Being a mirror to the world
At church this past week we continued to read the story (BIBLE) going into the New Testament.
Dr. Mark Moore spoke about Jesus’s ministry beginning. Dr. Moore also challenged us to be the mirror to the world and not to simply just look in the mirror.
Have you ever looked into the mirror and said wow I really look good today? Or wow how blessed I am to have______________? If so what have you done to further promote the great things he is doing?
In John 3:30 the Bible states “He must increase and I must Decrease” How true this is if we are to be mirrors in the world and fully give God the credit for what is being done, not giving ourselves the credit for what we are or what we have.
As we ring in a new year and say good bye to the old, some of us will make resolutions such as weight loss, working out, financial or whatever it is you choose, remember you can’t do it on your own. You can only accomplish your goals if Christ is at the top.
So rather than continue life with darkness or secretes, how many of us will actually make it a resolution to be the mirror in the world and allow God’s bring light to shine from us?
Last week during the Christmas Eve service, we sang the song This Little Light of Mine. As the words of the song go like this:
This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine let it shine let it shine let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, No I’m going to let it shine.
In order to let our light shine we can’t allow the bushel (darkness) of whatever it might be from allowing our beacons to shine for Him. So as you make resolutions this year, what is your going to do to keep the darkness off your light to those around you?
Happy New Year
Brian
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Life is short
Life is way too short to hold grudges. Perhaps it is the holiday season, perhaps it is the recent suicide, perhaps it is having a grandson.
I watch people get offended over things that have absolutely no meaning. People hold on to emotions that may or may not be valid. Feelings are neither right nor wrong - what we do with our feelings is what matters. Holding on to anger and bitterness only hurt us.
At work two major projects are wrapping up. I have watched folks get irate over things that won't matter in two weeks. Folks have yelled at each other for no reason.
One never knows when we will take out last breath - I want every word I speak to bring glory to my Jesus. So I may be a tad quieter!!!
God is amazing!!
I watch people get offended over things that have absolutely no meaning. People hold on to emotions that may or may not be valid. Feelings are neither right nor wrong - what we do with our feelings is what matters. Holding on to anger and bitterness only hurt us.
At work two major projects are wrapping up. I have watched folks get irate over things that won't matter in two weeks. Folks have yelled at each other for no reason.
One never knows when we will take out last breath - I want every word I speak to bring glory to my Jesus. So I may be a tad quieter!!!
God is amazing!!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Compromise
A few weeks ago at church, a homosexual couple visited. While I did not meet nor chat with them, part of the conversation was relayed to me.
They wanted to know if they would be "accepted". They were reassured of course they would be accepted BUT their homosexuality remains sin.
It is fascinating to me how the world has become more accepting of things the Bible clearly defines as sin. Tonight while reading in Romans 1 it clearly states that homosexuality is wrong. Yet, much of society, and even many churches are now saying it is "born" in them.
When did the "little white lies" become okay? When the children were little, the phone rang, I would run jump in the shower so they would not be lying when they said "Mom is in the shower." Do I carry things to an extreme - maybe..... but there are reasons God set the boundaries He did.
Someday when I am sitting at the feet of Jesus and get to ask Him all the questions I have - I will feel comfortable that I have not stretched the truth or compromised His Word. If I am going to err - it will be on the side of following too closely.
I pray for these women who hear the calling of God and came to our church. I pray they have the strength to walk away from their sin straight into the arms of Jesus. He is waiting for them.
God is amazing.
They wanted to know if they would be "accepted". They were reassured of course they would be accepted BUT their homosexuality remains sin.
It is fascinating to me how the world has become more accepting of things the Bible clearly defines as sin. Tonight while reading in Romans 1 it clearly states that homosexuality is wrong. Yet, much of society, and even many churches are now saying it is "born" in them.
When did the "little white lies" become okay? When the children were little, the phone rang, I would run jump in the shower so they would not be lying when they said "Mom is in the shower." Do I carry things to an extreme - maybe..... but there are reasons God set the boundaries He did.
Someday when I am sitting at the feet of Jesus and get to ask Him all the questions I have - I will feel comfortable that I have not stretched the truth or compromised His Word. If I am going to err - it will be on the side of following too closely.
I pray for these women who hear the calling of God and came to our church. I pray they have the strength to walk away from their sin straight into the arms of Jesus. He is waiting for them.
God is amazing.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Suicide
A 17 year old young man apparently took his own life. By all accounts he had it all - good grades, athletics, girlfriend. With the world at his fingertips - he must have felt hopeless to take such a drastic step.
