His Eye is on the Sparrow

Recently, we were temporary bird owners.

Ok, so we didn't actually "own" them, but for some reason, this momma bird claimed our 5th Wheel hitch as the prime location to create a nest and lay her eggs.

To be honest, I didn't even realize we had "pets" until one day, while ducking under the 5th Wheel, the momma bird swooped past me, nearly scaring the life out of me.

Admittedly, it didn't strike me as that significant.  "Oh yay!  We have a little bird family!"  Then, it dawned on me...  "We have a bird family and of all the times of the year, this is the time we are preparing to pull to Watsonville for our Campmeeting.  "What are we going to do?"

As a family, we began discussing what, if any, options we had as far as moving our little momma bird and her babies.

After the babies had hatched, we noticed the momma bird was spending less time in the nest.  By now, the babies had little fluffy feathers and were able to stay warm without momma's help.

Still, we were running close to the deadline to either move them and let those poor baby birds be abandoned by momma or maybe not even pulling to Campmeeting.  Yes, we are semi-extreme animal lovers and not pulling down to Campmeeting, in order for those baby birds to survive, was definitely an option we considered.

Each day, we would check the nest and we would see those little baby birds snuggled in there together, and momma was hovering close by on a nearby trailer.

One day, Trent noticed that the baby birds were no longer in their nest.  I assumed that they were out for a flying lesson and would return.  We waited all that day.  No birdies.  Coincidentally, it was also the same week we needed to pull our trailer.

Now, I am a big believer in how carefully and perfectly God orchestrates our lives.  I have witnessed way too many times that God has timed, planned and executed the most amazing outcome in various situations.  But, I had never really considered how He is capable of not only moving in working in OUR lives, but also the lives of the creatures of this earth.  Yes, that scripture is true...His eye really is on the sparrow (or the type of bird we housed for several weeks).

After we were extra triple sure they were permanently gone, Trent took the nest out of its little cubby hole and inspected it.  Would you believe that momma bird had used MY HAIR to help build her nest?  I didn't even know that in some small way I was responsible for the well being of those babies.

Which brings me to this thought:  How often in life do we play a role in someone's future.  Maybe it's a small thing (hair in the nest), such as a kind word.  Maybe, it's much more significant, just like the momma bird's constant care and we invest hours of counsel, love, prayer and friendship in those around us.  But know this, as children of God, we ARE affecting someone.  Not just those close to us, but those that are bystanders in our lives.  I never had direct contact with that bird family--despite the momma trying to swoop down on me to keep me away, but a part of me was invested into their future.

It is critical that our lives reflect Him.  We must show love, which is the very definition of God, to everyone we come in contact with.  Our words should be weighed heavy before we let them fly from our lips.  Will this hurt or help?  Will this uplift and encourage? Will this cause confusion, pain and grief?  Will this reopen those wounds that have remained healed or buried for years?

God, help me to see others as You do.  Help me to see their potential, not their imperfections.  Help me to love them as You do.  Help me to control that part of me that wants to fix or correct all the wrong.  Encourage the "momma bird" in me to protect, nourish and guide those that are depending on me-whether they know it or not.

Warning, Low Clearance

If you follow me and my husband on Facebook, you are likely aware that we are in Manila, Philippines.

Trent is here preaching in local churches, as well as teaching at ACTS Bible School.  I have also been teaching and since we got here later in the year, we are currently preparing for Final Exams.

It happens...we get here and there is like a week or so of adjustment to the time zone and schedule before we start to feel normal, however, there is ONE thing that we no longer need an adjustment period.

In the AIM apartment, there are some low ceilings.  I would measure them, but I don't have anything to do so, but I will say that the bottom of the ceiling hits Trent just above the eyebrow line.  After our first stay here, years ago, we learned all too quickly to DUCK every time we step into the kitchen or into the bathroom.  And, in case we forgot, we were immediately reminded (in a rather painful way) that there are low clearances here!

Now, we don't even think about ducking.  We just do it.  No head injuries happening now!  HA!!

It struck me that in life, there are situations or instances where there are and always will be "low clearances".  Or, opportunities that we must learn to navigate.  Things we need to avoid or steer clear of.  If we forget, we are reminded (sometimes painfully) that this is a potential hazard.  We are forced to adjust our walk, our behavior or approach in order to prevent ourselves from being "whacked in the head".  

These situations, like the low ceilings in the apartment, do not have warning signs or labels.  We must learn to detect them and be able to quickly maneuver or adjust to keep ourselves from being hurt. 

If we are not aware, or don't pay attention, we get a gentle (or not so gentle) reminder to "get out of the way" or duck.  

It stuck me, after teaching several classes here, that there has been a sort of repeating pattern to the things I was discussing.  Primarily, character and perspective.

I have always been a half glass full kind of girl.  Sort of a Pollyanna...there is a bright side to everything.  I can usually find something to be grateful for, even in the most frustrating of situations.  My perspective on life is to find the good, even if its only a small thing.  I choose to see the best in everyone and in every trial or conflict.  

The "low clearance" moments of life are an opportunity to for us to learn to trust what we've learned from past mistakes and to continue to move forward and to be prepared to duck or avoid future pitfalls or troubles.  While we are not always able to avoid them, we can be aware of them and learn that there is some good to these moments.  We can appreciate the leading and guiding that God gives us.

We Survived the Toaster

This morning, as usual, I made my breakfast.  The same breakfast I've eaten for YEARS.  And, if you know me well enough, you already know what I eat for breakfast.  

Toast with whipped cream cheese, egg and coffee with fat free half and half.  

Most every day of my life starts with this same breakfast.  It's got protein, carbs and COFFEE!  The necessities of life.

However, this morning, when I put my toast in the toaster and "flushed" it...I noticed this strange burning smell.  I figured Everlee had crammed something plastic in there. I keep our toaster stored in a low cabinet, when not in use, and unfortunately, Everlee can reach it very easily.

I quickly hit "cancel" and peeked in there.  Nope.  Just my toast.  But, the coils didn't seem to be glowing red when I started it again.  Hmm.  Could it be?  My toaster is dying?  Say it ain't so!

We received that toaster as a wedding gift nearly 19 years ago.  It's a Sunbeam toaster, not fancy, but it gets the job done...and has been doing really well, up until today.  It managed to finish my toast with a nice golden brown hue, but it worried me.  Would I be replacing this very STAPLE part of my routine soon?

And that got me to thinking about when I received the toaster...which reminded me how close we are to our 19th wedding anniversary.  Like 17 days away.  19.  Years.  YEARS.  

I am not sure how 19 years passed so quickly, how I ended up with 3 kids, how I've lived overseas, how I've traveled across country, how I've lived in California--thousands of miles from my family, and all of this shared with the same man.  

In my wildest dreams, I never thought my life would be where it is today.  I mean, I knew marrying an evangelist would have SOME adventure attached to it.  I just didn't realize how amazing and rewarding that would be.  I knew there would be some hard times, some good times, some sad times and some happy times--but never imagined the things we have achieved and the things we have endured.  And yet, know that I am blessed beyond my own merit.

