His burden is easy.

Sometimes life is simply overwhelming. One lays awake long into the night and wonders why the Lord would allow situations of struggle into the lives of families that are so obviously in love with Him, striding to the right thing, and are in His service.
If one is not careful, the overwhelming thoughts of anger and bitterness can quickly arise as these same situations spin out of our control and leave us awake struggling to understand. Thus a vicious cycle can begin.
The events of life lately have reminded me of verses in the New Testament that I never quite understood and still grapple with…
“1 Peter 4:13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
Be glad in the trials? Are you kidding me? This verse would seem to indicate that those preachers of the prosperity gospel that promise your best life now, are liars. We have been called to suffer right along side Him, and that suffering may not take on the form of a cross and nails. It may take on the form of overwhelming loss, or stress, or concern for one that you hold dear. It may be grieving for a soul that is so far from the Light.

"The things we try to avoid and fight against - tribulation, suffering and persecution - are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. Huge waves that would frighten the ordinary swimmer produce a tremendous thrill for the surfer who has ridden them. "We are more than conquerors through Him" IN all these things - not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn't know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation". Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Rom 8:37, 2 Cor 7:4)

I believe that the trials, the long sleepless nights, the trials that make us so weary, are to simply draw us in…to focus our eyes not on the storm but on the One who controls it. To lean in and cry out “I cannot do it on my own, I am not in control, I need You, I need your help.”

Oh that I might be able to cling to the promises of Him that are faithful and true. “When I am overwhelmed I go to the Rock that is higher than I. Ps. 62” in the words of Charles Spurgeon. "Your sorrow itself shall be turned into joy. Not the sorrow to be taken away, and joy to be put in its place, but the very sorrow which now grieves you shall be turned into joy. God not only takes away the bitterness and gives sweetness in its place, but turns the bitterness into sweetness itself."

Last night when tired and weary and searching for an answer, I was reminded that He inhabits the praise of His people. I found this new song and remembered that I could turn my overwhelmed feelings over to Him and exchanged it for a lighter burden and he would carry mine..Matthew 11:30.

I’m Overwhelmed by your love
Your amazing love, for me.
I never will understand why you chose to be my friend.
Oh I will not forget the price You paid with love on Calvary.

Amazing love, amazing grace, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and praise
And I will rejoice and fall on my knees, lift up my voice, a love song I will sing…
Serenade of sweet worship to you my King.

For those of you in the battle know you are loved and being held up in prayer. Read the last chapter…WE WIN! Love you!

EA for the EVP over HCM for the AHA

I am an official employee of the American Heart Association!
For those who care...I am the EA for the EVP over HCM for the AHA!! ha!
Translated
Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President over Healthcare Markets for the American Heart Association!

I LOVE my job! I LOVE my boss! I am BLESSED beyond measure!

The Ant and the Grasshopper - new version

Thanks to my friend Lindsey for posting this for me to copy!

The Ant and the Grasshopper

OLD VERSION

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!



************************************************************ MODERN VERSION



The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing, "It's Not Easy Being Green."

Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, "We shall overcome." Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.

Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity and Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs. Having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill Clinton appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients.

The ant loses the case.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow. The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.



MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote.

My heart craves Africa today. It always does on this day, even if I am not conscious of it. I wake up with a pain in my heart, a hole in my chest that only landing back on African soil can fill, a longing to spend the day at the Eldoret club with friends, laughing and playing and not understanding a care in the world. A longing to worship my Jesus in an old theatre built during colonial times for silly plays and then used by God to bring many to Himself. I have a craving for a really soggy bag of “chips” (French fries) covered in salt and vinegar and ketchup.


I yearn for a drive into town to make the rounds at the grocer to see friends, stopping to see Mama Rhoda my sweet African grandmother at her hair salon, on to the post office to see if there is any mail (it was called mail then, paper, ink, stamps) from the US, a dash to Eldoret center…to see my friends Hena and Kamal and perhaps even stay a while to work behind the counter at their photo shop. Perhaps down a back road to spend tea time with Billu my darling Indian auntie who holds my heart in her hands.


But time has moved on for all of us. The town has changed, the club is remodeled, people have relocated, the paradise I once new is now lost. But I am grateful for the peace it once afforded me. I am grateful that God saw fit in His dream for my life that I would spend my childhood safe and secure in an African home. I am grateful that I had parents that were obedient to the calling of God in their life and sacrificed to take their children halfway around the world. I am thankful for the Aunties and uncles that were brought into my life to enrich it, to mold it and fashion it into the life I have today.

You fill my dreams at night, you steal my thoughts during the day, my prayers surround you and ask for God’s protection and blessings over you. Missionary friends, Indian aunts and uncles, African family....the village that raised me...I love you.

Oh that I could learn to be this obedient.....

How changed my life would be.

~Amanda


HAIRBRUSH EXPERIENCE OF BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT

For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters.

This is one of her experiences:

April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville, waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones.

The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.

I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport...an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him.

Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man.

I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing.

I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. "Oh, no, God, please, no." I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, "Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!"

There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, "Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane." Then I heard it... "I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair."

The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainier. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, "God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man." Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. "That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair."

I looked up at God and quipped, "I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?" God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: "I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, "Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?"

He looked back at me and said, "What did you say?"

"May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?"

To which he responded in volume ten, "Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that."

At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, "SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?"

At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, "If you really want to." Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, "Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush." "I have one in my bag, " he responded.

I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull.

A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while.

The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's.

I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knees and said, "Sir, do you know my Jesus?"

He said, "Yes, I do." Well, that figures, I thought.

He explained, "I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior." He said, "You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride."

Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it. Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft.

I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, "That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?"

I said, "Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!"

