Update on Archie

I had told Archie and his friend that we would pick them up on the corner at 8:30 Sunday morning. Well who knows with my signing if they knew what I meant so when we got there, they were no where around. We were a little early so we decided to drive around a bit and wait. Finally we decided to just drive through and still didn't see them. When we asked if anyone had seen Archie, they said he was inside working.

Sure enough, hubby found him working. He came out to the car and I asked about his friend. Archie went in to check on him and he hadn't showered yet so said he'd come next week.

He's so friendly! He waves and in his deaf voice says hi to everyone. When we walked up to the deaf section, he sat down immediately with my second year sign teacher (also deaf) and started talking up a storm. There wasn't any room for the 7 of us so we sat down right behind them.

I think he just loves having others to talk to. As we were leaving the first service and the next group was coming in, he somehow knew (like radar) the people that were deaf. He went back up the ramp and talked briefly to a couple of them.

After church we took him out to eat and after some car trouble finally got him back to the Coalition.

Last night the kids were talking about him and one of them called him Uncle Archie.

During our time, I didn't think to ask him how long he's been without a home and job. I did ask what kind of work he does and Hubby's going to ask at his office. If you know of any place that needs janitorial work, that's what he's looking for.

Best Christmas Ever!

What an awesome Christmas morning! Instead of the usual getting of gifts on Jesus' birthday, we loaded up at 7am to head down to the Coalition for the Homeless. The hygiene kits that so many of you helped put together had been put in backpacks to be handed out to the homeless men that sleep there. Doughnuts, coffee and specially packaged cookies were also given out.


What a sight. I couldn't have imagined the mass of so many without a warm, soft, clean bed to sleep in; without food for the rest of the day; without family to go to in their time of need. It put a lot of things into perspective for me.

While passing out the cookies, Sweet Pea noticed that one of the men was deaf. When she told me, I immediately sought him out. His name is Archie. He was very patient with me and my 2 years of sign language with no practical experience. At one point in the conversation, I asked him what he was going to do for the rest of the day. He said, "Be bored." I thought about him the rest of the day. Especially as I was preparing our Christmas dinner/feast. It was all I could do to keep from asking Hubby if we could go back down there and find him and bring him home.


As the men finished up their doughnuts and coffee and started heading out for the day, Archie starting working. I saw him cleaning up and moving boxes. I could tell he was a worker. There are homeless people who are bumbs - they're there because they choose to be; because they are lazy. Archie's not one of them. I think many of the men there want to work, want to get out of that place. It weighs on my heart.

I invited Archie and his friend (also deaf) to church Sunday. I want to introduce them to my first sign language teacher who is also deaf. They said they would be waiting for us Sunday morning. I'll let you know.

Merry Christmas!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We're not getting to send out Christmas cards this year, but if the budget allows will hopefully send something out in the new year. In the meantime, I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Christ!

Walk on Water, Mama

Whenever I hear or read something I want to remember, I scratch it down on whatever paper is nearby. While cleaning out the office this morning, I found part of a torn envelope on which I had written:

Peter said, "If it's You, Lord, I will come."

We can say, "You called me to this, Lord. I can walk on water."

I can be the mother He wants me to be only because of Him.

The idea that I could actually be the mother God wants me to be seems as impossible as walking on water when I think of how far I miss the mark everyday. But I have been called to this just as Jesus called Peter out of the boat. I just have to keep my eyes on Him and go to Him for what I need in order to do what seems unfathomable.

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."

He said, "Come"

So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

Matthew 14:28-29

So, walk on water, all you Mama's out there. You've been called to this and Jesus is right there waiting for you to come to Him.

Thoughts for Today

"If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all."
Thumper

"When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise."
Proverbs 10:19

"Zip it. Lock it. Put it in your pocket."

Mothers and Teachers everywhere

Never Heard of It?

Thumbholdingmilkshakeglassitis! You mean you've never heard of it? Well, that's because I just made up the name to explain why my thumb has been bothering me so much lately. I finally figured out it's from holding my milkshake in the same hand day after day.

Hey, some people get tennis elbow, I get 'thumb-holding-milkshake-glass-itis'.

Bringing Good Cheer

Mrs. Fittro had this great idea of taking our kids to a nursing home this month to sing Christmas carols and recite Luke 2:1-21.

When we got there, I think I was more nervous than the kids. But despite only getting to practice all together once, the kids did a great job.

