Crocodile Tears...

Now I know that the "crocodile" sighting was not forgotten...I know this because several people still ask me if we've seen it again, caught it, etc. For those curious ones, this post is for you!

For the past couple of weeks, our neighbor has been working along side the road clearing off areas for construction of his new gate. His workers have also been clearing out some brush along his property...well, last week Richard, our grounds keeper, came into the house with this:

The workers next door found this guy in the brush on the water side of the property. It makes me laugh to hear them all call this thing a crocodile...but honestly, it's the biggest lizard I have EVER seen! Now, my thoughts are that this "little" guy is the same one that was seen a while back over on our land because that one was also seen in the area by the water; the same water which also runs through and over to where this guy was found...it's a stretch I know, but it gives me hope! Of course, when I mentioned this theory to Richard, he said to me "No mam, I don't think so, we have a lot of these here!" Oh man...are you for real? ALOT of them? I don't think I even want to know what "alot" means exactly.

In a recent conversation with a friend {who is also a first term missionary} the thoughts and feelings were the same in the fact that we witness God's grace in such a special way each day. It is only God's grace that brings contentment....even the contentment that says, in the midst of the "crocodiles" I am happy... for her, it's being in subzero temperatures... for others it is facing a life with cancer... for some it's knowing that making a decision to follow Christ means that they will no longer be considered a part of their family... maybe facing life alone after losing a spouse... whatever the situation God's grace is found with utter sufficiency!

God's grace :: amazing and free and over all sufficient!

II Corinthians 12:9a "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...."

Filled to Overflowing!

::Thanksgiving:: Our country was founded on the principle that we ought to stop and take notice of the blessings God Himself has given us and pay gratitude for all His provisions. This year we would carry on the tradition of setting time aside to do just that; except this year would be just a little different from times past. We sat down to an incredible feast with over 50 others...families who have served in this country for the Lord for decades...faithful servants who have been responsible for countless souls coming to know Him personally...WOW! I am among these? What a blessing it is to be here!

It would just not be a proper Thanksgiving if I failed to list out some of the things I am thankful for on a daily basis...so, I thank my God for:

*Sending His Son as a sacrifice for my sin...for allowing me the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Him and to have the gift of eternal life.

*Calling me into His service and for placing me in this country...I am extremely humbled that He finds something He can use in me.

*Memaw who raised me and loved me and put me in God's house every week...the foundation she laid for me has been my stability all these years.

*A loving, self-sacrificing husband who truly "loved me to Jesus". He is a wonderful example to me and to our children...I definately do not deserve him!

*The most precious children a mother could ask for...they are my jewels, they are my laughter, they are sometimes my tears, but always worth it! I understand better now just how the Father must love us!

*Parent-in-laws who have graciously taken me into their family and loved me as their own. I am also grateful that we are able to serve here along side them.

*Friends {new and old} who make my life complete, who give me a shoulder to cry on, who bring added laughter and silliness, and lend an ear to my frustrations. Their influence on my life in priceless.

*A growing relationship with my dad...it's amazing how close we have become even with all the time and space between us.

*God's Living Word that I have free access to each day...for the freedom to pray and sing His praises without holding back!

While meditating on my list of "thankfulness", I realized that I was leaving out a very important group of people who I am, in fact, extremely grateful for. That said people are the ones who sacrifice financially to support us as their representative missionaries in the Philippines. How overwhelming it is to know that hundreds of people are a part of our ministry...a vital part at that! And to add that they also lift up our names to the Father...it's just more than one can stand. I want to share this portion of scripture to express my feelings to these {to you}:

I Thessalonians 3:7-9

"Therefore brethern, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God:"

**Heavenly Father, I am completely overwhelmed by the blessings you have so freely poured out upon my life. All the praise and glory go to you Lord. Thank you for supplying our daily needs; from the meals that we eat to the way you care for the deepest parts of our hearts~You are amazing! God, I want to express my graditude to the countless people who give to us through their offerings; their sacrifice sometimes is greater than I could imagine, may you bless them as they have been a blessing to others; provide for them in a special way. You alone are worthy of all my praise...thank you for all you have done!!! You are precious!**

Oh for the love...

Oh for the precious love of a wonderful husband... Oh for the love of the 4 greatest treasures any mommy could ask for... Oh for the love of sweet puppy breath...



Oh for the love of spontaneity...


Oh for the love of loyalty...

Oh for the love of a Father who watches over us and gives us moments to laugh, love, embrace, ponder, enjoy, and share...I am most thankful this season for the simple pleasures God has placed all around me! Oh for the love...

shamasko visit

Words cannot fully express just how happy we were to have old friends; David and Kristi come for a visit. Their time was short, but a complete and utter delight!

