Yesterday Brownie and Jared spent over 2 hours studying with Faith and a father-figure friend of hers. A few weeks ago I wrote about the 26 year old single mother who is living with us. We have begun our efforts to teach her. Here is her story: She was "saved" at 3 years of age and baptized when she was 7 years old. She told me this morning in a 2 hour conversation and study that she knows what she "felt in her heart". I tried to get her to understand that "feeling" something doesn't necessarily make it right. Most people who are religious come to a Bible study thinking they have been saved. Then after further study some come to understand and see the truth and want to obey the gospel of Christ. Please pray that Faith will not simply rely on her "feelings" and that her heart will be open to accept the truth. She comes from a pentecostal or charasmatic background and is convinced she has been lead by the Spirit to make decisions in her life. It makes for a very frustrating study. Unfortunately, from our experience, this type of student is the most difficult to teach. The Bible is at the mercy of a person's feelings and emotions because that is what the person listens to and were they put their trust. Next week they study the gift of the Holy Spirit. Brownie wants to stress some points from this weeks' study and will then try to make a dent in her "emotional" armor.
Brownie and I have had moments of "what were we thinking" in taking on this situation. It is requiring some patience on our part especially from Brownie. As most of you know, I'm very easy going and very little bothers me. Faith and Elise, her daughter, are in and out of our space, using the computer, etc... It's an adjustment when someone isn't family. Elise is 2 and a half and loves me dearly (what can I say :-), and thinks I am her new playmate and thinks I should be on call for trips to the swingset. I find this taking up more and more of my time. I'm a pushover and have a hard time saying "no" and she has such a winning smile too. We sang songs by candlelight the other night out on the swing and now she comes up to me and asks me to sing "black and white". It took me a minute to figure that out. It was "Jesus loves the little children". :-)
So along with the varied other demands on my time I need to try to set boundaries and yet be accessible to encourage Faith and answer her questions. I pray for wisdom to handle this new challenge. Thought you might like to know how things are progressing. I'll keep you informed.
Well, I can see how this situation could easily take up all the "free" time you have. We will pray that you do indeed make a dent in her "emotional" armor.
Bless your heart. But if anyone can teach her, I know that you and Brownie will be able to show her the truth with love and patience. I will pray that she will accept it. And I'll say a prayer for you to be able to balance these "demands on your time" and perhaps learn to say "no" when you need to - which I am not good at either! My love to you and Brownie. I appreciate your willingness to reach out to lost souls. I love that about you. :)
Setting boundaries is difficult but essential; I have found that if you don't set boundaries, life can become miserable if we don't and we've only ourselves to blame. It goes with the 'tough love' concept.
So, how goes the boundary setting? I've just realized right now I'm definitely over my head. Feeding some 30 people, bedding them, you name it for one week. Who's idea was this anyway! Surely it couldn't be a husband!
A lot of things change when one gains faith. (speaking of myself and our decisions) And you are doing what the Lord has asked of us in Micah 6:8. You humble me.
By the way, I decided that I had been baptized when I was still innocent (at 10 or 11 years old), so I submitted to baptism once again--for the remission of sins--at the end of June. Praise to God for His patience!
When I put the disc in it said unable to read. I even tried putting it in upside down. Obviously that didn't work. I am still looking forward to the book.
Another thing...we have teenage devotions after services on the third Sunday night of each month. There is also a study for teenagers at Mom and Dad's every Saturday afternoon.
In July we returned to Mexico to see our kids and for Brownie to spend some time teaching. It is beyond difficult to try and summarize the depth of feeling I have for the brethren there and the many small works that exist in and around the state of Chiapas. Petra, the dear old lady who fought stomach cancer with snake venom, met me with tears of joy in her eyes, knowing that she was the subject of many a prayer from me and all the Christians enlisted to pray on her behalf. I wish I could give each of you just one of her smiles. Even the remembrance of her face brings me joy. I have picked up some very basic spanish which I wear out saying my simple phrases over and over again. I long to be able to say everything on my heart to them, to be able to communicate effectively with them in their language. But love among brethren really does transcend mere words. They know and treasure what we hold in common. I do too.
