thing there were concerned about in security was your cell phone and computer. Everything else could be left in your bags, shoes left on, and many people were pushed through with change, watches, etc. They stopped them and said- but we have scanned your phone and computer right? So you are OK. You know how dangerous those cell phones are.

7. I heard a comedy sketch the other day about how funny it is when you think about the Pilot and his announcements during the flights. I thought (after about 8 hours of flying) maybe I should just knock on his door and say- Hi this is Cylinda from coach. I am going to be sitting her for 15 hours and 50 minutes eating two meals, sipping on water, and trying to entertain myself while my seatmates pick their toes. Please sit back and enjoy your ride. If there are any situations - I will let you know from seat 51H.

8. I am so glad that they explain how to use those seat belts- for all of us who have not been in a truck, car, SUV, station wagon, or any moving vehicle in the last 20 years. I thought we had to cut the straps with scissors or gnaw them with your teeth to depart your seat. Good to know that medal buckle thing does all of the work for us.

9. To the man who was sitting in row 50 that kept trying to tell me about his adventures in China through the seats. I could hear you- I just did not want to have to concentrate and listen between the rows. Sorry. I guess I should have made myself clear as you got louder and louder with your explanations.

10. Please do not call a man Michael when it is a french name - Michel. It is also not Michelle. Just trying to keep you away from that long conversation. I am grateful that he fought in Vietnam for us. He was weeping as we flew over the hills of China as he pointed out the last time he flew this way he was in a chartered TWA flight and had no idea the "hell" hew as going to face as he landed in Vietnam. He said how ironic it was as they debarked the US soldiers boarding gave them a thumbs up. He said that after 7 days of steady combat he finally realized the thumbs up was signaling their joy in departing and was by no means indicative of his impending enjoyment while in that hot and humid country. As the tears flowed while he talked- I thanked God for a free nation- and all of the men and women for fought for it.

Okay so you can tell that has been marinading in my brain for the past 9 days and all HAD to get out. Happy Tuesday people. Hope you all have your Christmas shopping finished, gifts are under the tree, and you are sitting their sipping hot cocoa for the next 3 days. WHO am I kidding. Hit the road. Three shopping days left and those gifts are NOT going to wrap themselves! Love ya!

Longest ever break between post

2010-12-17T09:29:00.001-05:00

It has been about a month- so sorry for all of your faithful blog readers. I am so sorry. It has been a month for me.

I went to:

Springfield, MA- for a funeral of Allen Gordon- missionary to Solomon Islands. Please pray for his two daughters Rachel and Sarah Gordon.
Charlotte, NC- for Thanksgiving. Excited to see my pregnant sister in law due in January.
Singapore- for DCD Conference and quality MK Time with 11 awesome MKs
Malaysia- for DCD Conference (see above).

Then back to AR- where I am now until the week after Christmas when we head out to Branson to celebrate with the Shirley Family for Christmas- then January 3rd- I scoot over to Ghana, Africa to teach in a ladies conference there. (please pray for those sessions).

I am so messed up on my time. I have told my friends that I did not believe in jet-lag and all of that until this trip. It was 31 hours from my house to the hostel that I stayed at. Flying time was 21 hours- so I now finally get it. I spent 62 hours in traveling alone- but it was SOO worth it. I have caught myself falling asleep at odd times and just head bobbing if John is driving. I look like this little guy- I suddenly get his little world.

Some of the highlights of the trip were meeting people from 19 different countries that were at the Deep Calleth Deep conference. So many of our brothers and sisters in Christ live with the fear of being put in jail daily- but yet feel honored to live for him.

One of the Pastors from Vietnam has been imprisoned many times, he has been beaten to the point of loosing his hearing in one ear, lost teeth, and been tortured. I talked to him and told him I admired his walk with God. He said- no don't say that- it is an honor to serve God.

Another man that was really amazing was from Pakistan. He was failing Chemistry in school and was beaten for it by his teacher. He now just received his PHD in Chemistry and is a professor there. He said that even though he is a Pastor- the Lord challenged him to get this degree. He said that he had many conflicts in obtaining the degree. One of them is that his professor was of another religion and kept denying his thesis. God told him that he was going to give him - HIS PHD. He had to have Patience, Hope and Dependence in God. Such a great man.

I really went there to be able to hang out with Meghan, Barak, and Mikayla Willoughby and to attend the Deep Calleth Deep conference. I was blessed to find out that Ang Cla was also there. She is one awesome MK and really doing great things. I am not going to share more than that. Tiara and Isaiah Malik are MKs to Pakistan. Isaiah is the only Christian at his school- and Tiara is home schooled. The Shalm brothers were both there. Yes- they are MKs as well. Some of the best stories, preaching, and anointing rest upon these two. LJ Dabbs is a cutie. He is a little MK to Singapore. He is always being picked up by an admirer. Then there is Zander Scott. He is quite the looker with huge blue eyes. He steals the hearts of ladies near and far. He is always picked right up out of his stroller in Pakistan and held and kissed by all.

