Choosing His Way

I ask Clara to get Bubby a little car to play with while he sits in his high chair playing contentedly.
She quickly proceeds to find other toys in his toy box and try to convince me why they would be good for him to play with. Ex.: tractor, spatula, etc.
When I proceed to explain to her that I really want the little cars and why, she continues to try and pitch her own little argument my way.

And in the midst of this the very convicting thought struck me--isn't that just like me? Isn't that just how I react sometimes when God is trying to show me his plan--the very best plan for me.

Instead of happily, joyfully, and readily accepting and complying to what He has in store {which I KNOW deep down will turn out way better than continuing to do it my own way}, often I think that I know better and want to tell Him {God Almighty!} a thing or two. Like, maybe if I explain why I think that my way or idea is a good one, that He will change His mind and 'come around'.

What heartaches I could save myself from if I would just learn to trust Him and chose His good and perfect gift for me right away.

Do you ever feel like that?

Do you ever get hit in the heart with one of God's piercing arrows as your in the midst of your day-to-day craziness?

As much as it hurts  and fills me with conviction, shame, and guilt sometimes, nevertheless I am grateful. I am thankful that God uses everyday, simple things to teach me and hit the "reset" button on my heart.

He's still workin' on me,

The Story doesn't end there...

Wow! I am overwhelmed...

I jumped on Facebook for a second and found out that there is much more to the story...

You see, not only were my dear friends robbed at gunpoint {big shudder}, but God was working through it all. As sweet Mindy's faith was truly put to the test and I am sure a million things were running crazily through her mind, God gave her clarity. As the robbers quickly grabbed their worldly goods and stuffed them into a bag, Mindy handed the younger man her Bible, stating something like this,

"Take this; it's the most valuable thing I have."

Whoa! As I read those words, I felt a sharp and swift knife of conviction pierce my heart! I am severely smitten by those words and her courageous actions.

Supposedly, the older of the two said, "Don't take that!" To which the younger replied, "But the lady gave it to me!" and continued to stuff it in the bag. Now, this heroic family are praying that this man will read the words of life found in her stolen Bible and be saved!

Wow! and again I say WOW!! I am blown away by this. Would I have had the presence of mind to do the same? Or even anything remotely close? Sadly, I don't think so. I think I would have cringed in fear and humiliation and never have said a word or even have thought about trying to be a light to thieves in the process of robbing me. What an amazing testimony of God's power on my dear friends' life and of seeking a way to allow all things to work together for good to them that love Him. Obviously, Mindy is very soul-minded, even thinking of the souls of her attackers in that sinful moment. I am very, deeply convicted and pray that the Lord will use this in my life to renew my burden for a love of God's Word and to take His Word to the lost, no matter where I am or who they are.

I want to express a HUGE thank you to the many of my friends that are lifting this family up in prayer. You are a blessing and encouragement to them and me!

Here's a quick note from Mindy herself:

Thankful for God's protection

by Mindy Bush on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 9:41am

Thank you all for your prayers, messages and calls! We are so amazed and comforted with the the thought of so many people praying for us in this time. We thank the Lord that no harm came to us or to our girls and are praying that we can put this behind us. The Lord gave us a peace that passes all understanding during the entire experience and though we were shook up we knew that God was protecting us the entire time. We are praying for the thieves as one of them has my Bible that he will read it and be saved! We are so thankful for all of you who have prayed and ask that you continue to do so especially for our girls as they have a hard time processing all that they saw. It would take me forever to respond back to everyone who has written so I'm writing this note as a thank you to all of you!
 

Baking Blunders

I am sure that you have never had any of those. You slave away in the kitchen and pour your heart into fabulous culinary delights that emerge from the oven, honey golden brown and baked to perfection every single time. Right? Okay, so if you are just a little bit like me, you may have had a mishap {or 2, 3, 14, who wants to count those?!}

Let me tell ya 'bout a couple of my {more recent} "whoopsies".

Banana Cake Flop
A couple of months ago we were having birthday fellowship at church. You know the kind where everybody brings finger-foods and we, as good Baptist, do a lot of eating and chatting. Good times! Well, this particular week, I was pondering and puzzling over what food to take. Attempting to be a thrifty, non-wasteful, good steward wife and mom, I thought I would use up some past-their-prime bananas and make a banana cake. Sounds like a good idea, right? Let's just say that I am sticking to my story that when I checked the cake, toothpick test and all, it looked nice and done and the toothpick came out clean. However, I think some little cake gremlin attacked between taking it out of the oven and fellowship time at church. 'Cuz that cake was a sad, gooey, mushy mess in the middle! It was definitely one of those times that you want to stand around and say, "So, who made that cake?!" and make no claims to it whatsoever!