Talking with one of his friends tonight at church - his parents are in shock (and denial), his friends fluctuate between being angry or sad, everyone is at a loss.
Kind of makes sharing Jesus a little more important. I don't know if he had a relationship with Jesus. I don't think suicide will keep anyone out of Heaven. But why does it take a tragedy like this to motivate us to share the greatest love ever offered?
I think of the grieving parents.... Were their last words spoken in anger? Will they live the rest of their lives with regrets? There are times our children get tired of hearing me say "I love you"... but should something every happen - that is what I want them to remember - that I love them unconditionally, whether they chose to believe it or not!!
The world today is not a nice place. I am so thankful for the hope we have because we get to spend eternity with Jesus. God wants a relationship with each of us - all we have to do is reach out for His hand.
God is amazing.
Talking with one of his friends tonight at church - his parents are in shock (and denial), his friends fluctuate between being angry or sad, everyone is at a loss.
Kind of makes sharing Jesus a little more important. I don't know if he had a relationship with Jesus. I don't think suicide will keep anyone out of Heaven. But why does it take a tragedy like this to motivate us to share the greatest love ever offered?
I think of the grieving parents.... Were their last words spoken in anger? Will they live the rest of their lives with regrets? There are times our children get tired of hearing me say "I love you"... but should something every happen - that is what I want them to remember - that I love them unconditionally, whether they chose to believe it or not!!
The world today is not a nice place. I am so thankful for the hope we have because we get to spend eternity with Jesus. God wants a relationship with each of us - all we have to do is reach out for His hand.
God is amazing.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
The first day there are two crews - the concrete crew and the framing crew. Somehow Brian was given the task of being in charge of pouring concrete. It is a lot of hard work to get it all formed, then footers poured, then leveled out.
The second day we raise the walls, put on the roof, put the rolled roofing on, wrap the house in tar paper and chicken wire then put on the first coat of stucco. Somehow we got behind.... 1Mission sent out four angels to help get us back on track. We got back to camp just in time for a quick shower and the fiesta!!
The third day we put on the second coat of stucco. Our team had gathered money to purchase a stove, heaters and beds for the family. Brian and I were part of the team that went into town. What an experience. We both want to learn to speak the language.
While the building of the home for "our" family is amazing. The building of relationships on the team is hard to describe. You work side by side serving Jesus.
After finishing up we ran into town to get some shrimp and sea bass. Our ride home was uneventful - though it was easier to cross the border than to get through the last check station south of Gila Bend.
We are so privileged to be able to go on these trips and give a hand to our brothers and sisters who are materially less blessed than we are. We always come home with a greater appreciation for all God has given us. Though timing doesn't work out to go in February - there is no doubt we will be going again.
God is so good to us!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Testing of my Faith (Brian)
I have been struggling with some issues recently that appear to be a test of my faith. The following are just a few of these issues:
1. Career : Am I really doing what God is calling me too?
2. Health: It was one year ago that I was in the hospital with cardiac related issues and in the time following I have been focused on God and can see His healing hand working , yet the body is breaking down in many other areas and this is quite frustrating.
3. Relationships: God has shown me just how important my family and friends really are and perhaps this is why it hurts me so much to relationships torn apart by the desires of the flesh and the lack of faith.
King Solomon was a king that had it all. God gave him Knowledge, riches, wealth yet Solomon chose to turn his heart away from God causing God to become angry with Solomon and the Lord gave these things to another who would keep His commands.
Like King Solomon I turned away from God over three years ago and God removed things from my life. It is because of the situation I faced there years ago that I become so quickly angered by those who will not listen to the wisdom God has given to me.
Is my work beginning to become an idol to me? Am I enjoying the large paychecks yet not placing the same amount of time if not more in the time I spend with God either in study, worship or in serving Him?
Am I focused on the worldly things and allowing the worldly things to eclipse God in my life?
Is my pride blocking me from God? Am I trying to impress others with “stuff” that I don’t need just to keep up with the Jones?
Are the relationships I am involved in being built up or am I allowing the evil one to destroy the relationships and causing us to loose focus on who God is?
Am I compromising my standards over these relationships living in the flesh, or am I living as God has called me to do?
If God is the Great Physician, why am I so worried about what the next set of tests will bring or what my future holds?
Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.”
So the question really is how am I going to focus my fear on God and move forward?
