The Ladies of Amanacer

     One of the ladies from Mike and Anna's church lives in a little area called Amanacer. Her name is Santa. Santa is a very enthusiastic, energetic christian lady who is VERY bold in her faith. She has an incredible passion to reach people for Christ. She has started doing an after school program at her home to teach children about God. There is a Bible study group that meets at her home on Tuesdays each week. There are many other things that she does, but throughout them all, you see her love for Christ. 

    
      Well, Santa has a burden for the ladies of Amanacer. So she hosted a ladies night last night at her home. Anna and I were able to go there and spend a little time pampering these ladies and telling them about God. We used the "satin hands" idea from Mary Kay and adapted it slightly. First we washed our hands thoroughly, then used the polishing scrub, moisturized them and talked about using anti-bacterial lotion to protect us from those things we cannot see, but that can harm us.

       After we finished that part of the evening, we talked about the need to follow those same steps in our spiritual lives. How we need God to cleanse our hearts from sin, to wash us clean so we can become His children. Once we accept Jesus, and become a child of God, the Father begins to shape us into a new creation. That means we are going to be changed. We will no longer live like the world. He begins to polish the rough edges, just like the scrub did to our hands. We talked about maintaining that relationship through having a friend to be accountable with, and to encourage each other. Finally, we talked about the Holy Spirit that is living within us, and how He helps us to stay healthy spiritually. 

 

   We shared refreshments and gave out gifts. We had a wonderful night. The Spirit of God was definitely moving in that place. The beginning of the evening Satan was fighting hard to distract from the things of God. We had a horrific downpour that flooded into the house we were meeting at. There was conflict with a neighbor. But God has blessed Santa's dedication. She was saying that she has dedicated her home to the Lord in whatever way he would choose to use. As a result, a little boy accepted Christ there that morning, and the ladies heard the gospel again that evening. 

     Please pray for the work that God is doing in Amanacer. That He would be honored and glorified by all that happens there.

Great Times with Incredible Women

     What a GREAT day Wednesday was! There were a few things to do at the house in the morning and then Anna had made plans for us to have lunch with some friends of hers. We went to a delightful little place called Para Te. It is a small oriental restaurant that serves DELICIOUS teas. For those of you who know me, oriental is NOT on my list of favorite foods, but the tea was great. And the company, even better!

   

  I had the honor to dine with seven missionary ladies, who Anna meets with for Bible study. They are from a variety of denominations, but with the most important thing in common. They love God, and it shows! Their laughter was contagious and we shared a wonderful lunch. Well, we couldn't didn't eat much of the food, but it gave us great moments of laughter as we tried!  Some, (Melinda and Anna) are heading home on furlough and one (Michelle) will be leaving the DR to follow God's leading to Alabama.  (Some may say that is still a foreign mission field, .) I think all of them had been in the DR over 5+ years and one dear lady, Betty,had been in Haiti for almost 15 years before coming here to start a Haitian church. 

      It was such a blessing to listen to them encourage one another, to lift each other up, to help out with various challenges that they are facing.I was challenged in my spirit to lift these families up, they face challenges DAILY that we can't imagine. I am again reminded that I take SO much for granted. May God continue to bless these incredible ladies and the work that they and their husbands are doing.

Later that evening, Anna led the ladies Bible study at their church. They had a great group there and they were so excited about studying God's Word. They had obviously done much studying at home and had a great discussion time. Again, what a blessing to hear God's people digging into the Word to hear what the Lord has for them in their personal walk.

What a picture lesson I got today! Spending time with those who have dedicated their lives to serving and teaching, and the fruit of the labor.

Finally on the way!

 

     Tuesday was a wonderful day for traveling! My flights were smooth and other than being about an hour leaving Miami, uneventful. I left Raleigh at 7AM and arrived in Miami at 9:15AM. Once in Miami, I had a layover until 12:25. So I found a quiet table in the back of a food court, got a Diet Coke and settled in to work on Handout sheets for Saturday's Bible Study. It was actually a very productive time.

     Once we boarded the plane there was a delay, but nothing drastic.They had us up and on the road. in the air in about an hour. The flight was very full and I sat beside a young man who appeared to be in his mid-twenties.

Franc (sp?) was from Haiti and lives about 20 minutes from Port-Au-Prince. We talked briefly about the earthquake and his family. I was quietly reminded how truly blessed I am.

     

The view from the window was beautiful. As you can see the blue water abound the islands is gorgeous! These pictures are as we passed over the Bahamas and the Turks and Cacaos Islands. As we approached the Dominican Republic, thick.dark clouds covered the center of the island. However, they broke a little as we approached Santo Domingo.  We landed, gathered our bags and went our separate ways. I had to laugh because I had been slightly concerned about traveling by myself, but everything was familiar and I had no problems. I was even able to help a few other people, who were confused about tourist cards. God does have a sense of humor!

  

   It took no time to get through customs and then outside to find Anna and Emily, waiting and waving. It is so exciting to be back! We had a quiet evening at the house and sorted through supplies and stuff,spent time "catching up" and sharing. I am so blessed to be here. 