Oatmeal Raisin Muffins that didn't do no Raisin'
Then there was a little "incident" a couple weeks back. I was *trying* to be a sweet wife and surprise my hubby with some baking when he got home. Clara got up from her nap raring to help mama with the special treat. She suggested that muffins would be yummy and I agreed. I looked through a couple of my cookbooks til I came across a recipe for oatmeal raisin muffins. Again, sounds good, right? Yah, not so much. Nothing looked amiss as we began measuring ingredients and mixing it all up. It called for plenty of baking powder. But do you think those little would-be-muffins raised into nice, fluffy perfection?!?! Not even close!! They just sat there like pathetic little lumps. I checked and re-checked that recipe to make sure that I had not gone astray somewhere. Nope. Needless to say, I won't be trusting that recipe again!

Pink/Blue Baby Shower Cake?!
And, if that isn't enough, we had my 4th of July failure. I found a cute recipe for a red, white, and blue cake. It looked easy-peasy and fool proof. {Famous last words!} I thought that I was being smart and picking a recipe that was easily within my {lack of} expertise. But, alas, I thought wrong. I borrowed a silicon round cake mold from my pastor's wife and greased it up but good. I prepared the batter, splitting it into three bowls, and adding the appropriate red and blue food coloring. Into the oven it went, but out of the pan it did not! That is, 2/3 of the cake slid nicely out, but that top 1/3 stubbornly held fast to the mold. Problemo numero 1! I did the best I could to make it look even and presentable on the top and was determined not to let the cake win. And, yes as you may have guessed, the "Red" didn't turn out too red, either. On to the frosting--drizzle "red", white, and blue, glaze over the top. Yah, I am sure you can imagine how my very pink and light blue frosting drizzled over a dejected little pink, white, and blue cake looked! Much more like a baby shower cake than anything to do with patriotic Independence Day!

Yah, mine did NOT look like this!

*Photo from thebakeryspot.com*

So, what's the "moral of the story"? Well, all these mishaps got me to thinkin'. Here's some random thoughts that I have learned, yes, even from my baking blunders.

Following the recipe is important. But you have to have a trustworthy, tried and true recipe to follow in life. I am so glad that My Recipe Book--The BIBLE--has never, and never will, let me down!

I hate wasting time, money, and ingredients when things don't turn out as I plan. BUT, at least in baking, I can wipe the counter clean and start all over again.

Life doesn't afford me any "re-dos". My time is short and my ingredients are priceless and irreplaceable. I only have 1 life to live, I only have 1 marriage to work on and be the best helpmeet that I can be, I only have 1 chance to raise my kids right, I only have 1 chance to fulfill God's perfect plan for me.

If I don't follow the wonderful "Recipe" that I have been given, I can be assured that things will quickly go awry. How can I possibly expect the results I want, if I don't put in the right ingredients?

Many people in the world today look at our churches and our kids, and want the good results without following the right steps to get to the finished product. I wonder if I don't, with my actions, often have the same attitude? It's so easy to let the "little" things slide. There not what's really important anyway, right?! Every ingredient, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in the recipe.

I don't want to alter the perfect recipe that I find in God's Word, I want to follow it to the letter. For me, for my marriage, for my kids, and for my service to the Lord. I am guaranteed success if I do it God's way.

Some ingredients sure leave a bitter taste. But those "unsavory" ingredients that God allows into our lives work together for His gain and our good; IF we let them! You can't have tasty biscuits if you don't add any  baking powder; by itself baking powder tastes terrible, but when you mix all the ingredients together just right, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits can come forth! Some of life's ingredients are harder to swallow than others, but it will be worth it all to see God's finished masterpiece in the end!

That's why I am "Missionary Mama in the making" ~~My recipe mishaps remind me that He's still workin' on me! :)

Heavy ♥ {ed}

That's how I am feeling lately. Heavy ♥ {ed}. It's not a fun place to be, but it's needed sometimes. If certain things did not make me feel like that I would wonder about myself and my cold, calloused heart, ya know?

So, I've decided {apart from the fact that I use the word {so} entirely too much} that it really stinks being a grown up at times. When you are a young un' life is so simple and innocent. You are blissfully oblivious to the struggles, cares, and heartaches of this sin-filled world. You can enjoy life's daily pleasures without the weight of responsibility or troubles causing you to hunch down under their heavy load. You can run and jump and play with reckless abandon. Because you truly "haven't a care in the world". There's "those big people" to take care of everything for ya.

Well, now I am one of "those big people". And sometimes, I just don't want to be. Have you ever been there?

