Compassion Trip, Report #5

So, Thursday morning we rose and got ready quickly - in anticipation of spending the day with our sponsored kids.
Once again, the organizers of our trip did an amazing job of arranging for a wonderful experience. We all met at a park to play and eat and enjoy our time together. There were a couple of swimming pools, three water slides, swing sets, basketball courts, fields for playing frisbee and soccer, a restaurant, and lots of picnic tables. AND, God arranged for the weather to be perfect.
Noemi, Maria (her mother), Arturo (her brother), Sara (the interpreter), Diane (her tutor from the Compassion center), Sandy (her aunt), Darla (her cousin), and Carlos (Maria's fiancee) were all there - and we had a great day together.

To start off the day, I gave the kids a blow-up globe-ball (Compliments of another sponsor. *smile*) and showed them Michigan. We had fun tracing the path from their home to mine.

And we had even more fun batting the ball around in the air to one another.

We swam in the pools, and Noemi liked to watch me do hand-stands in the water. The water slides were tons of fun, but after a while we were all too cold to stay in any longer.

Warming ourselves in the sun became the activity of choice.

Poor Noemi couldn't seem to fully warm up, so she put on her jacket. And we had fun with the swings.

At the end of the day, it was time to bring out the gifts.
With the help of some suggestions from Compassion, before this trip I had lots of fun choosing gifts to bring for Noemi and her family. But it was even more fun watching them get opened.
First, I presented Arturo with his bag.

Among the other gifts, he loved the frisbee he found inside.

Then it was Maria's turn.

And I had another opportunity to see how God had been in the details. While Compassion made suggestions of things which families would find useful, I thought it was a random selection on my part to include wooden spoons in Maria's bag. Until her eyes lit up, she grinned and spoke to Carlos, and Sara interpreted for me that she'd been asking him to get her new spoons.
And, finally, it was Noemi's turn to open her bag.

She gave me a big ol' hug when she found the drawing pad and colored pencils - which totally warmed my heart. But I think my biggest joy came from her delight in having a picture of my family.

When I signed up for this trip, I never could have fathomed the elation which would overcome me in meeting Noemi. Before, I loved her. I believed she was a real person, loved and known by God.
But now - I know her. I have held her, and loved her in person. I am no longer praying for/writing to a little girl I have only imagined. She has become real to me.

And I think this picture has become my favorite one from the entire trip. It was taken without my knowledge - I think by Sara. Wherever we walked, Noemi either held my hand or had her arm around me.
I am so glad someone caught it on my camera.

*thankful, contented smile*

Compassion Trip, Report #4

Wednesday morning we packed up and left Riobamba to go back to Quito.
And Wednesday evening?
I got to meet Noemi! The little girl I have been sponsoring for the past six years.

I cannot even begin to describe the joy I experienced in having those sweet arms wrapped around me, feeling like they were never going to let go.
Preciousness in its purest form.

The evening when sponsors met their kids was simply wonderful. Every Compassion child was accompanied by a staff member from their Compassion center, an interpreter, and - in many cases - also by a family member. Noemi's mom came with her, and it was a delight to meet her, too.

***Honest moment: In the middle of dinner I decided to give Sara (the interpreter) a break. (Read that: I wanted to show off my Spanish skills.) So I started counting in Spanish. "Uno, dos, tres..." Eventually I went auto-pilot and stopped using my brain, and this happened: "Ventiocho, ventinueve, ventidiez."
As soon as the laughter erupted around me, I realized my error and was sorry for allowing my brain to shut off. But I did enjoy the laugh we all had together. *wink*
For those who don't know Espanol, let me interpret. I was counting, "Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, twenty-ten" I think Noemi's mom was trying to lessen my embarrassment by telling me Arturo (Noemi's eight-yer-old brother) used to do that, too. *face palm*

In addition to dinner, the evening consisted of a comedian/magician and a silly photo booth. And I loved the way it was put together because it made a situation fun and comfortable - which could otherwise have been filled with nerves. It was explained to us that many of the children would probably be quite nervous - and even shy - about meeting a stranger from so far away (And truth be told, many sponsors were feeling the same!) and we should not feel badly if we didn't "hit it off" right away.
But the combination of the entertainer and the photo booth lightened the mood perfectly and set the stage for a wonderful introduction. I remember laughing with Noemi during the magic show and thinking, These folks thought of everything! The people who put this evening - and this whole trip - together have covered every base to make sure it was a success.

