Big Hole!

I simply can not believe this sink hole in downtown Guatemala. We have driven in these streets many times and to think that a three-story building disappeared in this HOLE! WOW!

ITEM!

A young child may latch onto a pacifier (me) or an old blanket (#1son), a stuffed animal (#2 son) and carry it with them wherever they go. When the child is lonely, scared or tired, this "item" is comforting. Eventually, the child learns to let go of the item and becomes aware of his or her ability to cope with these unsettling feelings.

As an adult, I may revert to fear, anxiety or doubt when I am faced with a life challenge. The security of old thought patterns may be more comforting to me than taking a different path. However, as I learn to let go and let God, I find that God has instilled in me all that I need to face life with confidence and composure.

Driver's License

Rick's drivers license will expire this month, so he thought he would drop by the license office in Inverness and get a new one. He waited in line, reached the attendant, handed her his license - Red Flag. The attendant responded - Sir, you will have to go to a Federal Agency for a new license - we are not allowed to renew your license. After a few additional unanswered questions, Rick drove to one of the Federal Offices in Shelby County. The office was closed for Jefferson Davis Holiday - what? Rick returned today to the Federal Office, waited in line for an agent, sat down in the office, the agent pulled up his information and stated OK you're clear. What in the world is going on? Sir, you are clear to get a new license. Rick continued to press the agent on why he had to come to a Federal Office for his license. Sir, Richard E. Mitchell is wanted for murder in Ohio, but you are the wrong one. How crazy is that!

Worth Working FOR

Below is a note send to Rick on FB from one of his youth that he has been Showing, Sharing, Teaching and Serving for 5 years. He started with a group of young men in the 6th grade and they are now finishing their Sophomore year of High school. Tyler, I am so thankful that God allowed me to be part of your life.

From Tyler Nix: June 9, 2010 at 1:04pm

Miss you

Hey Mr. Rick its Tyler Nix. You probably could not guess where I am right now? Mwanza, Tanzania on a mission trip. Well I guess coming back from a mission trip. I had a great opportunity to go to Africa with a pastor we know down in East Lake. He is a native from Ukara island in Tanzania on lake Victoria. We traveled the island visiting churches and holding evangelistic services. I stood up and shared my testimony in front of 400 people once. I remember back in Guatemala when you first asked me to share my testimony. I was scared out of my socks. But I am so glad you asked me. Now it wasnt a problem at all. Thank you so much for everything you have done and affected my life. I miss you so much. Thank you for pouring your life into mine to make me who I am today. I can honestly say if it wasnt for you and Mr. Robin continually pressing me to get in the Word and teaching to use my life as a service to God, I would not be the same person I am today. I love God so much. I find it enjoyable to read Gods word. And any moment I find that I can serve someone I jump at it as fast as I can. after I get back from Africa I have 5 solid days till I go off again and serve for a month as a workcrew helper at Sharptop Cove. Its a younglife camp. I love you and I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done. I havent really been able to Thank you officially yet. I hope you are having a great summer. And I hope everything is going great for you and your family.

Do Not Fear!

Don't let everyday realities & disappointments smother your dreams.

Hold onto your dreams.

Want God to do big things.

Believe He can.

Believe He will.

And take steps in faith towards those things.

Don't always let the urgent trump the important.

Do not fear.

Be confident in who He created you to be.

And live that abundant life of faith, hope, love & joy that He desires for you.

Sudan Boys

The Story of John Bul from Daniel Phillips on Vimeo.

I don't know John Bul, but I do know Bullen Timo. His story is very similar. Thank you Jesus for bringing us together for a brief meeting in 2006, email communication in 2007 - 2008 and now that I can be his American mama while he is getting his education. He will forever be my adopted son and part of our family.

Glass House

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to live in a glass house? Have you every wondered who would watch? Have you ever thought about having every single second and every single decision made public for the whole world to see?

I asked this question to our family this week. Here were some of the responses:

Living in a glass house is the world seeing the Will of God.

Living in a glass house is like being transparent.

Living in a glass house makes you think about how you act.

Living in a glass house can be frustrating and rewarding all at the same time.

Living in a glass house - I would want the world to see the love of Christ in us.

I have to admit, some days, I don't like living in a glass house. Not that we are doing anything wrong, its just everyone has their own opinion and ideas, none of which are the same.

Let's think about this: The world watching........

What you wear to bed

How you sleep

How many times you go to the restroom

How you plan your meals

How you clean your house

What you like to see on TV

How you worship the Lord

How you spend your time

How you wash your clothes

How your closet is arranged

How you make your bed

How you fold your clothes

Family disagreements and anger

Are you talkative

Are you quiet

Do you read, knit or smock

And this list could go on forever........and ever.

One thing is for sure - God loves me unconditionally, regardless of how I answer any of the above questions. He sees all and knows all. As for me and my house WE WILL SERVE THE LORD with gladness.