Why am I feeling heavy ♥ {ed}, you may ask? Well...in no particular order:

1. Because of sin and its destructive power--not only on the lives of the sinners, but also on their families, friends, acquaintances, and me, some 5,000 miles away.


2. Because of seeing so many of my "friends" fall by the wayside, sometimes with marriages that have fallen to pieces and that are far from the path of the Lord.


3. Because of "little sins" in my own life and how difficult it is to overcome them.


4. Because of heartache, grief, and pain that I watch loved ones go through and that I bear with them.


5. Because of the state of our country (actually both of my countries) and government.


6. Because of the lack of respect for and protection of Israel.


7. Because of the politics in our churches.


8. Because instead of helping a brother up and dusting him off, we are far to quick to kick him when he is down and bleeding.


9. Because Satan is alive and well and way too good at his job.

Depressing, huh?! Hence, I won't go on...especially as I am NOT depressed nor discouraged. I have decided not to allow these things to steal my joy.

Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying:

"People are only as happy as they make up their minds to be." 

and 

"Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you; and in the end you are sure to succeed." 

So, you see, I have a choice. And I choose not to dwell on these things, but to allow Christ to sustain me and move on. I think that's the key--I am not doing it on my own, but with Christ at my side, carrying me through the hard things, that in and of myself, I cannot handle.

Also, I am by no means saying that my life is not full of many, many blessings for which I am most thankful. Just this week the Lord has given me so much--healthy kids, extra family time, protection for loved ones both near and far away, etc., etc.

I have seen the miracle of new life (My friend, Flavia had her baby!! Such a tiny, perfect little bundle! :) and I have seen life through the eyes of my children (Always a precious sight!)

When I get my eyes off myself, my petty problems, and the situation, be it mine or that of my dear ones, and get them back clearly in focus on my Saviour, I realize it's not so bad after all!

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: 

the LORD will give grace and glory: 

no good thing will he withhold 

from them that walk uprightly." 

Psalm 84:11

Infections

Isn't that a pleasant thought?! Just what you were hoping to read about today. Yep, about as much as I was wanting to deal with them first hand. And not just today, but for the last week or so.

Clara has been fighting a nasty skin infection, it started out as just an innocent little red dot on the underside of her chin. At first, it looked like acne and I really didn't think anything of it. Of course, that is when it began its aggressive attack. What was one teeny-weeny spot, became 2 big red blotches of yuck! Those 2 spots, with the help of 2 little hands, grew and claimed more territory in other areas as well. You know what that meant--WAR!!!

I did everything I knew to do, but with poor results. Finally, we took her in to the nearby clinic, and sure enough, she has a skin infection. (I kinda had that figured out by now!) Still, a relief to know that it wasn't chicken pox or something much worse. So, time to disinfect! Sounds like a barrel of fun! Except, antiseptic has a tendency to sting in open sores. Trust me, my almost 4 year old can attest to that! Many squeals pierced the air and tears were shed. However, we were determined not to let the nastiness win.

Then just when it looked like we had it on the run for good, it came back with its 2nd wave, a much stronger full-out assault!! UGH!!!! Poor me!! Poor baby girl!!!! Finally, after another week of trying to get this thing licked, a few new owies would rear their ickiness! So, back to the pediatrician. This time for both kids. Ethan, not wanting to be left out of the drama, developed his own, equally disgusting yet different, infection. Fun! {Grimace!}

The good news is we were doing the right thing, cleansing and disinfecting the sores. However, it just wasn't enough to keep it from spreading and get rid of it for good. So, now we have called in the reinforcements--antibiotic cream!!! WooHooooo!! Hoping this will be our Knight in Shining Armour that rides into save the day {and Clara's skin}!

Ethan's {fun} infection is a type of ear infection. After having it explained to me I think of it as a backed up drain system. His nose "plumbing" is clogged and won't "drain" properly. So, the green ooze has found a different outlet, namely my sweet little boy's left ear. I won't go into more details; I am sure that you get the idea. Yuck!

Amazingly, it doesn't seem to really bother/phase him. He is also taking antibiotics and seems to be on the speedy road to recovery. I am just hoping his ear returns to its normal, dry and non-smelly, state--soon!

Alright, enough of that kind of talk. But, it did get me to thinkin'. Isn't that just like me? Isn't that just like how I normally deal with my sin? I think I have it all under control when, Wham! seemingly out of no where it strikes again, hard, and knocks me down flat. Then, and only then, do I step back for self-evaluation. Hmmm...maybe there's something more to this problem.