And honestly? My expression that night about the dinner and tour perfectly sums up the way I came to feel about Compassion as a whole organization.
I mean, before the tour I thought Compassion was great. I admired the work they do. I wouldn't have been sponsoring children for the past eight or nine years if I didn't believe in what they were doing. But participating in this sponsor tour and seeing all the things I saw - learning so many things I didn't know I didn't know(!) - has increased my esteem for Compassion International a thousand times.
And that's why I'm blogging about my trip. Because I want let other people (you!) know what a great opportunity it is to reach out to "the least of these" by participating in Compassion's sponsorship programs.
I'll share about our "Fun Day" tomorrow, and wrap it up Wednesday with a vlog.

Compassion Trip, Report #3

During our second day in Riobamba, we visited - and learned a lot more about - the Child Development Sponsorship Program (CDSP).
We also learned at the beginning of the trip that Compassion is "big" on acronyms. *wink*
Compassion International partners with local churches around the world who reach out to children in poverty in their communities with practical help and the hope of the gospel. As we met with the pastor of the church which runs the Compassion center in Riobamba, I was overjoyed to hear his commitment to the children AND the gospel. He spoke of their church's mission to reach the families in the community for Christ, by first reaching their children with care.

That is - families in poverty will gladly allow their children to be helped by the church, and the church in turn invites the families to come and hear the good news of Jesus.

And that's why Compassion partners with local churches, instead of running the ministry themselves from afar: because the local church understands the community and its needs.

While we were visiting the CDSP, we were allowed to see the meticulous records (both financial, and personal for each child and his/her progress) which Compassion requires the centers to maintain.
They were impressive. We learned these records are a requirement of Compassion International for the purposes of integrity and plenitude. Testimonies were given of the ways Compassion has worked through the local church to grow children and families, and help them in times of extreme need.
And then, the fun began!
It was our "A Day in the Life" activities day. That is, we divided up in to our family groups and went to spend time with a local family whose children are involved in the CDSP.
My group visited Nancy's home.
Nancy (15) and her sister (9) are both part of their local Compassion center's CDSP, and live in the mountains with their grandparents. We went home with them to help prepare a field for planting potatoes.

Yep. There we are!
Swinging large hoes to till the ground in preparation for potatoes. Grandma (63) and the girls were right there with us working the ground. And let me just say - at 11,800 feet above sea level - one who is not used to such elevation cannot work long without absolutely needing to take a break and catch one's breath. (Not to mention to allow one's heart to begin returning to a reasonable rate.) And it's a bit embarrassing to have 63-year-old Grandma and 15 and 9-year-old girls work along non-stop. *blush*
In addition to the work, we had time just to visit with the family.
And that's when my heart started breaking.
The reason Nancy and her sister live with their grandparents is because their mother died during child-birth with their younger sibling (who also died). Nancy's grandmother told us through tears that she is afraid to die, because she doesn't know who will care for the girls when she and Grandpa are gone.
We were separated by language, but I pray our hugs and presence and prayers were a faithful testimony of God's love. And I pray God will reach into their hearts to assure them that HE will care for those girls for all of eternity.

When the work was over, we went back to the Compassion center for lunch and play time.
And we did lots of both!
However, we'll skip the pictures of lunch and go right to play time.

It was a wonderful day - full of fun, hard work, heart-stretching, and new understandings.
And the best was yet to come.
I'll tell you about it next week. *smile*

Compassion Trip, Report #2

On Monday of last week, I traveled to Riobamba (That's so fun to say. Really. Try it!) with my 44+ newest friends. And we were warmly greeted by these beautiful women and their children.

