first of summer days

The first of our summer days have my heart bursting with joy...my daughter is with her daddy on another continent loving on children and exploring some of God's incredible creations...

My son and I are holding down the fort...building bonfires, serving teachers, winning baseball championships, having time with friends on the lake, playing scrabble, and adding mystery ingredients to our basket for dessert (our family version of the Food Network's Chopped!

And during his down time, he's busy making videos...of himself!

We continue to learn more and more of God's faithfulness, recognize the gifts of "ordinary" in each day, and remind one another - through Scripture, a prayer, or a song of how much our Savior loves us! Yes, all of God's World is our classroom!

Life in Mercyville...so thankful it's where my family resides.

Haiti, Heartache, & Hope

Headlines in the news have long faded... Haiti remains a nation lying in ruins.

Time spent in 3rd world countries still did not prepare me for the depth of poverty that blankets this nation. Aid continues, on our flight alone there were 3 teams coming in to spend a week to help - build a home here, put in a water system in there, share the good news of Jesus, provide basic medical care...

Yet, as we drove down the bumpy, dirt roads the scenes were often the same...the men were sitting roadside gambling, women were hauling loads of laundry on their heads, and children sometimes playing a game, more times than not they too were carrying a water bucket, going for produce, working, or simply surviving the hostile streets. 

Heartache sets in 

as stories are told of those who have visited the medical clinic that our friends run. Horrific acts being done to children, superstition leading to brutality, ignorance seemingly unmeasurable, abuse of every kind, neglect, selfishness, self preservation. Daunting and overwhelming.

Yet, this Hope remains...

"we can change our world"

a generation to rise up, call out - turning their eyes, hearts & nation to God, stop ignorance, fight for justice, take a stand against indifference, make wise choices. Haiti's future leaders. There are adult Haitians that desire a new nation, and know that it will be in the next generation.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declare the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, 
to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

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The best ideas in ministry, parenting, running a household, decorating, or creating are usually borrowed and we make them our own. 

Using technology to grow my knowledge, my creativity, resources, and ministry - you should too!

Check out Pinterest, a social pinboard, where you can pin your interests & share them with others.

My personal favorite boards that I like to add to:

Words that Stir - some Scripture, some that inspire, some that make me laugh until I cry!

Missions & Children's Ministry - ideas & resources

All the World's a classroom - more ideas, links to blogs, fun & creative stuff

Bucket ~ O ~ Ideas - just that - a bucket of random 
ideas that I like!

 

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