Maybe I should do now what I should have done in the first place--take it to the Lord in prayer. Confess. Repent. Forsake. Allow God to do what only He can. Release me from sins' binding chains so that I can live a victorious Christian life. Sin, without Christ, is an incurable, infectious disease. It spreads its ugliness leaving nothing but pain, heartache, and destruction in its wake. I am so glad that I have a just, yet loving God, Who holds the Cure! The precious blood of Jesus Christ that washes me clean and white as fresh fallen snow. I have felt His cleansing touch, not only at salvation, but also every time I am wise enough to go to Him in prayer with the sins "that doth so easily beset me". He is there, ever faithful to hear and forgive and forget. He picks me up, dusts me off, tends my wounds, and mends my broken heart, as only He can. Why, oh why do I take so long to go to Him? Forsaking the sin and clinging to God's Word, that's what I need. It's really pretty simple, not easy, but uncomplicated. I'm the one who likes to make it difficult.

“Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Psa 51:9-10 

 This Blessed Old Book

It's a well of pure water when I'm thirsty and dry,

Bread when I'm hungry and worn.

When the battle is raging, it's my faithful sword,

My shelter in life's troubled storm.

It's a light to my pathway and a lamp to my feet,

When the world gets so dark you can't see.

And I've not made a change in one word that it says,

But it sure made a change in me.

CHORUS:

This blessed old book that I hold in my hand,

It's true from beginning to end.

it's the solid foundation where I firmly stand,

Sin kept me from it, now it keeps me from sin.

When I think what it cost just to hold in my hand,

It reminds me that I owe a great debt,

To all of the martyrs who'd gone to the stake,

And quote it with their dying breath.

Now its critics are many and believers are few,

But one thing I've found to be true.

If you find when you read it that there's something wrong,

There's something wrong with you.

--Gary Duty

I am glad that I have the looking glass of the Bible to show me the error of my ways. This mirror gives a true reflection revealing my faults and failures. I am by no means saying it is a picnic; it's hard lookin' at yourself and seeing those saggy bags, those creases and wrinkles, those ugly blemishes. When I allow the sin to come in and take root, it tarnishes the beauty that God intended in my life. But thankfully my shiny looking glass doesn't stop there. It doesn't just show me the ugliness and sin damage, but it provides me with a way to get rid of it. It shows me the path of life and freedom.

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

John 8:32

 

P.S. Notice the lack of pics, yah, there's a good reason for that. { You can thank me for sparing ya later ;) }

"I Just Can't Take It Anymore!!!"

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!

Just kiddin'...{sheepish grin}

Have you ever felt like that? And really wanted to scream it at the top of your lungs, too? Yep, I think we have all been there a time or two. Any mama with a fussy baby can certainly relate. Or how about a college student struggling to cram for a test, finish projects and papers, work, do their ministries, clean for white glove inspection, and keep their eyeballs propped open with toothpicks? How about that person that is fighting an uphill battle against dreaded cancer or some other painful, horrible, life-threatening disease or the loved one that is watching helplessly from the sidelines, full of pain and grief?

Or maybe it is just as simple as this:

I really need this sign! ;)

So many things are all about attitude. It's about acting not reacting. Making a conscious choice and not being carried away by what is happening around us.

It's so easy to let the circumstances in life get us down and steal our happiness. If you are doing, "Alright, under the circumstances..." You are not doing alright at all; what are you doin' under there?!!! Easy to say, harder to do.

This is what our ladies' Bible study was about last Thursday night. The lie (as women) that we believe about our circumstances, "I can't take it anymore!!" "I can't handle this!" "I want out!"

Although we have all had those moments in our lives where we have felt like that, we cannot allow ourselves to dwell, live and wallow there. Because a lie is exactly what it is. And if we tell ourselves a lie long enough, we will believe and it will turn into the truth.

Also, in part, the statement is true. In and of myself, I can't take it anymore! BUT, we are not alone. We are daughters of the King and joint-heirs with Jesus. We have all-power given unto us through Christ.

What a blessing and relief to know that I do not walk through this world, with its heartaches and trials, by myself. My favorite verse puts it best:

 "The LORD is on my side; 

I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" 

Psalm 118:6 

 Jesus is on my side. He can carry me through anything that He sends my way. It's hard to remember when tragedy strikes, but the truth is that whatever I am facing passed across the desk of God first. He may not want it to happen, but He is allowing it for my good and His glory.

Another verse that helps me so much during moments of great difficulty is I Cor. 10: 13:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

It is tempting to think, "I can't deal with this!" It is tempting to throw up my hands and say "It's too much, I quit!" But, he promises to provide us a way of escape, not that we will escape the trial, but find a way to bear it. How can that be? When we give it all to Him. He has broad shoulders for carrying our heavy loads.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Sweet rest in the midst of the storm. The weight will be lifted. If we only give it to Him and leave it there! So often as women we are tempted to pick up that silly burden again. Why would we want to do that?!? It's in such strong, capable hands.