The activities director told us that one of the residents never smiles, but yesterday she lit up when she saw the kids. We're hoping to adopt this little nursing home and come back during the year.

New Tradition

We haven't started many traditions as our own little family yet. We have a nativity set and with a storybook that we read in the days leading up to Christmas. Hubby makes homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning every year and, of course, reads the Christmas story before opening gifts. Other than that, we don't have our own traditions.

We (my parents and siblings and our spouses) used to load up in the back of Dad's truck, covered in quilts, to go caroling but when we had more carseats than the truck could hold, we quit.

This year I started a new tradition that I hope will stick.

Starting on December 1, I lit a candle at dinnertime for each day of the month. So whatever day of the month it is, that is how many candles we have burning during our evening meal. On the tenth, it was 10. On Christmas day, it will be 25.

If we know we won't be home at night, we'll light them for an earlier meal. Thankfully I had a bunch of candles (not necessarily matching) saved up and haven't had to buy any yet. I may run out of space on my cake plates before I run out of candles.

Trimming the Tree

Every year my Christmas tree is different. Not because I get new ornaments every year --well, not just because I get new ornaments every year (after Christmas sales) --but because it's not always decorated by the same artist.

The years I decorate it, I end up fussing with it until we take it down. Every day I'll look at it and find something that should be moved or traded with something else so there aren't too many of this or that in one spot and it is just right.

Last year I asked Mom to decorate it for me. I always love her tree so I wanted her special touch. It turned out beautiful.

Some years I'm just not in the mood to decorate. Those are the years the kids decorate. And this was one of those years. So one night after dinner and baths we pulled in the boxes of ornaments and let the kids have at it. Hubby, who is great at decorating, found some ribbon and added his special touch.

I think they did a great job. And it was much more enjoyable for me.

Passing on a Legacy

When Hubby was young, his parents were missionaries in the States with Wycliffe Bible Translators. They retired when he was a teenager after years of service and went back to "civilian life" so to speak.

At the end of last year Meme gave us a brochure from Wycliffe and asked if we would help them collect loose change to then be donated at the end of this year. We used pictures of children from other countries to decorate a large oats box, cut a hole in the lid and started saving.



Last Wednesday I picked up coin rolls on my way to my parents' house for dinner so I could roll the coins we had collected. When I got there with the very heavy oat box and empty paper rolls, Mom pulled out a jar of her own loose change to add to it.


When all was said and done, we had collected $175.



The next day the kids, hubby's parents and I took the money to the Wycliffe headquarters. Meme had arranged for us to meet with someone there so the kids could see what it was all about and present our gift. We got a special tour, enjoyed the exhibit and learned about the importance of translating God's Word into languages that people can understand.

We also had our pictures taken to be used as a way of letting others know how they can help by doing something as simple as collecting spare change.


Our small contribution will help many learn about Jesus in their own language. And such a simple task helped the children learn the importance of the work that their grandparents did for so many years. Their legacy is being passed on.

This picture is made up entirely of fingerprints. Our tour guide told us it represents how each fingerprint is like each person who does their part to further the Gospel. When they all come together, they make a beautiful work of art and complete the work of spreading the Good News of Jesus.

Groovy!

Here's our next vehicle!! Is that cool or what!?!?!

We saw this bus in a mall parking lot. I told hubby we should get one like it.

Holding Hands with God

Thus says God, the LORD,

who created the heavens and stretched them out,

who spread out the earth and what comes from it,

who gives breath to the people on it

and spirit to those who walk in it:

“I am the LORD;

I have called you in righteousness;

I will take you by the hand and keep you.”

Isaiah 42:5-6

I just love the imagery of this all-powerful, life-giving God holding my hand, guiding me and keeping me!

Who Am I?

A glimpse at part of me...


I am is continually conscious of the fact that I am a wretched sinner saved by grace alone. I am so far from perfect. But how I yearn to be more like Christ. No one is less satisfied with her spiritual state of being than I.


I am a daughter who wants her parents to be proud of her and to accept her even if she never learns to keep her mouth shut.


I am a little sister and a big sister who wants a fresh start. Who wants to be loved in spite of the past and in spite of herself. And who wants her siblings to know she's sorry for decades of being so hard to love.


I am a daughter-in-law who has wasted years being selfish and petty and who is grateful for forgiveness.


I am a wife who is undeserving of her patient, forgiving, unconditionally-loving husband and who wishes she was the spouse to him that he is to her.