Thank you all for your prayer coverage. As you may or may not know I have severe seafood and fresh water fish allergies (as in I carry an Epi-pen). The Lord kept me without incident. I had a couple of times where I felt a warning from him- and questioned what I was about to eat- and yes it had fish in it. God is so gracious.

Hope you all are caught up on your Christmas shopping. The Nickel house does not have one decoration up. I have purchased about 5 gifts, and really will get caught up on my laundry and clean my house. But you know what- all of that can wait. It is more important to stop- give hugs, really listen to our kids, and help friends during this season. I think if I repeat that four or five times to myself I really will believe it.

Love you bloggy buddies. ~C~

Stop the Insanity- YOU are not in control!

2010-11-17T13:08:00.000-05:00

Are you a people pleaser? I think that most sanguines are. I know this because there have been times in my life I have been crippled by this disease. It is exhausting to run around pleasing others so much that you loose yourself in the chaos of the chase.

First Samuel 13:1-14 gives us great insight into Saul's character. Saul was anointed to be the king of Israel. he had an amazing opportunity to enjoy a great future, reap huge benefits, and touch many peoples lives- but his huge character flaw was his downfall.

Saul was a people-pleaser.

He loved the approval of people so much- the roar of the crowd- that he disobeyed God's instructions in order to get it. God instructed Saul to wait until the prophet Samuel arrived to offer up an offering. When Samuel did not arrive at the expected time, the people became restless.

Hmm- take a moment of self reflection ...what do YOU DO when the people around you become restless?

Although Saul knew he was going to be disobedient he went ahead and offered the sacrifice that he had been forbidden to offer. What did he reply when asked as to why he did this? "Because I saw that the people were scattering from me..." (I Samuel 13:11).

Samuel told Saul that he did a foolish thing and because of this he would loose his kingdom.

Don't you just love it when your daily Bible reading slaps you in the face- that was me this morning with the above passage. I am also about to finish the amazing- "So Long Insecurity you have been a bad friend to us" by Beth Moore. If you have not read it- get it today!

RESIST the urge to please others when GOD HAS GIVEN YOU a direct word. When we are a GOD pleasers and not a MAN pleasers we open up the door for God's blessing in our life.

Are you involved with Children's Ministry?

2010-11-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

Are you involved in Children's Ministry? If so this is a great month to teach on Christians that are being persecuted for Christ today. The real Thanksgiving story points to the fact that the pilgrims left for religious freedom. We have religious freedom in America- but not all countries allow Christians to worship freely.

We started out the class by telling them if they had blue colored clothes or jean material on they had to go to the back of the room and sit in the corner. They could not participate in any of the fun activities of the night. They would only sit there with their back turned around and not talk to anyone. They did so because we asked- but were not happy about it. We then asked them to return to their seats. This was a big conversation starter. How did you feel when you could not participate? How did you feel when you were discriminated against?

There are great stories on You Tube that you can use from Voices of the martys. We showed a clip on Wednesday night to our kids. It was not too graphic. It did get the point across that there are others that need prayer. As children's ministry teachers or leaders- exposure is the key. Once they are told about situations that are happening- they will gladly pray with you about it.

I also came across this article today that is about Sung Kyung Ju. A young lady whose father was a leader in the North Korean government. Click over to read the story.

We have missionaries that serve in countries where they have to remain undercover. Churches that have to keep their identity hidden, and are not allowed freedom of worship. Their very lives are on the line daily. We prayed for those Missionary Kids and their families.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. II Corinthians 4:8-11

How did I get here?

2010-11-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

Have you ever stopped- pulled open underwear drawer and found not a clean one staring back at you and said really loudly to a quiet house....

How did I get here?

You get tired of tripping over Barbies, backpacks, bilingual Bibles, and ballet flats that need to be put away.

You greet your husband with a Holy nod as you walk by each other in the hallway.

You have your children wear name tags so you can remember who they are.

You write notes to yourself on your arm so you don't forget something and still drive back to your house to pick up the forgotten objects.

It is 30 degrees out in the morning and you realize you have never stopped to buy your children fall coats or long sleeve shirts that fit.

You are so busy texting people back you don't realize that you have entered into the men's changing room to try on clothes at Target.