We visited in Ocasingo and a neighboring village some 3 hours from Jeb and Sheila where the members live in poverty yet I doubt they even realize how meager is their existence. They all gather for our visit and rush to buy drinks and to prepare us a meal. I feel like I'm taking their food. Yet we want to enjoy their company and let them share what they have. I want to cry to see their delight in the presence of other people of like-precious faith. It is so touching. I feel forever changed. They were excited to show us their new building they built with their own hands on Samuel's property. It is concrete block and wood with a tin roof and about 12 x 20 feet with a small window (no panes--just an opening) on each side. Inside are homemade low backless benches. Brownie preached and Jeb translated and then afterwards they sat while another brother translated Brownie's lesson into another regional language. No one whined over the lack of comfort or because of the heat. Many were old and some sat with nursing babies in their arms. They weren't watching the clock. They were soaking up the opportunity to learn more from God's word. Brownie spoke 8 times in 10 days. I had the chance to do a bit of counseling with Jeb to a young Christian girl. I look forward to our next visit and the possibity of Brownie and I teaching a series of classes on marriage. I want so much to be of some help and encouragement to the saints there. We use to live in England and work for the Lord's cause there. I miss doing that type of work and hope someday for Brownie to be able to extend the borders of the kingdom in another country.
Brownie held a 3-day meeting in a barn-like setting about an hour and a half from San Cristobal. When he spoke of repentance, a mother hen and her 8 chicks trailed down the aisle and hopped on the platform. To us it was very comical, but for them it was an ordinary occurance. There was a roost behind Brownie. Later a turkey strolled to the roost. And a dog meandered thru the group. Visitors came from hours away to hear the word. Would you travel hours to hear the word? I hope so--it's so encouraging to others. Two teenage Christian girls, 16 and 19 came both nights and rode 1 1/2 hours each way in the back end of a pickup truck crammed in with at least 10 others. Brownie teased them that he might preach 2 hours. They quickly spoke up and said they would be happy to sit for 3 or 4 hours...and they would. Are we simply spoiled..or weak. Sometimes I wonder.
Not a day goes by that I don't think of them. They are in my prayers and on my heart. I miss them. And when I walk thru my lovely home with niknaks and comfortable chairs and good beds, I feel so blessed. And them I wonder, is all this a blessing or is it a waste? I am daily evaluating things now. Do I need this or should I sell that. I know I'm a better steward now. I think of Petra or the dear servants of the Lord in Ocasingo or Las Roses. As Christians we should share and give and care. Sometimes we just don't know who needs help or where. I know now. It was a hard 2 weeks for Jeb. He wasn't feeling well yet he translated sermon after sermon. I'm so thankful the providence of God lead he and Sheila and their family to southern Mexico to work with the saints there. It has enriched their lives and ours.
When I think of these Christians struggling to spread the word among those of catholic and almost voodoo beliefs, I think of Philippians 1:3-7. "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confidant of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of the Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think of you all, because I have you in my heart...".
Mom, you have to see the blown-up photo of you and Petra that she has on her wall in her room. I was there the other day and was taken aback to see you on the wall. She appreciates you too.
That is so true. Do we need all that we have? I think of that often. It is just stuff. Yes I realize it as a blessing that I may have things to make me comfortable, plenty of food, a cool or warm place to sleep each night, never have worried about where my next meal is coming from. Those Christians in Mexico seem to have it right. They know what is important. If a preacher around here preached for three hours we would go nuts, but here they are craving it. That is how we should be. I love hearing these types of stories. It helps me put things in perspective. Thank you for sharing. Now about the yard sign and bumper stickers, I am right there with you. NEVER have I had a yard sign, but I am seeking out a Republican office so I can go get some. Like you for the first time ever.
