The Stage

With a new year comes new hope. 
We are busting out of survival mode and beginning to dream again.
And while a favorite song played on my playlist tonight I began to pray...

Lord, in this next phase, we are:
   Clearing the stage
   Crushing the idols
   Seeking You, Lord.
   
   Waiting for what You have in store.
   Knowing that great is our reward, 
   And being hopeful.

   We're taking a break from all the plans that we have made.
   Waiting for You to whisper...
   Begging, "please", for You to open up Your mouth and speak.
   Praying for REAL, upon our knees, until they blister

   

   Shine Your LIGHT on every corner of our lives, oh God.

   We're reading Your Word

   Putting to test the things we've heard...

   As our hearts and souls are stirred and rocked and broken.

Lord, we are clearing the stage. 
     And making some space for YOU, the One who deserves it.

"We wait for the Lord, our souls wait,

and in His word we put our hope.

Our souls wait for the Lord

more than watchmen wait for the morning.."

Psalm 130:5-6

Free and Full

This past week and a half our family enjoyed having our sister/aunt and some friends here in Haiti and it was easy to feel free and full... in my time, my tummy and my heart! J

I believe that God purposes for us to live "free and full" whether we are surrounded by those we love or not but being with friends seems to make good days better and life a little bit 'fuller', right??

These last 5+ days were full of 'girl time' and I also enjoyed a break from the routines that fill my everydays.  It was soooooooo nice!  We packed a ton of activity into our short time together and after catching up on some sleep I think I could do it again next week!   (smiles)

"But it's not just about us... God wants you to flourish so that people can be encouraged, gardens can be planted, music can be written, sick people can be helped, or companies can thrive in ways that otherwise would not.  So let's stop and propose a toast: 'Here's to the person God designed, desired, and has determined you will become.'" 

~Word For You Today

So, if you're joined with friends or even braving the day alone... 

   Take time to recoup and enjoy life so that you can 

       share yours with others.

   Seize opportunities to laugh and love and help someone else do the same.

   Relish in the journey you're on, thanking God for His constant attention.

   Watch the sun go down and the stars glow and pray 

        for those who are struggling.

   Take joy in knowing your Father delights in you and tell 

        someone else who might not know.

   Live  in the truth that He has "...come that we may have life, 

        and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

"THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO ME;

YOU’VE TRULY BECOME MY SALVATION!

THE STONE THE MASONS DISCARDED

AS FLAWED IS NOW THE CAPSTONE!

THIS IS GOD’S WORK…

WE RUB OUR EYES-WE CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT!

THIS IS THE VERY DAY GOD ACTED-

LET’S CELEBRATE AND BE FESTIVE!

OH YES, GOD

-A FREE AND FULL LIFE!"

-PSALM 118:21-25

Stirred, not shaken...

One year ago today we were challenged and inspired.  

    One year ago today we prayed for your support, 

    though unable to grasp how much we were going to need it.

        One year ago today we could not have imagined the 

        blessings that are ours today.

Thankfully, God has this amazing way of placing us right where we are supposed to be, right when we are supposed to be there AND He doesn't forget our incredible need for community in the process.

That brings us to today and we want to say....

We are so grateful for you!  As we continue to try and raise awareness regarding our need for support, we want you to know how much we appreciate the countless prayers, the one-time gifts, the monthly commitments, the end-of-year monetary gifts that were given in December, and the encouragement you have poured out!!! 

As our 4 year old artisan scripted..... THANK YOU for giving so we can serve and go forward with our responsibilities here in Haiti!

"When I look back...I am stirred by the thought of the number of people whom I have to thank for what they gave me or for what they were to me." 

Albert Schweitzer