Another Day from God

Well today was a great day, everyday the Lord gives us is another day to make a difference.
I am so excited that Deanna is going to sing with me and we are going to sing about a house that mercy built with Debbie playing. This house is the one built for Jan Thompson in Gonaives which makes it so special.

The meeting tonight for Haiti planning was cancelled. I am so excited about serving the Lord and just can't wait. The Baptist Church is an amazing body of believers. I marvel in the people that serve and give so much.

So I have been in prayer constantly about my life and everything connected to the trip and in Mark 11:24-25 Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." I ask for lots of things for other people but sometimes all God wants is to hear what is on our heart. This power of prayer is so important and I know when I am out of the states, there will be many people that will be praying for me. What an awesome God we serve who knows our every need. Have faith in God and He will sustain you and give you a life with Him.

Tools for Living and Life

In Roman 12:14, Pauls says, "Bless those that persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."

So I bought my first tools yesterday. The screwdriver is cool and will come in very handy. I'm headed to Kate's next week and so the tape will come in handy. Last week I had to fix the bathtub knobs. I'm getting pretty handy!

If it's one thing I've learned in the last 6 months, it's to embrace those who need a help up. I'm great at asking for help and I'm sure when I get back from Haiti, I will feel even more humble. I have a giving heart! All the possessions in the world and the toys we have 0n earth won't compare to the Kingdom of God. I've cleaned out my stamps to give away and clothes. I've already accepted two speaking engagements, the Life Enrichment members probably won't want to travel to Haiti on vacation. They are also eager to learn about other countries and are so supportive. Uncle Howard and Aunt Barb have asked me to speak to their Class of 1945 group and I will be honored. They to have always been so supportive of me and I love spending time with them. I like to think that I got some of my craftiness from watching Aunt Barb. They are also humble in their giving, and my what hosts they are! Aunt Barb is artistic and crafty and Uncle Howard is a thinker and planner, but he sure knows how to have fun. When I get back I can't wait to talk about what the Lord is teaching me through His love.

I am so blessed to update my thermometer. The generous hearts of others to send me out in the name of the Lord are so wonderful. Thanks to Les and Deanna for the meat and to all those that I am still finding put that have contributed. Thanks also for the KitchenAid Mixer for making the sugar cookie dough, it is a great machine!

Please be in prayer for the the family of the train accident that killed a mother and daughter, this family will need the Lord to keep His hand of comfort around them and strength to go on. Every time I hear emergency sirens, which is quite often where I live, I say a little prayer that God will be with those who help the patients and their families and keep them safe.

I am a Child of God

In John 1:12 it says, "But as many as received Him to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."

This is such a beautiful verse and I will share it with the children of Haiti. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and to be His child! God is bigger than anyone knows and I love praying and lifting my concerns to Him, and praying for those who are mourning loved ones and who are sick. Comfort and strength in the Lord is their only hope!

I have joined the First Baptist Church Divorce Group on Tuesday and I am grateful that there will be others in this group to share their concerns and for me to start the next step in healing.

My back is feeling so much better and sugar cookies are yummy. My new clothes from Goodwill are fitting great and exercise is so good! What a beautiful day the Lord has made!

Truth in a World of Need

John is one of my favorite books of the Bible and John 3:21, Jesus says, "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

Thank the Lord for Fridays! He knew we needed to rest and spend time with him! I decided to show you a picture of my new hair do. I bought this dress because I love orange and green together and I need to buy some clothes.

At Megan's stamp camp last night, I took pictures, they were such good sports. Such neat cards that Megan had for us. I'm so glad Brenda has become a demonstrator. I didn't cut anyone's head off so that was good! I love making and sending cards, it just gives the personal touch to a prayerful heart.

Continue to keep the team to Haiti and me in your prayers. It's always been my dream to go and serve and I am really getting excited. I am always so thankful to those who want to help, God loves a cheerful giver! Someday Holli and I will serve together, but, until then I will be leading the way and sitting the example of a pure heart in love with the Lord!

Do it All for the Lord

In Colossians 3:17 Paul said, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."





