A Higher Calling

I've had a lot to think about this week... A lot has happened, and God is good! We went to a memorial service for one of our church members yesterday....a precious older lady who has quietly spread God's light to all who have come in contact with her...

Looking back to even my early childhood days, I remember her little notes of encouragement she'd write, and wonder 'Why did she write me?', 'That's so sweet, but I don't even really know her!' ... but even just those little notes encouraged me...I didn't really know her, but she affected and blessed me, and made me want to be more of a courageous warrior for Christ because of her Godly example.
The question that kept coming back to me was: "What legacy will I leave behind when I die?"
"What do I want to be said at my memorial service?"

I love reading epitaphs....and some of them are pretty funny, but if you think about it, do you really want to just be remembered for being "Late for everything including his own funeral."??

No!! I want to press onto the higher calling and mark of Christ! And what is that?

In my Bible reading yesterday, Matthew 13:22-23 really hit me. Ponder this:

"He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulnss of riches, choke the Word, and he becometh unfruitful.

But he that receiveth seed into the good ground is he that heareth the Word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty."

In our modern American world of technology and business, isn't it so easy to allow the cares of the world to start choking out Christ? I'm working on this right now--amidst my varied schedule, I'm trying to truly REST in the Saviour...treasure each moment, and use it wisely...

My great-aunt Lisa encouraged me last year to make each moment with those I come in contact with truly count--'Make them feel as if they're the only person in the world for those minutes.' Honestly, that is really hard for me!! I like people, but sometimes I accidentally think of them as 'in the way' to get the projects done... But when it's all said and done, what will have eternal value? The people we reach and touch for Christ, or the projects that we get done (be they of eternal value or not)...

I love this quote:

One of these days, I must go shopping.

I am completely out of generosity and I must get some more.

I also want to exchange the self-satisfaction I picked up the other day for some real humility,

which they say wears better.

I must look at some tolerance, and the samples of kindness, one can never have too much of that.

I'll try to match the patience I saw on a friend the other day, it looked quite becoming on her; I think it will look equally good on me.

While shopping, I'll try on that suit of charity on display.

I must remember to get my sense of humor mended and keep my eyes open for some inexpensive goodness.

It is surprising how quickly one's stock is depleted.

Yes, I must go shopping.

- Anonymous

Another thought-provoker:

"The most difficult t hing for us as Christians to take is the postponement of God's liberating us from our difficulties."

(Do I have an amen?)

"Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with Me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve Me."

~ Psalms 101:6 ~

What is God showing you?

Single's Awareness Day

I love Valentines....since I was a little girl, my daddy has always had this quartet come to our house and office and sing "squishy heart songs" to us....like "I Love You Truly", and so many more...that even as a little girl makes you squirm in your seat.. :)
This year, I got to hear them at the office, and it warmed my heart...it's funny how you build a precious relationship with a group of older men, just by seeing them once a year since you're 5 years old....imagine what it must be like for them?? We were just little tykes then!

It's funny--being single this year....so many of my friends and family have gotten married in the last couple years and now have kids of their own--those my age...and I suppose I expected that at 22 maybe, but 20? Hmm...nope!

You know, in some ways, helping them keep house makes me a tad jealous, but in most ways, I'm just so happy and content being single...not that I don't long for that day that I can make my own home my own, and be a helpmeet to one person (instead of a houseful... ;P jk), but these days could be few or plenty, and especially as we truly don't know our day or reckoning, I'm trying to make each day count for eternity...as a single woman, wholly devoted to the Lord...no, I'm far from perfect, but that is my aim.

I received this article today through my NGJ subscription, and was mightily blessed by Mr. Pearl's words so true.... I just want to keep saying "Amen!!" at the end of each paragraph--so instead of writing it all out here, I'll let his words speak for himself...

Marriage God's Way: How He May Please His Wife

 

Truly, this is a special and unique time--young, innocent womanhood. Ladies, treasure this time, and don't get caught up in "Where is he?" that you forget to make each moment count!!

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."

~ Proverbs 14:1 ~

 

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

~ Proverbs 31:30 ~

New Opportunities

Monday, I officially started work at Pinkerton Retirement Specialists -- my father's financial advisory firm. A position opened up for me to work part-time there, as a Record Security Retention Officer (RSRO..or "Security Officer" for short) ;). My job is specialized to helping bring our administrative systems up-to-date with current organizational software technology...which involves paperwork, which I love. :)

My cousin Luke (who just recently married my bestie-Selah) is training me, and since we have similar personalities, I think we will be a productive and {potentially dangerously?} dynamic team. :)

This job opportunity has been a while in coming, as I was asked to consider the position back in November, but didn't have the time to think about it yet with Belize, the Cantata play, Christmas, Luke and Selah's wedding, and then the Retreat... Even when I did, I didn't think much on the 'how long' aspect...so when faced with the question during my interview of if I was willing to commit for a year, I had to think on it....
Am I willing? That means I'd be "stuck" in Idaho until February 10th, 2015! No big mission trips or longer-term ministry opportunities out-of-state... Nothing like I've been doing for the past 4 years....
Yes, I'm willing--I've prayed deeply about this, and I really feel that this is where God wants me right now--filling this need and deepening the relationships with those I work with.

Honestly, I have no clue where I will be in a year--I'm almost 21, and a lot can change...so what a more opportune time to serve at my father's real business (as I've worked for him on the ranch for 9 years), than right now?!

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."

~ Ecclesiastes 9:10 ~

What are you living for? What are you doing today and tomorrow that will count for eternity?

Are you living purposefully for Jesus?

Not Kidding...Triplets!

Just had to throw the pun in there.... 

Last Saturday night-February 1st, our goat Ninya had triplets - 2 bucklings and a doeling. Talk about perfect timing--right before the cold snap really hit!!

Hours old - Cutie in front, Tommy and Jack in back

I'm a stickler on names...I love names, and love to name EVERYTHING....even in Belize, all creatures got names... However, I can also be weird when it comes to names-- think unique and creative...
So, when the kids (*cough, the other ones) started calling the boys 'Tommy' and 'Jack', I was not impressed...Those are complete people names! However, somehow they stuck...

Tommy

In the past, we've had some awesome names (always including their lineage) like:
JJ Lite Saber and Merry Savory Sader - born on Good Friday
Fantine and Robert' - born after we watched the 1952 Les Mis {awesome movie!}
Mercy and Justice: after one of my favorite songs
Garnet and Jasper
Millie and Mudgey (from our doe-Mouse) - a tribute to our local author
Finale Knighted and Finale Squeaked Thru (out of Finale.. ;P)
Kiera and St. Patrick's Merriment

Jack

Yes, I know, I have too much fun... But, Aha!! At least their registered names are still awesome...  Since they're out of Diminuendo out of Creshendoe out of Tenudoe, their names are (respectively--since that word seems to make all the difference in the world ;P) Valentin-O Forte, Cutie Pi-O Legato, and Februari-O Presto. (Thanks to the 'kids' for the demanded musical term endings.)
Unfortunately, Cutie was born pretty selenium deficient, and so we ended up bringing her in the house, where she {was spoiled rotten} and lived for the 5 days of her wonderful, short life. Never do you see animals so spoiled as this...sleeping on our beds, walking on our white carpet, wearing our baby diapers, getting as much love and attention as anything--and yes, it was a wonderful distraction for the kids from school.... ;)

Eventually though, from different issues, Cutie finally died last night, but the moments spent with her were cherished, and well worth every second!! (Including the midnight feedings....)

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die;....a time to weep, and a time to laugh;...A time to get, and a time to lose.

He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a, 4a, 6a, 11 ~

Mental Note: This was a wonderful reminder of what life will be like with a newborn infant!! Waking up every little bit from his murmurs and cries....praise God for natural milk supplies...who'd ever want to get up every few hours and warm fake milk up, when you can just roll over and nurse your baby, while going back to sleep??

Sorry guys, just had to insert my little midwifery advertisement...

A Sacred Search

I know,  I'm supposed to be blogging Belize, BUT last night, Daniel, Rachel, and I went to the Sacred Search Single's Conference in Post Falls featuring Gary Thomas as speaker. I really appreciated what Pastor Thomas shared, not only because it deepened my understanding, but also put better words to fundamental truths I have believed and have tried to express for the last few years.

Thus, here are some highlights:
Studies have shown that the cultural standards for marriage among non-believers are rapidly becoming Christians' standards as well. These are:
 - Sexual Chemistry
 - Romantic Infatuation
 - Compatibility on Dates

Studies show that infatuation only lasts 12-18 months from its outset, and at longest, 2 years. It is such a powerful feeling though, that it leaves its victims vulnerable, stupid, and in a state of idealization which causes them to miss negative clues about the one they are infatuated with, that friends and parents might see.

The Spiritual Purpose should be the driving force of who you marry.

Matthew 6:33 says:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Though we as Christians are called to separate ourselves from the world and seek to live this verse out, so often we are deceived and drawn away of our lusts, especially when it comes to relationships and in choosing our marriage partner.

Why do we seek to apply Matthew 6:33 to all aspects of our lives except relationships, when that is one of the most critical choices we will ever make, and will so greatly affect not only our future impact on the world, but also in the lives of our future children, grandchildren, and so-on?!

Instead of looking for someone with whom you are infatuated, compatible, or have chemistry with, think about how that person will respond to potential real life circumstances: child rearing, infertility, your child's death, medical devastations, etc.

If you want to have a Big Marriage, you need a Big Life, which has to be rooted on Matthew 6:33.

Start setting your roots in Galatians 5:19-23:

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like:

of which I tell you before as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Do you want to grow in Love or Disappointment?
What you're looking for in your mate is the seed of these things--they don't have to be in full bloom yet.
Choose Someone Who:
1) Can Handle Conflict -- wisely, productively, and with grace.
      - Marriage makes you angry
      - Conflict helps you understand each other's values
   *Red Flag # 1: Stonewalling (the silent treatment) - processing is ok, but stuffing permanently and refusing to talk about it is different.
   * Red Flag # 2: Violence (1 strike and they're out, period.)

2) Will Be A Spectacular Parent -- they will influence your kids more than almost anyone else.

3) Prays -- There is nothing like knowing your wife is praying for you during your work decisions, trips, etc. or knowing your husband is praying for you while you're at home with the kids, counseling, etc.
      - You can't spend time in God's presence without being impacted.
      - Does it sound like they know who they're talking to?
      - Do they talk about God and what He's doing in their live?
      - Is God giving them a vision for their future or inspiring passion?

Would you rather marry someone with WHITE KNUCKLES or RED KNEES?

4) Has Humility -- James 3:2 says: (paraphrase) 'We all stumble sometimes', meaning, we each need humility.
   (Reminds me of Proverbs 22:4 - "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.")
      - Do they serve or want to be served?
      - Do they show empathy or are they self-centered?
      - Do they want others to like them or do them care more about them than themselves?
      - Are the passionate about others or themselves?
      - Do they want to grow themselves as much as they think you should?

5) Is a Giver Not a Taker
      - You want your kids knowing that they give to joy to mom when she's serving them, not resentment.
      - You want someone to serve God together with outside your home, not someone who consumes so much of your time that they're your "ministry".
   * Red Flag # 1: Is life 'all about them'? Or do they have a "How can I help?" attitude?
                Are they refreshing or draining?
   * Red Flag # 2: Are they always asking for something in return?
   * Red Flag # 3: Look at how they treat (invisible) others - they might treat you differently now, because they want to get you.

6) The Holy Spirit is an Active Part of Their Life
      - In Acts 6:3, they were looking for deacons. These were their qualifications:

"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom, whom ye may appoint over this business."

      - God has called all His followers to be leaders, no matter what position they may have--thus, why should we want less in our future husbands? (And, women, I would say the same for us...)

7) Has Friends and Keeps Them - If they can't create and keep friends, maybe they aren't ready for marriage, and need to continue working on that part of maturity.

* Do they Fear God?
* Are they Convicted of Sin?
* Is God active in their life?
* Do they open their souls to be used of God?
* Do they display the fruits of the Spirit?

There's a myth out there that says "There is only One Person our there for me -- my soul mate, and I have to find him." That's a myth, started by Plato not Scripture.
1 Corinthians 7:39b says (context is widows), "...She is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord."
Proverbs 31:10 indicates a search, not "just waiting":
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."

I've always loved Proverbs 31, but it struck another cord this last time...the virtuous woman is so precious, she is to be valued above the monetary standard!! Lord, help me to be like her!

If you're concerned with the amount of communication your man has with you before marriage, remember that it will decrease about 25% after marriage.

Guys, if you're marrying for beauty, just remember that one day, the beautiful woman you married will look like her mom....and eventually like her grandma (if she lives that long) - you're marrying for keeps, not just for looks, so make sure you marry someone who is beautiful inside!

Last word....Ladies, I think so often, it is easy to point the finger at the guys saying "This is what He has to be...but what about us?? What areas do we need to grow in to be the best helpmeet we can be? I purpose, by God's grace, to continue to engraft these principles in my life now: will you join me?

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

~ Proverbs 31:30 ~

Selah and Luke's Wedding

Yesterday, my dear friend since early childhood - Selah, married my amazing cousin - Luke. What a thrill it was to not only watch and encourage them both during their friendship turned relationship, but also to watch them draw closer to God as they drew closer together, and then finally witness and support their matrimony.
Since I was so busy helping her prepare for the wedding, I didn't get many photos myself, but here are a few - giving a glimpse of it... If I get time, once I get the real photos, I might try to post some more...

Had to throw this one in there....I was asked to make their slideshow, and started multi-tasking while Oma finished altering the hem of my dress.

Love the memories of just the 4 of us here, early Saturday morning.... Talk about triple prepping!!
Not only did Selah get pampered, but she made sure to pamper us--doing makeup AND even some of our hair!!
She was the perfect example of self-sacrificial, even though this was HER big day!! I love you Sis!!

I felt honored to be able to be there for Luke and Selah's first look in Ramsey Park...
What a beautiful bride!!

Sorry, the photo was a little blurry... Shortly after their First Look...

Baby, it was cold outside!! I can't believe I didn't bring a coat....
What a gentleman!

This was adorable...I love Luke's face....

Proverbs 30:18 & 19d - There be 3 things which are too wonderful for me, yea,  4 which I know not:
.....the way of a man with a maid.

What a wonderful wedding party we had!! The biggest unique thing with Luke and Selah's wedding was that  of the 14 bridal attendants,  only 3 of us were truly single, everyone else was married (except 2 who were dating each other, and another who was engaged)!!

A fun photo of a bunch of my friends and I at the photo booth....

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife:

and they shall be one flesh."

~ Genesis 2:24 ~

There is so much more I could say, but, as the best man started his toast: "In conclusion..... ;)", though I 'lost my childhood "best friend"', I'm just so blessed to have gained another cousin, and be encouraged by another couple who is striving to serve God!!!

Praise you Jesus, and may their marriage be a glory to You!!!

Back From Belize!

Well, we arrived back from Belize last Wednesday, and life goes on. One of my besties - Selah is marrying my dear cousin Luke this coming Saturday, and so my life since returning has been filled with helping her transition and prepare for her wedding, as well as being "mama" for my siblings as my parents are traveling.

Thus, please don't expect too much blogging for another week or so, however, as I received all the trip's pictures this evening, I will whet your whistle a bit...

God did so much - in and through us while we were over there... 3 girls found our Saviour during Bible club, many were encouraged and discipled through the many seminars, meetings, and Bible Studies that were held, much was accomplished at the Kindred Spirit Camp that we worked at, and much evangelism was done as well, including the chapel service to around 1400 Government School kids.

Upon first arriving in Belize

Bible Club with 2 fellow labourers - Christina and Leslie

My dear sister and I - connecting after our separate ministries

Working on tile laying--one of my favorites!!

Team Photo (minus Nathan-our camera man)

"Rock Climbing" the Mayan Ruins... ;)

Praise God for a successful mission trip to Belize, despite sickness, injury (yes, I did injure my arm--tendon/sheath/nerve endings--but by God's grace, it is healing--more on that in a future post), and weather conditions. Christ prevailed!! Our only regret? That we didn't have time for more discipleship and follow-up. Praise God that He is faithful to each who believe!! Some are the seed planters, others the waterers, and still others the harvesters. We can faithfully pray over here as well!!

"Keep therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations."

~ Deuteronomy 7:9 ~

Belize: Day 1

This morning started out with arriving at the church at 2:35am, in order to get all the luggage and people loaded to arrive at the Airport by 3:45am.

Mary, Alyssa, Me and Rachel

Little Naomi--Rob and Molly's youngest

Waiting...

Our flight to Denver was supposed to leave at 6am, but due to dense fog, we ended up leaving around 6:37am. I was very surprised by the seats we got - a 737, with Luxury Economy seats! There was twice as much leg room and a charger plug! I felt like we had First Class seats! However, I'm not used to having as much leg room...it's kinda weird! Rachel and I sat with Joseph and Nina both flights, which was fun...

View of the Rocky? Mountains

We arrived in Denver with just enough time to shimmy over a few gates to our connecting flight to Houston, where we waited for over a 1/2 hour before boarding the plane... Due to whatever circumstances, we ended up not leaving for another 1.5 hours or so, and finally arrived in Houston, TX at 2:15pm.

After getting settled in our motel rooms (which took 3 shuttle trips), we were able to rent the Quality Suites' vans, to get us to dinner---the Cracker Barrel. What was supposed to take about 15 minutes, ended to up to be over 6 times that, as the directions we were given and the GPS we were following chose a much farther location...
Anyway, by the time we actually arrived at the Cracker Barrel (At 5:30 or so), we had even seen Austin, TX! What a memorable adventure! It sure was neat to see more of Texas, and what precious fellowship we shared in our van!

Rooming with Leslie, Mary Lynn, and the 2 Christinas

My little corner--reminiscent of my mission days...gotta love my mulang!! <3

Tomorrow, we head out early (6am) for our flight to Belize. I have no clue when I will have internet again (or cell service)....but at least I gave you a glimpse of our travels thus far! :)
Farewell, until we meet again--if not soon, at least by January 15th! :)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

~ John 14:27 ~

Belize Mission Prayer Calendar

Unlike other years, the countdown is not for 0000, January 1, 2014 this year!!
In just a few hours, 30 of us will be preparing to board a flight that will take us to Belize. I can hardly believe the time is come...after 7 months of preparations.

In some ways, my sister and I are missing a lot - our cousin's wedding, seeing all the family and friends that will attend, many of which we haven't seen for years, wedding preparations for my other cousin and close friend, our daddy's birthday....
But you know, when God has called you to something,  nothing can stop it!!

Here is a short prayer calendar for all those who would be willing to pray for us. We desperately need and beg for your prayers!!

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

~ James 5:16 ~

Wednesday, January 1

 - Pray for safe travel to Spokane, then Houston

 - Pray for smooth transfers to the hotel and back

Thursday, January 2
 - Pray for safe travel to Belize City, then Belmopan
 - Pray for easy clearance through customs without high duty costs
 - Pray for the team as they prepare to start the Building Project
Friday & Saturday, January 3 & 4
 - Pray for team safety on the Building Project worksite
 - Pray for effective seminars (Pastors & Ladies)
 - Pray for a successful Men's Meeting and BBQ
Sunday, January 5 (Church at Roaring Creek)
 - Pray for Paul as he speaks in the church service
 - Pray for the informal ministry with adults & children
 - Pray for rest as the team tours the Mayan ruins
Monday - Friday, January 6-10
 - Pray for safety on the Building Project during the day
 - Pray for Children's VBS each evening
 - Tues/Thurs: Pray for the chapel service at the government school
Saturday, January 11
 - Pray for the Building Project on its final day
 - Pray for good response to the VBS & Children's ministry
 - Pray for an effective Counseling Seminar
Sunday, January 12 (Church at Belmopan)
 - Pray for Paul as he speaks in the church service
 - Pray for informal ministry with adults and children
Monday, January 13
 - Pray for safety & refreshment as the team visits the island
Tuesday, January 14
 - Pray for team as they pack up and travel to Denver
 Wednesday, January 15
 - Pray for safe travel to Spokane & HOME!

BELIZE PRAYER REQUESTS:
Building Project
 - Pray for wisdom for each day's work
 - Pray for safety from injuries and exhaustion in the heat
 - Pray against interruptions and delays
 - Pray for Joseph (leader) and team members (including Rachel & I)

Pastor's Seminar & Counseling Seminar (Saturdays, Jan. 4, 11)
 - Pray for wisdom for Paul as he ministers to the pastors (1/4)
 - Pray for Paul and Roycee presenting biblical counseling (1/11)
 - Pray that those attending will apply the material in their culture

Children's VBS (Monday-Friday evenings, January 6-10)
 - Pray for children to be saved and grow in Jesus
 - Pray for good discipline to enable learning
 - Pray for Mary Beth (leader) and team members

Men's Encouragement Night (Friday evening, January 3)
 - Pray for good attendance and receptive hearts and minds
 - Pray that meant will understand the need to take responsibility

Marion's Children's Outreach (Mon-Fri, Jan. 6-10)
- Pray for the team members helping with the children
-  Pray for the needy children being reached through this ministry

Ladies' Conference (Fri-Sat, Jan. 3-4)
 - Pray for Roycee to speak clearly and practically
 - Pray that ladies will grasp the material and apply it in their culture

SPECIFIC PRAYER FOR US:
Sarah:
 - Heading laundry and cleaning, helping with medical issues and technical/video records
 - Piano accompaniment during different events (ie. ladies' conference, etc.)
 - Creativity and joy in leading VBS music/playing in Joseph drama (as "mean brother" ;P)
 - General health and stamina (and no muscle injuries!!)
 - Wisdom, humility, patience, and discretion, for those 4 I lack.

Rachel:
- That God would prepare the hearts of the young women she will be teaching, that He would speak through them, and that the girls' hearts would be receptive to the truth. (These young women have had very rough lives, for their young years...)

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.

~ Hebrews 12:28-29 ~

New Year's Eve Update

There is so much I want to write about, however, time is short, and I fear it shall have to wait until I return.... Let me just say that I saw God move mightily in the Passion and Purpose Retreat last weekend....not only in my life, but in others as well.  We had some precious fellowship, incredible praise and worship, and blessed time with our Saviour, King, and Redeemer!!

Unfortunately, this is one of the only photos I have of the retreat--talk about lame, I know...
But at least we have something!!!

It was so neat to be able to spend time with other believers discovering truths that truly set the captives free!! What a precious thing for brothers and sisters in Christ to do!

A beautiful (slightly enhanced ;) sunset

Sunday afternoon, after church, we all crashed, and I do believe we would have slept straight through until Monday morning if we didn't have a special commitment that night--my grandparent's just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary!!! What an incredible legacy in this age of divorce and unfaithfulness... We truly are blessed!

Yesterday, Rachel and I scrambled around getting everything packed in time for the packing party at church last night... I am happy to say I got everything packed, and now just have some final details to wrap up (leaving time to blog of course.. ;p)

We really have a blessed team going down there--we all love God, and really want to take responsibility for our part, which will make it easier on all of us.

I would appreciate prayers--for me personally.. Yesterday, I came across my Filipino phone, with all my messages from a year gone by...
One year ago, I was in the Philippines--looking forward to 2 more months of ministry in the Jungle. I was celebrating the new year with friends, when my medical emergency happened, and in a whirlwind of events, I found myself on a flight headed home, instead of heading up North to the Bukid..

Just over 1 year ago....

I realized yesterday, that as much as I am anticipating serving the Belizean people, it's also hard, as my heart is really longing to be with "my people" - those on the island of Mindanao. This last weekend, I found myself speaking in Visayan and writing the same, and memories are just pouring back.

Right after giving out Christmas Dinner, gifts, and the Gospel to over 200 kids in Southern Cotabato

God really has helped me cultivate a heart of contentment (not that I don't struggle sometimes!), and I know He has a perfect plan, and I do believe that my time serving the Filipinos is not over. However, I would appreciate prayer that I would be able to completely embrace every aspect of my time in Belize, with a whole heart, nothing wavering.  I don't want ANYTHING holding me back from serving God down there, and being a part of the team -- no matter what my other mission experiences have been like.
It seems so weird to just be bringing various medical supplies, and leaving my beloved doppler, fetoscope, midwifery books, scrubs, and all of my supplies with me... So much of what I will be bringing was loved on in the Philippines--it is so different not to be going back there...

Praise God for His never-ending and always enduring mercy!!!

Na hidlaw sa ko imo, akong Pilipinas!!!

A few of us were practicing last night for a special number to be played in Belize, and the words ministered deeply:

With my whole heart I humbly seek You

Now use my life, O Lord, I pray

I yield my stubborn will completely

May your commandments light my way.

Your Word has promised me the vict'ry

And all I need to do is claim

Your strength, to soar with wings as eagles

To walk, to run, and not to faint.

My life is Yours to control

I give You my heart and my soul

I'll seek Your will, never mine

Rich treasure to find.

Give wisdom to choices I make

Along ev'ry path that I take

So when I complete life's race

"Well done" You will say.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

~ Isaiah 52:7 ~

Passionate Purpose Singles Retreat

Over the course of the past few months, my family and I have been discussing how we could best encourage those in our community who are striving to serve the Lord. When 4 of my siblings came back from working with In The Gap this past September, they (specifically Rachel) returned with a vision of re-creating a 3-day retreat similar to what they attended during their initial training.

Thus, introducing:

Passion and Purpose Singles Retreat

December 26th - 29th, 2013

Please see our website for details

We look forward to seeing all singles, 15 years and older there! We are starting to fill up pretty fast, so please Register ASAP!

Be thou partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the Power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own Purpose and Grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”

- 2 Timothy 1:8-9 -