(I was in Philly this past weekend and had to take a picture of my cutie-patootie nephew doing this pose... ah the joys of being a 2 1/2 year old!)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Good Ole' Pennsylvanias.
I'm sure most of you readers who-haven't-been-bombarded-with-continual-coverage-as-to-which-small-town-in-Pennsylvania-the-candidates-are-now-at don't realize that Tuesday is the primary for Pennsylvania. For a long time, many people in this dear state of mine have bemoaned the fact that by the time April rolls around in an election year, they just don't count.
Not any more.
I was reading an editorial in the newspaper the other day and came to this section:
Wow. I almost feel like we should make up little stickers or something.
I went to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia today and noticed a booth set up with a count down until the election. My first thought was, "Oh no! That means months of this mud slinging." But then I thought of the verse that said, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:7)
Come quickly, Lord Jesus ...
Not any more.
I was reading an editorial in the newspaper the other day and came to this section:
"Now my friend is running for president and Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley, is about to lend its voice to this amazing campaign. There couldn't be a better place and a better time. The importance of the place is simple: the Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania is America."
Clearly we have self-esteem issues, as evidenced by the statement: the Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania is America. That's right, it's all about us (just a hint of sarcasm here!)
Then last night, as I walked into my sister's house, she told me that the news was just saying how the whole primary will be decided in the Lehigh Valley.Wow. I almost feel like we should make up little stickers or something.
I went to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia today and noticed a booth set up with a count down until the election. My first thought was, "Oh no! That means months of this mud slinging." But then I thought of the verse that said, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:7)
Come quickly, Lord Jesus ...
Monday, April 14, 2008
An Answer... Of Sorts.
Ashley asked the following in a comment she recently left:
I've been thinking about her question and while I'm sure I don't have a great answer, I do have an answer:o). In answering her question though, I am putting myself in a very vulnerable position and opening up, so bear with me if it sounds a little confusing!
The first question that really begs to be answered is, "Why Thailand?" That's fairly easy to answer. Back in October 2006, the Lord brought to mind a missionary family who has a unique ministry. I've mentioned the Gaudets before, and they are the ones who have short-term workers come to the field to help them out with computer work, printing, typesetting, and so on and so forth. When I first considered doing a longer missions trip, I wanted to be able to help in an area that I had some knowledge in. Babysitting, cleaning, and tract distribution all have their place on the mission field, but I knew that the Lord had something else in store for me and it was working with the Gaudets.
Going back to Thailand is the logical choice for me; having the opportunity to once again work with the Gaudets is a bigger blessing than I can explain. I know what makes them "tick", how they want things done, etc. It's easier going back to work with them since I have personal experience of the day to day operations, rather than spending several weeks learning how another missionary operates.
To answer the question "Why a year?" is slightly more difficult. For starters, I didn't even want to come home last August. Ever since I was 16, my greatest desire (outside of getting married) was to get involved in foreign missions in a very real way. Early on in my Christian walk, my Bible teacher (now a missionary to South Africa) instilled in me the joy and benefits of participating in Faith Promise Missions. I love being able to give financially to missions and to pray for missionaries.
Back in 2003, long before I knew them well, the Gaudets came to do a singles conference at my church and Bro. Tom preached on young people getting involved in missions. He said one thing that I'll never forget:
I fell into that first group of planning to go, but being willing to stay if the Lord chooses so. To me, it was and is natural to be involved in missions. Having the opportunity to go to Thailand last summer and working with the team was only the Lord's doing.
This June it will be 5 years since I came on staff at Lehigh Valley Baptist Church. Over the past 5 years, I have felt as if working in the office was practical training for me. Being able to work under my Pastor's wife was such a terrific experience and although I made mistakes (many mistakes!), she continued to patiently teach me. What I've learned on church staff could not be learned in a Bible College classroom.