You go to make your child's lunch the night before and find the bread bag consist of two end pieces. One of which is damp with some foreign object. You pick it up anyway hoping your daughter thinks the lunch meat was wet. You can't find any chip bags so you give her the lonely wheat thins 100 calorie pack that has been sitting in the snack drawer for 7 months. The only fruit left in the bowl are apples that have been gouged by unknown objects- but you quickly shove them in hoping she thinks it was just a rough bus ride.

Yep- that has been my week this week. How did I get her? Well I know exactly how and why. But that would require another blog.

I just thought it would be great to get this out here in case you have had a week like this. Remember this. YOU ARE LOVED. YOU ARE AMAZING. YOU ARE CHANGING LIVES FOR JESUS. And I don't know if this counts or not- but you are my friend. We will catch up later on all of this. I must needs see if the dryer has some much needed garments for me!

Lemon- The huge multitasker

2010-10-25T12:15:00.001-04:00

Lemons are amazing multitaskers. I love when I find weird things I can do with normal household items -so here is lemons list- feel free to comment your own.

1. To remove stains from a cutting board, rub them with juice, let sit for 20 minutes and rinse.
2. Keep apple and pear slices from browning.
3.Brighten whites by adding a 1/2 cup to your wash cycle.
4. Clean tile grout with lemon juice and a teaspoon of cream of tartar, then rinse.
5. Feed flowers (and kill bacteria) with the juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a drop of bleach per gallon.
6. Put out a lemon at a party to collect used toothpicks. (Put one in ahead of time as a hint)
7. Whiten fingernails by rubbing them with a lemon wedge.
8. Freshen your garbage disposal by putting cut up lemon wedges and running it.
9. To clear sticky cheese from a grater, wipe both sides with a wedge of lemon.
10. Bleach those horrible stains from tea, spaghetti sauce etc- by putting lemon juice on it and let it dry in a sunny location- then wash.

That is about the only 10 things I can come up with for lemon. When I think of lemons for some reason I think of joy. I guess they make me happy- so I am closing out with:

The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad! Psalm 126:3

If you love tips like the above- you will love the Real Simple website. I LOVE that magazine.

Happy Monday Bloggy Buddies!

PS- Thanks for all the notes and concern for Emma. She is doing 100% better. She is currently sitting and doing homework as she will be back to school tomorrow. Tomorrow is her follow-up check up. Again- thanks for your concern. You made a rough week warm with your kindness!

NERD ALERT

2010-10-24T00:18:00.000-04:00

So this is very personal and stupid- those that do not like personal or stupid please find a fun twirly blog about fall pictures or piping hot cinnamon rolls. I don't have the energy to entertain you today.

I am such a nerd. I like order. So much that I have a notebook that I made and follow daily for MK Ministries. I am the office manager so I work from home. I have certain task that I do on certain days of the week.

I also have a second notebook for the things that I do at church and my personal life. John and I are the children's pastor, we help with the Spanish daughter work, and then there is the house, kids, groceries, gifts, cards, and the list goes on.

In my personal book- I follow the plan from motivated moms. Okay I am shaking as I type because this is such a personal nerd area for me. I hate for people to be all up in my business- but here it goes.

I follow my system. In my outlook I have my prayer list for people, Birthdays, anniversaries, reminders, schedules, and my to do list galore.

If I don't write it down it won't happen.

So why blog about it? This past week all of that has been in a whirlwind. As I sit and type I don't even know where those two notebooks are. There has been no plan, no schedule, no organization, nothing. I have been a full time Mom. I feel like I have failed in keeping up in anything. I have had to do things yes- but even while doing them felt like a drowning rat. Why? I guess lack of sleep, taking care of Emma around the clock, and working from a chair by her side vs. my regular work area. Don't get me started on my work area- that is another blog.

How do I feel about all of this? Well I was in tears today. I was not just in tears about my stupid schedule, my "plan", my system- but I was in tears because Emma could not hold food down. She would drink and throw-up, then try to eat and throw-up, and then did it all again. I have done laundry, talked to her, sang to her, and been with her for the past 5 days.

She looked at me today after throwing up and said- "Mom- you're the best." What was that? Well one of the most sweetest moments that you can experience ever as a Mom. I wiped her mouth off, changed her shirt, gave her a hug- and said, "Thanks for letting me be your Mom Emma."

Her little eyes had black circles under them and she looked so weak. She just looked up and gave me a thumbs up, a weak smile, and walked to the couch.

I don't have life under control- EVER. Even with my plans, resources, and notebooks. Life gets behind and swirls around me. I feel some days like I am just putting puzzle pieces together to exist. But I do know this- In quietness and confidence is my strength. HE loves me- Nerd T-shirt and all! Even in all of my failures and weaknesses he is my strength!