I am a mother who is painfully aware of how unworthy she is to be blessed with this title and whose heart aches because of her many, daily failures to show God's perfect love to her children who forgive in a heartbeat and love her "no matter what."


I am a friend who is horrible at keeping it touch and so thankful for those who understand. I am an unworthy, wretched sinner saved by the grace of a loving God.

Guard Your Heart

Here's an excellent post by The Stay-at-Home Missionary on guarding your heart and mind.


Related: Rated BG

Stomach Bugs - FYI *Updated

*See below
Ever wonder how long someone is contagious after having a stomach virus?

Here's the answer from the Mayo Clinic.

It depends on which virus is causing your stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis). A number of viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including noroviruses and rotaviruses. The contagious period — the time during which a sick person can give the illness to others — is slightly different for each virus.

Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in adults. Symptoms appear within one to three days of exposure. With norovirus, you're contagious from the moment you begin to feel ill. Although you typically feel better after a day or two, you're contagious for at least three days after you've recovered. Some people may be contagious for up to two weeks after recovery. Also, children are often contagious for a longer period than are adults.

Rotavirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Symptoms of rotavirus appear one to two days after exposure. But you're contagious even before you develop symptoms, and you typically remain contagious for two weeks after you've recovered. Children are often contagious for a longer period than are adults.
For these reasons, it's important to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly — whether you feel ill or not. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through close contact with infected persons, such as by sharing food or eating utensils. Washing your hands is the most effective way to stop the spread of these viruses to others.

Now you know how it spreads, by taking kids to Sunday school only a few days after being sick.

*My friend makes a good point in her comment that church is NOT the only place to contact these nasty little bugs! I'm glad she pointed that out. To only mention Sunday school was definitely inaccurate and I humbly apologize. Thanks, Mrs. Evans! :)

Power of Suggestion

What words strike fear in the heart and soul and stomach of this mommy?

"Mommy, my stomach doesn't feel well."

Ah, man! Please, God, don't let it happen!

But it did. Sweet Pea has a stomach bug. I dragged her mattress into our bathroom along with the portable tv. She's been watching the 6-week mini-series of Little House on the Prairie that we recorded a couple years ago. Poor thing.

Everyone else feels fine (so far). Dad asked me how I was feeling. I said, "Well, as usual, as soon as someone throws up, I start feeling yucky." And I do. It's the idea that I might be next. So any time I go to eat something I asked myself if I really want to see it later. Gross, I know.

It's the power of suggestion that those germs are lurking, ready take their next victim, which could be me!

It's also the power of suggestion that captures many victims in other areas - especially children. Like when they hear us talk to others about certain character flaws they may be struggling with. Soon they will be caught up in these "suggestions". It's like labeling, but not to their face.

"She has a hard time with ..." or "He just doesn't get along with ..."

It may be absolutely true. But sometimes instead of addressing the issue head on and helping them overcome their sins, we just make excuses for our kids' behavior.

"Kids will be kids" and "Boys will be boys" and "She's at that age". True statements. But not good reasons to ignore disrespect, disobedience, unkindness, ungratefulness, etc.

Let your kids hear these comments and "suggestions" and they'll live up to them.

But if we remember Paul's words that love hopes all things, they don't have to be trapped. In love, hope the best out of your children. Love them, encourage them, guide them, and train them up.

Don't grow weary in doing this good, because if you don't give up, you will reap a harvest of righteousness in your children's lives and maybe in yours as well.

Eucharist, Joy, Rejoicing

The following are some notes and quotes I jotted down this morning while listening to a podcast by Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church. The Scripture was Philippians 4 beginning in verse 4.

Eucharist means 'the good gift'.

To rejoice is to be aware that all of life is a gift.

Joy is learning to discern that God is up to something even in this (whatever your 'this' may be).

Joy is learning to perceive things that run counter to prevailing wisdom about how the world works.

Practice the discipline of becoming aware of all of the gifts that are around you.

My conclusion: Joy and rejoicing aren't passive attributes. They come from a conscious effort on my part. An effort, a discipline to take thoughts captive. Thoughts that are ungrateful, selfish, pitying self. It is actively renewing my mind to think like Jesus.

Joy is not just a feeling. It is trust in God's sovereignty and omniscience. Resting in His power to control my life, to fulfill the plans He has for me.

Deadline for Homeless Hygiene Kits

If you are participating in the hygiene kits for the homeless, just wanted to let you know the deadline is December 15.

Thank you so much for giving to others this Christmas!