Will I pass the test God is giving to me or will I be like Solomon and have God take it all away and give it to someone else?
1. Career : Am I really doing what God is calling me too?
2. Health: It was one year ago that I was in the hospital with cardiac related issues and in the time following I have been focused on God and can see His healing hand working , yet the body is breaking down in many other areas and this is quite frustrating.
3. Relationships: God has shown me just how important my family and friends really are and perhaps this is why it hurts me so much to relationships torn apart by the desires of the flesh and the lack of faith.
King Solomon was a king that had it all. God gave him Knowledge, riches, wealth yet Solomon chose to turn his heart away from God causing God to become angry with Solomon and the Lord gave these things to another who would keep His commands.
Like King Solomon I turned away from God over three years ago and God removed things from my life. It is because of the situation I faced there years ago that I become so quickly angered by those who will not listen to the wisdom God has given to me.
Is my work beginning to become an idol to me? Am I enjoying the large paychecks yet not placing the same amount of time if not more in the time I spend with God either in study, worship or in serving Him?
Am I focused on the worldly things and allowing the worldly things to eclipse God in my life?
Is my pride blocking me from God? Am I trying to impress others with “stuff” that I don’t need just to keep up with the Jones?
Are the relationships I am involved in being built up or am I allowing the evil one to destroy the relationships and causing us to loose focus on who God is?
Am I compromising my standards over these relationships living in the flesh, or am I living as God has called me to do?
If God is the Great Physician, why am I so worried about what the next set of tests will bring or what my future holds?
Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.”
So the question really is how am I going to focus my fear on God and move forward?
Will I pass the test God is giving to me or will I be like Solomon and have God take it all away and give it to someone else?
Sunday, October 21, 2012
More Like Jesus
Funny, all of my life I have strived to be more like Jesus - coming up short most all of the time!!
Earlier today it occurred to me - I am becoming more like Jesus and it is hard!! People judge me. People hurt me - intentionally or not. People ignore me when I have so much to offer them. People reject me.
Jesus paid it all - all to Him I owe. He is amazing. I am so blessed to be His child.
God is great.
Earlier today it occurred to me - I am becoming more like Jesus and it is hard!! People judge me. People hurt me - intentionally or not. People ignore me when I have so much to offer them. People reject me.
- People judge Jesus and He loves on.
- People hurt Jesus every moment of every day and He loves on.
- People ignore Jesus and He offers eternal life and He loves on.
- People reject Jesus and He still defeated death for them and He loves on.
Jesus paid it all - all to Him I owe. He is amazing. I am so blessed to be His child.
God is great.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Settling In
We have been here six weeks now and it SO feels like home.
Everything except the master bathroom and the Grandbabies room has been painted. The master bathroom will be done next weekend. It feels good to have boxes unpacked and everything has a place. Yes, there are a few boxes we have to look through, but it is all good.
Our list of projects is growing though! Seems like when we finish one, we think up two more!! We need to do something in the backyard to keep the dust down. The pool dream, while still alive, will be on hold until we can pay off our credit card.
The garden will be reality though. That way we can grow some of our own food and it will be organic. This will be a fun new adventure.
God is so good - somehow our finances are stretching far beyond where we thought they would. He does challenge us to test Him in this. We have and He has shown us what an amazing Savior we serve.
We can't wait to see how God uses our home to bring glory to His name.
God is great!!!
Everything except the master bathroom and the Grandbabies room has been painted. The master bathroom will be done next weekend. It feels good to have boxes unpacked and everything has a place. Yes, there are a few boxes we have to look through, but it is all good.
Our list of projects is growing though! Seems like when we finish one, we think up two more!! We need to do something in the backyard to keep the dust down. The pool dream, while still alive, will be on hold until we can pay off our credit card.
The garden will be reality though. That way we can grow some of our own food and it will be organic. This will be a fun new adventure.
God is so good - somehow our finances are stretching far beyond where we thought they would. He does challenge us to test Him in this. We have and He has shown us what an amazing Savior we serve.
We can't wait to see how God uses our home to bring glory to His name.
God is great!!!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Forrest
This being a grandparent is so much fun!!
This afternoon Kara and Tom brought Forrest over to play. He is just over three months and full of smiles. He is so inquisitive. He was laying on my tummy just looking at me. One has to wonder what he is thinking.... do babies think?
It is so cute how he sees Kara and just breaks into a grin.
Can't wait to watch him grow.
God is so good!!
