http://exodo2010.wordpress.com/
there is a link to another blog which is following their work in El Salvador.
Tia is sharing devotions this morning from Matthew 25:37-40
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
I have never loved my wife more.
miss them but all this technology helps!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
El Salvador...finally
It seems like we have been planning this trip for so long, it is finally here!
We leave in the morning from Indy airport to Dallas then on to San Salvador. We will spend the week working at Exodo orphanage, a vbs, a local childrens hospital, touring sites and working on some construction projects.
Specific prayer requests;
safety for travel and stay in El Salvador
cohesiveness of our large group of 28
that our eyes would be opened and God would work in us
that we would be a blessing to those we come in contact with
that my kiddos specifically would be impacted and see Jesus
safety for Joe and the kids back home.
I have devotions thursday morning- not my gift- pray that God would speak through me.
We leave in the morning from Indy airport to Dallas then on to San Salvador. We will spend the week working at Exodo orphanage, a vbs, a local childrens hospital, touring sites and working on some construction projects.
Specific prayer requests;
cohesiveness of our large group of 28
that our eyes would be opened and God would work in us
that we would be a blessing to those we come in contact with
that my kiddos specifically would be impacted and see Jesus
safety for Joe and the kids back home.
I have devotions thursday morning- not my gift- pray that God would speak through me.
Birthdays
Amy turned 14, and will be a freshman in high school next year. Aaron turned 12 and will be a 6th grader.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Love Talks
We had a memorable dinner last night. Nothing really profound, but one I will always remember.
Every once in a while I pull out the little table top flip chart called "Love Talks for families" by Gary Chapman.
The first question was:
#29 Tell family members about a compliment or affirmation that you've received recently from someone outside the family.
This one didn't start the conversation flowing like I wanted, so I picked a different one.
Question #52 Each person comes up with a separate answer for every family member: "I know that something that drives you nuts is...."
Well, let me tell you, we have very perceptive kids. They were imitating each other, and laughing and then laughing at each other laughing.
I went last and Joe announced (inadvertently), "now everyone tell Mom what drives you nuts about her."
Well, happy Mothers Day , lets tell Mom what we don't like about her. Funny.
We got it figured out, and they were spot on. I guess I'm pretty transparent.
Aaron said "well you don't really say it bugs you, but you keep it inside and I can tell." WHOA.. what? He then went on to make a face, that I guess I make, when I'm keeping it inside and they all agreed he was spot on.
These kids, always reminding me of ways that God needs to keep working on me!
Every once in a while I pull out the little table top flip chart called "Love Talks for families" by Gary Chapman.
The first question was:
#29 Tell family members about a compliment or affirmation that you've received recently from someone outside the family.
This one didn't start the conversation flowing like I wanted, so I picked a different one.
Question #52 Each person comes up with a separate answer for every family member: "I know that something that drives you nuts is...."
Well, let me tell you, we have very perceptive kids. They were imitating each other, and laughing and then laughing at each other laughing.
I went last and Joe announced (inadvertently), "now everyone tell Mom what drives you nuts about her."
Well, happy Mothers Day , lets tell Mom what we don't like about her. Funny.
We got it figured out, and they were spot on. I guess I'm pretty transparent.
Aaron said "well you don't really say it bugs you, but you keep it inside and I can tell." WHOA.. what? He then went on to make a face, that I guess I make, when I'm keeping it inside and they all agreed he was spot on.
These kids, always reminding me of ways that God needs to keep working on me!
What's for dinner?
We are having
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Place 4 chicken breasts in crock pot with 1 onion diced for 4-6 hours on low.
Shred the chicken and add 2 (8 oz) bricks of cream cheese and 1 cup salsa
Mix 1 can enchilada sauce, 1 can tomato soup, and 1 can cream of mushroom soup together. Cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan with mixture.
Spoon Chicken mixture into flour or corn tortillas, roll up ad place seam side down on sauce in pan. When the pan is full (you may need 2 pans depending on how full you fill them) cover with the remaining sauce.
Cook for 20 minutes and then place 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, olives, green onions etc. on top. Place back in oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
I am linking up to http://beautyandbedlam.com/ Tasty Tuesday.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Easy Pulled Pork recipe
Sorry the picture is so blurry, it looked good when I downloaded it!)Easy Pulled Pork
3-4 pound pork butt roast
1 cup root beer
1 large tablespoon mince garlic
Put all in crock pot on low for 6-8 hours, season with salt and pepper. Drain off most of the juices, shred with 2 forks and add your favorite barbecue sauce. Cook on low in crock pot for another hour or so. Serve on toasted buns.
My kids were thrilled with the left over root beer too!