And while 19 years isn't quite a lifetime, it is longer than the life of a toaster...which is something I am quite proud of.  

Happy Anniversary (to be) to my one and onliest Pookie.  Here's to another 19 and then some...  

We Belong Together

As some of you may know, I am a Sectional Director,in the Western District, for our Ladies Ministries.

Last Friday, our section met for our yearly meeting and I took the group of ladies that were there into a side room and we had a little time of fellowship and fun.

Part of my activities included an object lesson.  I got several single stem flowers and arranged them in a vase and brought them to the meeting.  Well, I did not have "filler" or greenery and quite frankly, my "bouquet" was a bit rough around the edges but I was ok with that, because I knew what we would be doing with it.

Lo and behold, my luck was shining that day because a florist, that attends the church, was there helping to set up.  I immediately asked for her help.  And she arranged this GORGEOUS creation that I was thrilled with.

Once I had all the ladies gathered, I asked them all to take our their cell phones and snap a pic of the arrangement.  We all admired it and talked about how beautiful it was and I share with them about having a little help making it look even more fabulous.

After a couple games, I decided it was time to share my object lesson with them.  So, I asked each lady to come and choose her favorite stems and take them from the bouquet.  One by one, they begin to pick apart the bouquet until about half the arrangement was left.

I then had them take a pic of the aftermath.  I have an app on my phone that lets me put pics side by side and I did a comparison photo.  Together, the bouquet was gorgeous, full and colorful.  Once it had been separated, it was puny and rather pathetic.

When we stand together, we can accomplish beautiful things.  We have a sense of community and belonging.  Sure, individually, we have value and can be "beautiful", but together we have an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than us.  Something that can be admired, not only for it's individual beauty, but the beauty that comes when we are all together.  It was a cool visual and I hope something the ladies could take home and remember.

I left the remaining flowers/bouquet with the host pastor's wife and on Sunday, the florist had messaged me a pic of her having put it "back together again."  I was impressed!  Even with fewer flowers, it was still a beautiful arrangement.  Which struck me with this thought, we don't have to have MORE or ALL of something to be beautiful.  We can still hold value and purpose, even in the few remaining flowers.  We just need a master to come and arrange us to fit in our vase.

I am thankful to serve a God that can take my abundance and my lack and combine it with others to make something beautiful.  I am happy to be a part of the family of God.  To have community is His Kingdom.

Together vs. Separated 

Brought Together Again

It's Dark in Here

This post is dedicated to my daddy...

Dear Mom,

You won't believe what I've been through.  It's crazy in here.  Lots of noises and sloshing.  Sometimes it's really dark and other times there is this bright light that makes me squeeze my eyes shut.

I hear you talking and singing and I realize you have the most lovely voice.  I can't wait to see your face and look into your eyes as you sing to me.

I hear other voices too.  One is really rumbly sounding.  And at times, it gets very loud, like shouting.  It's my daddy's voice.  He sounds like someone I can trust, but also someone who loves adventure.

There are other voices.  One is very quiet and soft, almost like whispering.  Sometimes I hear him making another loud racket.  I'm not sure what he's doing, but it sounds like he's having a good time and seems to really enjoy whatever he's doing.

There is another voice that seems to sing all day long.  She's very loud and chatty.   She seems happy and is always having fun.

Even though I haven't met these voices, I love them.  I listen for them and smile or sigh contentedly when I hear them.

At times, these voices talk to ME.  I can tell because they call my name, and I feel very loved and secure hearing that they are all waiting for me to arrive.

There used to be lots of room in here.  I could do flips and roll and kick and stretch as much as I wanted.  Now, it's getting harder to move.  Sometimes I just feel like stretching my legs out as far as they will go.  And it seems you like it, because you rub against my foot, letting me know you can feel me too.

I also can feel hot and cold.  Hot is nice.  It makes me feel snuggly and relaxed.  Cold is awful!  I do not like cold at all.  It makes me stretch and kick, trying to warm up.  I don't know what is causing this, but wish you would do something about it.

I have to admit, it's pretty nice here in the dark.  It's cozy, feels warm (most of the time!), and safe.  But, I'm also very curious as to what you and the other voices look like.  I'm not exactly sure how to get out of here, in order to meet you, but I'm working on a plan.  It's hard to explain, and I'm still working out a few details, but I'm almost ready to put this plan into action.  I hope you're as ready to meet me as I am to meet you.

Well, I should go.  It's about time for me to sleep again.  I hope you are resting well.  Once I arrive, I will be anxious to learn more about you.  I plan on spending as much time as possible learning as much as I can, as quickly as I can.  It's going to be exhausting and an around the clock job, but I'm trying to rest and prepare myself for this as best I can.  See you soon!

Much Love from the Dark,

Your Baby

The Waiting Room

No, this post is NOT taking place with me sitting in a waiting room or hospital bed...

The closer I get to meeting our new baby girl, the more reflecting I am doing.  Since there is not much more I actually CAN do, thinking seems to be the safest and easiest for me to manage.

Today is Valentine's Day!!  I actually dreamed I went into labor on Valentine's Day, so in the back of my brain, it's a possibility...  Haha!!  Anxious much?  Nah...

Really, the thing that I've been thinking on most is how MANY things in our life is a series of waiting games.  Hoping.  Praying.  Believing.  Trusting.  In fact, there are very FEW things that give immediate answers or satisfaction.  Chocolate being one of the few things that satisfies immediately, although briefly.

The thing with waiting is...it can get boring.  Tedious.  Stressful.  Nerve-wracking.  This is especially true if you aren't sure what you are waiting on.  For instance, our baby girl, what will she REALLY look like?  Will she have red hair?  Will she be a "good baby"?  Will she sleep through the night quickly?  Will she go to college?  These are not things I am worried about, just things I'm waiting to find out.

So, what's the purpose of waiting?  Is it God's way of teaching patience?  Grace?  Perhaps.  I truly believe it's God's way of positioning the best possible outcome.  The perfect plan for us.  And, He includes roadblocks, obstacles, trials and frustrations along the way too.  And, His perfect plan is perfect to Him for us, not necessarily our idea of perfect.

As humans, this is very hard to accept sometimes.  We feel that the perfect will of God should be all sunshine and rainbows, huge flashing neon signs and absolutely clear and focused direction from God.   And often, it is.  But sometimes, He asks us to wade through some tough stuff.  Our emotions get trampled.  Our hearts get broken.  We feel disconnected, lost and abandoned.  But, the reality is, He's never left.  He is still guiding and He is STILL in control.  Who do you think brought the fog?  Who do you think brought the heartache?  Does He ENJOY our dilemma?  No.  But in His wise way, it is yet another opportunity to trust Him.  To turn to Him.  To depend on Him.

