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1 Corinthians 3:4-9

"For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."

1 Corinthians 3:4-9


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Multitudes on Monday (on Tuesday)

"And God said, 'Let there be light" and there was light." Genesis 1:3

From nothing, God created everything. What He said, simply became.

"the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
Genesis 2:7

What are we anyway, but dust?

What is this life, if not spent living as a breath of life?

This week, I've pondered God's great intense love for me, my love for Him, faith, my faith, the way jesus lived his life and how I live mine...

And it all comes back to this-

Am I willing to make myself nothing to live fully in everything for Him?

If in everything, we find grace; then should you not find in me grace?

But really, is this what you see when you look at me?

Do you really see grace, Christ, in me in everything?

And then the question really becomes this...

Is Jesus really my everything?

Everyday, I realize that all is grace...and He is grace and love and peace and joy and I am nothing...nothing without Him. He is my grace, love, peace, and joy and if He's not then I cannot and will not be able to offer any of these to anyone because without him I cannot begin to understand any one of these.

Today, join with me in giving thanks...

#'s 1674 - 1687
- thankful kids
- good friends who fix dinner for my hubby and kids when it is my night on and his night off
- little boys
- feeling little life move inside another
- the miracle of life
- studying with PFK kids
- omelets...yummy
- serving others
- young ones praying
- All is grace- Shaun Groves
- interns!!
- Your provision in all things, Jesus!
- that You bless in all things and all things become a blessing
- experiencing the sense of pride other's feel for their country



Monday, August 22, 2011

Multitudes on Monday

From my heart this morning...

(from John 1)

"You, Jesus, were in perfect harmony with Your Father. You chose to leave perfection and take himan form and live in a fallen world- that Your glory could be seen- the One and Only- the One who came from the Father - full of grace and truth.

You were who John the baptist preached about. Moses gave us the law. You gave us grace and truth. No one has ever seen God, but You- the One and Only- have made yourself known to the world. You, God incarnate, God's only Son, came to this earth as a baby, just like us. As a boy, dedicated yourself to ministry, studied the scriptures and as a man entered the ministry. You declared Yourself the Messaih- the long awaited Savior. Then You died a death You did not deserve on an old rugged cross for my sins and the sins of the world.

thank You Jesus! Thank You! Joh nBaptist declared You the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John told the people that God's Spirit would rest on the Son of God in the form of a dove.

People began to follow You even before this prophecy was fulfilled. Andrew and Peter called You'Teacher" and followed You first, then Philip and Nathanel. Scripture says Andrew 'found' Jesus (John 1:41) while Jesus 'found' Philip, then Philip found Nathanel. (John 1:43).

Thank You Jesus for finding me. I knew the truth and ignored it. You persued me - You found me - You rescued me. Thank You.

With many thanks in my heart today, I count blessing after blessing...

#'s 1609 - 1613
- Sundays spent together, nothing on the agenda except being together
- Sunday evening church
- being awakened to pray for fellow believers
- John 1:12-13 - thank You father for the choice to believe in Your name and to recieve You as my Savior and for the privilege to be Your child
- Thank You Jesus for finding me. I knew the truth and ignored it. You persued me - You found me - You rescued me. Thank You.



Sunday, August 21, 2011

New family tradition, Culture Night, swinging, Mother's Day CR

Last night we started a new family tradition of making our own pizzas. Each of us got our own 'slate' or crust and we put our own toppings on. It was super fun and they tasted delicious!!







In other family news, a couple of weeks ago, Calvary Chapel had a Culture Night with a visiting mission team. These nights are always so fun and the fellowship between church members is so encouraging. Generally, the visiting mission team will share with the congregation using their gifts and members from the church will share as well.

This time our kids wanted to share a song. So they practiced TobyMac's A City on our Knees. I unfortunately did not get video, but here I did get a photo.


Isabelle worked really hard on two dramas with two of her friends and one of the friends mom, who is one of my friends :)


And, recently the kids took down the hammock swing and fashioned their own swing out of the rope and a few blankets to make it more comfy...


And finally here is a picture of the Mother's Day Tea at Calvary Chapel as well as breakfast on the beach on Mother's Day (celebrated in Costa Rica on August 15th).



Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

Monday was Mother's Day here in Costa Rica. Last Saturday, Calvary Chapel hosted a Mother's Day tea. There were many ways in which the Lord spoke to me that day, but one way was during the teaching. Rebecca taught on hearing the voice of God. One thing stood out to me - sometimes we see what appear to be closed doors in our lives...that are really wide open.