What is your focus?

     Wow! The last week has been crazy! It seems life always takes over when you are trying to focus on God things! During a week that I thought would be a little hectic anyway with just last minute trip details, it seems things were constantly being thrown into the schedule that created small challenges.

      However, as Nathan reminded me, although things may seem scattered, God is still answering prayers. We need to focus on what God views as important. You see, during the multiple trips this week to transport Nathan between the doctor’s office and Camp Eagle, we had plenty of time to talk. And as I was quietly lamenting the lost time to prepare for the trip to the Dominican Republic, Nathan was reminding me of what God was doing. What a blessing it was to hear how God is answering the prayers of Nathan’s heart. As Nathan began work at the camp this summer, he was challenged to set some goals. And he set, in my opinion, great goals; to memorize Scripture, to be humbled and broken before God, and to lead someone to Christ. 

     Well, while I was frustrated, God was answering Nathan’s prayers and actually multiplying those answers as he was allowed to lead two people to Christ! How exciting! Our God is faithful and does exceedingly above what we ask if we are following His leading!

     I am looking forward to the next two weeks in the Dominican Republic. Yes, it will be great to see old friends, and meet new people, but more than that, I am looking forward to watching what God has in store for His people! I pray that as Nathan did, I will be humbled and broken before God. That He may be able to use this broken vessel, however He wishes, to bring honor and glory to the only one who deserves it, God Almighty.

God's Blessings

     This morning while I was praying, I was struck by all the things I am thankful for. The things, I too often, take for granted. I remember a friend telling me about a book she was reading called A Thousand Gifts.  I also recall seeing a link on a friend’s blog about A Thousand Gifts. So, I thought I would simply list some of the things I am thankful for today. They are in random order after the first few because they would be too hard to organize otherwise. 

I am thankful for. . . . .

1.       God’s love for me.

2.       Christ’s sacrifice for me.

3.       His mercy and grace each day.

4.       Being part of a church whose focus is on God and not itself. Wanting to serve, rather than to be served.

5.       Friends who are such an encouragement and inspiration to me daily.

6.       Steve, my husband of 25 years, and the 3 sons we have been blessed with.

7.       My children who love God with all their hearts.

8.       That God has placed a love in Drew, Bryan and Nathan’s hearts to teach and serve others.

9.       Kari, my dear daughter-in-law who loves both God and Drew,(in that order) with every ounce of her being.

10.   Sarah, who has brought such joy and fulfillment to Bryan. For her obvious love for God and Bryan and all those around her.

I am thankful for:

11.   The beautiful sunshine I am sitting in as I write this list.

12.   The vivid colors of the flowers in Spring.

13.   The long, luscious green grass that surrounds my home.

14.   A lawnmower that runs to cut that grass.

15.   The home that I live in.

16.   Electricity to have lights, refrigeration, and heating/air conditioning.

17.   The ability to pay the bill for that electricity.

18.   For food which fills the refrigerator and the ability to cook that food.

19.   For family and friends to share meals with.

20.   For coupons :)

I am thankful for:

21.   Rain which allows flowers to grow.

22.   Rain that resupplies reservoirs so I have water when I turn on the faucet.

23.   Rain which cleans the pollen out of the air.

24.   My early morning job of delivering papers.

25.   The van which I use to deliver those papers.

26.   Gas in that van and air in the tires.

27.   The friends that I have made who also deliver papers in the morning.

28.   The opportunity to share God with those friends.

29.   The customers whom I have met, many of who have been blessings in disguise!

30.   The income from delivering papers, though small, that helps to pay the bills.

I am thankful for:

31.   Nathan, who just asked me to come do something with him FOR FUN. :)

32.   Getting home this afternoon in time to find the utility man marking my yard when he was supposed to be marking a neighbor’s yard.

33.   Above reminded me to be thankful for the gas and cable lines which he had so colorfully marked!

34.   My car that just died, did it in a parking lot and NOT while Nathan was driving it!

35.   Insurance that has towing assistance included.

36.   A cell phone to be able to call for assistance.

37.   The many people who stopped to see if I need a jump. (Not the problem.)  

38. That we are in a safe place to be stranded! 

39. Being able to laugh with my oldest son about the car breaking down.

40. A safe place to sleep tonight.

There are so many more things . . . . 

                                                    . . . . . . much more to come.

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply" — Hudson Taylor

     I love this quote! What an incredible reminder that if we follow God's leading and plan, He will provide our every need! 

    
      I have had the privilege and blessing to be able to travel on several mission trips in the last few years. Three of those trips have been to serve in a medical mission. Since I am not a trained medical person, I finally asked God why He continues to send me on medical mission trips. It doesn't make sense to me. I cannot do anything for these people medically, but God always has a plan if we are only obedient to follow.  God has allowed me to help people with vision problems find eyeglasses, He has placed me in the pharmacy filling prescriptions as well as other areas. And I am humbled each trip by the things God teaches me through these precious people.

