Monday, June 30, 2008
Flesh vs. Spirit
Matthew 26:41 says "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" The word of God always speaks truth and it's screaming loud and clear in my life. There's been a knock down, all out battle going on inside me for a few weeks now. The flesh and the spirit have started WW III in my heart and the score seems to be tied. I've started a new job at a place where God is moving in huge ways and He's using me to be a part of it....and Satan hates it! And the worst part is the enemy knows my weaknesses, sometimes I feel better than I do. And he hasn't been holding anything back. But I know I have victory because God is on my side fighting for me. Although my heart is deceitful, wicked, and beyond cure, (Jeremiah 17:9) God can see the true depth of my heart, knows my every thought, my every heart's desire, and continues to love me unconditionally. HE can't love me anymore or any less, His love is PERFECT! So until my flesh starts waving the white flag of surrender or Jesus comes back, I'll continue to fight the good fight of faith, and take hold of eternal life to which I was called. (1 Timothy 6:12) And I'll continue to keep watch and pray, for my spirit is willing but my body is weak.
Monday, June 2, 2008
CONGRATS ANDREA!!!
My cousin Andrea got married this weekend to her new hubby Doug! It was such a beautiful, simple, small town wedding. Absolutely perfect for her. And the church was beautiful!
The actually wedding was in Lincoln, but then the reception was in a small town just north of town called Davey. I think it might have maybe 300 people in it :-)
Since I've been in the Philippines most of the last two years I haven't seen much of my extended family. So it was a great time to reunite and catch up! Family truly is an amazing blessing from the Lord!
Here's some of those blessings...
My big bro Kevin
My beautiful mama
My fav cuz Steven, his wife Jacey, and their new son Owen
My little bro Nick
My pops!
Aunt Debbie the mother of....
The beautiful bride Andrea!
Great Uncle Richard who is always givin me pinchy kisses!!! haha
And I just love this picture so I wanted to put it on here. Which I can cause it's my blog! He's such a proud daddy!
The actually wedding was in Lincoln, but then the reception was in a small town just north of town called Davey. I think it might have maybe 300 people in it :-)
Since I've been in the Philippines most of the last two years I haven't seen much of my extended family. So it was a great time to reunite and catch up! Family truly is an amazing blessing from the Lord!
Here's some of those blessings...
My big bro Kevin
My beautiful mama
My fav cuz Steven, his wife Jacey, and their new son Owen
My little bro Nick
My pops!
Aunt Debbie the mother of....
The beautiful bride Andrea!
Great Uncle Richard who is always givin me pinchy kisses!!! haha
And I just love this picture so I wanted to put it on here. Which I can cause it's my blog! He's such a proud daddy!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
O-TOWN LIVIN
I've been living in Omaha now for a couple weeks. It gets pretty interesting at times, but I'm really loving it. Here's a pic of my roomies.... Alyssa, Me, Sharlay, Misty.
I've been playing a lot....let me rephrase that.... AAAALLLLLOOOOOTTTT of basketball. I started off extremely rusty, broke shot, slower than molasses in the dead of winter, hackin-crazy, and blister filled feet. But slowly my skills have been coming back. My new J's helped and I've been hitting the occasional three pointer, droppin dimes, and playing tenatious D! We've been runnin full court games so its an awesome way to get in shape. And it's also fun to humble the guys when I blow past em. My body is still adjusting to playing so much. I still get aches, pains, sore and stiffness. But I've realized my body isn't exactly 19 anymore and ibuprofen is a necessity.
One thing I've had to get used to living here is hearing the sirens at all hours of the day and knowing we're sort of in the middle of the hot zone. It's been getting worse with the nicer weather. I woke up last night at 4am and heard some quick pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. I'll let you guess what it was, but don't worry it was pretty far in the distance. I know that this is where God has Misty (my sister) buying a house, and me living right now. I trust that nothing will happen that God doesn't allow. I trust the hands of the Savior my life is resting in.
Living here also opens a huge door for ministry opportunities. My sister Misty works at an after-school program called the Hope Center about six blocks from our house. I've been volunteering there (where we usually play ball) and we're constantly giving kids rides, having them over, and feeding them. It's a great way to give them something to do and get them off the streets. God has created a lot of opportunities to talk about Him and how He's changed my life. I've been seeing Him use my past in huge ways to relate to them and open conversations about His love, forgiveness, and grace.