While we wait, we should make sure that we stay in the waiting room.  Even if it means sitting in the dark.  Once our name is called, we should be ready to walk through the doors and receive the answer He has for us.

Abandon the waiting room...and you abandon the blessing, the miracle, the answer.

Waiting rooms are seldom fun.  Out of date magazines, screaming toddlers, cold and uncomfortable plastic chairs...but oh, the feeling when your name is called...  Somehow, all the unpleasant parts of waiting just seem to slip away as you stand up, look forward, walk through that door and into the thing you've been waiting ever so patiently for.

15 Weeks!

We've announced it on Facebook, which makes it official, but I have more to say about this pregnancy.

First of all, I feel great!  Not like, run a marathon great, but great.  A little fatigue, which is fairly normal, but other than that, GREAT.  I've had ZERO morning sickness this go around.  Thank you, Lord!

The scariest thing I've encountered was some spotting for about 3 weeks that worried me some, but at the same time, I also had a peace about it all.  I also had some great friends that checked on me (DAILY) and that made a huge difference.  I firmly believe their support is what kept me thinking so positively during that time.  Sadly, this occurred the same time my husband was supposed to be in the Philippines.  He cancelled his trip to stay home with me, just in case.  I kept telling him to "go", but he wanted to stay.  I love him for it, but feel bad that he missed out on a trip because of me and baby.

The spotting was especially worrisome to me because I have miscarried before.  When Jon was about 5, we got pregnant again.  I had just started working and I really needed to be working and we had just started a church and even though we had planned for that pregnancy, God needed our little one Home with Him.  While I had some sadness, I never really got depressed over this loss, as I had tremendous peace/comfort from God during this time.  I knew that our angel baby was in His care and He could take better care of her in Heaven than we could on earth.  To be honest, I felt something was "wrong" from the beginning of the pregnancy, so losing this baby was painful, but not a huge surprise.

Some of you may recall, my pregnancy with Ella was a BEAST.  I saw every "ologist" in the book.  Passed out while sitting in a chair, dealt with a whacked out thyroid and ended up going into the hospital at 36 weeks to be diagnosed with pancreatitis.  I was later told that I was pretty close to dying.  Nice.  Yeah, Ella was nearly the death of me and yet...  I am now pregnant again.  Women are crazy.

Secondly, I'd like to say that this pregnancy was TOTALLY planned.  Yes.  We CHOSE to have another.  There are lots of reasons why we shouldn't have (hello, we live in a 5th wheel and spend most of our days in a truck traveling church to church AND we like traveling overseas to the Philippines), but there were enough reasons why we should that I didn't want to regret at least trying for another.

Lastly, and I can't explain this, but I'm not NEARLY as hungry/starving as I was with Jon and Ella.  With Jon, I'm pretty sure I ate all the time because it was my first pregnancy and I was just totally ignorant as to how much I was actually eating.  With Ella, I stayed a bit nauseated all day long and having food on my stomach helped, so I basically grazed, like a cow, ALL DAY LONG.  With this pregnancy, I'm "normal" hungry for the most part.  I'm eating way less (but still managing to gain weight and look much further along than I really am!!!) and mostly craving healthy stuff.  Proteins, cheese and citrus seem to be the things I gravitate towards.  Too much sugar makes me a little sick feeling, so I've been "indulging" but not as much as I have in the past.

I'm 38.  Now, most days that doesn't seem/feel all that old.  But, the docs consider pregnancy high risk for women over 35.  I definitely qualify.  This does make me a teeny (okay, more than a teeny) bit nervous.  I see all kinds of scary diagnosis on Facebook and spend way too much time googling baby stuff and at times,  I have tiny little panic attacks.  And yet, I feel very strongly that this baby was definitely meant to be and will be exactly what we need, no matter what.

I'm excited!  I'm feeling super strong BOY vibes, as this pregnancy is much like my pregnancy with Jon.

I cannot think of a cool name.  *sigh*  Apparently, "Jon" and "Ella" are the extent of my naming capabilities.  Oh, I have a few that I've been tossing around, but none just FEEL right.  Yet.

The kids have agreed it MUST be a boy.  Jon wants a baby brother and Ella refuses to share her "girl toys".  HA!

I have my next doctor appointment on Thursday and I'm hoping 15 weeks is far enough along to find out boy or girl...I'm hopeful, but won't be surprised if I have to wait longer.

So, there are some random thoughts floating around in my brain.  I apologize for all the grammar mistakes.  I tend to over use commas...  I am pregnant and that is going to be my excuse for the next several months.  Enjoy and feel free to comment!

The scariest thing I have ever done…twice!

Are y'all ready for this?  I should probably be horribly ashamed to admit this…but I must confess.  Before this trip to Manila, I have NEVER bought fresh (not frozen) chicken.  Never.  Not once.  I am terrified of salmonella, e. coli, and all the rest of the funky stuff just lurking in a person's home to contract.

Yet, of all places, I choose to be brave several thousand miles outside of my comfort zone to bite the bullet and buy chicken.  Crazy, right?  But, I'm glad I did!  I now have 3 new dishes to feed to my family and due to so much more time in the kitchen,  I have mastered the rice cooker.  Oh.  That's the other thing I have never used before in my life.  A rice cooker.  This trip, I learned how to cook rice (thank you Google!!) and I have mastered the art of fluffy rice in a rice cooker!  Let the angels rejoice!  I might actually be turning Filipina after all!

While I am serious about these two new things to add to my accomplishments in life, I am also struck with the thought about how much more brave a person can be when they are out of their comfort zone.

When things no longer feel safe and secure, you have to make adjustments.  You have to change your plans.  You have to change your thinking, your perspective.  Sure, you can stay inside that little safety zone, but you would be missing some pretty awesome things (hello!  fluffy rice anyone?!?!).

Living for God is like being brave enough to buy fresh chicken.  Ok, that may be a bit of a stretch, but sometimes living for God can be scary.  It can cause us to have tremendous faith.  Faith in the unseen.  Faith in God and faith in ourselves.  We have to trust that He will take care of us and trust that He has already spoken a word to us and equipped us with the tools and/or talent we will require to accomplish what He has called us to do.

It's not too hard to trust God, but it can be quite challenging to have faith in ourselves.  If you have ever felt a call of God on your life, then you already have been given everything you need to see the work fulfilled.  Oh sure, there may be a learning process along the way (how many TIMES did I allow the rice to burn before I realized you have to unplug it after it's finished cooking!!!!), but know that God's hand is leading you and guiding you into EXACTLY what He has planned for you and He has given you all the ability you need and is also capable of teaching you along the way!!!

Besides buying fresh chicken and mastering the rice cooker, I've also done a couple other scary things since being here in Manila.