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15).

Things on my mind....

2010-10-22T00:05:00.001-04:00

1. I hate little goodbye waves. This week Emma had her tonsils and adenoids taken out- I was fine- until little miss was being wheeled out to surgery and all I saw was a little hand waving backwards at me. I looked at John and had tears flooding my eyes. I said "What are they going to do to my baby", and walked slowly to the waiting room.

It reminded me of all of the goodbyes that I have had in my life. I moved a lot. I hated that last wave in the car window, shedding tears, and that lurch that came into my stomach as the car pulled away.

2. I miss my Grandma. This week while caring for Emma- I realized how much I miss her. Today while making rice at lunch I started crying out of no where because I just wanted to see her. She was the best story teller, she made me smile, took such great care of me- and was just a natural at motherhood. Cylinda=not so much. I feel like I suddenly have an infant. I have been up every four hours giving her medicine. Trying to get her just the right food, get her drinks, help her. In the midst of it- I wonder how my kids have made it to the age of 9 and 11.{Picture is of my Grandma Eikamp with my Mom on left and my Aunt Ruth)

3. Never say Never. I was raised in St. Croix USVI. I took Spanish for 12 years in school. I later lived in Puerto Rico for 3 years, I left and went to language school In Guatemala. At that point of my life I was bilingual enough to translate for church services etc. That was 15-17 years ago.

About a year after attending New Life Church a minister came to me after a service and he said you think that God brought you to this church for one reason but really he brought you here for another. I put it into the back of my mind and moved on. One month later our pastor approached us about helping with a Spanish daughter work for our church. We said we would pray for someone to help. About a month later a Spanish man came to the service. There was no one there to translate so I helped him during that service.

He got baptized that service and made a move towards God. I had secretly told God that I would not say yes to helping with this ministry unless John was 100% in it. John does not know Spanish at all. At lunch he asked- what are you waiting for? Why aren't you saying yes. We both said yes. God has been doing amazing things. He brought an awesome man that helps John with translating for the Spanish Services. We have had 26 different visitors in the last 3 months. The Lord has done so much. When I see Roy, Manuel, Maria, Jose, Sonia, Selena, Gail, German, Carina, Tristen, and others in church on Sundays I just shake my head at the timing of God.

As a child, teen, and young adult I prayed that God would choose me to go to a missions field. I am 42 and my missions field is Cabot, AR. Never say Never. {Picture above is of a recent baptism where I helped Pastor Gaddy translate}

4. I am SOO Blessed. Life has been a bit of a whirlwind around here. In the end of September our church had a missions conference where we were honored to have missionaries and friends stay with us. I did not want the weekend to end. Then the LORD did incredible things for MK Ministries at the General Conference. We had 225 MKs at the Pizza Bash, and 120 MKs march in the Foreign Missions service. It was a moving experience. Then Steve (my brother who is a missionary) and his family came to stay with us for a week. I love being with them. They are only in the states once every four years- so it was a bit of honey to the soul. I guess I can also add this to the number 1 category as I hated that wave goodbye last Tuesday as they pulled out of our driveway. {Kristen, Emma, Seanna, Megan}

On another note- we have put our house up for sale in Charlotte. I was praying about this - this past Sunday and God seemed to tell me- Cylinda I have everything under control.

I have reminded myself of this phrase over and over this past week.

Love you bloggy buddies ~ C~

Joyce Meyers- Just has it today-

2010-10-13T14:14:00.001-04:00

Are you a tent dweller? from Joyce Meyer Ministries on Vimeo.

Kaylin Shirley (Niece), Joy Carlen, Kristen Sharp

2010-10-13T13:05:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Song, Beautiful Harmony. So proud of these three. Love them!

Quit stating the obvious and speak out in faith!

2010-10-12T11:37:00.000-04:00

YOU are flat out amazing just the way you are. Stop comparing yourself, trying to look like someone else, trying to act like someone else. GOD MADE YOU as an amazing creature. HE DID it all by himself- all for his glory.

QUIT CRITICIZING everything you do- and putting yourself down in your own head. There is only one you. You are called, chosen, unique, inspired and equipped to do what you need to do today.

There are many that will have "words" to say about you- but people will always say things about those on the move- that are doing something right, and getting it done. Don't even worry about them. God loves you, your family loves you, your friends love you and that is enough!

Have a great Tuesday. Love what Pastor Tim Gaddy said on Sunday- Quit stating the obvious and speak out in faith today!

This and That

2010-10-11T11:09:00.002-04:00

I know that this picture has made it around blog-world but I just just it. It is a picture of Licia Ronzulli, Italy's MEP, attended a voting session of European Parliament with her baby girl in order to draw attention to women's rights. I love it because it reminds me that family and children are first.