This afternoon Kara and Tom brought Forrest over to play. He is just over three months and full of smiles. He is so inquisitive. He was laying on my tummy just looking at me. One has to wonder what he is thinking.... do babies think?
It is so cute how he sees Kara and just breaks into a grin.
Can't wait to watch him grow.
God is so good!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Daddy
It has been such a sad day. Ten years ago today my (Vicki) Dad went to be with Jesus.
He was such an amazing man - quiet, a deep thinker, smart, so much common sense it was crazy!! He loved us totally and completely. He was our rock - even when we messed up, no matter how bad!!
There are days I almost forget he is gone. There are days I miss him so much the tears won't stop.
I feel so blessed to have such an amazing model of our Heavenly Father here on earth.
God is great.
He was such an amazing man - quiet, a deep thinker, smart, so much common sense it was crazy!! He loved us totally and completely. He was our rock - even when we messed up, no matter how bad!!
There are days I almost forget he is gone. There are days I miss him so much the tears won't stop.
I feel so blessed to have such an amazing model of our Heavenly Father here on earth.
God is great.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
The Craziness Continues
What a summer - we are SO glad to see the summer of 2012 gone!!
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We made it through Kara's giving birth and gall bladder surgery. Forrest is a joy. We went camping the last weekend in July - Brian really wanted to be there for his first fishing trip!!
Now comes the move. We ended up hiring a couple of day laborers from a center. David was pretty much down for the count because of shoulder surgery on August 3. Jake was there all the way!! Jay and Megan came over and painted and helped with the move. Megan needed to tutor so they left about 2:00pm on Friday.
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We made it through Kara's giving birth and gall bladder surgery. Forrest is a joy. We went camping the last weekend in July - Brian really wanted to be there for his first fishing trip!!
It was cute to watch Brian explain to Forrest there are no fish in Arizona!! Forrest did amazing on his first camping trip.
When we returned home David shared the news that Sarah is pregnant. Since they broke up in June we were more than a little surprised. David resigned from his internship and found a position working for a plumbing company doing quality testing on new homes before they are occupied. Long hours but he seems to like it. We don't see much of Sarah but understand she is doing well - the baby is due February 21, 2013.
We are finally in our new home - thank You Jesus! Our original move in date was June 23, then it became July 10, July 19, July 31.... We closed on August 15!!
Now comes the move. We ended up hiring a couple of day laborers from a center. David was pretty much down for the count because of shoulder surgery on August 3. Jake was there all the way!! Jay and Megan came over and painted and helped with the move. Megan needed to tutor so they left about 2:00pm on Friday.
I (Vicki) had to work, but was headed home about 2:00. A few minutes after I left Brian phoned - Jay and Megan had been hit head on. They were be taken to Good Samartian Medical Center (a trauma center). The woman who hit them crossed the center line and hit them. She refused to let the Officer see her phone.... At the scene Megan could not feel her legs and they had to pull the door off. Jay's chest was swollen and hand messed up.
At the hospital I waited. Because of the severity of the accident I was not allowed to talk with him but I stood by the ambulance door so he see I was there. Megan arrived about 20 minutes later. We did have the opportunity to meet Megan's Dad and Step-Mom. Angels were surrounding these two - they were both released from the hospital about 6:30.
Jay had surgery on his hand a week later - there are four pins in it and the doctor's are uncertain on what his mobility will be.... We will see how this impacts his tattooing...
So the summer of 2012 brought our first grand baby - Forrest Neil in June. All three children had surgery. We moved. The attacks and adversity of this summer were crazy.
My emotions have been all over the place -
- Joy - what an amazing thing to hold Forrest, to watch Kara be a Mom, to have him smile at me....
- Sadness - David is wonderful with children, his dream to be a Children's Pastor is on hold...
- Hope - Jay and Megan's lives were spared - God has something major He will use them for...
- Pain - not being allowed to be a part of the grand baby to be...
- Frustration - unforgiveness. Families so need each other, to push one another away to not deal with the pain makes no sense. Families are where we should be able to say what we think and still feel loved... Life is too short to hold grudges.
Still - God is on the throne. He is worthy of all glory, honor and praise. My simple prayer is others will see Jesus in my life.
God is great.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
What a Crazy Ride
The last week and a half has been crazy - attacks from every direction.
Eight days ago in the ER with Kara. They couldn't find anything, so she made an appointment with her doctor. By Wednesday the pain was so intense she couldn't stand it so back to the ER. This time they discovered it was her gall bladder. Apparently common in women who have just given birth. After getting her stabilized she had surgery on Thursday. She is home but can't lift over five pounds for four weeks.....