And we got to share.

I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted, you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!

I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way. . . all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.

John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We Have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting, "Wow! What a ride! Thank You, Lord!"

Seeking Guidance

I know it has been several weeks since the first edition of prayer and fasting. God has been working in my life in some amazing ways….ways I needed to digest before I tried to put them or anything else into words.

Our second week of prayer and fasting revolved around guidance. In Psalm 146 The Word says “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When their breathing stops, they return to the earth, and in a moment all of their plans come to an end. But happy are those that have the God of Isreal as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”

My pastor started by saying, “We have no specific plan other than to keep our eyes on the Lord. Wouldn’t it be great if God removed man from the picture – trumped all of our wisdom – and guided our church through the miraculous.”

The irony of this statement is that our church has already been lead through the miraculous in so many ways. Four years ago when my pastor came to this tiny church set completely out of the way in Highland Village, TX, there were 168 people. Today we run 6 services in a weekend and around 3 to 4 thousand adults…We have numerous ministries that run in a place never built to hold that many ministries. We have a building that continues to stand up though there is no reason that it should. We have never done any sort of mail out inviting people to come, any campaigns trying to bring people in, and there is no way that anyone just drives by as it is so far out of the way. Yet God continues to bring in the hurting, the healing, the broken and the strong, those who have never heard and those that have been in the church since the womb. That is miraculous. We are completely understaffed yet God continues to provide the exact leadership that we need when we need it. We have been guided through the miraculous. No one can look at our church and say…”Well, they built this huge building right where everyone could see it, or well those people are constantly out and about looking for members, stealing sheep, holding campaigns, doing things that is humanly possible and their church is growing.” Rather the truth is…God has expanded faster than our staff and elders know what to do and they daily are broken and tired and in need of Him. I have a group of leaders and other members of my church that press in to Him because they don’t know what else to do. That is God guiding through the miraculous.

So we took our elders and our staff and laid hands on them and prayed for them. That God would speak to them in a definitive direction. That when God guides us that the processes created by that direction would be guided by God.

Then we prayed for ourselves. That God would deepen all of us. That those in our church who sit on the fringes…who use church as hobby, just something to do on a Sunday morning…would be drawn into the deeper part of knowing Him. And then we prayed for suffering. There is a type of suffering that Paul talks about that is a good suffering that deepens us more than anything else ever could.

In my own life I came to a realization that I was not there. I was not asking God for guidance in all things. I for sure seek Him in the big things of life, but what about the little things. God what do you want me to wear today, who do you want me to talk to, what kind of car do you want me to drive, what should my diet consist of, what friends do I need in my life. Rather than seeking the miraculous I was simply relying on my own strength (and I am not so strong) to make decisions. I kind of look at it as if I were a little pig building a house (yes I do realize I just compared myself to a pig!!). I have a great foundation - I was raised in the Word – but then I go about choosing the materials to build and then asking God to build it for me. Well, sure God could build a house with materials I provide ( I mean I He built a universe out of nothing) But how much greater would my house be if I talked with Him and asked for guidance for the right kinds of materials? Don’t you know that God would choose premium product and then offer to go ahead and provide it.

11 years

Eleven years ago today I boarded a plane and weeping felt the pull of gravity in force as the plane lifted off and took me out of Africa. There are days that pain is stronger than ever. But Praise His name.... Since that day God has moved in my life, grown me, I have grown new friends, a new life that I could never hope to deserve. A piece of Africa still fills my heart...and a part of me is still on that continent. Some days my heart longs to be there, to be back in the paradise that was my growing up years.

But I know that for this season that is not for me to have. For this season He has me in Dallas. He has me at American Heart. He has me at The Village Church. He has me living with L, and has given me fabulous friends.

I am learning that giving in to His will for my life doesn't mean I am always happy, doesn't mean the pain is not there, it doesn't mean I don't miss home, but it does mean that He is right beside me every step of the way.

I am so blessed. So thankful when I left all I knew behind He came with me.

Venture

My pastor has called us as a church body to 6 weeks of prayer and fasting to seek God's face and wisdom regarding what our next move as a church will be. We have currently seriously outgrown our current facilities, and are stretching our resources as far as is possible (farther in some cases due to His grace and mercy,)

Having grown up in the church, and among believers I had heard about fasting and even knew people that practiced it on a fairly consistent basis as they faced big decisions, or some just to simply come to a deeper knowledge of the Father.

I have only felt the call to fast one other time before, it was in the past couple of years when a burden laid so heavy on my heart that I felt that I could only find peace in the sacrifice of fasting and praying. Until that day I really had no clue what people were talking about when they talked about coming closer to God.

After seeking God regarding this 6 weeks, I decided that I really wanted to press in more and participate in this fasting. Every Wednesday those of us who have committed to this fast and then at the end of our day we come together for a prayer service and break the fast that evening with the observance of communion.

The past two wednesdays of my life have been interesting....

Our first week we began our 6 weeks by praying for God's protection....I understood this from a spiritual point of view....in Ephesians 6:12 the Word tells us that "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (KJV)
I have experienced spiritual warfare on many levels and even in studying about fasting knew that this was something that needed to be prayed for. However, my pastor had us pray for several other areas that I found facinating...and refreshing.

First he had us pray for Truth...anyone who has attended a service at the village or heard a podcast knows that Truth is preached without apology. Often times when a church realizes that they are going to have to go through a period of expansion the first thing they do is try to keep everybody happy (so that they can keep all those potential givers to the project in the building)...when this happens the Truth, often begins to be watered down. Feel good happy semons are preached and anything that might caust feelings of angst (i.e. sin, blood, etc) are put in the background. So my pastor asked that He and other members of the teaching pastors would be protected from that temptation; that the Village would continue to be a place where the self - disclosure of God (the "kindness and the severity") is preached without apology.