I have been MIA lately because:

Week before Last I was in Houston for the week representing MK Ministries at a Conference. MKs are missionary kids if you wonder why I always type those initials.

My parents had a beautiful retirement reception in Houston. I was so thankful for many friends that showed up. They felt humbled and honored all at once. If you like any one spec of me it is because I have amazing parents.

Friday evening we had a pizza bash for MKs- 225 present. Saturday we marched in the Foreign Missions service with 120 MKs. Beautiful sight.

I flew home on Monday and Monday night my brother and his family arrived to stay for a week. It has been honey to my soul. SO good to be with them. We all love to laugh, talk, and just have fun so it has been good times abounding.

Wednesday Night my parents drove down so they were in the area. We got together with them on Thurs, Friday, and Saturday Nights.

We helped Saturday with the New Life Church booth at Cabot fest. It was awesome to see a gentleman that came by the booth at service on Sunday. The girls (Steve's two) and my two went with their Nana and Papa to the air show. It was such a treat for them. Since my Dad was a pilot- he is a great person to go to airshows with.

Yesterday we were at the 9AM, 11AM services. It was a great day of honoring Pastor Tim and Stacy Gaddy. They are quality people in every since of the word. We returned for the 4PM Spanish Bible Study. We had a meeting at 7 PM and capped off the weekend with frozen yogurt for all at the 3 flamingos frozen yogurt in Cabot.

Steve and Kari are currently driving back from LA today and will be here tonight.

I say all of this to say this. It is easy in the hustle and bustle of it all to forget that while I organize, plan, entertain, cook, go out to eat, talk, work, our children need us.

Don't let your kids get pushed in the background of your life. Keep them in the forefront- and also keep their underwear washing up to date- even if you have to do it from 3 AM - 4 AM :) That my friends is a free tip!

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This past week we also found out Emma's allergies are not changing with her medicine. So last night we gave Pringle to an amazing mother and daughter combo from our church. They had to put their dog down this past week- so once again GOD's timing is perfect.

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Thanks bloggy buddies for putting up with sporadic post. Love you and wish we could all sit and sip pumpkin spice lattes together for a day! OK maybe for 2 hours. We don't want to roll away with all of that sugary goodness!

Are you a couch potato or a Nehemiah?

2010-10-07T16:56:00.000-04:00

Beth Moore's Comissioning

2010-09-21T21:23:00.002-04:00

This is what she says at the end of all of her conferences:

My Dear Sister,

Your God has called you

To use that mouth of yours

For His great glory.

Don’t just add to the noise.

Become a real woman

Who opens her mouth with wisdom.

God wants the Law of Kindness

On your tongue

And the love of Christ

In your heart.

Never forget:

Kindness is not a weakness!

When you’re wearing down

Head to Christ and His people

And let them build you back up.

Always remember:

His yoke is KIND.

Make sure

It’s the only yoke you wear.

It’s time to go our separate ways

But we’ll all meet up again

At the glorious epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Until then,

Let the One who led you here

Lead you on with cords of kindness.

Now, get out there

And build a welcoming fire

In a cold world.

Live by the Law of Kindness!

-Thanks Beth Moore-

Weekend in Words

2010-09-21T01:02:00.003-04:00

Make Lasagna for 5 people besides my 4- four out of the 5 never had lasagna before.

They leave with smiles

Breakfast with Dad in town 30 miles away.

Watching lady with brillo pad hair -lick out of a bowl -(yep she did)

Old Navy, Old friends, Old Cylinda (oh that is me looking at myself in the mirror)

Prayer

Spanish Service

Kidzlife, Sunday School preparation

Church = 9 AM/11 AM/ Pick up new family/So excited about all of it!

New Friends

Visit Aunt and Uncle- feel like a heel that it has been forever since I have been to visit said aunt and uncle.

Visit lady at hospital that had been released. Well atleast I now know how to get to that floor in that hospital. Kids and John not as positive about the whole journey.

Purple Cow- Yum.

Is it Sunday Night already?

KABOOM!

2010-09-16T17:11:00.004-04:00

Sunday our printer went out - while printing things for KIDZLIFE and the Sunday School teacher's meeting.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday my phone was in and out. Texting people messages that were not meant for them. Re-texting old messages, and even answering text with random other text. It was awesome (not).

Monday- My computer had a techie working on it for 5 hours - While I went in and out of contentiousness trying to watch my screen fly through test after test.

Wednesday- Our Dvd player quit working while the Kidzilife video that I was pre-viewing was sitting inside of it. We finally prayed over it, unplugged it, and started over and it spit it out like a sour apple.