This event was our visit to one of Compassion's Child Survival Programs (CSP). The CSP "is an early-childhood intervention program that often starts with prenatal care for expectant mothers." After the baby is born, trainers help the moms learn about nutrition and how to protect their babies from diseases and other health dangers. Medical attention is given as needed, and the moms are also taught skills such as sewing, knitting, and jewelry-making - so they have a source of income to help provide for themselves and their babies. All these things take place between a combination of home-visits and time spent at the Compassion Center.
In addition to learning about the CSP, and shopping (That is, many of us bought some of the items these dear women had made. I got earrings and a bracelet to go with a dress Elizabeth bought me in Mexico, and an adorable little outfit for a toddler. Have no idea to whom I will give it yet, but God knows. And I was happy to contribute to the fundraising efforts of these women. *smile*) we were also able to simply have fun with the moms and their babies.
We smacked pinatas and shared lots of candy.

We played musical chairs (While many of the moms held babies!)

We had a relay race which consisted of carrying an egg on a spoon - that we held in our mouth. And which also appeared to be a much more difficult task for the sponsors than for the moms with babies on their backs.

And we enjoyed a song and dance which the moms performed for us.

After our time at the Compassion Center, we split into smaller groups and visited the homes of some of the CPS moms. My group went to the home of Esther - where she lives with her husband, Clever, and their two children, Jessica and Eric. The home belongs to one of Esther's relatives and consists of brick walls, a cement floor, and two rooms. Esther and Clever were gracious hosts and made us feel so welcome. We learned that Esther had recently been hospitalized with pneumonia (Made possible with Compassion's help.) and she is still waiting for complete healing. Please pray for her restoration to health, and for consistent work for Clever. (He is a construction worker, and does not always have employment.)
In spite of witnessing their struggles, it is a blessing to be a part of Compassion's work and seeing God care for them.

The Child Survival Program has been a tremendous benefit to the families touched by it - as mothers and children through age 5 are cared for with compassion by Compassion's partner churches.
I look forward to sharing more of my trip, and telling you about Compassion's Child Development Sponsorship Program tomorrow.

Compassion Trip, Report #1

Hey there, friends!

I'm back.
I've missed you.
But it was so, SO good to be gone! *read that: I had an incredible time!*
My only concern now is: How am I possibly going to convey to you the amazing experience I had during my trip to Ecuador with Compassion International?
Because, yeah.
It was a thousand times more meaningful than what I had hoped or imagined it would be.
And that figure might be an understatement.

As such, I will do my best to share my excitement and passion with you over the next few days - in a somewhat organized and understandable way. Still, I ask for your patience if I get carried away and start blabbering. Because sometimes when I begin talking about the things we saw and everything I learned?
I just can't help myself! *wink*

I met up with 44 other Compassion sponsors and Compassion staff in Miami, and we flew to Quito, Ecuador. After a late night of getting to the hotel and settling in, we got up and attended a local church Sunday morning. Although the worship was all in Spanish and I didn't know most of the words, the Spirit of God was present and active. And HE is not limited to Ingles.
I saw a man across the aisle from where I was sitting who simply radiated love for God. It encouraged my heart to consider that God has reached all over this world - calling people to Himself and filling them with His love. (This theme recurred throughout my week.) And I wondered, again, why I ever put limits upon what I believe He can do.
I did take out my camera during the service to capture a moment of our worship - because I wanted to bring it home with me. Though I didn't single out the man across the aisle.
*ahem* That would have been rude.

After church we walked to a nearby park and spent time with the children who participate in the Compassion program hosted by that church. Some sponsors were with the younger children, and I got to be in the group with teens. If you ever want to know how to play tug-of-war without a rope, just ask me. Now I know.
Again, our language difference impacted communication, but the love of Jesus was clearly expressed.

