A little of this and a little of that....

An update for my loyal readers, I know I have a few.

Besides battling some sickness, I have had the opportunity to relive my 'mommy days' this past week. I suppose it would be more appropriate to call them 'grammy days'. Anyway...

Kathy's daughter Brooke had a baby this week and we got to love and care for Ally 6 and Koltyn 8.

So we're talking coloring, reading stories, reviewing homework, spelling words as well as doing math:( The best part was praying with them and explaining why we love to talk to God whenever we can.

We actually got a sweet routine going, bathed and ready for bed ( usually on time or close to it) Then up and at 'em at an early hour and off to school. It's been wonderful and grueling! The kids have been fabulous and a total blessing to be around, but this kind of routine is definitely designed for younger women. We found ourselves praising God when we had the chance to get a nap in.

I have been diligently working on my homework for Boot Camp. I'm getting there, and praise God I have till Thursday night to complete it.

What I've learned so far ( and I haven't even gone to the seminar) It is biblical to seek funding for your ministry. Over and over there are bible references to support this, I know, I looked them all up!

Anyway, I would welcome your prayers as I attend this seminar from 8am to 6pm Friday and Saturday. Don't be surprised if you get a phone call one day soon asking to meet with you and inviting you to join my support team!

Saturday I attended a 4 hour membership class at Maranatha Bible Church. It's the local church I attend here in Cedar Rapids when I'm not at our church plant in Centro Emissor, Mozambique.

I am looking forward to making myself 'official' at MBC. We each need to be a part of a local body of believers and we need to serve the body. I am only in the states part time, but I feel the need to be a part of MBC and serve. I am grateful that God lead me here!

Oh yes one more thing, Kathy and I had out first official ( in the states) Portuguese lesson. Delores our teacher is sweet and patient and we are really looking forward to our time with her each week.

We would love prayer, asking that God would give us supernatural wisdom to be able to conquer the language.

One last thing, happy birthday to my youngest child Sean. This young man is responsible for leading me to the Lord when he was only 13 years old. He turns 21 on Tuesday and my prayer for him as he completes his junior year at Baptist Bible College, is that he would seek daily after the Lord and His will in all things. I love you Sean!

I love all of you for caring enough about me to read this.

Boot Camp

Glad to see I peaked your interest.....

Yes, I am attending Boot Camp on March 5th and 6th in Iowa City. Surprised?

First let me say that it is totally a "God thing" that I am able to attend so close to home!! This means no planes, hotels, and all the addition expenses involved when traveling.

Initially, I was suppose to go to South Carolina, I know, not a bad place to visit this time of year, right?

But I have to tell you, at this point, I would rather be close to home, and save money at the same time! When I spoke to Laura, the lady in charge, she asked why I was looking to go to South Carolina and not Iowa City (which is about 20minutes from my home in Cedar Rapids)

I explained that the registration on line had indicated they were full....but my God is so good to me, always! He knew what I needed and He provided!

Okay, so let me explain....yes it's "Boot Camp", that's the title of the seminar, but it's just that a seminar. So, no push ups, or rope climbing or parachute jumps, but hard work just the same.

They call it Boot Camp because it's intense and requires a 100% participation. Sounds like the service doesn't it?

Actually, I am going to learn how to raise support to fund the work the Lord has called me to do.

They claim that if the participants give it their all, and do all the prep work before hand (over 24 hours of prep work!) then follow their guidelines, they will have 100% support in 100 days!

I like the sounds of that!

There are several requirements that have to be fulfilled before I even attend the first day.

Like reading the book, Funding your Ministry, and completing 18 pages of "homework".

There are multiple bible studies that will need to be completed as well ( I will like this part)

I am grateful that the course is based on scripture. How God has asked us to utilize the resources He provides. Asking us to give to those whom He has called to fulfill the great commission. I am excited to see what else He will show me through this training.

The course is not free, and I am blessed that God has provided and I am able to attend.

They do offer us $100.00 discount.

If we can secure donors in a personal face to face meetings, they will give a $100.00 discount.

Anyone interested?

You could be my homework.... I mean supporter:)

I will need lots of prayers, not only to get all my homework done, but then to pass the course!

There is actually a lot riding on this. Think about it, if God is my teacher and I am the student, would you want to fail ?

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.

