slow down, Mrs. Missionary

As a missionary wife, on the field, we are tempted and sometimes pressured to participate in every ministry possible.  Working in the church has many, many opportunities for service.  Children's Sunday School and clubs, ladies meetings and Bible studies, choir, etc.  Each is wonderful and good, but let us not overlook our own personal ministry.

The little ones that God gave you are gathered around your legs now but sooner than you think they will be gone.  Off to their own adventures.  There will always be many ministry opportunities in the church, but you only have one family.

Deuteronomy 6:7 "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou list down, and when thou risest up."

Don't be so busy and tired with helping others that you do not sit, laugh, joke, and play with your children.  The most important lessons of their life can be learned and should be learned at your knee.
 

going through the fire

As the black flames billowed up into the sky hiding the sunshine on the warm Jamaican day my heart sank.

We do Christians hurt?
Why do bad things happen?

As a Pastor's wife I often dread this {tough} question.  I want sunshine and smiles and happy endings.  My heart hurts when others hurt and have sorrow.

How do you explain to someone who is going through such a dark valley that God knows and hasn't left them?
When they feel so alone and abused how do you tell them God is love?

How do you tell them Why?

Recently we were traveling through another parish that is unusually flat for Jamaica.  There were sugar cane fields stretched out on all sides of us.  We could see black billowing smoke filling the sky and I remarked to my husband that something large was burning.  He said they were burning the fields.  The beautiful healthy sugar cane was being burned.

True Facts: Burning of the sugar cane field is part of the harvesting process.  During this time the field is set on fire and the leaves are burned off leaving only the cane.  The part burned off is called "trash" and is made up of straw, the tops, and green and dry leaves.  The burning process kills any microorganisms and the trash left behind help keep the fields rich.

We pulled to the side of the road and watched the billowing black smoke filling the sky.  We could see the flames leaping up and running throughout the fields.  My heart was touched thinking about the sadness of watching something that you've worked so hard for being destroyed right before your eyes.  So often life can be the same way. There was the fire.  The heat.  Your pain.  Your suffering.

There's so much that we can not see.

Through the fire God has a plan to perfect the sugar cane.  It is hard to tell when the flames are licking at the tall stalk... but some day that will be little {brown} grains I stir into my tea.

Pain and trials of life are never easy.  Often they are very painful.  At the time it is so hard to see the point.

We always come through stronger and more perfected into the image that God has for us to be.  If we allow ourselves to be.

day dreams

(my pink rose bush was the first one we planted when we moved to Jamaica 4 years ago)

Tips on developing a strong Christian life {in your small child}

I want to start by saying...

I'm no saint.  I have many, many shortcomings and failures.  I'm just a mama (of 5) who loves God and wants to instill that love deep in her little ones.... while they are little.

1. Let them hear Scripture every day.  When in our regular schedule, we read or listen to some small devotion every morning.  Our personal favorite is Uncle Charlie's Keys for Kids.    You can get the devotions emailed to you or you can listen to Uncle Charlie read them.  We are strong believers in the KJV and you can check the box to get them in this version.  They also offer retro episodes new each week and these devotions and stories are from the files over 30 years ago.   The music is great for kids and we often listen to the retro episodes and singing while the girls are doing their morning chores.  This helps them learn new Bible songs.

2. Instruction them and encourage them to memorize Scripture.  I was recently very convicted about my own self falling behind in this.
Example: The ice cream truck drove by our house playing a {tinny} little tune over it's loudspeakers. This is the universal tool for ice cream men to draw people out of their homes.  It was the same verse over....and over...and over.  I personally don't know how he stood it.  Anyways, I sang the words of the song to my girls, "do your ears hang low, do they wobble to the flow?  Can you tie them in a knot?  Can you tie them in a bow?....etc)  After singing it to my girls TWICE, they can sing the song by themselves without any help.
Children's minds catch and hold things so much better than my 30 year old mind.  One way for them to memorize that really works for us, I write Scripture on paper and tape them around eye level where they walk and on their bathroom mirror.