The Lord gave me a dream not long after arriving here.  In my dream I was teaching the 2nd year class.  Since I do not have any classes with the 2nd year, I knew there was something special about this dream.  In my dream, I began to discuss "balance" with the students.  God gave me a visual and the 4 key points to the lesson and then I woke up. Well, I let it stir in my heart and my brain and finally, it came time for me to present it.  I was SO NERVOUS!!!  I do not know how my husband can repeatedly get up in front of a congregation with a word from God and deliver it with polish and confidence.  I suppose, after many years of "practice" it's easier for him, but I was a wreck.  However, I delivered my heart to them, and I believe they were blessed by it.  Today, I was able to share the same lesson with the 1st year class.  I was less nervous today, but still, trusting the voice of God and delivering what He has laid on your heart is not something for cowards.

I've also started some of my own personal development.  An opportunity opened up for me to take an online certificate course in counseling.  I've been praying about some things I've been feeling and talking things over with my husband and this seemed like a confirmation to what I felt.  It literally just kind of dropped into my lap.  So, I signed up, enrolled and took the plunge.  I am about halfway through the class and LOVING EVERY SECOND OF IT!  I feel challenged!!!  Part of the course work involves reading a book a week and so far, I've had to write two papers.  The reading part…I LOVE!  The writing part…I LOVE!  The submitting papers for grading…I HATE!  Oh, the agony.  Did I say everything I need to say?  Did I fully capture the essence of what the instructor asked for?  Did I use correct APA format?  I am sure that I will adjust and this anxiety will lessen over time, but until then, I will be biting my nails and questioning every little sentence.

So, there you have it.  A brief recap and a little inspiration for your day.  Doing scary things doesn't have to be scary, if you allow God to lead you and guide you through them.  Love y'all!  Hope you are all enjoying fall!  It's getting cooler here (yes…cool!!) and the wind is blowing and there has been a lovely breeze today.  While this weather is typical for Manila during this time of the year, I like to think that God is blessing me with my own personal fall/autumn here.  And I love it!

Living with a Lizard: Update from Manila

Y'all, I consider myself a tough kinda gal.  I am not too frou frou and even though I avoid it as much as possible, I don't get all bent out of shape about getting sweaty and dirty.

But living with a lizard is like living with a spring-loaded jack-in-the-box!  You never know when that stupid thing is going to turn up!  Good gravy!

No, they are not poisonous or dangerous.  They do not attack or bite or even hiss.  They just creep and crawl along the floor and the wall--at will!  They strut their stuff right in front of you without regard to your personal feelings.  They are very selfish and self-centered evil beady-eyed creatures.  *shudder*

I've been fighting the lizard battle NON-STOP since we arrived. It's ridiculous!  Last year, we had ONE lizard.  One.  Just ONE!  It lived in the closet and we rarely saw it (only flashes as it darted away) and it never bothered us.  We did manage to capture and "release" it (into the toilet), but prior to that we lived in complete harmony.

This year, totally different story. The lizards are taking over.  I imagine them darting to and fro as I see phantom images of them out of the corner of my eye.  I'm not even kidding.  I may need therapy after this trip.  I have a severe case of the heebie jeebies!

On top of the lizard infestation (yes, 3 is an infestation!), I have ant issues.  Ugh.  They wouldn't be so bad if we didn't get the mean ones that bite.

I feel like I'm living in the middle of the jungle!  I wouldn't be too surprised if a lion or zebra didn't walk through the living room!

Besides the pest control issues, life here is pretty routine, but more fun--because we are in the Philippines!  HA!  Everything is more fun in the Philippines!!

Trent and I have started taking Sir. Flowers' night school class on leadership.  We are studying leadership through the book of Nehemiah.

I recently enrolled in a certificate program through Apostolic School of Theology.  The certificate program is Congregational Counseling.  It has been a very LONG time since I was a student, but I have been feeling a nudge regarding going back to school and this opportunity opened up and it just seemed like the right fit and the right timing.  So, here we go!!

The first week, we were required to read an entire book.  Not a huge issue for me, because I am a total nerd about reading.  I also had to write a 3-page paper and that was a bit intimidating, as the only "writing" I've done is blogging (doesn't count) and changing my Facebook status (totally doesn't count).

It would appear for the time being that we are all healthy and happy.  I have a minor cold that sends me into coughing fits when I talk too much, but the rest of us are all feeling finer than a frog's hair.  FINALLY!!  Besides lizards, it seems we have battled illness or ailments galore this trip.

We are especially thankful to our partners, family and friends that have supported us and continue to support us!  We recently experienced a financial miracle/blessing!  We knew we would have to renew our visas for the remainder of our stay and it was our hopes to be able to do this for the same amount we paid last year and had budgeted for this year.  However, we were quoted a MUCH higher price.  The next day, a pastor friend of ours felt led to send money to our paypal account.  Thank you Lord for your provision!  I replied to the email thanking him for his support and prayers and told him that this money would help cover an unexpected expense.  He replied by sending an additional offering!  Thank you Jesus for your goodness and abundant blessings!  I am telling you this story because I recently taught my first year students about giving.  When we give, God WILL give back.  I have been faithful in my giving of offerings, even while here in the Philippines, and God has not held anything back from us, including this huge financial blessing!

Despite the creepy crawlies, we have been blessed and blessed more abundantly while we have been here.  God's hand upon us is evident and we are so thankful to be serving Him!

Much love from Manila--until next time,

Am

Leaks, Lizards & Lysol

Long overdue update, I know.

Ok, first of all, we braved our first typhoon of the season here.  Torrential rains and flooding and although we did not have any flooding here, we did discover some leaks in the kitchen ceiling.  A tiny little river was running the length of the kitchen when I got up the next morning.  Thankfully, the rains stopped and the floods (in other parts of the city) subsided fairly quickly and so far, just "normal" rain and no more leaks.

We have a "pet" lizard.  Now, normally, I would be screaming and panicking about having a reptilian creature living in my home, but I am much more terrified of dengue fever (google it!) than a little 6 inch lizard.  I believe they are geckos and pretty harmless.  All I know is they eat mosquitoes, so I am ok with ONE living in my house.  As long as he/she stays hidden most of the time, we get along quite well.  The lizards are VERY common here and just yesterday, I noticed our lizard must be a "mommy lizard" as there were TWO babies under my sink.  Here I am, minding my own business, trying to get a trash bag from under the sink, and two teeny tiny lizards are just sitting there taunting me.  I forgave them for not knowing the "one lizard per household rule" and was quite pleased when Dodong (the resident driver, handyman & apparently exterminator) came to my rescue and captured the babies & set them free.  The mommy is still here…she escaped behind a cabinet.  Again, she and I have an unspoken agreement about staying hidden and just eating the mosquitoes (thankyouverymuch), so she can stay.

