Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise

Well, 1 out of 3 isn't too bad right?!?! I am writing to give a quick update on Rachel. Around October, we had taken her in for concerns over her coughing, fever, sleeplessness, etc. At that time, the doctors were looking at, and testing her for, Primary Complex {which is TB in it's earliest stage~which we have also learned is very common here}. The test results were inconclusive because the skin test showed a negative reading, so they decided not to treat it as such, but due to the results of her x-ray, they put her one medicine and would have her tested again in 3 months. The thought was that if she did, in fact, have the Primary Complex, then it would show up in the skin test after giving it a little more time. Three months went fast, and she did so great taking her medicine everyday with no complaints... the meds also boosted her appetite some and she managed to put on a few pounds in the process, which is never a bad thing for Rachel! We took her in last week for her re-check. The skin test came back for the second time as negative! The doctor said her lungs sounded clear and that there were absolutely NO concerns with him over her health! No more threat of disease, no more medicines, no more worries! What a testimony to God's grace and provision! Even more, what a blessing to know that God hears the prayers of His people. I cannot count the total amount of people who have written, called, and emailed telling us they have been praying for Rachel. I believe firmly that God heard those prayers and placed His healing hand over her little lungs and removed what sickness was there. This is just another reminder to us that we are carried through each day by the faithful prayers of our friends, family, and churches...thank you for your time spent at the Throne of God on our behalf! We are eternally grateful and oh, so honored that you are behind our ministry!

Merry Christmas...well, Merry Christmas EVE!

This year, we are really excited about spending our first Christmas in the Philippines. Grandma and Grandpa came in this Sunday and we have had fun preparing for the "big day". Due to the fact that we had a litter of puppies and have already sold most of them, Grandpa came up with the idea to just buy 1 big present for everyone....a Wii game system...the men {Daddy and Grandpa} were oh so excited to get their hands on it, but to also watch the kids; so we had a family meeting Sunday afternoon. The votes were in; we would have Christmas morning on Christmas Eve instead so that the kids would have more time to play with everyone before camps started up again on Wednesday...if you ask me, I think it was because the men couldn't stand the wait anymore...they will deny that, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it! So today we are enjoying the spoils from yesterday...we didn't do many gifts this year, but the kids are grateful; one of the best gifts was one that they received from one of our supporting churches. The box arrived about 2 weeks ago so they have been curious about those gifts ever since. They got a box each filled with wonderful stuff...Jonah has been blowing bubbles to his heart's content all day! Thank you Southwest! As I speak, there is a bowling tournament {Wii} going on, the turkey is in the oven making the house smell incredible...bread is in the bread maker and family is on the phone....it is a good day! God is good; I am grateful for this time to stop and focus on the importance of having family close and remembering the greatest Gift that was ever given. May you all enjoy the joy of this day....Merry Christmas!!!! We love you all!!!!

That's Why the Angels Rejoice!

Sunday December 16 you could almost hear the rejoicing of angels all the way from heaven as the holy pen touched the page to write down nearly 300 new names in the Lamb's Book of Life!!! Paul had the extreme privilege of preaching for Pastor Tabanda and the Bible Baptist Temple of San Juaquin for their 27th anniversary. First time visitors totaled up to 600; the Word of God fell upon fresh soil, and just as He promised, His word did not return void!!!

We are praising God for the results...just wanted to share with everyone else so that they could share in the rejoicing! Praise You Lord!

New "inspired" site:

I have been somewhat prompted to set aside a separate place for my personal "God inspired" moments. I am starting a new site titled finding::God::in the everyday. I would love it if you would stop by and pay me a little visit there from time to time. My goal is to keep this site for family and ministry and to maintain the other as a more personal site.

I am still working out some of the kinks and I think I have changed the background like 10 times already trying to figure out which will work best....and you know me, it will probably change again before too long!

I am really excite about this "new adventure" because God is the one who is leading this movement...Thank you for being a part of this with us!

"Oh my Lord, I am not eloquent"

In the midst of Paul's message one Sunday, God's Word hit me like a 2X4 to the forehead...have you ever had one of those moments? I am sitting there listening to the excuses Moses brought before the Lord when he was told to go and tell Pharoh to release the children of Israel...God just wanted him to be obediant and rest in the fact that he would be going in the power of the Lord, not his own. No matter what conflict would arise, God assured Moses {time and time again} that He would be with him and that He would take care of the details. Moses had 4 different excuses! But here's the kicker...how many do we lay down before the Lord before we eventually do what He is calling us to do!?!?!

In the latter of the excuses, Moses tells God that he is not eloquent and is slow of speech and has a slow tongue {he stutters}...God answers him with this: "Who hath made a man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore GO, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." {Ex 4:11-12}

I have to admit, when God said we were going to the Philippines, I had a few excuses of my own...God dealt with the heart of those problems, but even in the obedience there has been some whining of sorts. I find myself right now in the midst of learning a new language...talk about a reason to whine if I ever saw one! This is not an easy task; I admire greatly those who have learned much more difficult languages than I and especially those who know more than 1 other language! I have been laughed at, frustrated to no end over the pronunciation of a simple 3 letter word, and intimidated by those around me who speak with such ease. I know that it will come, but somedays there is serious doubt. I find myself wrapped up in the same bit of whining as Moses...only my words say, "Oh Lord, are you sure you want me to do this...but this is too hard for me. How will I ever relay properly your love for these people?"

Here's the revelation {a.k.a. the 2X4}...In church that day it's like God spoke over me, just as He did to Moses, "Tina, I made your mouth, just go and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you should say"...then it resounded again "just GO"..."I will be with you"!

We/I get so wrapped up in the self part of the equation sometimes that we fail to recognize that our abilities are soley from the Lord, if He has called us to a particular job it is because He knows He is capable! We will see the full potential if we will just be open vessels for His use...emptied of ourselves and filled up with Him. This also takes me back to one of my favorite scriptures: II Cor 4:7 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

I am encouraged to continue the task of Tagalog! I have since graduated from the elementary Abakada to the actual text book! Yeah! This week I will start learning common phrases and conversation..."Lord, be with my mouth...you promised!"

*God, I am comforted in your abilities. I am humbled still that you want to use me for your service. Thank you for being patient with my whining and for lovingly showing me that You are with me every step of the way. I ask you today to continue to be with the language study, Lord that you would bring the understanding and clarify my words....it's all in You Lord, move me out of the way and do as You please...amaze me. You always do!*