Next we prayed for protection for Spirituality.
We prayed that our church would be protected from cold religion (which is full of do's and don'ts that are not in any way bibilical, but are put on the church as a measure of control and legalism over the people.)
We prayed that we would be protected from any cold, methodical dead traditions....and in the same way cling to those traditions that are healthy and right and full of life.
We prayed that we simply would be people with a Love for Jesus.

We prayed for protection for our Community.
That in our expansion and addition that we could continue to be the family of God that he has called us to be. That He would protect us from being a disjointed congregation who did not know each other and had no service other than to show up to a service and be preached too. That God would protect us from cheap, shallow relationships and show us what it looks like to be brothers and sisters.

We prayed for protection from Partiality.
Protection for our staff that they would not be swayed by the temptations of things, money and power. But that they would be humble, and be able to be just as partial to those who gave much as those that gave little (cause that is all they had to give.). Protection from wolves dressed as sheep who would seek to come in and find false favor to gain control and take over God's church.

Lastly we prayed for protection for the mission of our church.
Our mission statement is simple "We exist to bring Glory to God." We prayed that we would stop making the gospel about me and what it could do for me and what God bless us with,etc and rather make it what it is really about...His glory and His renown.

This has gotten long so my next post will be about this weeks time of prayer regarding Guidance.
I ask that you would pray with me and over me this next few weeks. Pray that God would protect me from the spiritual battles that are going on in my own life and in my family and in my friendships, etc. Pray that I would be able to simply focus on my mission of "Existing to bring Glory to God."

You are all missed....prayed for often....loved more than you know.

The blessed coolness of spring.

Since moving into my apartment in February my roommate and I have been blessed not to have to use the air or the heat. You can imagine what a blessing this is to my electric bill! We have a corner apartment, so we have lots of windows, plus a false patio door. (Meaning we have the door, but it opens to a grate not a patio). My roommate and I have swung that door and those windows open wide and let in the wonderful fresh air of spring.

The past week has been stretching it…we face the west, so the evenings have been rather warm, and we have continued to say…we are fine…we are fine…this heat is perfect, it will get worse…we don’t need air just yet.

On Monday of this week we said, ok one more night like this and we’ll turn on the air just when we go to bed, so it is comfortable as we sleep. But we decided to wait one more night. In the meantime, as I drifted off to sleep that night I asked God for just a few more weeks of the coolness of spring, not only because I want to keep my electric bill down, but because I don’t have air in my car either and don’t want to start a new car payment just yet…as I am basking in the glow of not having one!!

God was faithful once again as Tuesday morning’s weather brought a promise of rain, and a cool front that was to last at least for a week or so. I woke up this morning to a cold apartment with temps in the 40’s and highs today only to be in the 60’s…..

Oh the blessing of the coolness of spring…

Opening day!!

Its finally here folks! Baseball 2007!!

My mourning period (the short time between the super bowl and opening day baseball) is over!!

As per usual, I am following
Astros
Cardinals
Cubs

Yes I know...my choice of teams all hate each other....but my excuse...I am a girl and i love them all for different reasons!
Let's play ball!!!!!

Resurrection

The lyrics to the following song are so incredibly powerful! I first heard this song at Christmas time as I was driving up to Missouri to be with my Dad’s side of the family. I found the lyrics moving and so true. The past couple of years of my life have been filled with the valleys and mountains of a natural walk, however, in the midst of it all HE was there to bring about resurrection in my life. His promises are so faithful and true.

Right now, this song is not so much for where I am, but for where my brother is. He is so in need of Resurrection right now but, as many of us some times are, he is in fear of letting go of what is currently pushing him down and holding him back. Only surrender of the things he is currently holding on to which are offering him no joy, no peace, no pleasure will bring him to where he needs to be. Will you pray with me that the warfare that is going on within his soul will be won by the Father and not by the enemy? Pray with me for his resurrection. Thank you!

Resurrection
Nicol Sponberg

I'm at a loss for words; there's nothing to say
I sit in silence wondering what lead me to this place
How did my heart become so lifeless and cold
Where did the passion go?

When all my efforts seem like chasing the wind
I've used up all my strength and there's nothing left to give
I've lost the feeling and I'm alone to the core
I can't fake it anymore

Here I am at the end
I'm in need of resurrection
Only You can take this empty shell and raise it from the dead
What I lost to the world, what seems far beyond redemption
You can take the pieces in Your hand and make me whole again

You speak and all creation falls to it's knees
You raise Your hand and calm the waves of a raging sea
You have a way of turning winter to spring
Make something beautiful out of all this suffering

Here I am once again
I'm in need of resurrection
Only You can take this empty shell and raise it from the dead
What I lost to the world, what seems far beyond redemption
You can take the pieces in Your hand an make me whole again

You have a way of turning winter to spring
Make something beautiful out of all this suffering

I'm in need

The Magic of Africa

I was thinking today about the magic of Africa. I often tell people before they embark upon a journey to that wonderful continent, that I must give them a warning…..if you go…you must be prepared to leave a piece of your heart there and you will never be whole again. Africa captures one in such a way that the only way they can fill the void brought on by being there is to go back again and again. It is part of the magic of Africa, and can be experienced really no where else on the planet. Ask others who have been anywhere in Africa….they will tell you it is true!

Massage

*******UPDATE 3/21/2007*********
Ok, so I realize that this blog was not exactly “Grace Extending”. I did however extend grace to all of you by not going into the gory details of just how truly awful it was. Because I have talked to several of you who wanted to know the story…I will simply say that he was trying to press pressure points but wasn’t exacting getting there, so it was like 55 minutes of being poked! HORRIBLE!!