Which brings us to Lysol.  Oh, the wonders of Lysol.  Apparently, I ate something that did NOT agree with my US tummy and it sent me into one nightmare of a bellyache.  I have been either in bed, on the couch or in the CR (bathroom) for what seems like a miniature eternity.  After nearly a week of this nonsense, I stopped eating because I was SICK of visiting the CR after every meal.  Liquids seem to stay in place better, so for two days, I was liquids only.  I decided that since my stomach seemed to be cooperating better that it was time to return to class.  Trent (bless his heart!!!) had been teaching his classes AND taking my classes as well!  I felt sorry for him, and thought I could at least do this class and then get back downstairs, have some breakfast (dry toast) and be fine.  Totally totally totally NOT THE CASE.  I made it through the entire lesson, and was just wrapping things up when I began to see spots.  This was not my first rodeo with passing out, so I knew what was coming next, so I tried to excuse myself so I could get a seat in the office until my head felt better.  I never made it.  I woke up with the students hovering over me and Bro. Flowers fanning me with some papers.  Trent was there and I struggled to come to.  After several different people giving the account to different people, I finally figured out what happened.  I passed out, hit my chin (virtually knocking myself out) and then fell backwards & hit my head (possibly on the wall).  After getting me downstairs and tiny bit of food on my stomach, I STILL felt awful.  Nauseous and dizzy, I struggled to stay alert.  I went to the doc and he gave me meds for my stomach issues.  Now, I didn't know at the time I had hit my head, or likely I would have had to have further testing done.  I didn't find any of that out until several days later.  Anyway, the meds seem to help immediately (thank you JESUS!!!!) but I was still struggling with dizziness & being lightheaded & foggy brained.  I kept thinking:  "I wonder if I gave myself a concussion…"  Well, after hearing a more accurate account, I'm fairly certain I did just that.  Go me!!!

I have been doing my best to just lay low.  Resting and keeping my movements limited as much as possible.  No headaches and no nausea, so I'm pretty sure my head is gonna be OK soon.  I still have a bit of dizziness and fatigue, but next week is testing here at the school, so it will be a "light week" for me, and I believe after that I should be as good as new.

Today is Sunday, and I stayed home while the kids went to PARC with Grandee & Papa Flowers.  Trent is preaching out today in Cavite.

I know that a little network of prayer has been going up for me and my family while we are here and I am truly humbled by the support & love from everyone.  Y'all are the greatest!!!  Thank you so much for caring about us and I am truly sorry for all the worry this has caused.  Ugh…so not my style!

Much love to you all!!!!!

How to tell if you are part Filipino

So sorry for the delay in my first blog post.  As you know by now, we arrived safely in Manila late Thursday night.  Because of the routes we chose, it felt like a REALLY long day and we crashed in bed around 1 am.  After what seemed like a lightening fast weekend, we began our work here at the Bible School.  My class schedule looks like this:

Monday: 7:50 pm Life of Christ (1st yr night class)
Tuesday: 8:20 am Bible Intro (1st yr)
Wednesday: 7:30 am Life of Christ (1st yr)
Friday: 7:30 am Life of Christ and 9:10 Christian Education (1st yr)

Trent's class schedule looks like this:

Monday: 8:20 am Epistles and 8:40 pm Doctrine 1 (1st yr night class)
Tuesday: 11:00 am Doctrine/Epistles (1st yr) and 6:00 Spiritual Ministry (2nd yr night class)
Wednesday: 8:20 am Epistles
Thursday: 7:30 am Evangelism 2 (2nd yr) and 11:00 am Doctrine/Epistles (1st yr)

We will be VERY busy and I love it!

Tuesday, after class, we took our first trip to Divisoria.  Trent wanted to be able to look for barong fabric and I needed to pick up a few things for our guests that are here for Spiritual Emphasis Week and a Crusade.  Tuesday was also Ma'am Flowers birthday!  Wow!  I cannot wait to celebrate my birthday sometime in the PI!  It starts as early as you wake up and continues until you go to bed!  Greetings, cake, presents, love and attention are POURED out to honor you on your special day.  Sis. Flowers was serenaded at 5 am by the students who tried to surprise her with a cake, but she ended up surprising them and nearly lost her cake in the process!  HA!  The students were not expecting her to swing open her door at 5 am but she did and surprised/scared them before they could her!  Ella and I had a balloon bouquet made for her at National Bookstore!  Such a fun little idea and I believe she loved it.  Ella enjoyed bossing the girls around at the store telling them how she wanted it just so.

We are thrilled beyond measure to have Bro. Stephen Hill and his mother, Sis. Hill, here with us.  Bro. Hill has been preaching the Spiritual Emphasis Chapel services (to the students) and will be preaching a crusade service (supported by the local churches/pastors) on Friday & Sunday.

There are many things about living here that are a bit different than living in the US, but I am surprised at how easily I slipped back into the PI habit of doing things.  I know that when I return home, I will probably have to adjust back to life there, as well.  One of the first lessons you will learn in the PI is to buy it when you see it.  HA!!  I'm not sure if it's how they receive shipments or how things are imported (from Australia) but chances are you may never see that item or brand ever again.  I was surprised to find Kraft Macaroni & Cheese at Unimart.  Yes, I bought 2 boxes at P88 (About $2/box)!  I doubt I will see it again, unless I go to S&R (the PI Costco/Sams).

Trent is getting along pretty well here with the broken foot.  He is fighting wearing that big ol' heavy & hot boot, and no doubt counting down the days/weeks until he can take it off.  The students are very concerned for him and I've had several ask me about him and if there is anything he needs or that they can do for him.  I believe, if he needed a student to carry him up and down the steps at the school, there would be a little war as to who would get the honor.  Haha!!!

My kids are at home here.  Yes, despite the heat, they are playing hard and making new friends and re-aquainting themselves with the 2nd year students.  The girls are enamored with Ella and have spoiled her completely rotten!  She comes in from playing outside with candy, sweets, and has acquired 2 masks that she will wear to town!  Jon is teaching the boys how to ride skateboard.  He is able to skate a little here at the school and will practice his tricks and it is mesmerizing to the boys!  They also try to ride, but have not got the hang of it yet.

One of the most surprising things for me, is the heat.  I have been cold, yes COLD, here!!  I am not sure if I've just turned part Filipino or because it is the rainy season, but I've found myself shivering at times!  HA!!!  To clarify, I am only cold when we are indoors (in the apartment, the office or at the mall or restaurants).  The AirCon here is intense (which is lovely and quite refreshing!) but on damp skin can be very chilly.  It's ok.  I will take it!

That is enough rambling for one post.  I just wanted to give an update and brief glimpse of life so far.  Even though it is the first week of a totally new school year, it seems like very little time has passed since we were here last.

That's all for now!

Others

This isn't really the right platform for this, but I am not sure how to get this out there.

I want to thank all of you (pastors and saints) that have thought of OTHERS this holiday season.  You have been a blessing to someone you knew, or perhaps a stranger and while you may feel like it went unnoticed or unappreciated, know that for this OTHER, it has made a tremendous difference.

Maybe you are someone who does things anonymously, you don't need or want the public appreciation--I get that.  Maybe you did something nice for someone and there is NO WAY you will ever get a thank you for it, but don't let either of those things stop you from thinking of OTHERS.

I am an "other".  My family are "others".  And you have thought of us.  You have blessed us!