Our home we were supposed to be in by now will not be ready until mid-August. We are terribly disappointed with Beazer. They lack communication and planning skills. It will be good to finally be moved in.
Brian was driving down the interstate and blew a tire directly in front of a semi.... The DPS officer who saw the entire thing said it was a miracle. We say there are some angels in critical condition!!
Then yesterday the Kia had to have two tires replaced.... we are supposed to be limiting our spending in anticipation of our closing!!
This afternoon my Mom called - her hot water heater broke....
All of this simply lets us know that the evil one is not happy with our actions. We have no clue how God is going to use us - but we are REALLY excited to see where the journey is headed.
God is so good.
Eight days ago in the ER with Kara. They couldn't find anything, so she made an appointment with her doctor. By Wednesday the pain was so intense she couldn't stand it so back to the ER. This time they discovered it was her gall bladder. Apparently common in women who have just given birth. After getting her stabilized she had surgery on Thursday. She is home but can't lift over five pounds for four weeks.....
Our home we were supposed to be in by now will not be ready until mid-August. We are terribly disappointed with Beazer. They lack communication and planning skills. It will be good to finally be moved in.
Brian was driving down the interstate and blew a tire directly in front of a semi.... The DPS officer who saw the entire thing said it was a miracle. We say there are some angels in critical condition!!
Then yesterday the Kia had to have two tires replaced.... we are supposed to be limiting our spending in anticipation of our closing!!
This afternoon my Mom called - her hot water heater broke....
All of this simply lets us know that the evil one is not happy with our actions. We have no clue how God is going to use us - but we are REALLY excited to see where the journey is headed.
God is so good.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Hurting Children
One of the worst parts of being a parent is when you child hurts and there is nothing you can do but love on them.
Kara is having the typical hormone swings after giving birth. She doesn't want to leave Forrest with a sitter in a few weeks. How well I (Vicki) understand that!!
David broke off his relationship with Sarah. He is focusing on Jesus right now.
While we want to take the pain on ourselves and make things better..... all we can do is pray for them, love them and be there. And have the knowledge that God is also loving on them.
God is so good.
Kara is having the typical hormone swings after giving birth. She doesn't want to leave Forrest with a sitter in a few weeks. How well I (Vicki) understand that!!
David broke off his relationship with Sarah. He is focusing on Jesus right now.
While we want to take the pain on ourselves and make things better..... all we can do is pray for them, love them and be there. And have the knowledge that God is also loving on them.
God is so good.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Guapo and Gramma
He was delivered by C-section because of his size - it ended up the cord was wrapped around his neck - three times. God is good.
I am not sure I realized how much this one event would impact me. When Tom called to let me know - I cried.
When we made it to the hospital - there were tears in my eyes. God is so good.
As we drove home I wondered if this is how our Heavenly Father feels about us - totally, completely head over heels in love with us. He wants the best for us.
God has blessed us so much - we have each other, we have some pretty amazing children, we have a brand new awesome grandbaby.
We can't wait to see what God has next for us. We know He is about to shower us with even more love, more blessings because we love Him and we are being obedient to His word.
Life is short, we are hanging on to Jesus and loving every minute of it.
Thank You Abba Father for this new little life. May he grow up to be a man after Your heart.
God is good beyond our imagination!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Furniture
Over the years we have developed some distinctive taste in furniture. Pretty rustic, laid back.
As we are preparing to move we have put a living room set on lay-away that will more closely match our style.
Since our rental home has built-ins we knew we would need an entertainment center. Brian also needs a desk (no, he doesn't share well!). And David wanted some bedroom furniture....
Well, the Craigslist Kings, aka David and Brian, went to work. In three days we found a wormwood desk that is great; a bedroom set for David that includes two dressers, two nightstands and the bed frame AND an entertainment center that is better than we could have imagined! All for $500. Is God good or what?
Before we move we will sell some of our current living room set, single bedroom set and other miscellaneous stuff. It is so amazing to watch the furniture come together.
God is so much more than good to us. Thank You Abba!!
As we are preparing to move we have put a living room set on lay-away that will more closely match our style.
Since our rental home has built-ins we knew we would need an entertainment center. Brian also needs a desk (no, he doesn't share well!). And David wanted some bedroom furniture....