Annnnd, before going back to the hotel for dinner and much-needed rest, we took a short drive north to visit the equator.

Yep, that's me - and my new friend, Jordan (who, in my opinion, looks just like Sandi Patty) - smack dab exactly on the equator. On the very middle of the world.
Yes. I know. I'm cool now. *wink*

So, that's a briefing of Day One. I cannot wait to share the rest of my week with you in the coming days.
God is so good. So good!!!

What Are You Going Through?

The Life I Want to Live

We've had two deaths in our family since Sunday.

Brian's uncle. And my grandma.

My friend said to me in a text, "Death has a way of bringing up what's important to us and not."
And, I'm telling you, I couldn't agree more. Because I can't remember the last time I have been so inspired to think about the way I live.
As I was driving home from work Tuesday evening (after just learning about my grandmother's death) I remember thinking to myself, I don't want to be simply taking up space and wasting air.
That is - as long as God gives me breath, and the chance to live another day - I want to be making a positive difference in this world. Although it is far more comfortable for me to be quiet and keep to myself, I want to be attentive to the leading of God's Spirit and go to the places HE would take me.
*I want to speak life and hope, even when it doesn't feel "safe".
*I want to love regardless of the risks.
*I want to invest in the lives of others, despite the amount of time it takes.
*I want to think less - so much less - of me, and more about others.
Oh, but I cannot do any of this kind of living on my own. I'm going to need the power of God to work these changes in me. It is much too easy to fall into familiar patterns. To do what's comfortable, and stick with the status quo.
But that way of life sounds like a lot of taking up space and wasting air.
And that is NOT the lesson I have learned from Uncle Arlan and Grandma Melba.
So I pray with renewed passion today, Father, please order my steps and take me to the places You want me to go. Please work in me that which is pleasing to You!

How about you? What kind of life do you want to live?

HE Remembers

Oh, the irony!
I recorded this video last week, but got busy and FORGOT to post it. *ahem*
Ahhhh, better late than never!

TLC at GLC

I'm still shaking my head over a situation which arose this week at GLC.

I'm saddened and ashamed that it happened.

And I am asking God to help me aright it all.

The back-story is: On Monday I was made aware that some of my co-workers felt like I was excluding them. They believed I thought I was "better" than them - because I don't make a habit of stopping and talking to them through the day.
If you know me at all, I trust you know neither of those two scenarios is a possibility.
*First, I never want to exclude anyone. I've been on the outside enough to know how horrible it feels.
*And, second, I don't think I'm better than anybody. My battle with depression still has me fighting with myself just to think I am not worse than everyone!

But I'm still a relative newbie at work, and many people (i.e. those who were having the afore mentioned thoughts) don't know me well enough to know I would never intentionally shut someone out.
Perhaps because I don't make a habit of stopping to visit with them???
And that's the kicker! The main reason I don't chit-chat is because these women usually appear to be so busy. They have lots of work to do. And when I asked them for various things in the beginning of my tenure, I typically felt like I was interrupting and getting in the way. So, I guess I defaulted to doing my best to stay out of the way, and get my own work done.

Only to find out that is exactly what they don't want me to be doing.

As much as it hurt my heart to find out people were feeling this way as a result of my (lack of)behavior, I am so thankful for the one who spoke up. I am so thankful to know the truth.
I have apologized, and I believe misunderstandings have been cleared up. With God's help I intend to cover my co-workers with TLC and assure that they never again feel as though I don't care about them. By His grace I trust I can get past the temptation to beat myself up for this blunder. And when all is said and done, I have a feeling HE's going to grow me through this struggle, too.

How about you? Anyone in your life who you think isn't interested in your TLC?
Take it from me. Love them anyway!

In Memory of Grandma Peggy

It was probably ten years ago that Josh and I tended our own little garden plot for the summer.
Besides lots of yummy vegetables, we had a section for zinnias. Because Grandma Peggy told us they were beautiful flowers - which attract butterflies and are not typically eaten by deer. And she was so right.
I loved gazing at those colorful blooms.