The Blue Crayon

Such a simple thing.

So sweet and harmless.

A tool in the hand's of a little child to create wonderful works of art.

But, only if used in the right way.

At the table with paper...

Not in the dryer with a load of laundry.

However, that's exactly where I found a blue crayon recently. What a sinking feeling I got when I saw my nice {supposed to be clean} dress clothes covered with {lovely} blue streaks.

It is still a mystery to me how it made its way into my dryer. It was a load of dress clothes, with no pants' (or skirts') pockets to hide crayons in. Hmmm....

What damage just a little crayon can do. It wasn't multiple crayons or even one, whole crayon. Probably an inch of crayon or less.

Nevertheless, it sure made a mess. {I rhymed! lol}

So, this got me thinkin'.

Isn't sin just like that?

Sometimes sin seems like such a little, harmless thing. So much so that we don't want to call it what it really is--SIN.

When really it is an awful lot like that piece of blue crayon.

It creeps into our lives and before we realize what has happened it leaves a trail of damage and destruction.

We are left to reap the consequences.

And, worst of all, it doesn't effect just us. Oh, no. Just like the crayon left stains on the whole load of laundry, so sin leaves its stains on us and all those around us.

Our husband/wife, our kids, our relatives, church family, friends, neighbors...the ripple effect is far-reaching.

OUCH!! I think I have enough to think about for now.

Time to stop letting the "little things" slide. Time to ask the Great Stain Remover to get to work on my heart again.

"Hide thy face from my sins, 

and blot out all mine iniquities.
  Create in me a clean heart, O God; 

and renew a right spirit within me."

~Psalms 51:9-10

{Btw, I did get the crayon out of everything but 2 pieces of clothing. Very thankful for that!}

Oh, and Lord willing, my next post will be coming to you from about 600 miles from where I now sit, we are headed out for a vacation/survey trip. Please pray for us (esp. my sweet hubby) as we are going to be {attempting} to make the 11-12 hr. trip with kiddos all in one day. 

6:00 will be here soon, so Good Night!  {Tired Smile}

Putting things in Perspective

I have recently come to the realization that I have nothing to complain about. That's right--NOTHING! Sure, my life has its little imperfections and I DO stumble, and grumble and complain. BUT. I. SHOULDN'T. {Yes, I already knew this, but it's one of those things you need a reminder about, oh let's say, every other day, at least! Or is it just me?!} Let me tell you what has helped put things in perspective for me...

1) Soul-winning, the act of taking your eyes off of yourself for a change and looking at the spiritual (and physical) needs of others is quite the eye-opening experience.

My husband has recently begun going soul-winning on Fridays with a pastor in our area. They are going door-to-door. Normally, this is kind of difficult to do as most people's houses are surrounded by iron fences and gates making it impossible to actually get to the door. Also, most people are not too keen on the idea of coming out to talk to a stranger. I completely understand that, I don't answer my door either; it's just too dangerous. However, Hubby has not been having that problem. The neighborhood that they are visiting in does not have the luxury of bars nor gates. They are fortunate if they have windows and doors. It could be labeled a newly developing neighborhood or a ghetto, or something in between. The point is, it ain't much to look at. The government likes to give people a little plot of land that is completely unkempt and covered with over-your-head weeds and grass, and that maybe has 4 boards holding up a piece of tin, and then proudly boast about the scores of people they have "given land and houses" to. Yah, right...

Such is the way of life for many here. And as grim of a picture as this may be it is a step up for some. Such as the couple that Hubby talked to a couple weeks ago. Just hearing the abbreviated version from him was enough to make me shudder, hold my babies tighter, and thank the Lord for the wonderful, beautiful home He has given us.

This family of 9, yes 9, in their 1 room shack is doing much better today than they were 2 years ago. 2 years ago you would have found them on the streets of Buenos Aires. Living amongst the filth and grime that we brush from our shoes everyday with very little thought. Sleeping in shifts to make sure that no one tried to hurt, rob, or snatch a child away. Filled with worry of where their next meal would come from and how they would simply survive and manage to keep their family together for another day.

In spite of these horrific conditions, the mother became pregnant, and having no other choice, gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, in a state hospital. Sadly, the baby boy died in the hospital. In the midst of all her grief and pain, along with recovering from the delivery, this woman could not rest. She had to keep a constant vigil over her newborn baby girl for fear that she would be taken away and sold, never to be seen again. You see, this mother is fairly light complected and her husband even more so, allowing their little girl to also be very white. Unfortunately, this is not a good thing when living on the streets. White babies are a very sought after "comodity" down here, and at the time of this baby's birth the mother was offered a lot of money to sell her immediately. She refused and did everything within her power to make sure that her little child was protected from grabby, money greedy hands that looked at her as nothing more than a nice meal ticket.

