VBS week

VBS week means a million things to me. Historically it's my most favorite week of the year, but this year was a little different. For one, I wasn't working in any capacity in our VBS this week. Secondly, it was Jordan and Cameron's first time to ever go to VBS. Thirdly, I don't have the songs, stories or experiences I usually have running through my head.

For now, let's just say, I loved hearing the kids' stories about their week. Even though they were mostly excited about the snacks for the first 2 days, they did finally start singing songs (with motions) and were very anxious to attend the Family Night on Thursday.

More importantly, Jordan was interested on Thursday about beginning a relationship with Jesus. I volunteered to go during that time to be a prayer partner. It was a divine match as we got to visit, pray and also commit to pray for her as she continues to seek Him. My heart is full, no matter how different this last week was for me.

 

 

NOW.

Woke up this morning and read about those horrible Pharisees who followed all the rules but didn't offer grace to anyone. They filled the pews, primarily so others would see them, and wore things with the purpose of someone noticing. And then I was wondering which group of people I was in.

I do think I love on people, but RIGHT NOW, my mission field is here at home. I don't see many other adults, and I don't actively look for people outside my house to love on. I feel like I have my plate full, and yet, as much as the MISSION is right here in the living room, I DO NOT WANT TO BE A PHARISEE. I'm definitely guilty of judging others on the points I'm most convicted of. I'm guilty of going to church for years out of obligation and not devotion. Lord forgive me.

I'd like to be humble and loving to all. I'd like to be the person that Jesus would've wanted with Him. I want to use the gifts he has given me, because I know the TRUE JOY I get when He works through me while using them. I pray for that place, while waiting here at home. And yet, I KNOW He wants me to use those gifts HERE AT HOME.

THE MISSION is here, and so am I. God give me clarity. God give me strength. God give me contentment.

ANOTHER STEP

 

Another great song from Steven Curtis Chapman's album Glorious Unfolding. This is just a portion of this song, but Sheridan and I have been singing it over and over. What an encouragement Christian music has been to us.

Chorus:
Take another step, take another step
When the road ahead is dark
And you don’t know where to go
Take another step, take another step
Trust God and take another step
And another step and another step
Take another step and another step and another step

We walk by faith and not by sight we know it’s true
We say it and sing it and love the way it sounds
But none of us can even begin to truly understand
What it really means ‘til all the lights go out
And there we are nothing to hold on to
But the promises God’s made to me and you

Take another step, take another step
When the road ahead is dark
And you don’t know where to go
Take another step, take another step
Trust God and take another step

If there’s an ocean in front of you
You know what you’ve gotta do
Take another step and another step
Maybe He’ll turn the water into land
And maybe He’ll take your hand and say
Let’s take a walk on the waves
Will you trust Me either way
And take another step
Take another step

Teenagers in the House

SUMMER FUN = loud teenagers, cookies and/or brownies, Nertz,a fat bat and a lot of laughter! Every summer we keep count of all our guests and I'm pretty sure we made it up to the 60s.again. I love having a house that the kids want to come to. I usually have to have notice before they all come over, or I go a little crazy...but when they're here, it's always a blast! I'm thankful for this new group of kids who are fun to have around.   

Pics from Nicaragua

 

Rashelle and Erin bagging rice for food packages.

Dr Murdock, Jason and Richard sorting shoes for distribution.

 

 

Daddy and daughter on mission. Erin has wanted to go on a foreign mission trip for years. SO thankful for Richard who volunteered to take her. Precious.

Mission at home

 

On mission in Clarksville. Teaching our new friends how to play Perfection. Jumping on the trampoline, throwing the ball with Rolle, picking vegetables from the garden, and popsicles on the back porch. It was a beautiful thing.