The Cross Is Not a Symbol of Hate

     I'm confused about the terminology of the people that were "protesting" in Charlottesville, VA. I confess I don't know what a white nationalists is. What nation are they supposed to represent? But I can tell you what I'm not confused about... I'm not confused what Jesus Christ stood for. So to all the "white nationalists", or Nazis, white supremacists, or whoever you are. How dare you carry a placard with a cross on it! Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and He was not about hate! How dare you carry that and try to associate yourself with the cross. There is nothing Christian about what you stand for! There is nothing Christian about your cause. In fact, you aren't winning anybody over to your cause. So I guess protest if you must. But do it peacefully and non violently, or lay down the placard with the cross on it.
     

                                                      (My own picture if cross in Chapel in
                                                        Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO)
                                                           
     Maybe you should put a picture of Satan on your sign because that is who is behind what you are doing. Satan has blinded your eyes and deceived you into thinking your cause is just. Well he has lied to you because he is the Father of lies. (John 8:44) Satan divides and he wants us to be divided as a nation. Satan is a murderer(John 8:44) You won't drag my Savior's name down into the mud! Jesus had nothing to do with your march.

Angel with a broken wing

   

 I have not blogged anything since last December! As I was putting up my Christmas decorations today, One of my decorations actually gave me something to say.

       I collect snow babies. Every year my sweet husband gives me a new snow baby for my collection.  As I was packing them away today, I noticed that one of the snow babies had a broken wing.  Well it caused my mind to ponder something...

I wonder how many people feel like this little angel?

     You are at the end of 2016, but if you stop and think back over the year well,  you have had a difficult,  hard fought, rocky road of a year.

Your wing broke off...

 But guess what?  You are still standing! You made it to see the end of another year!!

 Friend... Littlest angel... I want to give you a word of encouragement.

Keep on going... Keep persevering.

I know some things hurt you in 2016. Whatever it was, mourning the death of a loved one...  loss of a job, loss of a friend, even loneliness.  Heartache comes in many forms and doesn't respect holidays.

I want to give you a passage of Scripture: Psalm 27

" ... In the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle... He will lift me up on a rock. (V.5)
" ... I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD."  (V.6)
" I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD." (Vs.13-14)

     Even though you have a broken wing... The Lord is with you.  You may not be able to fly now, but The Lord will lift you up to where you need to go.  He will lift you up on that rock, and set your feet on a firm foundation.

Will you praise Him?  Will you rejoice through the pain?

I believe that is what a "sacrifice of praise" is.  Please don't despair sweet angel... The Lord Himself is with you, He is right there holding you up.

Take His hand... Take His courage.

The Lord is good, and He is full of love and compassion. He will bind up your wounds and all your hurts. Look up... You made it through another year.

So don't lose heart littlest angel.

2017 is a fresh new beginning... Hold your head up. Never give up precious one...

You are loved.

Sea of Galilee

   I have returned from my trip to Israel and my eyes saw many wonderful sights! One of them was the Sea of Galilee. When you read the gospels you see that Jesus' earthly ministry centered around the Sea of Galilee. The Lord spent most of His three years of ministry along the shores of the fresh water lake. It was here He shared more than half of His parables and here He performed most of His miracles.
Scripture passages that recount the time that Jesus and the disciples spent on or around this lake:
Matthew 4:18-22- Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James and John.
Matthew 8: 23-27- Jesus calms the storm while on the lake.
Mark 6: 45-52- Jesus walks on the water.
John 21: 1-14-  Jesus' post resurrection appearance on the shore of the lake.
Here are some personal thoughts that I had while looking at the calm Sea of Galilee:

Sea of Galilee

My eyes behold...
Water of cerulean blue.
We see the same view.
My eyes dim,
Your eyes clear and true.

My life is a ship...
Drawn to this sea.
Small and frail.
I feel Your love for me.

My heart is hiding...
Fearful to try.
I see Your hand...
Lifted against the azure sky.

You say, "Peace, be still."
Peace calms my soul.
It bears my sails...
With a Master's skill.

You calm my heart...
Like the storm on Galilee.
Where my ship...
Meets these waters...
I know Your love for me.

I am here with You...
This small Jesus seeker.
My ship strengthened by You...
The Mighty Peace Speaker.