Becoming a more missional family
Our church is doing a 6 week series on family. Last weekend was on "Being a Missional Family".
I have been thinking of ways to be more "missional".
Here are 10 ways I thought of.
1. Make cards and visit nursing homes. Just talking to the residents makes their day, they love to see kids and especially love to hear them sing and play any kind of music.
2. Bake or cook for a hurting friend. Sometimes I just don't know what to say, but I can cook. Who doesn't appreciate a hot meal and a heartfelt "I care"?
3. Intentionally participate in coat drives and food drives. I say intentionally, because I have been known to run through the house grabbing old coats or food on the last minute of said drives. Get the kids involved.
4. Take care of the Earth. Pick up trash, plant a garden, recycle.
5. Be prayerful of others. Don't just say it, do it. Let your kids hear you, and participate. Be mindful of others needs. Pray for the homeless to find a warm place to sleep etc. Pray for your sponsored kids, make sure your kids know them by name.
6. Secretly adopt a family. We do this at Christmas, but wouldn't it be fun all year? If you know of someone in need, send them a grocery or gas gift card, or a card for a restaurant. Sometimes doing things like taking the trash cans down for an elderly couple can make a huge difference. Do this anonymously, it will be quite fun. Even dropping off clothes that you know will fit their kids is helpful. Being secret about it, helps their shame, and or embarrassment and takes the focus off of you.
7. Volunteer at a local food bank or shelter. You don't have to go on an oversees mission trip to see poverty. It's in our backyard. Expose yourself and kids to it. It is much more "real" and pressing when seen in person and not just on TV. Seeing that these people are just like us is life changing for some.
8.Write thank you's to those who serve us. Police, military, teachers, church workers. The unsung heros. Everyone loves a handwritten note, and attaching a kids drawing will make their day. Send a long a plate of cookies, fruit, candy etc. They will be forever grateful.
9. Ready to go packs for the homeless. Have a large ziploc, or a paper sack filled with things like: a water bottle, gum, granola bars, McD gift certificates, raisins etc. Have it ready for when you see someone standing on the side of the street.
10. Send packages to soldiers, and missionaries. Make sure you get a good address for them and that there are no restrictions. Ask what they want if you can. I remember asking missionaries what they missed that we could send them. Many answered peanut butter, or their favorite candy, hot chocolate mixes etc.
These are simple things we will be implementing into our lives. Thinking of others before yourself.
I have been thinking of ways to be more "missional".
Here are 10 ways I thought of.
1. Make cards and visit nursing homes. Just talking to the residents makes their day, they love to see kids and especially love to hear them sing and play any kind of music.
2. Bake or cook for a hurting friend. Sometimes I just don't know what to say, but I can cook. Who doesn't appreciate a hot meal and a heartfelt "I care"?
3. Intentionally participate in coat drives and food drives. I say intentionally, because I have been known to run through the house grabbing old coats or food on the last minute of said drives. Get the kids involved.
4. Take care of the Earth. Pick up trash, plant a garden, recycle.
5. Be prayerful of others. Don't just say it, do it. Let your kids hear you, and participate. Be mindful of others needs. Pray for the homeless to find a warm place to sleep etc. Pray for your sponsored kids, make sure your kids know them by name.
6. Secretly adopt a family. We do this at Christmas, but wouldn't it be fun all year? If you know of someone in need, send them a grocery or gas gift card, or a card for a restaurant. Sometimes doing things like taking the trash cans down for an elderly couple can make a huge difference. Do this anonymously, it will be quite fun. Even dropping off clothes that you know will fit their kids is helpful. Being secret about it, helps their shame, and or embarrassment and takes the focus off of you.
7. Volunteer at a local food bank or shelter. You don't have to go on an oversees mission trip to see poverty. It's in our backyard. Expose yourself and kids to it. It is much more "real" and pressing when seen in person and not just on TV. Seeing that these people are just like us is life changing for some.
8.Write thank you's to those who serve us. Police, military, teachers, church workers. The unsung heros. Everyone loves a handwritten note, and attaching a kids drawing will make their day. Send a long a plate of cookies, fruit, candy etc. They will be forever grateful.
9. Ready to go packs for the homeless. Have a large ziploc, or a paper sack filled with things like: a water bottle, gum, granola bars, McD gift certificates, raisins etc. Have it ready for when you see someone standing on the side of the street.
10. Send packages to soldiers, and missionaries. Make sure you get a good address for them and that there are no restrictions. Ask what they want if you can. I remember asking missionaries what they missed that we could send them. Many answered peanut butter, or their favorite candy, hot chocolate mixes etc.
These are simple things we will be implementing into our lives. Thinking of others before yourself.
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