So many times we focus on what we can't do instead of what we can do. Whatever you do, have a grateful heart and sing his praises! Be glad He has called you as one of his own. I am so thankful to have Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I have a personal relationship with him and my heart is full! I'm ready to face whatever He had for me to learn!

Friends, Coffee and the Lord

So I've been looking waking up reading the Bible and then putting the Folgers on in the morning. It is better tasting than the cheap brand and adding flavored cream to it is the best.

We had a great time at card making last night and I was thrilled to have Sam, Alivia and Emily join us. All the Gardiner girls were there and just precious! They had a good time and lets face it, it was better than homework. The lemon bars were a success and the girls gave me a Ott-Lite floor lamp with a big extension arm to help with the light. I'm not sure I needed it but it will help and went great in my new craft room.

Isaiah 26:2 God said, "Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith." Keep your faith in God. Please also pray for our nation and the leaders to make good decisions and to bring our military boys home like Luke. I also pray that AJ won't have to deploy.

Psalm 25

I'm so blessed to have so many friends, but most importantly, my best friend God who loves me! Psalm 25:1-2 says To You, O Lord I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed ; Let not my enemies triumph over me.

I am so thankful to have enough to share with others. It is so wonderful to have a Father, Healer, Friend who is enough for me. The heavenly Father who has more strength when I don't have enough.

I got the Kari Jobe CD yesterday and what a blessing. She loves the Lord with all her heart and sings her songs for him. She is based in Texas. I think my favorite song is Beautiful. You can go to her website and listen. I'm sure her songs will lift you up!

I hurt my back using a stretchy band, so I am struggling, but physical therapy should help it!

This is my new card and it was sent to Glenda who made me a beautiful scarf. Her husband died last year and her walk through grief has been amazing. That's how we get through our trials, with friends that understand.

Surrond by Love and Missions

Today I spoke at the Degraff Church and what an amazing congregation of believers. The Holy Spirit is moving in this Church. Pam and Terry Lowmaster won a beautiful picture from Humana and dedicated it to the Church. Pam prepared a package meal from Humana so everyone could taste it. I got to help Deanna dish it up and what joy to know that the packet feeds 6 adults that wouldn't have had anything to eat. Pastor Larry Womacks blessed the meat that Deanna and Les donated from the beef they raise with Grandpa Leonard. Pator Larry Womacks also asked for those who could come up and lay hands on me and bless me on my journey. There was a peace that surround us and the Spirit was in this beautiful church. They also donated funds to help bless the people of Haiti.

It was really neat to meet Jeanntte and Richard McGrath who are riding across the U.S. to raise awareness and support for Hearts Up Ranch. The Ranch provides a safe and encouraging environment using animals, ranch activities, adventure, and the love of Christ to promote emotional healing.

In 2 Timothy 1:12, it says, For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.

I am committed everyday to be his servant and show His love to others.

Seeking God not Lemon Bars

Through the choices I have made recently, I have taken the knowledge that I have been remade in Christ and He is the comfort that I seek. He is the hope where I gain my strength.

So I went into my yellow kitchen of yellow to cook today and the picture above is Lemon Bars. I wasn't sure what to think but they actually are pretty tasty. Now if I was graded on plating abilities, I don't think I would win any contests but I bet Holli, Steve and Logan will try them for lunch tomorrow.

I will be speaking at the blessing of the meat tomorrow at the Degraff Church. I can't wait to tell them about what the team will be doing in Haiti.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:23 it says, May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

He has called me for a time such as this and I praise him in everything I do. The more I seek him the more I find Christ!

It's Friday

Friday, the day to celebrate the weekend starting! I got up early and started the day with the Lord. I felt sore after the workout yesterday and it felt good to stretch and clean the house. I really am enjoying my little two bedroom house with hard wood floors which are beautiful. The colors are cute and even though I have never had a K-State purple bedroom, it is very clean and adequate for myself. I have setup the extra room as my craft room.

In Matthew 5:11, Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say ll kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake." This is what I am prepared for when I get to Haiti because they don't know me. It must feel that way for the International Students that come to study in the U.S. I am choosing to get out of comfort zone and go with God to the unknown where he will be with me. The team will be there too, but I am strong and will be listening close to what Jesus is saying to me.