Well, the Craigslist Kings, aka David and Brian, went to work. In three days we found a wormwood desk that is great; a bedroom set for David that includes two dressers, two nightstands and the bed frame AND an entertainment center that is better than we could have imagined! All for $500. Is God good or what?
Before we move we will sell some of our current living room set, single bedroom set and other miscellaneous stuff. It is so amazing to watch the furniture come together.
God is so much more than good to us. Thank You Abba!!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Colorado
The last week of April Brian, Vicki and David headed to Colorado. Brian and David took part in a Tres Dias weekend. Vicki hung out with Joyce.
The trip up there was beautiful. Lots of snow on the mountains, ice on the lake.
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The view from Rex and Joyce's home is magnificent to say the least! We arrived on Wednesday. It rained Thursday - beautiful and a stark contrast from the 105 in Phoenix the day before we left. It is so relaxing just to be there - no television, no news. Just resting in Abba Father's arms. Something Vicki desperately needed!!
On the way home we found this little park in Placerville. We also stopped at Four Corners, my how that has changed. When I was a little girl it was a marker - that is it. Fifteen years ago we took the children there and there were some booths set up - now they have built structures with a snack bar, nice bathrooms and a Visitor Center scheduled.
We have such amazing family and friends up in Colorado. It is always special to spend time with them.
God is so good to us!!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
So it has been a while. No reason in particular - just doing life.
We are so excited about:
A couple of weeks ago Jake, David's best friend, moved in with us. He is a delightful young man who works hard and loves Jesus. They are absolutely crazy sometimes - it is good.
Forrest will be born in about seven weeks. It will be a fun season. We actually purchased a pac-n-play to keep at our home for our grandbabies to use. It will be odd to be called Gramma and Guapo.
God is doing great things. David is amazing in his internship - it brings us great joy to watch him interact with the children. We had the privilege to facilitate a pre-marriage conference - what fun.
God is about to do great and mighty things - we are praying with anticipation knowing He will bless us beyond anything we can imagine.
God is so good.
We are so excited about:
- our new home
- our growing family
- our new grandson
- the mighty work God is doing
A couple of weeks ago Jake, David's best friend, moved in with us. He is a delightful young man who works hard and loves Jesus. They are absolutely crazy sometimes - it is good.
Forrest will be born in about seven weeks. It will be a fun season. We actually purchased a pac-n-play to keep at our home for our grandbabies to use. It will be odd to be called Gramma and Guapo.
God is doing great things. David is amazing in his internship - it brings us great joy to watch him interact with the children. We had the privilege to facilitate a pre-marriage conference - what fun.
God is about to do great and mighty things - we are praying with anticipation knowing He will bless us beyond anything we can imagine.
God is so good.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Home
Looks like we will be moving again. The gentleman we are renting from who led us to believe he wanted to sell - doesn't. Since we want to be good stewards of our money and qualify for a loan, here we go.
It is easier to build a new home rather than take a chance on buying a preowned one and figure out the timing.
So, God in His infinite wisdom, led us to a Beazer home in Waddell. It is further out, right at the base of the White Tanks. It is about 2,000 square feet, one level, on an oversized lot. And it has a three car split garage!!
David is quite excited because the master and the other bedrooms are on opposite sides of the home. So he will have his bedroom and his man cave. Brian will have a large office area to work in rather than the kitchen table.
The home will be done mid-July. David will gather his friends and do the actual moving.
Then we will be settled for a LONG time. God is good to us.
It is easier to build a new home rather than take a chance on buying a preowned one and figure out the timing.
So, God in His infinite wisdom, led us to a Beazer home in Waddell. It is further out, right at the base of the White Tanks. It is about 2,000 square feet, one level, on an oversized lot. And it has a three car split garage!!
David is quite excited because the master and the other bedrooms are on opposite sides of the home. So he will have his bedroom and his man cave. Brian will have a large office area to work in rather than the kitchen table.
The home will be done mid-July. David will gather his friends and do the actual moving.
Then we will be settled for a LONG time. God is good to us.
Friday, February 24, 2012
A Lesson in Gratitude
Our adventure started with getting caught in a Mardi Gras parade. What a hoot. We finally reached our destination - a wonderful restaurant called Mary's. The food was wonderful, the view breath taking and the companionship a taste of Heaven.
The first day part of us poured the slab, the others framed the house and put on the sides. We hand mixed the concrete.
The second day we raised the walls, put on the roof, tar papered, chicken wired and put on the first coat of stucco. Yes, we made our own stucco down to screening the gravel to get sand!
That evening the family joined us for dinner at 1Mission for a fiesta - what yummy food we enjoyed. Then we sat around the camp fire singing and visiting with our new friends.
The final day the last coat of stucco was put on, we shared the gifts we brought and had a dedication. Lots of smiles and tears.
Honestly, I wasn't sure it could be done. There were lots of aches and pains for those of us unaccustomed to physical labor. But the gratitude of Francisco and Maria and their children made it all worthwhile. They have so little compared to what we are blessed with.
It was almost surreal, a simple line between countries means the difference between cleanliness and trash; the hopelessness versus the opportunity. Our new friends love Jesus. In many ways their faith is so much greater than ours.
We came home feeling blessed. Our God is so good.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Meetings
Over the past few weeks I have sat through more meetings that took way too long. I wonder if it is just human nature that some folks have to say something about every topic....
There was a challenge - we were tasked with figuring out a solution. Sounds so simple. But we had to listen through - what caused the failure, then the "no one is to blame" we need to figure out what to do speech. Great - then let's do that rather than hash and rehash what went wrong. We are all human - mistakes are made. Let's fix what went wrong and figure out what needs to change so it won't happen again.
Then you have the new person who doesn't understand the process, the players or the problem who keeps asking questions. Why was she even there??
So what could have been resolved in a 20 minute meeting with the right players has become two very LONG meetings and we still have a ways to go.
I know God is using this situation for a reason, only He knows what!! So I speak when I have new information or information that is critical and sit back and listen. There are times my mind wanders to what these folks believe.... will they be with me in Heaven?
And I pray - sometimes that the time will hurry up or that folks will hush up. At other times I pray for God to be glorified somehow - I know He will.
God is so good.
There was a challenge - we were tasked with figuring out a solution. Sounds so simple. But we had to listen through - what caused the failure, then the "no one is to blame" we need to figure out what to do speech. Great - then let's do that rather than hash and rehash what went wrong. We are all human - mistakes are made. Let's fix what went wrong and figure out what needs to change so it won't happen again.
Then you have the new person who doesn't understand the process, the players or the problem who keeps asking questions. Why was she even there??
So what could have been resolved in a 20 minute meeting with the right players has become two very LONG meetings and we still have a ways to go.
I know God is using this situation for a reason, only He knows what!! So I speak when I have new information or information that is critical and sit back and listen. There are times my mind wanders to what these folks believe.... will they be with me in Heaven?
And I pray - sometimes that the time will hurry up or that folks will hush up. At other times I pray for God to be glorified somehow - I know He will.
God is so good.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Attack
God is about to do some amazing things in and through our lives.
We know this because the evil one is attacking us with gusto. Not only is he attacking us directly, he is attacking those we love with people who profess to love us but are walking in darkness.
So we are upping our prayers - becoming bolder, more courageous. We are asking to be a light in the darkness. We are asking for Abba Father to use us to His glory.
Prayers are seldom answered in the time frame we want them to be. They are always answered when God will get the most glory. He specializes in the seemingly impossible - the prayers we see no possible way for Him to answer.
We are on the seventh day of Jericho. We have circled and circled. We will NOT give up until the walls come tumbling down and our Lord gets all the praise, honor and glory due Him.
God is so good.
We know this because the evil one is attacking us with gusto. Not only is he attacking us directly, he is attacking those we love with people who profess to love us but are walking in darkness.
So we are upping our prayers - becoming bolder, more courageous. We are asking to be a light in the darkness. We are asking for Abba Father to use us to His glory.
Prayers are seldom answered in the time frame we want them to be. They are always answered when God will get the most glory. He specializes in the seemingly impossible - the prayers we see no possible way for Him to answer.
We are on the seventh day of Jericho. We have circled and circled. We will NOT give up until the walls come tumbling down and our Lord gets all the praise, honor and glory due Him.
God is so good.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Grandson
It is official - we will be having a grandson.
We pray for a healthy baby who will grow to love Jesus.
God is good.
We pray for a healthy baby who will grow to love Jesus.
God is good.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Prayer
I (Vicki) just finished reading Mark Batterson's book "The Circle Maker". I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to grow in their relationship with God.
There are so many ways I have been challenged:
There are so many ways I have been challenged:
- Why do I limit God? He created the earth and the universe and everything else - who am I to question how He is answering my prayers?
- Why am I not bolder in my prayers? I mean, really, Jesus died on the cross for me, then defeated death to rise again. After all of that He can handle whatever I throw His way.