Take the example of Sarah, who at more than 90 years old had her first child. She herself felt the Lord had not kept his promise to her and took matters into her own hands, believing that the door to having children had long been closed. Yet, God in his perfect timing, opened Sarah's closed womb and blessed her with a child- in doing so fulfilled his promise to her and to Abraham.

Sarah's ability to bear children seems like a an impossibility. End of story. Until the Lord shows us that His ways are not our own and His timing is perfect.

The Lord reminded me to continue seeking Him and praying to him for the desires of our hearts, for the burdens of the fallen world around me, and for the visions he has given us to be fulfilled.

That was Saturday...

Then came Monday...and the week began and the world pulled and life happened and stress mounted...and I forgot this ever-important Truth of our Great God.

That He is faithful. He never leaves us. He never forgets his promises or His people.

As spiritual attacks mounted this week, I felt I had hit a wall- a door so closed that nothing could open it.

And Wednesday came and I became Chicken Little and thought the sky all around me was falling down...

What the enemy meant to be devasting, the Lord meant to be rejuvenating.

Our God is So good. Our God is So Great!

The Lord used special people in our lives to encourage us this week, but mostly He used His Word and His Spirit to lift us up, to carry us, to sustain us, and to change our hearts back to beign focused on Him.

Often in ministry, I am making the assumption here that this is true for others as well as it is for us, the weight of the burdens, struggles, and bondage of others weigh heavy. It can become a habit to try and carry that weight ourselves instead of giving it over completely to the One who came to take away all our burdens- Jesus Christ.

Also common, are times of discourgement. Times when it seems that doors are closing all around you. Maybe the church doesn't seem to be growing. Maybe the church is full but the people inside are merely filling the pews, failing to daily make a difference for Christ in the world. Maybe day after day, you see those you've come to love around you continue in their sin. Maybe the abuse, neglect, injustice done to children becomes more than you can bear.

Those, too, are times when the one and only single thing that can carry us through is remember where our hope, strength, joy, and peace come from- God himself in the form of the Holy Spirit living in side of us.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13


God is so good and His Word is a precious gift. It is the ointment for our wounds. The living water for our thirsty souls. It is the light for our path.

And His great gift to us is His Spirit living inside of each of us who believe in Him. His very Spirit counsels us, carries us, empowers us, fills us with hope, peace, joy and a supernatural strength.

Yesterday, several women leaders in calvary Chapel met with the specific purpose of praying for the church and for each other's needs. A good friend shared from the Word. She read from Philippians and the Lord reminded us as He had her that we are not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, we are to present our petitions to God. And then, the God of hope will give a sweet peace that passes all understanding- we will no longer feel the anxiety that previously existed in our hearts...instead in it's place will be a peace so sweet our hearts and minds will rest in it. Our thoughts will then be focused right where they need to be - on Him.

Why do we forget? Why are we such a stiff-necked people?

The Lord was with us yesterday in that tiny prayer circle. The rains came down hard, we could barely here each other despite being merely inches apart. Lightening struck close and thunder crashed loudly. But the power of the Holy Spirit remained stronger than anything, filling each of us with hope, joy, peace, and His strength.

It seems that our tiny family were not the only ones to face attacks this week, as we've since heard of many others in this area experiencing more of the same. We have friends in Guatemala experiencing deep trials at this time.

The Lord is making it clear in these days of uncertain economy, disease, death, disaster...The days are evil. The days a re short.

He is coming back soon.

We could choose to become anxious. We could choose to worry.

But we need to be a people preparing ourselves for Him. We need to be preparing for the return of our King. We need to be as a bride, preparing for her groom.

Because isn't that what we are awaiting? The Banquet of all banquets...the Wedding between the bride  (Jesus's church) and the Bridegroom- Christ himself...

We are people of hope, we are a chosen people, yet often we appear no different than the world, the fallen, the pagans.

My pray today is that my life be one of hope, peace, joy, strength and one of grace. That all who see me may know of the Redeemer, may see His Spirit living in me.

When Matt and I moved here from the city two years ago, the Lord clearly gave us the vision of His church growing and mutliplying and this place being known for His glory. He clearly spoke to us about certain specific people in this community, as well as others growing to be like the cedars, firmly planted for His glory.