So, last summer when Grandma Peggy was living with us she often watched me outside working on various landscaping projects. And a couple of times I took her on walks in her wheel chair so she could enjoy the beautiful flowers many of my neighbors have blooming in their yards.
It was during one of those walks that I thought, Hey! I should plant some zinnias around the house for Grandma to enjoy. She would love that! Except, by the time I had that thought it was too late in the season to sow zinnia seeds. Thus, I tucked the idea away in my mind for "next year".

And now it's next year.
But Grandma Peggy isn't here.
She's gone Home. (And I know she's enjoying so much more than zinnias now!)
Even so, I bought the zinnia seeds and planted them all along the front sidewalk. And I reminisced about Grandma as I dug, planted, and watered. Then I turned my attention to the rest of the front landscaping, the sidewalk, and the porch - and decided to continue working. I pulled weeds, cleaned up sunflower seed shells (It's lovely to watch the birds in the feeders, but they sure do make a mess of those shells!), and swept away the dirt. Because Grandma Peggy taught me that it's good to have a clean porch and entry way. It's the first thing a visitor notices, after all!
(Not that I care so much what people think of my porch, but it was important to Grandma and I knew she would like it if I had the walkway looking good for the zinnias. *wink*)
And so I spent my afternoon yesterday remembering my grandmother.
It was delightful.
Even more, I know I will have fond memories of her every time I look at the colorful blooms which are due along the sidewalk in another 45 days, or so.

They're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone

So, I mentioned yesterday that my trip to Ecuador with Compassion International is less than three weeks away.
And I am so excited about it.
I've started buying the things I need (like bug spray and travel-size shampoo). I have a pile of gifts and supplies beginning to accumulate in the corner of my bedroom. And I am thinking about what to take, and what to leave home.
Of course, any mother knows - when you're preparing to go away you also spend a considerable amount of time thinking about/preparing for what your family will need in your absence.
*Read that: What are they going to have for dinner?*
So, this question has also been on my mind as I have been counting down to my trip.
I came to a conclusion, and decided to discuss my idea with Brian Sunday afternoon. Ya know, so he could have input - rather than me just dropping a bomb on him and the boys.
Because my conclusion was this: Seeing as they are all big boys now (Matthew turned 16 last week!) I believe they can handle eight days on their own. Soooooo, I am not going to make their dinners before I leave. Rather, I am going to give them the opportunity to come up with their own meal plan, make their own grocery list, buy their own groceries, and prepare their own meals.

Doesn't that sound like fun???

I am fully aware they will go out to eat a couple times. I realize their meal plans likely won't include much in the way of salads and veggies. And I understand mac & cheese and pizza (Order in, not make-your-own.) might appear on the menu a time, or two.
But that's OK with me.
*The three of them have agreed to pitch in and work together to get 'er done. Admittedly, one of the first questions was whether Elizabeth would be home during that time. And they were disappointed to find out she'll already be gone for the summer. So they aren't going to be able to rely on anyone else.
*They're going to realize how much work I do fun I have keeping them fed.
*I'm guessing they'll come to appreciate the little things I do - like notice when milk is getting low during the week and buy more so it "never runs out."
*They'll learn the value of budgeting their time and disciplining themselves with regard to extra activities - so they can eat.
*And I'm trusting they will finally appreciate just how good they have it - having healthy, delicious meals prepared and ready for them every day of the week.

Oh, yeah.
They're gonna miss me when I'm gone!

Seeking Compassion for Cesar

TLC at GLC

My heart is smiling.

If you're friends with me on Facebook, go on over to my page and watch the video I shared Thursday night.

For the rest of you, lemme tell ya 'bout it.

I posted a couple weeks ago about a woman at GLC who is sometimes quite difficult. And about the hope I had in witnessing a positive interaction between her and a care-giver one morning. The entire scene was encouragement for me to not give up trying to reach a person.
Even a hard person.

Fast forward to yesterday afternoon.