ISIS left a message for " The People of the Cross" but Jesus Will Have the Last Word

     If you have watched the news or picked up a newspaper lately you saw the sickening images of the twenty one Egyptian Christians that ISIS lined up along the beach. They were then beheaded for the sake of Christ. Just for being Christians. ISIS called them, "people of the cross". It made me think back to a verse I read many times "... And I saw the souls of those beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the Word of God." Revelation 20:4. This verse sounds like something you would read in the current newspapers.
   
     These men all lost their lives, and their blood was spilled because they were followers of Christ. In the Bible we see that blood is very important to God. The word "blood" appears in the Old Testament 346 times (KJV) and 101 times in the New Testament, a total of 447 times in all. Let me say here and now that it cannot be underestimated about the importance that the blood means to the heart of God. It is such a huge and vast subject, that I cannot delve into it sufficiently today. Going all the way back to Genesis, the blood was important to God. God Himself killed animals in order to clothe Adam and Eve when their eyes were opened and they realized they were naked. (Genesis 3:21)  God instituted the blood sacrifice when He commanded Moses to offer a burnt offering. Moses said, "Behold the BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, which the Lord hath made with you..." (Exodus 24:3-8,10,15,17) Abraham was willing to sacrifice his own son Isaac to the Lord as a blood sacrifice. (Genesis 22:2). The blood was important for the deliverance of Israel at the Passover. (Exodus 12:1-28).
   
     I heard an incredible message by Tony Evans last Sunday in which he talked about the blood of Abel  speaking.  He said, " What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to Me from the ground." (Genesis 4:10) So here we have the blood of a dead man speaking to God from the ground. The blood itself was crying out to God for it to be avenged. Yes, blood is important to God. He heard the voice of the blood of Cain, and He heard the many voices of the blood of these Egyptian Christians. God will deal with their killers.
   
     But there is another place in the Bible that speaks about blood speaking. It is the very blood of Christ. "And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood which speaks better than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking..." Hebrews 12: 24-25a.  Going all the way back to the Old Testament, the blood was to represent what Christ would do for us on the cross. He would shed His precious blood for us and for our salvation. He would redeem us and bring us to God. This is the most important reason why blood is important to God.  Jesus' blood also speaks, and it speaks even louder than the blood of Abel. It speaks better because it saves the souls of men. Jesus' blood speaks loud and clear even today.

     That is why the blood of these men is important to God. It cries out for justice and vengeance. God will be the one to avenge their blood. We should never fear, for that WILL happen. For He Himself is just. This was a brutal and barbaric thing that happened to our brothers in Christ.  The men who did this are demonic and barbaric.  ISIS said this is " A message signed with blood to the Nation of the cross".   On the video, (which I did not watch),  one of the men that died uttered these words as his last, " Ya, rubbi Yasou." (in Arabic) which means in English: " Oh, my Lord Jesus."   So the word "Jesus" was this man's last word.  We got your message, loud and clear, but Christ sent us a message, written in red, that said, " I love you. That message rings out stronger and louder than yours!  We the "people of the cross" can be people who have no fear, because just as Jesus' blood was speaking on the day that His blood was spilled on the cross, it is still speaking today...

 And Jesus will have the last word.

Christmas Reflections... "Satisfied"

Satisfied

Satisfied... So many people headed back to the store today because they are not satisfied with their Christmas gift in some way.

 But Jesus was born...

Mary was satisfied with her bundle of joy. The babe, this gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

The Magi came to see the babe and were satisfied... they bowed in worship.

This perfect gift, the lamb nailed to a cross... and the wrath of God was satisfied.

Because God was satisfied...

We put this gift on, this perfect gift that fits each soul perfectly...

And we are satisfied...

Not just for that one day, but for tomorrow and all eternity.

Yes, I am satisfied with this gift...

God thank you...

Thank you that you were satisfied too.

Alaska Mission trip

     I am sorry I have not blogged in awhile. I have asked a friend to be a guest blogger for my belated update on our Alaska Mission trip. Robin Hiatt went with me to Alaska and has a heart for missions in Alaska. Please read what she has so wonderfully written.