Your stories inspire me so much. I would love to meet these people and study with them. I'm thankful for you and your family who have such a fervor and ability to go and do that. I know, for me right now, it seems like I have a hard time financially, and I do, for our society, I suppose, but I know truthfully that it's not as bad as it could be and I need to be more grateful.
thank u for sharing these encouraging thoughts!!! Living in Tampa, it is easy to become complaicent to all of the gospel meetings and gatherings of Christinas that occur almost on a weekly basis, these thoughts of yours are rejuvinating to my spirit to do a better job of this and not take for granted worshipping the Lord with so many around me!
Oh Nancy, you have brought a "flood" of memories back to my heart! As I read your post to Randy, we both sat and cried. I remember so many of those same feelings, I remember coming back to the states and sitting back in our first worship service here with the saints, we were all pressed, and tucked and put together so nicely. I felt almost ashamed. I remember those same feelings toward Rosie (Anselmo's wife). I cried as I left her, realizing that gave SO much to have us in their homes, and we fuss over so much before ever considering having people in our home. She taught me such good lessons. I felt the same tug, to want to talk to her, talk directly to her, not just through translation. I wanted to know how they stay so diligent in the Lord through such need. But as you say, I'm not sure they do "need", we just think they do, because they don't have all that we have. Is it all really a blessing? We ache to go back, to feel their desire in the Lord, to be so uplifted by them. I'm not sure why it is all so different, but I feel sure that the Lord has a real lesson in it all for me! Pray that I will not forget, and that I will seek to learn more in Him. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. My heart is troubled today thinking back on all the wonderful Christians that we came in contact with there, oh to be like them, more Christlike.
I believe we are indeed many of us spoiled - how quick we are to complain that the air conditioning isn't just the right temperature when those faithful brethren ignore petty discomfort because of a love for truth. We all need such a love for truth!
Thanks for sharing those thoughts! I am so thankful I had the chance to go to Mexico! Petra definitely has a special place in my heart after meeting her! It is so humbling to think back on how I felt after my trip and how easily I have slipped back into becoming caught up in things of this world after a short time. I've been shopping for things for my new house and so often it's hard to differentiate between necessities and wants. It's not wrong to have nice things but it's important to examine ourselves and think about how freely we could give up our possessions. The brethren in Mexico are so giving and they have set such a great example for so many American brethren without even knowing it. I sometimes imagine if one of our Mexican brethren came to the States and came into my home and they liked the "perfect" little decorative vase I had been shopping for and finally found or the "perfect" candle holders I was looking for, would I be willing to give it to them with joy just like they would give something to me?? Thinking of that reminds me how insignificant our material possessions truly are.
Also, thinking about their eagerness to hear God's word makes me think of Nehemiah 8 where the people stood and listened to the reading of the Word from morning to midday! What an example!
Actually I'm not in the house yet...still waiting to close on the house. We'll plan to move my mom in two weeks! Her house sold in one week after we put it up for sale! She will be worshipping with me and I think she'll really enjoy it there. We have a few other widows at the congregation and they seemed to be excited about my mom coming. They've never met my mom before but I think they'll like her...she has the sweetest disposition and such a good heart.
Hugs and kisses to you all. I'm always glad to hear updates on the hermanas (???) from Mexico. BTW, I asked about our sending some songbooks to the church there,mentioning it at a group meeting last night. I'd also come across a request from someone needing some to send to the Phillipines (I think). The one elder present, along with Steve, and several other members, thought it was great idea, so maybe I'll have some good news for you shortly. I'm craving a "face to face" with you and Camille. Talked to Susan Saturday and she said she might be coming down again this October to visit Jill. Maybe we can work something out to have a day like we did last year. We'll talk soon.
Yes, YT&T bush - because each blossom begins purple, today lavender, tomorrow white and then is no more. But the bush blooms several times a year, lasting weeks at a time. Real name Solanaceae Brunfelsia latifolia :-)....Just in reading your note -- don't you love, warming our hearts, how BIG the smiles are both there in Mexico and here in southern Africa. Why are we so stingy with ours??! Perhaps we (in America, Europe) have forgotten how to truly be thankful. I will treasure your description of true love for the Lord and your joy in being a part of it all. You described so eloquently what I see and feel every day over here. Nancy, we met in England back in 1991 on our return to the States. I think you are special to so many because you have learned to reach out to their hearts. You saw the need, the value of their souls. Thank you
I will pass the message along to her. The ladies and I were at her house on Tuesday praying and singin with her. I got to see the picture of you and her. It's about 11X14. Absolutely beautiful! And BTW your jacket picture is stunning, no joke!
