Africa 2010

There is a song that says "Africa, I came to change you but instead you changed me...." Never a truer word sung. We had the pleasure of making our first trip (I hope there will be more) to the continent of Africa in July. We were in southern Africa in the country of Zimbabwe. Beautiful, incredible people with open hearts eager to share the love of God and share their love with us. Our team spent a good bit of time in schools - we think we saw over 4,000 school children. Talk about falling in love. I have not really had the time or actually I dont think I have been ready yet to analyze exactly how the trip changed me but I know the time will come when God will reveal exactly what it is He wants me to carry in my heart from those days. In the meantime I will share some pictures with you and tell you that the love of Christ compels us to step out and share His name, His love and His salvation to the world He loved enough to create and sacrifice His son for. Whether its here or hours and hours away - For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son, that who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
And we ate goat....................................intestines....................................................!

My Favorite Vets saying good bye to Daddy

Anchors away...........

Thank you to all my fellow veterans and to the families who loved and supported us through those years. And of course to all those currently serving and your families - Thank You! We did not serve in vain, neither do you although the political types are making it hard to remember at times - better not to go there today. You don't want to hear me rant - do you????
I have great memories of those days and know that the work I did was important. From the Vietnamese refugees who taught me more than any school to the Marines who were full of shrapnel from the ordinance that shouldn't have gone off......... it was my honor to be there and serve. God bless each of you and God Bless the USA!

What was I thinking.........

What was I thinking when I just knew that getting out of school would give me all sorts of free time. NOT SO!!! Now one year past graduation - but only 7 months past boards and license - I am only starting to feel like I have the energy to be alive let alone tackle mountains and leap from tall buildings. But, I have gone to garage sales with my best friend, had a date night with my husband, done all the laundry and love my new role as a Nurse Practitioner. So maybe I am back to being alive - just still tired and alive.
God is good and His goodness extends to our weary times as well as our energetic. Please, Lord, can I ask for a few more energetic days ......or does He think I would abuse them........ kicking back ... Hope you are having a great Memorial Day weekend. I am loving living.

Fast, easy, soup that is yummy

Combine one can of each:
Black Beans
Whole Kernal Corn
Hominy
Rotel tomatoes
regular diced tomatoes
chicken

Dont drain any of them - just dump into soup pot and let simmer - several hours improves the taste a great deal. You can increase the amount by adding more of each. One can of chicken can go a long way. I bought a large can at Sams and did a 6x batch one weekend when we had a lot of company.
Serve with tortilla chips and grated cheese.
It is good, healthy and filling!
Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Havent been very good at posting have I? The Pioneer Woman I will never be. Have you seen her cook book? I hear its truly great. I think Ive given up cooking but the son will be home soon so it will be time to uncover the kitchen.

Have been doing a Bible study on II Corinthians written by Kay Arthur. At one point Paul is reminding the Corinthians to be aware of deceivers who would lure them from the true Gospel. Kay makes this comment, "Paul knew that if you watch a person's deeds long enough, you'll see who his father is." For some reason that statement has become a regular bouncing off point for thinking. I never wanted my earthly Daddy to be ashamed of me. Actually that kept me in line more than any other form of motivation. Just a seed of thought for living this season.

I hope you have all your shopping done, presents wrapped, lists completed and groceries bought. Am off to make a pretty pink blanket and pillow for a doll size pack 'n' play and stroller. I had forgotten that 'some assembly required' in a child's toy means heart ache and sore fingers. But what fun to get it done and look forward to watching her face Christmas day!

Merry Christmas! God bless and keep you and when someone is watching you and I this season I pray they will see who our Father is.