I was telling a friend about this today- and she said- now you have told me your dream- I will give you the interpretation (borrowing words from Joseph)- You need to go on a media fast. I wish I could. I want to sit for 7 days and read and not have to do anything else. Who is joining me on read only island :) Of Course diet cokes and appropriate snacks will be flown in.

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KABOOM-

How many of you are sucked in by commercials? Okay. Well since you can't see me...I am waving my hand like crazy right now. I AM. I saw this super cool commercial the other day about bathroom cleaner (I am also addicted to trying out new cleaners) that you spray on BLUE and it turns WHITE when it is ready for you to wipe it off. I finally finagled a way to go and get some bananas and bread and KABOOM.

I did not read ALL of the directions. Just so you have all of the information I just used about a gallon of draino on our shower before this incident.

Finally I was ready for the awe and wonder of bubbles that change color from blue to white right before your eyes. Just for your visual enlightenment- our bathroom has a shower that that has a seat and doors that slide. The water shoots out of a removable shower head. Yes I have the full senior citizen shower. I was in full cleaning mode when all of a sudden the fumes of everything got to me and before I know it- I am going down- KABOOM. The chemicals in the two should not have mixed. I caught myself falling and firmly hit my bottom on the slimy white foam colored seat. Thankfully I did not fully pass out just got woozy- and slimy.

So in case you are wondering- Kaboom will also change colors on your skin, clothes, and toes from blue to white. Well hey- at least I am clean.

I am now offering this free public announcement... IF you are going to use Kaboom- do not use it right after Mr. Draino, and for the love of Pete- keep your shower doors open! Really people I can't even make this stuff up!

Hey I am JUST HERE FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT- Happy Thursday!

Emma-isms

2010-09-14T00:32:00.004-04:00

You asked for them- here are some of her latest things she has been saying/thinking about/and well doing-

1. She told me the other day- I just don't get why people smoke wheat- it doesn't make any sense to me at all. Yep- she was talking about smoking weed.

2. She told me that unless I started giving her "cool" and "trendy" hair styles she might have to start doing her hair herself. Hmm I am all for that!

3. She is currently afraid of the tub and sharks again. This is an ongoing thing with her. If you don't believe me- just search in my blog and you will see. I had a big talk with her about this and told her that even if they did make it from the ocean to Arkansas, and even if they did manage to live in the fresh water vs. salt water- that they would be sooo tiny when they got in her tub- she could smash it with her finger. SHE informed me that they are HUGE and will be breaking pipes all the way from TX to AR just to get to her tub. I gave up and let her take a sponge bath that night.

4. She is worried about the new people that moved in three houses down. She was going to make a map of the neighborhood and fun things for them to do and ride it down there with her bike. She also considered wearing a name tag. Today- she did a drive by (with her bike- complete with a bell) and she could not see any kids outside. Tomorrow is a new day.

5. She prays every night for her Papa's heart and lungs and Brother Willoughby- which when she is very tired sounds like Brother Wheatherby. She then will add people that she hears of that might need a prayer- Sister Doughty (which she wondered if she was in doubt), her sister, she often prays for Indigo, and the list goes on. Nights that she is super tired she ask if she has forgotten about anyone. She also prays for the baby that is in my sister-in-laws belly (in Emma lingo)which now we know is a boy- so she prays for him by name.

She is a very busy 9 year old. She will not be doing Bible Quizzing this year but will cheer her sister on. She wants to take piano lessons- so I need to get her signed up this fall.

She is available to sign autographs at general conference. She said she is taking a Sharpie. Last year one of my friends met her and told her that she loved her so much already because she read about her in my blog. She was so mad that I did not have paper and a Sharpie ready for her to sign autographs when asked. I kid you not.

Good night all- My day has been filled with General Conference Booth displays, gathering MK pictures, working with the Geek Squad with a computer on the blitz, and dealing with a phone that decided to do random texting today. I MISS MY BLACKBERRY :(

Love you all like a HOT PINK BLACKBERRY!

Happy Almost Sunday...

2010-09-12T00:14:00.004-04:00

Great day today-

Bacon/Egg/Toast eating
Errand running
Children laughing
Turtle finding
Yard mowing (landlord smiling)
Children hugging
Laundry lugging
Prayer meeting attending
Spanish Church amazing

Now I should be getting ready for Kidzlife but I was trying to get my computer to let me figure out how to connect to our projector at church cause I have this really cool power point I want to show the kids. (longest run on sentence ever- so sorry Lori S)

I also have a teacher's meeting between the 9 AM and 11 AM service.

But alas I am not ready for either.