Yesterday,we had about 20 of the kids over for a Memorial Day grill out. We grilled burgers, bratts, had chips, baked beans, fruit salad, and iced tea. We set up the volleyball net and also had football and frisbee going. It was such a beautiful day. And God held off the rain until long after the kids had gone home. (which was about midnight!) It was awesome to be able to serve and love them for the Lord.
a short video of the boys so called "victory dance" even though we absolutely killed them!
some pics of the day...
I've been playing a lot....let me rephrase that.... AAAALLLLLOOOOOTTTT of basketball. I started off extremely rusty, broke shot, slower than molasses in the dead of winter, hackin-crazy, and blister filled feet. But slowly my skills have been coming back. My new J's helped and I've been hitting the occasional three pointer, droppin dimes, and playing tenatious D! We've been runnin full court games so its an awesome way to get in shape. And it's also fun to humble the guys when I blow past em. My body is still adjusting to playing so much. I still get aches, pains, sore and stiffness. But I've realized my body isn't exactly 19 anymore and ibuprofen is a necessity.
One thing I've had to get used to living here is hearing the sirens at all hours of the day and knowing we're sort of in the middle of the hot zone. It's been getting worse with the nicer weather. I woke up last night at 4am and heard some quick pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. I'll let you guess what it was, but don't worry it was pretty far in the distance. I know that this is where God has Misty (my sister) buying a house, and me living right now. I trust that nothing will happen that God doesn't allow. I trust the hands of the Savior my life is resting in.
Living here also opens a huge door for ministry opportunities. My sister Misty works at an after-school program called the Hope Center about six blocks from our house. I've been volunteering there (where we usually play ball) and we're constantly giving kids rides, having them over, and feeding them. It's a great way to give them something to do and get them off the streets. God has created a lot of opportunities to talk about Him and how He's changed my life. I've been seeing Him use my past in huge ways to relate to them and open conversations about His love, forgiveness, and grace.
Yesterday,we had about 20 of the kids over for a Memorial Day grill out. We grilled burgers, bratts, had chips, baked beans, fruit salad, and iced tea. We set up the volleyball net and also had football and frisbee going. It was such a beautiful day. And God held off the rain until long after the kids had gone home. (which was about midnight!) It was awesome to be able to serve and love them for the Lord.
a short video of the boys so called "victory dance" even though we absolutely killed them!
some pics of the day...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Thank God I'm A Country Girl
Well I left the big city of Manila and came back to the good ol' country... and I've loved it! In fact, this afternoon I'm moving to go live with my sister in Omaha so I'm sad to be leaving the country. I'm just praying one day God will have me settle in the country again.... (with an awesome husband and lots of little ones running around :-) But until then I'll keep sneaking in country time whenever I can get it. Since I've been home I've been staying at my parents house which is about 30 miles from a decent size city, and their nearest neighbor is one mile away, who just happens to be my Grandpa! It's been so wonderful to sit outside in fresh air, no noise, wildlife running around, and just breathe in Gods beauty. I truly love the country. Here are some of the moments that make me love it....
Riding horses.....
Climbing windmills...
The view...
Turker hunting...
With dad...
Riding horses.....
Climbing windmills...
The view...
Turker hunting...
With dad...
Monday, April 28, 2008
GRADUATION
We had another awesome Pregnancy Class graduation. These women are so much fun. They are so quick to always have a smile and laugh. Their hearts are so big and challenge me to not be so worried about life, but to choose joy.
Upon arriving, we found that Bilma had FINALLY had her baby...only about a week overdue. The poor girl, she was looking more uncomfortable every time we saw her. This is her with her daughter, and new baby boy.
We started off the celebration by singing praise and worship songs led by Charmain and Marites, two awesome girls who have become close fiends of mine.
Then came competition time. The first game we split up the women in two different teams. After balancing the calamansi on a spoon in their mouth, each contestant had to race as fast as possible around a chair and then return to their line where they passed the calamansi to the next in line. (with no hands)
Because Val is also pregnant and we were short one player, she was game enough to join in.
Each member of the winning team got to pick out an outfit from the basket. All the outfits that weren't given out during games were given to the women at the end of the day. Many of these clothes and the money for the graduation celebration was donated from supporters back home. Thank you supporters!!!!!!!!!
The next game was a contest of three women at a time. Each woman was blindfolded and they had to race to see who could diaper a Cabbage Patch Doll the fastest. Each winner got to take another pick from the clothes basket.
After the games Charmain, the church pastora, shared the gospel of salvation with the graduates, their families, and even some visitors outside the church.