This week, I heard testimony of these same visions in the lives of others. The Lord clearly speaking to others in this same exact way.

We beleived this promise from the Lord before we even movevd here. We still belive it.

This week, however, our faith wavered.

We minister to children every day who some would call 'at-risk.' Truth be told, they are at risk. Every day they grow closer and closer to being sucked into a life filled with drugs, prostitution, alchoholism, and worse.

Studying the culture, you'll begin to learn that it is of utmost importance to make thigns look good- especially the appearance of faith- but it really doesn't matter what you really think, feel, or how you live your life when no one sees.

These kids live at risk, that is for sure. But maybe the greatest danger these kids face is growing up luke-warm to the person of God, to Christ in their lives, and being oblivious to the Power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word in their lives.

Every day is a challenge in this ministry.

After much time studying God's Word with friends, they still live in obvious sin- and it wears on our hearts. We ache for them to change their hearts and surrender their whole lives to God.

After a year of ministry with the kids of PFK and Bible Club, we see fruit. In our flesh, we desire more. We forget God's promise to us and we begin to doubt and begin to let our thoughts wonder to why? Why don't we see more fruit yet...we begin to doubt God's perfect timeline.

Yet, this week, in His loving faithfulness, the Lord reminded us both of His goodness.

The Parable of the Sower teaches us about the differences in the soil in which we sow the seed of Truth. Only 1/4 of the seed took root in the parable. But the seed (the Word of God) was good each time. The seed was not the problem- it remains good, ripe, ready to grow...

I am so thankful for this reminder that the gospel seed is good all the time. I am so thankful for the reminder also from 1 Kings 18 of the power of persistent prayer. During a great drought, Elijah persisted in his faith that God would send rain. After sending his servant to look for rain seven times, his servant came back and reported of one small cloud in the sky the size of a man's hand. The servant saw a small little cloud and believed it to be nothing. Elijah having trusted and believed in the Lord's faithfulness even before he prayed, did pray, and believed God would answer. Elijah knew that God would bring the rain, even if only from a cloud the size of a man's hand.

And the rain came. As did the power of the Lord on Elijah.

God is so good. What we see, present day, is this small cloud...just like Elijah's servant saw...maybe ours is the size of a child's hand...heeheehee. But still a cloud, none-the-less. The answer to pray. We see small fruit. Small changes. In a handful of the kids we minister to.

Jesus picked twelve of the thousands upon thousands he ministered to. Twelve men. Ordinary...yet extraordinary in the purpose God had for them. We believe in their example. We believe.

Thankfully the Lord has prepared our hearts and strengthened us be His Spirit this week. We are now focused on preparing for rain, beliving in His promise and so very thankful for His work here in Villarreal.





Monday, August 15, 2011

Multitudes on Monday

Today is Mother's Day in this land we now call home.

Saturday, we had a Mother's Day Tea for the ladies of the church. It was a wonderful morning spent with many ladies form the church as well as several 'invitadas,' or ladies from the community, several who did not know the Lord. All of the ladies participated and enjoyed themselves. It was a special time shared by all.

Last night at church, Pastor Phil honored all the mother's in the congregation and prayed for them.

Today is a national holiday. Schools are closed for the day and many businesses are closed as well for the day- which means many are off work today!

Mother's are surely celebrated and appreciated.

Today, Matt and the kids took me to breakfast at our favorite restaurant- Nougui's (KNOW-geaz). We spent most of the morning on the beach. It was a fantastic way to spend the morning.

Even though this day is not Mother's Day in the States, we still celebrate holidays like this one here as well as from our own country.

And so, today, I think of my mom...and my heart hurts a little as I'm not with her. It's been a tough time being back this time from the States. So many little things unfinished; so much to pray for we learned while back.

And...I just miss my mom. I guess there is a time as a child when you learn that your paretns get older as you get older and at some point you really begin to see their finiteness. That point is here for me...i realize just how very short the days are and I know very well what I miss by living the life we live- the life the Lord has called us to.

Thankfully, the Lord has given me great joy and purpose in serving Him here. My place is here and I am thankful.

Today, on this special day for mother's, I give thanks...

