I wanted to write another post because I was really writing last weeks this week and still didn't get it done on my right day. Sorry about that.
I wanted to talk about another one of the devotion topics that I had for last week when we on our mission trip. One of the parables that Jesus shares is about 'The Wise and Foolish Builders' found in Matthew 7:24-27. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
I want to be like the wise man that built his house on 'The Rock'! I need to have Jesus and His words in my heart so that I can put them into practice, so that I know what he wants from me. I believe Georgia and Everett, the couple we helped, had their 'house' built on 'The Rock'! Even tho, the rain came and the streams rose up, and their physical house was damaged, it did not fall completely and they had the faith to see it rebuilt. Their faith was strong enough to know that those 'things' they lost were not what was important. They are able to tell others and show others where their real strength comes from. It comes from 'The Rock'!! I pray we can all have our lives built on the Rock before a major disaster befalls us so that when things go wrong, as they will in this life, our hearts are ready.
Friday, July 24, 2009
We're back!
We're back!!! Not sure how many of you knew, I guess I hadn't mentioned it much but we were on a mission trip with the Family Workteam from our church. I had planned to blog on my usual day but we had trouble even getting a phone signal many times so I just decided to wait til we got home. We went to Columbus, IN for a week to help with the flood relief work from last summer's flood. We were working thru The United Way. We were a small group this time only 12 at the most. A few people could not be with us the whole week but as it turned out, we had just the right number of people at the right time.
At first, we thought we would be working on two houses along side of another group from York, PA. When the fellow in charge of the work assignments found out we had a plumber and an electrician in our group they gave us a different house. We worked on the house of Everett and Georgia Reeves. They were in their 60's and with the help of their family and friends had done some of the work themselves but had run out of steam. Plus the jobs left were some of the big ones. Our electrician came for just a day but was able to get some major jobs done to situate the electricity to the house and garage. Then a local electrician came the rest of the week and hooked up the plugs, switches, and then the ceiling lights. I believe when we were leaving on Friday most of the electricity work was finished. We had our plumber with us all week. He was able to show my two sons what needed to be done and they were under the house for a couple days working on pipes and duct work. I could never do that!! In addition, with the plumber's direction, our group was able to hook up most of the bathroom and kitchen fixtures, the well and the pump. We also finished the wood flooring in two rooms, doorways and doors, most of the kitchen cabinets, drywalled the mudroom, and painted all the trim and baseboards for the next group to install. It was clearly looking more like a house when we left on Friday.
I try to document everything in photos and everybody is usually tired of getting their picture taken by the second or third day. I say 'we have to have proof that everybody works.' I try to include anybody that we meet too, so we can remember them when we get home. Taking all the pictures is a way to give those back at our church, especially, a view into our week. So many people have donated to our different fundraisers and I want them to see what the money went for. We stayed at The Columbus Youth Camp just outside of Columbus which was very handy and the cabins, kitchen, and restrooms were fairly nice so that made our stay comfortable. It was nice, also, to have such a short drive there and back and to be helping out some 'fellow Hoosiers'! All the people we met were topnotch and easy to work with! As a group, we got along great and enjoyed each other's company on and off the job!
The couple we helped, Georgia and Everett, were the cutest couple. They were very friendly and it was easy to get to know them. Right at the beginning, Georgia brought out some pictures so we could see what the house looked like with all the water around it. It was unbelievable! The next day she brought out more pictures and a book that had been printed showing many scenes from around Columbus after the flood. It was amazing to hear how quickly it came up and all the things that happened then in the next few weeks and months. They had such an amazing attitude about everything and were very grateful for all that we were doing for them. It made you want to do as much as you could to help them. Everett was a big 'kidder' so he fit into our group real well and we all had fun teasing each other, Georgia, too! With my son and his family living so close I'm hoping to be able to visit with Georgia and Everett from time to time.
We try to have devotions on our trips and it was difficult with our schedule this time but one devotion went along with something Georgia had shared with me. She said just before the flood that she was very ill and in the hospital. She said she had prayed that she'd go back to church and all the things we say when we try to make a deal with God if he would help her get better. And altho she still struggles with her health some and then they had the flood and lost so much of their belongings, her attitude was so amazing. She said she realized that things happen for a reason. It says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Many things are listed there and verse 3b says, "A time to tear down, and a time to build up" and that's where we were at for them. I pray that if I ever have such a disaster that God will help me to feel just that way and trust in Him. Georgia said they were back to going to church and anyone they meet will see her attitude of trust in God for all that she has and needs. What an awesome testimony they were sharing with us as we were there to share with them. That's just how a mission trip works - you usually get more out of it yourself personally than what you are able to give. I think that's how God has it all planned out for us!
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity we had to help Georgia and Everett! I praise you for their testimony of trust in you for everything they need. I pray you will use them to show many others as they showed us. I praise you, too, that you know long before we do, what we need and place people in our lives to show us those things. And again I pray you will show us where we can be your hands and feet in your world around us. Amen.
At first, we thought we would be working on two houses along side of another group from York, PA. When the fellow in charge of the work assignments found out we had a plumber and an electrician in our group they gave us a different house. We worked on the house of Everett and Georgia Reeves. They were in their 60's and with the help of their family and friends had done some of the work themselves but had run out of steam. Plus the jobs left were some of the big ones. Our electrician came for just a day but was able to get some major jobs done to situate the electricity to the house and garage. Then a local electrician came the rest of the week and hooked up the plugs, switches, and then the ceiling lights. I believe when we were leaving on Friday most of the electricity work was finished. We had our plumber with us all week. He was able to show my two sons what needed to be done and they were under the house for a couple days working on pipes and duct work. I could never do that!! In addition, with the plumber's direction, our group was able to hook up most of the bathroom and kitchen fixtures, the well and the pump. We also finished the wood flooring in two rooms, doorways and doors, most of the kitchen cabinets, drywalled the mudroom, and painted all the trim and baseboards for the next group to install. It was clearly looking more like a house when we left on Friday.
I try to document everything in photos and everybody is usually tired of getting their picture taken by the second or third day. I say 'we have to have proof that everybody works.' I try to include anybody that we meet too, so we can remember them when we get home. Taking all the pictures is a way to give those back at our church, especially, a view into our week. So many people have donated to our different fundraisers and I want them to see what the money went for. We stayed at The Columbus Youth Camp just outside of Columbus which was very handy and the cabins, kitchen, and restrooms were fairly nice so that made our stay comfortable. It was nice, also, to have such a short drive there and back and to be helping out some 'fellow Hoosiers'! All the people we met were topnotch and easy to work with! As a group, we got along great and enjoyed each other's company on and off the job!
The couple we helped, Georgia and Everett, were the cutest couple. They were very friendly and it was easy to get to know them. Right at the beginning, Georgia brought out some pictures so we could see what the house looked like with all the water around it. It was unbelievable! The next day she brought out more pictures and a book that had been printed showing many scenes from around Columbus after the flood. It was amazing to hear how quickly it came up and all the things that happened then in the next few weeks and months. They had such an amazing attitude about everything and were very grateful for all that we were doing for them. It made you want to do as much as you could to help them. Everett was a big 'kidder' so he fit into our group real well and we all had fun teasing each other, Georgia, too! With my son and his family living so close I'm hoping to be able to visit with Georgia and Everett from time to time.
We try to have devotions on our trips and it was difficult with our schedule this time but one devotion went along with something Georgia had shared with me. She said just before the flood that she was very ill and in the hospital. She said she had prayed that she'd go back to church and all the things we say when we try to make a deal with God if he would help her get better. And altho she still struggles with her health some and then they had the flood and lost so much of their belongings, her attitude was so amazing. She said she realized that things happen for a reason. It says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Many things are listed there and verse 3b says, "A time to tear down, and a time to build up" and that's where we were at for them. I pray that if I ever have such a disaster that God will help me to feel just that way and trust in Him. Georgia said they were back to going to church and anyone they meet will see her attitude of trust in God for all that she has and needs. What an awesome testimony they were sharing with us as we were there to share with them. That's just how a mission trip works - you usually get more out of it yourself personally than what you are able to give. I think that's how God has it all planned out for us!
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity we had to help Georgia and Everett! I praise you for their testimony of trust in you for everything they need. I pray you will use them to show many others as they showed us. I praise you, too, that you know long before we do, what we need and place people in our lives to show us those things. And again I pray you will show us where we can be your hands and feet in your world around us. Amen.
M.I.A.
Sorry I have been so MIA lately. I don't have internet at home so it's touch and go with when I can use it! Anyhow I have another incredibly busy today but I didn't want to miss a chance to blog! It's interesting to me to think about how even when we as humans get so busy...God is always one step ahead of us making the way for our steps and guiding our path. It is hard for me to slow down sometimes even though I know I may miss a step that my God is paving for me.
Not a very long post today, but enough to say I might be right now but our God will never be M.I.A!
Love you all!
Not a very long post today, but enough to say I might be right now but our God will never be M.I.A!
Love you all!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
I'm behind
Sorry ladies! I'm behind. This week I've been helping out in the camp office in the afternoons. I'm SO good at making my days completely booked! We are also down to just Shane's computer so I am left with posting at night or first thing in the morning.
Last night was the last night I shared with the campers about situational poverty. It was the best night of all I shared. I felt like I had it down, like the kids were receptive and it was just all around good. Now my prayer is that the Lord will take what they heard and move them along in what they can do about it. (MOVE me too Lord!) Then I'm praying that we will all be ready to listen to that still small voice.
A funny story I forgot to share last week..... I was getting ready to talk to the first group. It's a solemn moment you know? We are all ready to talk about these tough situations. Our groups are meeting outside and I have a table down near the lake. I started talking and about 3.5 seconds into it.... a bird pooped on my hand!!!!!!! I'm so not kidding. All the kids starting eewwwing. All I could do was say gross and wipe it off in the grass and then keep going! Seriously. Gross. But thank you God it wasn't my head!
Monday, July 20, 2009
When We Can't, God Can!
Hello ladies! I am writing my post late at night ... again! What is wrong with me? I am so not a late night person. But I several projects going on right now, one really big one. Jason and I and Shannon and her husband are league directors for the UPWARD basketball program at our church. We are new at this role so it is taking a lot of time and preparation to get us going in the right direction. I just came home from a meeting with the four of us and my head is spinning!! We have so much to do. Sometimes I wonder how we are going to accomplish our very long list of things to do. I am sure you all can relate to feeling this way.
I have a habit of taking on the stress of a big project without handing it over to God first thing. I know in my heart that I cannot make this all happen on my own. Neither can just the four of us humans. But I want to take ownership and control of the details and make it all work. I get frustrated if one of the balls drop in my juggling act. The key to our success in making this ministry fabulous is giving it to God every single day..... lifting it up in prayer, asking for guidance, asking for God to place people in our hearts who will lead along with us, and praying for the children who will participate. Only He knows the outcome of labors. I believe he has placed this ministry before us for a reason, and He will guide is in the right direction.
What is the famous song, "Jesus Take the Wheel?" I am really trying to be intentional in letting God guide my efforts right now regarding UPWARD. Naturally, I have doubts about my own abilities to do this project, and in whether the church will receive our leadership and grab on to the vision. But this I do know:
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Phillipians 4:13)
"For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
I am thankful for this opportunity to serve Him, and I am thankful to my co-leaders for their dedication to the ministry and its purpose. Could you please pray for us in the coming weeks and months as we continue to plan and seek to do God's will in our community? UPWARD's vision is to win as many children over for Christ as possible.
Thank you for your prayers!