But now it's time to continue on the path. I'm not saying I've learned it all, but perhaps it's time for someone else to come and take my place and learn under the great teaching of Mrs. Hammett. Maybe it's time for another young lady to go to "The School of Practical Training." It's time for someone else to be able to jump in the ministry here and grow in the Lord.
As for me, I believe the Lord still has plenty to teach me. It's the right time for me to move on and learn something new under the Gaudets and the Langes. When people ask me how long I plan to stay in Thailand, I say a year, but that's just me saying it. In reality, I have no idea:o). It might be 6 months; it could be 18 months. The timing of it all is in the Lord's Hands, but I do know He's moving me on. As the wisest man who ever lived said, "... the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings."
My ways are before the Lord. If the Lord says "turn right" I will turn right. If the Lord says "veer slightly to the left", I will do so. I think it was Corrie ten Boom who said,
That sums it up for me. I have no arguments, no questions. My heart's desire only echoes what Samuel said: "Speak; for thy servant heareth."
Just wondering - have you ever posted about what led you to go to Thailand for a year? I've browsed your archives but haven't been able to find anything about what go for a year? why now? Just curious. I love reading/hearing people's missions testimonies!!
I've been thinking about her question and while I'm sure I don't have a great answer, I do have an answer:o). In answering her question though, I am putting myself in a very vulnerable position and opening up, so bear with me if it sounds a little confusing!
The first question that really begs to be answered is, "Why Thailand?" That's fairly easy to answer. Back in October 2006, the Lord brought to mind a missionary family who has a unique ministry. I've mentioned the Gaudets before, and they are the ones who have short-term workers come to the field to help them out with computer work, printing, typesetting, and so on and so forth. When I first considered doing a longer missions trip, I wanted to be able to help in an area that I had some knowledge in. Babysitting, cleaning, and tract distribution all have their place on the mission field, but I knew that the Lord had something else in store for me and it was working with the Gaudets.
Going back to Thailand is the logical choice for me; having the opportunity to once again work with the Gaudets is a bigger blessing than I can explain. I know what makes them "tick", how they want things done, etc. It's easier going back to work with them since I have personal experience of the day to day operations, rather than spending several weeks learning how another missionary operates.
To answer the question "Why a year?" is slightly more difficult. For starters, I didn't even want to come home last August. Ever since I was 16, my greatest desire (outside of getting married) was to get involved in foreign missions in a very real way. Early on in my Christian walk, my Bible teacher (now a missionary to South Africa) instilled in me the joy and benefits of participating in Faith Promise Missions. I love being able to give financially to missions and to pray for missionaries.
Back in 2003, long before I knew them well, the Gaudets came to do a singles conference at my church and Bro. Tom preached on young people getting involved in missions. He said one thing that I'll never forget:
"Are you planning to go, but willing to stay?" or "Are you willing to go, but planning to stay?"
I fell into that first group of planning to go, but being willing to stay if the Lord chooses so. To me, it was and is natural to be involved in missions. Having the opportunity to go to Thailand last summer and working with the team was only the Lord's doing.
This June it will be 5 years since I came on staff at Lehigh Valley Baptist Church. Over the past 5 years, I have felt as if working in the office was practical training for me. Being able to work under my Pastor's wife was such a terrific experience and although I made mistakes (many mistakes!), she continued to patiently teach me. What I've learned on church staff could not be learned in a Bible College classroom.
But now it's time to continue on the path. I'm not saying I've learned it all, but perhaps it's time for someone else to come and take my place and learn under the great teaching of Mrs. Hammett. Maybe it's time for another young lady to go to "The School of Practical Training." It's time for someone else to be able to jump in the ministry here and grow in the Lord.
As for me, I believe the Lord still has plenty to teach me. It's the right time for me to move on and learn something new under the Gaudets and the Langes. When people ask me how long I plan to stay in Thailand, I say a year, but that's just me saying it. In reality, I have no idea:o). It might be 6 months; it could be 18 months. The timing of it all is in the Lord's Hands, but I do know He's moving me on. As the wisest man who ever lived said, "... the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings."
