Still small voice (& kicks in the bladder)

"behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him..." 

1 King 19:11-13

So often we only expect God to be present in big dramatic ways, and I'm afraid this causes us to miss out on so many opportunities to hear that still small voice.  For me anyways, I find myself not seeking Him often enough.  More like just waiting on Him to show up in an earthquake like moment.

The most recent reminder of this came when I was beginning to get anxious/worried/upset when I was nearing 20 weeks and still had not felt the baby move.  When we went for our ultrasound, and we could see little Squishy kicking those feet around, I realized that I HAD been feeling movement for the last couple weeks, I just wasn't aware of what it was.  And in the following weeks in the few moments that I was completely still, I was much more in tune to the movement of those little feet.

I have also been the same way with God, He gently shows me His presence everyday, but unfortunately, all too often it takes a much bigger moment for me to "see" Him move, then I realize He has been right here all along, I just haven't been quiet and still enough to notice Him!

As busy as life is, I believe that it still holds far more quiet moments than it does "obvious" ones.  I pray that I can become much more aware of His voice and grow all the more closer to Him.

I shall call him my squishy...

This week we reached the half way point in the wait to meet our little miracle.  We had to go for a level 2 ultrasound due to some health history, however little M looked as healthy as can be. 

However, already taking after daddy, getting pictures was a little difficult.  We are choosing to wait on knowing the gender.  We are praying for a healthy baby above all!!! (but we both think its a boy)

Some think we are just keeping it from everyone else, #1 because I usually call it "he,"  I just can't bring myself to call it "It."

However, I have occasionally called him "Squishy."  The story behind that is that when a friend of mine first found out we were pregnant again following the miscarriage  she would always say "just keep swimming" to the baby when I saw her.

This is the best profile she was able to get!  Like daddy much!?

We you join us is praying for a healthy baby!?

Remember, Revive, & Rejoice

This past week we have met every night to gather in one name to lift up our voices in prayer to the One we know can bring us revival.

two or more... and Him.

Each night many voices from one body would petition requests to our God.

So many hearts in one room, sharing testimonies of one thing...Suffering...

hearts hurting for loved ones so dear

young ones gone too soon

suffering of exhaustion, hearts worn thin

souls in need of outpouring

suffering of loss

Our souls long for revival, but what for? To take away all our suffering?

Or to remind us of it?

Jesus constantly left us the commandment to "Remember"

We are not meant to heap happiness over our pain until others can no longer see, it is still a fire burning so deep inside.

Rather, what if we remembered or sufferings as a reminder of the Hope we have in Jesus's name!

 ^"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

This past year for us has been a special kind of trial, but it would be a shame for us to not see the Glory that was revealed through every painful step.  This verse became a lifeline for me, in it a powerful reminder that as hard as the here and now seems to be, the peace of God is an unfathomable comparison.

So what is revival? A time to remember the Glory that has come and is to come from the sufferings.

"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:19-25

Let your heart cry out to God, remembering all He has brought you through, most of all, setting your mind on the Glory to come.

I am so thankful for the blessing of community. So thankful for a time of Revival.  A time to remember and celebrate the Glory that is our eternity.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6

Are we praying for our husbands as much as we are talking about Anna's!?

It seems that as Christians it is assumed that we have some kind of "response" to the recent "scandals" involving Josh Duggar and/or the Ashley Madison hack. (I thought this was the name of the "other" woman when I first heard of it) To be honest, it seems that most do.  The conversations, blog posts, and news prove that a lot of people do have something to say.  

What if we didn't stop talking about the subject, but rather changed our audience? I think that the recent developments are a call to action.   

What if we took all of our thoughts and compiled them into prayers?

When we think...

How could he do that...pray for him, his temptations and his repentance

His poor family...pray for their hearts to be healed and filled with forgiveness

How many others are in the same situation...pray for our nation to be guarded from the evils of satan

These have all been fairly common suggestions.  But have we missed something? Why do we wait until recovery phase before we on the outside take action.  

Wives, are we praying prevention over our own husbands? 

Are we covering their minds, their hearts, and desires in prayers!?

A lot of things probably come to mind when think of taking action against these very circumstances coming into our own homes.  But the most important and effective line of defense we can take is hitting our knees! 

Prayer changes EVERYTHING! 

Wives, will you join me in knee bruising prayer for our husbands, and our marriages!? 

The devil is a thief and a liar, but we know The One who has already defeated him! 

It's not about God waiting on us to ask him to do something, it's about us surrounding our hearts, minds, and souls with the Power of The Spirit!!!

