28November2016 Quickshot: Masha Allah

How interesting that we moved 5000 miles from the Middle East and our next door neighbor has this hanging on their door.   It says Masha Allah, in Arabic, which means God has willed (allowed) something to happen.  It's a phrase denoting both joy and gratitude for what He has done.  How appropriate.  We believe there is a reason why God places us in the paths and lives of people.  The same Divine Providence that brought us to our current home brought our neighbors to theirs.  MashaAllah!  We are looking for ways to love them in His good Name.  Please pray for that.

27November2016 Advent

What is advent?  We never really participated in this tradition growing up but have found it is a very encouraging way to focus, take a deep breath and stay connected to the Father throughout the Christmas holiday.
As we kickoff the Advent season, we wanted to make you aware of a couple great resources.  P is following the He Reads Truth series while D is participating in the She Reads Truth.  You can visit them online or download the apps to your phone or tablet.

24November2016 Quickpost: Thankful Game

“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich!”  –Dietrich Bonhoeffer

We are so happy to be in the States for Thanksgiving this year.  Imagine a holiday just for being grateful! 

As we were driving over the river and through the woods to Grandmothers' house today, we played a pretty elementary game.  Each person was given a letter, we went in alphabetical order, and was supposed to say something starting with that letter they were thankful for.  For example, L had the letter A and said, 'I am thankful for animals."  Now some of the things listed may have been silly....after all arent we all thankful for X-rays?...but it was amazing how easy it was to come up with something, someone we were/are grateful for.  There is just so much. We are just so blessed.  Why does it take a holiday to remind us of that? 

15November2016 Quickshot: No excuses

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."  Romans 1:19-20

10November2016 a Day of Fasting & Prayer

"What can I do?"  We get the question often.  Maybe you're asking it?  The daily bombardment of news about  suffering and hurt in the Middle East can easily make even the most compassionate person apathetic.  Here's one thing YOU can do.  The folks at Cryout are inviting folks just like us to participate in a Global Day of Fasting & Prayer for the Arab World.  Prayer is not a last resort, it is our highest calling and privilege.  Consider being a part of this.

9November2016 Quickthought: After the Tally

 

As we wake up this morning, post-election, I find myself focusing less on who won and more on what my response will be, what example I am setting for our children, how I walk through it with them.   So here's what I told them at the breakfast table.  "You will have friends, classmates and teachers who are very happy about the election results. Some may gloat and be obnoxious about it.  Dont be like that.  Love them and give them grace.  Other friends, classmates and teachers will be sad about what happened, angry even.  Dont be like that either.  Love them and give them grace as well."

One candidate won, one party had more votes,  but there is such a greater picture than this.  Our Father's position was not and is not affected.  He is above politics and polls.  He loves those on both sides of the aisle.  May we live and love like Him.

3November2016 Quickthought: Something good to tell you

Just caught a quick report on the Cubs' World Series victory on the news.  The newscaster displayed an image, posted by the father of a little boy who was asleep, wearing Cubs pajamas, clutching a toy bat.  Apparently he'd fallen asleep during the long, final game, missing his team's historic victory.  The dad's caption was something along the lines of, "I have some good news for you in the morning."   Beautiful!
Think about this:  Our heavenly Father can just as easily say this to us.  We might not be asleep but we are often unaware of the fact that He has some wonderful news for us.  I can't wait to wake up!