#'s 1528 - 1540
- family game night
- seeing youth (muchachos) serve the ladies of the church (Ethan asking to serve)
- Sunday mornings for resting and playing games...thankful for Latin American evening church services
- xooking for church
- the pain in my heart that comes from being away from my mom- eucharisteo- because I have a mom who I loves and who loves me
- a restful nights sleep\- [hoto albums documenting our life
- the privielege of being a mother
- the ift of children
- that in Costa Rica, Mother's Day is a national holiday where school is out and businesses close and employees are given the day off!
- planning visits with family and friends
- Salvation in Jesus
- that I am saved by grace, through faith in You, Jesus





Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Multitudes on Monday (on Tuesday)

Today I sit and am so thankful for the work of the Lord in my life. I am so thankful for the community of faith- around the world. Thank You Jesus, for your shed blood. Thank You, Fatherm for sending Your Son.

#'s 1451 - 1465
- having real heart-toheart with Gabriela, Cindy, and Dayana- Thank You Jesus for this breakthrough
- the tropical sounds I've grown so used to hearing- howler monkeys, certain tropical birds, parrots
- hummingbirds
- butterlfies
- seeing how our kids love others
- the cool way You bring together Your family, Lord
- speaking Your Truth into the lives of children
- Ellie and Fannie coming to church with Gabriela, Neysi, Dayana, Eddy and Gustavo
- having the problem of not enough space and not enough chairs in the church
- a community of believers, all imperfect, all being transformed
- for the shed blood of Christ
- for my salvation, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ
- because when I call, You hear me
- because You came when I called, and rescued me
- because You've given me hope and the promise - security- forever with You in eternity



Sunday, August 7, 2011

"What do you miss most?"

Often when we are asked the question,

"What do you miss most from the United States?"

And always my respons is, "FAMILY."

Usually the person responds with, "well, of course. but...what else?"

And so I pause to ponder...

Four years ago I could quickly list off several restaurants or food items that we just didn't have or couldn't find here.

Three years ago, I probably still would have rattled off a couple food places as well as Walmart and Target.

Last year, I rejoiced when we ate Chick-Fil-A for the first time while in the States!

And the truth is that there are still certain places we like to go when back in the States. There are certain cravings that we each have from time to time. But, honestly, the longings have begun to wear off for things like that. It is still nice to go back and visit the places we love...but one thing I've noticed is the longing for more places and things like this -

Cousins. Together, impromptu picnics on the bright green grass. Family farm. Red euipment settled in its spot next to shining golden wheat, brilliant against that bright green grass. Under the oak tree. That same oak tree standing there for the almost 15 years I've known the McClain family.

Moments like those are what I miss most. Colors like these are so very fond to me. Places like this one are what make me feel at home. Allow me to relax and forget about everything.

Comfortable, familiar. Never-changing.



This lane. Driven on so many times. Instantly slows me. Gravel cracks and shifts under the tires. Now used by grandpa and grandkids; uncle and nephew.

Sweet times like this. Those are what I miss most. Places so familiar, so comfortable. Those are what my heart aches for. If I never had Chick-Fil-A again, but could have my fill of this place...my heart would be filled with joy.


Monday, August 1, 2011

Multitudes on Monday

We've settled back into the laid back life that we've grown to love. The suitcases are pur away, new clothes put away, things back in their places...I sat down to reflect this morning on all that God has done in the past month- His great goodness...and read through almost 20 pages of testimony to the great things He has done!

I did not blog while we were in the States. It was a decision to rest and be still and bask in His goodness. To savor the moments of each day. And today, as I read back through them, they all came flooding back. That is the real beauty of keeping this journal of thanks- the testimony and permanent record of God's blessings in my life.

So, I feel compelled to share with you from our time in the States- not the whole record, but a glimpse. My prayer is that you will see Jesus in each entry, each record of blessing in my life, each "loveprint" as my friend Sarah calls them.