But the girls did find a turtle today and they named it squirt. They are in love. Emma told me she even heard "Squirt" sneeze. Sheer joy.

Me- I just want wavy hair tomorrow, a hot tea, my cook, personal assistant, secretary, and staff to be ready for when I arise at 6:00 AM. Oh wait. I am all of those people :)

I am going to bed but first I am going to dream of riding bikes in the wind, romantic wedding proposals, and sailing. All of these sound amazing right now. (Random Rant)

Love you and hope you wake up to amazing Sundays~ until then- Fare thee well!

The picture is of my imaginary perfectly wavy but yet not frizzy hair that I have in my dreams.

Piles and doorbells (well I don't actually HAVE a doorbell)

2010-09-10T14:58:00.005-04:00

Today started out with a fright as I was not quite ready to face ANYONE. I kept hearing loud persistent knocks on our front door. Finally a key went into the lock and the door sprung open. I then heard "Mrs. Nickel- are you home?"

It was our landlord.

"I am home- but can't see anyone right now", I called.

"That's okay- when you get a second can you open up your garage door? The termite inspector needs to go under your house and into your garage."

I said sure and quickly started to TRY to make myself look presentable. I looked up to the heavens and said out loud. "Wow I know you are laughing right now- really do we have to play does Cylinda have a sense of humor this early?"

I ran into the kitchen and opened up the door to the garage and hit the magical button.

As I walked back into my living room and entry way a lump formed in my throat- he saw the piles.

Piles of clean clothes waiting to be put back into rooms.
Piles of shoes waiting to be put into closets.
Piles of cords (don't ask- I was on a hunt last night).
Piles of paperwork that Emma and Seanna had left by the entry way table.

My heart sunk- once again I was caught with a dirty piled up house.

Why is it we feel like we have to always have the parade of homes ready to photograph our humble abodes?

Why can't we just be happy that we have children with feet that need shoes, children with minds that require school work, computers that need cords, and clothes to shelter our children from the elements of life?

I quickly repented, shoved pride out the doorway, and asked our landlord and termite man if they wanted some sweet tea. They both smiled and said no.

He looked around our yard and said- looks like your husband has been working late hours again huh? The grass answered back by waving with the stiff breeze. I nodded and smiled. "Yes sir, so happy to have a husband who is able to provide for his family."

I felt triumphant- that I had finally squashed the horrible voice of perfection from my head. Just then I caught a glimpse of my flowerbed and the weeds that were smiling up at me with their green teeth.

"And I am responsible for the flower beds. Guess I need to get back from vacation huh?"

Okay- so 50/50 isn't too bad right?

"Sometimes we may have nothing
to show for our work
but much to show to our God."

I can't even make this stuff up

2010-09-09T15:16:00.004-04:00

So today I ran up to a store on my lunch break. This store will remain nameless. It does offer the MAXXimum experience - and did you know that the best man in our wedding was TJ?

I went to the fitting room and the attendant was a little different to start out with. I took my two items in and began to get ready to try them on.

(PG Alert) At the point of this story I am standing there in my skirt and my bra. All of a sudden the curtain flies open and the fitting room lady and a man are standing there. She tells him, "See there is gum on this curtain too."

I am fully exposed to the two of them. I look at her and loudly proclaim "Ma'am- please SHUT THE CURTAIN I am trying on clothes."

She looks at me and says- "Cool your jets- it's not like you got anything he has not seen before anyway." She shuts the curtain and goes on.

I immediately think- Did this just happen? Am I in an alternate universe?

Am I being Punk'd? Are there cameras rolling?

What are the odds? I am such a freak magnet.

Happy to BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY!!

Happy Thursday!

How do you hear from God?

2010-09-08T13:07:00.003-04:00

I had a great conversation last night with a person. In the middle of the conversation we were talking about something and I said- well that is what God was saying to you. She said- Does God speak like that?

I began to think about this during my time of reflection this am. Otherwise known as blur until I had a HOT cup of tea. How do you hear from God? How does he speak to you?

As believers, hearing God speak to us is our right and our privilege. The Word says that we can know his voice and distinguish it from others; He give us discernment to identify His voice over the other voices in our lives. John 10:3-5

Just as any other relationship in our lives we have to spend time with HIM to get to know him. His voice will not be contrary to the wisdom and principles in the Bible.

I just usually have a feeling from the pit of my stomach and know that it is HIM. It is not an out-loud voice in my head, it is not me opening up the Bible and pointing at a page. It is not always someone else having a word for me. It is just a knowing.

I guess it is hard to explain isn't it?

How do you hear from God? What has he spoken to you? Have you ever felt to tell someone something and have not been brave enough to do it? Comment away!

Gobs

2010-09-07T21:35:00.003-04:00

Gobs of books to read- they are flowing over the night stand.
Gobs of lessons to research- they are flooding over in my mind.
Gobs of dust bunnies who have found partners and are breeding all over the house.
Gobs of organization that needs to happen in Kidzlife for the fall.
Gobs of things to do for MK Ministries before General Conference.
Gobs of laundry to wash.
Gobs of laundry to put away.
Gobs of people to get back to.
Gobs of emails to answer.
Gobs of things that need to get back in their right place.

But today I am ignoring the Gobs and giving Gobs of love to my little girls.

I do realize that my oldest is only 11 and taller than me- and my youngest is 9 and is inching up to me- but they are my little girls- and today they needed their Mom.

Emma awoke with a stomach bug- that Seanna had on Saturday.
Seanna had a Drs. apt- that did not go as her head had imagined. She had a procedure done- and about passed out on me. Well she did go in and out- but not all the way out. She was the shade of paper and about made me turn into the shade of paper. I am so proud of her. She is a trooper!

I gave them each gobs of hugs, then found my rusted lemon recipe box and made them chicken and potato soup.

It is loaded with gobs of cream cheese and milk and chicken, and potatoes, and sour cream, and cheese, and gobs of love. I gave them piping hot soup with piping hot rolls, helped them get ready for bed and tucked them in and prayed over each of them.

I am now sitting on my bed and finding out that I have gobs of tears coming down and making my face wet.

I DO HOWEVER have GOBS of faith in a GOD that is so big he is going to make this mountain in a my mind a tiny mole hill.

As for the GOBS of work I have to do- guess what- it will still be here in the morning.

- This blog is sponsored by the letters G, O, B, and S.

Love you bloggy buddies. Thanks for being real in my life!

Your Prayer Needed ASAP

2010-08-31T22:51:00.001-04:00

I can't go into detail on this but please say a prayer tonight for Seanna. I have a Dr. Apt with her tomorrow. I know that God is the healer and there is nothing TOO hard for him.

Thanks for being there. Even though there are about 2 of you that comment- I know that others read and I appreciate you prayers tonight more than words can say-

Thanks- A worried but prayerful Mom

MK Retreat 2010

2010-08-25T23:18:00.001-04:00

Dis a ppoint ment

2010-08-23T23:32:00.009-04:00

Disappointment is a word that has been on the lips of so many lately.

I planned on getting that done but....
I planned on spending the rest of my life with him in marriage but...
I planned on sitting with them- but their table was full...
I planned on my daughter always living for the lord but...
I wanted to let her know how I felt before she was gone but...
We planned on going on vacation this weekend but...
I wanted to have some quality time with my husband but...
I prayed that I would get that specific job but...

Each of these people have had mental plans. Plans that were stripped from them, ripped out of their hands and destroyed. The days that were spent in the expectation, hours filled with dreams, whispers, talks, sharing, hopes-it all vanished in a split second. Sometimes with even one word- or a quick sharp response.

Words like:

Divorce.
I don't love you.
The job has been filled.
Mom- I'm moving on.
Find another place to sit.
You have had a heart attack.
I need you to help me this weekend.
This comes first and then we can spend time together.

All short sentences. None of them take more than thirty seconds to say- but each sentence leaves a lifetime to get over them. Hurdles to cross, knees to be brushed off, band-aids to be applied, and hearts that have been tenderized through some of lives roughest trials.

So what do we do with these disappointments that happen in life?

What is your attitude like when the Lord takes his liberty in your life? How do you handle disappointment?

1. Let go of worry. Put it in God's hands. He is Sovereign. You can't change your past- you don't know what will happen tomorrow -but you do have control over your attitude for today. Choose to let go of condemnation.

2. Know this -Psalm 30:5- Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Today may be rough but know it is a season. Things may make us feel sad or frustrated temporarily- but know that joy is around the corner.

3. Get out there and help someone else. The enemy tries to get us so wrapped up in our own problems, issues, situations that we miss out of opportunities to bless and help others. When you step out of your situation and bless others- the Lord will often be ministering to you at the same time!

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Just Dance!!

2010-08-03T23:41:00.005-04:00

Happy Wednesday- Love you Bloggy Buddies- Take five minutes out and hug your loved ones or just dance!

And before I forget ...

-My coffee cup is not a morning person. I feel sorry for her when that hot liquid is poured in her belly each morning.

-For the love of Pete stop throwing all of those coins into fountains- what if they don't know how to swim? No - I guess you never thought of that huh?

Happy Monday

2010-08-02T10:49:00.001-04:00