Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve and Last's

Twas the morning before Christmas and all through the house,  people were starting to stir to see whats the fuss. When I with my coffee, and my yogurt in hand had just made a mess of the food in pan.  When what to my surprise I see a great site, it was dad coming in with a great big Mouse. I looked around to see what was the matter and realised they put boo (our cat) on a platter. I ran around the house to find my way out, and realized they were all still asleep tucked soundly in bed. I stepped way back to pinch my fair skin and came a across a pillow that was under my chin. I tossed and I turned to see what was the matter and found I was dreaming of one "The Mad Hatter"

Ok this was not really what happened, but the verse dripped from my finger tips, and I had to share.
Mom and Dad are in town visiting and we have been doing a bit of this and a bit of that. Its been fun to share the lasts with them. Yesterday we went to the last Christmas market in Mainz and had lunch and some treats. As I was entering the market it was in front of me like a plague that this was the last time I would be at a Christmas market in Germany, and the last time with mom and dad. I tried not to share as I didn't want to put a damper on the day, but it was ever before me, and it spilled from my lips a few times!










Also yesterday we received an email about Russia closing adoptions to ALL Americans. So we saw completely how the Lord directed us , and has directed us. This is yet another confirmation of where the Lord is taking us. So blessed and glad to be able to be following the Lord all over the globe. What a journey and what a life. There are days where its super hard, but its so worth the sacrifice when you see  someone come before the Lord and submit their lives to the One who saves.

May your Christmas Day be filled with wonder, excitement and awe as your worship the Saviour all day. We would love to hear how the Lord moved, and worked this Christmas in you and your loved ones.


Monday, December 10, 2012

Structure and God



During morning devotions I was struck with a visual reminder of our walk with the Lord. I first noticed the Bulwark and then noticed the crossbeams, the worn out pieces, the ones that have chunks missing that are more beautiful. Then it struck me when we first become a believer, we get the basic structure, the wooden pieces, (like brand new wood) not weathered
 Through our walk with the Lord and the circumstances we gain the insulation seeing the Lord work, and His faithfulness. Seeing the wood weathered through all of lives trials, adds beauty and character.
So, my thoughts are how many of us are satisfied with the basic structure? The new wood, without insulation... I think about the house built on the rock, or the sand.. How much more the world would be impacted if we allowed the Lord to shape us into the amazing structures He desires us to be.

So my question is: 
What do people feel or experience when my heart is not allowing the Lord to work in me? 
and the reverse is true: 
What do people feel from me, or experience from me, when I allow Him in?




Sunday, December 9, 2012

Spending time with friends and family

 Wiesbaden Ministry Partners at Aschaffenburg Christmas Market on the way to CSM women's Retreat..
 My dear friend Melinda and I at Frankfurt Christmas Market Wednesday December 5th
Jennessa and I in Rothenburg at the night watchman's tour!

 Went to Rudesheim with a friend Carmen, and it began to snow! So fun!
Frankfurt Market and annual fish sandwich with the Haas Family.

Dan and I picking out our last German Christmas tree.

Decorated! 


These are some of the current Oasis Middle Schooler's, the night we told them we were moving.


As we are snowed in our area, I am compelled to write. We have started to pack about 25 boxes and while doing so have thought about memories and growth over the past years. This continued while putting up our last Christmas tree. When we went to the tree farm lot, I thought I wasn't going to be picky, but alas as we walked around and around I realized how much I was wanting the perfect Christmas tree. The sentimental value of it being our last Christmas in Germany is more than I thought it would be. As we were hiking, Dan said, hey I think this is the one we need. I looked and it was exactly the one I had in my head. So, my Hero chopped it down, and be brought it up to the German tree man. It fit great in the car, and we brought it home to find a cat that was overjoyed with an evergreen water to enjoy drinking.

The ornaments were a whole different level of memories as well. Usually they bring out chatter about who, what and where. But, this year we discussed each one in great length. I (like I usually do.. made sure they were marked with the who, why, and where. Now all that being set up, we were able to sit and enjoy this our last tree. 

Tuesday Dan and I lead both our last girls and guys Bible studies. Please pray as we start to close this chapter. There are lots of things I want to share with each girl, words of truth, and am praying the Lord gives me that time to do so. I am also praying for open hearts. 



Monday, December 3, 2012

Reflection on the LAST's

these next few months are a month of lasts. Its a bit surreal to know we are leaving in a little over a month. Today we got a quote from a shipping company, and last night we packed up our Starbucks mugs. A few weeks ago we shared with the students that we were moving. Wow, was that hard, but it was also so amazing in that we were able to share the Lord's work. We were able to share about how the Lord was moving, and they get to join this adventure. It wasn't about anything else but the Lord.  I loved their responses, one student shared, " well, I know if the Lord is doing it, than I can't say, but we are going to be ok. You have helped us to be at the spot to be on our own." Wow, there were countless students comments that were excited about God moving, and excited to know that students in Asia get to experience what they (the kids here) get to experience every week. I love our kids. They know its hard, but they are excited to see other students get the opportunity to have youth group. 

Telling people makes it much more real, and thats hard. Walking around the Christmas Markets here is surreal knowing that its the last time, and also going on our CSM womens retreat this past weekend. It was the last one with the Europe staff, and that was hard, but it was also amazing as well. Each lady shared her testimony. Was great to be able to put all the pieces together of all the bits I knew. I was the last to share, and it really was a God thing as I just laid it all out there. I haven't shared it too much, but was really healing to share, and bring it to light. What great community as I was reassured with Love and acceptance and not judgement. I love these ladies!!!!!