What do you think of when you think about Alaska?  Beautiful scenery?  Amazing wildlife?  Quirky reality shows?  I confess that I tune in for all things Alaska. I'm a fanatic! My love affair with our largest state began in 2007 with a mission trip to the Anchorage area. During that trip, I saw first-hand the extremes that define Alaska.

Surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery in the world, you might think that living in Alaska would be a dream come-true, but reality can be more of a nightmare. Many Alaskans struggle with alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, and poverty. These factors contribute to one of the highest suicide rates in the country. They are surrounded by an abundance of natural resources, but a scarcity of spiritual ones.

Ministry is difficult. 27% of Alaskans consider themselves atheists, compared to 16% of Americans in the lower 48. 56% of Americans say that religion is important in their lives, while only 31% of Alaskans place great importance on religion. These attitudes make Alaska the state with the lowest rate of church attendance in the nation. So how do you reach people who won't go to church? Go to them! I recently went with a group from Hocutt to partner with Graceworks, a ministry that has a heart to reach Alaskans through park and neighborhood ministry. Through resources and structure that Graceworks provides, ministry teams like ours go into strategic areas to share our faith through Bible stories, arts and crafts, games and park parties. Ministry in Alaska is less about going to church, and more about building relationships.

Each time I go, I am touched by the children that I work with. Just like anywhere else, they are the ones who are the heartbreak and hope of their environment and upbringing. Many of them are starved for attention, structure, and sometimes food. It's amazing what God can accomplish through kool-aid, play-dough, and peanut butter sandwiches!

Alaskans are tough people. They have to be to live in such a harsh environment. They are independent, self-sufficient, and distrustful of outside interference. So, why go if ministry is that difficult? Because, "In His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." ( I Peter 1:3b) What a gift of hope we have! We want to share that message of hope to:

• Children who crave attention and love.
• Adults and teenagers who feel trapped in a life of addiction, depression or rebellion.
• Communities who feel neglected by local government, and look for ways to provide enriching programs for their children.
• Local churches who don't have the people or resources to effectively evangelize and do outreach in surrounding neighborhoods.
• Individuals who need the gospel, prayer, or just encouragement to keep seeking Him.

C. S. Lewis said, "Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise."

Mission trips give you the time and opportunity to share the answer to peoples' needs- salvation- the reminder of how precious that is, makes the experience sometimes more beneficial to us than anyone else we came in contact with.

I Hope You Smile!

     One thing is certain, we live in a scary, dangerous world! We read the newspapers and turn on the news and we hear about tornado's, earthquakes, stock market and the economy teetering on the verge of collapse! So, when we as Mom's who look after our children see this, it can be hard at times to cope.

   But... we are not just Mother's, we are daughter's of the King (insert Hallelujah here). When we read God's Word in Proverbs 31: 25b it says,  "... She smiles at the future."  You may read that and say, "How?",  "In this world that I live in, how can I possibly smile at the future?"

     I will tell you how. Because God is already there. God who is our Father, is there in the future. He holds our tomorrows in His Almighty hand. Whatever lies ahead, the trials and disappointments, God will be right there with you, helping you bear your burdens each step down this journey called life.  We are not promised an easy road.   But remember He cares for you and loves you. Never forget that dear child... dearest daughter of the King!

     Another reason we can smile is because Romans 8:28 is true. This beloved verse says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  We need to keep our minds focused on God, and focused on the precepts of Scripture. Do you love God? Then this promise is for you.  All things are not necessarily good. But all things will work for good. Maybe not right now, and maybe not even in the near future, but they will. God's good is that He is molding us into the image of His Son. He will use even the hard, difficult things to do this.

    Another reason we smile at the future is we know that in our future is heaven! This is not our home. Once we have traveled all the way down this road, and the Lord calls our name. We will go to heaven to be with Him and all our loved ones who have gone on before us.  We will spend eternity with God. Smile at that sweet sister in Christ!

     In the earlier part of the same verse, (Proverbs 31: 25a) it says, "Strength and dignity are her clothing," There is a sweet, older lady on facebook that I have come to love. She often says, "Now don't forget to go out today without your smile!" No matter what you wear, beautiful ladies, you always look your prettiest with a smile on your face!