*********************************
Just had the worst massage EVER!!
Have a horrible cold....
Soooo going to bed.
More tomorrow...or later if I am feeling better.

A Grace Extender

Last night I had the wonderful pleasure of getting to hear an Inner Circle National Sales Director Stacy James. For those of you non-MK-ers, to be in the Inner Circle you are very, very upper echelon of the company!

This woman was the picture of grace and wisdom. What a beautiful Godly example of what a life spent following in obedience can bring about.

One thing that she said that I had heard from my director before, but last night really struck a chord with me was to be a Grace extender. Find something to complement people on rather than finding their fault. This is not the current state of mind that most of us on this planet practice in our day to day lives. Especially in traffic or in busy moments when we believe the world revolves around us.
She challenged us to complement others all around us all the time. Complementing those we like, those we love, those we know, those we don’t know, those we don’t love and those we really don’t like. In looking for something to complement them on, we begin to see the good in them and begin to see them through the eyes that God intended for us to see them through. As we complement others we will begin to enrich not only their lives, but our lives as well….our frustrations towards them will begin to melt away and the love we are to show them will begin to come through.

What a concept huh?

Goodbye

So I was thinking to day about goodbyes and how much I hate them.

I recently said goodbye once again to my family. It didn't matter that in a few hours they would be on the other side of the planet and through God's grace would have the technology to talk to me over the internet or chat with me in a chat box. What mattered was they were getting on a plane and going far far away and with one word, I was once again separated from people I love.

I think the word itself is a bit of a oxymoron to tell the truth, very rarely is there ever a "good" bye. Bye is a word of finality.
Of all the times I have ever said it, I cannot think of one time that it was truly the word I wanted to be saying at the time.

Rather than Goodbye I would rather say....
See you soon
Talk to you in a few
Until we meet again
I believe in us
You are a great friend
I am sorry
I love you so....

Some of you may be thinking, "but some of those phrases don't mean 'farewell'" My point exactly, some of those phrases give hope of meeting again soon, would have repaired something that was broken, would have made a friendship stronger, would have brought a smile rather than tears.....

I weep with hope of a day that I will never have to say goodbye again....all will be well....my loved ones will all be around me....I will finally be HOME.

After a whirlwhind few months......

Ok, what was that horrible song “Back to life….back to reality…etc”

Living in Las Colinas
As you see from my last post, I am now located in a fabulous apartment in Las Colinas. It was an adventure getting there and getting in, but I am thankfully settled and praising God for His amazing provision (including my ‘want’ of a garden bathtub!).

I have a fabulous roommate. She is a friend of mine from the Tomball area, who in God’s timing, got a fabulous job in the Coppell area and was able to move up at the same time I was moving into my apartment.

Work changes
The “wonderful job” that I moved up here to take turned out to be HORRIBLE. I cannot even express to you how horrible management was. I will simply say that after 6 months of extreme micromanagement, belittling words, and verbal abuse from my manager (including at one point my manager telling me "I have no problem being mean to get what I want, in fact, I learned it from my mother." - her mother being the president of the company); my breaking point came when I was not going to be given two days off to spend with my parents before they left the country again. That was on a Monday, I knew then I would be quitting before the end of the month (at that time only a week and a half away). I began to pray in earnest asking God to provide something, anything to get me out of there.

Wednesday I got a phone call from a recruiter I had been working with to interview with the American Heart Association. I interviewed on Thursday, and was asked if I could start the next day!!! I told them my only requirement was that I was able to take the time off to be with my parents in the two days before they left, and that was granted.

I went back to work, and spent the day getting my projects done or completely up to date, making sure that I would not leave anything for my co-workers to have to clean up after me. I cleaned out my desk and for the last time walked out the door and locked it.

I called in to the former office on Friday and told them I would not be in that day, and then headed to my new office at AHA as the executive assistant to the Executive Vice President of Healthcare Markets for the AHA!! Very exciting for me to be sure! So far, I am very much enjoying this position. My exec is a fabulous woman, with lots of spunk and a BUSY schedule.

Saying goodbye...again
Tuesday of this week, I once again, put my parents and brother Derek on a plane back to Africa. I get so jealous that they get to be where my heart lies, but for now that is what God has for us all. Please pray as they get resettled. And as Derek begins to heal both spiritually and physically – that he will be able to hear God speaking over him.

They left me on this side of the water as well as Devin – the youngest. He is in Virginia in college. Please pray for him as this is the first time he has been left on this side of the water. He is doing great so far, learning as he goes. Pray that he will be able to learn the time management skills that one needs to get by in college, and that God will continue to provide financially for him.

Ok that is my long update. Now that my work load is more normal and I work for a company that does not drain all energy creative and otherwise out of me, I will be able to update more often! Talk to you all soon!

Las Colinas

Ticket to Houston....................................$79
U-Haul Rental........................................$142
Gas to fill U-Haul.....................................$50
Deposit.....................................................$150
1st mo. rent ............................................$550
Living with friend "L" in a 3rd floor corner apartment, in a complex with 5 pools, a waterfront, a 3500 sq ft. workout facility, 6 restaurants, a dry cleaner and a post office.............................PRICELESS!

For those who would like a current address, please contact me by email. :) AW

COLTS WIN!!!

Yeah baby! I predicted it in PRESEASON!!! Colts rule!!!! :-)

Overwhelming Grace

I just read the blog entitled "My God, Why?", by R. G Lewis, a missionary man of long time aquaintance.

I have recently been struggling with this same question myself. I found myself in the second chapter of Ruth, where Boaz says to her "May the God who has already given you refuge, bless you." (my paraphrase.)

