Beyond What We Imagine...

Today my little brother, David, would have turned 24 years old. It's hard to believe it's been almost 10 years now since he went home to be with Jesus. But at the same time it seems like a lifetime ago. I was thinking about it today and what life would be like if that had not happened....and I truly can not imagine it. Just as at the time I could not imagine life without him, I can not imagine him here in this time. I can not imagine what kind of person he would be or even who I would be today because losing him and going through that changed my life and my family so much. I'm still thankful to God for bringing us through and that he continues to sustain us. I've been working on a long well thought out post for the last...ohhh...two years about him and going through that time of loss. It's still not quite complete. Maybe it never will be, because from year to year what I would say changes and I just keep editing... But I decided that even without all the ...

A couple in our church sang a song I had never heard this morning. It was a wonderful reminder of what this Christmas time that we celebrate is all about. It's easy enough to get caught up in the season and forget the complete picture. Don't get me wrong I love all the tradition and decorations and shopping just as much as the next gal but I never want to  forget or take for granted what this is all about. The first lines brought me in - it's not just about the manger, the angels and the "magic" of that day... IT'S ABOUT THE CROSS It's not just about the manger Where the baby lay It's not all about the angels Who sang for him that day It's not just about the shepherds Or the bright and shining star It's not all about the wise men Who traveled from afar Chorus: It's about the cross It's about my sin It's about how Jesus came to be born once So that we could be born again It's about the stone That was rolled ...

I must tell Jesus all of my trials; I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me; He ever loves and cares for His own. I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. I must tell Jesus all of my troubles; He is a kind, compassionate friend; If I but ask Him, He will deliver, Make of my troubles quickly an end. I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior; One Who can help my burdens to bear; I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus; He all my cares and sorrows will share. I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone. O how the world to evil allures me! O how my heart is tempted to sin! I must tell Jesus, and He will help me Over the world the vic...

In the battle between "me" versus "all the stuff", I was most certainly and sadly defeated. Last Tuesday I got through all the childhood memories boxes and was optimistic that I could finish it. But by Friday boxes and tubs seemed to be showing up out of  nowhere and I was reduced to tears...an overwhelmed exhausted mess of a person. One day I think I sat there for 30 minutes to an hour just looking at everything and not knowing what to do next. Looking back I know I got some things accomplished but it was just too much for one person in that amount of time. So it's still waiting for me and hopefully next time I will be bringing backup and we will be victorious!  Meanwhile at my "new home" this week, I had much to do to get settled in. I am soooo grateful to a very good friend who came over and went through everything (EVERYTHING) with me and basically got me organized. When it comes to being organized at work - I'm good to go. Most of the time ...

I know when I tell you this you will picture me stuck in a house maze with piles of newspapers and stacks of everything else in the world all over but I'll tell you anyway. I had to come back home this week to finish moving my leftover stuff into storage. (by the way there is no house maze - just a few (that's more than three right?) boxes in a garage - sorry to disappoint) I'm trying to condense as much as possible...and that means going through everything....E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!  I wanted to start with the old stuff first. I got started this afternoon and after 4 hours I can say I can not believe all the stuff I kept as a kid! You just wouldn't believe it. I was asking myself...what was I thinking? I had every card anyone has ever given me since the beginning of time. And I'm not just talking birthdays and Christmas. Thank you cards, party invitations, and VALENTINES DAY cards! The ones with cutesy little characters on the front and the back ...

I know it's been a day or two...or 30 since I posted anything and today's won't be anything long. Exciting ...but not long. So what have I been up to? I took a trip to Texas to visit some family. Had a great time...one night my aunt and I stayed up til 4 in the morning making a bed for her dog... A family birthdays wall hanging...  And a jewelry holder... Pretty wild I know! Also I have been busy packing! I put in my notice at my job here last week so one week and three days from now I will be moving! The next question you will no doubt be asking is "So you found a job?" To which I would reply "No, I'm just moving." Taking a leap of faith. So wish me luck and most of all please keep praying. I know I say this often but thank you for your continued love and support. You just can't know how much it means to me. So many people have been a blessing to me through this time of traveling back and forth for the last 7 months. Fr...

The following are updates from Bro. Madory over the last week: "The Medical Mission Outreach Team is AMAZING! The kindness, generosity, and sacrifice of all the team members was an amazing site to see. God used them to treat 2000 people with different illnesses. We also saw over 60 people trust Christ as Savior during the Medical Camps. Bwana Asifiwe!" "We ordained 2 national pastors yesterday in an afternoon Ordination Ceremony. Pastor Peter Mbugua and Pastor Ephraim Olusi are ordained ministers of the Gospel. Pastor Greg Hawn preached the charge. One Kenyan deaf man that attended the ordination service accept Christ as Savior after the service. WOW! and AMEN!" "Yesterday, we had our highest attendance at KBC (even higher than Friend Day). The day was filled with testimonies of what God did through the MMO Team, the Hawns, and the KBC volunteers. Many first time visitors were there to see this Karen Baptist Church they had heard so much abou...

I would like to share with you about a Medical Missions Outreach team that is in Kenya with the Madory's right now. I would ask that you pray for them as they are there ministering to the people and being an encouragement to our missionaries. I have been following the news from some of the people that are there right now and am including those post below along with a few pictures from the team. If you would like more information about this ministry please visit their website here and you can also follow them on Facebook at Medical Missions Outreach . ( pictures below are from Medical Missions Outreach facebook page - check out the rest of the album here ) "The whole team is in Kenya safe and sound! Came to Amboseli for a safari yesterday and have enjoyed seeing the beauty of God's creation! Pictures coming soon!"  "Today is the first day of clinic for our team. Please pray for us as we minister to the people here, and try to be a blessing to this church...