     There was a country song that was popular a few years ago. The name of it was, "I Hope You Dance".  Well not everyone can dance. So today my wish for all you sweet, precious Mothers is...

The future is calling... I hope you smile!

"Lessons Learned and Things Pondered" by guest blogger Carrie Nixon

This is another guest blogger post from Carrie Nixon. This is her second time to go to Kenya with Hocutt. It was a privilege to get to go to Kenya with her once again!

Here is what she had to say:

     One thing I have realized this trip is how large the world really is. We sing the song "It's a Small World After All" all the time, but I think what we really mean is "It's a Small American World After All."  It's so easy to get all wrapped up in our lives and our surroundings and not be aware of what is going on in other parts of the world.  I am guilty of it. We are all so desensitized. It's almost as if the U.S. is the Earth and the other continents are actually other planets, and therefore don't matter to most of us.  It's so easy to watch those commercials about saving the children and either turn the channel or call it a scam or just pretend that you never saw it. But, I have seen it with my own two eyes, and it's not a scene I will soon forget, not that I want to.  I'm not suggesting that we should all run out to Compassion ministries or some other child sponsorship program and "adopt" a child.  What I am suggesting is that you be aware.  Be aware of all that you have.  Even in the midst of our struggles, each one of us has access to clean water to drink, a flushing toilet, a roof over our heads, a soft place to lay our heads at night, and more clean, safe food and water to eat and drink than we can possibly consume.  The Father has blessed each one of us with many, many gifts, but we take most of them for granted everyday.

     Another thing that I experienced was the pure Joy of The Lord.  There is a difference between being poor and living in poverty, a huge difference. Not to go on and on about the horrible conditions the folks we visited live in, but it's true.  It's not true that every Kenya lives this way, but where we were ministering, it's very true.  Yet, in the midst of all of it, they have a joy you don't see everyday, a joy that can only come from The Lord.  My husband did a little experiment while he was in Dominican Republic a few years back, and the same is true form my time in Kenya.  If I sat in the midst of all the goings on, on any given day, and closed my eyes and just listened to all that was happening around me, what do you think I heard?  I heard friends talking and laughing together.  I heard children playing and giggling, much like my own do in their backyard.  There was never a complaint, never a negative tone or word.  Looking through a material lens, one would wonder what they have to be happy about.  But then they call you into their church building for a time of worship and prayer, and you see it. You see where their joy comes from.  And even though we couldn't understand every word they sang, we knew Who they were singing and dancing for. And much like the beauty of their land, it's a scene that I can't hardly explain, one that no picture will ever really capture.  It is a glorious thing to see, an experience that has left me in awe of our Great Lord, yet again.

     It was such a privilege to be given the opportunity to work with the children of Africa, to teach them about all that God has done for them already and what He has promised for their future. What an honor it was to teach them the songs my own girls sing and to hear their sweet voices harmonizing as they sang.  It's funny to see how God will take your life and give you the ministry He wants you to have. It was only a year ago that I said to somebody, very emphatically, "Other people's kids are just not my ministry!"  It seems like God has been set on proving me wrong or proving to me that I don't get to choose my ministry ever since.  It started with subbing at our preschool, which lead to a permanent sub position at the end of last school year, then to a permanent teaching position this year, and now all that way to Africa!  I have loved every minute of it, and I have adored every child I have come in contact with. Who would've thought? Certainly not me!  I can only pray that I have been as much of a blessing to them as they all have been to me. Whether while preparing to go to Kenya or while I was there, God was faithful every step of the way and He absolutely lavished His wonderful love upon me, and I am so very grateful.

"I went to Kenya to teach" by guest blogger Synora Cummings

Today I have the privilege of having Synora Cummings as my guest blogger. Synora is a member of Hocutt Baptist church where I serve alongside my husband. I am so proud of Synora. She listened to the Lord and went all the way to Kenya, even though she has small children. She told me, "When God says go... you go!"
It was such a joy to be able to go to Kenya with Synora.

Here is what she has written about her experience in Kenya:

I went to Kenya to teach, but what I learned was

     the spirit of humility,
     the spirit of patience.

I learned to be flexible in my flexibility.

I learned the spirit of serving with a cheerful heart
     the spirit of receiving with gratefulness.