Due to this traumatic experience and the surmounting stress, she became paralyzed on her right side for many months. Talk about heaping upon her already staggering problems! Somehow this couple, with their 6 children and 1 newborn baby girl at their sides, hung on and were finally offered one of the aforementioned "palaces" to call their own. The husband told how it had taken him hour after hour of hard labor just to clear the ground of all the weeds and grass. They have slowly, but surely, added to the walls with whatever materials they can find~sticks, wood, cardboard~to provide some shelter and privacy from the outside world. He explained how they lived for months without any electricity and are still {after 2 years} waiting to get running water to their property. Thankfully, recently they have come in contact with a kind neighbor that allows them water from her house.

A "House" like this, or worse

 
The husband is working hard, doing what he can to provide for his family. He collects cardboard and bottles to sell for a pittance along with any other odd jobs that he can pick up. He's struggling along trying to give his children a better life and care for their needs.

 Surprisingly, in spite of all this, they are not bitter only thankful. Thankful to be alive and to be together as a family. Matt said that they have so very little in their "house"; resting upon their dirt floor can be found a refrigerator, small TV, and an old, broken-down, make-shift couch. But, the few things that they have are neat and orderly. The kids' clothes, faces, and hair were NOT matted and sticky and covered in dirty, but rather very clean and combed and presentable. An almost miraculous achievement in these conditions. {I have a hard enough time keeping my 2 little munchkins clean!} Definitely not your typical off-the-street, down-on-their-luck family.

The mother was excited to hear about the possibility of attending church, esp. for her children. She told how she had tried to have them in church, but the churches that they had visited had all since closed their doors. Praise the Lord, now their is a light within reach that they can go to and hear the Good News found in God's Word! That very week 5 of the children were able to attend the junior church program and have been coming faithfully ever since. However, another sad fact of living as they do, is that someone must always be at home. If not, the little that they have will be plundered and stolen. Therefore, they cannot attend church all together, as a family. Another of the many facts of their life that I take for granted everyday. And this is just one story, one of many...


So, I think you can clearly see where my reality check came from. I have Never, EVER, in my whole life even imagined the set of circumstances that they have had to face and live through. I have NEVER had to wonder where my food was going to come from. I have always had a bed to sleep on. My children are tucked up safely in their beds and I do not have to worry and fear that they will not be there in the morning when I wake. I can put my head upon my pillow tonight and rest easy. Hubby at my side, inside of a house complete with electricity, running water, etc. The list goes on, and on, {and on, and on...}. In these days of economical distress, things may be a little tighter {financially} than I would like, but it really just depends on what I am comparing to! I have all my NEEDS met, and if I am honest, most of my WANTS, too! I am truly blessed beyond measure!

Hubby's Castle {and Mine, too}

♥ Home Sweet Home ♥

When HE Hears BEFORE I Ask

Have you ever had a prayer answered, before you even prayed it?!? I have and I Lo♥e it when that happens. Except for the part where I feel like a complete idiot for not thinking to pray for it in the first place. The Lord is so good and so kind to give me these gentle reminders. I think they go something like this in my little heart, {you know, in that "still, small voice" that only HE uses}, 

"Psssssst! Heather! You know that little pesky thing that has been bothering you, not a major issue but annoying nevertheless? Well sweetie, all you had to do was ask me about it and I would have taken care of it for you. But, being your loving Heavenly Father, I decided to help you out this time, even without your having brought it to me yourself. You see, I really do know what is going on in your life, even the little, trivial things. I really do care and want to help you. If you would just ask me; talk to me, I am here, waiting, listening..."

Ouch! Let me tell ya, it's convicting to my very core. I know that this is an area, that in my prideful, young {27 yr. old} flesh, I too often think that I can handle things on my own. I have my little family, with my loving, helpful husband and my 2 little ducks in a row {most of the time!}. I have a great support system in my family and many friends and churches both here in Argentina and back home. I know that they love us and are praying for us. But what about my prayers? Am I doing my part? Am I developing a relationship with my Lord as I should be? I know that He wants to be involved; the most integral part of my day to day life. That's amazing to think about right there; that Almighty God cares about my everyday housewife and mama tasks. Am I letting Him in? Am I begging Him on bended knee for his help everyday? He sure knows that I need it. Sadly, the answer is "No." Far too often my day is off and running, with kids to feed and clothe, etc. and I forget to stop and ask Him to guide me throughout the day. How often do I miss out on other "little" blessings from my Heavenly Father, because I don't go to Him in prayer? 


Trust me, I am not trying to "preach" to you. This post is meant 100% for me. I know me and my weaknesses and how much I need the Lord to wrap His loving arms around me and get me through each day. And yet, so often I reject His help that is so readily available by not asking Him for it. He's simply waiting for me to come to Him. Too often I am too busy for my Lord and Saviour. Again, ouch! What a shame and how that must make Him feel. {Sigh of sadness and remorse}


Ok, enough preaching for now. I do want to share with you the blessing that brought all this about. Maybe you remember a recent post of mine in which we took the kids to the park  . Well, what you may or may not have noticed in the pics is the sad state of disrepair of the playground equipment. Honestly, it was quite pitiful. This is one of the things that we definitely miss in our neighborhood; there are very few parks, and none of them have decent {safe} things for our kiddos to play on. They are all quite broken down, rusty, super old, or just plain not there!

So, imagine our surprise when just 2 days after we last visited the park, we drove by and saw workers putting in brand-new, up-to-date, really nice plastic playground stuff. WooHOOOO!!! JESUS LO♥ES ME and my babies, too!!! Of course, then we wanted to go back and "test out" all the great new stuff. But, we have had to wait, because last week it was blazing, scorching hot--upper 80*s for temps and 100*-110* heat index. Plus, sky-high humidity! I know, I know, some places are even worse than that. But, let me tell you, that's still waaaaayyy too hot to be dragging kids to the park. Thankfully, since then it has rained and cooled things off quite a bit (almost too much to fast--50*s at night). Beautiful mid 70*s day to take the kids to the park!

The coolest swings ever--they are like plastic car seats!

Even big enough for Clara to try, too!

On to bigger and better things!

SLIDE!

Time to Climb!

Not this one, More SWINGIN'!

Teeter...

and Totter!

Doesn't it look nice? AND there are 2 of these!

Having a BLAST!

Look of concentration as she climbs up the slide! LOL

Relaxing...

This is the life!

Getting brave...

and Lovin' it!

They even put in some "exercise" equipment for us big kids! LOL

Jesus Lo♥es Me, He really, really does! {Big Smile}

When it "pays" to say "Thank You!"

Last Wednesday, we had a great day at the park, pushing the kids on the swings, balancing on the Teeter-Totter (no, not me!) and kicking the soccer ball around a bit. Then we made our way to a picnic table and had some yummy sandwiches, etc. for a light lunch. Later, daddy pulled out the big surprise and took us all to a newly opened ice cream shop! Yum! It was good ice cream and a lot less expensive {ok, cheaper} than most of the other places around town. {Saving money = sweet music to my ears!} That made the ice cream taste that much better! As we were wiping sticky faces and getting ready to head out the door, I mentioned to Clara that it would be nice if she told the owner "Thank you!" for the tasty treat. {Yes, she had already thanked daddy for buying it.} So, Matt took her up to the counter and without hesitation and with a sweet smile on her face she said in her cute little voice, "Gracias!" In my mind that was the end of that, she had been kind and brought a smile to his face. But, noooooooo! the story doesn't end there. I guess he must have been impressed by this because he asked her if she wanted more ice cream. What little kid in their right mind would say "No!"?!?!? Sure enough, she shook her little head up and down vigorously and the next thing we knew they were scooping her up another cone with the special flavor of the day. Oh, boy! And then, just for extra {extra} good measure they brought out a couple little sand shovels for the kids, too. Wow! It's amazing what a little "Thank you!" can do!!

*Park Pics*

Bubs, having fun at the park

Look at those big muscles!

Sweetie!

My laughing kiddos

Time to climb!

I know it's blurry, but I love the expressions on their faces as Ethan tries to get away from Daddy!

SOCCER!! What a good Argentino!

*Now on to the ICE CREAM!!*

Me and my "Sundae Frutal"

Caught in the act!

Clara enjoying her Dulce de Leche ice cream

Ethan having a taste!

Digging in!

FUNNY FACE!

*The Aftermath*

Passed out after the Sugar High wore off!

She's down for the count!

 

 

 

After 2 ice cream cones, I would be done for, too!

My ♥'s Song

Aren't you glad that, as Christians, when we have struggles in our life the Lord is there with a verse or a song to help see us through. I am. Tonight I am struggling with my little finite mind to understand and see the big picture. I truly believe that Romans 8:28 is from God and is 100% true. Nevertheless, it is so very hard to not question why God allows His precious children to journey through deep, dark valleys of grief and pain. I do not understand, and probably never will. BUT, that's alright. Thankfully, I am NOT God, nor do I want to be, and He understands it all. For whatever reason, He lets these things happen sometimes and my job is simply to:

Trust His Heart

Written by: Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell

All things work for our good
though sometimes we can’t see how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two
sometimes blind us to the truth.
Our Father knows what’s best for us;
His ways are not our own.
So, when your pathway grows dim,
and you just can’t see Him,
Remember He’s still on the throne.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
when you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.