My ways are before the Lord. If the Lord says "turn right" I will turn right. If the Lord says "veer slightly to the left", I will do so. I think it was Corrie ten Boom who said,
"The safest place to be is in the center of God's will."
That sums it up for me. I have no arguments, no questions. My heart's desire only echoes what Samuel said: "Speak; for thy servant heareth."
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Checking In With A Thought.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
April Is Autism Awareness Month.
Jendi mentioned a link to Martie who writes at Hitting the High Notes. Martie listed some facts about autism:
* 1 in every 150 children in the USA have autism.
* It is estimated that at this time 1 MILLION people in the USA have autism.
* 1 new case of autism is diagnosed every 20 minutes.
* 24,000 children are diagnosed with autism each year in the United States. Autism is the fastest growing developmental epidemic effecting children today.
My nephew Trevor (who will be six at the end of April) has moderate autism. Many people from LVBC will remember the tense "Trevor" days, but I'm happy to say that Trevor is around 2 1/2 years old (mentally) and will go for a checkup here next week and hopefully progressing on to a 4 year old. My sister-in-law has worked so hard with him and doing a very consistent program which requires several hours of her day. Trevor could (at last count) read over 35 words and really is doing so much better in his social and verbal skills.
What a good reminder for me to pray for Trevor and his mommy!
Friday, April 4, 2008
75 Years Of Wedded Bliss... And Some Snores.
I have a friend in Fort Worth, Texas who sent me the following link:
After 75 years of marriage, Fort Worth couple died 5 hours apart.
That this couple even made it to 75 years of marriage is pretty amazing. My grandparents made it to just over their 40th before my grandmother passed away, so 75 is quite the feat. I would want my marriage to be like that.
Speaking of which.
No, I'm not getting married (to clear that up for all you cheerleaders on my behalf:o)), but I do have a funny story to share from last evening's single girls Bible Study. My pastor's wife asked for any prayer requests or praises, and another girl and I immediately started speaking at the same time. We had done it earlier in the study too, so we just laughed and said that we think alike because we roomed together last week on the Illinois trip.
So.
I was about to share my praise, when my friend "S" began to talk about all my night-time habits of snoring, sleep-walking, and sleep-talking. Friend "S" did a fantastic job keeping the girls laughing over my night time antics, which included sitting straight up in bed, looking at my cell phone, mumbling something incoherent, and after friend "S" tapping my arm and telling me to go back to sleep, me immediately laying back down and apparently starting to snore right away. (I don't quite believe that, although I know for a fact I snore:o)).
I also woke myself up twice (in one night!) fiddling around with the curtain and the air conditioner button (I was so hot!), and I also remember talking really loudly to no one in particular:o).
So, while the stories are true (to some degree!), I am also very willing to admit to them and I laughed right along with the rest of the girls. As the laughter died down, my pastor's wife summed it up by saying any prospective guy (i.e. - husband material) will have to get this all in writing and be forewarned:o).
So consider yourself forewarned!
And I won't be offended if you chose to room with someone else:o).
After 75 years of marriage, Fort Worth couple died 5 hours apart.
That this couple even made it to 75 years of marriage is pretty amazing. My grandparents made it to just over their 40th before my grandmother passed away, so 75 is quite the feat. I would want my marriage to be like that.
Speaking of which.
No, I'm not getting married (to clear that up for all you cheerleaders on my behalf:o)), but I do have a funny story to share from last evening's single girls Bible Study. My pastor's wife asked for any prayer requests or praises, and another girl and I immediately started speaking at the same time. We had done it earlier in the study too, so we just laughed and said that we think alike because we roomed together last week on the Illinois trip.
So.
I was about to share my praise, when my friend "S" began to talk about all my night-time habits of snoring, sleep-walking, and sleep-talking. Friend "S" did a fantastic job keeping the girls laughing over my night time antics, which included sitting straight up in bed, looking at my cell phone, mumbling something incoherent, and after friend "S" tapping my arm and telling me to go back to sleep, me immediately laying back down and apparently starting to snore right away. (I don't quite believe that, although I know for a fact I snore:o)).