My question was this. Why would God bless me more when He has already given me refuge? The refuge in and of itself is already more than I could ever hope to deserve.

For my ministry raised, Christian world mind, the answer was "obviously" GRACE. But to my forgiven sinner heart, I was once again brought back to a profound humbleness that can only be found when faced with the TRUTH of HIS love.

A police escort

Yesterday I decided to make good use of my Mary Kay personal time and go meet some potential customers at the Dallas Bridal Fair. I took the time to research this fair, looking on the website for any rules and restrictions against personal sales people, not allowed in, etc., and found nothing.

However, I found out once I go there that they take passing out business cards a pretty serious business at this particular fair.

They literally had the sheriff's department there to escort people "soliciting" brides (i.e. Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, etc) off the property if they caught you talking to brides, passing out business cards, and/or a flyer. I noticed one person as I walked in but did not think anything of it till later.....

Luckily (for my conscious sake) I did not know this for the first 30-45 minutes I was there. So, I was able to talk to a few brides and pass out a few cards. However, I started noticing that there were staff and a few security people everywhere and started to get a bad feeling. So instead I tried a different tactic and started networking with several of the vendors. Sure enough, while I was talking to one of them, a bride came up and started talking to her as well. I thought since she was standing there I would hand her a bridal flyer. A staff member came over and stood right beside me. She told me that since "I seemed nice, and she had been watching me talk to vendors, etc, she would let me stay, however, I was not to give anything else to a bride or I would be escorted from the building! Yipes!! :-)

So, you know me...I smiled sweetly and told her thank you so much for the information, as I had looked everywhere for any rules regarding this (including the website) and had not found them. I assured her if these were the rules I would no longer give any information out to a bride, but I would love to earn HER business and handed her a $25 gift certificate! ha! Coals of kindness people!

However, also please note that for the sake of integrity in my own person, I did not break any more rules and did not pass out anymore cards to brides.

So I am praying that the cards that I was able to hand out and the couple of names I was able to get will not return back to me void. I am really praying that I will also be able to work with several of these vendors. I am very serious about getting back on track with my business and getting out of my current work situation.

We'll see what God has for me! :) I am smiling! Imagine being escorted by not just security, but actual policemen for passing out a MK card! So glad I did not get caught! :)

I am alive and well

Oh my faithful readers, I did not realize that you missed me so much, but I am thankful that you all care enough to email and find out why I am not blogging. Truth be told, it is hard to blog at work and I don't have much computer access at night right now, so it is simply a case of unavoidable delay rather than depression, or avoidance, etc. Thanks to those who took the time to write and find out how I was doing, etc.

COLD....That is what the weather is here in Dallas, TX. For the first time in several years I am experiencing a "true" winter. By that I mean that temperatures have been in the 40's or less for longer than a day and a half, and I am beginning to forget what the sun looks like. I don't even remember the last time I wore my sunglasses and I often wear those even on rainy days if it is glarey. (which I am pretty sure is a word I just made up...definition, when there is a glare it is glarey!)

Now for those of you who have just and are currently experiencing the cold and ice in the Midwest and northeast parts of our country, the above paragraph is in no way a cry for sympathy. I personally am so glad that I am not where you are and I do acknowledge that you would love it to be in the 40's....in fact, you might even break out the light jackets when that temperature hits.

Work is well....an interesting place. I have been reading in my dear friend Lance's blog and have been amused at his latest tales of Auto Magic. One day soon I will begin the tales of Cultural Awareness, and I assure you ladies and gentleman, like Lance says "You just can't make this stuff up." I will give you a sampling with a sentence that was recently told to a co-worker of mine...."Well J. we were going to fire you at the end of last year, but decided to give you a promotion and a raise instead!" I kid you not! Just wait more tales to come. Simply know that I am on the lookout for a more appealing place to earn funds, and Auto Magic looks somewhat attractive at this point.

In other tales, my 30th came and went without too much adieu. I was supposed to have this great birthday bash entitled "30! and the party lives on!!" And then came in the rain and ice and the party had to be postponed. As I am finally moving into my own place on the 5th of next month (praise the LORD!!) I have decided it will be a combined housewarming/late birthday party.

However, though I was indoors all of last weekend....God knew exactly what and who I would need. I had my wonderful family the Kennedy's come up from Abilene to meet their son, Ryan (whose day of birth falls exactly 10 years and and hour and a half later than mine). They stayed with the Done's (my family from Hong Kong who now blessedly live in Keller). And we were iced in! Praise the Lord for that time. We laughed and watched movies, and read books and played games, cooked great food (including my now famous Caramel Popcorn) and really, though they may never realize it, had the best birthday weekend I could possibly imagine. I was blessed beyond measure at "family" that God has given me when mine is not near, and I am forever grateful for the love that they show me whenever I am around....Blessed...I am so incredibly Blessed!!

Ty Pennington did not show up to marry me...but hey there is always next year, right?

With that my friends for now, you are caught up. I will start tales and more saga stories later. Just wait till I tell you about how I discovered the secret project of a local architectural firm! ha!
Loving all of you...blessed you are in my life....

My cat misses me!

2007

My new years resolution was not to make any...and I believe I succeeded! Yea!!

Welcome to 2007! This is going to be a great year. In Phil. 3:13 - Paul says " I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead..." Now there are a lot of biblical trails I could take you down, but I won't. I simply claim this as my verse for 2007. 2006 was a rough year, full of a lot of crap that I choose to put behind me.

2007 is full of promise. There are 10 more shopping days until the 30th anniversary of the date of my birth, in one month I will be back to living in my own place, I am in a wonderful church where I am going to get involved in the missions program, my Mary Kay is taking off, and my life is full to overflowing with those that love me and bless my life in countless ways!

