Fellowship of Believers

What an exciting day yesterday was.. At 10am, I had a friend over to cut my hair and she just happened to one of her former college roomates with her. I had quiet an encouraging time getting to know her friend J*** more. J*** has been on "holiday" for 4 weeks. She has traveled from country in Africa to Scotland to Georgia to Vermont. Today she is off to Montreal then back to Africa. You probably are wondering why.. well apparently the agency (which I can't remember the name of) requires a holiday especially when living in hostile area like ***,Africa. She is an engineer (mechanical) but is currently drilling wells for fresh water so now she is a Water Engineer. This was facinating to me. Pray for her. Pray for the continent of Africa and for the countries that are hostile to the Gospel of our Lord.


Then later that evening, Steve had a meeting for all the people that are going on the short term mission trip (in April) to Gulfport, MS to do Katrina relief work. Two men who have been helping Steve organize the trip were coming up to do some training for the relief work. Both of them are both missionaries with North Carolina Baptist Men and North American Mission Board. I had the priveledge of serving and hosting them for dinner. It was a real treat to hear their testimonies of coming to faith and to hear of their families, some of which are not walking with the Lord. Thanks to my sister in-law Carey.. for the great recipe: Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie. It was a huge success. All the men had seconds. :-)
I can't help a but reflect on much of a treat it was to hear of brothers and sisters walking in the truth.. yielding their life, desires and comforts for the sake of the Glorious Gospel.

Children's Book Review...

I have often wondered about Max Lucado's childrens books (and videos) and how Christ centered they are. The Children's Hour did a great review if you were also curious like me.

I am still taking recommendations on Christ centered children's book.

My Heart's Poem.

Why is it that so few
Would stop to contemplate You?

You, who are good, great and kind,
And has sent a gift to all mankind

You, who show us how to love,
As you were sent from up above

You, who came, a babe to be,
For all the world to hear and to see

You, who came to take our place,
And deliver us from Satan’s chase

You, who only have the power to make,
Us love the Truth and despise our state.

You, who only came to serve,
In dying a death that I deserve.

You, who at every knee will bend,
Either on this earth or after their end.

You who came to save and to find
Those who were sick and who are blind

As your Word says and as you command
‘Give up your sins and take My Hand.

Sins that once kept your heart so hardened
Will be gone and you will know My Pardon’

Oh how my heart longs to see your grace
Spread not to one but to every race.

Oh that all would long to know and taste
The Love of Christ which comes by Faith.

Taking refuge in the Lord.

How awesome is our God that He is faithful to His Word.

Yesterday, I had such a sweet moment where a couple of scriptures came to life:

Psalm 119:11 Your word I have treasured in my heart,That I may not sin against You.

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

As you can probably guess having three kids under the age of 3 makes for an interesting and active house. Yesterday was a typical day. Right about dinner time, all of my little kiddos were operating in 5th gear and so was I. Dinner was on the stove and the table was being set when Sam had not gotten what he wanted. So he started in with his typical tempertantrum of whines that are always intensified by hunger. I was trying to handle my son and not burn dinner which will help solve his problem. My usually happy 'Juju Bean' was crying and crying... steadily increasing in her volume. Gabi decided to come to me with her 50 consecutive "why" questions. My head was spinning. Now, I have a break point which is usually set off by a combination of the chaos and volume level. Well we reached it yesterday. Usually this is when I fall into sin. The pressure cooker is cranked to high and what comes out is not pretty. I quiet my children (the older 2) with a loud and cross word. This response leaves me with guilt and shame. My conscience doesn't let me go on very long before I have to ask for their forgiveness.
All to the Glory of God... this did not happen yesterday. I held my tongue and thought about Psalm 18:2. The Lord is my God, my shield, my refuge. I don't need quiet. I need Him. I don't need order. I need the Lord in this moment to be my refuge. Not only from the noise and craziness but from the sin that still lingers in my heart. Oh how that calmed my heart and my mind. What a great God! Following Him, Leaning on Him, Resting on the truth of His Word made me free from my former reaction of anger.
Usually after the kids go to bed, Steve and I get a chance to talk about how my day went. I was so thrilled to say that the Word I have hidden in my heart kept me from sinning againt the Lord and my children. To Him be the Glory!