Great lunch with Teresa at Beijing! I love their new look and they service is excellent. Serving others with a grateful heart, God's highest calling!

Jeremiah

In Jeremiah 1:17, Jesus says, "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them."

I am not terrified of going to Haiti because I know God has called me for this time and has given me his words to speak about the salvation I have in Him. I don't think anything will happen and know that instead of worry you should be in prayer always.

Children of God

Today the funeral for Fern Fagg was beautiful. She was a gracious, giving lady who became Holli, AJ and Kati's faithful babysitter when they were growing up. She faithfully served the members of the First United Methodist Church and other families in town. She lived 2 doors down on Shelden Street from us and would walk up and sit whenever we needed her.

The song Children of God by Third Day talks about how we are His children and we've been redeemed by his blood through the His grace and mercy. What a wonderful promise we have in our Father.

In Matthew 18:5, Jesus said "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."

Unrest

Today the news is "Baby Doc" a former ruler is back in Haiti after 25 years. While they arrested him the court system might not be strong enough to try him. Kirk Day, the team leader is under the weather and Angie led the meeting. We met with Jan last night to get more information about the trip and set a schedule. Sounds like we will be busy and I can't wait to get started.


I am looking forward to meeting the 12 orphans and know my heart will be melted. Our focus is going to be taking travel size hygiene items in for the adults and the items I listed earlier. Bracelets in any color like the ones you can order in bulk are great too! The items need to be brought to the First Baptist Church or you can contact me for pickup. I will be helping take in frozen sugar cookie dough to share with the Haitian families at night that we will meet and share dinner with.


Thanks to Dick Albright for providing 20 necklaces with three crosses wood burned on them, they are beautiful. I appreciate everything that has been given and rejoice with the Lord that he has called me at a time such as this.

In Mark 10:17-19 Jesus speaks to the young rich man. The man called Him "Good Teacher." Jesus said in verse 18, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except for God alone."

God is so great and I am so glad to have a Heavenly Father.

The Cost of Following Him

In Matthew 8:20, Jesus was teaching about what it takes to follow him. One of the disciples told him he would follow him wherever he would go. Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." I am striving to be like Christ and build relationships here on earth that will further his Kingdom. So many have come along side of me and support me in my walk even though they are afraid that I will decide to follow the Lord into full time ministry. These are the faithful that know a life without the Lord is no life at all. We should give all we have to figure out how to walk and not judge others in a world that is cold and seems to forget the struggling.

My prayer today is that we can all follow him more closely and do his will. The first step I am taking is to attend the First Baptist Church and learn as much as I can. Barbara Day will be teaching a Bible study on Ruth and this will be a great time to study.

I can't continue to let others stumble because of me so this positive step is something that I need to do to get through the trials in my life. God provides and gives us what we want not what we need.

Getting Excited

Thanks to all who have helped me in the past get to where I am today. The Lord is truly blessing me! The additional funding received will go towards paying the shipping for the items we will be taking in. Today was a day off from my job at Butler Community College, so I went to work full time serving others, had lunch with Amy and took a walk and did some sit ups. Sunday I will speak at the DeGraff Church and they are planning a blessing of the meat that has been provided. Pastor Larry Womacks, Pam Lowmaster, Deanna and I have been planning this and I can't wait to share with them.



I will know more about the items that we can take tomorrow but we are planning on taking instant oatmeal, Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars, bubbles, jump ropes and stickers. We will also be taking clothes for the orphans. Jodi and Stephanie are putting together first aid kits.

If you know me, I'm not a flip flop person, I have no idea how some people can wear them year round. I will be taking a pair of sandals and extra pair of tennis shoes. I still need to get some tops, mosquito net, work gloves, space saver bags, batteries and Skin so Soft from Avon as they say it helps with the mosquitos and is a non aerosol. Ashley Burns who was previously there came up with a Lemongrass remedy that they took in to the jail, such a great idea. I should then have everything I need. We will pack our items in the space saver bags so we can get more and have more room for the mission items.

Some of you are really worrying about this trip and I hope that prayer gets you through. I am going with the Lord and he provides, he always has in my life!