Thanks once again for reading.

Thank you Jesus

I want to thank God for a blessed week!
Wow, it's really been great catching up with people I love and haven't seen in over a year.
Thank you all for your willingness to take time and share about your life with me.

The Lord has answered all my prayers this week.
He was faithful to go before me and walk with me each and every day.

It's really been wonderful renewing and rebuilding relationships. It's what we are called to do.....to love each other, and I have been blessed!

Over the past three years, I have had ample opportunity to speak of God's love and faithfulness.
Now God has given me the chance to show everyone just how much He loves us.
I pray that what people saw was simply a women listening to the Lord and walking in faith.

My goal for this week was to love like Jesus loves, and to leave people stronger and braver than they were before we met. I pray that was accomplished.

Thank you friends, thank you Jesus.

0% nerves, 0% fears, 100% God's faithfulness

I have been in Auburn since Friday afternoon and having a great time, soaking everything in, catching up and just being with my grandson.

Thanks to Nathan and Sara I have been able to video record almost every single move my grandson Benjamin has made since I landed. I don't think I'm annoying anyone ...yet:)

It's so great watching him and seeing how he is learning about everything around him.

What a blessing, to spend time with him.

Sunday I spoke at two churches here in Auburn. I am amazed at how many people are praying for me and supporting my missionary work in Mozambique.

It has been over a year since I have seen most of these folks. Yet they all assure me that they pray for me regularly and I know that it's true.

The Lord was certainly faithful today as He heard my prayers for wisdom, and 'assistance' as I stood before these groups.

I had no fear no nerves, none of the usual symptoms I had become accustom to.

I kept thinking what's different about this, why am I doing okay, calm even?

I of course knew the answer, I had been faithful in prayer and trusting that God was in control of the whole situation and God had been faithful to answer.

I love when that happens!

Okay, I guess that's all I have to say at least for now.

I had a very dear friend tell me that she doesn't read my blog when I'm in the states " cuz it's boring".

I hope that none of you were too bored.

I don't want anyone to lose interest and change the channel.

Think of this as the off season on TV, you know, reruns etc.

But keep checking in and one day soon ( May 10th) I'll be back in Mozambique and the adventures will continue....

Seriously, if you're reading this blog most likely you are a friend, relative, supporter or prayer warrior. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I am grateful for your place in my life, and may God bless you abundantly.

Home again....

I thought I'd better keep you all posted on my whereabouts, that's assuming anyone is even reading this blog or following our travels.

So, we are officially home. After 3 weeks of travel it felt so good to unpack the car and not have to figure out how to pack it all back in. Thank you Lord!

I love being home and continue to thank God for providing a perfect place to call home. Cedar Rapids has felt right since day one and that is something only the Lord can control.

Now I have a few days to do some laundry, sleep in my own bed (YES!) and then pack a bag and head to NY, the place I used to call home. The place my children still call home.

I am really looking forward to my visit and the opportunity to catch up with many people I have not seen in over a year.

The truth is I am most excited about seeing my grandson Ben! He will be 2 years old in April. He's perfect and smart and the best 2 year boy ever:) and I can't wait to love on him! I miss him a lot!

As much as I may 'miss' some things ( like Ben and my children) I am also totally content with my life and the work the Lord has put before me.

Actually more than content. I have a wonderful life and love being in the Lord's will. (You may have read in a previous blog that I have the "best job ever":) He continues to bring people and circumstances into my life that bless me abundantly and exceedingly more than I could have ever imagined. I have come to know so many incredible people all over the United States as well as around the world.

While I'm in NY I will be sharing at three churches as well as at Hospice, where I used to work for many years. The Executive Director ( and my dear friend) has graciously agreed to let me use the office space to share about what God has been doing in my life and about my ministry in Mozambique.

My goal is to help people see the needs in Mozambique and then excite and empower them to want to be a part of the solution.

In my free time I am anxious to have time with my children, my brother, and a few close friends. I am praying that the Lord will multiply my time, as I have much I hope to accomplish.

I have been blessed on many levels and am so grateful for the Lord's calling on my life as well as His guidance, wisdom and protection.

I would ask for your prayers that God would give me wisdom to speak clearly and communicate what He wants me to share as I have the opportunity to impact lives.

Psalms 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Thanks for reading...