I also woke myself up twice (in one night!) fiddling around with the curtain and the air conditioner button (I was so hot!), and I also remember talking really loudly to no one in particular:o).
So, while the stories are true (to some degree!), I am also very willing to admit to them and I laughed right along with the rest of the girls. As the laughter died down, my pastor's wife summed it up by saying any prospective guy (i.e. - husband material) will have to get this all in writing and be forewarned:o).
So consider yourself forewarned!
And I won't be offended if you chose to room with someone else:o).
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Home Again, Home Again...
Park Meadows Baptist Church in Lincoln, Illinois hosts an Independent Baptist Student Convention every year so 19 students and 9 chaperones loaded up the bus on Monday night and started the l-o-n-g drive out. One thing we did differently on this trip was to put a time limit on the caffeine consumption and that really cut down on the night time bathroom breaks:o). It also cut down on the noise level in the bus. :p
The week was a lot of fun ~ as in nights of only getting 5 hours of sleep and hitting the ground running at 6 AM and going non-stop all day long! The teens competed in four areas: music, academics, platform, and arts & crafts. In the picture below, you'll see the two girls in the front holding the academics and arts & crafts plaques. I personally thought the teens did an excellent job in music, but the points were given for the number of entries made, not the quality:o).
During one of the rest stops last night, we stopped at a Sheetz gas station to use the bathroom. As we all traipsed in (looking our finest, I assure you!) someone inside said, "It's a busload of Amish people!" Now do we look Amish to you?
Don't answer that:o). See ya in church tomorrow!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
I Should Have Been...
I Should Have Been Crucified
I was guilty with nothing to say
And they were coming to take me away
Then a voice from heaven was heard that said
Let him go take Me instead
And I should have been crucified
I should have suffered and died
I should have hung on the cross in disgrace
But Jesus, God's Son took my place
That crown of thorns, a spear in His side
And all the pain it should have been mine
Those rusty nails were meant for me
Oh but Christ took them and let me go free
And I should have been crucified
I should have suffered and died
I should have hung on the cross in disgrace
But Jesus God's Son took my place.
Yes Jesus God's Son
Oh Jesus God's Son
For Jesus God's Son took my place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This song sums up the true reason we even have Easter. I'm the one who should have been crucified, but instead Jesus took my place. And for all of eternity I will get to praise His Name!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is just a little fyi - I will be away for several days taking a break and having the song "The wheels on the bus go round and round!" go round and round through my head:o). A busload of EBA teens, homeschoolers, and chaperones are loading up the bus on Monday and heading out to the Midwest to compete in an Independent Baptist Student Convention all this week.
Good-bye sleep.
Hello caffeine:o).
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Exceeding Abundantly.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."
~Ephesians 3:20~
I've kind of claimed this verse for this year as I prepare to go back to Thailand and also in regards to graduating. Monday I called a friend up to let her know about my graduation, and of course she was excited. Tuesday night my sister-in-law (in Indiana) called me and I mentioned the graduation and of course she was excited and reminded me that her offer of her going with me to South Dakota was still good! While my sis-in-law and I were talking, I realized my brother is getting married a week after I graduate... a wedding which my brother and sis-in-law plan to attend. So she suggested I fly out to Chicago, drive up to South Dakota with her, and then come back to Pennsylvania with them when they come in for the wedding.So Wednesday morning I went to the school principal and asked if that would be a feasible plan and he agreed! Obviously taking off 6 days of school is not the best idea, but it will be at the end of the school year (most of the kids will be done a week or two after), so it should work out fine.
I went to go call my friend (the same one I called on Monday) but then felt the Lord telling me to wait. I'm glad I listened! I called her one hour later and shared with her what the school principal said about me taking time off of work. She was excited and then said that she wanted to pay for my (one-way) airline ticket! I was very shocked and surprised, but was truly thankful for the Lord's provision.