3. Supervise their prayer life.  This is work.  This is our responsibility.  Prayer life is more than praying for your supper.  Listen to them pray and let them hear you pray.  I teach my girls the steps for praying are.
a. confess sins (specific ones like ignoring a chore or mean words to sister) and say you're sorry
b. say thank you for your blessings or something special that day (again make them be specific)
c. ask for help, guidance, or protection
Being specific helps them not just develop a prayer life that is "Now I lay me down to sleep..."  They are talking to a real listening God!

4. Disciple...discipline....discipline. "...make them mind, make them work, make them answer cheerfully and quickly and respectfully to their father and mother."

5. Make up your mind that children of Christians cannot do some things that other people's kids do.  Decide for them now that they must keep good company.  I don't belief in shutting them away from society.  There are plenty of activities that are wholesome and fun to do without hurting or soiling your testimony.

6.  Regular attendance at church services ought to be the almost unbreakable rule.  "Oh, you're sick?  If we were going to a party you'd still want to go.  So you're going to church."  End of story.

7.  Children should tithe.  They should learn from the first birthday card with a dollar inside that with money comes responsibility.

Inspiration for these steps are from  (Dr. Rice, Here is My Question.. by Evangelist John R. Rice, copyright 1962)

Jesus Loves me with a bag of Skittles

 I recently bought a bag of {American} Skittles for my princesses to share.

  Sweetie is a treat and especially American candy because it's imported and expensive.

  The girls loved them.

  When we poured them on the counter to separate them the colors struck me and I noticed this......

Oh, how He loves you and me,

God still moves

(photo taken from my roof)

Do you feel Him moving?

  Do you listen for His voice?

  Watch for His guidance?

  God is there, so close.

  Just like in the heart of Queen Esther of olden days,

 God can lead you on to greatness beyond what you can imagine.

  Don't settle for "ho-hum".  God still moves.

Missionary Heart

Copied from Living Out a Missionary Heart

Like soldiers on assignment before they leave for a mission, missionaries often leave a letter to a loved one at home.  It is a farewell letter that’s only supposed to be read in the event of the missionary’s death abroad.

Karen Watson left for service in Iraq in March 2003. She had left her job as a jail officer and sold all her possessions to work on humanitarian projects with our International Mission Board in northern Iraq.  A year and a week later,anonymous gunmen wielding AK-47’s opened fire on her team’s car while they were surveying sites (perhaps for water purification projects) near Mosul.  Karen and three others were killed.

Within a few days, Karen’s pastor at Valley View Baptist Church in Bakersfield, CA received this letter, and then shared it with his congregation.   Read this slowly.

Dear Pastor,

You should only be opening this in the event of my death.

When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations.

I wasn’t called to a place; I was called to Him.

To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory my reward, His glory my reward ….

THE MISSIONARY HEART

     Cares more than some think is wise

     Risks more than some think is safe

     Dreams more than some think is practical

     Expects more than some think is possible

I was called not to comfort or to success but to obedience ….

There is no Joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him.

I love you and my church family.

In His care,

Salaam, Karen

I read this on missionary blog

She also posted a touching video playing "Bury My Heart".  This amazing song was written by a teacher at  Oklahoma Baptist College, where my husband and I graduated from.

Mama's Been There, Too

Most days of my life are..... just fast.  A quick blur of smiles and sloppy messes on the floors.  Children's laughter and laundry on the line.  Food to cook, faces to wash, etc....etc.

I love it...honestly.  If I could tap my kids with a magic wand and make them stay this age {with me} forever...I might consider it.  We live a happy full life.  God is good.

The water dam broke today.  The storm clouds have been gathering for a few days.  The swelling river flows rushing forward and over it's boundaries.    Unstoppable.

Every few months....so it seems, my heart gets heavy.  Really heavy, like I can't breath.  My prayers seem hollow.  I feel alone....in a country that no one really cares if I'm here or not.  I wonder why I have to make all these sacrifices.  It feels like I'm the only one.