   
    Despite my lack of skills in most of the clinic areas, I have become comfortable interacting with people in that setting because they have come to us seeking help. Since they initiated the contact, it feels like they have given you permission to relate with them. However, while in Antigua, Guatemala, God took me WAY out of my comfort zone!

    
     We had gone to Antigua to go to the market and do some
sightseeing. However, the group I was with didn't really 

want to do much.They were tired from the previous days 

at the clinic and they really just wanted to hang out and

relax. So that was how we spent most our
time that day. It was nice, but I really wanted to get to 

the market as this was our only day to shop. After 

literally 2-3 hours of sitting in an atrium area, we 

finally were headed to the market! While we were walking,
God through very direct prompting, lead us to the
only active Catholic church in the city. I didn't really 

want to go there, but God had a very different plan.

     Looking back, I think Satan must have known
what was about to happen because it was in the two blocks we took to get to the church, that our group came across the rudest person I have met in Guatemala. 

      There was a young girl who was very insistent to
sell her goods to one of the ladies in our group. She kept pursuing her even after having been told firmly, but politely, many times, "no, gracias." After realizing we were not going to buy anything, she continued to follow us down the two blocks saying things like "You Americans are rude. You are crazy. Go back to America, we don't want you here!" As we crossed the street to the church, she quickly left. 

 
      When we went into the church, it was beautiful and ornate. However, as we were admiring the church, I noticed a woman who came in went to the front of the center section and knelt to pray. As I sat in a side section and looked at the architecture, I was repeatedly drawn to this woman. I sat there not knowing why, but tears overwhelmed me. She was absolutely heartbroken and was sobbing in her prayer. I didn't know what was grieving her so, but all I could think about was that here she was crying out to Mary to intercede for her, when what she needed was Jesus! I sat there frozen in my pew. I prayed for her, but God kept saying that wasn't enough. Not this time. He wanted me to take the initiative and step out on faith. To be His hands. Not where others were coming to me, where it is safe. But to go to her, and maybe be rejected, but to follow Him. Finally, not knowing what I was supposed to do, I surrendered and went to the woman. She was still praying and I just sat beside her and put my arm around her.

      After a long time, when she finished praying, we were able to talk some. Even though she spoke NO English and I speak almost no Spanish, God allowed us to understand each other. Her son had a very critical medical need and she had no money to see a doctor.

     Long story short, I got her name, address and phone number and Dr. Jorge (one of the Dr.'s we were working with) called her and made an appointment to see them on the Monday after we left. At no charge. I have no idea what the illness was or what the results of treatment will be, but I pray that God will use this small thing to reach into her life and that she will see her need for Christ. But whatever outcome there may be, God used this to teach me more about trusting Him, and His perfect timing, and His perfect plan. Even though I may not always see His purpose, or understand His plan, if I will follow His leading and listen to His voice, He will take care of the rest. He is asking me to obey. May my response always be, wherever He leads, I'll go.

Enjoy the Journey

     How many times have I felt God leading me to do something and once I get the picture of the end goal, I run off and take my own path to get there? (Maybe that is why God often chooses not to show me the entire picture at once?) I am not trying to ignore God, I just get excited and run ahead. Trying to get to the goal as quickly as possible. It has taken me a long time to realize that the journey getting there is almost as important as getting to the finish line. Our "instant" society has taught us to hurry and get things done so that we can move on to something else. But in doing that, we miss so much. Often God is waiting to speak to us and teach us through the small things along the way. To bless us with things we wouldn't have dared to dream. He is just as interested in the smallest details of our life as He is the big ones. 

     My daddy was a master at enjoying the journey! And I DIDN"T appreciate it as a child. I remember one summer he decided we were going to take a family vacation to New England. We had talked as a family, and there were several places we all wanted to see. We went to Salem, Mass. and Stowe, Vermont. The Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusets and Fort Ticonderoga. We drove across New Hampshire (just to see the New England coastline), and we stayed one night in the Catskill Mountains of New York. We had a lot we do in one week!

      Each evening we would talk about where we were heading the next day and about how long it would take us to get there. Then in the morning we would set out on the journey. But Daddy never took the direct route anywhere. Usually he tried to avoid the "road most traveled". In fact, he would often find the little back roads.The ones that were curvy and took forever! We would be driving along, and he would see a little shop that he thought might have interesting things inside, and we would stop. He never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with the shop owner and before long he knew all about that person and the area we were traveling through. We would finally be back on the road headed for the days "goal". But before long, it would get to be lunchtime and he would find a picturesque picnic area to stop at. Usually under the trees beside a quiet stream. Then we would have lunch and eventually be back on the road. I would get so frustrated because I just wanted to get to the end destination. But Daddy was enjoying the journey. We eventually got to where we had planned to go and enjoyed getting to see the sites. But along the way, Daddy had learned things the rest of us missed. Daddy had seen the beauty of people and of God's creation.  

Enjoy today's journey!