I laughed out loud at your comment about the hands. I thought if I commented on here you couldn't respond negatively. Your crazy, because you look beautiful, hands and all!
I think Ian might like something else. He still likes Thomas and still watches the videos, etc, but I can tell he will be growing out of it soon. He is very much into Legos now which is starting to take the place of Thomas. Hey, what are you doing tomorrow at 1:30? Nate and I are going to the chiro and Ian has been begging to spend time with "his Nanny". If you don't have much going on (ha ha, right?), then could he come over while we are at the chiro?
If you don't mind being between the Dr. Pepper and the Reeses' cup you are welcome to come along! We are really, really excited. CANNOT actually believe that we are doing this. Did Sheila tell you we are trying to keep it a secret from the kids?, Peri knows of course, but we are going to try and pull it off on their end...we'll see! If we don't hurry up and go I'm going to overpack, I find myself almost every day, picking up something that I think would be useful for them there. Really excited to see them and all the saints there again. Peri is absolutely beside herself that she will be with S.R. for Christmas!
Well I would say it would only take a few (antiques), but within the week that we were searching for tickets, the cost went up $200, within 1 week, CRAZY!! Did Sheila tell you that Kay is going with us? She is very excited, a little aprehensive of the unknown, but really looking forward to the experience!
I admire you and your family so much! You dosomuch good work! We are very spoiled in this country but Idotry tobe thankful to God every minute for all the blessings he has given us.
Good news, talked with Shirley and Melvin just a while ago, they are on their way home today, she got a good report today from her Dr. He says she is stable and he will see her back in Arkansas in 1 year. Answered prayers!
We've had a "slammed" busy summer. There is so much I could share and I do plan to comment in greater detail about our trip to Mexico. Brownie preached 7 times and taught a class. I was able to do some counseling with a young Christian. Of course, all of this was made possible by Jeb's translating. That is a real drain for him, but he really does a wonderful job. It was an encouraging and rewarding trip. More on that later.
Our third son Jared is presently trying to teach a young woman he met in the gym. He studies with her twice a week and like most people who deal with the varied subjects that can come up in a study, he is probably learning alot too. Please pray that his efforts will be successful. This young woman is a single mother of a 2 and a half year old little girl. She is 26, bright, and spiritually-minded, but needs alot of teaching. She is determined to live pure from this point forward. Her father died when she was a 2 year old and her relationship with her mother has been strained for a long time. She has managed on her own since she was 5 months pregnant and has been renting a room in a 2 bedroom apartment and living in a small amount of space. The woman she shares the place with is letting her meth/druggie daughter move in to sleep on the sofa. The young woman doesn't want that kind of atmosphere or danger around her little girl. I don't blame her at all. Because she has limited her needs, she has been able to survive on less than $10,000 a year and spend most of her time with her daughter. She works part-time where there is childcare provided and has a couple of babysitters who keep the little girl on Fri. night and all day on Sat. so she can wait on tables in a restaurant.
So... we're going to go out on the proverbial limb. She will be moving in the basement part of my Dad and Mom's apartment which joins our house. She will be able to use our kitchen and utility room. She will have more space than she's ever had. Her daughter will now have her own bed and a large area to play. She is terribly excited. I'll admit that I'm a bit nervous about this --it's a risk taking in someone who isn't family and living in close quarters. I almost felt like throwing up after we told her. Yet it doesn't seem right to have the space and not share it. Naturally we hope to be able to help Jared influence her to become a Christian. Please keep this young woman in your prayers that her heart will be open to the truth...and give me patience. :) I want this to work. It would be so great for them. She knows alot of whether this works out will be up to her. Hopefully this will be good for her and her precious little girl.
^She has a good point... sometimes having our physical needs met helps us to focus then on our spiritual needs. You are truly doing a good thing and we will be praying for you all and the two of them!