Charmain has become a very close friend of mine who has an absolutely beautiful heart for the Lord. She has been such a blessing in my life and will continue to be a blessing to those in Tanza. Many of the women have started coming to church. We don't know how many hearts have received Christ because of this program, but one day when we're in heaven we'll find out.
Next on the program was the turning of the tassles....oh wait we didn't have caps and gowns. But we did hand out certificates, bibles, daily devotionals, pictures frame with class pictures, and gifts including outfits, cloth diapers, thermometers, diaper pins, blankets, etc. The women were so grateful. It was a joy to be able to give these gifts to them.
After all was over, we took time to take maraming (lots) pictures, and say many many sad goodbyes. There were lots of hugs and lots of tears. But even though goodbyes were said, memories and friendships will last a lifetime.
Upon arriving, we found that Bilma had FINALLY had her baby...only about a week overdue. The poor girl, she was looking more uncomfortable every time we saw her. This is her with her daughter, and new baby boy.
We started off the celebration by singing praise and worship songs led by Charmain and Marites, two awesome girls who have become close fiends of mine.
Then came competition time. The first game we split up the women in two different teams. After balancing the calamansi on a spoon in their mouth, each contestant had to race as fast as possible around a chair and then return to their line where they passed the calamansi to the next in line. (with no hands)
Because Val is also pregnant and we were short one player, she was game enough to join in.
Each member of the winning team got to pick out an outfit from the basket. All the outfits that weren't given out during games were given to the women at the end of the day. Many of these clothes and the money for the graduation celebration was donated from supporters back home. Thank you supporters!!!!!!!!!
The next game was a contest of three women at a time. Each woman was blindfolded and they had to race to see who could diaper a Cabbage Patch Doll the fastest. Each winner got to take another pick from the clothes basket.
After the games Charmain, the church pastora, shared the gospel of salvation with the graduates, their families, and even some visitors outside the church.
Charmain has become a very close friend of mine who has an absolutely beautiful heart for the Lord. She has been such a blessing in my life and will continue to be a blessing to those in Tanza. Many of the women have started coming to church. We don't know how many hearts have received Christ because of this program, but one day when we're in heaven we'll find out.
Next on the program was the turning of the tassles....oh wait we didn't have caps and gowns. But we did hand out certificates, bibles, daily devotionals, pictures frame with class pictures, and gifts including outfits, cloth diapers, thermometers, diaper pins, blankets, etc. The women were so grateful. It was a joy to be able to give these gifts to them.
After all was over, we took time to take maraming (lots) pictures, and say many many sad goodbyes. There were lots of hugs and lots of tears. But even though goodbyes were said, memories and friendships will last a lifetime.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
BABY NO NAME YET
When we showed up to class this week Marjorie was there with her new baby daughter!!!! She is soooo beautiful!
When I asked her name, Marjorie said she didn't have one yet. Don't be alarmed, this is actually pretty common here. And since most women give birth in their own homes, they typically don't even get a birth certificate until quite a while after the child is born. She is Marjorie's fourth child, but her first girl. "Baby No Name Yet" was born last Wednesday, March 26. I of course suggested she name her Lisa. :-) I don't think she went for it :-(
Bilma hasn't had her baby yet. Her actual due date is April 5, so maybe by our next class we'll have another new baby! I just love it! And of course Bilma looks as beautiful as ever!!!!!
________________________________________________________
We've been visiting Jerilyn and her family atleast once a week taking formula and such. Jerilyn is really putting on weight. Its so great to see her flourishing and growing!
This is Jerlyns older sister Jeserie. We had a movie night at the church a couple weeks ago and Jesrie slept on my lap through most of it. We've been friends ever since. ;-)
Here's Rosie with her other daughters Jeserie who is two, and Jenrose who is three years old.
I just thought this was a funny picture and that you might enjoy seeing it.
When I asked her name, Marjorie said she didn't have one yet. Don't be alarmed, this is actually pretty common here. And since most women give birth in their own homes, they typically don't even get a birth certificate until quite a while after the child is born. She is Marjorie's fourth child, but her first girl. "Baby No Name Yet" was born last Wednesday, March 26. I of course suggested she name her Lisa. :-) I don't think she went for it :-(
Bilma hasn't had her baby yet. Her actual due date is April 5, so maybe by our next class we'll have another new baby! I just love it! And of course Bilma looks as beautiful as ever!!!!!
________________________________________________________
We've been visiting Jerilyn and her family atleast once a week taking formula and such. Jerilyn is really putting on weight. Its so great to see her flourishing and growing!