Thank you for your friendship, your support and LOVE.  Thank you for putting OTHERS on your Christmas list, on your prayer list and yes, even your friends list.

One of my personal goals or resolutions for 2014 is to think of OTHERS more.  I want to be a blessing to more people this year than ever have.  I want to think of OTHERS the way you have thought of me/us.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you!  May this season be filled with love and happiness!  And may you always continue to think of others.   Thank you for inspiring me!!

Love,

An other

The Road to Jesus

A person's Christian walk is often referred to as a journey or path.  And our ultimate destination is heaven.  We all want to go.  We are all marching toward that great reward.

Although there is a promise of heaven, there was also a promise of a Messiah.  Many people came from far and near to see this little baby that was born to save us. How could this be?  Really, a Messiah that is wrapped in swaddling clothes?  This, they had to see!

The wise men took one of the most famous journeys to Jesus. Their efforts are somewhat documented in the pages of history, but I sincerely doubt the real truth was published.

If their road trip is anything like our road trips, they stopped every one and a half hours so someone could "potty".  Chances are the mommas along the journey ran out of entertainment for the kids about 30 minutes into the trip and all the snacks she had so carefully packed were devoured by the time they had crossed the first state line.

Considering the fact that their "vehicle" was an animal, I am sure there were emergency stops for refueling, "tire changes" and possibly even a complete break down depending on the conditions of the travel and the roads.

Ironically, our journey to Jesus is much the same way.  A never ending "road trip" to the one who not only created this earth we traverse, but waits patiently as we run this race.  We have hang ups.  Mistakes.  Struggles.  Potholes of life that seem to veer us off the path.  We don't intend to stop and stay so long at that travel station, but they had a mini-mall inside!!!

The road to Jesus is not always smooth.  Sometimes we go through things that do not make sense.  Snow storms in the middle of the desert?  Yes.  In the smack middle of the desert, we have had to pull over to wait out a blizzard.  That doesn't make sense.  We did not not want our journey to be delayed, but it was.  The very next morning, we got up and continued along the way.  You can't let a little storm keep you stuck on the side of the road.  You MUST get back on the road and keep moving!

Another interesting thing about the wise men's journey to Jesus was that when they left, they went a different way.  After witnessing this miracle, they were changed.  They didn't want to travel down that same road again.  They forged a new path. A better path.

As you celebrate this season and think on Him, and while you walk this road, remember that it is OK to have car trouble, but make sure you get it into the station to be looked out.  Don't forget to fill up your tank when you are running low and make sure you keep traveling until you reach your destination.

Wishing you all a Merry and Miraculous Christmas Season!

Star of Wonder--Christmas Album Giveaway!!

There is this girl I know…

Actually, she is one of three sisters that I claim (whether they like it or not) and boy oh boy is she a talented gal!

I knew she could sing.  I knew she could sing really well…but when I heard her latest Christmas album, I actually got CHILLS.  

So, I wanted to share the love and the spirit of this season by doing a GIVEAWAY!  Yes, you, my dear reader can WIN your very own copy of this album!

First, I'd like to introduce you to the soloist…my amazing and talented sister/friend, Denice:

All Photography courtesy of Deanna Rose Photography

Denice, thanks for agreeing to this interview!  I am so excited for you and PROUD!  

SWRB: What's your favorite style of music?

DL: I have a few favorite styles: I love gospel, jazz, and classical. I like a few other styles, but those would be my favorites.

SWRB: Who was/is your biggest musical influence?

DL: I don't have one in particular. I try to learn techniques from many, many different artists. Female artists inspire me vocally, male artists usually inspire me musically.

SWRB: How long have you been singing?

DL: Pretty much my entire life, since I was probably about 4 or 5 years old as far as I can remember. Any earlier than that would have to be verified by my parents. 

SWRB: What musical instruments do you play?

DL: Just the piano. And the recorder. I'm awesome on the recorder. I'd LOVE to learn how to play violin and flute.

SWRB: Is there an instrument you would love to learn how to play?

DL: Yes! Violin and flute. ;) Cello would be pretty cool, too. And guitar, acoustic and electric. And bass. Lofty goals, I know...

SWRB: Have you always dreamed of recording?

DL: Yes, probably since I was a teenager. Don't know why I didn't try to make it happen sooner, but timing is everything -- guess it just finally got to be the right time!

SWRB: What's your favorite part of recording this album?

DL: The actual recording of it -- studio time is so much fun! I also LOVED hearing how the music turned out before we started recording vocals. I have an amazing producer at Flyway Records who is exceptionally musically talented. Justin Hogue is crazy brilliant at arranging songs. Hearing what he did with these very old carols was so inspiring!

SWRB: Is there a funny or interesting story you can share about the recording of this album?

DL: Interesting factoid 1: The first and only bathroom selfie I took (and ever will take) was with my sisters styling me for the photo shoot for the cover artwork. 

Interesting factoid 2: It's hard to blow glitter out of your hands and smile at the same time.

All Photography courtesy of Deanna Rose Photography

SWRB: Do you have future projects planned we can look forward to?

DL: Yes! Please check on my Facebook page for details about an upcoming project involving a full-length album that is not holiday-related. Well, there may be something in there about Arbor Day or something. ;)

SWRB: Do you have any advice for hopeful recording artists?

DL: JUST DO IT. Can't, never could until you tried. 

SWRB: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

DL: I adore your blog. I adore you. You are amazing. But that's not sharing, because everyone already knows that. 

I would like to share that I have a few social media outlets through which I share my thoughts and project details -- all my handles are @DeniceLanides for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I'd also like to share that I am quite fond of chocolate, dark or milk. 

Last thing I  would like to share: if your sisters know how to style and photograph and blog about you, they are some of your best resources ever. Not only do you get to look good, but you get to have a ton of fun taking pictures and spreading the word about your work!

 SWRB: Denice, I know your real sisters are as crazy about you as I am and they did a great job with styling and photography for your album!  You can follow her older sister Deanna on her photography blog: Deanna Rose Photography.  And you can follow her younger sister (the stylist!) on her style blog: Pretty is This.

All Photography courtesy of Deanna Rose Photography

Now, here's your chance to WIN a copy of this album!  All you have to do is comment below!! I will randomly draw a winner on Friday, December 13th!

Would you like to hear a little sample of what you will win?  If you just can't wait to win it--you can BUY IT NOW!

New Boots--Thanks a lot!

I wore them to church last night…and they are fabulous!  Like real cowgirl boots and yes, they are red. But really, more of a cranberry red, so I am calling them my "more grown up red boots".

I will try to get a good shot of them this week and post pics, because I KNOW you are all dying to see them.

Trent preached a really great message last night.  Miracles Along The Way.  Reminded me of this post.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, it is EASY to stop and think about what we are thankful for.  We are bombarded with the word "THANKS" everywhere we go.  And despite the jolly fat guy and all the lights that try to barge in on this holiday, I really am MORE aware of how thankful I am.