She started looking up airline tickets right away and then noticed an e-mail she had gotten from Southwest Airlines. Here Southwest was running a $49-$99 special (that ends today), but the email came after I had originally wanted to call her. She ended up getting the ticket for $78.00, but just suppose I had called her when I originally wanted to call her. She would have still wanted to get my ticket, but she would not have known about the deal on Southwest and would have probably paid a lot more than $78.00!!!
Isn't the Lord good?!?!
In the midst of all of this, I would ask you to pray for one thing, if the Lord brings it to mind. My mom would really like to come to the graduation, but is not sure if my dad is going to let her. For those of you who know my dad personally, you know what this means! Would you please pray for God's will to be accomplished and that my mom would have peace with His will either way? If "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD" (Proverbs 21:1), then so is my dad's heart!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Praising The Lord.
I'll say this up front: if you get confused, I'm sorry:o).
Confused yet?!?
Now let's properly start the post!
Last June, I graduated from Lehigh Valley Baptist Bible Institute with a certificate saying I completed all the required courses for the Religious Education Program. I was very excited about becoming the second girl in the history of the school to graduate (the first girl graduated with me on that day:o)) and to just be done with it all.
Soon after, it was brought to my attention that I would need _ _ credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education from Great Plains Baptist College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. So I began to work on the credits, which included putting together a portfolio of all my experiences working in a Christian school, on staff at church, missions trips, etc. The month of February was taken up with working on this portfolio, and I finally mailed it off to Great Plains with much prayer behind it. Great Plains only graduates once a year in May, so I knew if I didn't earn all the credits this year, that it would be May 2010 before I would have another opportunity (Lord-willing I'll be in Thailand in May 2009).
As I was chatting with my sister today on the phone, I walked to the mailbox and pulled out the mail. Imagine my great surprise and delight when I opened a letter from Great Plains that said "Dear Graduate..."!!!!! My sister got an earful of joyful shouting for quite a bit of time, and my heart overflowed with thankfulness to the Lord for His Goodness to me!
I read this verse this morning, which I think was rather fitting:
The next step is now figuring out travel plans. Sioux Falls isn't exactly near a big city, so flying and driving are both going to be expensive options. But the Lord has brought me this far, and will "perfect that which concerneth me"! In the meantime, I thought I would praise the Lord for His mercy towards me and share it with ya'll!
Confused yet?!?
Now let's properly start the post!
Last June, I graduated from Lehigh Valley Baptist Bible Institute with a certificate saying I completed all the required courses for the Religious Education Program. I was very excited about becoming the second girl in the history of the school to graduate (the first girl graduated with me on that day:o)) and to just be done with it all.
Soon after, it was brought to my attention that I would need _ _ credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education from Great Plains Baptist College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. So I began to work on the credits, which included putting together a portfolio of all my experiences working in a Christian school, on staff at church, missions trips, etc. The month of February was taken up with working on this portfolio, and I finally mailed it off to Great Plains with much prayer behind it. Great Plains only graduates once a year in May, so I knew if I didn't earn all the credits this year, that it would be May 2010 before I would have another opportunity (Lord-willing I'll be in Thailand in May 2009).
As I was chatting with my sister today on the phone, I walked to the mailbox and pulled out the mail. Imagine my great surprise and delight when I opened a letter from Great Plains that said "Dear Graduate..."!!!!! My sister got an earful of joyful shouting for quite a bit of time, and my heart overflowed with thankfulness to the Lord for His Goodness to me!
I read this verse this morning, which I think was rather fitting:
"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
Psalm 138:8
The next step is now figuring out travel plans. Sioux Falls isn't exactly near a big city, so flying and driving are both going to be expensive options. But the Lord has brought me this far, and will "perfect that which concerneth me"! In the meantime, I thought I would praise the Lord for His mercy towards me and share it with ya'll!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)