This is Jerlyns older sister Jeserie. We had a movie night at the church a couple weeks ago and Jesrie slept on my lap through most of it. We've been friends ever since. ;-)
Here's Rosie with her other daughters Jeserie who is two, and Jenrose who is three years old.
I just thought this was a funny picture and that you might enjoy seeing it.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS MARITES & HELLO GIL
This weekend my friend Marites graduated from college. Marites interned with First Love this year and through which became a good friend of mine. She helped us out by translating, leading worship, doing kids bible studies, and so so much more. Marites graduated from Evangelical Theological College of the Philippines with a degree in Theology. After receiving her diploma and turning her tassel, her supervisor and friend Dave Clinton prayed for her.
It was great to be able to celebrate this moment with her. I'm so proud of her!
One of my good friends from last year, Gil Wong, came back to the Philippines for a visit. She's one of the sweetest girls I know. And being from the UK she has one of the sweetest accents I've ever heard! Our time together was short, but it was so great to spend time with her again. And maybe the next time we're together it will be in Liverpool.
It was great to be able to celebrate this moment with her. I'm so proud of her!
One of my good friends from last year, Gil Wong, came back to the Philippines for a visit. She's one of the sweetest girls I know. And being from the UK she has one of the sweetest accents I've ever heard! Our time together was short, but it was so great to spend time with her again. And maybe the next time we're together it will be in Liverpool.
STRENGTHS
While I was home for Christmas, I got a book called "Living Your Strengths". It's a book about discovering your God-Given talents and then using them to inspire your community and bring glory to God. When you buy the book, it comes with a web adddress and code to take a strengths-finder test. The test involves eighty-some questions, and you are allowed 20 seconds for each question so that you can't over-analyze the questions. Your answer needs to be your initial response. Three doctors came up with the test and the results. So the questions and answers are very well researched and educated. So here's my top five strengths in order. I would say the full description of each strength has me town to a tee.
1. COMPETITION
2. ADAPTABILITY
3. WOO
4. BELIEF
5. ACHIEVER
1. COMPETITION
2. ADAPTABILITY
3. WOO
4. BELIEF
5. ACHIEVER
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
BUNTIS BA KAYO?
We are about in the middle of another awesome pregnancy program in Tanza. These women are so much fun. One of my favorite parts of the class is when we do some strectching/exercise/game/dancing in the beginning. It usually involves a lot of laughing. We had odd number so I got to jump in....even though I didnt really know the words or moves! They are beautiful women already, but when they smile they could light up the world. I still can't believe God has allowed me to be a part of it. (sorry for the sideways movie) And if by some odd chance you cant figure out which one I am, I'm the tall white girl in back :-)
In the beginning of each class we take a little time to sing praise and worship songs. It's awesome to hear the women singing praises to God.
One of my best friends and fellow missionaires, Val, does the actual teaching part. She has two kids of her own, and one on the way. So needless to say she has a little bit more experience than I do at the whole pregnancy thing :-) She really does an awesome job. We're so blessed to have her helping us this session. Even if she is a little too old to be playing with dolls. ;-)
In this country there are a lot of superstitions handed down from one generation to the next. So these women are so eager to learn truth about pregnancy and parenthood. It's information and knowledge that they otherwise may not have have known.
Two of the mamas, Bilma and Marjorie, are due any day. In fact on our way to the class I was wondering if we were going to get there and find out that they already had them. But not yet. I'm excited that maybe at our next class I'll have two new babies to hold!!!!! Chelle and I were trying to listen to see if they could maybe tell us when they were going to be born.
Our class:
In the beginning of each class we take a little time to sing praise and worship songs. It's awesome to hear the women singing praises to God.
One of my best friends and fellow missionaires, Val, does the actual teaching part. She has two kids of her own, and one on the way. So needless to say she has a little bit more experience than I do at the whole pregnancy thing :-) She really does an awesome job. We're so blessed to have her helping us this session. Even if she is a little too old to be playing with dolls. ;-)
In this country there are a lot of superstitions handed down from one generation to the next. So these women are so eager to learn truth about pregnancy and parenthood. It's information and knowledge that they otherwise may not have have known.
Two of the mamas, Bilma and Marjorie, are due any day. In fact on our way to the class I was wondering if we were going to get there and find out that they already had them. But not yet. I'm excited that maybe at our next class I'll have two new babies to hold!!!!! Chelle and I were trying to listen to see if they could maybe tell us when they were going to be born.
Our class:
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