I walked into the memory care unit and heard a new-to-us musician playing. The song was fun and upbeat, so I started dancing. A few heads turned to watch me, and I let their attention spur me on to more silliness and dramatic interpretive dance.
Yes, I love performing for these folks. Anything to make them smile.
And that's when I saw it. A great.big.smile on the face of that woman who isn't often very pleasant.
She was looking straight at me, watching me dance, and seemed to be enjoying it right along with everyone else.
That view in itself was enough to make my day. But it got better.
The daughter of one of our residents took a cue from my silliness and started dancing with me. That is, we had our arms around each other, swaying and twirling, and having a bunch of fun.
And when that dance was over?
I decided to take my chances and ask my smiling friend if she would like to dance with me.
She agreed to it - with a smile - and if you can get to my Facebook page, you can watch.
So glad my supervisor had her phone with her and got the video.

Encouragement, once again, my friends:
Never give up reaching out to someone with love. Never, ever give up!

Strike that from My To-Do List

So, last week a letter came in the mail from our pediatrician.

It was addressed to Josh.

I'm calling it his Graduation Letter.
Because it contained the news that he has to find a new doctor. That is, the boy is no longer a "pediatric," and must - therefore - go to an adult-ic doctor now. And they were nice enough to include a list of recommended doctors in the area.
So yesterday I started making calls in search of a new doc for the boys. (Thought it a good idea to switch them both at the same time, so I am not running myself in two many directions. Yes, that "typo" was on purpose.) And when I found one, I was all ready to make new-patient-appointments for the boys.

Until I was told I couldn't.

That is, I could make an appointment for Matthew - and I did.
But I couldn't make one for Josh, because he's 18. He's an adult.
And they won't work through an adult's mom.
So after Matthew's information was complete, I handed the phone over to Josh and had him make his own arrangements.
Because they wouldn't talk to me.
Nooooooo. He's 18 after all.

And with that - I have been put in my place. *Hmph*

Ahhhhh. Now I'm wondering if I can start using that logic on his meal preparation, car insurance payment, grocery shopping... This might play to my advantage. *wink*

HE Will Make a Way

What's on your heart today?

Big things? Little things? In-between things?

Any impossible things?

I have some items from each of those categories floating around in my heart and head.
*Been praying for a while about a trip I'm taking with Compassion International to Ecuador next month - asking God to work out the details so all the sponsors will be able to meet their children. The recent earthquake in Ecuador has caused some serious difficulties in making that connection happen.
*I have a certain child about whom I am constantly praying. Trusting God to do the good work HE has planned.
*Facebook posts have made me aware of many needs - both large and small - and I'm carrying them in my heart, too.
*My church is calling for a focus on prayer this month for our vision and ministry path, so I'm taking these needs to God.
*There are daily prompts via prayer-cues which God uses to bring me to my knees.
*Not to mention the issues in our nation and concerns of the day, friends in various states of need, and family members who are struggling.
There is just so much going on. So many opportunities to see distress, or feel overwhelmed. And if left to my own devices, I would likely be traveling that road to despair.

BUT, God.

We do not need to be afraid. And discouragement will not have the final say in our circumstances.
Because we serve a God who is greater.
Who is stronger.
Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.
And when I listen to HIM, I am reminded that HE will make a way where there seems to be no way. Nothing is too difficult for Him, and God is going to work out our situations according to His perfect will. All we need to do is trust and obey.
Someone needs to hear this encouragement today. If it isn't you, please keep your spiritual eyes open so when you come across that person you are ready to share it with them.

And if there is any way I may be praying for you, please let me know.
I would love to intercede on your behalf.

Less of Me

On Presidents and Prayer

OK. I'm just going to put it out there.

Politely.

I am not enthusiastic about either presumed presidential candidate.
That is, I am convinced that neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump has what it takes to make this country great again. On their own.

BUT, I am not without hope.