The following is a prayer from Stormie Omartian's book "The Power of a Praying Wife, Book of Prayers"

"Lord, bless my husband’s sexuality and make it an area of great fulfillment for him. Restore what needs to be restored, balance what needs to be balanced. Protect us from apathy, disappointment, criticism, busyness, unforgiveness, deadness, or disinterest. I pray that we make time for one another, communicate our true feelings openly, and remain sensitive to what each other needs. Keep us sexually pure in mind and body, and close the door to anything lustful or illicit that seeks to encroach upon us. Deliver us from the bondage of past mistakes. Remove completely the effect of any sexual experience—in thought or deed—that has ever happened to us outside of our relationship. Purify us by the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray.

"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." 1 CORINTHIANS 6: 18-20

Landlocked and Lacking: Praying for Bolivia

Following recently introducing you to Alvaro, I would like for you to join me in praying for Bolivia!  An area the size of California and Texas combined, landlocked in South America, Bolivia is home to almost 10.5 million people. 

"Bolivia ranks at or near the bottom among Latin American countries in several areas of health and development, including poverty, education, fertility, malnutrition, mortality, and life expectancy. On the positive side, more children are being vaccinated and more pregnant women are getting prenatal care and having skilled health practitioners attend their births. Bolivia's income inequality is the highest in Latin America and one of the highest in the world. Public education is of poor quality, and educational opportunities are among the most unevenly distributed in Latin America, with girls and indigenous and rural children less likely to be literate or to complete primary school. The lack of access to education and family planning services helps to sustain Bolivia's high fertility rate - approximately three children per woman. Bolivia's lack of clean water and basic sanitation, especially in rural areas, contributes to health problems." - The World Factbook


"The Bible Society has been and remains instrumental in all aspects of ministry in Bolivia. Over one million NTs have been distributed in schools. The Aymara and Quechua Bibles are in great demand, but without effective literacy programs, their impact is blunted. Nearly every Amerindian language that warrants translation work has received it; SIL, The Bible Society and the Catholics have been instrumental in this. Pray for a powerful impact of God’s Word on all groups in Bolivia." - Operation World

Will you pray for Alvaro, his family, community, and nation!?

Hope in a Miscarriage - 12 Bible Verses

One of the first things that brought me peace was remembering that our child was never ours to begin with, he/she (one day we will know) had always belonged to God, and always would.  We as parents are given a gift to care for God's children for a short period of eternity.  However "long" that may be for...

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.  1 Samuel 1:27-28

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  Job 1:21

I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. Philemon 1:12

Knowing the very fact that our child would "skip" so much pain and suffering that this world offers was perhaps the most comforting truth I could rest on!  
We cannot even fathom how much our Lord loves our children.  Yes, he loves them abundantly more than we do, and His love is PERFECT! 

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  Psalm 139:14


So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 
Matthew 18:14

Our precious gift, given to us for a time, is now in the arms of his/her Creator, being comforted, protected, loved, and adored.  Just as our Lord is taking care of our baby, He is reaching down to us just as well.  

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 

We must take our time to mourn, and we have a Lord who will comfort us through the heartache, pulling us all the closer to Him and His mercy.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord... Jeremiah 30:17

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:18-19

And most of all, remembering that no matter how much we ache and hurt and mourn today, there is a hope of a tomorrow, when there will be no more tears and all will be well in the presence of our Savior!!! 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18



We are still working through this trial, another reminder of how much we need HIM.  I hope that you to can find a peace that only our Father can provide.

He Loves You

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Update: months later as I needed these verses again, and knew of so many other tragedies around me, came part 2...

Praise the God who gives and takes away.

These next two blogs may seem a little out of order, because chronologically; they are...

The last week in May we spent in Costa Rica serving with a team of 14 individuals who gave up their week for the Kingdom of God.  It was clear God's hand and provision was all over the trip from start to finish. 

However, the hours that immediately followed the end of our journey required much more faith and prayer.

Brett and I were just as excited for the week following the mission trip to Costa Rica.  This would be the week that we went to our first doctor appointment for our first pregnancy, and in the days following we would share the exciting news with our family and friends.

However, just 3 hours after returning home from Central America, we found ourselves in the emergency room hearing the devastating news that we were miscarrying our 12 week old blessing.  Instead of showing our friends and family our baby's new T shirt we bought in Costa Rica, and announcing the December arrival; we were asking for prayers for my recovery and our understanding of the plan the God had.

-I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

In a time when it is so easy to question God, His love couldn't be more evident!  Through the encouragement and prayers of friends and family, and most of all His Word, we have been able to find some comfort in an seemingly hopeless time.  I'm not saying we don't have questions, but despite the questions, we know Who is in control.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, 

so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

2 Corinthians 12:9

We are choosing to cling to the promise that He loves us, that He gives us His best.