You are such good and giving people! Hopefully with the Lord's help this will all work out for the best. I have no doubt He is on your side! Prayers for all!
I know that God will bless you in this effort! It won't be easy, but being hospitable never is. What a great example you and Brownie are! I'll pray about your efforts (and Jared's) with this woman and her daughter.
Hi, Mrs. Reaves! This is Jessica Gaston, Jason's wife. I met you a few years ago...but it's been a long time since I've seen you again! I stumbled across your blog, and wanted to say hello! :) I think you're doing a wonderful thing for this young lady. I pray that your outreached arm of love and friendship will be appreciated and that she will grow in the Lord during her time with you. Have a wonderful week! :)
Oh I didn't mind at all...in fact, like I said, sometimes we feel like we can't talk to the people sitting next to us in the pew because we rarely share our pain...and we should share it more! I'm glad you did.
I'm leaving on vacation early next week so I probably won't be able to come to the singing, although it's very very tempting!! But I have commitments on Sat that will force me to pack on Sunday- get last minute items, etc. :-( Be keep me in mind for next time!
I've been wondering where you are. Figured you have been busy with something. We are getting back into the school routine. Need to post pics of them in their uniforms. Have you had a chance to do anything with the watch? I need one and I found one on ebay that I like but wasn't sure if you think I should wait to see if they will give me a different one. It's great having Elver here and I've got some neat projects going on at the moment so I'm excited. I'd love to see the book and she has a link to her new book on her blog. You should probably do a web page like that once your is done. MIss you too!
I hit the return key...helping others. Scary sometimes, but so many blessings (and lessons learned) in the process. I pray all goes well and she responds to the gospel.
Thanks for checking up on us during the storm. We got tons of rain, but nothing else, we were truly blessed. The schools are out here today, but back tomorrow to a normal schedule. Thanks again for your concern. Hope to see you guys soon!
Hello Dan the father :-) What a nice surprise to read your greeting and good to read familar names of mutual brothers in Christ. Just to clear up a small detail. Right now there are no "foreign" preachers/teachers living in Zimbabwe. My husband makes periodic trips into Zim, as he does in Mozambique besides his work here in the baVenda area of South Africa. Warren and John Scholts and Les Maydell also make preaching trips into Zim besides Botswana and Namibia. I too will be reading of the three Stateside preachers in Zim this month. We just had a visit from one of the Zim brothers and he speaks of their anticipation of good studies. Clendening (sp?) hmmm we knew some in Birmingham. Any relationship?
Well, Granny, I hope Sheila doesn't mind our using her blog for a means of communication. I think I mentioned that my wife's caregiver is a native of Zimbabwe. I have told her that when she gets back home that I will come to see her. I'm sure that would be a great experience, but it is a bit optimistic to think that would happen. I didn't have any relatives in Birmingham and never met any Clendenings who were members of the church. God bless you in your work there. Dan C.
Quite a number of years ago I was asked to teach a group of 17 young women who were high school and college age on the subject of choosing a mate. I wasn't too excited about the subject because I could just imagine all the fine sermons they had heard on the value of marrying a Christian. In my opinion, it seems like the common sense thing to do--to marry a Christian, yet when it comes to matters of the heart, caution is quite often thrown to the wind. So I stewed over the subject for a while and then one day had a "light bulb" moment. I decided to ask 5 women who married unbelievers to write me their marriage story. I also asked a young women who was expecting a baby out of wedlock. And I asked 6 women who were determined to marry Christians to write their story. I wasn't prepared for the incredible stories I received. The "negative" letters were heartbreaking and so convincing. The young women cried as I read them. The "positive" letters were such a contast and so happy. The letters made a real impression on them to be determined to marry a spiritually-minded mate. Several times in the passing years folks have borrowed the letters to use when someone was contemplating an unwise choice. Finally it just seemed like there was a real need for a book on the subject ...so viola! An author was born! :) And I happen to love to write so I thoughly enjoyed working on this book.
The book has 13 lessons and 46 letters. It is intended for high school and college age young adults or a singles class. Some of the topics are I Think He/She Will Change, Sexual Immorality, Wisdom from Proverbs, Purity, Choices in Dating, Determined to Marry a Christian, Saving Their Soul, Waiting Patiently, and Standing the Test of Time. As you can see, I'm excited about the material and so grateful to all the people who poured out their hearts. If the book helps even one person make a wise choice, it will be worth it.
So...its off to the press. I can't wait to hold a copy in my hand. But what I want from you is prayers that this will touch hearts and help convince people to choose wisely. Several of you have asked about the book and it has been through a few hurdles and bumps, but hopefully it will soon be a reality.
We all know how benefial the prayers of the righteous can be...so remember this effort. Thanks.
Can't wait to read it! Already at Peri's young age we talk about her future mate! Very proud of you and the effort I am sure that it took to get the book published!
I can't wait to read that! Just last night we were talking with some of the high school students about this subject and how they would like to have a class on this next summer when they come back home from college! Maybe your book will be out by then!
Good for you. I am glad you finished it. I would love a signed copy. Tell me when you are on your book tour. ;) I remember a long time ago I was spending the night with my best friend from High School and we were eating breakfast the next morning and we were discussing someone they went to church with. Well apparently the girl had made a terrible choice for a mate. I remember my friends mom saying, I know they say love is blind but I don't think the Lord meant for it to gouge your eyes out. :) That is so true. I think a lot of times people just want someBody in their lives they really don't stop to find a truly Godly mate. People tell me I am too picky and I will never find a PERFECT MAN. NO joke, I get that, but I think it is better to be single than to be married and have all of you spiritual growth drained from you if you marry an unGodly person. There is not a perfect person walking the face of the earth but their is a perfect person for each one of us if we wait on God to bring them into our lives. So wait I will. I can't wait to read the book...
My uncle was not a christian which makes it even sadder. He was a wonderful man and his wife, 3of their 4 childrenand their families are all good, faithful christians, but he never was faithful. Thanks for your thoughts.
Glad you're finally home! Go to my page and submit a couple recipes for the cookbook. I submitted Mimi's banana pudding and your Bircher Muesli as well as my own. They really need recipes. They are running short.
Nancy, thanks for your kind words. The funeral was today and I believe it was probably the toughest yet for me in my lifetime. Mr. Eiland was a tall man, almost 7 ft. tall and well over 200 lbs, I always remember his big hugs and my head would just rest on his chest, I sure will miss that from him. I was corrected in my addition, he and my daddy have been friends for 55 years. I can't even imagine that! Thanks for your concern, it has been a tough week and I feel exhausted. I know the Lord will renew!! So glad to know that you guys are home safe and am sure that you had a great uplifting visit. Give us a post on it when you find some time. I would love to hear about your trip! Take care and give my best to Brownie
The soup sounds great. Thanks for the stuff in Bobby's suitcase. I sent alot of clothes out to the selva for the 3 girls. I know they will enjoy them. I need to know how much you paid for each of the translators. I will probably only be able to get my money back since they aren't in a new package. These kind go for about $35 here new. Just let me know how much. Thanks.
Well that's not so bad. I was thinking that they were about $20 each. I will just sell them to my students for a cheap price then so it will help them learn English. They will be a big help too them. Thanks for getting them. I told Isai about FC because I was reading on the website that they give a discount to foreigners who are going to preaach in their home country. He was REALLY excited. I'd like to help him get adopted and raise the money if he decides to go. Sarah liked the beads and is wearing her necklace all the time. Molly is enjoying the books too. Will found the Reeses but he is saving them. The girls are low energy but lively finally. Tell Brownie hope he feels better soon. We sure miss you guys.
Hi! I have been without a computer for a few days, but I am back. Glad to hear your trip went well. I enjoyed reading James' account of the trip. When it is a good time for you guys, I would like to come visit and Ian would certainly enjoy some quality time with his Nanny and Brownie!