Something happened, while we were out today, that finally brought the tears.

{whispered} I even have those {very} dark {very,very} rare moments when I.......resent this calling.

 I can't believe I said that out loud.  I feel kinda scared admitting it.  I know God's ways are always perfect and just.  But, in those low valley days I wonder....
Why me?  I know a lot of others who would be way better missionary wives?  Why here?  Souls need to know about Jesus in my hometown too.

I want to rock my new born nieces and nephews.  I want to sit on the window seat and watch birds with my Grandma.  I want to drink coffee in the morning with my dad.   I want to watch the stars on a deserted county road....in safety.

This isn't one of those posts where I tell about my dark side and the great miracle that happened inside me to make me full of sunshine and lollipops again.

to post?....not to post?.....back and forth... {tapping fingernails on the desk...}

I'm not writing this so I'll get some, "poor little missionary wife" comments.

No, sirree.

I'm writing this so when my daughters grow up to be beautiful Christian ladies and follow God's path for them, if they come to Mama and say, "I feel so alone."  I can look them in their face and honestly say, "I know what you mean, baby.  Mama's been there before too."

Losing your First Love?

During my quiet time this morning I was looking back through sermon notes I've gathered.  These are taken while at our home church in Baton Rouge.  Pastor Buchanan preached a sermon titled How Do You Lose Your First Love? and it spoke to me this morning.  I wanted to share some of his notes mingled with my humble thoughts.

How Do You Lose Your First Love?
Psalms 71:18, Revelation 2:2-6, Romans 8:16
1. Do you lose your first love because you're not working for God?   No
2. Do you lose your first love because you're not reading your Bible? No
3. Do you lose your first love because you're not praying? No
4. Do you lose your first love because you're not witnessing? No

These things are a product of losing it, but not the root.  The love of our "First Love" is lost when we lose our daily awareness of our need!

Maria-ology: Picture the children of Israel.  A mighty Sea billowing before them... the army of Egyptians fill the skyline with their glimmering swords.  A miracle working God opened the Sea for them to walk upon dry land.  Yet, they forgot Him when they forgot their need.

How is your love for the Lord today?  Nothing is, ever was, or ever will be as sweet as His love.

I  need Thee every hour,

(pictures are the sunflowers in my garden.)  Anyone have tips for drying sunflower seeds?

Opening the Pickle Jar

Feb 14 - Valentine's Day

As I was doing my devotions this morning I turned to Proverbs 14.  I prayed a short prayer that God would speak to me and in the back of my mind I was hoping that it would be something about "love or marriage".  I'm a hopeless romantic!  {deep sigh with a quirky little smile}

The first vs. says "Every wise woman buildeth up her house" so I said, "Thank you, Lord, I'll try to be WISE and build up my husband to have a good house for him and my princesses."

But the Lord wasn't done.  I read vs 4.  "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox."

How romantic is that????!!!??  How many other ladies have an "ox" back home?  Well literally I don't have a real ox in "me yard", but I wouldn't be to surprised if some of my neighbors do!  {smile}

I heard a story once about and older woman sitting at her kitchen table with her friend.  Maybe sharing a cup of tea.  The lady's husband came in from outside and leaving his muddy boots on tracked through the clean kitchen floor.  The friend was outraged and spouted off, "I can't believe you let his muddy boots come in the house."  The wife said, "I don't complain because those boots bring him in."

Home run, me girlies!  How many times have I been scrubbing my floors, on my hands and knees, and Prince comes traipsing through leaving a trail behind.  More times then I wish to remember!   More importantly how many times have I ranted and raved about his causing more work with his careless ways.  Again....more times then I wish to remember!  Tsk....tsk...ladies.

So getting back to the vs., no oxen = clean house, but the strength of the ox is sure nice to have around.   Kinda like no man = clean house, but he sure is nice to have around (most of the time).  And I'm not talking about just his strength to open the pickle jars!

My wonderful mom-in-law leaves tomorrow to come back to the States.  She volunteered to watch the princesses tonight so Prince and I could go out on one last date.  We went to a romantic little restaurant called the Three Palms and ate by candlelight.  So special.

pray for your missionary wives

Laying here in bed...alone.

On the couch, two year old Princess Eden is softly snoring as she clutches her baby doll.
In the next room, Princesses Moriah and Alexis are snuggled together as Princess Brynlee dreams peacefully in the crib.  Peaceful sleep....it is a gift from God.  Never take it for granted.

Half of my bed is cold tonight.  There is no Prince for me to share my warmth with.  My handsome Prince is in a land far away.

Prince had to return to Jamaica ahead of us to work in the church.  We will be joining him as soon as Brynlee's passport comes in and we have it stamped at the Jamaican consulate.

Danger in Jamaica is not something I like to talk about or even share with others.  Usually in my writings I like to crack a few jokes and bring a few smiles.  I love the feeling of posting something that makes you hug your husband and children closer and treasure your time with them.  Tonight my mind is very serious.  Do you know how many times people have teased us about being "on vacation" when they find out we live in Jamaica?  That joke was cute until my first survey trip.  You want me be straight forward and blunt?  Jamaica (like many other mission fields) is a land full of stealing, murder, rape, and cheating, all cloaked in a luxurious robe of carefree summer breezes. 

Do you want to know how many times my husband has been "propositioned" since we moved to Jamaica?  No, it's worse then that!  How many times women have tried to seduce him in the last few days?  It would shake you!  
               Pray for missionary husbands!

Do you know how many times I've had mostly men (but women also) ask me to give them my daughters?  Does your child know what it's like to have the threat of kidnapping hang above them?  Have you ever explained an escape route and routines with them in the case of someone breaking into their home?
              Pray for missionary kids!

Do you ever think about how it feels for a missionary wife?  A lady living in a different culture having men ask her things that would make my computer screen blush?  (Lord, help me use the right words to make them understand.) 

A missionary wife hears a sound at night and wonders if someone's sawing the bars off a window.
A missionary wife sends her husband off with a kiss then wonders if he'll be safe on the roads today.
A missionary wife leaves her home and wonders if someone will break in and go through her belongings while she is gone.
A missionary wife, like a mother hen, constantly keeps her chicks close while scanning the yard for possible threats.
A missionary wife falls to her knees begging God to protect her family.
A missionary wife knows God.

Please don't joke about me being on vacation.  One of these days I might blow my top and spout off, "I'd like to see you try it."  {smile}  Unless it's a supporting pastor, in that case I'll settle to talking to you about it.

Missionary wives are tough as nails.  With a backbone of steel and shoulders that carry way more than her share.  Our job is not for the faint of heart.  We humbly and thankfully take our stand beside our husbands.

I'll close with saying, I love Jamaica.  I love the people and I love the culture.  This post is in no way meant to talk bad about the beautiful people there.  If you asked a Jamaican they would tell you just what I said...probably more. 

Pray for your missionaries, one of them might be my friend.

I'll Give Myself

(Tune: Amazing Grace)

Amazing grace, how sweet  the sound,

To those who know the Lord

But what of those who still are bound

And do not have His Word?

The many dangers, toils, and snares,

Through which we daily go,

Are nothing to compare, Oh Lord,

With what the heathen know.

Ten thousand years to sing His praise

Bright shining as the sun,

While lost men suffer endless days,

Their torment never done.

Since grace has meant so much to me,

My zeal must never dim.

I'll give myself, Oh Lord, to Thee,

To take Thy grace to them.

I tore this out of a song booklet, from a missions conference we were in, on deputation.  The song was convicting a few years ago and when I stumbled on it today I wanted to share.  I have no clue who wrote it, but I'm thankful.

Stardust on My Pillow

October 24, 2010

Every once in awhile I write a post that gives a glimmer to deep inside me.  This is one of those times.  I’m not even sure I’ll post it.

As a teenage girl I would dream about life “on the mission field” and exactly how it “would be”.  Life would always be perfect and storylike.  Always easy, smooth, and beautiful.  

I had stars in my eyes going into my story.

I’ve been reflecting back on the year I lived in Jamaica, with Prince and the girls.  Life is not always like we planned.  

There was a lot of adjusting.

There was a lot of getting rid of selfish desires.

There was a lot of {stuff}.

There were even some nights, late when no one could see or hear.  Times when I poured my heart out to my blessed Lord.  Those nights I left a lot of star dust on my pillow.  I’m so thankful that my Redeemer liveth and listens to my every thought and prayer.  

I’m not regretful that I live on the missionfield.  I’m not regretful that it is Jamaica.  I’m very grateful and thankful for the life that I share with my husband and daughters.  

Just recently I was talking to one of my brother-in-laws.  We were discussing Jamaica and the different culture.  As we were talking it hit me, life isn’t always smooth and easy.  Life isn’t always the way I plan it out. 

BUT!!!.....on the missionfield God becomes more real.  When you literally have to pray for the food you eat, and when you wake up each morning knowing that He literally protected you through the night, God is more then just a bedtime prayer and a Sunday School story.

I know there are times, when I’ve prayed with my princesses, for God to give us running water today, or “Please, turn the electricity back on.”  And shortly after we pray, God answers.  What is a richer reward then having my daughter look into my eyes and say, “God heard us, mom.”

So, as I went from a missionary with stars in her eyes to what I am today, {I believe with all my heart} all the star dust I left on my pillow was worth it.  There will probably be more tears over the years, but I’m raising my daughters to know we serve a real and living God.  What more could a mother ask for?  

 

Live simply.....Live well {period}

"You really have nothing.”  Mom said as we were cleaning house, then we laughed.

 Mom said this in a conversation that we were having one day while she was visiting. She was talking about how easy it is to clean up and organize a home when there's no clutter. Mom meant it in the best possible way and I was not hurt or insulted at all. It did put a thought in my head that I pushed back to "chew on" later.

I was a little surprised at her words. I'm very happy and content with the things I have.   {I smile}... if she thinks that now, Mom should have seen the place 9 months ago! When we first moved here, we didn't have fans, pillows, mattresses, or any furniture. Now, I kinda "forgot" to pay attention to the things I'm doing without. PLEASE....don't think I'm Mrs. Perfect, I don't want to come across in that way! I'm not meaning that at all. I still have days where I dream about driving MYSELF to go shopping in real stores and drool over my daydreams of American restaurants....and I'd so love to visit a Hobby Lobby for a few days! {40% off coupon, baby!!!}

One thing that always caught my attention in women missionary stories is how little they did without. Please don't think I'm comparing myself to them!!! I'm completely aware that I have sooooo much more then they ever dreamed of having!

Before moving to Jamaica last year, I had a HUGE yard sale. I sold mostly everything that wasn't a priority and that couldn't fit in the 7 barrels we shipped to the Island. The princesses and I said good bye to a lot of extra clothes, toys, furniture, household, and a {literal!} ton of misc. I was really, really nervous about selling MY belongings. I was afraid that I would be

weepy

("poor me, I have to sell my treasures"),

sentimental

("But that was her first doll" "My favorite baby dress"... etc),

short-tempered

("drop dead, lady, there's no way I'll let you take those curtains for $2, I paid $45 for them!!! I'm only selling because...")

even jealous

("that suit looked good on me, she'll never look that nice in it.")

See what I mean? The wicked sinner in me can be so....{I can't even think of a word to describe it.}

A whole mixture of emotions flooded through my mind.

But it wasn't like that at all. When the day came to set up tables and sell, the "peace that passeth all understanding" filled me. God is so amazing. My great friend, Christina, came and helped for two days and I didn't cry or lose my "cool" once. It was a refreshing, cleansing feeling and the turning of the pages to the next chapter of my life, as a missionary.

You know what God taught me then {and I still am learning truths for}?

Please don't miss this, it is so precious to me.

When it really comes down to where you have to choose among your possessions there is a careful sorting of priorities. If life is simple, the simple things held onto must be of lasting value.

Life's clutter was gone and only the things of true value and worth were left...to be cherished. This could apply to material things, friends, personal attitudes or spiritual.

(my main treasure....my wonderful husband.  I’m so blessed.)

There is a little wooden sign {from Hobby Lobby} that hangs in my guest room. It reads, "Live simply...Live well". God is so good to me.

6 Months ago I Knew a Woman

Last night, as I was fixing supper, a small lizard skittered across my stovetop.  I smiled at him and said, "hurry along, little guy, it's gonna get hot here real soon."  I waved my hand for him to continue on across onto the countertop.  Then I turned and continued gathering my things to fix supper, before we had to leave for church.  As usual my mind was going in a million directions and mentally making lists and....well, just plan multi-tasking.


It wasn't until a few minutes had past, and I realized what I had done, that it made me start thinking.


6 months ago... I knew a woman who would have jumped on top the kitchen chair or maybe tried climbing the wall just to get away from a lizard on her kitchen counter...now she jokes with him and then turns her back.


6 months ago, I knew a woman who, if she found a bug in her flour container, would throw the whole thing out...now she spoons out the bug and measures what she needs.


6 months ago.... I knew a woman who lived in a home with unlocked doors, now she lives behind bars (the good kind!).


6 months ago.... I knew a woman that could sleep all the night through....now she wakes up every few hours to "make the rounds", with the guard dog, to check all the doors and peek out the windows.


6 months ago... I knew a woman who was so intimidated with anyone noticing her, happy to stay in the background...now she lives in a country where it's impossible to blend in.  Therefore, she's learned to smile at the stares.


6 months ago...I knew a woman who almost daily drove to the store to get groceries or do shopping, now she must rely on her husband to drive her everywhere.


6 months ago...I knew a woman who enjoyed many hours of visiting and hugging on her cherished family members, now she must be content with just their voice.


6 months ago...I knew a woman who enjoyed to sleep in the air conditioning with thick blankets tucked up around her ears, now she can barely remember how that feels and the thought of thick blankets makes her sweat.


6 months ago... I knew a woman who took for granted the many privileges and luxuries of an American lifestyle,  now she's a little more sweaty.. a little more dirty...and a little more happy.


6 months ago... I knew a woman that didn't truly realize what it was like to have to rely on the Lord for absolutely every bite of food and daily protection, now her walk with the Lord is closer.


6 months ago...I knew a woman.

I started only putting funny things that I've overcome, but I don't want to paint a picture of flowers and sunshine and forget the storms.  Life on the mission field isn't always about the sunshine.  The rain comes, that's why  I included things that I struggle with.


But if the storms bring me closer to my Lord..... Send the Rain!


Signed,

Just a woman.

The Advantages of Skirts

(I did not write this by myself, but I think this is really good and wanted to share - Maria)

They are feminine.
     What better way is there to say, "I like being a lady?"
They are unique to females.
     There are only two types of men in our society who can wear robes - judges and priests.  Pretty significant, don't you think?  Women can wear them every day; why not take advantage of it?
They are pretty.
     Most feminine things are  :)
 They have variety.
     Wearing jeans every day is so boring.  Skirts and dresses come in every shape and color.
They are comfortable
     They have such a lovely, free, open feeling.  Plus, many of them are much softer than pants.  (Miniskirts and those with slits up to the thighs aren't so comfy.)
They are easy to shop for.
     Pants have to fit in 100 places whereas skirts really only have to fit in the waist.  Plus, they're generally cheaper if you shop in the right places.
They are flattering.
     People don't have to see those 100 places.  A dress will just flow right over them.
They are old-fashioned. 
     The vast majority of women over the vast majority of history always wore dresses and I like feeling a connection to the women who came before me when I dress like them.
They are classy
     I always feel so much nicer and more ladylike when I'm in a skirt.  I'm also generally more productive when I take the time to dress nicely in the morning.  Staying in jogging clothes or p.j.s makes me feel lazy.
They are fun to spin in. 
     It's true!
They are romantic
     Okay, I have a way to kill the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet.  Put Juliet in breeches.
They add mystique.
     An alluring aura of mystery hangs about a girl who doesn't bare all.
They catch the wind.
They catch the eye.
     A miniskirt of painted on jeans might catch the eye in one way, but a lady dressed with dignity catches it in quite another. 
They are elegant.
     They have this cool flowy thing going on.


But perhaps the greatest reason why I love dressing this way is because of the beautiful, holy lady that I have in my  mind as a model for Christ-filled women.  (literally)

Don't you dare pity me

"Never pity missionaries; envy them. They are where the real action is -- where life and death, sin and grace, Heaven and Hell converge." -- Robert C. Shannon

"People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives ... and when the bubble has burst, they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted." -- Nate Saint

If wishes only Worked......

Once when Moriah was younger we were out in the yard, enjoying the summer sunshine, when she points to a neighbor's yard that hadn't seen a lawn mower in awhile. Moriah pointed at the many fluffy dandelions and said, "Mommy look at all the wishes!!!"

If only life was that simple! I'd love to be able to blow all my cares and troubles away and have them float along and disappear! Believe me....if it really worked that way..I'd be running around the back yard with miracle grow making sure all the dandelions had plenty!

But life isn't like that. Now that I'm a big girl, I realize that my troubles, worries, and wishes are only mine. No one fully cares...because everyone else has their own headaches! I know your hubby and your mom probably do! But the only one I can fully turn to is my Lord! Don't get me wrong....I do talk to my husband!!! And talk....and talk...and talk! Lol! Still, there are some things that are just between you and God. I'm so thankful for a Savior that is there for me...listening to my thoughts and my wishes and my worries. I feel so sorry for those who don't have a relationship with my Heavenly Father. I just want to thank you, Lord!

How can Prayer be boring?

I've done it more times then I wish to recall.....it's Sunday morning..the preacher went a little longer then usual...all you can think about is the roast simmering in your crockpot with those perfectly seasoned carrots and potatoes (mmmhum..you can just smell it can't you?). The invitation is coming to a close and the preacher asks Bro. "Flo- Flo" (names changed to protect individuals..lol...). Your heart sinks down into your empty stomach! You stand through, what seems, hours of drawn out monologue...only to heave a relieved sigh when the last amen is said!

So many times I've suffered through prayers not really listening. After all... they are about people I don't personally know, events I'm probably not gonna attend, or missionaries I've never met. It breaks my heart to think of the opportunities I've missed. How much could we learn if we paid attention, on purpose, and truly listened to the prayer warriors, that are daily battling satan right in our midst?

My challenge to YOU is to Listen... with your heart.... the next time someone talks to our Lord and Savior, all because prayer isn't boring!

The call to go is so urgent because Hell is so real

"Darkness overshadows the little village of his birth,

his family all asleep he lies alone.

Gazing up towards heaven a little tear falls to the earth

and wonders if his sorrows here are known.

His body wracked with pain,

from his father's sharp distain.

He lifts his hands and whispers in the night....

"if there's a God above please send some one in love, to rescue me,

and show me what is right."

How will they hear? how will they know? How will they ever have the truth if we don't go? How can we fear... God's love to show? Jesus desires every child His love to know."

So many times we go through our Christian life and it is just that...our life. We get so caught up is striving for our own daily happiness, and the business of life. We forget about the many souls dying everyday and falling into a literal hell. I didn't start out to write about Hell, not a very happy subject, but God has put it on my mind... I think to help me get my mind off myself. Small sacrifices like a/c or double stuffed oreos are a small price to pay for touching someones life.

I'm very excited as we're getting everything packed for our (hopefully) soon move to Jamaica. But I think God has gave me this renewed burden so I would realize that sacrifices here aren't sacrifices compared to eternity. What is a little sweat on our brows compared to souls falling into a fire that is never quenched. I just want to serve my God. I'm so very thankful that He has gave me opportunities to make a difference for Him.