-as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

What better way to praise Him, than to tell you of all the wonderful things He has and is doing in Costa Rica...      (see next post)

Who's story is it?

This past weekend was spent in Branson MO...

In ONE house...

3 adults...

with 15 teenagers...

and it was SOOOO refreshing!!!

Not the way you thought it would end was it!?  Well let me tell you that I know the greatest group of Godly kids/young adults.  We spent three FULL days at Young Christians Weekend at Silver Dollar City.  This is an annual trip for our youth group, but it was my first time to attend.

Through all the concerts, speakers, late night worship and roller coasters, one thing has really stuck with me.

During one of the messages we heard, a demonstration was made about some individuals' "stories."

Stories of young followers living for Christ, until dyeing for Christ.

The message ultimately was about discovering what OUR story would be.

I pray that my story, the story I live each day... I hope it is a story that

depicts the presence of the Holy Spirit,

Tells of God's unending love,

Glorifies His goodness,

Honors His Majesty...

I hope and pray that every page of my story, IS GOD'S STORY.

*Hawk Nelson did music for one of the services.

Giver of Good Gifts - Guest Blogger

 When I read the latest Compassion Blogger assignment I immediately thought of my dear friend and fellow blogger Katie, from Walking in Unity!  I won't spoil why but read on to find out!


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God Is Good!

                  

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above......... (James 1:17)

    Please allow me to share a little of what is going on in my life as you are reading this now. I have a husband, two girls, work a full time job and currently entering into my second semester of Nursing School! - Yes a little exhausted! -But God is good!

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

    Over the years “I” have tried to go to nursing school several times, but life seem to get in the way. But I know now that God opened the door to this opportunity at exactly the right time. His time!

Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

    Being His daughter, I smile after seeing his hand work in my life and so many others around me. I know without a doubt at the age of 33 that I am where God has called me to be. After trying on my own through the years to find my place, my way, I surrendered to God and His timing and although very exhausted, less pay and little time for sleep, He has given peace and strength I have not known before.

    This all being said let now share something special to my heart. One Saturday night, tired and in debate if I really wanted to go, I went ahead and attended our church’s Ladies Auxiliary Christmas party. This is a dinner where we fellowship, have devotion and “Secret Sisters” exchange gifts.

As I opened my gift not knowing who was or is my Secret Sister. I soon realize I know it must be a dear sister that knows my heart. She must know how I love the Lord, have a heart for mission (although God has yet to open that door for me) and my heart to be a nurse, to be able to care and love others, that I may have care and compassion from God to help those hurting and in need. I pray I may help those physically, emotionally and spiritually as God allows me to do so.

So you must be wondering by now what was inside my gift?

A precious homemade gift card.

And As I open it, it says……………..

                                                                          
“In your name………….. 5 kids are protected”

With pictures from Compassion of children receiving medical care.

   

Five children are receiving medical care needed and provided by Compassion International due to a simple $20.00 given as a gift in my name by my precious “Secret Sister."  Not only did my secret sister give to missions for me but she gave to something so very dear to my heart. 5 children that are so loved by my Father will receive care from parasites, will receive protection from Malaria, and will receive care for an illness or an injury.

This is a gift, a good gift, one that is so simple but so powerful, that 5 children can be reached and through those 5 a difference can and will be made!

Mother Teresa once said…….

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

    I pray those 5 children touched by Compassion will be the start of many ripples.

I may not be able to travel across the waters to care for those in need, although my prayer is for God to use me and my nursing skills for His purpose and to someday cross those waters and serve Him by caring for His children. But that will be in His timing too.

 Though this gift I not only have been touched but all those I share this with and those of you that read this, I pray you will be touched and I encourage you to pray for those who give and those who receive the gift. 

1 Peter 4:10 "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

    Remember this Christmas what the true gift of Christmas really is! Jesus, He came to love, care, heal, die and save each one us. That is the best Gift!

Acts 20:35 - "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

By: Katie Presser

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Please remember the Giver of the perfect gifts this holiday season. Please visit the Compassion catalog to see how you can help make a difference in some body's life.

 

Country Spotlight: Pray for Uganda

Pearl of Africa - A Nation of Children

Why Pray for Uganda?...

 - 24.5% of the population is below the poverty level

 - 25.2% of the population has unimproved drinking water

 - 48.7% of the population is less than 15 years old 

 - Home to 2.5 million orphans

 - 63,300 AIDS deaths each year (6th in the world)

 - 9% of the country is unreached

 - "The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) spreads terror and has committed countless atrocities, having evolved over 20 years into little better than an occult-powered militia group. Its predation displaced nearly two million people and has taken more than 120,000 lives."

Sources: Operation World , UNICEF , CIA.gov

Ministries in Uganda: