Remember

"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done..." Judges 2:10 (NLT)

One year ago today. That's when a small group of 25 people (among whom were me, my husband and our 2 daughters) left on a 10 day journey to serve and work with the poor and needy people of Swaziland, Africa. It hardly seems like it's been a year already. But then again there are times when it seems like an eternity. Alot of life has been lived since then. Times of joy & celebration. Times of sorrow and loss. Busy times...fulfilling responsibilities with work, family and ministry. One thing I've come to realize though is that if we're not careful, it becomes really easy for us to forget, doesn't it? Maybe I'm becoming more nostalgic as I get older, but as I spend time in God's word I see that there are many times where God tells us to 'remember'. So it must be important. So here goes...come along with us on our trip down memory lane today...this 1 year anniversary of our life changing trip to Swaziland, Africa. I remember...

• The gracious welcome from the Swazi and Mozambican people when we first arrived.
• The poor living conditions of the people....amazing, they have so little.
• People searching for food in the local garbage dump...which was situated adjacent to the city cemetery.
• Watching a young boy (maybe 5 yrs old) carrying a large bucket of brownish water up a hill after drawing it from a muddy creek.
• The smokey haze hovering over the hillsides as people burned their fields in the hope of producing more fertile soil once the planting season arrives.
• Combis (vans) jam packed with people commuting from one place to another.
• The sick children and the look in their eyes.
• The smiles and games we played with the school children at El Shaddai Children's Home as we painted their school bathrooms. (oh yes...and the smell in the boys bathroom!!)
• The awesome view of the mountains and the valley below that the children at El Shaddai get to enjoy every single day.
• The rugged dirt roads leading up to El Shaddai. (and you think we have pot holes...!)
• The people (both children and adults) that would run up to our van as we drove by, grinning from ear to ear, in the hope to catch some sweets (candy) we were offering to them....and their graciousness once they got some.
• Speaking to the 'Go-Go' (grandmother) and her amazement that people would spend their vacation time and money (of which she couldn't even fathom) to come all that way to Swaziland to help them. **Sadly, she has since died.
• The resourcefulness of the Swazi people....and their hard work ethic.
• Looking into the clear southern hemisphere sky at night and seeing the Southern Cross constellation. God you are amazing!
• The choirs singing and dancing at the 4 hour long church dedication service, and the table filled with food that the Mozambican and Swazi women prepared for the celebration. (took them 3 days to prepare!)
• Being charged by a somewhat irritated elephant that stopped just a foot away from our landrover. (and the look on our girls faces as that was happening :)
• Being just a few feet away from a pride of lions, seeing giraffes perfectly camoflaged in the thick brush, eating some impala for lunch, and being captivated by the beautiful African sunset.
• Children just wanting to be held. And held. And held.
• The privilege and joy of meeting our sponsored child, Nkosimphile.
• The emotional sharing from each group member during our debriefing sessions each evening. None of us will ever be the same again. (1 group member has answered God's call and has since moved to Cape Town, South Africa!)
• The ache in our hearts as we were leaving. It's still there.... (Lord willing we'll be returning in July 0f 2009!)
• The culture shock when we returned to America.
• Witnessing God's love, God's presence, God's faithfulness in every situation.

So there you have it...just a few of the things we've been remembering today. But wait, I remember...there's 1 more thing! Nothing new, but it's been on my refrigerator for years and kinda sums it all up: "Love God, love people....nothing else matters". I hope we never forget that! God bless.

As Iron Sharpens Iron

"As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. " Proverbs 27:17

This weekend has been anything but 'dull'. It started out Friday morning with my husband (my best friend) Mark and I sharpening our rummaging skills...seeking and successfully finding a nice, used kitchen table and chairs for our oldest daughter. Then later on that afternoon we had the opportunity to serve alongside other friends for a few blustery hours at an outdoor book sale...with proceeds (over $2,000!) going to help support the Compassionate Life Foundation and their work with orphans and widows in Swaziland, Africa. Then before the crack of dawn Saturday morning I had the blessing of meeting with some Bible Study Fellowship friends/leaders as we thanked God for the many truths and blessings He has showered upon us this year through our study of Matthew. Once home, I was blessed to spend some uninterrupted phone time with my dear friend (and sister in Christ) Becky in Boston. A time of laughter, tears, encouragment and just catching up on life. After that my husband and I took a leisurely walk in a local county park with man's best friend...our dog Rapha. Then today was baptism Sunday at church. A powerful time of worship and hearing many men, women and children give testimony of what their faith in Jesus Christ has meant in their lives. And tonight, wrapping up the weekend, a small group of friends met at our house for pizza & fellowship as we let lesson #2 of 'The Truth Project' sharpen our biblical worldview. Now it's late. The house is quiet, and I'm tired...ready to call it a day. But not before giving thanks to God for the many friends He has used to 'sharpen' my walk with Him. Thank you Jesus!

The Great Commission

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20



We all know what it feels like to be 'sent' don't we. We're sent to the grocery store for food. We're sent across town to run errands. We're sent to the neighbors for a cup of sugar. In a few short weeks athletes from all around the world will be 'sent' to represent their countries in the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. All different scenarios, but each with a specific purpose. So then...what does it mean & how does it look when we're sent by God? Good question! Looking at these verses, I see some hints. First hint: there's authority behind the sending. The God of the universe is backing us. (No small thing there!) Second hint: The supernatural power of God is in action. We may feel inadequate (we are!), but God can and will enable us to do what He's called us to do. Third hint: there's work to be done - make disciples. People who are willing to hear about, learn & live for God & His Son Jesus Christ. Fourth hint: It's an adventure. My friend Jen would often say "God has a wild imagination!" So true! And is there anything more exciting than to be willing and eager to go wherever God might send us? Fifth hint: We never go it alone. Wherever God sends us, He's promised to be with us. So whether He 'sends' us to the grocery store, the neighbor's house, across town, Beijing, or Africa ...being 'sent' by God truly is the greatest commission!

3rd Time Around?

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-2

Again God, again! That was our prayer way back in July, 2007 as we returned home from our 2nd mission trip to Swaziland. God had so moved in our hearts that even then we felt the tug to someday return. Well that 'someday' has come. God is 'on the move' in amazing ways in Swaziland and we are sensing His call for us to return....in the summer of 2009. Seems like a long time from now doesn't it? But as we well know...there are myriads of details that need to line up for this to happen; Rearranging work schedules, notifying family & friends, raising funds, etc..etc. So with that said, what's first & foremost on the agenda? Prayer. Please join us in prayer that God, in His grace, would grant us wisdom and clear direction as we move forward...step by step...3rd time around...by faith. Blessings & thanks to all ~

Day of Prayer for Kenya

"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." Ezra 8:23

I have a friend who had spent many years as a teacher at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. Because of the gravity of what's been happening in that country, she is asking that we join her in spending some specific time in prayer today (Jan. 25th) for the people and situation in Kenya. Here's the link to her blogsite that gives more specifics. http://acupofteawithme.blogspot.com/. God alone is able to transform that situation. So let us expectantly and by faith, join together in prayer on their behalf.

Never, Ever Give Up!

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Years ago, in my athletic years, I remember racing against a team of riders that had printed on their jerseys in big bold letters: "NGU". Not knowing what it stood for, naturally I asked one of them. She said that even though they were a small unsponsored team, and even though they might not stand a chance racing against the powerhouse teams of that day, they were still a team...and that the letters on their jerseys stood as a vivid reminder to each of them to "Never Give Up". Sure they had some successes, but for the most part during races they found themselves just part of the pack. But no matter how hard things got, no matter the disappointments, the challenges, the ups & downs....they were committed to pressing on. I've never forgotten that.

Now apply that to life. Life is truly a gift from God. But it's not easy is it? Full of ups & downs. Joys and heartbreaks. Successes and challenges. Many times we feel like we're just part of the pack. Other times we wonder if what we're doing is really making a difference. Well let me tell you...you are! Press on! Keep committing yourself to making the most of every single day God gives you. Give out lots of hugs. Give out lots of encouragement. Give out lots of love. Let us not become weary in doing good...NGU...for in the long run, it'll all be worth it.

Merry Christmas

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:66

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Reflecting on the most precious gift ever given. God's own son (Jesus). My prayer is that we might each unwrap the gift, through faith, and receive everlasting life. God bless you all this Christmas.

2007 Swaziland Work Team Christmas Tree :-)