Testimony of God's gifts taken from #1044 - #1384
- walking into Tim and Sue's at 1:30 in the morning and feeling instantly at home
- seeing my mom for the first time in over a year
- seeing the kids pick up with grandparents as if no time has passed
- the first Samantha hug
- seeing Samantha take the time to explain punctuation to Audrey
- early morning on the lake; watching the day come alive
- reading that Michaela found a way to wear out Gustavo
- Justine's emails
- Thak You Jesus for PFK interns
- seeing the ministry continue in our absense
- Sue's hospitality
- meeting with friends you haven't seen in over a year- and feeling like you just saw them last week (Ron and Carol)
-fun family time at the farm with Rog and Sue and Mark and Angyl
- wrestling with rog and mark
- seeing Mark spend time with Ethan
- Tim and Sue- 42 years of marriage
- talking with Jenny
-big, round waffles (Tyler)
- playing Euchre until 1:30 am with Chris and Amy
- Arni's junior salad with garlic bread
- red-breasted robins
- seeing all the grandkids huggin my dad and seeing his smile
- the generous giving of God's people
- carpet between my toes
- celebrating freedom
- adoption
- speaking Spanish at a little country church (Hickory Grove) in Indiana
- getting to know Zoey again
- pool time at the McCarty's
- feeling so at home at Aunt Sandy's
- Tuesday morning ladies Bible Study
- loving my friend who has lost her husband (Sharon)
- peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies
- Tanner taking Ethan to the movies with Emma and Zoey
- the blessing of older ladies who love and guide me
- remembering Naomi through Zoey
-spending time with Aunt Sandy
- getting to know Emma
- Ethan and Rob together again
- comforting Samantha
- pruney little girls after hours in the pool
- despite my ugly-offending sin, You offer me saving grace through faith in Jesus
- Ken and Sandy Meyer
- Sandy riding her bike with her Daisy dog in the basket
- being with Mom, Sam and Samantha at the lake
- the Caress family, Kevin and Telene, Aly, Jojo and Serena
- Jojo Caress hugs
- shopping with Telene- unexpected huge blessings
- Aly Caress with big plans for her life- thank You Jesus
- family shopping day
- Mike and Katrina Jenkins
- Your grace and mercy in a cruel world
- Marco Polo
- edifying conversations with good friends
- water sparkling in the sunshine, so bright my eyes are blinded for a second- reminding me of the brightness of Your glory, Jesus
- Your Word, changing me to be more like You and enabling me to flee from sin
- a day on the lake in a boat
- turtle doves- "whooawhoo-whooo"
- Marco Polo with Sam
- marshmellow faces
- Wilbur coming to visit
- peace, quiet, and relaxation
- pop-in plastic-cased lead pencils (think 3rd grade)
- fir, maple, oak trees mixed together - all green, all God
- mother-daughter talks; side-by-side and in person
- help from my brother-in-law
- life on a lake
- Steph's chili
- encouragement from people I've only 'met' through emails, letters, and phone calls (Kathie Shoemaker)
- En Secreto in the park in Terre Haute
- the call to pray fervently for a sister in Christ
- El Jaripeo
- late nights with Tim and Sue
- Costa Rican breakfast at FEPC
- the Butchko girls taking the time to come and share with us and encourage us
- having time to talk with Steph
- seeing Audrey with Andrew
- the way the cut hay shines golden bright against the green rows of corn
- seeing Ethan have so much fun with FEPC youth
- family history
- falling right back in a routine with friends who are really family- Doug and Karen
- Indiana sweet corn
- being in the kitchen with other women
- a home full of people who love and care for us and partner with us in ministry
- swimming in Aunt Paula's pool again after all these years
- reminiscing with family
- the way You God weave together hearts of friends who've come together through Your work in us
- Audrey's 7th birthday
- King's Island
- time with Rog and Sue
- Audrey's face coming off the water slide
- Audrey being able to ride the Beast
- Izzy's joyful scream down the slide
- Ethan riding the Diamondback
- Froggie- the pillow pet
- a night alone with Matthew
- Matt's sense and awareness of danger
- Sue W. being so helpful
- singing "This is the day!" on Audrey's birthday with Sue W.
- Caleb and Tyler's love for Ethan
- Ethan's patience with younger kids
- having a blreakdown and my mom being there to comfort me, hold me and let me cry on her shoulder
- Leah B's hugs
- Sharon Druley hugs
- Samantha Fern White
- hearing of God's mighty provision and seeing how He chooses to bless others so that they can then bless others
- hot water showers
- good gallo pinto breakfast the first day back in Costa Rica
- answered prayer of keeping Matt alert and giving him quick reflexes right when he needed them
- helpful airport workers- answered prayer
- our moms getting home safely from Chicago- answered prayer
- pulling up to our house and seeing our dogs for the first time
- immediate settling back in to the laid back pace of life here
- finding notes from Michaela all over the house
- Bible Club the first day back- 42 kids - Praise You Jesus!!
- Cindy's amazing smile and awesome hugs- her clinging to me
- Gustavo's kiss on the cheek, welcoming me back
- first Sunday back at Calvary Chapel




Thank You Jesus for Your presencce and blessings in my life!