2007....here I come!

AT WORK BORED TO TEARS

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?Hot Chocolate! It’s the perfect drink to curl up with a good book and a blanket in front of the fire!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?Depends on the present. Usually there are presents from everyone wrapped, then Santa fills the stockings, some wrapped some not, and then if he brings a BIG gift…it is not wrapped.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?I have two trees (both happen to be in storage this year) one has white lights and one has colored.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?There is really no point…I have given up!

5. When do you put your decorations up?When I get to I want them up November 1st, but I try to make myself wait until after the Thanksgiving meal.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?My mom’s hamwiches on Christmas eve…YUMMY!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:Every year that we lived in Kenya my parents hosted a city wide open house party. This was scheduled from noon till whenever we shut down for the evening, everyone from missionaries to Indian businessmen, to members of our church, and friends from the Eldoret club came. I think the first year we had maybe 70 people show up, by my senior year it was tradition in our town and I think at last count we had over 300! J Some of the best memories of my life were centered around those days. All races, tribes and tongues coming together to live, laugh and love.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?You mean that he is real? Um I don’t remember how I found out, but I remember being really angry at all the people trying to tell me he wasn’t. I am almost 30 and I still believe……

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?Yes, it is always an ornament from my mom to add to our collection for our future (or my current) household.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas treeLights (duh), some breakable balls, personal ornaments, homemade ornaments, gifts from friends….every one has its own story of how it ended up on our tree.

11. Snow? Love it or Dread it?Love love love love!

12. Can you ice skate?I have done it a couple of times, would love to do it more often.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?hmm….there are several.
One year, right after we moved to Africa, my mom made matching PJ’s for my cabbage patch babies (one boy and one girl) and I got a cradle to use to put them in. I loved that year.
I got the game of LIFE…I had always wanted it and I remember holding it up and yelling “LIFE!! LIFE!! LIFE!!”
Oh and in the foggiest traces of my memory I remember on year, I was probably 3 or 4, and I got a Strawberry shortcake sleeping bag and strawberry shortcake pillows that my gran had made to match. I remember that the biggest box under the tree was for me…..happy times.

14. What's the most exciting thing about the Holidays for you?Holidays are actually hard for me because no matter where in the world I am I am always far away from someone I love. I guess really the most exciting thing is to hear about and relive in my mind the birth of Christ…he also knew what it was like to be far away from the ones he loved.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?You are kidding me right? There is no way I can pick just one. Cherry pie probably tops the list.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?My dad reading the Christmas story out of both Matthew and Luke on Christmas Eve.

17. What tops your tree?A big bow.
18. Which do you prefer - giving or receiving?Definitely giving….I am like a child opening a gift when I watch someone open what I have taken time and effort to find and wrap for them…I love it!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
I miss you most at Christmas time – Mariah Carey, describes my heart
Light of the World – The Martins, describes the reason.

20. Candy canes?Question or a statement here? Dumb.

Update and stuff like that

Two...yes that is right...only two days till I sign the papers that free me from the Albatross that is my home in Abilene! I am so excited I am almost beside myself. I am making ABSOLUTELY NO PROFIT on it and I don't care! I will be done with it. No more paying the mortgage, no more renter horrors, no more staying awake at night worrying it will burn down, NO MORE!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

On that same day, Friday the wonderful 15th. I will be paying off my car! Yeah!!!!! At 211,000+ miles my little "Franny" is still running strong, she needs a screw tightened her and there, but she proudly takes me where I need to go.

All this money freed up, whatever will I do....well though I would love to use the extra flow to sit tight and pay off some bills, instead I will be finding a place to live and paying rent...joy joy! (readers in the Dallas area, looking for a great place in Los Colinas, or similar let me know if you know of inexpensive there-readers in other parts of the world, please pray that God leads me to exactly the place that I need to live and be.)

My parents have been stateside now for a little over a month and I have only seen them twice. The first was when I drove over to Atlanta to pick them up. And the second was a couple of weeks later the weekened of the 19th. I flew into NC to suprise my mom for her birthday. I was able to very successfully pull this off with the help of my Dad and A. Pam. They simply told her they wanted to go shopping, but they needed to stop by the airport to pick up a package first. My mom, never one to question, said ok. As they pulled up my dad said, "there is the package", and my mom is looking for a box on the ground. Instead I walked up to the car! It was the best look on her face ever! I wish I'd had a camera to capture the moment!

Good news in the brother department. Healthwise, both are doing better though still not totally up to par.

Devin is having a fairly successful transition. I know this in large part to all of you who are praying for him and I am thankful to each one of you. Through a series of wonderful miracles, he is going to be attending Liberty University in the spring on a scholarship that will pay all but his housing! We did not think that this was going to be possible this school year and were prepared for him to go to a community college in Lynchberg for a semester instead. However, God had bigger plans and Devin will be able to live on campus and attend Liberty.

Derek has decided to leave the soccer world for a time and having sold his car, and planning on selling most of his other earthly possessions will hopefully be making his way back to Africa with my parents in February. His purpose there is unknown as of yet, but he hopes to make a bit of a life change and perhaps begin to do some freelance writing which is his passion.

Christmas is quickly approaching and this year time will be spent both in Missouri and in Texas with the respective families there. As long as I am with my parents and brothers I will be happy.

That's all she wrote for now.....

Christmas Spirit

As you saw in my last post my mind has been very much like Cindy Loo Who's when it came to Christmas. I am not quite at the level of my favorite Grinch, but definately pondering. Discombobulated I believe is the wonderfully descriptive word Cindy chose.