He sees the Master plan.
He holds the future in His hands.
So don’t live as those who have no hope.
All our hope is found in Him.
We walk in present knowledge,
but He sees the first and the last.
And like a tapestry, He’s weaving you and me
to someday be just like Him.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
when you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart. 

Notice the chorus. God brought this song to mind, just for me, just when I need it. 

Thank you, Lord, for being in control and being the Comforter.

His little child, 

He's Still Holding my Hand

My heart is full and heavy, 

but I have naught to fear,

I know my Lord is faithful,

that He is ever near.

So when the clouds are gray,

and I don't want to face the day,

I just look up and say,

"Lord, you're still here to stay?"

He's still holding my hand

walking close beside me

carrying me through

when I cannot see

He's still holding my hand

I am not forsaken

no matter how I feel

though my whole world has been shaken

It's still in HIS Control....

and He's still holding my hand.

He's in the Stain Removal Business!

Don't you just love church?! I sure do! The fellowship, the singing, the preaching--I love ALL of it! Last Sunday night, our family was in church as usual. However, my at-times-rather-pukey baby, was even more pukey than usual. Uck! Right before church he chose to puke on the floor (thankfully, we don't have carpet) at the front of the auditorium and of course, down the front of my dress, too. In the process of trying to clean that off a bit, his diaper decided that it was just to full to hold another drop. Needless to say, I added another "spot" to my already hurting outfit, a nice big wet one on the side of my sweater (good thing I was wearing my black one). After changing his clothes and really wishing I had an extra outfit for myself, we went back to the auditorium, where the service had already begun. I heard on approaching that people were sharing blessings just then, and as I entered the room Pastor asked for my blessing, too. (Nothing like being put on the spot, esp. in another language, Yikes!) So, I said the first thing that came to mind, "I am glad that I am here, I am rather dirty, thanks to Ethan, but I am here at church!" Everyone got a good chuckle out of that! Next, Baby-Man decided that he was not quite finished with his "job" yet, and puked a bit more on the floor, my sleeve, and his clean-til-then sleeve, too. Talk about feeling super gross and disgusting, much as I wanted to be at church, at that moment, my desire to go home and take a nice, hot shower was definitely greater! I felt so icky, ucky, yucky, covered in nastiness! So, what did I do? I handed off my baby, making sure a burp rag was in the very near vicinity, and went up front to sing in the choir. All I could think was, "Unbelieveable! This always has to happen to me, especially when I am in public and have to get up in front of people. How embarrassing!" Not exactly the best attitude to have while getting up to glorify the Lord in song. In fact, it was a rather awful attitude! Not a lot of praising the Lord happening with that going on in my heart. BUT, the Lord's still working on me, and as we began to sing, he used the words of an old, familiar hymn to break my ♥.

You see, we were singing the song "At the Cross". The words in Spanish are a bit different, but equally amazing. The chorus says something like this (rough translation from the Spanish version to English):

At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light,

and the stains of my soul were washed away,

It was there by faith, Jesus gave me sight,

and with Him, I will be forever happy.

(It's much prettier in Spanish as it rhymes :) ) 

What I want you to notice, is that second line as it jumped out at me on Sunday night. "The stains of my soul were washed away" I said, "THE STAINS OF MY SOUL WERE WASHED AWAY!!!!!" I think I might have to run a few laps around my house right now, shouting, "Glory! Hallelujah!" Let me tell you, that line hit me like a ton of bricks. I was so busy thinking of how dirty and stained I was on the outside, and the Lord so sweetly, so convictingly reminded me of what is really important. He seemed to bend down and quietly say into my ear:

"Remember those stains of sin that covered your heart, I washed them all away for you. Every single one! They will never come back. They are all gone! Isn't that a much better thought than worrying about these little spots on your clothes that will come right out in the wash?! Though they might return, your sin stains won't. I don't remember your sins anymore, they have been washed by the blood of my precious Son."

 WOW!!! I just about lost it right then and there. To think that God did all of that for ME! Somehow, I managed to keep it together for the rest of the song and took a moment or two in the bathroom afterward to let the tears of thankfulness come. As always, God gave me just what I needed when I needed it. He did a work in my heart and gave me an attitude change. He got my eyes off of myself and my petty problems and onto His Son and what He did for me on Calvary (which is what I should have been focusing on the whole time!). Who needed a sermon after that?! Just give me an old-fashioned altar, so I can do business with my Lord.