Our time started with picking them up at the airport...we searched the local stores for a bouquet of flowers for their arrival, but to my regret, we welcomed them empty handed....THEY however came with suitcases packed with special items from home for us...too grateful for that one! {Thank you Memaw!} What's funny is that we were waiting in the "S" section for Shamasko, but they were in the "E" section for Ebert...we did finally get to the same place thank goodness!

David has traveled outside of the US for business, but this was Kristi's first time this far away from home...she did a great job in the transition...tried some new foods and make some new friends...Ok, I intended to post the pictures of them being tied up at the table by our kids, but I think those were actually on Krisit's camera...needless to say, the kids really enjoyed having them around as well.

They spent a couple of days out in Iba with us...we were able to show them the ministry of the Highlands Camp and they got a quick tour of the church and school where we attend, as well as our open air market. It wasn't too long before we had to head back into the city for some much needed shopping! David came away with a good buy, but not before he modeled his new Barong for all of us. Oh, if you could have seen the sales girls...we really livened up their evening for sure! {David, I'm sparing the pic, so you can be my friend again! LOL}

Our time ended way too soon! We look forward to another visit before too much time passes, but until then, we will carry this time together in our hearts~always! I love the idea of God preserving our friendships even though time and space have separated us through the years. In remembrance of the "early years" I will part with this thought: "Friends are Friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them"! Love you guys!

That was then.....

.....This is now.....

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" Philippians 1:2

Clean Hands, Pure Heart

{Sunday}

Sitting in church with my family around me...trying so hard to keep the youngest child from wanting to go to the back of the church into the parking to play...trying to keep the mosquitoes away...trying to appease the ever thirsty children who are unhappy because I forgot the water bottles...trying to keep the sweat from rolling because I left my fan at home...trying to keep the smile on my face and act like I am understanding the message, while, in fact, I am desperately wishing for a "Pentecost" moment~you know, the moment when the men of God were preaching and the people each heard the message clear and "in their own tongue {language}"! Wow! That would certainly help!

On the flip-side, my heart is comforted by the dear sweet members...the hugs and the kisses! I love singing the hymns with them and joining together in scripture reading...and I love to hear them pray!

There are many frustrating things about being in church right now for me....language being the upmost highest on the list {we're working on that}...but I find that even through the inconveniences, etc, it is still a joy to be in the House of the Lord gathered together with other believers. When the frustrations overwhelm me, I typically have to confess my bad attitude to the Lord and ask Him to allow the service to speak to me in a personal way, to reach me~beyond what the words are saying and speak to my heart. I have been convicted this week {and many times before} about my motivation...what brings me to church? Do I come to be noticed by others? To make a "grand entrance" and be seen, only to find self praise? Or do I come clean to worship with my fellow believers?

I have also learned that these questions do not leave me when I leave the church, these are questions that are faced with the onset of each new day...Do I clean this room to be noticed? Am I nice only when others are taking notice? Do I do good deeds in order to get the pat on the back at the end of the day?

With that in mind, I would like to share these song lyrics with you. One of my absolute favorite music artists is Sara Groves...she has a unique sound, but she also has a wonderful way with words....I like to sing this song loud, but I also take it with me to the quietness of the day as a gentle reminder of my motivations:

Know My Heart Lyrics
Artist:Sara Groves

Why do I pray? Do I pray to say I prayed an hour?
Why do I love? Do I want you beholden to me?
Why do I help? Do I help to hear my name called out?
And why do I sing?

Chorus:
Search me and know my heart, oh God.
See if there is any wrong thing in me.
All I have ever really wanted –
Clean hands and a pure heart.


Why do I give? Do I give so I can get a blessing?
Why do I praise? Do I praise to do the right thing?
Why do I serve? Do I serve so others will serve me?
And Why do I sing?

Chorus:
Search me and know my heart, oh God.
See if there is any wrong thing in me.
All I have ever really wanted –
Clean hands and a pure heart.

Psalm 24:3-5:

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, now sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation"

*God, you know those secret moments, thank you for dealing with me like you do. Be with this day and never cease to remind me that I am acting and serving and loving all as to bring honor and glory to you, not in order to serve man. You, and only you, are worthy of my praise! Praise your name Lord, my your name be on my actions today!*

Follow through...

This post is really just a follow up on the previous one in order to show a few pictures of the puppies and the "craftiness" in the girl's room.

Warning...this post includes sweet pictures of cute cute puppies and pictures of

frilly ribbons and bows in pink! May cause the "aaahhh" factor!

Our new babies:

Sarah with a puppy

Rachel with the puppies

Girl's Room:

Speechless...