I sigh more during this time of year.  You know, that contented sigh…like when you take the first sip of morning coffee…but I sigh throughout the whole day.  Not because I am frustrated, but because I am content.   I don't have the biggest, the best or the brightest, but I have enough.

I also say "Thank you, Jesus" more often.  Just…because.  I climb in the truck and sit down and say "Thank you, Jesus".  I clean my dishes and say "Thank you, Jesus".  I pick up the toys (again!!!) and say "Thank you, Jesus".  I am thankful.  I don't want to take things for granted.  Even the little things…even the annoying things.  I am alive.  I am healthy.  My family is healthy.  We serve a great big God who is continuously pouring out his blessings on a daily basis…and we get miracles along the way.  

Yes, I am thankful.

PS:  Special thanks to Trent Gilliam for the new boots.  It was time.

He MAKETH me

The older I get, the more fixated I become on the provisions of God.  I suppose most Christians come to this realization that the older they get the more obvious His hand is in their daily life.  And, apparently, I am getting older because I am obsessed with how AWESOME God is and how perfectly He provides.

Trent preached a message the other night and referenced the 23rd Psalm.  Now, we have ALL heard the 23rd Psalm a million times, if one…but something about it this time just struck me differently.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He MAKETH me.  Maketh me?  He MAKES me lie down?  That struck me funny. I've always been taught that God is a gentleman.  He doesn't MAKE us do anything…but here, He is MAKING me lie down…  Where?  In green pastures.  Hmmm… 

After Trent read that part of the text, I admittedly checked out of the sermon for a bit…this was bugging me.  Why would God MAKE me lie down…and what is so significant of green pastures?

So, I started digesting this…green pastures…what does it take to make a pasture green?  Well, it takes water, sunlight and good soil (nutrients).  The basic necessities of life.  Oh, He MAKES me lie down (rest) *IN* the basic building blocks of LIFE.

Well, this got me pretty excited!  You mean, God makes me rest in the basic provisions of LIFE?  Everything I need to live, he provides and I can REST in that?  

I nearly took a victory lap!  I don't have to worry about the necessities…He's got that covered.  I can REST in that.

Well, after church, on our way to Oklahoma, I asked Trent about what I had read and he let me borrow his study program and I found something that had me nearly shouting in the truck.  Check this out in Barnes Notes (italics are mine):

The idea is that of calmness and repose, as suggested by the image of flocks " lying down on the grass." But this is not the only idea. It is that of flocks that lie down on the grass " fully fed" or " satisfied," their wants being completely supplied. The exact point of contemplation in the mind of the poet, I apprehend, is that of a flock in young and luxuriant grass, surrounded by abundance, and, having satisfied their wants, lying down amidst this luxuriance with calm contentment. It is not merely a flock enjoying repose; it is a flock whose wants are supplied, lying down in the midst of abundance. Applied to the psalmist himself, or to the people of God generally, the idea is, that the wants of the soul are met and satisfied, and that, in the full enjoyment of this, there is the conviction of abundance - the repose of the soul at present satisfied, and feeling that in such abundance want will always be unknown.

So, the next time you are praying for something you "need".  I challenge you to ask yourself:  "Is this something I need to LIVE?"  If the answer is yes, stop worrying about it.  You can REST in the security that He will PROVIDE it.  And in THIS abundance of needs being met, we will never have to WANT for anything.  He supplies it all.

I am so thankful to serve a God that gives me peace and rest in my daily needs.  I don't have to worry or mentally wrestle how I am going to provide for my kids.  I can rest and trust the SHEPHERD to supply those needs and rest in this provision.

Blame it on the rain

Being from the South, I am no stranger to rain. Thunder storms and lighting do not frighten me. Tornadoes are just "one of the seasons" I have endured as a child growing up, so I am no stranger to inclement weather.

Typhoon season is another matter all together. Whoa Nelly. That is some serious rain fall. Buckets and barrels full. Thankfully, the school is on higher ground, so we have not had any street flooding here, although there has been some flooding in the dorms and some of the homes here on the compound.

Parts of Manila are closed entirely and many streets are flooded with water that is chest high. Some of the pastors who have been affected by the flooding have been parking their cars here at the school.

Sunday night, the students returned after their weekend away to lots of rain. The girls had a clogged drain and had to bail water for a while to spare their dorm room until someone got the drain unclogged. I was so impressed with their attitudes and spirits. Such happy kids! Trent had asked me to go down and check on the girls and see how bad the water was. I walked into a very happy chaos!! The girls were bailing, sweeping, singing and laughing as though it were a party and not a potential flood! Their song? "Victory is mine"!! I have never wanted more to be a Filipina than in that moment. I want to be happy like that!! I want true joy in the midst of trouble. Oh God, please help my heart learn to trust you even when I am bailing out the flood waters of life!!!

There is no doubt that these kids are inspirations to me. They help me see things more clearly and realize that through it ALL, I really can have faith and trust God to move and provide--in every situation.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

A new meaning to the phrase...

You've heard the phrase: "hit the ground running", right?  Well, I am not sure where it came from and now that I am curious, I WILL google it, but it describes our trip thus far to a "T".

We arrived early Sunday am and Trent and Jon headed out to PARC to attend the am service.  Ella and I elected to stay home and get some rest and try to prepare ourselves for the rest of the day.  That night, was a Section 3 crusade at ACTS, so we were all ready to go for the service.

Monday, Trent and I attended the LDI Conference.  LDI stands for Leadership Development International. For the next 3 days, we had leadership training along with the Filipino brethren at the Crown Plaza Hotel.  We had such incredible teaching and encouragement from various speakers and I learned A LOT of new info and was inspired and encouraged.  Truly, a great "jump start" to this trip!!

Thursday morning, I substituted for Ma'am Flowers class.  I taught Christian Education. That afternoon, we had outreach for the upcoming crusade sponsored by Hope Center in Redding, CA and that was quite an interesting experience.  We got separated from the group and weren't sure where to go.  But never fear!!  A student was on his motorcycle and found us and we eventually were reunited with the group and all gathered at an intersection in an outdoor market for a street service.  There, the students took turns preaching and testifying.  It's great practice, experience and exposure for them!

Friday, I subbed again for Sis Flowers and taught Bible Intro.  What an experience!!  Such a great group of first year students and I could FEEL God using me to talk into their lives and what an emotional feeling that is.  I am very humbled.  Friday evening was the first night of the crusade and Pastor Bo(bo) preached an awesome message about "Today is your day!"  That night, 40 received the Holy Ghost and 17 were baptized!  The Redding group was blown away at the response and vibrancy of worship and intensity in the altars. It is NOT for the faint of heart!!!

Saturday was a "rest day" and we spent the day taking the Redding group to various sites.  We toured the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila Bay, the Embassy and Greenhills--a local shopping mall.

Sunday, we went to PARC with Lilly, while the rest of the Redding group preached out in Novaliches.  That night, was crusade night again at ACTS and we had an incredible crowd turn out!  They estimated 450+ persons in attendance!  After Pastor Bo(bo) preached, over 100 received the Holy Ghost and 11 were baptized in Jesus name!  During this crusade, Jon made a little friend who didn't speak any English, but he understood the language of "play".  They hit it off great and Jon was his "kuya" (big brother) by the end of the night!

Monday, Pastor Bo(bo) preached chapel service and we took them back to Greenhills for more shopping, then ordered pizza from Shakey's for dinner that night.

Tuesday, was spent touring MANY different locations, including the Church of the Black Nazarene, Quiapo (Muslim souvenir shopping site), the Filipino UPCI Headquarters & church.

Wednesday, the group tried again to visit Greenhills but for some reason all the stores were closed down, so they had lunch at Bacolod Chicken (the group's favorite!!!) and then Sha & Annie escorted them to Divisoria for some MORE shopping.  They barely made it back to the school by 6:30 pm for their trip to the airport, but as of this posting, they have all landed home safe and forever changed.  Trent said that the kids cried and wanted to come back soon.

There is just something about this country that captures your heart and when you leave a little piece of you is left behind and a little piece of the Philippines fills that void.

Please forgive the length and detail of this blog post.  I am not able to connect to the wireless except at the nearby mall and I am recording my thoughts in a journal so that I can share them with you all via blog.

I am super happy to be "home" here and I'm happy to have reconnected with my pinsans (cousins) and looking forward to the next several weeks.  It appears I will be doing even more teaching in the school than I had originally thought, but I am excited about this and I'm using it as an opportunity to GROW!!!  The entire school has been fighting some kind of little virus or bug, so please keep us and the students in prayer.  We have had several who have been unable to attend class so far because of this and various other ailments.  It hurts when "your kids" are sick.  We are really enjoying our time with Ma'am and Sir Flowers, they are such sweet people and we are hoping to learn quite a lot from them in the next several weeks.

Thanks to you all for your prayer and support!  We are very happy and thankful to be here!

My accidental week as a cattle rancher

It's kind of a long story...aren't all the GOOD ones, long stories?

My parents were out visiting us for a week here in California.  Ironically, the temps in OK were COOLER than the temps here in CA.  Go figure.  Prior to their leaving OK, my grandpa (my dad's dad) had fallen.  Dad and mom went to visit him in the hospital and decided to come on out anyway.  During their visit, dad would get update texts on grandpa.  It went from bad to a bit worse.  By Sunday, the day the were scheduled to fly out, the news was bad and I had decided to fly home.  My grandpa passed that evening.  I got the news during church.  There is no way to describe him accurately or appropriately via a blog.  He was a legend of a man.  A spiritual giant.  He left behind a legacy and a heritage that I am very proud to be a part of.  

Anyway, the wheels were in motion for me to be in OK.  After attending the funeral, I spent the next several days pretending to be an only child.  Wow.  That was quite a new experience for me (the oldest of three).  

So, my accidental week as a cattle rancher began almost immediately upon arrival to my parent's house Wednesday evening after the funeral.  Per his routine, dad headed to "go check on the cows" and mom and I graciously tagged along.  To our surprise, there was a baby calf!  Yippee!!!  Dad noticed that one of the pregnant cows was no longer pregnant, so it was necessary to check and make sure the calf was ok.  And the hunt began....

Calf Hunting Party!  Silly Hats are Required!

Very carefully hidden (and protected) by nature

Here's a little lesson in extreme patience...  Momma cows will hide their babies in the grass or trees to keep them safe from potential threats while they graze or hang out with the herd.  The babies will remain there, lying where they were left until the mother returns.  They will NOT move an inch.  They know that their momma will return soon.  The thing with locating a baby calf is you have to drive (we were riding my dad's Gator--like a 4-wheeler/quad) VERY VERY VERY slow, because it's possible to literally run right over top of a calf and not even know you were anywhere near it.  They remain motionless and quiet until their mother returns.  So, we spotted the mom, and watched her.  She would look in the direction she left her calf and quietly moo to it.  Then, she would act disinterested and kind of wander off.  Well, we knew the general location she had left it, because she kept glancing that way, but there was no way to know exactly where.  Eventually, she wandered off, trusting her ability to camouflage her baby from danger.  Well, now we were stumped.  So, very slowly, we creeped and inched our way in circles in the general direction the momma cow was eyeballing.  At one point, we got close enough that she started giving us the "stink eye".  We were close.  And then, I noticed something different.  The grass didn't look quite right.  There was something there!  The baby!!!  We had found it.  Well, it was laying so still and quiet, my stomach sank.  Oh no!!  It was sick or perhaps dead.  Dad reassured me it was fine.  But, I wasn't convinced.  We got closer.  It was breathing.  Whew!!  We were literally less than 2 feet from the calf now and it still hadn't moved anything more than an eyelid.  Incredible.  Dad, went over to the calf and began petting it and I just could not resist...I got over there and petted that baby as well!  It was still damp and dad guessed the baby to be about 2-3 hours old.  Highlight of my trip!!!  Well, at this point, dad really wanted to make sure that mom & baby had bonded, but he couldn't get the momma to come anywhere near the baby--probably because we were so close.  So, dad did what any sane cow rancher would do.  He tried to lift the baby and expose it out in the open, hoping the momma would come over.  To his surprise, that "little baby" weighed probably 90 lbs!  And, after getting the baby up and running about, the momma did come running.  All was well.

Crazy Tina's 90 lb baby

The next day, we saw the momma and baby with the herd.  A good sign.  But the momma got a good whiff of me and dad and kind of went loco.  I am convinced she smelled me and dad and recognized our smell from what she smelled on her baby.  She was not a happy momma.  She mooed at us and charged us!  Kind of scary and thrilling at the same time.  I nicknamed her "Crazy Tina".  (No offense to anyone named Tina....I do NOT personally know a "crazy Tina" and she was named purely out of my own wild imagination--nothing more).

Morning bath from Momma

I'm ready for my close-up!

So, here's a little spiritual parallel, I gleaned from this experience.  The Lord is like a momma cow.  He "hides" us or protects us with strict instructions to not move from where he left us.  When we do this, we are safe from the enemy.  We are protected.  We are safe.  If we decide to get up and move from the place God has us, we are subject to an attack.  If you have been called to a place, a church, or a calling, don't move until God moves you.  Stay where you are, safe in the protection and covering of God's hand.  It seems counter intuitive to just "lay there" while the enemy is swarming about, but trust that God knows how to keep you and protect you from danger.  Just as that baby calf trusts its momma to know how to keep it hidden and safe, so should we trust in God and His Word and calling.  He wants what's best for us no matter what.  And the beautiful thing is that when it's time to move, God will gently call to you and as His child, we will hear and recognize the voice and know it's safe.

This is "Cletus".  Cletus was always super curious and would venture close enough to lick my hand!