About a week ago, my dear friend Chad K. came to town to visit. He was staying at the house of other friends, but normally when he comes to town we all spend the whole weekend together. I however, was in Grinch mode, and though I would have loved to have spent time with everyone, truthfully I was just in a bad mood that would have brought everyone down. Needless to say I avoid human contact.

Chad knowing that being "un-Christmas-y" was simply not me took the time to make "Amanda's Christmas Mix '06". A wonderful, wonderful, wonderful suprise that came to me in the mail yesterday!

For those of you who may be discombobulated as I was, don't sit at home wallowing in it. Get out. Watch some children play, make a christmas mix '06 for yourself, bake some banana or pumpkin bread for someone you love and remind yourself that Christmas is not for wallowing it is for remembering the Joy of Jesus' birth, for loving family (or friends like family) a little extra, and for even a moment having "Peace on Earth".

What a wonderful demonstration of Christmas Spirit! Thanks, Chad! Love you sweet friend!!

A New Perspective

In the course of any new transition there are eight different phases. These phases listed below are obviously enhanced whenever one decides to move overseas, however can also be experienced whenever anyone makes a move.

DENIAL (ANTICIPATORY STRESS) - "It can't be happening to me." (Good coping mechanism.) Preparation stage; moving confusion.

HONEYMOON PHASE (ANTICIPATION AND ANXIETY) - Excitement over the upcoming relocation and the "newness" of it all may cloud other feelings.

DISENCHANTMENT (BEGINNING OF THE READJUSTMENT CRISIS) - Often coupled with feelings of dislocation. Little things become major hassles (finding the right foods; remembering where you packed something, etc.)

ANGER - May develop as disenchantment and frustrations grow. There may be a sense of loss, separation, anxiety and/or a perceived lack of control.

GUILT - Guilt may arise over the decision to relocate, especially for the relocated employee if the family is having serious difficulties.

GRIEF or DEPRESSION - Depression may set in as individual and/or family confronts changes, disappointments and difficulties during the adjustment period.

ACCEPTANCE - Coming to terms with our feelings and re-accepting our new lifestyle. The realization that something is changing; that different can also be good.

ADAPT AND ENJOY

For me this week DISENCHANTMENT was really the key issue. I am away from the routine of life that I had become accustomed too, and trying to establish a life here.

So now for the good part of my story.
I decided the only way out of my funky mood was to just get out and smile at some others. Stop thinking about me, myself and I and find out who I could be Jesus too!

I went to the Galleria mall here in Dallas, found a cup of coffee and sat down to people watch around the ice rink. I was reading the poster on the table and found out that Kurt Browning (4 time world champion ice skater) was going to be on the ice below me in less than an hour! LOVE IT!!! So I was sitting there minding my own, when a lady came up and asked if she could share the table with me and her 80 year old aunt. I said, "Of course". So she came along and they sat down to wait and watch, and then there were two other ladies who came to sit down. We introduced ourself, and laughed at how fun the Christmas season was that brought perfect strangers to sit down next to each other.

Kurt Browning took the ice and WOW! Amazing!
To think I would have missed the blessing had I just continued to sit at home and feel sorry for myself.

James 1: 5-6

If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask Him and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Psalm 34:8-10

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in Him! Let the Lord's people show Him reverence, for those who honor Him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.

Be blessed today!

Atlanta, the Eagles have Landed

After taking a wrong turn leaving my friend Judy Martin's house in Columbus, GA, I broke all sorts of speed laws yesterday, trying to get Atlanta airport before my parents came out of the gate. I had looked at their itenerary that morning and saw 4:41 arrival.....when I looked when I got on the car, the numbers had magically changed on the paper to say 4:14!! Oh joy!

It was 3:40 when I left Columbus, it was an hour and half drive to Atlanta....I was so in trouble.
Then the wrong turn onto the intrastate highway.....Of course, every backwoods, old person who doesn't know that they have upped the speed limit from 35 mph years ago...drove in front of me. Note here that I did not curse in anyway, but I did pray really hard!!

Finally, up ahead a clearing through the trees, and I see the most beautiful thing I have seen on this trip - and this trip has been so beautiful with the changing of leaves, etc - there it was...INTERSTATE 85!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!

I hopped on and drove at speeds I could have been arrested for....praying all the way that I would not pass any cops....and I did not.

I got into the airport....and literally ran to the baggage claim, where flight 2227 from London was no where to be found. So I then walked quickly to the arrival area, just in time to see them walking towards me!!!! yes!!!!! Baggage claim flashed up their flight....their bags all got here safe and sound, we drove to pick up the other brother....and joy of joy we are all together!

Praise the Lord!

Leaving Africa

My parents and youngest brother (who was born in Kenya and holds Africa in his soul) get on a plane today. Devin must come stateside for college though it is killing his heart to do so.

Please be in prayer as they travel and as his heart hurts. Pray that God's amazing grace will transend all the pain of leaving and they will feel the comfort and love of HIM.

Thanks.

News from Botswana

**Last update from my mom**

Dear Loved Ones,
What a day!! Our last Sunday was filled with blessings. Our attendance was good. We had three visitors, including a girl we have been inviting for over a year. We baptized three young men, two Batswana and one Kenyan. We heard a testimony from our Indian family. Their daughter almost died with an aneurysm last year. They got word this week that she is completely cured and will be traveling to visit with them in November.

Last January, one of our ladies left to work in England. Her children are here and have been unable to come to church because the father will not bring them and they live far. Today, I gave a shout of joy and tears filled my eyes as I saw Agnes and Allune come in the door. One of our ladies knew I would love to see them and made arrangements for them to come with her. They will travel in January to live with their mother so that was our last chance to see them.