Ok, it doesn't really happen often, but I am absolutely speechless. I am sitting here at the end of the day feeling that I want to write down all these wonderful things that are happening in life right now or some miraculous way God has shown Himself to me...I even think I would welcome in a critter or two for a picture if that would give me something to write about! {Ok, Lord, I was just kidding about that part!}

So, I sit here...I spend a few minutes to reflect...what can I share today? I will just set a goal, I will find 10 things worth sharing...Let's see:

10

Puppies! 3 weeks ago we had puppies in our house! **plan to post pics tomorrow** Our momma Great Dane had 9 puppies 4 weeks ago Saturday and we grieved the following weekend as the smallest one passed away in the night. They are walking and even try to play...the CUTEST thing EVER! How is it that in my 35 years on this earth, this is my first experience to see a dog give birth?!?...quite an amazing sight!

9

Heartache! Hurting friends...my heart is broken right now over the hurt of dear friends back home. It seems that I am consumed with the need to pray for them continually. I am so thankful for the gift of communication though 1/2 the globe separates us! I'm praying for you girl...you know who you are!

8

Rachel update! Her symptoms show a little improvement, still has the annoying cough. I get a little discouraged, pray for her every day, and continue the meds while trying to have the patience to wait it out until her 3 mths is over. Sweet thing asked me the other day "Mommy, why is the medicine not making me feel any better?".... oh, break my heart would ya!

7

Friends are coming! I feel so privaleged that I have not even been "on the field" for a year yet & we already have friends coming to visit! God has brought us back together after many years of life have passed and I am so grateful and VERY excited for the time to spend with them this next week! Oh mercy...did you see that...NEXT week...I need to get busy!

6

Semester Break! This week we are enjoying a little time out from the "daily grind" as the kids are having their semester break. It is always nice to take a little time out and just relax...we have done just that! Nothing beats cartoon laughter, puzzles, bike rides, swimming, and board games with energetic children!

5

Groceries! We spent the first part of our week in Manila for several reasons, but 1 primary reason...grocery shopping! Big thrills I know! I think I saw myself through the eyes of others this week and realized that even though it seems that our monthly shopping ritual is a strain, I am very grateful for the opportunity to get the basic neccessities and a few little perks as well...even if it means driving 4 hrs to do it all! **Thank you Lord for giving us our daily bread!

4

Crafts! I really did entertain the idea of posting this one all by itself the other day because I was so proud of myself. I have not really paid much attention to the girls room since we moved here, so we felt that maybe it could use a little sprucing up. This past week we finished 1 of 2 GINORMOUS ribbon bulletin boards (3.5' X 4') that will also act as a headboard to each of their beds; then while in Manila, we found a couple of boulster pillows for way cheap & had enough left over fabric from their curtains to cover them both! Got the curtains hung, and rearranged the room a little! Total cost {I just love this part} for 2 bulletin boards, curtains, and 2 boulsters...approx $30!!!! Simple pleasures!

3

Ministry! I mentioned earlier that there were a couple of reasons why we were in Manila. One of those reasons was that Paul had the opportunity to speak in the place of a furlough missionary. I find it exciting to see the variety of ministries...to meet new people and worship along side them. The kids enjoyed their classes & they even got to have AWANA Sunday evening; can we even explain their excitement~hardly! We spent the afternoon with a family that has become very dear to us...such a wonderful time; a beautiful Sunday it was!

2

Reversal! *Jen, this one's for you!* Not sure what has happened with Jonah, but it seems that once he attained the "Most Improved" award in class, he became somewhat satisfied and just gave up trying. In the past 2 weeks things have gone right back to our rough beginning...so many talks, so many punishments, so many tears...what happened? Sweet thing, he just looks at me in the mornings and asks, "I don't have to go to school today...do I?". He already dreads it before it happens, and once he's there he doesn't want to sit, doesn't want to write, doesn't want to sing, so on and so on! The best part about his day is snack time, so as long as we have that to hold onto, maybe we'll make it through this spot and get back to where he was.

1

Morning walks with my best friend! This has to be my most favorite new routine! Paul and I have been walking together around the campsite at about 7:30 am...just as the sun has topped over the mountains and the dew is still on the ground...so peaceful, so simply delightful!

We made it! I think that this post is completely indicative of my personality...to think I have nothing to say, but then have a hard time stopping once I get started! Thank you for enduring that with me!

One more thought as I close; the news is on right now and today our country celebrated "All Saints Day". On our way to Manila we were able to see many preparing the cemetaries for this day, but until just now, I had not seen the mass amounts of people who flocked to the graves today for prayer, for remembrance, for honoring their family members, etc who have passed. What amazes me the most is that the people will pray over these graves for the salvation of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers; they will pray tirelessly, fervently, earnestly on their behalf. They pay tribute to the statue of Mary and her "son", bowing at the feet of an idol that does not have "eyes that see or ears that hear" their cries. I am reminded once again of purpose...there is hope and a peace, May I have the boldness of speech to share that message with the ones around me...{God I ask for that}!