Jan and Pastor Jean

It was great to see Jan and Pastor Jean and hear more about the Christopher's Hope Ministry. The Kids' Club has grown so much they had to bring in additional benches to accommodate the kids that come. The Men and Women's ministry in the jail is harder to minister because the guards are not Christians themselves and to hear the frustration and the perseverance in Jan's stories was so beautiful and showed the Lord is indeed working in the lives of many there. The water ministry and the sacrifices so many have made is incredible and I can't wait to share my testimony to let them know what a great God I serve.

I long to serve him more each day and be a beacon to those in need. I love Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. The words are set to music and I hope that I can have a chance to sing it with the people of Gonaives. I am working on preparing the song by Point of Grace, The House that Mercy Built to offer when I present the pictures and experiences from the trip. So many good songs! I listen to K-Love which is a positive Christian station at 99.1 FM. I have listened to this station for the last 4 years and it great.

I am in prayer about what the Lord has in store for me. I know he provides and setting up my new house and learning about thermostats, roller shades, car batteries, budgets and everyday things you take for granted has been challenging. I'm looking forward to learning more about filing your taxes.

Deanna and Les are coming for lunch and they have been such a blessing to me. Last night Savanna my niece went to the Winter Formal Dance with her boyfriend Logan. Those were such special times when my kids would all meet with their friends and go together. The crazy things that the boys did and the beautiful girls with their hair and nails. The cat hair clinging to the black outfits was always part of the event and using the lent roller. What a hoot!

Please keep Luke Bryan in your prayers. He hung with A.J. and is now serving in Kuwait. A.J.'s unit as it stands now, will deploy in October so please pray for all the military families.

The Physical Vessel

It is so important to keep fit and eat right. I started training today so I can climb the mountain near Gonaives. This mountain has the best view at the top and I'm told it is a beautiful site to see. I also decided to start drinking something other than water and the G2 packets aren't too bad tasting. You add them to your water bottle and they make a tasty drink. I'm going to take those in for a change other than water. They do have soda but I'm not a real soda fan so that isn't a temptation. I know I will sweat so water will save me. Granola bars have also become a staple as I will take those for a snack.



Forty more days and then I will see the beauty of God's people in a world of need. The Bible I purchased is a NKLV and has the words of Jesus in red. I've been studying with it.



Pray continually for those in need of hearing the word of God. Luke 14:27 "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." I will come back with the team but I know my heart will be in Haiti waiting for the next time to return.

Cards for Those in Need

I love to make cards and send them on to encourage those having trials in life. This is a new one that I made. Psalm 96:4

In preparing for the trip, I bought an ipod so I can drown out the sounds at night and sleep in Haiti. I have been loading songs and technology is so neat. Kari Jobe is one of my favorite singers and her songs just talk to me.

Jan Thompson and Pastor Jean will be in conversation with the community on Saturday at 6:00pm in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary. I am looking forward to the meeting and hope to learn much more by listening. They will head back before we arrive and prepare for our mission. Pray without ceasing!

Logan and Cars

I bought my first car battery. Those people at Wal-Mart make it so easy. I won't have to worry about my car not starting. I picked Logan up from daycare in Augusta and he was so excited when he saw me. When I walk into Holli's I usually say "Nana's here!" I walked into daycare and his little face just lit up when I said that. We came home and I had bought him a toy airplane with little people. The lights work and it sings when you push the pilot down. We learned about suitcases, it came with one. We also tried my sunglasses on that I'm taking to Haiti. I wanted him to know who he was looking at in the pictures when I get back. He had Cheetos and yogurt covered pretzels not to mention his new favorite thing-Heath bars. The best part was when we played the piano. This is going to be something he and Nana do! Thank God for little ones who are so precious! Of course his favorite song was Elmo Ducks so I have had to learn this. He is so fascinated by the computer. I love taking him to Church and singing Jesus Love Me!

New Strength in the Lord

I have been in prayer about the upcoming trip and was reading Isaiah 41:10 which says- Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God is such a great God and shares in our joy and times of trials.  I know that through him all things are made new and what a great assurance we have in him and the word of God. 

Please pray for all those who minister to those in need.  They are sometimes overlooked and often times under prayed for.  These are the daily feet of Jesus in our midst who take on cares and concerns of others, sometimes forgetting about their health and needs.

