The good...

Give thanks to the Lord and pray to him.  Tell the nations what he has done.  Sing to him; sing praises to him.  Tell about all his miracles.  Be glad that you are his;  let those who seek the Lord be happy.  Depend on the Lord and his strength; always go to him for help.  Remember the miracles he has done, his wonders and his decisions.  1 Chronicles 16:8-12

In early November I wondered how Love and Hope Children's Home would eat, pay bills and stand the test of time that we were enduring.  I knew in my head that God would provide but I couldn't see how.  I wanted to be mad about the reasons that caused the situation, but now I am glad. 

One week after we experienced devasting news of lack of funds, we looked, expected and counted the ways to be grateful.  Two donations were delivered to our home that contained huge portions of rice, beans, sugar, oil, eggs and much more.  It covered two whole shelves in our kitchen pantry.  We also received a donation of clothes, toys and some other games for the kids.  It was so nice to know that God would send others right away!

Being that the kids were nearing their school vacation time, we didn't want to say "no" to going out and doing activities.  Inexpensive trips to the park, zoo and other places were made.  The biggest blessing was meeting the owner of the beach house we frequently rent and he offered its use to us for free!  The kids enjoyed it 3 or 4 times over break which normally is a luxury for when others come and visit.

By Thanksgiving, we decided to buy extra groceries so we could have an all-American turkey dinner.  The feast was amazing thanks to the hands that prepared the very delicious food (definitely not mine!) and we were able to welcome all our of staff, fellowship friends and a couple from the States who were visiting to sit down and eat with us.  That moment was very special because a few weeks earlier we weren't sure if we'd even have food to eat and now we were eating and sharing it with everyone.

A couple who sponsor one of the kids came and donated many supplies for the children and kitchen.  They had saved for this moment where they could purchase next year's school shoes, ingredients for new recipes in the menu, ice cream outing for the kids and they were even spontaneous and bought electrical hot water shower heads for each shower.  We were blessed by their generosity.

As Christmas approaches, we are reminded of the many ways to continue watching God provide and our call to think on only what is pure, noble and worthy of praise.  We praise God for the amazing people who stepped forward to provide Christmas presents this year.  Our bus driver, our church in El Salvador, our church in the US, our new Board and sponsors, our family members and many other kind and giving people who were just looking for a way to give.  They kids have received engraved Bibles, puzzles, toys, clothes, shoes and a stocking full of "stuff".  It's going to be an unbelievable Christmas!

For me, it increases my faith to see how it all took shape.  And it still continues to take shape.  I want to tell you all about it because we are commanded to do so.  I want to learn to depend on Him more because he promises to provide.  I want to always remember the good and sing songs of praise to the only One who can perform miracles and wonders.

A Moment to Rest...

I walked off the plane into a snow storm just two weeks ago and I loved it.  There is just something about the way a snow storm makes life stand still.  Schools are cancelled.  Plans are postponed.  Inches are counted and marvelled about.  The fireplace goes on, hot chocolate in hand and everyone snuggles into their snuggie for a nice Hallmark movie (ok, maybe that's just me...).  I love the winter, I love how it makes me sit and look at its beauty while I remain comfortable on the inside! 

It's just what I needed.  I needed a moment for life to stand still for me.  Time to stand still and reflect on all the good, rid out all the bad and just be.  It's kind of challenging in this culture, with my personality, during this season and while my family fights some hard times.  But the moments that I can slip away alone and savor silence gives me peace of mind and the strength to give something to others.  I've been reading Galatians and the ever popular verse, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" keeps coming to mind.  Weariness can definitely keep someone down, doubtful and or want to give up.  I felt myself getting weary during the daily grind of mission work by trying to accomplish much in my own strength and seeing that it doesn't look so graceful that way.  Matthew 11:28 also says for all the weary and burdened to come to Him and He will give rest.  So as I come home to rest, I find great peace at the foot of my fireplace, in the pages of the psalms and in the quiet moments that can never linger on long enough. 

Soon enough I'll be back in the home where quiet moments just don't come around as often but I will be ready and joyful to fully give.  John Homer Miller says, "Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."  I will have to read this daily to remind myself that this is how I want to walk daily. 

Wishing you much rest, peace and joy....