I learned that time can stand still when you close your eyes and open your ears to the laughter,
joy, and communion to what seems to be less, but is far greater than any physical possession.

I went to Kenya to teach, but what I learned is a longing of the fullness of God,

     a freedom of worship,
     and everything is a song.

I learned the joy of a child's heart is the very delight of His.

I learned there is no offering too small and there is nothing greater when given with a heart of purity.

I learned that God is everywhere,

     the sun on my face,
     the wind in my hair.

I went to Kenya to teach, but what I learned is to say YES and live beyond my fears trusting and believing that He is with me, breaking every barrier I have built, equipping me.

I learned that a clenched fist only gives white knuckles, but when I open and outstretch my hand,
God can do big things.

Synora Cummings
Kenya Mission 2014
Hocutt Baptist Church

Older women leading younger women in the worship of the Lord

     I have been pondering something I learned from two very different tribes we ministered to in Kenya.  One thing these women had in common: they took the worship of their God very seriously!

     In the Maasai tribe, there was an older woman that I noticed last year and this year.  She was meticulous in her wearing of the beads and necklaces. She wanted to do her Maasai dance perfectly before the Lord, and as an example to the younger Maasai women.

     Last year I watched her dance with all that was within her to the Lord. She looked around and noticed that some of the younger women were not dancing with as much gusto. So, she began to scold them for not taking their worship of the Lord seriously enough. 

     I watched her this year dancing just as earnestly, with all her might, to please the Father. This was not to please the Mzungu's that were watching, instead it was an offering to the Lord. She did not look at us. She was concentrating on what she was doing.

     I also noticed an older woman in the Kamba tribe that was the same way. She was dancing with so much joy and happiness before the Lord. Not worried about what we thought,  just caught up in the worship. Betsy, (a fellow team member who is 70 years old), danced with this woman too!  She is someone who is also not afraid to worship the Lord with all her might.

     I noticed two things they had in common.  It was the older women who took the worship of the Lord very seriously. My what a lesson for us in America! 

     Before you say you don't believe in that, or I could never do that, maybe we need to look at some verses.  Psalm 30:11 says, "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing, You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness."  Jeremiah 31:13" Then maidens will dance and be glad, and the young men and old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy..."

     So many times in our churches in America, the older people have just let the younger lead out in worship. Many have become tired, I realize that.  But we should become energized when we come before the Lord to worship Him! We should not just be content to sit back and  think, " I have had my time of doing things in the church, let the younger ones do it." (I have had someone say this to me!) 

     Oh how wonderful it would be to have the older people lead us younger people in the worship of the Lord!  To be proud of their worship to the point that if we didn't "give it our all", they would scold us!

The lesson here:  As long as the Lord let's us live, and gives us breath...

We should worship and  praise Him... young AND old!

Older Maasai woman serious in her worship of the Lord.

Older Kamba woman serious in her worship of the Lord. Both of these women are great examples to the young.

Teens are the same all over the world

     Something unexpected happened at the conference on Friday.  A tent full of teenagers showed up! We were not expecting them because we thought they would be in school. However, there they were! So Will asked me to teach them for the afternoon on Friday, February 7th.

     I must confess that at first I was really in a quandary of what to do, or what to say for that matter. I did not come prepared to teach young people, I came prepared to teach women! But there they were like baby birds, with their mouths open ready to be fed.  

     I started by asking them why they were there. What did you come to learn? What would you want to talk about?  I found out that day that teenagers are the same all over the world. They wanted to talk about sex, temptation, and how can a young person stay pure. I found out that day that they, like teenagers in America have problems with Internet pornography and it was a real eye opener for me. I did not realize that they had that much access to computers or the Internet for them to have that problem, but they do.

So... God filled my mouth is the only way that I can explain it.  I talked to them about David asking the same exact question as they did, In Psalm 119: 9-16:

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.  Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.  With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.  I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.  I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."

     I told them that their mind was like a well, what you put into it, you draw from. If you meditate on the scriptures you can draw from them in times of temptations. Also, the Scripture "I will set no unclean thing before my eyes." Psalm 101:3. We talked about the fact that our minds are recording everything we look at. Once we view it, we cannot erase it. So be careful what you allow yourself to see.

      Another great Scripture to quote is: II Timothy 2:22 " Flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness..."  Also, another wonderful verse for temptation is: I Corinthians 10:13, " No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."  Look for the way of escape that the Lord provides for us, because God's Word promises us that He has provided one.

     They left for the day and Will and I agreed if they came back on the next day, Saturday, I would teach them again. So that evening I prepared by looking through my notebook and finding that I had actually brought my lesson that I taught from the "I Can Fly" school last year. Praise God! Carrie also gave me her lesson on the "Armor of God" from Ephe

sians.

     The next day, not only did they all return, but brought other teens with them! So for the morning session we talked about putting on the whole armor of God from Ephesians 6:11-17. I explained to them that this would also be a very useful tool in overcoming temptations. We used a poster that I let them fill in with their own languages, words for each piece of armor. I tried to pronounce their words and that's when the laughter would erupt. Once again showing how similar teenagers are all over the world!  Then I taught the lesson I brought from the "I Can Fly" school on "Making Wise Decisions". That covered the morning session.

     The entire afternoon session I spent teaching "The Prodigal Son".. Who Jesus was talking to (The Pharisees and who they are), Then the Prodigal, The "Prodigal brother who stayed home" and then about "The Loving Father", or "The God who runs". 

     I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this! I hoped the youth received as much from it as I did. What I received from it was the blessing of being totally and completely used by God. Because I wasn't prepared to teach this group, God took over. That's the best, and only way I can describe it. When you make yourself available to be used by God, He works in and through you. He brought things to my mind to answer each question and also what to teach. He spoke through me during this whole time and that is a wonderful feeling. 

     I am always amazed that God wants to use me at all. If we just make ourselves available, He will put us in situations where we can be used of Him and then... just watch out... He shows up... and shows off!!

 My interpreter, Dorcas

Teaching and Learning from the Kamba women

     February 7th we traveled to Machakos to teach the Kamba people.  Betsy and I taught. I taught first, and once again taught on Hannah.  I was blown away by the women's questions at the end. I was so glad that between myself, Betsy and Marilyn, we could answer them. One thing that I noticed was how differently the Kamba ladies reacted to the same story in the Bible about Hannah.  They did not focus on the second wife because these women are not co-wives with another woman.

     One thing that blessed me so much was the way these women would review everything they heard in the lesson. They would talk to each other go over everything they heard. They would build each other up, encourage one another to do what they each heard in the lesson. In talking with Trevor about this he called it, "Oral tradition". Where they would tell everything back to the teacher and to each other. Then they may pass it along to others in the village who may not have attended the conference. I don't know who was blessed more by this, the other ladies who attended, or me? By the time they were finished summing everything up they heard, I had tears in my eyes!  What wonderful listeners they were, so hungry to learn and to know more about God's Word.... What wonderful, godly women.

Teaching at Maasai school

     On Wednesday, February 5th, Synora, Carrie and I had a pleasant surprise of going to speak at a Maasai school in one of the villages.  Synora and I took one group of children and taught them. Just out under a large tree, Synora taught them several Bible lessons, she also had pictures to show them that went with the lessons. She did a great job with them. Then I taught them about the different kinds of hearts. From Ezekiel 36:26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you, and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."  I talked to the children about the fact that our hearts are wicked and hard, like stone. But because of what Jesus did, He gives us eyes to see that we need a Savior, and we can repent of our sins and He cleanses our hearts, and softens them and makes us clean. He loves us, and washes our hearts clean. Many of the children raised their hands to receive Christ as Savior that day.  I do not know who was genuine and who wasn't. That is up to God. He is the One who knows their hearts.

     Carrie was working with another group doing games and they absolutely love the parachute. Then we switched, and she took our group, and we talked to her group. Synora and I did the same lessons with the second group. Again, many of the children raised their hands to be saved, and prayed to receive Christ as their Savior. Two of the teachers were our interpreters. The principal and the teachers are all very receptive to us coming in and teaching the children. I am thankful for the opportunity to go into their schools and teach.  I pray that God will send people to them to water the seed that we planted, that they will grow in their faith.

That their little hearts will remain tender and pliable to the Holy Spirit.

   

Kenya Mission trip 2014/ Maasai women

     I have not blogged since our last Mission trip in October! I went on another Mission trip in February. This time the trips were very close together!

     February 4th, we went to speak to the Maasai people. It was a very hot day, as usual. We spoke to the Maasai women under a tree. Betsy spoke first to the women on marriage, then I spoke about Hannah in the Bible. They were a little bit animated at the end of this because Hannah in the Bible was one of two wives to Elkanah. Since so many of the Maasai women are co-wives with other women, they found a kin-ship with Hannah. They felt for Hannah who was being teased and harassed by Penninah. This opened the door for many questions from the Maasai women. Marilyn followed up with a talk about our hearts. The condition of our hearts, and how to also be kind to one another because God was kind to us and forgave us.  I did not know Marilyn before this trip. She is from South Africa. She is a lovely woman and a wonderful teacher. What amazes me each and every time I go to Kenya is the team that God puts together! Even though we did not get together to co-ordinate our lessons, they all went together so well, and flowed perfectly together. Almost like one lesson would follow-up and answer any questions from the previous lesson. That is only something that God can do... He still amazes me!

Kenya Mission trip/ 2013, Machakos people

     I was looking at my blog today and realized I did not finish blogging about my Kenya trip!
From my journal:   (Date: September 17, 2013)

     I want to tell you about a new group of people that we went to teach. The "Machakos" people, are a warm, and friendly group of women. They are quick with a smile and I found them to have a good sense of humor. They are eager to learn. The conference was held in the Kiima Kimwe Baptist church.

     I taught on The Shunamite woman and Jochebed and Miriam. I also taught on Psalm 91, "Under His Wings". The women who interpreted for us did an excellent job.  That is such an important thing! If the women can't understand us, then God's instruction to them through us can be hindered.

     I enjoyed dancing with a woman whom I just felt a strong connection with. She had such a warm way about her. She could speak a little English and we talked about her daughter who had been having health problems. She mentioned she would not be in attendance for tomorrow's sessions. How happy I was however  to see her attending the very next day though. In speaking with her, her daughter's problem was resolved easier than once thought by a simple Doctor's visit. Praise the Lord for that! Also, PTL that I could fellowship with her again.  I also enjoyed all the chubby-cheeked babies! I had to restrain myself from pinching their cheeks. But I managed to control myself.

     One of the things that was so sweet, the Machakos people presented us with gifts on the last day that we were there. They gave me a straw tote bag and the other women of our team, straw purses. They gave all of the men exquisitely carved wooden canes. I enjoyed watching them during the presentation time. The joy that they received from giving to us was really a blessing to see and to experience. I will never forget this...

How special they are...

to us...

and to God!

 My interpreter, Susan

Precious children

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Yield: 2 Servings

1 cup water

1 cup milk

1 cup old- fashioned oats

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/2-1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

2 Tbsp, brown sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

cinnamon (optional)

Pecans (optional)

Additional milk (optional)

Maple syrup (optional)

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, oats, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the brown sugar and vanilla. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon and pecans. Serve if desired, with additional milk and maple syrup.

Enjoy!

First Day of Kenya Mission trip, 2013- I Can Fly school

     The first official day of the Kenya Mission trip for me was at the I Can Fly school in Machakos, Kenya,  on September 16, 2013. We were greeted by a lovely young black American woman named Sha' Givens. Sha' was so excited and proud to show us the school and especially the Butterfly Project dormitory and new beds.
     Let me tell you a little about Sha'. She is from Los Angeles, Ca. The Lord spoke to her and told her that she needed to go to Kenya and help the young girls in East Africa who are to be child brides. She helps them cope with unimaginable things they have endured physically, or could possibly be facing the prospect of enduring physically.
     I recently blogged about "Here's to the Shero's the Unsung Hero's". I have to tell you I was so impressed with this young lady, I have to add her to my shero list! This young woman left home and family to pursue the call of God. I am sure that many people, maybe even some in her own family, don't understand this.
     My experience at the school was wonderful. I was so privileged to teach the 9th through the 12th grade the subject "Decision Making". Each and every child was attentive and polite. What a joy it was to be with them. When I was given the topic to teach I wondered what God was going to do. I was able to get Stuart Burgess' book, "Hallmarks of Design" from our recent Creation Ministries conference. So I was able to tie-in about how God designed our brains in an amazing way. The fact that God designed us to be intelligent enough to make decisions at all is a wonderful thing! Another "God thing" involved the fact that Linda, another member of our mission team, had brought with her a poster showing the inside of the brain. Neither one of us knew ahead of time what we would be doing, but God did! How awesome is that?
     I would love to go back to the I Can Fly school and teach again. Sha' and the children at the school were such a blessing to me. I will keep up with Sha' and what God is doing through her at the school. I will be praying for her and the students in the school. I will pray also that God keeps all the young girls in the Butterfly Project safe and under the care of His wings.

Here's to the Shero, the unsung Hero

    Yesterday, I saw the performance by Miley Cyrus. This was a vulgar and sad display of what our debased modern culture has to offer . I began to think of all the young girls that look up to Miley Cyrus. In thinking on that, I thought about some women that I look up to. So I began to write:

      Here's to the "shero", the unsung hero... Katie Davis, who sometime this year will be 25. So very close in age to Miley Cyrus. Katie left her Tennessee home at the age of 18 to go to Uganda. It was there that she fell in love with the children of Uganda. She has adopted 12 Ugandan girls. She started Amazima ministry which distributes food and health care to more than 1,600 children in Masese, a nearby slum. Although Katie is near in age to Miley, she is a very different young lady. Katie will never hear the applause of adoring fans. Instead, she hears the clapping of many little brown hands who adore her. Katie doesn't sing for a crowd. Rather she hears the sing-song happy voices of children who call her Momma Katie.

     Here's to the shero, the unsung hero.... Elizabeth Elliot. Who sent her husband Jim Elliott off to an unreached people group and  he came back to her in a coffin. I don't understand a young woman like Miley Cyrus, but neither do I understand a woman who would go to the group of people that killed her husband, (Auca Indians of Ecuador) and live with them for two years. Instead of a stage, or runway of fame, she looked to go "Through Gates of Spendor". She helped to translate the Bible in their language. I can begin to catch a glimmer of understanding by finding out that Elizabeth's shero was Amy Carmichael, who said, " Missionary life is simply a chance to die." Another great quote attributed to her, "One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving."

     How can we explain them? It is only through Christ's love. Elizabeth Elliott would open up her radio program with these words: " You are loved with an everlasting love... and underneath are the everlasting arms." I feel for Miley Cyrus. I believe that deep down, she just wants love and acceptance. She is crying out for people to talk about her and pay attention to her even if it's bad and negative. At least then she is staying popular, current, even relevant. These women know that it is Christ that gives them relevance, not our shallow culture.

     What these two women that are my sheroes have is common (one is 25, one is 86), is love. They also have in common that they "died to self". Matthew 16:25 says, "... Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." These two women made up their minds long before they went to a foreign country that they were dead. Dead to themselves. But I am sure that they have learned that it is in the giving of oneself, the pouring out of oneself into others, is when you really live!

     Instead of buying the red-bottom shoes that celebrities wear, they trade it for what it says in Isaiah 58:10, they " spend themselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness..." A quote from Katie that so exemplifies this verse, " My candle is lit; I am on fire for God, for this place, for these people. My purpose here is to spread light. One candle can light up my entire room. Jesus can light up this entire nation, and my flame can be a part of it." They are examples of two lights in a dark world rather than a spotlight shining on them. They are a light, a shining example of what a real woman is and should be. They are worthy heroes that our young girls can look up to.

     If they kick off whatever humble shoes they are wearing, I want to see if my feet would fit into the imprint their feet make in the earth beneath. I want to follow in their footsteps.

     Here's to the shero, the unsung hero. May I be like these women. May all of us be... because they are like Christ.

(If you would like to know more about Katie Davis and her ministry, you can read her book: "Kisses from Katie: A story of Relentless Love and Redemption". She also has a blog, Amazima Ministries.

grace notes: Here's to the Shero, the unsung hero

grace notes: Here's to the Shero, the unsung hero:     Yesterday, I saw the performance by Miley Cyrus. This was a vulgar and sad display of what our debased modern culture has to offer . I b...