With this being the one year date of the devastating earthquake, so many are still in need.  I'm so glad I will be spreading the good news of salvation to a world in need of God.

Over and Above, God Supplies

Thanks to Sara and Nancy for all their work in keeping me updated on the funds that have come in for the trip.  To date the total donated is $1176.00.  The total expenses are $1082.93.  This amount was less than anticipated due to the cheaper air tickets.  This is more than I will need and I thank God for his blessings and the sacrifices some made to help spread the word of God.  The remainder will be taken as a love offering to the church at Gonaives. 

Thanks to Kirk Day for his purchase of the tickets on the phone for over an hour trying to book them. 
I have been in prayer about this trip and know that God delivers people from their challenges!  I am excited to be able to share this with the people of Haiti.  God loves them and has not forgotten them.

Thanks also to all who have lifted me up and my family in this new start in my life after making the decision to leave my marriage.

Plans for the Trip

While God is feeding our souls and we feed other souls of the people of Haiti, Deanna, my wonderful sister will be sending Kansas beef with us to feed us physically.  Angie is planning the meals and I appreciate her so much and I'm sure the food will be nourishing to our bodies to give us strength! 

I am so blessed to have friends who have made a donation to my trip, Dave, Carolyn and George!  They have been a blessing to my life and I will share my blessings from the Lord with people of Gonaives.  AJ and Kristin also sent a donation.  They are a blessing as well. 

Jan and Pastor Jean will be here soon to share with us!  Continue to pray for me and the team as we continue to make plans and share our love of the Lord for others! 

Praise God and Praise him for Candy!

I just love this verse Psalm 96:4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised!  Praise God every chance you get!  My hope is in the Lord!

For some background on Gonaives, Haiti which is where we will be, it is in the northern part of Haiti about 4 hours car ride from Port of Prince which is where we fly in.  The roads are still not repaired from the flooding so I am looking forward to some excitement and bumps!  What an adventure!

Somedays all you need is candy!!!!  One of the things be taking is a bag of suckers for the kids, I already have them!  Everyone likes them and even little ones can eat them!  This is a big hit with the kids and I am all about blessing them and they don't take up much room and can be packed around on in things.

Some of the other things I will purchase with funds thanks to Kenny and Wilma Howell are a backpack, sunscreen, bug spray, baby wipes, Kleenex, sheets, flip flops, some snack items, towels and some bright summer clothes to wear while I am there and leave for the people.  The best part is a new Bible will be going with me as well!  I hope to come home with nothing but the clothes on my back because I am so blessed to have this opportunity and can't wait to give it all away in the name of the Lord.  It truly does come back ten fold when you give everything away!

God Bless everyone and continue to pray for the team going in to do this great work of the Lord! 

A Movie, Family and God

Last night Christopher and I went to see The Chronicles of Narina: the Voyage of the Dawn Treader and it was great!  We were glad to have saw the first one so we had a background for the movie.  The early 2D show was sold out so we stayed for the 4:15 and saw it in 3D.  We looked interesting in our 3D glasses.  I thought Christopher wasn't going to stay awake for the movie but he did, I think he has enjoyed his gaming this holiday season.   I loved on Logan and Holli and then came home to a very restful night...no coughing and lots of sleep.  It seems like the dog hair in the house and vents is causing my allergies to flair. 

I am asking for prayers for my Uncle Howard Redburn who is at Wesley, they aren't sure what is going on.  He is a super guy and has always been there to support me and my endeavors, and also for Aunt Julie Anderson who will be having heart surgery at Kansas Heart Hospital tomorrow.  Aunt Julie is a fabulous decorator and made the finishing touches on Ethanni's wedding cake to hide the cracks and flaws that drying fondant can cause.  I sent cards since I wasn't able to go so that should brighten their spirits.  Both of the cards were pictures that Leroy Gipson took and then added scriptures to!  One of them was of a beautiful yellow flower that I grew.     

In the scriptures , Mark 16:15, Jesus is giving the great commission- He said to them, "Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation."  This is what I am looking forward to sharing in Haiti.  The "good news," is one full of grace and mercy for everyone, if you believe and ask Jesus into your heart!