- Why do I give up on some prayers? Do I ever give up one prayer before He is going to answer?
- Why don't I pray more? In reality, I waste tons of time doing things that have no eternal ramifications. Yes, I have to work, but on the way to work I daydream - now I am making a conscious effort to pray.
- I am keeping a prayer journal. It has been a LONG time since I did this because someone accused me of keeping tabs on God. Even if that was my purpose - so what? God can handle it!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Noah
This year we are reading through the Bible chronologically. Today was about Noah.
Noah had it right. God told him to build an ark. So, Noah built an ark. He didn't worry about what the neighbors were saying. He didn't worry about the cost of supplies or where to get them. Noah didn't worry about how the animals were going to get to or in the ark - He let God take care of the details. And, when God told him to take his family and get in the ark he did. He was obedient to what he was called to do.
Then God - shut the door of the ark. (I wonder what Mrs. Noah was saying at this point....)
After sending out a raven, then the dove mulitple times - Noah waited until God said leave the ark. (At this point I am pretty sure his children and their wives were whining about the smell!) God's timing is always perfect.
I can learn a lot from Noah - leave the details up to God and concentrate on what He has called me to do. Be obedient, that will ensure I won't go wrong!!
God took care of Noah and his family. God takes care of our family. God is good.
Noah had it right. God told him to build an ark. So, Noah built an ark. He didn't worry about what the neighbors were saying. He didn't worry about the cost of supplies or where to get them. Noah didn't worry about how the animals were going to get to or in the ark - He let God take care of the details. And, when God told him to take his family and get in the ark he did. He was obedient to what he was called to do.
Then God - shut the door of the ark. (I wonder what Mrs. Noah was saying at this point....)
After sending out a raven, then the dove mulitple times - Noah waited until God said leave the ark. (At this point I am pretty sure his children and their wives were whining about the smell!) God's timing is always perfect.
I can learn a lot from Noah - leave the details up to God and concentrate on what He has called me to do. Be obedient, that will ensure I won't go wrong!!
God took care of Noah and his family. God takes care of our family. God is good.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2012
Pretty sure this is the most excited I (Vicki) have been to start a new year. 2011 was not a particularly bad year....just glad it is over.
We are anticipating God is going to move mightily in and through our lives in 2012. Here are some of the reasons:
Brian's career - Brian has stepped out in faith and is working on his own. Much of this is due to his health, doing this if he is having a bad day, he can rearrange what he does. He has two companies he is doing work for with a third in the wings. This also gives him the freedom to spend time with family.
Grandbaby - sometime in June our first grandchild will be born!! We are SOOOOOO excited to take on this new role.
Missions - in February we will be headed to Rocky Point to help build a house in three days. Wow. This is an area we have never served together so it will be a stretching experience.
Finances - we are trusting God 100% with our finances. Early in 2011 we began tithing the full 10% based on
Growing closer to our Lord and to each other - we can't wait to see where God grows us both to Him and to each other. God never wastes a hurt, He is using our life story to encourage others. Wherever He wants us - that is where we will be.
So our prayer for 2012 is God will challenge you to move from where you are to the place He wants you to be in obedience to His will. Then His blessings will knock your socks off.
Abba Father is so good.
We are anticipating God is going to move mightily in and through our lives in 2012. Here are some of the reasons:
Brian's career - Brian has stepped out in faith and is working on his own. Much of this is due to his health, doing this if he is having a bad day, he can rearrange what he does. He has two companies he is doing work for with a third in the wings. This also gives him the freedom to spend time with family.
Grandbaby - sometime in June our first grandchild will be born!! We are SOOOOOO excited to take on this new role.
Missions - in February we will be headed to Rocky Point to help build a house in three days. Wow. This is an area we have never served together so it will be a stretching experience.
Finances - we are trusting God 100% with our finances. Early in 2011 we began tithing the full 10% based on
Malachi 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."So far we have been amazed at God (why is it we limit Him??). The only unpaid medical bill is West Valley Hospital and we are making payments. All of our bills have been paid on time. We have been able to be generous with our children and with giving. God is faithful to His promises.
Growing closer to our Lord and to each other - we can't wait to see where God grows us both to Him and to each other. God never wastes a hurt, He is using our life story to encourage others. Wherever He wants us - that is where we will be.
So our prayer for 2012 is God will challenge you to move from where you are to the place He wants you to be in obedience to His will. Then His blessings will knock your socks off.
Abba Father is so good.
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