Last week I finished my Precepts Bible study on the book of Acts, and the work I saw God do in the life of the apostle Paul fills me to overflowing with hope. Consider this: When Paul was still Saul, he was one bad dude. He didn't believe in Jesus, and he hated everyone who followed Him. Saul hunted down and imprisoned believers of the Way. He persecuted them and encouraged their execution. And his passion was hot for seeing this mistreatment through to completion.
And, yet, God had a plan to use this persecutor-of-Christians.
To use him for good.
For very much good.
You can (and should!) read about Saul's conversion here. But the bottom line is, God completely transformed this man through an encounter with Jesus. Saul became Paul and went on to preach the gospel courageously for the rest of his life. He was 100% faithful to God even when threatened, beaten, imprisoned, and any number of other calamities. Paul was a new man, and he lived his life for Jesus. When I look at who he was on his own, and who he was once God got a hold of him - I can scarcely believe it's real.

BUT, God.

Oh, when HE enters the equation, everything changes. And that is why I am not without hope regarding the future of our nation. Because if God can take a guy like Saul and transform him into a God-fearing, Jesus-loving, gospel-preaching, lost-seeking man like Paul? Imagine what HE could do with Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump if they surrendered their lives to HIM!
Hence, their salvation and transformation has become my prayer. Because - while I have no faith in either one of them, on their own - I believe if God orchestrated a Paul-like transformation in them, either one could be used by Him in amazing ways.
And so, I pray.

Will you join me?

Home, Sweet, Home

I drove to Detroit Saturday and picked up my girl from the airport.

Elizabeth is home!!!

Home, that is, until she leaves again to study at Wheaton's science center in the Black Hills.
All.Summer.Long.
It seems this growing up thing involves a lot of away-from-home time.
And I am reminded frequently of the realization I had when I was pregnant with Elizabeth:
that she isn't really "mine."
We were at some type of missions meeting when it happened. I was so excited about this little baby who would soon be coming into our world, couldn't wait to be a mommy, and it was as if God said, Yes. But hold her loosely. She is Mine and I am giving her to you to raise. There may come a day when I call her to follow Me somewhere far away from here. And if I do that, you need to be ready to let her go.
Ahhhh, seemed so easy to make that commitment at the time. I mean, when the baby isn't even born yet, you cannot imagine the day will arrive when she'll actually be spreading her wings and preparing to fly wherever her God may call.

But, alas, here we are.

My precious daughter - whose heart is a beautiful reflection of her Father, who delights me just by being the woman God has made her to be, who isn't really mine. Twenty years ago, when she was endlessly crying because she was colicky - and I was, too! - (I was crying, not colicky, this is.) I don't think I could have seen this day coming. This day when I am fully enjoying her being home, while I am also preparing to send her off again.
Knowing that wherever she is - whether in my house, or not - God is with her.
And where He is, she is home.

Keep Praying

TLC at GLC

So, there is this woman at GLC who is not a very friendly - or even likable - gal.

In fact, I think the first words she ever spoke to me were, "Don't touch me."

I have learned to tread lightly around her, and allow plenty of space. While I still greet her every time we meet, over the past three months I have accepted that kind words and warm smiles may be met with a scowl. Or simply ignored.
And on occasion I have wondered if the effort to show love to her will ever make a difference. Is she even capable of receiving affection? Or is her heart completely closed off?

Well, I stopped contemplating those questions this week.
Because...
I was walking through the living room at work and saw Ms. Not-very-friendly sitting on the couch. One of the care-givers bounced in and sat down next to her, declaring in a sing-songy voice, "Good morning, beautiful!" Honestly, I expected to see a scowl appear on her face. But instead, there was a lovely smile. And the care-giver leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Which caused the smile to grow.
If I hadn't been rushing to a meeting, I think that scene would have stopped me dead in my tracks. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. The woman who I have only known as cold was genuinely receiving kindness. Oh, what a beautiful sight!

Is there someone in your life whom you would describe as cold and prickly? Someone who doesn't seem able to accept TLC? Please accept this encouragement today, and don't give up trying. Don't stop showing you care. Just keep loving!
You never know when you might experience a break-through.