I have a habit of taking on the stress of a big project without handing it over to God first thing. I know in my heart that I cannot make this all happen on my own. Neither can just the four of us humans. But I want to take ownership and control of the details and make it all work. I get frustrated if one of the balls drop in my juggling act. The key to our success in making this ministry fabulous is giving it to God every single day..... lifting it up in prayer, asking for guidance, asking for God to place people in our hearts who will lead along with us, and praying for the children who will participate. Only He knows the outcome of labors. I believe he has placed this ministry before us for a reason, and He will guide is in the right direction.
What is the famous song, "Jesus Take the Wheel?" I am really trying to be intentional in letting God guide my efforts right now regarding UPWARD. Naturally, I have doubts about my own abilities to do this project, and in whether the church will receive our leadership and grab on to the vision. But this I do know:
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Phillipians 4:13)
"For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
I am thankful for this opportunity to serve Him, and I am thankful to my co-leaders for their dedication to the ministry and its purpose. Could you please pray for us in the coming weeks and months as we continue to plan and seek to do God's will in our community? UPWARD's vision is to win as many children over for Christ as possible.
Thank you for your prayers!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Whew! I'm tired! I have had a long day, a good one, but long. I've been so excited that my daughter started walking... but that also means she can choose to walk away from me now. And choose to throw her sweet little self on the floor when her mom tells her not to do things like put her hands in the toilet..... My world has now turned into being a hawk, watching out for what she will do that may hurt her. She doesn't know that stepping off deck without going down the stairs will hurt her, or that ovens are hot or any of those things.
I was asking some girlfirends today.... why do we make it so hard on ourselves? We DO know what is bad for us and what our Father wants from us but we still choose to do things that in the long run will hurt us. Why do we do this? Our selfish nature wants what we want and we choose to not think about the consequences.
But PRAISE the Lord that just like I love my daughter and will teach her over and over, our Father loves us. Even more! (remember Judy's post?) Thank you LORD for loving me and loving me and then loving me still...
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Power of Prayer
If you haven't followed the link on Monica's post to the family with a little girl just diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor, please do so. I just read it, and totally changed my post topic. It is horrible and touching at the same time. It is so real and so unreal. It blows my mind that there are thousands of stories similar to this family's, but it also makes me smile because this little girl's family has so much faith and trust in the Lord. And He is there through their terrible journey. The power of prayer......it brings us into a close relationship with Jesus.
As a parent, I want to teach my children not only to pray and how to pray, but why we pray. It is not just for meal times and bedtime. It is an ongoing conversation with our creator and redeemer. It is for praise and petition. It is for times of joy and times of pain. It is for the big things and the small, seemingly insignificant occurences in our lives. He craves that intimate relationship with us, His children.
My prayer tonight is that I am deliberate and intentional about my prayer time. I need to not only set aside quiet time for reading the Word and praying, but also throughout my day, (while doing housework, driving, playing with the kids), give a word of praise or lift others up in prayer. Sticky notes and notecards work wonders! One of my favorite tools is a book of spiral notecards I keep in the car. I keep it open to a favorite verse, or if I am waiting in the car, I can flip through all of the verses that have spoken to me recently. (actually my spiral notecards are flipped open right next to my laptop to Zephaniah 3:17, one of my favorite verses).
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
What are some of your favorite prayers or prayer tools??
As a parent, I want to teach my children not only to pray and how to pray, but why we pray. It is not just for meal times and bedtime. It is an ongoing conversation with our creator and redeemer. It is for praise and petition. It is for times of joy and times of pain. It is for the big things and the small, seemingly insignificant occurences in our lives. He craves that intimate relationship with us, His children.
My prayer tonight is that I am deliberate and intentional about my prayer time. I need to not only set aside quiet time for reading the Word and praying, but also throughout my day, (while doing housework, driving, playing with the kids), give a word of praise or lift others up in prayer. Sticky notes and notecards work wonders! One of my favorite tools is a book of spiral notecards I keep in the car. I keep it open to a favorite verse, or if I am waiting in the car, I can flip through all of the verses that have spoken to me recently. (actually my spiral notecards are flipped open right next to my laptop to Zephaniah 3:17, one of my favorite verses).
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
What are some of your favorite prayers or prayer tools??
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