Last Friday we had a couple, Dan and Stephanie Reeves, come for the weekend that we had met years ago when Brownie held a meeting for Columbiana Church of Christ in Alabama. Their older children had been in our home--Ala. camp friends of Jared and Jake. The funny part is that Brownie and I met Dan's dad in Birmingham when Jeb and Sheila were on a chorus trip. Jeb's bunkmate was Michael Hunt. Michael introduced his grandad to Brownie and I. The conversation went something like this: "Hello, I'm H.B. Reeves". Then, "No, I'm H.B. Reaves." Come to find out H.B. Reeves was from Shelby, Ala. and Brownie was from Shelby, Miss. H.B.Reeves was baptized by the same preacher that baptized Brownie's dad. Both H.B.'s have 4 faithful children, are tall and gray-headed, both love to laugh and tease, both have been elders, and both love the Lord. That funny meeting has lead to a lasting friendship of Reeves and Reaves. Brownie has been to Columbiana to preach 3 different times and each visit we become closer to this dear, godly family. On numerous occasions the congregation there has helped with our support in the Lord's work.
Dan is a Circuit Judge for Shelby County. He and his family are held in great esteem by people everywhere in the county. It is so wonderful to see a Christian family whose influence is so positive and widespread. Dan and Stephanie came with their 2 precious young daughters and stayed till Mon. We weren't ready for them to leave! Dan preached for us Sunday and he is a very effective public speaker. He's very knowledgeable and not only is an elder with his dad(H.B.), but preaches every other Sunday at home. Dan can tell many sad and incredible stories of lives wasted and misspent from the effects of meth, other drugs, and alcohol from his years of courtroom experience.
We taught them how to play 42--a domino game that is a family favorite of ours. We had a strong competition going among us and spent 2 evenings trying to seek revenge (Dan and I were whipped by Brownie and Stephanie!).
We love these people. I am reminded again of how precious is our connection as brothers and sisters in Christ. What a bond we share!
Sure, we've been deeply disappointed on occasions--Christians can show a lack of love or faith or strength, but sometimes we are blessed to meet godly jewels with true depth who enrich our lives. I'm so thankful for all the valuable friendships we treasure, folks who shore us up, folks who love us--brothers and sisters who are ready to lend a word of encouragement or lend a hand in any way necessary.
It was a wonderful weekend with Dan and Stephanie and the girls. God in His infinite wisdom knew how beneficial our relationships as brothers and sisters can and should be. I look forward to more association with this family and to getting to know many more Christians both here and abroad.
John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
Lovely story! It is always such an encouragement to me to know that if we can find a faithful church, wherever we may be, we have found family!! It is such a blessing to be a part of that!!!
Sounds like you had a great weekend! As you mentioned, Christians can sometimes definitely disappoint us but it helps us really appreciate those "godly jewels" who love the Lord and love their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Dan and Stephanie!!! I wonder if they remember me (I mean, really, how could they not???). I lived with Debbie one summer and worshiped at S. Columbiana for almost 3 years.
Can you get some Tom's strawberry toothpaste and some packets of yeast. Can't find yeast here and I'd like to serve bread to our company the way we like it.
BTW Hermana Pedra stood up yesterday and with tears streaming down her face announced that the test showed that her cancer was gone. Maybe the snake venom worked????
Good friends are worth their weight in gold. I know the girls sure enjoyed theirs. Oh, and THE PANTS FIT!! I don't know how you guessed it - I wouldn't have known myself without trying them on!
Thank you Nancy. It's good to hear from you. How are your parents doing? Everything is going pretty well here. I LOVE us all being home for the summer... so far we haven't actually been home much, but we are enjoying it. We just came back from the mtns last week with some couples from Pepper rd that we used to vacation with. I appreciated them including the kids and I even though we aren't a couple. ;)
Grandaddy! Thanks so much for the encouragement, it means so much to me. Thank you! I'm sad to hear about Mimi but I'm glad that her overall health is okay. That sounds like a lot of fun going to Tennessee. Are you going to the mountains? I love it when the family goes to NC and stays in a cabin. I'll be heading home on Wednesday with Caleb. I'm anxious to get home. I'm 27, married and I still get homesick. =)