Standing on the Promises

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord... 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.

Luke 1:14-16

Years ago I sat listening to a dear friend reading these words to me. The scripture is the foretelling of John the Baptist. But at the time, I had the distinct sense God was making that same promise to me about one of my sons.
I remember when he was little and on many occasions as I was nearing my wits' end, I would repeat to myself over and over, "He will be a joy and a delight to you. He will be a joy and a delight to you."
I'm thinking that verse saved his hide a time, or two. Or a hundred. *wink*
God encouraged my heart this past weekend as He reminded me of that verse - and His promise - when I was praying for my son, with a mom-who's-been-there.
And HE's at it again. As I struggle with this man-child - part of me wanting to wring his neck out of frustration, and part of me wanting to hug his neck because I was once 18, too - God reminds me to stand on His promises. HE has not left me alone in this season, and HE will not abandon my son. Though the road is rough, I trust God knows what He's doing.
I cling to the hope of God using my son to bring people back to Himself.
And I trust Him to complete the good work He has begun.

Upon what promises are you standing today?

The Early Bird Gets the Discount

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.

~Psalm 27:8

I am very much looking forward to the Women's Listening Retreat coming up in October.
More than being with precious, beloved women of God; more than sharing a Word from Him which He is engraving on my heart; I am eager to help create an environment in which these women will be ready to seek His face.
My heart's desire for this retreat is that each woman in attendance will be led into the presence of God, where she will hear Him speaking. I am praying even now and asking God to prepare every one. Trusting He will do just that.

Early Bird registration is $100 and ends May 31. Starting June 1, the fee goes up to $110. Thought you might like to know that tidbit, in case you're like me and you care about saving $10. *smile*
Please follow this link for registration and information.

When it isn't "Ladies' Choice"

Saturday afternoon Brian suggested we should all go see a movie that night.
I didn't recognize the names of most of what's showing, and wasn't interested in the one or two I did recognize. So I clicked on Mother's Day to watch the trailer. It looked OK to me. I was sure it would evoke some laughter from us all. Hence I cast my vote.
But I was quickly out-voted by the guys in my house - who all wanted to see Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Can I just say, action films are not my cup of tea? While I may have watched Superfriends when I was a kid, spending 151 minutes viewing grown men dressed in superhero costumes - doing whatever it was they were going to be doing - did not sound compelling to me.
However, wanting to go to the movies with all my guys, and realizing I was not likely to get Josh and Matthew to agree to a "romantic comedy," I reluctantly consented to Batman. (And I consoled myself with the knowledge that I could get popcorn.)

OK, maybe if I knew more about Batman and Superman - or perhaps if I had been educated on the backstory of this movie - I would have had an understanding of what was happening. As it was, I got lost trying to follow characters and decipher conversations. And I could tell Brian was getting tired of me asking him what was going on. So eventually I just gave in to biding my time while I munched on popcorn. To me, the movie was over two and a half hours of fast cars, flying machines, fight scenes, and explosions. No wonder they liked it so much. *wink*
Nevertheless, I had a smile on my face as we left the theater - because it felt like a great accomplishment that I'd had a "date" with all my guys.

P.S I did feel slightly disappointed after the movie to have remembered that part of it was filmed on MSU's campus. Because I forgot to look for our local spot's cameo. And that would have been so fun to see. But, it isn't so important to me that I'm going to watch the movie again, just to find it. *ahem*

Tell Yourself the Truth

I recorded this video before going into work last week. And on my drive in, a song came on the radio which reminds me of the subject of the discouragement to which I refer here. I started praying about the issue and thanking God for reminding me AGAIN of His Truth. And just like that, He showed me how the scriptures I'd just shared in this video spoke to my present situation. Yes, the scriptures I had selected "randomly."
Oh, how I love it when He shows His faithfulness so clearly.

May you be blessed by His goodness and Truth today!