At the fellowship after the baptism, our people gave Devin some gifts and also some gifts were given to Dennis, a young Tanzanian man who will soon be returning to Tanzania. We sure hate to see him go, God has his hand on that young man. We are thankful that God goes before him to prepare the way for him.

As Steve and I talked after everyone had gone home, we just commented that all of this is what GOD has done. It is so great to watch Him work and trust Him as he leads us along. We leave Tuesday at 5 pm from Gaborone. It sounds like the tiny airport will be filled with people that love Devin and his parents! We so treasure your prayers. It was an emotional day today and Tuesday will be oh, so hard, especially for Devin.

We stop in England on the way home to visit a couple we knew in Kenya. We have prayed for their salvation since we met them. Please pray that we will have opportunity to proclaim Christ once again to our friends, Surinder and Bilu.

Friday, if you hear a shout! It will be us as we land and embrace our children whom we have not seen in three years. We are looking forward to more sweet reunions throughout the month as we see our parents and our siblings. How wonderful that will be!Thank you for praying for us, we need the strength that God gives when you pray.

Reaching the Unreached,Steve, Pam and Devin

ONE WEEK!!!

**DANCES FOR JOY!!!!**

This time next week, I can be found in a little white minivan, somewhere between Birmingham, AL - where I will have just spent a wonderful time with three very dear friends - and Atlanta, GA - where I will be on my way to the airport to pick up my mom, dad, and brother (provided they let him out of Africa....ha ha!)

But seriously, please pray for my family in the next few months....
#1. Packing and final preparation to leave will go smooothly.
#2. Emotions as Devin leaves his homeland Tuesday, October 31st.
#3. Safety as they travel - Flight to England - time in London with friends-flight to USA.
#4. Sanity as a family comes back together to be one for a little while.
#5. The church family left behind, that they will continue to grow
#6. Devin settling in to college and a job and a good church home.

Thanks for all your prayers and support....I cannot express how much I can feel it coming from every corner of the globe.
You are treasured.

10 Days.....

6 hours, 20 minutes, 10 seconds....9....8....7....6....5...4...
Oh yea....definitely on a countdown!

Quick update for those who keep asking for one!! :-)

I went to the doctor last Monday and he did the blood work thing and upped my meds for my thyroid. And not too soon....the rest of the week was not a fun week with all the symptoms. But what to do? As they say in Africa...can't bring life to a stop. Praising God that His strength is perfect...as I had none! I should start seeing improvement in 4 to 6 weeks...lovely!

Brothers....
Health is pretty much the same.

Family...
We are so excited to be together....did I mention....10 days...5 hours....35 minutes....30 seconds....29....28....27....26.

Made a quick trip to Houston this past weekend....nothing went as planned....but I got to spend time with those I love.....so I was happy. For those I missed out on....I love you anyway....I do miss you and will make you part of my next trip, I promise.

I came home yesterday to a traditional Kenyan meal, and just polished of Ugali and Sukuma leftovers for lunch....oh the bliss of living with an African!!

Work continues to be exciting for me. I am learning so much, and am so thankful for the resources. I was able to put together a re-entry manual for my brother's homecoming, and for my family. Received well and with great thanks by some, others....well...I am sort of used to their behavior/attitude towards my life....so my life can move on without them....as per usual.

I thank the Lord daily for the non-blood family He has put in my life. I could not make it without your constant love, support, prayers, encouragement, admonition and exhortation. What would I do without you?!?

This blog has taken way to long to write as I am composing in between . I promise to update with something fun and interesting to read soon.

Ok now only 10 days....4 hours....50 minutes....15 seconds....14.....13....12....11....

Babies, babies, babies

This is the week for babies!!

As many of you know, I do not plan on having any of my own. (Please do not start the lectures...I have heard them all...thank you.) However, when my friends bring children to the world I weep tears of joy, and welcome them with "arms wide open" (yes cheesy lyrics, yet wonderful).

This week.....
Grayson Gabriel Mitchell....joined us into the world on October 7th....right on time. Adopted by my darling Mary Kay director Brittany Mitchell and her husband Jon. This baby is beautiful! Not to say that all babies are, but he is! The birth mother is doing ok as well, praise the Lord! I am so grateful for the gift of adoption.

Oh, sweet boy, I have prayed for you, and for both your mommies and your dad. May you grow up to walk in the light of His grace.

And this early morning, in France, Aliyah Karon Auterson, joined us! Sister to Kirianna, who I also have not had the pleasure of meeting yet, and 2nd daughter to my dear missionary friends Lance and Amy. I believe she is a wee bit early, but she is here and healthy and beautiful just the same. In God's timing, not ours.

Oh little girl I have prayed for you to "wait on the Lord". So glad you waited just a few extra weeks before making your grand appearance.

WELCOME to the World sweet babies.....it will be scary at times, but know that you are loved more than you can possibly imagine. First there is the love of your Heavenly Father, who formed you long before we ever knew about you, He was there with you in womb, and will continue being right beside you all the rest of your days. When you aren't sure....just call His name....

Secondly, you both have families that are just going to spoil you in the best ways possible. You are going to be loved and adored and crooned over till you just burst.

And lastly, whenever you need just a little extra, or someone to plead to your case, an extra hug here, some ice cream there, or you just don't think you are spoiled enough......come see me....Auntie A will always be there.

And gum....I will always have gum.

Clarification

Regarding the "Check, Check, Check".

I forgot to add that is the checklist for all of the hypothyroid symptoms. I was diagnosed with it 6 years ago, and my levels have been under control for a while. But now all the symptoms are going on full force!

Thank so much for the notes of concern on the fact that I am an emotional basket case.

Just need new pills! I have a doctor's appointment next Monday to have blood work done....joy joy!